Tarnished seeking guidance from the Greater Will in the Lands Between know that faith is not just a spiritual conviction, but a tangible source of power. For those wishing to channel this divine gift into the heat of battle, choosing the right tool is fundamental. Today, we’ll uncover the five best straight swords in Elden Ring for faith builds, exploring how these weapons, imbued with purity or twisted divine designs, can transform any Tarnished into a formidable crusader. From the versatility of their attacks to their unique abilities, each of these swords offers a distinct way to manifest the will of the gods on the battlefield.
The Divine Edge: Unravelling Faith-Based Straight Swords in Elden Ring
In the vast and enigmatic world of Elden Ring, straight swords are a cornerstone of combat strategy, valued for their balance of speed, reach, and damage. When combined with a faith build, these transcendental weapons become conduits for grace, allowing bearers to unleash devastating miracles or empower their attacks with sacred energy.
It’s not just about wielding a piece of metal, but brandishing a symbol of conviction, where every strike resonates with the fervour of its wielder. The synergy between a straight sword and faith unlocks an impressive tactical array. Choosing the right straight sword for a faith build goes beyond base damage. It’s crucial to consider its attribute scaling, which should preferably favour faith, as well as its inherent weapon skills (Ash of War) or the ability to apply changeable Ashes.
Some of these swords possess unique properties, such as the ability to inflict holy damage directly or to grant beneficial status effects. A faith-imbued straight sword is not merely an offering to the gods; it’s an extension of the player’s own divine will, capable of repelling the greatest demons and most obstinate heretics with celestial light. It’s the perfect balance between warrior prowess and priestly power, a lethal hybrid in the Lands Between.
Key Attributes to Consider for Faith Weapons
- Faith (FTH) Scaling: Indispensable for maximising the sword’s magic and physical damage.
- Damage Type: Preferably holy or physical damage that can be imbued with sacred effects.
- Weapon Skills (Ash of War): Assess the tactical utility, damage, or status effects they provide.
- Attribute Requirements: Consider the necessary investment in Strength and Dexterity to wield the weapon effectively.
- Weight and Speed: Crucial aspects for character manoeuvrability in combat.
Detailed Analysis of the Sword of the Oath: Versatility and Faith Potential
The Sword of the Oath is a formidable choice for any Tarnished who bases their power on faith. This is no ordinary sword; it’s a weapon embodying tenacity and promise, ideal for those Paladins seeking divine justice in the Lands Between.
Its robust and functional design conceals a sacred potential that manifests with every strike. What distinguishes it is its exceptional versatility, as it can be imbued with a wide variety of Ashes of War, allowing the player to adapt it to almost any combat situation, from pure damage to crowd control. Although its natural faith scaling isn’t as high as other sacred swords, its ability to apply faith-based Ashes of War, such as Golden Vow or Sacred Flame, transforms it into a devastating weapon. By applying a Holy or Frenzied Flame affinity, its damage adapts to the wielder’s faith statistics, becoming an extension of their divine power.
This makes it a perfect “canvas” for experimenting with different enchantments and abilities, allowing for a highly personalised gameplay experience. It’s an excellent option for players who want a reliable and adaptable sword that grows with their character and their faith progression.
Recommended Ashes of War for the Sword of the Oath
The flexibility of the Sword of the Oath lies in its compatibility with various Ashes of War, which can alter its affinity and ability.
| Ash of War | Affinity | Main Effect | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Vow | Holy | Boosts damage and defences of character and allies. | Ideal for support builds and moderate damage. |
| Flame of the Fell God | Frenzied Flame | Fire attack with fervent damage. | Requires investment in faith and power. |
| Hawkeye Blade | Holy | Ranged projectile attack with holy damage. | Useful for engaging enemies at range. |
| Shield Barricade | Any | Reinforces shield guard. | Defensive option for faith tanks. |
These options demonstrate how the Sword of the Oath can be moulded to suit a multitude of scenarios, making it one of the most versatile straight swords for a faith build.
The Legend of the Moonlight Greatsword: An Emblematic Weapon for Believers
The Moonlight Greatsword is a weapon that resonates with the depth of Elden Ring’s lore and the devotion of believers. While its name might evoke images of the Full Moon Queen, Rennala, and her magical arts, this sword, in the context of its attributes and abilities, can be surprisingly effective in the hands of a fervent follower of faith.
