In Elden Ring, early-game progression can be overwhelming, especially when facing deadly enemies with subpar gear. Fortunately, with the right approach and some exploration, players can unlock several powerful weapons much earlier than expected. These weapons don’t just pack a punch—they can carry you through tough zones before you even visit your first major legacy dungeon. Here’s how to get 11 powerful Elden Ring weapons early in your adventure.

1. Bloodhound’s Fang

A fan-favorite curved greatsword, Bloodhound’s Fang is accessible early by defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Limgrave’s Forlorn Hound Evergaol. Use summoning assistance if needed, and you’ll have one of the best bleed weapons available without progressing far.

2. Uchigatana

This classic katana is perfect for Dexterity builds and inflicts bleed. Start as the Samurai class, and it’s yours from the beginning. Alternatively, grab it in the Deathtouched Catacombs in northern Limgrave—no boss fight required.

3. Twinblade

Hidden in a chest inside the Dragon-Burnt Ruins, the Twinblade is a strong early-game double-hitter ideal for Dexterity builds. It’s especially good if you’re working with basic Elden Ring Runes and can’t afford heavy upgrades yet.

4. Claymore

This versatile greatsword is tucked away in Castle Morne on the Weeping Peninsula. Its balance of range and poise damage makes it a great pick for Strength builds that don’t yet have access to late-game Elden Ring items.

5. Great Épée

Another excellent early-game option, the Great Épée is found in a carriage near the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace. It delivers powerful thrusts and is ideal for players looking to pierce through enemy defenses early.

6. Morning Star

Found in a chest in a wagon near the Weeping Peninsula’s Nomadic Merchant, the Morning Star is a mace with innate bleed buildup. It’s especially effective against armored foes and a solid choice if you’re conserving Elden Ring Runes for other upgrades.

7. Reduvia

This unique dagger drops from Bloody Finger Nerijus near Murkwater Cave. It scales well with Arcane and Dexterity, and it’s one of the best early bleed options. Quick, stylish, and deadly—especially for PvP encounters.

8. Meteorite Staff

If you're leaning toward sorcery, this staff found in the Aeonia Swamp in Caelid is essential. While you can’t upgrade it, it offers huge Sorcery scaling right out of the gate. Combine it with gravity spells to cheese early-game enemies with ease.

9. Sword of Night and Flame

While slightly riskier to obtain early, this sword is located in Caria Manor. It demands high Intelligence and Faith but rewards you with powerful weapon skills. If you’ve farmed enough Elden Ring Runes from low-risk enemies or used resources from trusted sites like U4GM, this weapon is worth the investment.

10. Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade

This strength-scaling weapon can be earned by defeating the dragon knight in Altus Plateau. With clever route-skipping using the Dectus Medallion, it’s not hard to reach this zone early for a massive power spike.

11. Serpent-Hunter

Located in the boss arena for Rykard, this spear doesn’t require stats to wield and is designed specifically for that fight. However, you can grab it early and use it elsewhere with some clever routing. It scales surprisingly well for general use.

While these weapons vary in stats and playstyle, they all offer a major edge when acquired early. Make sure to spend your Elden Ring Runes wisely on upgrades rather than rushing to level up, and always check your inventory for other Elden Ring items that enhance damage or status effects.

For players looking to optimize their early-game journey without hours of grinding, planning your weapon path is key. Sites like U4GM have also become known among players for keeping up with the latest item trends, though it’s still crucial to explore and experiment to find what fits your build best.

With a smart approach, the Lands Between will feel far less daunting—and far more rewarding.