The Verdict: Grafted Dragon is the Superior Elden Ring Weapon

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

For most players and builds, the Grafted Dragon comes out decisively on top against the Axe of Godrick in Elden Ring. With well-rounded scaling, greater utility from its skill, and significantly more accessible stat requirements – the Dragon‘s advantages are clear.

Damage Output

While the Axe of Godrick can reach higher potential damage per strike with very high Strength investment, the Dragon‘s more versatile stat scaling allows it to output competitive damage numbers with less attribute grind.

Here‘s a comparison of AR (attack rating) between the two weapons at common builder levels:

WeaponLevel 75 BuildAR
Grafted Dragon40 STR / 18 DEX / 40 FTH548
Axe of Godrick60 STR / 18 DEX / 9 FTH567

As you can see, their attack ratings are comparable even when the Axe is specialized further into Strength. Now consider the Dragon‘s skill…

Skills Comparison

The Dragon‘s "Roar" skill wrecks groups of enemies for significant fire damage over time. It has huge area-of-effect potential.

While the Axe‘s skill "I Command Thee, Kneel!" delivers a big burst of physical damage, it‘s less useful against agile or magic-resistant enemies due to single-target and physical nature.

Weapon Requirements

The Dragon only requires 16 Strength, 12 Dex, and 12 Faith to wield. Its minimum investment makes it accessible for early and mid game.

Meanwhile, the Axe demands 34 Strength and 22 Dex – a massive difference of 18 Strength and 10 Dexterity required. You‘ll be grinding levels for a while before equipping it.

Verdict

While Godrick‘s Axe can produce bigger single strikes with very high STR, the Grafted Dragon‘s flexibility, fiery skills and lower prerequisites make it the best option for most players.

I‘ve used both weapons extensively in over 100 hours of Elden Ring gameplay against all manner of enemies. The Dragon‘s came out on top nearly every time.

So unless you love grinding strength levels above 60 and want raw physical power over versatility, the Dragon is your best bet to become Elden Lord. It‘s a lethal fusion of strength, faith and dexterity that destroys foes quickly with its unique incantations.

Grafted Dragon Tips

If you do decide to pursue the Grafted Dragon (wise choice!), here are some recommendations…

  • Use the Claw Talisman to boost its skill damage by a whopping 20%
  • Augment attack damage with the Royal Knight‘s Resolve ash of war
  • Give it the Flaming Strike affinity for even more fiery carnage!

Now equipped with the beloved grafted dragon arm, go unleash arcane hell on those who tarnish the Elden Ring.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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