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As far as challenge runs inElden Ringgo,staying at level 1is one of the toughest. This essentially means starting out as a Wretch and never touching the level-up button. In some extreme cases, players will prefer to stay maidenless by ignoring Melina like a true chad; after all, she’s the one who keeps pressuring players to raise their social status and their levels.
Since they’re not accepting Melina’s help in spending hard-earned Runes, then players will have to beself-sufficientwith their weapons. Truth be told, weapon choice as a level 1 character inElden Ringis quite limited. Some weapons requirements are too picky. Thankfully, a handful of weapons are low-maintenance and don’t mind being in the hands of a naked, maidenless Wretch.
Updated July 09, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: When doing an Elden Ring Level 1 run, weapons selection is somewhat limited thanks to the lack of ways to increase base stats. Though there are few Legendary or particularly iconic weapons listed here, the best Elden Ring Level 1 run weapons are still significant in the game’s lore, and have item descriptions that can shed light on special abilities or synergies of these best RL1 weapons. This guide to the best RL1 weapons Elden Ring players can use has been updated to provide these in-game item descriptions that shed light on the origins and special properties of these options.
16Hookclaws
Weapon worn on the fist comprised of sharp parallel blades favored by those who lurk in the dark.
Weapons Skill
Quickstep (can be changed)
TheHookclawsareone of the best Level 1 weaponsElden Ringplayers can get because it can be found very early, and takes up almost no weight but offers its own unique two-handed moveset. When the two-handed input is pressed while equipped, you will automatically equip a second Hookclaw in your off-hand, and unlock its ridiculously fast dual-wield moveset.
This weapon does not have an innate status effect, but because the Ash of War can be changed, you can change it to a Bleed, Frostbite, or other weapon type to easily trigger these effects. These can be replaced with other Claw weapons later on if you meet their requirements, but the low stat requirements are nice for a RL1 run.
How To Get Hookclaws
To get the Hookclaws, head into Stormveil Castle via the side entrance revealed byGatekeeper Gostoc, and look under the stairway for an Exile Knight. On the ground in this cellar-like room you should see the Hookclaws on a body in the corner.
Ominous piercing sword with a winding blade.
Carried by the noble servants of the Lord of Blood.
The extracted blood trickles gracefully down the length of the blade.
Dynast’s Finesse (cannot be changed)
TheBloody Heliceis one of the best RL1 weapons inElden Ringbecause of its low stat requirements, low FP weapon skill, and ability to build up Bleed. You will still likely need to equip several items to be able to wield this weapon, but it’s worth it for how strong it can be for a Level 1 run.
Use Marika andRadagon’s Soreseals to raise your statshigh enough to wield this weapon, which you should easily be able to acquire before reaching the location of this weapon.
How To Get Bloody Helice
To get the Bloody Helice, head to theWritheblood Ruinsin the Altus Plateau and look for a way down to a boss chamber. Defeat theSanguine Noblehere to get the Bloody Helice.
14Zweihander
Just about the largest sword a mere man is capable of swinging.
True to its name, it is designed to be wielded in both hands, but those of merely ordinary strength will still struggle to do so.
The long blade is heavy and sharp, sending foes reeling back with its broader strokes, while also capable of a devastating piercing thrust.
Upward Stamp (can be changed)
TheZweihandermight not be the monster it once was when compared to itsDark Soulscounterpart, but this Quality weapon at least finds its spot in Level 1 builds. It’s one of the best alternatives to the hefty and demanding Greatsword. The Zweihander does come with its own high requirements for Strength, but that’s easily fixed with a couple of talismans.
Rune Level 1 Players would want this since it’s one of the best weapons to pair with the Lion’s Claw Ash of War. This combo makes even a Level 1 run more than manageable. Players can use it to stunlock bosses from a relatively safe melee distance thanks to the Zweihander’s range. Since it’s also acolossal weapon, the Zweihander functions well as a shield.
