Hey, fellow Tarnished! 🪓 Let's talk axes in Elden Ring. As someone who's spent an ungodly amount of time in the Lands Between (and the Shadow Realm expansion), I can tell you that axes are seriously underrated. They're not just for chopping wood, okay? They trade some attack speed for that sweet, sweet raw damage, and when paired with a solid shield, they can be absolutely devastating. Think of them as the reliable, no-nonsense friend who always has your back in a bar fight. They might not be the flashiest, but they get the job done. And in 2026, with all the DLC content fully explored, we have more options than ever. So, let's break down the best of the best, from early-game gems to late-game powerhouses.

First up, let's talk about accessibility. Some of these bad boys are easy to get, while others... well, let's just say you might need a guide and a prayer. I've ranked them based on a mix of damage, scaling, move sets, and overall vibe. Remember, the meta is always shifting, but these axes have stood the test of time.

🥇 S-Tier: The Absolute Must-Haves

These are the axes that will carry you through the entire game. If you find one, consider yourself blessed by the Greater Will.

• Warped Axe: OMG, this thing is a BEAST for Strength builds. At +25 with a Heavy infusion, it gets S scaling in Strength. That's right, S-TIER SCALING. It hits like a truck, and its move set is surprisingly agile for an axe. It's dropped by those scary Omen enemies in places like the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds. Farming for it can be a pain, but trust me, it's worth every rune.

• Iron Cleaver: Don't sleep on this one! It's got a fantastically fast charged heavy attack that's perfect for roll-catching in PvP. Pair it with the Axe Talisman for extra charged attack damage, and you've got a recipe for success. It also gets S scaling with Strength on a Heavy infusion. You can farm it from Misbegotten enemies in Castle Morne. It's a game-changer.

🥈 A-Tier: Incredibly Strong & Versatile

These axes are top-tier choices for specific builds and situations. You can't go wrong with any of these.

• Highland Axe: This is the go-to axe for Quality builds (equal Strength and Dexterity). Its secret sauce? It boosts roar skills like Barbaric Roar or Troll's Roar. Equip the Roar Medallion alongside it, and you'll be dishing out insane damage. You find it in Stormveil Castle, in the room with the Grafted Scion under a giant painting. A must-have for any roar enthusiast.

• Forked Hatchet: The bleed queen of axes! Its fast attack speed lets you stack hemorrhage so quickly. It scales great with Dexterity, and if you put a Blood infusion on it? Forget about it. It's deadly. Plus, it's super easy to get early on from Imps. Perfect for a Dex/Bleed build.

• Jawbone Axe: This axe is UNIQUE because it's the only axe that deals strike damage. This makes it PERFECT for taking down those annoying enemies weak to blunt attacks, like Crystalians and Deathbirds. It's dropped by Ancestral Followers in Siofra River. A fantastic situational weapon to have in your arsenal.

• Smithscript Axe: From the DLC, this is a weird but wonderful axe. It requires Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith to wield, but it scales with all four! This makes it a great choice for hybrid or high-level builds where you're leveling multiple stats. Finding it is a bit of a platforming puzzle near Taylew's Ruined Forge, but it's a solid, well-rounded weapon.

🥉 B-Tier: Solid & Reliable Workhorses

These axes are great, especially in the early to mid-game. They might get replaced later, but they'll serve you well.

• Hand Axe: The perfect starter axe. It's fast, forgiving on stamina, and can be buffed and infused with any Ash of War. It's a fantastic weapon to learn the axe moveset with. You can buy it from the merchant in East Limgrave. No fuss, no muss.

• Battle Axe: The Hero class starting weapon. It's nothing fancy, but its low stat requirements and decent damage make it a reliable companion for the early game. You can buy it from the Twin Maiden Husks if you didn't start as a Hero. It's the definition of a workhorse.

• Messmer Soldier's Axe: A solid, straightforward pick from the DLC. It has low stat requirements and decent scaling, making it an easy and effective weapon to grab when you first enter the Shadow Realm. Farm it from Messmer soldiers east of the Gravesite Plain. It won't blow your mind, but it will get you through the early DLC areas comfortably.

📉 C-Tier: Niche or Outclassed

These axes have their moments, but are generally outshined by the options above.

• Celebrant's Cleaver: Honestly, a bit of a letdown. You have to get to Altus Plateau to farm it from Celebrants in Windmill Village, and by then, you probably have better options. Its Wild Strikes skill is okay, but its damage is just... meh. It's not the worst, but it's far from the best.

💎 Pro Tips for 2026 Axe Enjoyers:

• Infusions are KEY: Don't just use the standard weapon. Use the Whetblade to change the affinity! Heavy for Strength, Keen for Dexterity, Blood for bleed builds. This is how you unlock an axe's true potential.

• Pair with a Shield: Axes are one-handed weapons. Use that to your advantage! A greatshield can make you an immovable object that also hits like a freight train.

• Talisman Synergy: The Axe Talisman boosts charged attacks (great for Iron Cleaver). The Roar Medallion pairs with the Highland Axe. The Lord of Blood's Exultation is a must for bleed builds with the Forked Hatchet.

• Ashes of War: Most axes can have their skill swapped. Experiment! Put Royal Knight's Resolve on the Warped Axe for a massive damage buff, or Quickstep on the Forked Hatchet for insane mobility.

So there you have it, my definitive axe tier list for 2026. Whether you're a Strength Chad, a Dexterity Rogue, or a hybrid enjoyer, there's an axe out there with your name on it. Go forth, Tarnished, and chop your way to becoming Elden Lord! 💪🔥

What's your go-to axe? Let me know in the comments! 👇