As a seasoned Tarnished, I've learned that keeping enemies at a distance is often the key to survival in the Lands Between. That's why spears have always held a special place in my arsenal. Their extended reach allows for calculated pokes and strategic retreats, a dance of power and finesse that suits my cautious playstyle. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be daunting. From my countless hours exploring every corner of this world, I've compiled this personal ranking of the ten most effective spears you can wield in 2026, based on their unique strengths and how they feel in battle.
Let's start with number 10, the Cross-Naginata. This weapon feels like a beautiful hybrid between a spear and a polearm. I remember first finding it in the Gael Tunnel of Caelid, and its versatility immediately impressed me. It inflicts a hefty 122 physical damage, which is the second-highest base damage among spears. What truly makes it shine, though, is its innate blood loss buildup. The fact that it can slash as well as pierce, especially with its Impaling Thrust skill to counter shields, makes it a brutally effective tool for aggressive, bleed-focused builds.
Coming in at number 9 is the reliable Partisan. It might not be the flashiest weapon, but its consistency is its greatest virtue. I've always appreciated its moveset, which includes wide, sweeping attacks uncommon for spears. This makes it exceptionally good for handling groups of weaker enemies, or 'mobs'. You can typically find it dropped by Godrick Knights in Limgrave or Leyndell Knights. It's a foundational weapon that teaches you the core strengths of the spear class without any magical frills.
Now, for a bit of practical fun, the Torchpole secures the 8th spot. This spear literally has a fiery twist, doubling as both a weapon and a light source. I can't count how many dark caves this has illuminated for me while I cautiously prodded the shadows ahead. With 104 physical damage and an added 31 fire damage, it's a solid choice, especially against beasts and creatures weak to flame. It’s a testament to FromSoftware's genius for combining utility with combat effectiveness.
At position 7, we have the Rotten Crystal Spear. While its pure-damage cousin, the Crystal Spear, hits harder upfront, this weapon brings a more insidious threat. Its true power lies in inflicting Scarlet Rot. I've used this to great effect against tanky bosses; landing a few solid hits and then retreating to watch their health bars slowly melt away is a uniquely satisfying strategy. Acquiring it is a challenge, as it's held by the tough, crystal-covered miners, but the payoff is a spear that deals damage long after the fight seems over.
The Crystal Spear itself takes the 6th spot. Don't let its crystalline, somewhat blunt appearance fool you. This is a magic-user's best friend for melee engagements. It scales with Intelligence, allowing sorcery builds to have a potent physical option. Like several others on this list, it comes with the trusty Impaling Thrust skill. I found mine hidden within the treacherous Academy Crystal Cave—a risky venture that was well worth the effort for any aspiring spellblade.
Number 5 is the Clayman's Harpoon. This unassuming weapon is a secret powerhouse for intelligence-based warriors. It deals significant magic damage right out of the gate and scales beautifully with your Intelligence stat. Its Impaling Thrust ability is again a huge bonus, allowing you to pierce through the defenses of shield-bearing enemies. Farming it from the Claymen in the Ainsel River can be tedious, but securing one feels like unlocking a new dimension for a hybrid magic build.
In 4th place is the Death Ritual Spear. Stat-wise, it's similar to the Clayman's Harpoon, but it has a deadly specialty: critical hits. With a critical rating of 110, its backstabs and ripostes are devastating. However, its party trick is the incredible Spearcall Ritual skill. Activating it and watching magical spears rain from the sky onto my foes never gets old. To earn this spectacle, you must defeat the formidable Death Rite Bird, a mini-boss that will test your mettle.
Breaking into the top three, the Inquisitor's Girandole claims 3rd place. This is a weapon of brutal efficiency. It's a triple-threat, dealing physical damage, fire damage, and causing blood loss buildup. I love using it against enemies vulnerable to fire or bleed; it feels like you're applying constant, punishing pressure. It is a bit hefty, requiring 18 Strength and 15 Dexterity, but the payoff is immense. You'll need to best the Abductor Virgin duo in Mt. Gelmir to claim it.
The silver medal, at number 2, goes to the Cleanrot Spear. Its claim to fame is unique: it's the only spear in the game that inflicts holy damage. With 102 physical and 66 holy damage, it's my absolute go-to weapon when dealing with Those Who Live in Death and other undead horrors. Its skill, Sacred Phalanx, is both defensive and offensive, creating a line of golden spears from the ground. It's a versatile and powerful tool, earned by defeating the formidable Cleanrot Knights scattered across the world.
And finally, the crowning jewel, the number 1 spear in my arsenal: the Bolt of Gransax. This isn't just a weapon; it's a Legendary Armament, and it feels every bit as epic as that title suggests. It's incredibly long, dealing a mighty mix of physical and lightning damage. The true showstopper is its Ancient Lightning Spear skill, which lets you hurl a gigantic bolt of red lightning—it's one of the most satisfying attacks in the entire game. There's a crucial caveat, though: you must find it in Leyndell, Royal Capital, before you defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade. Miss that window, and this legendary spear is lost for the entire journey. Securing it is a priority for any completionist or power-seeker.
| Rank | Spear | Key Strength | Damage Type(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolt of Gransax 🥇 | Legendary; Longest reach; Lightning skill | Physical & Lightning |
| 2 | Cleanrot Spear 🥈 | Only holy-damage spear | Physical & Holy |
| 3 | Inquisitor's Girandole 🥉 | Triple-threat status effects | Physical, Fire & Blood Loss |
| 4 | Death Ritual Spear | Highest critical damage; Area skill | Physical & Magic |
| 5 | Clayman's Harpoon | Best for Intelligence builds | Physical & Magic |
Choosing your spear ultimately depends on your build and playstyle. Whether you seek the raw power of the Bolt of Gransax, the holy purging of the Cleanrot Spear, or the versatile utility of the Cross-Naginata, there's a perfect length of sharpened metal waiting for you in the Lands Between. My advice? Try a few. Feel their weight, master their reach, and find the one that becomes a true extension of your will as a Tarnished. Happy hunting! ⚔️