Elden Ring Weapons: 10 That Benefit Most from Critical Buffs
Posté: 25 Juin 2025, 06:49In Elden Ring, critical hits aren't just flashy finishers—they're opportunities to maximize your damage output when the timing is right. Whether you’re executing a riposte after a well-placed parry or striking an unaware foe from behind, a properly buffed critical weapon can make short work of even the tankiest enemies. Some weapons, due to their scaling, innate critical stats, or synergy with buffs, are naturally suited to capitalize on critical opportunities.
Here are ten weapons in Elden Ring that benefit the most from critical buffs, and how to make the most of them in your builds.
1. Rapier
The Rapier is a classic in FromSoftware titles, and its high base critical stat makes it a go-to for players who love parrying. When paired with buffs like Golden Vow or consumables like Exalted Flesh, this weapon can land devastating crits with speed and precision.
2. Miséricorde
Arguably the king of critical damage, the Miséricorde boasts an impressive 140 critical rating by default. Lightweight and easy to infuse, it thrives when paired with critical-focused builds. Stack it with cheap Elden Ring items like Grease or incantation buffs, and watch your enemies crumble from a single backstab.
3. Estoc
This thrusting sword combines decent reach with a solid critical modifier, making it another favorite for players who rely on parries and backstabs. It benefits greatly from buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength and other temporary enhancements that boost attack power.
4. Reduvia
While Reduvia is mainly known for its bleed buildup, it’s often overlooked that it also has good synergy with critical-focused builds. When your opponent is staggered or vulnerable, a well-timed riposte with a buffed Reduvia can be fatal—especially in PvP settings.
5. Dagger
Don’t underestimate the basic Dagger. It’s lightning-fast, has strong critical scaling, and is ideal for sneak attacks and backstabs. When you apply cheap elden ring runes to improve your stats early on, it becomes a powerful tool for glass-cannon builds focused on burst damage.
6. Regalia of Eochaid
This arcane-scaling weapon has a flashy special attack and high critical potential. Combined with buffs and talismans that increase critical damage or arcane, it can deliver lethal ripostes. It works especially well in hybrid magic/melee builds.
7. Wakizashi
Often paired with a Katana for power stance combos, the Wakizashi doubles as a solid off-hand parry tool with decent critical damage. Buff it before combat and use it for surprise backstabs after breaking enemy posture.
8. Bandit’s Knife
This weapon shines in dexterity or bleed builds and has a high critical stat. With buffs applied, and when paired with talismans that increase counter or crit damage, it can turn a simple parry into a one-shot kill.
9. Crystal Knife
This lesser-known weapon not only adds magic scaling to your crits but also benefits from sorcery-based buffs. It’s particularly effective when used by mages who want to deal melee finishers after staggering enemies with spells.
10. Black Knife
While better known for its unique weapon skill, the Black Knife also performs well in critical situations thanks to its high dexterity scaling and holy damage. Combine it with faith-based buffs and cheap Elden Ring items that enhance critical output for maximum effect.
Critical buffs can dramatically boost the effectiveness of certain weapons in Elden Ring, turning calculated strikes into high-stakes finishers. Whether you're experimenting in PvP or trying to burst down tough bosses, consider enhancing weapons that already favor critical hits.
With a smart combination of build choices, consumables, and buff timing—and some cheap elden ring runes invested into Dexterity or Arcane—you can turn these weapons into true execution tools. Experiment, practice your timing, and reap the rewards.
Here are ten weapons in Elden Ring that benefit the most from critical buffs, and how to make the most of them in your builds.
1. Rapier
The Rapier is a classic in FromSoftware titles, and its high base critical stat makes it a go-to for players who love parrying. When paired with buffs like Golden Vow or consumables like Exalted Flesh, this weapon can land devastating crits with speed and precision.
2. Miséricorde
Arguably the king of critical damage, the Miséricorde boasts an impressive 140 critical rating by default. Lightweight and easy to infuse, it thrives when paired with critical-focused builds. Stack it with cheap Elden Ring items like Grease or incantation buffs, and watch your enemies crumble from a single backstab.
3. Estoc
This thrusting sword combines decent reach with a solid critical modifier, making it another favorite for players who rely on parries and backstabs. It benefits greatly from buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength and other temporary enhancements that boost attack power.
4. Reduvia
While Reduvia is mainly known for its bleed buildup, it’s often overlooked that it also has good synergy with critical-focused builds. When your opponent is staggered or vulnerable, a well-timed riposte with a buffed Reduvia can be fatal—especially in PvP settings.
5. Dagger
Don’t underestimate the basic Dagger. It’s lightning-fast, has strong critical scaling, and is ideal for sneak attacks and backstabs. When you apply cheap elden ring runes to improve your stats early on, it becomes a powerful tool for glass-cannon builds focused on burst damage.
6. Regalia of Eochaid
This arcane-scaling weapon has a flashy special attack and high critical potential. Combined with buffs and talismans that increase critical damage or arcane, it can deliver lethal ripostes. It works especially well in hybrid magic/melee builds.
7. Wakizashi
Often paired with a Katana for power stance combos, the Wakizashi doubles as a solid off-hand parry tool with decent critical damage. Buff it before combat and use it for surprise backstabs after breaking enemy posture.
8. Bandit’s Knife
This weapon shines in dexterity or bleed builds and has a high critical stat. With buffs applied, and when paired with talismans that increase counter or crit damage, it can turn a simple parry into a one-shot kill.
9. Crystal Knife
This lesser-known weapon not only adds magic scaling to your crits but also benefits from sorcery-based buffs. It’s particularly effective when used by mages who want to deal melee finishers after staggering enemies with spells.
10. Black Knife
While better known for its unique weapon skill, the Black Knife also performs well in critical situations thanks to its high dexterity scaling and holy damage. Combine it with faith-based buffs and cheap Elden Ring items that enhance critical output for maximum effect.
Critical buffs can dramatically boost the effectiveness of certain weapons in Elden Ring, turning calculated strikes into high-stakes finishers. Whether you're experimenting in PvP or trying to burst down tough bosses, consider enhancing weapons that already favor critical hits.
With a smart combination of build choices, consumables, and buff timing—and some cheap elden ring runes invested into Dexterity or Arcane—you can turn these weapons into true execution tools. Experiment, practice your timing, and reap the rewards.