Critical hits in Elden Ring are among the most satisfying mechanics in the game. Whether you're landing a well-timed parry, backstab, or visceral attack after stance-breaking an enemy, the right weapon can make all the difference. If you're building around maximizing critical damage, this guide breaks down seven of the best weapons for that purpose — weapons that scale well with Dexterity, boost critical modifiers, or simply synergize with high-skill gameplay. Whether you’re exploring dungeons or fighting PvP duels, these picks are worth considering.

Here are the top 7 Elden Ring weapons for critical hit builds:

1. Miséricorde

With a base critical stat of 140, the Miséricorde has the highest critical multiplier in the game. Despite its humble appearance, this dagger can shred through enemies when used after stance-breaking or parrying. It's a favorite among PvP players and high-skill PvE builds alike. Infusing it with Keen and pairing it with Dexterity scaling makes it even deadlier.

Pro tip: Equip the Dagger Talisman to further boost your critical damage with this weapon.

2. Rapier

This classic thrusting sword offers great speed and precision, and it’s ideal for ripostes and quick pokes. While its base critical stat is standard at 110, its rapid attack speed and low stamina cost make it perfect for parry-and-punish playstyles.

You’ll often see players using this weapon when farming with high efficiency — especially when trying to optimize returns from rune farming spots. Speaking of which, it’s easy to pair this with Elden Ring runes for sale services to experiment with different build upgrades early on.

3. Reduvia

Reduvia is not only a bleeding dagger, but also a solid critical weapon when paired with certain talismans and buffs. It has strong Dexterity scaling and offers both melee and ranged capabilities thanks to its unique weapon skill. While its crit stat isn’t exceptional by default, its fast moveset makes it great for setting up ripostes in PvE and PvP.

4. Great Épée

The Great Épée combines range and power with thrusting mechanics. Though it doesn't boast a high base critical modifier, it benefits greatly from critical hit-focused talismans and ash of war customizations. It’s particularly effective in builds that lean on stance-breaking with charged pokes.

For players trying to test out builds before leveling deeply, some opt to grab Elden Ring items for sale to access specific upgrade materials early. This allows them to fully reinforce the weapon and experience its late-game power before committing to a build.

5. Scorpion's Stinger

While not traditionally used for crits, this dagger applies Scarlet Rot rapidly, opening enemies to critical opportunities. It's a situational weapon, but in longer boss fights where you can reliably build up status, it provides openings for critical punishes.

The key is to pair it with other items that either increase crit damage or stance-break potential, making it a strategic sidearm for hybrid builds.

6. Noble's Estoc

This thrusting sword comes with a clean moveset, decent range, and reliable crit potential. Though often overlooked, its critical stat of 110 and fast, linear pokes make it ideal for precision players who rely on parries and backstabs.

With the right build — especially when stacked with talismans like the Dagger Talisman or Lord of Blood's Exultation — you can turn it into a devastating weapon in both PvE and PvP.

7. Wakizashi (Dual Wielded with a Katana)

The Wakizashi isn’t particularly notable on its own for critical hits, but when dual-wielded with a katana like the Uchigatana, it opens up a lot of combo potential. Players using dual builds can land stagger or bleed procs, then follow up with devastating critical hits. It’s a versatile option, especially if you enjoy aggressive, agile combat styles.

And for those experimenting with weapon pairings, many find it helpful to use Elden Ring runes for sale to quickly test different stat allocations without excessive grinding.

Critical hit builds in Elden Ring reward timing, patience, and precision — and the right weapon can elevate your entire experience. Whether you prefer daggers for fast ripostes or thrusting swords for well-timed pokes, each weapon on this list brings something unique to the table.

While testing different combinations, don’t hesitate to explore Elden Ring items for sale to access rare upgrade materials or respec tools that make your build shine. With the right setup, you’ll be ripping through enemies and bosses with surgical precision — and plenty of style.