Top 11 Elden Ring Weapons That Deal Bonus Critical Damage
In Elden Ring, knowing how to capitalize on critical hits—like backstabs, ripostes, and parries—can turn even the toughest fights in your favor. While most players focus on raw damage or flashy weapon arts, there's a subset of weapons that excel specifically at punishing enemies during critical windows. These aren’t always the biggest or flashiest weapons in the game, but when it comes to dealing bonus critical damage, they hit hard when it counts.
If you're sitting on a pile of Elden Ring Runes and looking to invest in something that makes you more dangerous during critical moments, this list is for you. Here are the top 11 weapons in Elden Ring that offer increased critical damage.
1. Misericorde
Let’s start with the king of critical weapons. The Misericorde is a dagger with the highest critical rating in the game at 140. It might not look like much, but it’s lightweight, fast, and absolutely devastating after a parry or backstab. Pair it with a high-dexterity build or use it offhand for those sweet ripostes.
2. Rapier
A solid early-game choice, the Rapier isn’t just fast—it also boasts a strong critical modifier. It’s especially effective for players who are learning parry timings and want a reliable follow-up. Plus, its reach and speed give it a niche in PvP duels.
3. Great Épée
This thrusting sword balances strength and dexterity scaling while maintaining a good critical hit stat. It’s a great middle ground for players who want a bit more poise damage but still want to take advantage of enemy stuns and guard breaks.
4. Estoc
A classic in FromSoftware titles, the Estoc performs well in tight spaces and excels at thrusting through enemy defenses. Its critical rating is solid, and it’s often favored by players who enjoy a balanced, reactive playstyle.
5. Wakizashi
This unique dagger has a lower critical stat than Misericorde but can be dual-wielded with a katana for bleed-focused builds. Its fast animation and decent crit potential make it a great option for agile builds that focus on quick kill windows.
6. Cinqueda
Short and brutal, the Cinqueda is known for boosting bestial incantations, but it also boasts a decent critical hit modifier. While it’s more niche, Strength-Faith builds will find it a useful sidearm for finishers after knocking down enemies with heavy weapons or spells.
7. Bloodstained Dagger
A brutal dagger that not only scales well with Dexterity but also causes bleed buildup. Its critical stat makes it deadly on ripostes, especially when combined with the Hemorrhage effect. Ideal for players who want to maximize damage output in a short time frame.
8. Black Knife
This late-game dagger deals percentage-based damage with its special weapon art, but don’t overlook its critical rating. It pairs well with high-Faith builds and gives you a powerful option against enemies with high health pools.
9. Reduvia
Primarily known for its strong bleed projectile, Reduvia also benefits from a solid crit stat. While not the top-tier choice for pure critical builds, its utility in applying pressure while still landing powerful critical strikes makes it worth considering.
10. Parrying Dagger
It’s not just a tool for parrying—it also has a respectable critical modifier. If you’re confident in your timing, this dagger rewards you with excellent riposte damage. It’s lightweight and can fit into nearly any loadout as a backup crit option.
11. Hand of Malenia
While not traditionally seen as a crit weapon, Hand of Malenia’s high damage and bleed buildup can make ripostes particularly brutal. Though it has a standard critical value of 100, the massive damage output following a stagger or backstab still earns it a spot here.
Making the Most of Critical Weapons
Critical-focused weapons are all about timing and precision. To get the most out of them, consider pairing your setup with Talismans like the Dagger Talisman (which boosts critical damage) or armor that doesn’t weigh you down, so you can stay nimble and capitalize on openings.
Many of these weapons can be found or purchased throughout the game world, while others are dropped from specific bosses or invaders. For those eager to experiment or test builds, keep an eye out for Elden Ring Items for sale from in-game merchants—they often include upgrade materials, smithing stones, or even unique weapons that fit critical-based setups.
And of course, don’t forget the importance of Elden Ring Runes. Whether you’re upgrading your gear, leveling key stats like Dexterity or Arcane for bleed synergy, or experimenting with new builds at Rennala’s respec service, runes are the fuel behind your character’s growth.
Critical builds may not always look as flashy as dual colossal greatswords or lightning-spewing Faith casters, but they reward patience, skill, and precision. With the right weapon and the right moment, you can drop even the hardest bosses in a single well-timed strike.