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Elden Ring Weapon Scaling Explained: Letters, Affinities, and Two-Handing
Weapon scaling is the bonus attack gained from attributes listed on the armament. Letter grades run from E through D, C, B, A, and S, but the hidden numerical coefficient inside a grade varies. Upgrade level and affinity
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Quick Answer
Weapon scaling is the bonus attack gained from attributes listed on the armament. Letter grades run from E through D, C, B, A, and S, but the hidden numerical coefficient inside a grade varies. Upgrade level and affinity can change both base damage and scaling; two-handing multiplies effective Strength by 1.5 for requirements and Strength scaling, not Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane.
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Elden Ring Weapon Scaling Explained: Letters, Affinities, and Two-Handing
Quick Answer
Weapon scaling is the bonus attack gained from attributes listed on the armament. Letter grades run from E through D, C, B, A, and S, but the hidden numerical coefficient inside a grade varies. Upgrade level and affinity can change both base damage and scaling; two-handing multiplies effective Strength by 1.5 for requirements and Strength scaling, not Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane.
Last Verified: 2026-09-06
Version Scope: Elden Ring Patch 1.17; base game and Shadow of the Erdtree where stated
Key Takeaways
- Meet minimum requirements before judging damage scaling.
- A higher letter is useful, but total Attack Power and damage type matter more than the letter alone.
- Affinities change base damage, attribute emphasis, and sometimes damage types.
- Two-handing affects effective Strength, not every attribute.
Main Answer
Weapon scaling is the bonus attack gained from attributes listed on the armament. Letter grades run from E through D, C, B, A, and S, but the hidden numerical coefficient inside a grade varies. Upgrade level and affinity can change both base damage and scaling; two-handing multiplies effective Strength by 1.5 for requirements and Strength scaling, not Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane.
| Topic | Verified answer |
|---|---|
| Scaling order | E < D < C < B < A < S |
| What the letter represents | A range of hidden attribute-scaling coefficients |
| Upgrade effect | Can increase base attack and improve scaling grades |
| Affinity effect | Redistributes base damage and attribute scaling |
| Two-handing | 1.5× effective Strength for requirements and Strength contribution |
Step-by-Step
- Open the armament details and confirm all minimum attributes are met.
- Read base attack and the added + bonus rather than the scaling letter alone.
- At a Site of Grace, preview an Ash of War affinity and compare the full Attack Power breakdown.
- Two-hand the weapon if Strength scaling or a Strength requirement is relevant.
- Test on the same enemy because split damage and enemy defenses can change real damage.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming S scaling always beats a higher-base-damage B-scaling weapon.
- Comparing status buildup with ordinary attack scaling.
- Believing two-handing multiplies Dexterity or spellcasting attributes.
Troubleshooting
My damage barely rises when leveling
The weapon may have weak scaling at its current upgrade/affinity, or the attribute may be past an efficient soft cap.
Why did an affinity lower the number?
It may trade base damage for scaling or split the attack into multiple damage types; compare the whole panel and test against one enemy.
FAQ
Is S the best scaling grade?
It is the highest letter grade, but not a guarantee of the highest final damage.
Does two-handing increase Strength to the hard cap?
It multiplies effective Strength for relevant calculations; displayed character Strength does not permanently change.
Version Scope
Verified on 2026-09-06 for Elden Ring Patch 1.17; base game and Shadow of the Erdtree where stated. Volatile prices, tuning, item levels, seasonal rewards, and live service availability must be checked against the current official interface or notes.
Related Guides
- Elden Ring Map Fragment Locations: All 24 Maps
- Elden Ring Talisman Pouch Locations: Unlock All Four Slots
- Elden Ring Memory Stone Locations: Get 10 Spell Slots
- Back to the game guide hub
Sources
Requirements
- Use the version scope named in this guide
- Confirm the named prerequisite or interface state
Steps
- 1
Step 1
Open the armament details and confirm all minimum attributes are met.
- 2
Step 2
Read base attack and the added + bonus rather than the scaling letter alone.
- 3
Step 3
At a Site of Grace, preview an Ash of War affinity and compare the full Attack Power breakdown.
- 4
Step 4
Two-hand the weapon if Strength scaling or a Strength requirement is relevant.
- 5
Step 5
Test on the same enemy because split damage and enemy defenses can change real damage.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming S scaling always beats a higher-base-damage B-scaling weapon.
- Comparing status buildup with ordinary attack scaling.
- Believing two-handing multiplies Dexterity or spellcasting attributes.
How this answer was checked
Sources & Verification
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