Elden Ring's colossal weapons represent some of the most devastating armaments available to players brave enough to wield them. These behemoths require significant strength investments but reward players with earth-shattering damage potential that can turn the tide of any battle. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adding even more options to this formidable weapon class in 2025, there's never been a better time to explore these massive implements of destruction.

What Makes Colossal Weapons Special?

Colossal weapons in Elden Ring are heavyweight champions that demand respect. Unlike their cousins, the Colossal Swords, these weapons include massive hammers, clubs, and unique armaments that primarily scale with Strength. They deliver tremendous damage per hit and boast impressive poise damage, allowing players to stagger enemies with relative ease.

The trade-off? These weapons are notoriously slow, leaving wielders vulnerable during their lengthy attack animations. However, FromSoftware has taken steps to address this limitation. Patch 1.14 significantly improved colossal weapons by increasing both their attack speed for initial strikes and movement distance during attacks, making them more viable in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

As one veteran player put it, "These bad boys hit like a Mack truck now, without feeling like you're swinging through molasses." The quality-of-life improvements have breathed new life into this weapon class.

Shadow of the Erdtree's New Additions

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has introduced five exciting new colossal weapons to the mix:

1. Bloodfiend's Arm - A grotesque appendage that deals significant physical damage with decent Strength scaling

2. Anvil Hammer - A blacksmith's tool turned weapon with impressive strike damage

3. Devonia's Hammer - A unique hammer with holy damage potential

4. Shadow Sunflower Blossom - A bizarre weapon with split physical/holy damage

5. Gazing Finger - A disturbing appendage that deals physical and magic damage

Best Colossal Weapons for Different Builds

Pure Strength Builds

The Giant-Crusher remains the king of raw physical damage for pure Strength builds. With its S-scaling at maximum upgrade with Heavy affinity, it can achieve staggering AR numbers. The Prelate's Inferno Crozier offers slightly less damage but comes with a more versatile moveset.

Strength/Faith Hybrid

The Devonia's Hammer from the DLC and the Troll's Hammer from the base game both offer excellent options for those investing in Faith alongside Strength. The holy damage component adds versatility against undead enemies.

Strength/Intelligence

The Fallingstar Beast Jaw continues to be the premier choice for Strength/Intelligence builds. Its unique skill, Gravity Bolt, fires projectiles that deal significant damage and poise damage from range.

Status Effect Options

For those looking to apply status effects, Ghiza's Wheel builds up hemorrhage (bleed) naturally, while the Rotten Greataxe applies scarlet rot - both extremely valuable in longer fights.

Fighting Against Colossal Weapons

If you're on the receiving end of these massive armaments, understanding their weaknesses is crucial. As one player noted in PvP discussions, "Trying to trade with them is suicidal if you aren't a heavy build yourself with good armor and heavy weapons."

Here are some effective counter-strategies:

1. Use range to your advantage - Spells and ranged attacks can punish their slow recovery times

2. Roll timing is crucial - Dodge just as the attack is coming, not early

3. Parry opportunities - Interestingly, one-handed colossal weapon attacks can be parried, while two-handed attacks cannot

4. Poke weapons - Spears and thrusting swords can interrupt colossal weapon users before their attacks come out

Optimal Ashes of War for Colossal Weapons

The right Ash of War can transform a colossal weapon from merely powerful to absolutely devastating:

1. Lion's Claw - Provides excellent hyperarmor and massive damage

2. Royal Knight's Resolve - Temporarily boosts attack power, making already powerful weapons hit even harder

3. War Cry - Increases attack power and changes the running attack to a powerful leap

4. Waves of Darkness - Great for crowd control

5. Earthshaker - Creates an area-of-effect attack that knocks down enemies

Conclusion: Are Colossal Weapons Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. While Elden Ring colossal weapons demand a specific playstyle and build focus, their improved performance since launch and the exciting new options from Shadow of the Erdtree make them more viable than ever. The satisfaction of crushing opponents with a single, well-timed swing simply can't be matched by faster, less impactful weapons.

As the Elden Ring meta continues to evolve in 2025, colossal weapons have secured their place not just as novelty options but as legitimate powerhouses in both PvE and PvP. Whether you're smashing through Lands Between with the classic Giant-Crusher or exploring the Shadow Realm with the bizarre new Gazing Finger, colossal weapons offer an experience that's as rewarding as it is devastating.

Remember, as they say in the Lands Between: "When in doubt, bonk it out."