Elden Ring: 14 Secrets About Weapon Scaling You Didn’t Know
If you’ve been diving deep into Elden Ring’s vast world, you’ve probably noticed how crucial weapon scaling is to optimizing your damage output. But beyond the basic stats, there are some lesser-known details that can really elevate your understanding and gameplay. Here are 14 secrets about weapon scaling in Elden Ring that most players might not realize.
1. Weapon Scaling Isn’t StaticMost players think weapon scaling is fixed once you pick up a weapon, but it actually improves as you upgrade the weapon itself. Higher upgrade levels amplify scaling bonuses, meaning a weapon’s potential grows alongside your investment.
2. Different Weapons Favor Different StatsNot all weapons scale equally with the same attributes. Some weapons might have great scaling with Strength but almost none with Dexterity. Knowing this helps you decide how to distribute your stats effectively.
3. Scaling Grades Have Hidden TiersScaling grades like A, B, C, etc., don’t just represent flat damage increases. Each letter corresponds to a range of multipliers that can vary slightly depending on the weapon type and upgrade path.
4. Infusions Change Scaling DynamicsApplying Ashes of War or infusions can dramatically alter your weapon’s scaling. For example, a weapon infused with Heavy Ash of War will prioritize Strength scaling over Dexterity, while Keen Ash favors Dexterity. Choosing the right infusion can maximize your build’s efficiency.
5. Scaling Affects Critical Damage TooWhile weapon scaling mostly boosts physical damage, it also influences critical hits like backstabs and ripostes, making scaling an important factor for PvP players.
6. Elden Ring Runes Impact Your Build’s PotentialRunes help you level up attributes that affect scaling. Prioritizing runes for Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith—depending on your weapon’s scaling—can lead to massive DPS improvements.
7. Stat Soft Caps Matter More Than You ThinkIncreasing stats beyond soft caps yields diminishing returns on scaling. Understanding where these soft caps lie is crucial to avoid wasting valuable Elden Ring Runes.
8. Dual-Wielding Can Dilute Scaling EfficiencyUsing two weapons at once means your stats are split across both weapons’ scaling requirements, which can reduce the overall damage unless both weapons complement each other’s scaling.
9. Some Weapons Have Hybrid ScalingWeapons like the Moonveil or Rivers of Blood combine physical scaling with Intelligence or Arcane, giving you unique build opportunities if you invest correctly.
10. Status Effects Can Interact With ScalingBleed, poison, or frostbite effects don’t directly scale with attributes, but boosting your weapon’s base damage through scaling increases the potency of these status effects.
11. Upgrading Smithing Stones Boosts ScalingUpgrading your weapon requires smithing stones, which are limited resources. Choosing when and where to farm or buy these materials can save you time. If you’re wondering about the best place to buy Elden Ring items, focus on vendors in late-game areas where their stock includes rare upgrade materials.
12. Scaling Affects PvE and PvP DifferentlyIn PvP, players often value faster weapons with decent scaling for burst damage, whereas PvE players might prefer heavy-hitting weapons that benefit more from high scaling stats for boss fights.
13. Armor Weight and Weapon Scaling SynergyHeavier armor can affect your stamina regeneration, indirectly influencing how often you can swing or block. Efficient scaling means you might rely less on stamina-intensive tactics, letting you invest in heavier armor without sacrificing damage.
14. Experimentation is KeyThe best way to master weapon scaling is by testing different weapons and upgrade paths yourself. Mixing and matching your stats with various weapon infusions will uncover new strategies and playstyles.
Weapon scaling is one of Elden Ring’s most rewarding mechanics once you start peeling back its layers. By understanding these secrets, you can better allocate your Elden Ring Runes, optimize your weapon choices, and even discover the best place to buy Elden Ring items to streamline your journey. Whether you’re focusing on a pure Strength build or a hybrid caster, these insights will help you maximize your effectiveness in the Lands Between.