Elden Ring offers some of the heaviest hitting tools for fast builds, and the best greataxes define how you break bosses, mobs, and siege weapons. Choosing the right greatsword, greataxe, or halberd shapes your damage profile, stamina use, and overall combat rhythm.
This guide compares top great axe and greatsword options, covers move sets, scaling, and how each weapon fits into different playstyles from aggressive mages to tanky warriors.
| Weapon | Type | Scaling Focus | Base Damage | Move Set Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgott's Greataxe | Greataxe | Faith / Strength | High raw | Slow heavy swings with guard counter |
| Starscourge Greatsword | Greatsword | Arcane / Intelligence | Magic scaling burst | Wide 2-handed cleaves and fast charged attacks |
| Claymore | Greatsword | Strength / Dexterity | Balanced physical damage | Classic noble knight moves with guard counter |
| Red Wolf Greatsword | Greatsword | Strength / Vigor | High physical with bleed buildup | Hybrid rushdown with fast L1 moves and jump attacks |
| Longhorn Greatsword | Greatsword | Dexterity / Strength | Dexterity first scaling | Long reach, charged overhead, and sliding thrust |
Heavy Hitting Greataxe Options
Morgott's Greataxe and Variants
The Morgott's Greataxe shines as one of the best greataxes thanks to its massive hits and a moveset that rewards precise parries. Its charged overhead slam and fast light attacks make it brutal against single targets and crowds alike.
Faith and Strength requirements are forgiving for hybrid builds, and pairing it with shields that boost guard boost or faith damage can turn it into a consistent source of break damage and healing denial.
Great Hammers and Colossal Weapons
Colossal weapons and great hammers offer the slowest but most oppressive punish on shields and large enemies. Their wide tracking swings and guard counter give you breathing room in chaotic boss arenas, and they scale heavily with Vigor and Strength for raw intimidation.
Greatswords for Speed and Magic
Starscourge Greatsword Playstyle
The Starscourge Greatsword dominates in magical damage output while staying surprisingly fast for a two-handed weapon. Its L1 combos are lightning quick, and the charged L2 delivers a cinematic meteor slash that hits multiple times and drains focus, making it a favorite among sorcery and incantation builds.
Balanced Claymore and Reach Options
A Claymore offers reliable damage without heavy stat commitments, fitting into strength, dexterity, or mixed builds. Meanwhile halberds and long reach greatswords let you control space, punishing enemy approaches with sweeping L2 attacks and thrusting moves that keep you ahead in range battles.
Scaling, Poise, and Equipment Synergy
Best greataxes and greatswords usually favor either Strength or Dexterity, but many top options also scale into Arcane or Faith for hybrid damage. Matching your weapon to your dominant stat ensures you maximize base damage and growth bonuses from gear.
Poise matters greatly when swinging big weapons; lighter armor lets you cancel moves faster, while heavy builds provide stability for trading hits. Consider shields that boost guard boost, faith, or physical defense to complement your great weapon and survivability.
Weapon Customization and Move Set Flexibility
Great weapons can be infused, given godslayer ashes, or paired with incantations that amplify guard counter, healing, or burst damage. Experimenting with ash of war choices, spirit ashes, and armor sets dramatically changes how your chosen greataxe or greatsword feels in your hands.
Riposte timing, guard cancels, and jump spacing open advanced tech options for the best greataxes, letting you weave L1 and L2 moves into relentless pressure. Mastering these nuances turns even heavy weapons into nimble tools in skilled hands.
Optimizing Your Great Weapon Build
- Match your weapon to your dominant stat scaling for maximum damage output.
- Use shields or armor sets that boost guard guard counter or relevant elemental resistances.
- Experiment with ash of war and spirit ashes to tailor move sets and damage types.
- Practice parry timing and spacing to exploit the fastest moves in greatswords and greataxes.
- Balance Vigor and Endurance to maintain poise while staying mobile in tight boss arenas.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which greataxe is best for boss rushes and fast parry windows?
Morgott's Greataxe provides the strongest parry windows and guard counter damage, making it ideal for punishing boss attacks quickly when timed correctly.
Can a Starscourge Greatsword work on pure Strength builds?
It can, but you will need sufficient Arcane or Intelligence to unlock its full move set and magic damage scaling; otherwise focus on strength-oriented greatswords or claymores.
What is the best greataxe for bleed buildup in PvP?
The Red Wolf Greatsword excels at applying bleed quickly, thanks to its fast overhead and jump attacks that stack blood tide on opponents.
How do I choose between a greatsword and a greataxe for Magma bosses?
Use a greatsword with high Arcane for consistent magic damage and mobility, or a greataxe with high Faith and Strength for massive guard counter and break potential on magma giants.