Its origin lies with the ancient knights who served the Royal Houses of the past, and its design reflects martial elegance combined with a sacred purpose. Although not a “pure” faith sword in the sense of scaling exclusively with this attribute, its weapon skill and the ability to infuse it with sacred enchantments make it a surprising candidate.
This sword stands out for its solid base damage and agile moveset, but it’s in its weapon skill that it shines for faith builds. Furthermore, by applying the right enchantment, such as Sacred Armament (Ash of War: Sacred Blade), the Moonlight Greatsword can inflict devastating holy damage, taking full advantage of the character’s faith scaling.
The aesthetic of this weapon, with its silver blade and ornate hilt, not only provides visual impact but also suggests a connection to higher powers, making it appealing to those who desire a sword that combines both elegance and divine functionality.
Synergies with Faith Equipment
Combining the Moonlight Greatsword with the correct equipment can unlock its true potential in a faith build. Consider:
- Marika’s Soreseal Talisman: To increase damage from holy attacks.
- Radagon’s Soreseal: Boosts faith enchantments and scaling.
- Armour Sets: Those that enhance faith or resistance to holy damage.
With these elements, the Moonlight Greatsword transforms not only into a weapon for melee combat but also into a beacon of sacred light that can decimate the darkest enemies. This sword, with its intricate history and versatile application, solidifies itself as a key piece for those who walk the path of faith in Elden Ring.
Beyond the Light: Variants and Alternatives of Faith Straight Swords
When exploring the depths of Elden Ring in search of the perfect divine tools for a faith build, it’s essential to look beyond the obvious choices. The Lands Between are vast and hide gems that, with the right investment, shine with their own light. In addition to the Sword of the Oath and the Moonlight Greatsword, there are other straight swords that, while perhaps not screaming “faith” at first glance, offer incredible potential for those Tarnished dedicated to the Greater Will.
These alternatives often require a deeper understanding of their mechanics or a specific Ash of War to unleash their true sacred power. One such option is the Longsword, a basic but surprisingly effective weapon. Its versatility makes it an excellent candidate for being imbued with a Holy affinity, allowing it to scale wonderfully with the faith attribute. Equipping it with Ashes of War like Sacred Blade or Flaming Strike transforms it into an instrument of divine judgment, capable of inflicting considerable holy damage.
Another example is the Broadsword, which offers slightly higher base damage and comparable reach, ideal for those seeking a bit more impact with each strike while maintaining the agility of straight swords. Even the Bastard Sword, though technically a greatsword, can be considered for its lighter variants and its ability to be imbued, offering a balance between the damage of a heavy sword and the speed of a straight sword.
Customisation and Hidden Potential
The key to these variants lies in customisation. A sword like the Longsword, despite its simplicity, can outperform other “more complex” weapons if the correct combination of Ash of War and enchantment is applied. The ability to imbue these weapons with sacred affinity drastically changes their scaling, orienting their damage towards faith and allowing the player to maximise their investment in this attribute. Do not underestimate the power of simplicity, for it often holds the greatest flexibility.
- Longsword: The quintessential versatile weapon. With a Holy Affinity, it becomes a powerful weapon for any faith build.
- Broadsword: A little heavier, but with superior impact. Excellent for players who prefer higher base damage alongside their faith scaling.
- Bastard Sword (lighter variants): Although it’s a greatsword, some of its lighter versions can be imbued with faith, providing superior reach and damage at the cost of slightly reduced speed.
These options demonstrate that faith builds in Elden Ring are not limited to a handful of pre-designed weapons. With the right strategy and the application of the correct Ashes of War, even a common sword can become a weapon of divine light, proving that faith can truly forge a legacy in the Lands Between.
Discover our selection of The 5 best straight swords in Elden Ring for faith builds
Forging Your Legacy: How to Maximise Your Faith Sword’s Power and Associated Builds
Maximising the potential of your faith sword in Elden Ring goes far beyond simply wielding the right weapon; it involves a holistic strategy encompassing attribute selection, talismans, armour, and, of course, enchantments and Ashes of War. The synergy between all these elements is what truly transforms a devoted Tarnished into an unstoppable crusader. A faith build thrives on the interconnection of its components, where every piece contributes to a larger, more powerful whole, channelling divine will directly onto the battlefield.
To begin, attribute allocation is fundamental. A high investment in faith is obvious, but one must not neglect the dexterity or strength needed to wield the chosen weapon effectively. Additionally, Mind (mana) is crucial for casting enchantments and activating weapon skills, while Vigor (health) ensures survival in challenging encounters. The tal