The axe is a weapon class in Elden Ring and is known for its ability to dish out some serious damage.
Players have a lot of options when it comes to dealing out death in Elden Ring. For example, the axe weapon class in Elden Ring comes with a surprising number of move sets and passives. Known for their serious damage, the axe weapon class trades off attack speed for raw damage output.
These weapons have slower attacks than other weapons, but wielded in one hand they are still more versatile than greataxes, and can be used alongside the best shields in Elden Ring. Players interested in wielding an axe should keep an eye out for these excellent options.
Updated November 11, 2023 by Joe Grantham:Elden Ring is by no means a simple game, and understanding how the stats on weapons work and how scaling affects damage output can be tricky even for advanced players. As such, this list has been updated to provide clear and concise information on the best axes in Elden Ring, with the maximum damage and the maximum scaling being the two most important factors. Players will also be informed of the stats that are required to wield these weapons in the first place, and also where to find these deadly axes. 10 Hand Axe
Stat Requirements
Str: 9
Dex: 8
Max Scaling (+25)
Str: D
Dex: C
Max Damage (+25)
Physical: 286
Location
Nomadic Merchant in East Limgrave
Upgrade Material
Smithing Stones
Unique Effect or Weapon Skill
Quickstep (Skill)
Scaling from both Str and Dex, this axe is a great starting weapon for those who want to hit a little harder. Its attack speed is fast, allowing players to get more hits in before they run out of stamina, making it a more forgiving weapon than most axes. Additionally, it can be buffed with spells and consumables, increasing its damage output.
However, what makes it suitable is its ability to be infused with Ashes of War, making it a great starting weapon for those who want to go for a quality build. This axe can be bought from the merchant in East Limgrave. 9 Forked Hatchet
Stat Requirements
Str: 9
Dex: 14
Max Scaling (+25)
Str: D
Dex: B
Max Damage (+25)
Physical: 259
Hemorrhage: 50
Location
Dropped by Imps
Upgrade Material
Smithing Stones
Unique Effect or Weapon Skill
Quickstep (Skill), Hemorrhage (Passive)
The shortest of all the axes, the Forked Hatchet makes up for it with its excellent Dex scaling and fast attack speed, allowing players to apply its innate bleed build-up fast. The axe can be buffed and infused, making it a versatile weapon that can change Ashes of War.
Additionally, infusing it with a Blood infusion increases its damage output significantly due to its attack speed, making it deadly up close. The Forked Hatchet is also relatively easy to get early in the game. Players can obtain this axe from Imps wielding it. 8 Sacrificial Axe
Stat Requirements
Str: 16
Dex: 10
Max Scaling (+25)
Str: C
Dex: D
Max Damage (+25)
Physical: 325
Location
Dropped by Deathbird North of Castle Morne
Upgrade Material
Smithing Stones
Unique Effect or Weapon Skill
Wild Strikes
The Sacrificial Axe is a good weapon that scales primarily with Str and Dex for aggressive players who like to face enemies head-on. Though the weapon has poor range, it makes up for it by being the second strongest in its weapon class regarding raw damage.
