In Elden Ring, dealing heavy critical damage isn't just about timing parries or backstabs — it's also about choosing the right weapon. Whether you're hunting for invincibility frames or chaining visceral attacks after a successful guard break, a well-optimized critical damage build can turn the tide of any battle. In this guide, we'll break down seven of the best weapons for maximizing your critical strikes in Elden Ring, based on both raw stats and practical in-game effectiveness.

1. Miséricorde

The Miséricorde is arguably the best weapon in the game for raw critical damage. With an astonishing 140 critical stat — the highest among all weapons — it’s built to punish opponents after a parry or riposte. Though its base physical damage is modest, it scales well with Dexterity and excels in assassin-style builds.

Why it's great:

• Unmatched critical damage multiplier

• Lightweight and fast, ideal for quick counters

• Can be infused and buffed for additional versatility

2. Rapier

Don’t let its modest appearance fool you — the Rapier is a deadly tool in the right hands. Fast, precise, and boasting a strong critical stat (130), it’s excellent for Dex builds that focus on parrying and reposting enemies with speed.

Perfect for:

• Dexterity-based characters

• Players who prefer precision over brute force

• Those looking to chain critical hits with minimal delay

3. Reduvia

While the Reduvia is often used for bleed builds, it shouldn't be overlooked for critical setups. Its rapid strike speed and unique skill, Reduvia Blood Blade, make it a dangerous option when you’re aiming to stack status effects before delivering a killing blow.

Notable trait:

• Bleed buildup can soften enemies for a finishing crit

• Scales with both Dex and Arcane

• A solid early-game weapon with high utility

4. Wakizashi

The Wakizashi is an off-hand dagger that pairs beautifully with katanas, but it shines when used for dual-wielding riposte builds. It has solid critical potential and offers quick strike speed — ideal for those who want a hybrid approach.

Best use case:

• Off-hand parry-to-crit combos

• Dual-wielding Dex builds

• Samurai-style characters who blend flair with efficiency

5. Daggers (General Category)

Daggers across the board tend to have high critical damage values, and many of them reach 130 or more. While each has its quirks, they all offer swift strikes and low stamina cost, making them excellent for chaining backstabs and ripostes.

Tips for dagger builds:

• Use Talismans that boost critical hits

• Stack Dexterity and invest in Ashes of War that complement your crit-focused playstyle

• Don't forget to farm Elden Ring Runes to quickly level up key attributes

6. Great Épée

A heavy thrusting sword with respectable poise damage and great reach, the Great Épée offers a balance of strength and speed. While its critical stat isn’t as high as a dagger's, its ability to break guards makes it easy to land crits consistently.

Ideal for:

• Strength-Dex hybrid builds

• Players who like thrusting weapons with longer reach

• Stagger-heavy playstyles

7. Black Knife

This legendary weapon not only delivers solid base damage but also scales well with Faith and Dexterity. Its unique skill, Blade of Death, reduces enemy max HP — a serious advantage in both PvE and PvP. While not purely built for critical hits, it enables powerful combos that can finish off weakened enemies with style.

Why consider it:

• Excellent in mixed builds

• Its skill synergizes with critical-focused approaches

• Looks and feels powerful while still being efficient

Critical damage builds in Elden Ring require finesse, patience, and an understanding of enemy patterns. The right weapon can elevate your game, turning close calls into flawless victories. Whether you favor the lightning-fast Miséricorde or the methodical power of the Great Épée, every weapon listed above has its place in the meta.

Don't forget that gearing up the right way also matters. To get the most out of your build, many players choose to buy Elden Ring Items to fine-tune their loadouts or farm Elden Ring Runes for faster stat progression. However you choose to play, critical builds are a rewarding path — both mechanically and stylistically.