With the new Elden Ring DLC introducing powerful new armaments, it's time to rank the top 10 highest DPS weapons and most damaging builds to melt bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

Elden Ring DLC Top 10 Highest DPS Weapon & Build Ranked in Shadow of the Erdtree

With the new Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, we now have access to some of the most overpowered and highest damaging weapons and builds yet seen in the Lands Between. Today, we'll be counting down the top 10 strongest DPS builds and weapons in Elden Ring Patch 1.12. From colossal weapons with insane bleed procs to spells that melt bosses in seconds, this DLC has introduced devastating new tools of destruction. We've tested these relentlessly over the past week since the DLC launched to find the absolute best-in-class damage dealers. Whether you prefer sorceries, incantations, massive strength weapons, or swift dexterity builds, we've got you covered.

So get ready to vaporize Elden Ring bosses in the blink of an eye. Let's jump right in and see which new armaments claim the top spots for insane damage potential in the latest Elden Ring DLC expansion!

1. Fire Knight's Greatsword

The Fire Knight's Greatsword is highlighted as one of the premier weapons introduced in the new DLC for "Shadow of the Earth Tree." This weapon stands out due to its exceptional damage potential, especially when combined with fire-based incantations and buffs. When imbued with the new flame skewer or flame spear, it not only deals significant physical damage but also adds a powerful fire element that can dramatically increase its overall damage output. The fire buff lasts for about 10 to 20 seconds, further amplifying its effectiveness. With proper build optimization, this weapon can reach staggering damage numbers, such as 78k against bosses early on, making it a top-tier choice for players looking to maximize their offensive capabilities.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Fire Knight's Greatsword:

• Weapon: Fire Knight's Greatsword (Farmed from the Fire Knight near the storehouse first floor)

• Ash of War: Flame Skewer or Flame Spear (Choose based on preference; the spear is recommended for PvE due to its reach and double damage potential when aimed correctly)

• Armor: Fire Knight Chest Piece, Messmer's Helmet, Roasa Set (Gloves and Greaves)

• Talismans: Fire Scorpion Charm, Godfrey Icon, Shard of Alexander, Two-Handed Sword Talisman

• Spells: Messmer Fire Incantations, Flame Grant Me Strength and Golden Vow to buff attack power.

• Attributes: 60 Vigor, 20 Mind, 24-28 Endurance, 50 Strength, 65 Faith, 18 Dexterity

• Strategy: Utilize the Fire Knight's Great Sword imbued with Flame Skewer or Flame Spear, enhanced by Messmer Fire Incantations and strategic buffs, to deliver high damage and excellent stagger potential.

2. Firespark Perfume Bottle

The highest DPS Perfume weapon combos, particularly the combination of Firespark Perfume Bottle and Rolling Sparks Ash of War, is currently dominating the meta. By aiming the Ash of War straight down, you can concentrate the normally spread-out hitboxes into a pinpoint attack, dealing immense damage. While this setup is more of a pre-boss fight strategy and might not be realistic for everyday gameplay, its effectiveness cannot be ignored.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Electric Perfume Bottle:

• Weapon: Firespark Perfume Bottle with Rolling Sparks Ash of War

• Armor: Perfumer Set, or Light armor for quick movement and evasion, or medium armor for viability

• Talismans: Lightning Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, Ritual Sword Talisman, Carian Filigreed Crest

• Spells: Lightning buffs like Lightning Spear

• Flasks & Consumables: Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Exalted Flesh

• Attributes (150): 60 Vigor, 20 Mind, 25 Endurance, 8 Strength, 75 Dexterity, 16 Intelligence, 25 Faith, 9 Arcane

• Strategy: Use pinpoint Firespark Perfume Bottle attacks combined with Rolling Sparks to deal high burst damage, focusing on precise timing and positioning to maximize effectiveness.

