Foundations of a Legend: A Collector's Guide to Elden Ring's Most Enduring Early-Game Weapons
Welcome back to the Forge, Tarnished.
Think back to your first steps into Limgrave. The overwhelming sense of scale, the freedom, the terror. And the most important question of all: "What weapon will I use to carve my legend?" Your first true weapon in the Lands Between... it's a bond, a vow. It's the tool that teaches you the brutal rhythm of this world.
While the Lands Between is filled with god-tier armaments hidden in the furthest corners of the map, a select few masterpieces can be found right at the beginning of your journey. These are not mere "starter" weapons to be discarded. They are the cornerstones. The foundations upon which entire legacies are built, powerful and versatile enough to see you to the foot of the Erdtree and beyond.
Today, we pay homage to four of these foundational blades, each representing a different path, a different promise made at the start of your quest.
1. The Uchigatana: The Path of the Purist
The Philosophy: Perfection is not found in complexity, but in a simple form, endlessly refined.
For so many of us, this was it. The beginning. The starting weapon of the Samurai class, the Uchigatana is the very soul of swordsmanship distilled into its purest form. It's easy to underestimate it because it's given to you from the start, but that's a rookie mistake. The Uchigatana is a masterclass in design.
Its beauty lies in its balance. It is fast, has a fantastic moveset, and comes with an innate Bleed effect that remains one of the most powerful mechanics in the entire game. It's the ultimate blank canvas. It teaches you the fundamentals: spacing, timing, and the deadly dance of the unsheathe. It's the weapon that reminds you that you don't need divine magic or cursed power to fell a demigod—you just need a perfectly sharp, reliable piece of steel and the skill to wield it.
A faithful replica must capture this humble perfection. It's not about flash; it's about authenticity. Among seasoned collectors, the [Uchigatana Replica] BlacksmithSONG version is widely regarded as the definitive representation of the samurai's spirit—unadorned, sharp, and lethally beautiful in its simplicity.
2. The Bloodhound's Fang: The Path of the Hunter
The Philosophy: A true hunter is both predator and phantom, always striking, never caught.
In a lonely evergaol in southern Limgrave lies a challenge, and a magnificent reward. The Bloodhound's Fang, claimed from its knightly guardian, is arguably the single best early-game weapon for a player discovering their path. It is the king of the "Quality" build, scaling beautifully with both Strength and Dexterity.
But its legend is forged in its unique skill: Bloodhound's Finesse. This is not just an attack; it's a martial art. The initial sweeping slash followed by a phantom-like backstep is a game-changer. It teaches you to think not just about attacking, but about disengaging, about creating space, about being untouchable. It is an entire combat philosophy baked into a single weapon, a dance of death that feels incredible to master. It's a weapon that takes you from a stumbling Tarnished to a graceful, deadly predator.
Recreating this blade is about capturing its savage grace. The [Bloodhound's Fang Replica] BlacksmithSONG artifact is celebrated for this very reason. Its weight, its intimidating curve, and the fine detailing all speak to the bestial nobility of the Bloodhound Knights. It's a tribute to the art of the hunt.
3. The Reduvia: The Path of the Profane
The Philosophy: Why face your enemy when you can bleed them dry from the shadows?
Your first encounter with Bloody Finger Nerijus is a wake-up call. It's your introduction to the dark arts, to a style of combat that feels unclean, heretical, and absolutely intoxicating. His weapon, the Reduvia, is your key to this forbidden world.
This gnarled, serrated dagger is a masterpiece of grotesque design. It feels less like a forged weapon and more like something that was grown. It unlocks the power of Arcane and the devastating Bleed status effect from the very beginning. Its skill, Reduvia Blood Blade, allows you to hurl projectiles of cursed blood, turning any encounter into a battle of attrition fought on your terms. It teaches the player a vital lesson: power in the Lands Between doesn't always come from shining steel. Sometimes, it crawls up from the darkest, bloodiest places.
Capturing this weapon's essence is about capturing a feeling of biological horror. The [Reduvia Replica] BlacksmithSONG version is prized by connoisseurs for its unnervingly organic texture. It doesn't look like a simple prop; it looks like a cursed artifact, a tangible piece of the profane blood magic that defines so many of the game's darkest storylines.
4. The Greatsword: The Path of the Titan
The Philosophy: There is no problem that cannot be solved by a sufficiently large slab of iron.
Let's be clear. We're talking about THE Greatsword. The colossal blade found in a ruined caravan in Caelid. The weapon that is a direct, loving homage to the Dragonslayer of a certain legendary Black Swordsman. For players who know, this isn't just a weapon; it's a pilgrimage.
Finding this early is a declaration of intent. It is a vow to walk the path of pure, unadulterated Strength. Wielding it is a lesson in commitment. It is slow, it is heavy, and it hits like a falling god. Every swing is a calculated risk, but the reward is the immensely satisfying feeling of pancaking enemies into the dirt. It teaches you to read enemy patterns not to dodge, but to find that perfect opening for your one, devastating blow. It's not a weapon; it's a statement of dominance.
A replica of this sword must convey one thing above all else: weight. The [Greatsword Replica] BlacksmithSONG artifact is a monument to this principle. It captures the sheer scale and brutalist simplicity of the design. It’s not just a sword; it’s a piece of history, a tribute to the strugglers and titans of dark fantasy, and a cornerstone for any collector dedicated to the path of raw power.
Conclusion: The Vow You Made
The Uchigatana, the Bloodhound's Fang, the Reduvia, the Greatsword. Four weapons, four philosophies, four foundations of a legend. These are often our first true companions in the Lands Between, the blades that shape our entire journey. They are proof that a legend is not defined by its ending, but by the strength of its beginning.
So tell us, Tarnished... which one was yours?
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If you want to learn more about these weapons, please visit our blogs about them:
- A Partner in Peril: See Our Bloodhound's Fang Replica in Action
- The Hunter's Mark: The Reduvia Dagger is Brought to Life
- The Samurai's Path: A Collector's Guide to Elden Ring's Finest Katanas
- Legends of the Lands Between: The 5 Most Iconic Weapons in Elden Ring
- The Savage Dance: A Collector's Guide to Elden Ring's Masterful Curved Swords
- Blood vs. Shadow: A Duel of Daggers - Reduvia vs. The Black Knife



















