Weapons, Items, and More

Every single piece of armor that enemies are seen wearing, every spell they cast, and every weapon they possess, can be obtained by the player. Most pieces of equipment can be looted from enemies after they are defeated, while a select few lie hidden around the world in predetermined locations. 

The sheer size of Elden Ring’s arsenal of weapons means that every single player can access armaments that they will be comfortable and confident wielding. There are 309 unique weapons in the game, meaning there is not only an abundance of choices to be made, but also that there is a healthy set of different weapon types. Some players, for example, will gravitate towards using a greatbow in order to hit powerful ranged attacks, others like wielding their massive swords and axes. I completed most of my run using the Hookclaws, which are basically just wolverine claws. After upgrading them to their maximum level, I ditched them in order to try something new, and quickly found myself leveling up a massive sword. 

Upgrading weapons in Elden Ring is extremely convenient. After a certain point in the game, all weapon upgrade materials become available to purchase from the game’s home base, the Roundtable Hold. There, players can give XP to a blacksmith to upgrade their equipment. This system allows for players to explore more than one or two weapons in a single run—something that hasn’t been possible in previous Soulslike games, where upgrade materials are much more scarce. This makes combat in the game far more engaging, as using a new weapon does a lot to keep the gameplay experience fresh and exciting. Moreover, players can equip items to either hand, opening up an entire world of dual wielding possibilities.

All in all, Elden Ring’s diverse set of weapons and items can be mixed and matched to fit any player’s style. Whether it’s fighting enemies from a distance with ranged attacks, casting massive lightning spells to stun and damage foes, or smashing enemies with an enormous hammer in each hand, Elden Ring offers a highly customizable experience that is unmatched in both breadth and depth.