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In a title likeElden Ring, where bosses are enormous and their attacks tend to have absurd range, it takes a special kind of player to willingly choose a dagger. In truth, based solely on their short reach alone, daggers are probably one of the most difficult weapons to use in all ofElden Ring. However, when paired with a lighter equipment load, the right Ash of War choice, and a bit of cunning, daggers can actually be one of the most rewarding weapons to use.
While the basic Dagger can be used as an excellentweapon for a challenge run through Elden Ring, the unique daggers found throughout the game can be exceptionally powerful. In general, like swords, katanas, and other blades, daggers often apply a Bleed status to enemies—an extremely strong status effect inElden Ring. This means that despite their limitations, daggers tend to be a high-damage, high-mobility choice that rewards players' skills even more than other options.
Updated May 15, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: The best Daggers in Elden Ring are those that come with some kind of special effect or unlock a unique moveset, but many of the game’s daggers are useful in the right hands with the right build. With the addition of several new DLC daggers, Elen Ring players have some more choices when it comes to the best Elden Ring Daggers. This Elden Ring Dagger tier list has been updated to include the Main-Gauche and Fire Knight’s Shortsword, as well as to include some new details on Daggers available in the base game.
B-Tier
C-Tier
Cinquedea:The only useful thing that the Cinquedea does is boost Bestial Incantations—which are relatively lackluster—but as it stands that passive ability cannot outweigh the relatively poor base stats and inability to upgrade it without using Somber Smithing Stones. It’s also in a difficulthidden location in Elden Ringthat, as of Patch 1.03, is currently near impossible to obtain.
