In the punishing, yet oddly addictive, world of FromSoftware's Elden Ring, finding an enemy's weak spot and driving a blade through it is one of life's simple pleasures. While the exact math behind the Tarnished's brutal calculus remains a mystery, one principle holds true: a higher Critical stat on your weapon means a bigger, more satisfying health bar deletion when you land that perfect riposte or backstab. With the landscape of the Lands Between still evolving even years after the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, knowing which tools pack the heaviest critical punch is key for any aspiring Elden Lord looking to maximize their 'gotcha' moments.

While the DLC didn't introduce any new record-breakers for critical damage modifiers, it did bring some wonderfully solid options to the table, alongside tools that make breaking an enemy's stance—and thus creating those critical openings—arguably easier than ever before. This list celebrates the weapons that turn a moment of enemy vulnerability into a spectacle of devastation, blending classic favorites with potent new arrivals.

The Ornamental Straight Sword (Critical: 110) has been on a glorious journey since the game's launch, receiving buffs that make it a contender beyond just its critical prowess. It's a quirky little thing, one of the rare weapons that lets you power-stance with just a single copy (no fist weapons here, thank you). Its fancy Golden Tempering skill isn't just for show; it adds a holy 100 damage and unlocks a unique strong attack combo. Theoretically, you could snag this from the tutorial Grafted Scion if you're a prodigy. For the rest of us, a trip to The Four Belfries for some well-earned revenge is the way to go.

Main-gauche (Critical: 110) is the fancy parrying dagger from the Shadow of the Erdtree. Found in the Shadow Keep's western section, this unusual dagger has a neat party trick: hold it in your left hand, and you can power-stance it with Thrusting Swords. This means you can parry like a champ without sacrificing your primary weapon's moveset. The catch? If you're using it as intended in your off-hand, you can't actually perform the riposte with it. A classic case of the butler setting the table but not being allowed to eat the feast.

Often living in the shadow of its more famous sibling, the Blade of Calling (Critical: 110) is the underdog dagger with a heart of holy gold. Yes, the Black Knife outshines it in most departments, but being second-best to a legendary weapon isn't a bad place to be. It scales better with Faith and packs a punch with its Blade of Gold skill, launching a golden arc for decent knockback and damage. To find this hidden gem, take the elevator from the Forbidden Lands Site of Grace and make a daring mid-ride leap onto a ledge. Adventure awaits!

Now, let's talk about the Sacred Relic Sword (Critical: 110). Most players know it as the 'farmbot' sword, spamming Wave of Gold to clear fields of Albinaurics for runes. But underneath that glorious, lazy AOE is a solid Greatsword. Any hit from it can shatter poise, setting up a critical hit, especially if you're dual-wielding greatswords. When that moment comes, its critical modifier ensures the job is done thoroughly. Just remember, you'll need to beat the final boss and trade its remembrance to get this, making it a New Game Plus staple.

Speaking of siblings, here's the star of the family: the Black Knife (Critical: 110). It's the Blade of Calling's cooler, edgier sister. The weapons are similar, but the Black Knife's Blade of Death skill is a game-changer, applying a health-shredding debuff that makes bosses weep. You can also get it much earlier by defeating the Black Knife Assassin in Altus Plateau. It's a dagger that proves good things do indeed come in small, lethally packaged deals.

Morgott’s Cursed Sword (Critical: 110) might just win the award for 'Most Stylish Weapon in the Lands Between.' A rainbow blade that unleashes arcs of cursed fire with Cursed-Blood Slice? Check. Built-in Bleed buildup? Check. A critical stat that makes your ripostes sing? Double-check. This weapon is so flashy and effective that the high critical damage feels like a delightful bonus on an already extravagant package. You earn it by defeating Morgott, the Omen King, and cashing in his remembrance.

Claw weapons have always had a bit of an identity crisis, often whiffing attacks at point-blank range. The Claws of Night (Critical: 110) from the DLC elegantly solves this. Their heavy attacks and weapon skill literally launch the claws at your foes, giving you effective medium-range options. This means you can safely break stances from a distance and then close in to deliver a devastating, up-close critical hit. You'll get these by dealing with the invader Swordhand of Night Anna in the Finger Ruins of Miyr.

The Death Ritual Spear (Critical: 110) is a master of deception. On the surface, it's a spear that deals magic damage. But its Spearcall Ritual skill is a spectacle, calling down a rain of magical spears perfect for bullying large, slow bosses. This skill also deals respectable stance damage, creating opportunities to capitalize on the spear's solid critical rating—if you can dash in fast enough to claim the prize. Find it by defeating the ominous Death Rite Bird near the always-cheerful Castle Sol.

Raptor Talons (Critical: 110) are the acrobats of the claw world. Their unique heavy attacks make you leap forward and back with dramatic flair, breaking stances with surprising ease for such a swift weapon. This naturally creates perfect windows to exploit their above-average critical damage. Combine this with their innate Bleed effect, and you have one of the most potent close-quarters combat tools available. They're hidden behind an illusory wall in the Sage’s Cave, because of course they are.

Last, but certainly not least, we have the early-game darling, Reduvia (Critical: 110). This dagger is famous for its Reduvia Blood Blade skill, letting you build up Bleed from a comfy distance. It's the ultimate 'safe' weapon. But when the situation calls for it—a perfectly timed parry, a sneaky backstab—Reduvia reminds everyone it's not just a one-trick pony. The critical hits it lands are nothing to scoff at. You can acquire this beauty almost immediately in Limgrave by teaming up with Bloody Finger Hunter Yura to defeat the invader Nerijus. A classic tutorial in cooperative murder.

Weapon	Critical	Key Feature
Ornamental Straight Sword	110	Self power-stance, Holy buff
Main-gauche	110	Parries & pairs with thrusting swords
Black Knife	110	Health % debuff skill
Morgott’s Cursed Sword	110	Bleed, fiery arcs, utterly fabulous
Raptor Talons	110	Acrobatic moves, innate Bleed
Reduvia	110	Ranged Bleed buildup, early game

In 2026, the meta may shift, but the visceral thrill of a perfectly executed critical hit remains eternal. Whether you're a parry god, a stealthy backstabber, or just someone who loves seeing big numbers, keeping one of these critical-focused weapons in your arsenal is a wise choice. After all, in the Lands Between, it's not just about surviving; it's about winning with style. And nothing says style like reducing a towering boss to a fine red mist with a single, well-placed stab. 😉