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Staggering bosses in Elden Ring can be the difference between a swift victory and a painful defeat. Some weapons are simply better suited for interrupting enemy attacks, especially when paired with the right timing, stats, and strategy. If you're looking to maximize your poise damage output and dominate boss fights, mastering these seven weapons will help you land those critical staggers and keep control of the battlefield.

Whether you're experimenting with new builds or diving into NG+ runs, this guide highlights not only powerful stagger tools but also how to use them effectively in different encounters. And if you need to buy Elden Ring Items or stock up on Elden Ring Runes, preparation is half the battle.

1. Greatsword (Colossal Weapon)

Arguably the king of stagger damage, the Greatsword (inspired by Berserk’s Dragonslayer) delivers massive posture hits with each swing. Use a heavy infusion and two-hand it to maximize strength scaling. Its slow wind-up is best used against slow-moving or heavily telegraphed bosses like the Fire Giant or Godrick the Grafted. A well-placed charged R2 can often stagger in just two or three hits.

Tip: Pair with the Lion’s Claw Ash of War for acrobatic, high-poise-break jump attacks.

2. Starscourge Greatswords

These twin colossal weapons deal incredible stagger damage when dual-wielded. As Radahn’s signature weapons, they have high Strength and Dexterity requirements, but they pay off in boss fights that allow for uninterrupted combos. Their unique L2 weapon art can draw enemies in—setting up for guaranteed follow-up hits.

Best used against: bosses with large hitboxes like Dragonlord Placidusax or Elden Beast.

3. Ruins Greatsword

This weapon scales insanely well with Strength and delivers some of the highest single-hit poise damage in the game. When you’re going for a quick stagger in a boss arena, especially against enemies who rely on casting or multi-hit combos, the Ruins Greatsword’s sheer impact makes it a top-tier choice.

Strategy: Time your charge attacks right after a boss finishes a combo to avoid trades and maximize stagger potential.

4. Prelate’s Inferno Crozier

This flaming, colossal hammer is another stagger-focused powerhouse. While it doesn’t have the reach of some greatswords, its flame-based damage and the built-in weapon skill make it especially effective against enemies weak to fire. What sets it apart is its ability to deal posture damage quickly through repeated heavy attacks.

Pro Tip: Ideal for strength builds that need to mix elemental and physical damage.

5. Brick Hammer

Don’t underestimate this compact yet heavy weapon. Found early on, the Brick Hammer is an efficient poise-break tool with deceptively quick animations for a colossal class. It's perfect for players who want stagger potential without sacrificing too much speed.

When to use: Great for bosses in tight arenas where spacing is limited—like the Crucible Knight.

6. Great Club

Classic Souls players know the Great Club’s value, and in Elden Ring, it’s just as viable. With excellent stagger output and decent stamina efficiency, it allows players to chain attacks while remaining mobile enough to dodge and reposition mid-fight.

Pair with: A high Endurance stat and the Flame, Grant Me Strength incantation for optimal damage and posture breaks.

7. Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade

With innate stance-breaking potential and unique animation chains, the Cragblade rewards players who engage bosses up close and personal. Its Ash of War, Cragblade, increases stagger potential even more, making it a superb option for aggressive melee builds.

Best used in: PvE boss encounters where you can control spacing and capitalize on back-to-back trades.

Learning how to stagger bosses effectively isn’t just about raw weapon damage—it’s about reading animations, understanding hit timing, and using the right weapon for the fight. All seven of these weapons are fantastic options when you’re focused on breaking boss posture and landing those satisfying ripostes.

If you're running low on upgrade materials or need to reset your build, many players turn to platforms like U4GM to buy Elden Ring Items and top off their Elden Ring Runes reserves. Just remember: timing, positioning, and patience are the true keys to staggering success.