One-shot builds in Elden Ring are not just satisfying—they’re a science. Whether you're trying to obliterate a PvP invader with one heavy swing or nuke a boss phase with a single, devastating spell-weapon combo, the right tool makes all the difference. These builds depend heavily on timing, buffs, and positioning, but most importantly, they rely on the weapon's raw potential.

Below is a curated list of 26 weapons in Elden Ring that can be engineered into one-shot setups. Some are geared toward PvE, others are PvP favorites, but all have the capability to delete enemies when built correctly.

1. Giant-Crusher

This colossal weapon has one of the highest strength scaling ratings in the game. With the right buffs and two-handing, it’s a top choice for Strength-based one-shot builds.

2. Ruins Greatsword

Heavy, slow, and destructive. Pair it with Flame, Grant Me Strength and Golden Vow and it becomes capable of wiping out players or bosses in a single charged attack.

3. Dragon Slayer's Cragblade

Great poise damage and synergizes well with Strength builds. Add in consumable buffs and talismans, and it turns into a lethal PvP opener.

4. Ghiza’s Wheel

Not just a meme weapon—the spinning attack can do tremendous burst damage when buffed. A fun one-shot candidate with status build-up on top.

5. Greatsword (Colossal Sword)

The classic Berserk tribute weapon can be spec’d to deal massive damage, especially with heavy infusions and full-strength builds.

6. Fallingstar Beast Jaw

Deals both physical and magical damage and features an Ash of War with excellent burst potential. Great for hybrid one-shot setups.

7. Coded Sword

Pure Faith scaling and high Holy damage make this a solid choice for one-shotting undead and PvP opponents with low resistance to Holy.

8. Vyke's War Spear

Madness buildup combined with solid base damage. In PvP, it can trigger a chain of effects that ends fights before they begin.

9. Magma Worm’s Scalesword

Its unique Ash of War unleashes lava explosions that deal substantial burst damage—ideal when timed right with buffs.

10. Ordovis’s Greatsword

A Faith-based weapon with incredible AoE potential. Use it for setup combos that lead to a massive one-hit finish.

11. Sacred Relic Sword

Perfect for farming, but also great for PvP AoE one-shots when the enemy group is clustered. Works best with Faith builds.

12. Serpent-Hunter

Designed for the Rykard fight but functional elsewhere. Scales based on enemy size, and can be used for massive burst in specific boss fights.

13. Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Combines bleed buildup and an AoE bloodflame burst. Stack Lord of Blood’s Exultation and White Mask, and you’ve got a recipe for one-shot chaos.

14. Sword of Night and Flame

Its dual-scaling nature and unique weapon arts allow players to exploit both Intelligence and Faith for devastating damage.

15. Lion Greatbow

When fully buffed with Radahn’s Spears, it’s capable of one-shotting light armor enemies at range. Very underrated in PvP.

16. Starscourge Greatswords

Dual-wielded as one weapon, this colossal pair has an Ash of War that can chunk massive HP off enemies when used with full buffs.

17. Bolt of Gransax

One of the few true ranged weapons that can be used in a one-shot combo with its Ancient Lightning Spear weapon art.

18. Cleanrot Spear

With proper rot stacking and Faith buffs, this weapon becomes surprisingly lethal in both sustained and burst damage.

19. Dark Moon Greatsword

Great Intelligence scaling and frost buildup—ideal for casting buffs and finishing with a charged heavy attack.

20. Rivers of Blood

Although it’s known for bleed procs, its weapon art can instantly kill if timed after a buff combo or in PvP where enemies are low on Poise.

21. Envoy’s Long Horn

Yes, the bubble-blowing weapon. Believe it or not, fully upgraded and buffed, those golden bubbles can delete unaware invaders.

22. Death’s Poker

Its explosive ghostflame trail deals massive damage. Set it properly and it works great in PvE or co-op against tough mobs.

23. Zamor Curved Sword

Deals frostbite and has an Ash of War with AoE capability. Perfect for a high-Dex Intelligence build looking for burst.

24. Halo Scythe

Faith-scaled and great at mid-range. Works well when set up with multiple buffs and status-enhancing talismans.

25. Marais Executioner’s Sword

The dancing blade weapon art can delete enemies, especially when the full animation connects under buffed conditions.

26. Wing of Astel

Lightweight but deadly. Its ranged heavy attacks scale well with Intelligence, and it’s perfect for hybrid one-shot setups with gravity sorcery themes.

One-shot builds are risky—they require precise positioning, timing, and often heavy rune investment into specific stats. But the payoff? Incredibly rewarding. Whether you're dominating duels or catching enemies off guard in co-op invasions, a properly buffed one-shot build delivers some of the most satisfying moments Elden Ring has to offer.

For players experimenting with these weapons, it’s worth managing your rune economy smartly. Many choose to gather cheap Elden Ring runes to experiment freely without punishing setbacks. Similarly, browsing options at your favorite elden shop can help you quickly gather the gear and consumables needed to pull off these powerful setups.