Elden Ring is filled with powerful and visually stunning weapons, each with its own unique lore, abilities, and connections to the game’s deep mythology. Some stand out not only for their deadly effectiveness in combat but also for their epic design and legendary backstories. Among them, the Dark Moon Greatsword, Rivers of Blood, and Malenia’s Blade of Miquella are some of the most iconic.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes these three weapons some of the most iconic in Elden Ring, their lore, and why they are fan favorites.
1. Dark Moon Greatsword – A Blade Blessed by the Cosmos
Weapon Type: Colossal Greatsword
Scaling: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence
Skill: Moonlight Greatsword – Fires waves of cold moonlight energy
The Dark Moon Greatsword is one of the most legendary weapons in Elden Ring and a direct successor to the Moonlight Greatsword, a weapon that has appeared in nearly every FromSoftware game. This frost-infused greatsword is obtained after completing Ranni the Witch’s questline, one of the most intricate and rewarding stories in the game.
Why It’s Iconic:
- Tied to Ranni the Witch, one of the most beloved characters in Elden Ring.
- Moonlight Greatsword's ability fires powerful, glowing blue energy waves.
- Drips with cosmic energy, reinforcing its connection to the stars and forbidden knowledge.
- One of the most beautiful weapons, with its cold, radiant blue glow.
Lore & Significance
The Dark Moon Greatsword represents Ranni’s blessing to the Tarnished, symbolizing devotion to her cause. It is the weapon of choice for those who embrace the Age of Stars, a new cosmic order where the Greater Will no longer rules over the Lands Between.
If you wield this sword, you align yourself with a path beyond the influence of gods—one of mystery, cold determination, and celestial power.
2. Rivers of Blood – The Katana of Death and Bloodshed
Weapon Type: Katana
Scaling: Strength, Dexterity, Arcane
Skill: Corpse Piler – A flurry of cursed, blood-drenched slashes
The Rivers of Blood Katana is one of the most infamous weapons in Elden Ring, known for its insane bleed damage and its visually stunning attacks. This blade is wielded by Bloody Finger Okina, an invader who appears at the Church of Repose in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
Why It’s Iconic:
- One of the most stylish weapons—its blade glows red with cursed blood.
- Unleashes rapid slashes, making it a favorite for aggressive players.
- The ultimate Bleed weapon, melting enemies (and players in PvP) with its Corpse Piler skill.
- Tied to the Bloody Fingers, a mysterious group of assassins serving the Frenzied Flame.
Lore & Significance
The Rivers of Blood is a katana tainted by cursed blood, said to have drunk the lifeblood of countless warriors. It is wielded by Okina, a swordsman who succumbed to the madness of bloodlust. The katana is associated with Lord Mohg, the Blood Lord, and the twisted power of blood sorcery.
In battle, the Corpse Piler skill unleashes a torrent of cursed slashes, overwhelming enemies with a devastating bleed effect. This makes it one of the deadliest PvP and boss-killing weapons in the game.
Wielding Rivers of Blood means embracing a path of carnage, slaughter, and the cursed power of blood magic.
3. Blade of Miquella (Hand of Malenia) – The Sword of the Undefeated Warrior
Weapon Type: Katana
Scaling: Strength, Dexterity
Skill: Waterfowl Dance – A lightning-fast flurry of slashes
Malenia’s Blade, officially known as the Hand of Malenia, is one of the most feared and revered weapons in Elden Ring. It is the sword of Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the hardest bosses in FromSoftware history. This scarlet rot-infused katana is as elegant as it is deadly, mirroring Malenia’s graceful yet brutal combat style.
Why It’s Iconic:
- Signature weapon of Malenia, one of Elden Ring’s most iconic bosses.
- Waterfowl Dance is one of the most spectacular and devastating attacks in the game.
- Scarlet Rot-infused, making it lethal over time.
- A katana with a curved, ornate design, reflecting Malenia’s beauty and deadliness.
Lore & Significance
Malenia is the twin sister of Miquella, and she was born cursed with Scarlet Rot. Despite this, she became one of the most powerful warriors in the Lands Between, undefeated in battle. She wields this ornate golden katana, delivering swift, relentless attacks that overwhelm even the strongest foes.
The Hand of Malenia embodies her grace, discipline, and the devastating cost of her power. Wielding it is a tribute to the strongest swordswoman in Elden Ring and a reminder of the deadly beauty of the Scarlet Rot.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Weapons of Elden Ring
Each of these weapons is more than just a tool for battle—they represent the legacy of legendary warriors, the power of the cosmos and blood magic, and the brutality of war in the Lands Between. Whether you prefer the cosmic frost of the Dark Moon Greatsword, the blood-soaked carnage of Rivers of Blood, or the unstoppable elegance of Malenia’s Blade, these weapons define some of the most memorable moments in Elden Ring.
Which One Should You Choose?
- For Cosmic Power & Intelligence Builds → Dark Moon Greatsword
- For Bleed Builds & Fast Aggressive Playstyles → Rivers of Blood
- For Dexterity Builds & Boss-Like Combat → Hand of Malenia
Whichever weapon you choose, you wield a piece of Elden Ring’s most legendary history.
