The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring didn't just add more content; it fundamentally reshaped the combat landscape with a suite of innovative weapon types. These aren't mere reskins or stat adjustments—they introduce entirely new mechanics, attack forms, and tactical philosophies. From colossal dragon-slaying katanas to mystical perfume bottles and unarmed martial arts, the DLC's arsenal challenges veteran strategies and opens up thrilling new playstyles for both aggressive and tactical players. The integration is so seamless that these weapons feel like they always belonged, yet their impact on the meta is undeniable, offering fresh solutions to the Lands Between's deadliest challenges.

🟥 Colossal & Hybrid Powerhouses

First up, the Dragon-Hunter's Great Katana. This isn't just a big sword; it's a dragon's worst nightmare. Imagine the Moonveil's elegance but scaled up for pure, cinematic devastation. Its unique skill, a high leaping slash, can be charged to fire a deadly red projectile. This makes it perfect for two things: clearing mobs from a safe distance and, more importantly, closing in on those pesky dragons. It boasts a massive 20% damage bonus against all dragon types. Struggling with the Jagged Peak drakes or past dragon bosses? This weapon turns the tide.

Then there's Rellana's Twin Blades, a weapon that breaks the rules of magical armaments. Why settle for one element when you can have two? This paired light greatsword seamlessly fuses Glintstone sorcery and fiery incantations. Its fixed Moon-and-Fire Stance is the key: light attacks unleash waves of magical light, while strong attacks erupt in a spinning vortex of flame. It scales with Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith, making it a dream for hybrid builds that want to stylishly blend spell and steel.

🛡️ The Art of Aggressive Defense

Forget passive blocking. The Dueling Shield and Carian Thrusting Shield redefine the shield's role entirely. These are weapons first, shields second. They allow you to execute precise, poise-breaking thrusts while your guard is up. The ability to wind up a heavy attack without dropping your defense is a game-changer against relentless, aggressive bosses. They come with the Shield Strike skill but can be infused with any Ash of War. A pro-tip? Infuse one with Cold and watch your heavy attacks rapidly build Frostbite, chiseling away at even the toughest foes.

⚔️ Nimble Dancers & Savage Beasts

Agility gets a major upgrade with the Backhand Blades. These blades are designed for a fluid, acrobatic combat style. They can be dual-wielded straight out of the box, no duplicate needed. Their unique Ashes of War, like Swift Slash (a forward dashing flurry) and Blind Spot (an angled evasive dash), let players dance around enemies with deadly precision. Variants like the Smithscript Cirque and Curseblade's Cirque add even more flair—one can be thrown in curving arcs, while the other's Deadly Dance skill ends a spinning assault with a devastating axe-kick.

If you prefer getting up close and personal, the new Claws will satisfy your primal instincts. The Beast Claw and Red Bear's Claw leave their base-game cousins in the dust with hyper-aggressive skills. Savage Claws unleashes a vicious six-hit combo, while Red Bear Hunt creates a vacuum of slashes that continuously shreds enemy health bars. These are high-risk, high-reward tools for maintaining relentless pressure, and their high innate status buildup can be customized further with different Ashes of War.

🎯 Ranged Revolution & Alchemical Warfare

Say goodbye to hoarding consumable throwing knives. The Smithscript weapon type introduces permanent thrown weapons that automatically return to your hand. This gives pure melee builds a reliable, pressure-maintaining ranged option. Each variant has its quirks: the Spear has incredible range, especially on Torrent; the Shield acts as a homing disc; and the Greathammer annihilates everything in a straight line. It's a ranged game-changer.

Perhaps the most creatively bizarre addition is the Perfume Bottle weapon type. Don't confuse them with key items—these are tools of elemental devastation. They create clouds of damage with skills like Rolling Sparks (a trail of exploding powder) and Wall of Sparks (a massive AoE circle). These clouds are devastating against groups and incredibly disorienting in PvP. For maximum effect, most Tarnished swear by the Firespark or Chilling Perfume Bottle paired with the Rolling Sparks Ash of War.

👊 The Ultimate Unarmed Style

And finally, we have the piece de résistance: Dryleaf Arts. This isn't a weapon; it's a martial art. By far the most unique addition, it turns your character into a poise-breaking, combo-unleashing monk. Its innate Palm Blast Ash of War is the star—charging it grants an insane amount of poise, making the resulting blast virtually unstoppable. When combined with talismans and buffs that enhance unarmed combat or poise, Dryleaf Arts becomes overwhelmingly powerful. Its quick, wide normal attacks and unbreakable charged strikes allow players to dominate close-quarters battles with confidence and style.

Final Verdict in 2026

Two years after its release, the weapon diversity introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree continues to define Elden Ring's endgame and PvP meta. These tools aren't just powerful; they encourage creative problem-solving and dramatic shifts in playstyle. Whether you're throwing a magical discus shield, bathing a room in perfumed flames, or pummeling a god with your bare hands, the DLC ensures that every encounter can feel fresh, strategic, and spectacularly stylish. The arsenal is no longer just about damage numbers—it's about expression, and in that, Shadow of the Erdtree delivered a masterpiece.