Elden Ring offers a vast array of combat mechanics, and one of the most powerful defensive tools available is the Guard Counter. This mechanic allows players to counterattack after successfully blocking an enemy strike, delivering a devastating blow in return. Much like the perfect parry system in Sekiro, the Guard Counter gives defensive players a way to turn the tide of battle.
However, not all weapons are equally suited for Guard Countering. Some have slower wind-ups, while others lack the heavy impact needed to stagger enemies. If you’re looking to master this technique, choosing the right weapon is crucial. Here’s a ranked list of the best weapons for Guard Counter in Elden Ring.
Table of Contents
- 1 8. Nightrider Glaive – Heavy But Effective
- 2 7. Godslayer’s Greatsword – Buffed for Defense
- 3 6. Golden Halberd – Holy Damage with Guard Counter Potential
- 4 5. Bloodfiend’s Arm – Bleed Damage and Ashes of War Compatibility
- 5 4. Star-Lined Sword – Speed and Precision
- 6 3. Starscourge Greatsword – Radahn’s Legendary Blades
- 7 2. Ruins Greatsword – Unmatched Strength Scaling
- 8 1. Giant-Crusher – The Ultimate Guard Counter Weapon
- 9 Get the Best Elden Ring Weapons Instantly
- 10 Final Thoughts
8. Nightrider Glaive – Heavy But Effective
Best for early-game Guard Counter builds
- Strength Scaling: C | Dexterity Scaling: E
- Location: Dropped by the Night’s Cavalry in Liurnia of the Lakes, north of the East Raya Lucaria Gate.
The Nightrider Glaive is an excellent early-game choice for Guard Countering. While its scaling isn’t top-tier, its high base damage makes it ideal for punishing enemies after a block. Its sweeping attacks also allow for crowd control, making it particularly useful against groups of enemies.
7. Godslayer’s Greatsword – Buffed for Defense
Best for players who want extra guarding power
- Strength Scaling: D | Dexterity Scaling: C | Faith Scaling: D
- Location: Found in a chest after defeating the Godskin Apostle in the Divine Tower of Caelid.
After a buff to its guarding capabilities, the Godslayer’s Greatsword has become a fantastic weapon for Guard Counter builds. It deals solid damage and offers great follow-up attacks, making it a viable choice for players who enjoy both offense and defense.
6. Golden Halberd – Holy Damage with Guard Counter Potential
Best for Strength/Faith hybrid builds
- Strength Scaling: C | Dexterity Scaling: E | Faith Scaling: D
- Location: Dropped by the Tree Sentinel in Limgrave.
The Golden Halberd is one of the most accessible Guard Counter weapons, obtainable early by defeating the Tree Sentinel. Its combination of Strength and Faith scaling allows for a versatile playstyle, while its high poise damage makes it effective for staggering foes.
5. Bloodfiend’s Arm – Bleed Damage and Ashes of War Compatibility
Best for players who want to stack Bleed with Guard Counters
- Strength Scaling: C | Dexterity Scaling: D
- Location: Dropped by Bloodfiends in Prospect Town (Gravesite Plain).
Unlike many heavy weapons, the Bloodfiend’s Arm can be infused with Ashes of War, allowing players to customize their Guard Counter experience. With the ability to apply Blood Infusion, this weapon enables quick Bleed buildup while maintaining powerful stagger potential.
4. Star-Lined Sword – Speed and Precision
Best for quick Guard Counter responses
- Strength Scaling: D | Dexterity Scaling: C
- Location: Dropped by Demi-Human Queen Marigga on the Cerulean Coast (Shadow of the Erdtree DLC).
The Star-Lined Sword is one of the fastest weapons suited for Guard Countering. While many greatswords and colossal weapons require a longer wind-up, this weapon allows for quick retaliatory strikes, ensuring enemies don’t have time to recover.
3. Starscourge Greatsword – Radahn’s Legendary Blades
Best for raw power and stagger potential
- Strength Scaling: B
- Location: Obtained by trading Radahn’s Remembrance with Enia at the Roundtable Hold.
The Starscourge Greatsword is not only a visually impressive weapon but also an incredibly effective one for Guard Countering. Despite its large size, it swings faster than expected and deals massive stagger damage, making it a solid choice for Strength builds.
2. Ruins Greatsword – Unmatched Strength Scaling
Best for pure Strength builds
- Strength Scaling: A
- Location: Dropped by the Misbegotten Warrior & Crucible Knight in Redmane Castle (outside Radahn Festival).
The Ruins Greatsword is one of the hardest-hitting Strength weapons in the game. Its colossal damage and staggering heavy attacks make it one of the top choices for Guard Counter builds. Enemies who hit your shield won’t live long enough to regret it.
1. Giant-Crusher – The Ultimate Guard Counter Weapon
Best for dealing massive damage with every counter
- Strength Scaling: S
- Location: Found inside a carriage south of the Outer Wall Phantom Tree Site of Grace (Altus Plateau).
If you’re looking for the best Guard Counter weapon in Elden Ring, the Giant-Crusher takes the crown. This colossal Strength-scaling weapon lands devastating counterattacks that can one-shot weaker enemies and stagger even the toughest bosses. If you’re running a Strength-focused Guard Counter build, this weapon is a must-have.
Get the Best Elden Ring Weapons Instantly
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Final Thoughts
Mastering the Guard Counter in Elden Ring requires the right weapon. While all weapons can technically use this mechanic, those with high poise damage, Strength scaling, and quick follow-up attacks excel in this playstyle. Whether you prefer the devastating power of the Giant-Crusher or the quick precision of the Star-Lined Sword, choosing the right weapon will significantly enhance your defensive playstyle.
Experiment with these weapons, find what fits your build, and dominate enemies with perfectly-timed Guard Counters!
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