When it comes to Elden Ring, few things stir the community like PvP weapon debates. Having played over 300 hours since launch—dueling, invading, and defending—I’ve seen just about every meta shift and balance patch. Some weapons earn praise for their satisfying movesets and fair damage, while others are loathed for their spam potential or overpowered hitboxes. In this guide, I’ll break down the most loved and hated PvP weapons in Elden Ring, based on personal experience, community feedback, and overall effectiveness.

Whether you're refining your build or just looking to buy Elden Ring runes to level up quickly, knowing which weapons dominate the PvP scene is essential.

Most Loved PvP Weapons in Elden Ring

1. Rivers of Blood

Even after multiple nerfs, Rivers of Blood remains a community favorite. Its unique bleed-infused katana moveset feels fluid and stylish. From my experience, the balance between range, speed, and the L2 skill (Corpse Piler) makes it one of the most rewarding weapons to master—especially in duels. Players love the flashy kills and how it complements dex/arcane builds.

2. Moonveil

Moonveil caters to intelligence-focused players who enjoy a mix of melee and sorcery. The fast projectile from its skill, Transient Moonlight, can punish overly aggressive opponents. I’ve won many close matches thanks to its quick burst potential. While not as dominant as it once was, Moonveil still holds a beloved spot for its hybrid playstyle.

3. Claymore

The classic greatsword may not be flashy, but it's incredibly dependable. In PvP, it offers excellent reach and poise damage, making it ideal for spacing and trading. I’ve personally used a strength/faith build with this weapon and found it surprisingly versatile. The Claymore gets love for its simplicity and efficiency.

Most Hated PvP Weapons in Elden Ring

1. Eclipse Shotel

This weapon combines faith scaling and anti-shield properties, but what makes it notorious is its L2 attack, which bypasses shields entirely. It's especially frustrating for players who rely on defensive builds. I’ve faced many opponents who spam its skill with little counterplay—earning it a spot as one of the most hated.

2. Bloodhound’s Fang

A curved greatsword with high mobility and burst damage, Bloodhound’s Fang has been a PvP menace since early patches. Its weapon art, Bloodhound’s Finesse, lets users escape or chase with ease. I’ve seen (and suffered) countless cheese tactics involving hit-and-run strategies that feel unfairly evasive.

3. Greatspear + Shield Turtling

Not a weapon per se, but a combo that has frustrated the PvP community for ages. Greatspears offer massive range, and when paired with greatshields, it becomes an impenetrable wall. Facing this combo often feels like banging your head against a brick wall. The experience is slow, drawn-out, and rarely enjoyable.

How to Stay Competitive in PvP

To truly enjoy Elden Ring’s PvP, it's not just about weapon choice—it’s about preparation. One of the best ways to optimize your build quickly is to buy Elden Ring runes from reliable sources. Sites like U4GM offer fast delivery and excellent customer support, allowing you to skip the grind and experiment with different weapons and playstyles.

If you're aiming to use Elden Ring runes to level up fast, consider focusing on vigor, endurance, and your main damage stat (dexterity, strength, or intelligence). These ensure survivability and effectiveness in the ever-shifting PvP meta.

PvP in Elden Ring is as thrilling as it is divisive. Some weapons unite the community through admiration, while others draw collective groans. From flashy bleed builds to annoying turtle tactics, there’s something for everyone—loved or hated. As someone who has spent hundreds of hours fine-tuning builds and testing every viable PvP setup, I can confidently say that variety is what keeps Elden Ring's PvP alive.

So whether you’re chasing meta glory or just experimenting with your favorite weapons, remember: preparation is key. Grab your runes, gear up, and enter the battlefield with confidence.

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