How To Get Zweihander
To get the Zweihander inElden Ring, head to the Weeping Peninsula, and continue to its furthest west beach. You should see a shack near where the sand begins – talk to theIsolated Merchant (Weeping Peninsula)inside to purchase a Zweihander for 3500 Runes.
13Demi-Human Queen’s Staff
Glintstone Staff styled as a scepter.
A gift once given to the demi-humans to foster peace, it can be wielded even by those of low Intelligence.
N / A
Most level 1 builds or runs inElden Ringcater to melee players since they’re easier to pilot. However, even magic builds can still have fun with the help of theDemi-Human Queen’s Staff. It’s one of the best staves in the game for those who have low Intelligence, such as level 1 builds. There are certain limitations to this staff.
For one, players can’t infuse it with a weapon skill, so they’re stuck with Sorceries. However, the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff is thankfully impressive enough in buffing Glintstone Sorceries. Such a setup is definitely more challenging compared to a full melee build in a level 1 run, but it’s still a good magic alternative.
How To Get Demi-Human Queen’s Staff
To get the Demi-Human Queen’s Staff, go to theDemi-Human Forest Ruinsjust to the west of the road heading to Castle Morne, and defeat the open-world boss Demi-Human Queen within.
12Banished Knight’s Halberd
A finely-crafted halberd intricately engraved with an ancient motif.
Given to knights who, whether by misfortune or misdeed, were forced to abandon their homes.
Most of these knights were sent to the fringes, where they were forced to start anew with only despair for company.
Charge Forth (can be changed)
Halberds are some of the most reliable weapons inElden Ringdue to their range and the powerful Ashes of War options for their weapon class. Most halberds inElden Ringare heavy or have high requirements though, except for theBanished Knight’s Halberd. Players can use this weapon with just a Radagon’s Soreseal.
After that, they’re free to pick from theirhalberd Ash of War of choice. There’s quite a good number of powerful ones, but skills like Phantom Slash excel in dealing high damage with a fair amount of stagger or poise break. Players can even go around spamming that Ash of War until the late game.
How To Get Banished Knight’s Halberd
The Banished Knight Halberd can be found in Stormveil Castle or as a drop fromEdgar the Revenger. It can drop from slain Banished Knights, but an upgraded +8 version will drop from Edgar the Revenger. Edgar can be slaim in either Castle Morne, before finishing his quest, or in the Revenger’s Shack in western Liurnia at the conclusion of his story.
11Great Stars
Huge bludgeon with three stars at the striking end.
A blood-stained star is an ill omen, a fact not lost upon those against whom this weapon is brought to bear.
Endure (can be changed). Also builds Bleed on hit.
For those who want a bit of everything that’s busted when it comes to melee,Great Starsis a great start to a lot of fruitful kills. This huge morning star weapon inElden Ringhas innate Bleed damage buildup. Though don’t expect it to rack up the Bleed meter in just a few strikes; it’s a slow weapon.
However, it’s also a heavy weapon, meaning it deals a good amount of stagger and works well even against larger enemies. With every hit you will restore a little bit of HP – not enough to make a huge impact, but enough to be noticeable.
Players can alsocustomize the Ash of Waror weapon skill to their liking. Strong Ash of War options include the Lion’s Claw which fits well with the weapon.
The only problem is the Strength requirement but that’s not too hard to fix with just a couple of talismans and a helmet.
How To Get Great Stars
The Great Stars location is on a Carriage, in the Altus Plateau just to the southwest of the Road of Iniquity Site of Lost Grace. Hit one of the giants pulling the Carriage, jump onto its back, and open the chest to get this weapon. It also drops from the “new” NPC Magnus the Beast Claw, found in a shack further north in the Altus Plateau.
Formless drakeblood seal with a Dragon Communion crest.
The sacrificial devouring of the heart gives power.
Indeed, Dragon Communion is too primal in nature for the term"incantation" to be appropriate.
