Facing dragons in Elden Ring is never easy. These colossal beasts combine sheer strength with elemental devastation, making them some of the most dangerous encounters in the game. Whether it’s the magma-spewing Magma Wyrms or the lightning-charged dragons of Farum Azula, you’ll need the right tools to stand a chance. After testing various builds across multiple playthroughs, here are seven weapons that consistently perform best when hunting dragons.
1. Blasphemous Blade
If you’re dealing with dragons that love fire—like the Magma Wyrm or Decaying Ekzykes—then fire resistance alone won’t cut it. The Blasphemous Blade not only deals high fire damage but also restores health on kill, which is a huge bonus during grueling fights. It scales well with Faith, making it ideal for hybrid builds, and its Ash of War, Taker's Flames, lets you deliver devastating blows from mid-range.
2. Dragon Slayer's Cragblade
Few weapons feel more appropriately named. The Cragblade has high stagger potential, letting you break a dragon’s poise and open it up for critical hits. When infused with lightning or cold, it becomes especially deadly against dragons that are weak to elemental effects. It’s a favorite for players who like to stay close and punish relentlessly.
3. Bolt of Gransax
Dragons hate lightning, and this weapon delivers it in style. The Bolt of Gransax is one of the few unique spears in the game with innate lightning damage. Its Ash of War, Ancient Lightning Spear, is incredibly effective at sniping flying dragons or punishing those winding up breath attacks. If you’re building around Dexterity and Faith, this weapon is a top-tier choice.
4. Eclipse Shotel
While not typically seen as a dragon-killer, the Eclipse Shotel's Holy damage bypasses a dragon’s often high physical resistance. This is especially useful against undead or corrupted dragons. Plus, the Death Flare skill can apply the Deathblight status, giving you a unique angle to approach some of the tougher variants. It pairs well with support items you can get when you buy Elden Ring items for niche builds.
5. Dragon Slayer’s Greatbow
Taking on dragons from a distance is often the safest way to go. The Dragon Slayer’s Greatbow, when used with Great Arrows or Lightningbone Arrows, allows you to chip away at a dragon’s health while staying well outside their breath range. It requires investment in Strength and Dexterity, but the payoff is a consistent, safe damage output.
6. Vyke’s War Spear
Madness isn’t just for PvP. Against dragons, Vyke’s War Spear allows you to apply Madness and fire damage in combination. The Frenzyflame Thrust Ash of War delivers a fast combo that can stagger even large enemies. While not traditionally “anti-dragon,” this weapon’s speed and damage over time make it great for aggressive players.
7. Nagakiba (with Lightning Infusion)
Sometimes, simplicity wins. A fully upgraded Nagakiba infused with lightning can dish out serious punishment with fast strikes. Its long reach lets you stay mobile and strike the dragon’s legs without overcommitting. It’s an excellent option if you want a light, agile playstyle and have invested in Dexterity or a mixed build.
for Dragon Hunting
When hunting dragons, don’t just rely on weapons. Buffs, consumables, and stat-boosting gear make a huge difference. You can buy Elden Ring runes to fast-track your level-up process and unlock the requirements for these high-end weapons. Likewise, when experimenting with different gear combinations, many players choose to buy Elden Ring items to test various resistances and builds before committing long-term.
In the Lands Between, dragons are no joke—but with the right weapon in hand, you’ll turn them from nightmares into mere milestones. Happy hunting.