3. Bloodfiend's Arm

The Bloodfiend's Arm is a colossal club that's quickly becoming a fan favorite. By turning it into a bleed weapon and combining it with Royal Knight's Resolve, you can achieve ridiculous damage outputs. Its high stagger potential and massive hits make it one of the strongest weapons in the game, though it might be due for a nerf given its current performance.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Bloodfiend's Arm:

• Weapon: Equip Bloodfiend's Arm

• Armor: Heavy armor for maximum defense and poise

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Great-Jar's Arsenal, Bull-Goat's Talisman, Lord of Blood's Exultation

• Spells: Bloodflame Blade

• Flasks & Consumables: Bloodboil Aromatic, Exalted Flesh

• Strategy: Use charged attacks to maximize damage and build up bleed quickly, taking advantage of the weapon's high raw power.

4. Claws of Night

The Claws of Night are the longest claws available, mixing physical and magical damage with blood loss buildup. Their unique heavy attack, Smith Script Style, lets you launch claws at your target, but the Ash of War, Scatter Shot Throw, is where they truly shine. This shotgun-like spread can deal massive burst damage, especially at close range. While low poise remains a drawback, the potential for high DPS is undeniable.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Claws of Night:

• Weapon: Equip the Claws of Night.

• Armor: Light armor to maintain high mobility.

• Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, Lord of Blood's Exultation, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Spells: Magic buffs like Scholar's Armament

• Flasks & Consumables: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Exalted Flesh

• Strategy: Use "Scatter Shot Throw" for burst damage, and follow up with quick claw attacks to build up blood loss.

5. Rakshasa's Great Katana

Rakshasa's Great Katana is a straightforward yet highly effective weapon. As a new heavy katana type, it combines good range, heavy hits, and blood loss buildup. Its Ash of War, Weed Cutter, can be spammed infinitely due to its low FP and stamina costs. This makes it a relentless offensive weapon, ideal for bleed builds and successive hit strategies.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Rakshasa's Great Katana:

• Weapon: Equip the Rakshasa's Great Katana.

• Armor: Light armor for maximum agility and evasion.

• Talismans: Winged Sword Insignia, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Millicent's Prosthesis, Lord of Blood's Exultation

• Spells: Bloodflame Blade

• Flasks & Consumables: Bloodboil Aromatic, Exalted Flesh

• Strategy: Utilize Weed Cutter to maintain pressure with successive hits and build up blood loss quickly.

6. Messmer the Impaler

The Messmer the Impaler spear stands out with its unique heavy attack, allowing you to throw the spear and create a magma pool without consuming FP. It's both a safe and effective punish from a distance, and you can even use it while mounted. The Ash of War, Mesus Assault, is a three-part combo starting with a powerful jump cleave, making it a formidable weapon despite its slower moveset.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Messmer the Impaler:

• Weapon: Messmer the Impaler

• Armor: Medium armor for a balance of defense and mobility.

• Talismans: Fire Scorpion Charm, Great-Jar's Arsenal, Shard of Alexander, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Spells: Flame, Grant Me Strength

• Flasks & Consumables: Fire-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Exalted Flesh

• Strategy: Use the heavy attack to create magma pools, and "Mesus Assault" for high burst damage when safe to fully execute.

7. Rellana's Twin Blades

Rellana's Twin Blades are iconic and highly effective against low-poise enemies. These dual-wielded greatswords offer great range and quick attacks. The Ash of War, Moon-and-Fire Stance, lets you send out magic arcs or perform a fire spin, making it versatile for both AOE and boss fights. With physical, magic, and fire damage scaling, these blades fit into various builds, although they rely heavily on the fire Ash for boss encounters.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Rellana's Twin Blades:

• Weapon: Equip Rellana's Twin Blades for damage, Golden Order Seal, Staff of the Great Beyond for sorceries & incantations

• Armor: Rellana Armor Set, or Light to medium armor for mobility.

• Talismans: Millicent's Prosthesis, Ritual Winged Sword Talisman, Godskin Swadding Cloth, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman

• Spells: Golden Vow, Lord's Divine Fortification, Swift Glinstone Shard

• Flasks & Consumables: Opaline Hardtear, Greenburt Crystal Tear

• Attributes (150 Lvl): 58 Vigor, 20 Mind, 24 Endurance, 27 Strength, 22 Dexterity, 55 Intelligence, 16 Faith, 7 Arcane

• Strategy: Use "Moon and Fire Stance" for ranged magic attacks and spinning fire stance

8. Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword

The Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword is another weapon worth mentioning. This colossal sword mixes physical and magical damage, with a unique Ash of War, White Light Charge, that allows you to pierce a foe and cause a magical explosion. It's effective for crowd control and gap-closing, and while not overpowered, its consistent heavy hits make it a reliable choice for many players.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword:

• Weapon: Equip the Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword.

