MMOEXP-Nightreign - The Perfect Expansion to a Masterpiece
Elden Ring Runes surviving its toughest challenges.
Elden Ring: Nightreign expands FromSoftware's critically acclaimed action RPG with a wave of new content, bringing deadly bosses, cryptic NPCs, intricate dungeons, and most importantly—new weapons that redefine combat. Whether you're a returning Tarnished or venturing into the Lands Between for the first time, mastering Nightreign's best weapons is crucial for Elden Ring Runes surviving its toughest challenges.
This tier list ranks the best weapons in Elden Ring: Nightreign based on DPS output, PvP/PvE versatility, scaling potential, moveset efficiency, and synergy with key talismans and builds.
S-Tier – Meta-Defining Weapons
These weapons dominate both PvE and PvP, with exceptional scaling, unique Ashes of War, and adaptability across builds.
- Blacksteel Reaper (Reaper)
Type: Scythe
Ash of War: Shadow Harvest (life steal + AoE bleed burst)
Scaling: Dex/Bleed
Why It's S-Tier: The Blacksteel Reaper is Nightreign's new PvP king. Its massive bleed build-up combined with quick reach and the health-draining Shadow Harvest makes it a menace in both duels and gank fights. Add in Seppuku for raw damage or Shadowflame buffs for boss melting in PvE.
- Dragonbone Earthsplitter (Greatsword)
Type: Colossal Sword
Ash of War: Earthrend Slam
Scaling: Strength/Fire
Why It's S-Tier: This colossal weapon isn't just for show. Earthrend Slam causes a massive shockwave that knocks enemies down in a large radius. Excellent for crowd control and stagger damage, it's a boss melter when paired with the Fire Scorpion Charm and Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear.
- Nocturne's Whisper (Twinblades)
Type: Twinblades
Ash of War: Phantom Slash
Scaling: Dex/Arcane
Why It's S-Tier: Extremely fast strikes and innate bleed make this weapon a top-tier choice for Arcane builds. Phantom Slash summons a shadow clone to mimic your attack, doubling damage output. Great synergy with Lord of Blood's Exultation and White Mask.
- Starving Fang (Curved Greatsword)
Type: Curved Greatsword
Ash of War: Beast Howl (increases attack and poise temporarily)
Scaling: Strength/Dex
Why It's S-Tier: Balanced power and speed with a moveset tailored for aggressive players. Beast Howl lets you tank through trades in PvP and gives you a brutal opening strike in PvE scenarios.
A-Tier – Powerful and Versatile Weapons
A-Tier weapons may lack S-Tier's raw dominance but remain top-tier picks for specific builds or playstyles.
- Moonveil Reforged (Katana)
Type: Katana
Ash of War: Transient Moonlight II
Scaling: Dex/Int
Why It's A-Tier: Nightreign buffs Moonveil's successor with faster casting and wider projectiles. Perfect for Int builds focused on magic/melee hybrids. Strong in PvP for zoning and reaction punishing.
- Thorncall Pike (Great Spear)
Type: Great Spear
Ash of War: Blood Spire
Scaling: Dex/Arcane
Why It's A-Tier: New to Nightreign, this great spear builds bleed rapidly and has superior reach. Blood Spire creates thorn explosions along a straight path. Fantastic in raids and crowd control.
- Tempest Glaive (Halberd)
Type: Halberd
Ash of War: Cyclone Flurry
Scaling: Strength/Dex
Why It's A-Tier: Cyclone Flurry locks enemies in a wind vortex, providing massive DPS if timed correctly. Good for Faith hybrids using lightning enchantments or wind-based incantations.
- Ironwolf Knuckles (Fist)
Type: Fist Weapons
Ash of War: Tenfold Blow
Scaling: Strength/Faith
Why It's A-Tier: These brutal knuckles are perfect for close-range PvP and stagger-heavy PvE builds. Tenfold Blow is a rapid-fire barrage that dishes out high posture damage. Combine with Flame, Grant Me Strength and the Claw Talisman for wild burst potential.
B-Tier – Solid Choices with Situational Use
B-Tier weapons are fun and viable but typically lack the flexibility or raw output of higher tiers.
- Glintshade Fanblade (Whip)
Type: Whip
Ash of War: Crystal Bloom
Scaling: Dex/Int
Why It's B-Tier: A flashy whip that sends out crystal shrapnel. Fun in PvP, especially for zoning. PvE application is limited unless paired with AoE magic or crowd control tactics.
- Widow's Talon (Dagger)
Type: Dagger
Ash of War: Fang Thrust (critical multiplier bonus)
Scaling: Dex/Arcane
Why It's B-Tier: Massive crit scaling but short reach. Great for backstab builds or stealthy invaders. Falls short in straightforward PvE encounters due to low range and stagger potential.
- Choir Bellblade (Straight Sword)
Type: Straight Sword
Ash of War: Hymn of Judgment
Scaling: Dex/Faith
Why It's B-Tier: Emits a resonance pulse that briefly stuns enemies and buffs defense. A supportive PvE option, useful for co-op play. Not ideal for high damage builds but excellent for sustain and team synergy.
C-Tier – Niche Picks for Specialists or Fun Builds
C-Tier weapons are more for flavor or meme builds. They can shine with dedication, but require setup and aren't optimal for general play.
- Mad Puppeteer's Wand (Thrusting Sword)
Type: Thrusting Sword
Ash of War: Puppet Strike (briefly charms weaker enemies)
Scaling: Dex/Int
Why It's C-Tier: While fun for RP and crowd manipulation, its damage and control are too inconsistent for high-level content. A meme weapon in PvP—hilarious when it works.
- Cracked Idol (Hammer)
Type: Hammer
Ash of War: Idol's Curse (random debuff AoE)
Scaling: Strength/Arcane
Why It's C-Tier: Too random for serious content. Can inflict any status, including madness, poison, or rot. Situationally strong against certain PvE bosses weak to ailment stacking.
Final Thoughts – What to Prioritize in Nightreign
Whether you're aiming to solo Radahn Remnants or climb the PvP ladder, weapon selection in Nightreign now rewards creativity and adaptability. If you want to dominate in meta builds, weapons like Blacksteel Reaper and Dragonbone Earthsplitter are must-haves. For stylish, off-meta gameplay, Glintshade Fanblade and Widow's Talon offer great niche potential.
Make sure to pair your weapon with proper Ashes of War, Talismans, Incantations, and Wondrous Physick mixtures for maximum effectiveness.
The Lands Between have grown more dangerous than ever, but with the right weapon in your hand, no foe is insurmountable. Keep experimenting—Nightreign rewards bold cheap Elden Ring Runes and skilled Tarnished.