U4GM - Elden Ring: 13 Weapon Strategies That Work Best in NG+
New Game Plus (NG+) in Elden Ring offers players a fresh challenge by ramping up enemy difficulty and scaling, making it essential to adapt your weapon strategies for the tougher battles ahead. After spending dozens of hours mastering the game’s mechanics, I’ve found that certain weapons and tactics consistently outperform others in NG+. Whether you’re farming for cheap Elden Ring runes or looking to enhance your build with Elden Ring items for sale, knowing which weapons shine in NG+ will save you time and effort.
Here are 13 weapon strategies that work best in NG+, helping you conquer the heightened threats with confidence.
1. Heavy-Hitting Colossal WeaponsColossal swords and greatswords deal massive damage, especially when fully upgraded. Their stagger potential is invaluable for boss fights, but managing stamina is crucial.
2. Bleed-Build WeaponsWeapons that inflict bleed, like the Rivers of Blood katana, remain incredibly effective in NG+ due to the fast build-up of the status effect, bypassing enemy defenses.
3. Magic-Scaled WeaponsHybrid weapons that scale with Intelligence or Faith allow you to combine physical attacks with powerful spells, making them versatile against NG+ enemies.
4. Quality Build WeaponsBalanced Strength and Dexterity scaling weapons maintain consistent damage output and flexibility, useful for adapting to various enemy resistances.
5. Quickstep and Dodge-Enhanced WeaponsLight weapons like daggers and rapiers, paired with swift mobility, help avoid high damage hits and allow for quick counterattacks.
6. Buff-Dependent WeaponsUsing weapon buffs such as Flame, Grant Me Strength or Magic Weapon can significantly increase damage, which is essential in NG+ when enemies have increased health pools.
7. Heavy Crossbows and BowsRanged options remain strong, especially for thinning out groups before engaging in melee combat. Investing in arrows or bolts can be crucial.
8. Poise-Breaking WeaponsWeapons with high poise damage can stagger even the toughest foes, giving you openings for critical strikes.
9. Dual-Wielding BuildDual-wielding weapons with fast attack speed allow for rapid combos and pressure, overwhelming enemies who have buffed defenses.
10. Greatshield UsersFor those favoring a defensive playstyle, a greatshield paired with a solid weapon can provide survivability while still dealing reliable damage.
11. Status Effect StackingCombining weapons that inflict poison, frost, or bleed can chip away at enemy health steadily, useful for prolonged NG+ encounters.
12. Faith-Based Weapons with IncantationsWeapons that scale with Faith and are combined with buffs or healing incantations improve both offense and survivability.
13. Ashes of War OptimizationEquipping Ashes of War that complement your weapon’s scaling and add utility can dramatically improve your effectiveness in NG+ battles.
If you find farming for runes to upgrade these weapons tedious in NG+, buying cheap Elden Ring runes or Elden Ring items for sale from trusted sources like U4GM can speed up your progression. This way, you can focus more on experimenting with builds and less on grinding. Remember, NG+ is about adapting and overcoming — the right weapon strategy will be your greatest asset on the journey.