Elden Ring DLC Best Weapon & Build Tier List For 1.12.3 Patch

FromSoftware has finally released a hotfix for all the broken elements in the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree that the community has been discussing recently. This 1.12.3 patch has brought numerous changes, nerfs, and adjustments, significantly impacting the weapon meta. Here's our updated Elden Ring DLC best tier list, ranking the top weapons and builds and explaining why they stand out after the post-patch!

Elden Ring DLC New Best Weapon & Build Tier List After 1.12.3 Patch

The 1.12.3 patch for Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC brings significant changes, primarily focusing on nerfs and bug fixes for many overpowered elements. Swift Slash has been nerfed in PvP, while Carian Sorcery Sword scaling was increased, addressing previous issues. The throwing range for Smith Script Dagger and Circ was improved, though this is a minor change. Major fixes include the drastic reduction in Rolling Sparks damage and the removal of the double damage bug for Lightning Perfume, significantly lowering their effectiveness. The bug where left-hand projectiles inherited right-hand buffs like Royal Knight's Resolve has also been fixed, impacting weapons like the Frenzy Torch and Smith Script Shield. Thrusting Shields now properly consume stamina when blocking and poking, addressing their previous overpowered state. The Blood Fiend's Arm saw a reduction in bleed buildup, but it remains highly effective. Other changes include adjustments to Fire Knight's Great Sword affinities and minor fixes to various weapons and spells. Despite these fixes, some issues remain unaddressed, with certain weapons and spells still underperforming. With these updates in mind, here is our new Elden Ring DLC Weapon Tier List for the 1.12.3 Patch:

1. Impenetrable Thorns

Despite the patch nerfing many overpowered elements, the Impenetrable Thorns setup remains untouched, making it the strongest build available. Using the Impenetrable Thorns sorcery with the Mournful Staff, this setup causes instant bleed procs and massive damage, making it exceptionally powerful and straightforward to use.

2. Blood Fiend's Arm

The Blood Fiend's Arm has been slightly nerfed in terms of Arcane scaling and bleed buildup, but it still remains a top-tier weapon due to its raw damage and bleed potential. This weapon is incredibly effective for both PvE and PvP, making it an essential part of any player's arsenal.

3. Claws of the Night

The Claws of the Night are incredibly fast-hitting weapons with high DPS potential. They scale well with Dexterity and have passive bleed buildup, making them deadly during punish windows. Their scatter shot throw Ash of War allows for effective ranged attacks, enhancing their versatility.

4. Falx

The Falx stands out as a top-tier choice for Dexterity-based builds. Wielding two curved swords, the Falx offers an incredible move set with rapid attacks and significant bleed buildup. The weapon's Ash of War allows you to dash forward and chain heavy attacks, creating successive hits that increase in damage with each strike. This setup can quickly proc bleed, scaling your damage to comical levels. The Falx is particularly effective in PvE, where its speed and damage output can overwhelm even the toughest foes.

5. Keen Backhand Blade

The Keen Backhand Blade, equipped with the Blind Spot Ash of War, is another excellent choice for Dexterity-focused players. While its move set might not offer the raw DPS output of the Falx, it excels in evasion and counterattacks. The Blind Spot Ash of War allows you to evade an attack and immediately follow up with a thrust, making it a perfect tool for punishing enemy openings. This weapon is highly effective in both PvE and PvP, offering a blend of agility and precision that can exploit enemy weaknesses.

6. Commander Gaius

Utilizing the Spinning Gravity Thrust Ash of War from Commander Gaius's remembrance weapon, this build focuses on bleed procs. By stacking bleed-enhancing items, each spin can trigger rapid bleed procs, dealing massive damage. The build’s hyper armor allows for tanking through attacks, making it resilient and highly effective. Managing HP is crucial, but the build’s damage potential makes it one of the top choices.

7. Thrusting Shields

Despite being nerfed, Thrusting Shields remains highly effective. These shields allow for simultaneous blocking and attacking, reducing damage taken while maintaining offensive pressure. The Skull Shield buff further enhances damage negation, making this an easy and potent option for difficult encounters.

8. Fire Knight’s Greatsword

This greatsword excels for Faith builds, combining range, Ash of War customization, and passive fire damage. The weapon gains additional fire damage when using fire incantations or skills, providing a blend of physical and fire damage. Despite a slight PvP nerf, it remains powerful in PvE, delivering high damage and versatility. Its fun and rewarding play style ensures its place among the best weapons post-patch.

9. Sword Lance

The Sword Lance is a highly underrated heavy thrusting sword with one of the best strength scalings in the DLC. Fully customizable with affinities and compatible with powerful ashes of war, this weapon is a monster in terms of damage output. Its unique skill, Spinning Gravity Thrust, deals significant stamina damage and is effective both on foot and horseback.

10. Flower Stone Gavel

This weapon is incredibly versatile and powerful, especially after the animation speed buffs in patch 1.12. Its unique skill reduces lightning damage negation by 23% or 30% when charged, making it a top-tier choice for dealing massive damage. The Flower Stone Gavel's ability to scale well with Arcane and deliver both physical and lightning damage without worrying about split damage penalties makes it an outstanding weapon.