Use These 19 Elden Ring Weapons for NPC-Specific Bonus Damage
Elden Ring is filled with subtle nuances that reward players who pay close attention to enemy types and weapon properties. One of the less talked-about but incredibly useful strategies involves using weapons that deal bonus damage to specific NPCs—whether they’re friendly summons, quest-related characters, or even hostile NPC invaders. Mastering this approach can make certain fights much smoother and more efficient, especially when tackling difficult encounters or unique NPC bosses.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 19 Elden Ring weapons that offer NPC-specific bonus damage, helping you optimize your arsenal for these special battles.
Why Use NPC-Specific Bonus Damage Weapons?
These weapons often have special properties that increase damage against certain enemy types or characters. For example, some weapons are particularly effective against magic users, others against undead, and some have unique interactions with story-critical NPCs. Leveraging these bonuses can turn the tide in challenging fights or speed up progression without wasting valuable resources.
The 19 Weapons to Watch For
Moonveil Katana – Known for its magic scaling and bonus damage against sorcerers, it’s excellent in NPC fights involving magic users.
Dragon Slayer’s Greatsword – Deals significant damage to dragon-type NPCs and bosses, useful in specific legacy dungeons.
Holy Moonlight Sword – Effective against undead and cursed NPCs, offering bonus holy damage that exploits their weaknesses.
Flame of the Redmanes – A fire-infused weapon that excels against NPC enemies weak to fire, including certain beast-type summons.
Eclipse Shotel – Inflicts damage that bypasses shields and armor, perfect against armored NPCs who rely on heavy defense.
Dragon Slayer Axe – Bonus damage to dragon and beast NPCs, useful in various late-game encounters.
Serpent-Hunter Spear – Specializes in dealing damage to serpent-related NPCs, key for certain quest battles.
Morgott’s Cursed Sword – Designed for fighting NPCs cursed by the Erdtree, this weapon shines in related story fights.
Royal Greatsword – Deals bonus damage to NPCs with royal or noble lineage, often seen in specific questlines.
Great Club – A blunt weapon that inflicts bonus damage against skeletal NPCs and constructs.
Sacred Relic Sword – Has extra holy damage, making it effective against NPCs tied to dark magic or corruption.
Bloodhound’s Fang – Known for bleed buildup, it’s devastating against NPC enemies vulnerable to bleed status.
Godrick’s Greatsword – Bonus damage against noble NPCs and heavily armored enemies encountered in main quests.
Meteoric Ore Blade – Scales well with magic and causes bonus damage against mystical NPCs.
Nightrider’s Glaive – Bonus damage on NPC enemies susceptible to frost effects.
Rivers of Blood – Popular for its bleed buildup, excellent for NPC enemies weak to hemorrhage effects.
Golden Order Greatsword – Excels against NPCs aligned with holy or divine powers.
Serpent’s Twin Blades – Deals bonus damage to serpent-type NPCs, important for certain co-op and PvP encounters.
Blasphemous Blade – Effective against cursed and undead NPCs, with life-stealing properties that add survivability.
How to Get These Weapons and Support Your Build
Finding these weapons can take time, but having them in your arsenal is worth the effort. While farming for runes and upgrading your weapons, consider checking out places to buy Elden Ring Items that can assist in boosting your stamina, weapon scaling, or elemental damage. Additionally, if you’re looking to speed up rune farming to invest in these weapons quickly, cheap Elden Ring runes can be found through efficient farming routes or trading communities.
When preparing for NPC fights where bonus damage matters, switch to the right weapon ahead of time. Mixing and matching these 19 weapons depending on your target will give you a distinct advantage. Pay attention to NPC types, weaknesses, and the lore behind each weapon to make the most of your equipment.