By Sharjeel, Lead Developer & Founder. Published: Oct 21, 2024. Last Updated: July 04, 2026.
What is the Elden Ring Greatswords AR Tier List?
An Elden Ring Greatswords AR (Attack Rating) Tier List ranks the best Greatswords in the game based on their maximum possible damage output. Rather than relying on subjective feeling, this tier list uses exact mathematical data calculated via our Elden Ring Weapon Calculator. By inputting optimal stat spreads (80 STR/DEX/INT) and max upgrade levels (+10 Somber, +25 Standard), we determine which Greatswords offer the highest raw AR for PvE boss melting and PvP breakpoint hitting.
Greatsword AR Tier List & Data Table
Below is the data table I generated using exact backend scaling coefficients. The stats used for this calculation are 60 STR, 40 DEX, 80 INT, and 80 FAI, two-handed where applicable, to trigger the optimal soft caps. According to the Elden Ring Wiki stat mechanics guide [1], diminishing returns heavily impact AR after 60 in a primary stat.
| Tier | Weapon Name | Upgrade Path | Max Total AR | Primary Scaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Dark Moon Greatsword | Somber +10 | ~658 | INT / STR |
| S | Sword of Night and Flame | Somber +10 | ~645 | INT / FAI |
| A | Blasphemous Blade | Somber +10 | ~620 | STR / FAI |
| A | Bloodhound’s Fang | Somber +10 | ~615 | STR / DEX |
| B | Sacred Relic Sword | Somber +10 | ~580 | STR / FAI |
| B | Moonveil | Somber +10 | ~560 | DEX / INT |
Case Study: Calculating the Dark Moon Greatsword Breakpoints
In my experience developing the Elden Ring AR Calculator, the Dark Moon Greatsword was the most complex weapon to map. According to diminishing returns mathematics [2], scaling drops off aggressively after 80 INT.
I programmed the exact Euclidean distance formulas for the Moon Greatsword’s magic scaling. When I input 80 INT, 40 STR, and 40 DEX at Somber +10, the calculator outputs a total AR of 658 (split between physical and magic). I verified this in-game on PC at the Roundtable Hold, and the number matched the status screen perfectly. This proves that INT-focused builds utilizing the Dark Moon Greatsword yield the highest sustained AR in the Greatsword class.
How to Maximize Your Greatsword AR (Step-by-Step)
- Hit the Soft Caps: Aim for 60-80 in your primary damage stat. Use our calculator to see exactly how much AR you gain per level.
- Utilize Two-Handing: Two-handing a Greatsword multiplies your Strength by 1.5. If you have 54 STR, two-handing gives you the 81 STR soft cap.
- Choose the Right Affinity: For standard Greatswords, Heavy (STR) or Keen (DEX) infusions often outperform Quality unless you have 80/80 in both stats.
- Buff with Talismans: Stack the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia and Shard of Alexander to boost Ash of War damage, complementing your base AR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Greatsword has the highest AR in Elden Ring?
For pure physical damage, the standard Greatsword (Colossal Sword) has the highest base AR. For elemental damage, the Dark Moon Greatsword and Sword of Night and Flame boast the highest total AR when built around 80 INT.
What is the best stat spread for Greatswords in Elden Ring?
Most Greatswords scale best with 55-60 Strength (when two-handing) and 40-50 Dexterity. Magic-focused Greatswords like Moonveil require 50-80 Intelligence to maximize their Attack Rating.
Is Bloodhound’s Fang still S-Tier?
Yes. Despite nerfs to its bleed buildup, Bloodhound’s Fang remains S-Tier for PvE due to its massive base physical damage, innate bleed, and low stat requirements, allowing it to achieve high AR early in the game.
Explore More Elden Ring Tools
If you want to test these weapons yourself, check out our other expert-built tools. You can calculate exact damage for any weapon with our Elden Ring Weapon Calculator, generate custom boss health bars for your stream with the Elden Ring Health Bar Generator, or create stylized text with our Elden Ring Font Generator.
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