• Armor: Heavy armor for increased poise and defense.

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Great-Jar's Arsenal, Bull-Goat's Talisman, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Spells: Magic buffs like Magic Fortification

• Flasks & Consumables: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Exalted Flesh

• Strategy: Use "White Light Charge" for AOE damage and gap closing, ensuring to keep enemies within the explosion radius.

9. Sword of Darkness & Sword of Light

Moving on, we have a pair of unique weapons: the Sword of Darkness and the Sword of Light. Each can only be obtained once per playthrough, but their mechanics are fascinating. The Sword of Light's Ash of War enhances your holy damage, while the Sword of Darkness spreads a cloud that reduces enemy holy resistance and increases subsequent holy damage. Using these weapons as buff and debuff tools can create a powerful combo, especially when followed up with holy incantations. However, their slow activation and poor melee stats hold them back from higher rankings.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Sword of Darkness & Sword of Light:

• Weapon: Equip both the Sword of Darkness and the Sword of Light

• Armor: Any armor that enhances spellcasting abilities and defense.

• Talismans: Radagon Icon, Primal Glintstone Blade, Godfrey Icon, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Spells: Holy damage spells like Wrath of Gold

• Flasks & Consumables: Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Exalted Flesh

• Strategy: Use the Sword of Darkness to debuff enemies, then switch to the Sword of Light to maximize holy damage.

10. Star-Lined Sword

Last but no the least, we have the Starline Sword, a beautifully designed katana that blends physical and magical damage. The katana moveset naturally includes blood loss buildup, which is always a bonus. However, the star of the show is its Ash of War, On's Line of Stars. This long combo attack involves multiple strikes, culminating in a leap into the air and a powerful slam. Although the low poise of this weapon makes it easy to interrupt, its potential for damage, especially against smaller enemies, is significant.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Star-Lined Sword:

• Weapon: Star-Lined Sword with Onze's Line of Stars Ash of War

• Armor: Any armor that enhances poise without compromising mobility.

• Talismans: Winged Sword Insignia, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Millicent's Prosthesis, Lord of Blood's Exultation

• Spells: Magic buffs like Terra Magica

• Flasks & Consumables: Bloodboil Aromatic, Exalted Flesh

• Attributes (150): 55 Vigor, 23 Mind, 20 Endurance, 40 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 60 Faith, 7 Arcane

• Strategy: Utilize the Onze's Line of Stars Ash of War to trigger bleed procs and maximize damage output.

Hornor Mentioned: Madding Hand

Wrapping things off, we have one hornor mentionded - the Madding Hand. While it might not be the most broken weapon in terms of raw power, its utility is unparalleled. This weapon significantly increases your damage output when Madness is triggered nearby. By equipping the Madding Hand and using the Howl of Shabriri to build up Madness on both enemies and yourself, you can spam enough to trigger the Madding Hand's effect. Combine this with the Age One's Exaltation for a 20% damage boost, the Howl of Shabriri for a 25% increase, and the Black Dumpling for another 10%, and you get over a 70% damage increase. This potent buff makes it a meta choice for boss fights, even if the weapon itself isn't always directly used in combat.

Highest Damage Build Setup for Madding Hand:

• Weapon: Equip the Madding Hand.

• Armor: Use the Black Dumpling helm to boost attack power when afflicted with Madness.

• Talismans: Age One's Exaltation, Shard of Alexander, Lord of Blood's Exultation, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Spells: Howl of Shabiri

• Flasks & Consumables: Clarifying White Cured Meat, Exalted Flesh

• Attributes (150): 55 Vigor, 23 Mind, 20 Endurance, 40 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 60 Faith, 7 Arcane

• Strategy: Cast Howl of Shabiri to trigger Madness, activate buffs, and engage enemies with the Madding Hand.

And there you have it - our overview of some of the best weapons in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC based on our initial testing. We hope this guide was useful or at least interesting. If you want to get one of these best DPS weapon fast and easily, go to check out the best Elden Ring items deal on Gamebuygold.com!