Even Faith builds that dip into Arcane can be viable in alevel 1 run thanks to sealssuch as theDragon Communion Seal. One incantation comes to mind when putting this seal together with a level 1 build and that’s the Rot Breath spell. It’s one of the most potent damage dealers in the game.
One breath and players can retreat to safety while their enemies die from the damage-over-time effect. The developers were even kind enough to set the Faith and Arcane requirement to just 10, which is the baseline state for the Wretch or the level 1 build template. Players only have to worry about adjusting their play style.
How To Get Dragon Communion Seal
The Dragon Communion Seal is located in theFringefolk Hero’s Grave, behind the Stonesword Key door near the beginning ofElden Ring. Look for a room with a Banished Knight inside, which will drop the Seal on defeat.
A thick, solid lump of wood.
Wielding this striking weapon requires no skill.
A simple, primitive weapon that requires only brute strength and persistence to hammer your foe into the ground.
Barbaric Roar (can be changed)
Sure enough, one can’t expect a great hammer if their arms are too frail. A simpleClubis just about the best bludgeoning weapon available for a level 1 run. The Wretch’s base stat barely meets the Club’s base requirement of 10 Strength. That’s good since there are no raising stats via leveling on a level 1 run.
Since it also deals bludgeoning damage, the Club is great for stunning or staggering enemies. It works particularly well againsthuman-sizedenemies, including bosses. The best part about the Club, however, is its flexible Ash of War slot.
How To Get Club
The basic Club is the starting weapon for the Wretch class, but it can also be dropped by any Demi-Human enemy in the game. If your luck is bad, and you didn’t start as a Wretch, you can buy one from theNomadic Merchant (Liurnia Lake Shore)near the Coastal Cave (beneath the cliffs at spawn) for 600 Runes.
8Serpent-Hunter
Weapon that serves as both greatsword and spear.
Thought tohave been used to hunt an immortal great serpent in the distantpast, it manifests a long blade of light when facing such a creature.
When their master’s heroic aspirations degenerated into meregreed, his men searched for a weapon with which they might halttheir lord.
N / A (required for Rykard)
Great-Serpent Hunt
Players ought to thank Rykard. Because despite the gimmicky boss fight, his existence led to the creation of the. It’s one of the few heavy weapons available for level 1 Wretches. It’s thanks to theSerpent-Hunter’s nonexistent stat requirement.
When fully upgraded, the Serpent-Hunter is quite decent. Scaling doesn’t matter much here since players remain at base level 1 stats anyway. But the Serpent-Hunter’s decent weapon skill is quite useful for stunning targets from a considerable distance. Besides, this weapon will wreck the entirety of Volcano Manor.
How To Get Serpent-Hunter
The Serpent-Hunter is found inRykard, Lord of Blasphemy’s boss room, and is practically given to players for free. Upon entering his lair, look to the left on your way to the boss to find the Serpent-Hunter on the ground. Your character will even do a special animation to pull it out of the ground. This is practically required to defeat Rykard.
Medicine is mercy. and mercy upon the battlefield is ruthless.
Yes, theMiséricordehas a Dexterity requirement of 12, which automatically makes it too strong for a level 1 Wretch. However, there are ways to boost one’s statinElden Ring. The Prosthesis-Wearer Heirloom, for example, will boost Dextery by five points. There are also Soreseals and Scarseals to help.
In any case, Misericorde is an awesome one-two-punch weapon. For maximum efficiency, players will have to slot in the Flames of the Redmane Ash of War in their Misericorde. That Ash of War can stun most enemies (even bosses) in just two casts. After that, players will have to go in for the critical hit while the targets are reeling. Misericorde’s increased Critical Damage creates a good synergy here.
How To Get Misericorde
Misericorde is found in Stormveil Castle, behind aStonesword Keyroom in the room with the giant Godfrey painting. There is aBanished Knightin the room, but you can pick it up off the ground without fighting it and run away.
