As a hardcore Elden Ring player with over 800 hours of experience, I‘ve tested every spear extensively across different builds in both PvE and PvP. And I‘m here to report that spears are secretly one of the most versatile, tactical and outright lethal weapons around. Yes, even more so than the ubiquitous katana!
In this comprehensive guide from a spear specialist, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about finding, upgrading and mastering spears. Let‘s dive in!
How to Evaluate Spears
Before selecting a spear, keep these key criteria in mind:
- Scaling – The attribute scaling grades indicate which builds suit particular spears best in terms of damage potential.
- Moveset – Thrust-focused spears demand precision. But some incorporate slashes or unique skills for versatility.
- Affinities – Infusions or Ashes of War let you realign scaling or status effects based on enemies faced.
- Tactical Utility – The right spear empowers creative tactics against certain enemies or in PvP outplays.
I evaluate all these factors individually below for every top spear worth using.
Spear Comparison Table
To start with the bird‘s eye view, here‘s a data-packed comparison table contrasting all the noteworthy spears in Elden Ring across crucial statistics:
| Spear | Attribute Scaling | Critical | Guard Boost | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ||||
| Cross-Naginata | D/C/-/- | 110 | 60 | Spinning Strikes |
| Partisan | D/D/-/- | 100 | 40 | Impaling Thrust |
| Somber | ||||
| Death Ritual Spear | E/D/-/D | 110 | 36 | Ghostflame Assault |
| Bolt of Gransax | D/D/-/- | 100 | 40 | Charge Forth |
| Treespear | D/D/D/- | 100 | 45 | Upward Prayer |
| Great Lance | D/D/-/- | 100 | 44 | Stamp (Charge) |
As you can see, spears largely skewer enemies with Standard affinity or strike them down with Somber Legendary armaments. Let‘s explore why I‘ve picked these as the prime spear standouts in Elden Ring.
Best Standard Spear: Cross-Naginata
Simply put, the Cross-Naginata offers the perfect blend of speed, bleeding potential, and moveset versatility among standard spears upgraded with Smithing Stones to +25.
Location
- Gael Tunnel mini-boss in Limgrave
Stat Requirements
- 16 Strength
- 20 Dexterity
Scaling
- D Strength
- C Dexterity
Moveset
- Fast thrusting attacks
- ADD: Also incorporates horizontal slash attacks for excellent versatility. The R1 combos fluidly from thrust to slash.
Customization
- Change Ash of War skill
- Infusions boost base Bleed status buildup
The Verdict:
With its balanced stat demands, bleeding potential, and delightfully varied moveset, the Cross-Naginata proves phenomenal in PvE and PvP alike. Both Dexterity and Quality build players will love this spear‘s swift, lethal dance!
Best Early Game Spear: Partisan
While the Cross-Naginata requires defeating a challenging mini-boss, the Partisan can be acquired fairly easily and boasts excellent base damage.
Location
- Dropped by Godrick Knights as early as Stormveil Castle
Stat Requirements
- 15 Strength
- 12 Dexterity
Scaling
- D Strength
- D Dexterity
Moveset
- Basic thrust moveset with solid reach
- Powerful Charged Heavy Thrust to smash guards
The Verdict:
The Partisan hits much harder than early alternatives like Iron Spears while remaining fast and tactical. Despite basic moves, its sheer damage output makes it a reliable early game carry.
Best Somber Legendary Spear: Death Ritual
If you‘re rocking an Intelligence build, the legendary Death Ritual Spear offers fast thrusting attacks augmented by innate magic damage from spectral flames along the blade.
It scales very well with Dexterity/Intelligence investment, converts standard physical damage to magic, and even inflicts Death blight buildup.
Location
- Dropped by Death Rite Bird mini-boss in Mountaintops of the Giants
Requirements
- 14 Strength
- 20 Dexterity
- 14 Intelligence
Scaling
- E Strength
- D Dexterity
- D Intelligence
Skills
- Ghostflame Assault – Slam spear down to erupt spectral flames forward
- Charged R2 overhead smash
The Verdict
Spellblade builds in particular thrive off the Death Ritual Spear‘s magic power. Both ranged caster and melee spear movesets blend tremendously through clever stance dancing.
Spear Tactics to Master
Once you‘ve acquired your spear of choice, keep these key tactics in mind:
- Punish Recklessness – Bait overeager foes and time counters
- Abuse Range – Keep distance and whittle down melee attackers
- Vary Timings – Mix up quick pokes, delayed strikes, and charged attacks
- Cycle Affinities – Rearm with situational Ashes like Blood, Poison, Lightning, etc
- Off-Hand Flexibility – Incorporate shields, seals, or parrying daggers
Learning precisely when to strike, hang back, or pivot to magic is essential. But do so and spears will serve you perfectly through even the toughest encounters.
Verdict: Master spears now!
I hope this comprehensive spear deep dive has awakened your curiosity in mastering these tactical arms. They reward patience, planning, and precision over reckless button mashing. But invest time learning their nuances and spears will serve as phenomenal allies no matter the challenge at hand.
Now go impress your fellow Tarnished! Wield your newfound spear expertise with pride.
