If you’ve spent any time in Elden Ring, you know how frustrating it can be when an enemy or player guards your attacks without breaking a sweat. Finding weapons that can reliably break guard not only opens up your combat options but also lets you control fights more effectively. Whether you’re exploring the Lands Between on Xbox or PS4, having the right tools for guard breaking is crucial.

In this guide, I’ll share 13 weapons that excel at breaking enemy guard, allowing you to turn the tide in your favor. These picks work well for both PvE and PvP, and I’ll sprinkle in some tips on acquiring runes and items along the way.

1. Greatsword

The Greatsword is a classic for a reason. Its heavy attacks hit hard and have excellent guard-breaking potential due to their high poise damage. If you’re looking to buy Elden Ring runes Xbox players will appreciate how effective it is for rune farming too.

2. Dragon Slayer’s Greatsword

This colossal weapon packs a punch that not only breaks guards but also stagger even the toughest enemies. Its reach and power make it a favorite among players who want to overpower foes with raw strength.

3. Greathammer

Greathammers deliver crushing blows that chip away at guards quickly. While slow, their sheer force often forces enemies to drop their guard and open themselves up for follow-up attacks.

4. Greatspear

Greatspears combine range and guard-breaking prowess. Their thrusting attacks deal concentrated poise damage, making them ideal for breaking defenses without getting too close.

5. Colossal Greatsword

Colossal weapons are notorious for breaking guards, and the Colossal Greatsword is no exception. Its wide swings and heavy hits are perfect for knocking enemies off balance.

6. Giant-Crusher

This weapon is a beast when it comes to stamina and guard breaking. While it demands patience due to slow swing speed, when it lands, the guard-breaking effect is undeniable.

7. Uchigatana (with Guard Break Ash of War)

Though generally faster and lighter, applying a Guard Break Ash of War to the Uchigatana lets you maintain speed and add guard-breaking capability—ideal for agile players who want to keep pressure on their opponents.

8. Claymore

A versatile choice with balanced speed and power, the Claymore’s strong attacks deal solid poise damage, useful for breaking through enemy defenses without sacrificing mobility.

9. Greatsword of Judgment

Its unique magic-infused attacks not only do impressive damage but also deliver solid guard-breaking hits, especially effective against shield-heavy enemies.

10. Hammer (with Heavy Affinity)

Heavy hammers with the right affinities deliver brutal poise damage, perfect for breaking guards quickly. If you want to buy Elden Ring items PS4 users find, these hammers are a reliable choice.

11. Black Knight Greatsword

Known for its bleed buildup and staggering power, the Black Knight Greatsword is great for disrupting enemy guards and landing follow-up attacks.

12. Flail

The Flail’s erratic swings and high poise damage make it excellent for breaking guards, especially when combined with certain Ashes of War that increase its stagger potential.

13. Ripe Rotted Greatsword

This weapon’s unique damage profile and heavy swings make it excellent for guard-breaking, especially in PvP where stamina management is key.

Breaking guard isn’t just about picking the right weapon—it’s about understanding your enemy’s stamina and timing your attacks. Also, don’t forget to optimize your build with talismans and Ashes of War that boost guard breaking and poise damage.

If you’re looking to quickly boost your runes for gear upgrades or weapon enhancements, be sure to explore efficient farming spots—Xbox players who want to buy Elden Ring runes Xbox offers plenty of ways to farm efficiently. Similarly, for PS4 users aiming to get their hands on specific gear, the option to buy Elden Ring items PS4 makes it easier to customize your loadout for breaking guards.

No matter your platform or playstyle, mastering these weapons will make your journey through Elden Ring’s challenges more manageable. Guard breaking opens up a world of aggressive tactics and safer openings—give these weapons a try and feel the difference in your combat flow.