Sustain is one of the most underrated mechanics in Elden Ring. It’s not just about how hard you hit, but how well you can stay in the fight—especially during longer boss battles, NG+ runs, or PvP duels. Building sustain into your weapon choices can make a massive difference, especially when facing enemies that punish glass-cannon strategies. After multiple playthroughs and testing dozens of weapons, here are 20 options that help keep you alive longer without relying purely on healing flasks. 1. Blasphemous BladeArguably the king of sustain builds. This Greatsword restores HP with every enemy you defeat, and its weapon skill heals on hit. Excellent for both PvE and invasions. 2. Malenia’s HandThis katana works perfectly with Malenia’s Great Rune. It’s quick, bleeds fast, and allows you to recover HP as you land successive hits—a strong choice for aggressive players. 3. Serpent-God’s Curved SwordSimple but effective. It restores HP on enemy kills and can be dual-wielded for even more healing. A favorite in rune farming spots or enemy-dense areas. 4. Regalia of EochaidIts weapon skill deals good AoE damage with built-in lifesteal. Ideal when facing multiple enemies or swarms in late-game zones. 5. Great StarsA heavy weapon that passively restores HP on hit. Stackable with talismans like the Taker’s Cameo or Godskin Swaddling Cloth for high sustain potential. 6. Winged ScytheIt’s fast, has built-in holy damage, and the weapon art can keep enemies locked down while you regenerate via armor or talisman effects. Pairs well with Faith builds. 7. Butchering KnifeA Dexterity-focused option with passive HP regen per hit. When buffed with bleed or poison, it becomes an excellent tool for drawn-out battles. 8. Bloodhound’s FangThe curved greatsword doesn’t heal, but its mobility and raw power make it easy to avoid damage and stay alive longer—sometimes sustain is about not getting hit. 9. ReduviaThis dagger builds Bleed fast and works with Arcane builds. Combine it with passive regen or use it while farming cheap Elden Ring items to get in and out of fights fast. 10. Marais Executioner’s SwordIts special skill deals high DPS and can heal you in the right builds. Not always consistent, but a strong pick if you like flashy weapon arts. 11. Sacred Relic SwordPerfect for rune farming and sustain. Its AoE weapon art wipes mobs and heals with each kill—especially useful when you're looking for Elden Ring runes for sale to invest into your next build. 12. MoonveilGreat for Intelligence hybrids. It doesn’t heal, but its stagger potential and ranged weapon art help you control fights and avoid attrition. 13. Mohgwyn’s Sacred SpearDeals huge bleed damage and comes with a lifesteal buff. Its reach and crowd control also help with long-term survivability. 14. Cursed Blood Slice (from Eleonora’s Poleblade)Builds Bleed quickly while giving you a lot of movement and spacing. Excellent for PvP sustain via pressure. 15. Clayman’s HarpoonA magic-scaling spear that works with Int builds. It doesn’t heal directly, but its range and flexibility pair well with sustain-focused talismans and armor. 16. Rivers of BloodThis katana doesn’t heal, but it ends fights so fast that you often don’t need to. Quick kills can be a form of sustain too. 17. Sword of MilosReduces enemy FP and restores your own FP per kill. Great for builds that rely heavily on weapon arts or magic. 18. Greathorn HammerRestores HP on kill. It’s slow, but with proper stat investment, it can be a reliable pick for tanky builds. 19. Nightrider FlailQuick hits, good range, and high status build-up make this a solid weapon when paired with healing-over-time effects. 20. Golden Order GreatswordScales with both Faith and Strength, and its weapon art can be spammed for AoE damage. Pairs nicely with incantations that boost regen or resistance.
Sustain in Elden Ring isn't always about one-shot heals. Sometimes, it’s about managing small advantages over time—whether it’s through HP on kill, lifesteal, or just giving yourself room to heal. Mixing in a few of these weapons, especially when stocking up on cheap Elden Ring items or grabbing Elden Ring runes for sale, gives your build the longevity to survive what the Lands Between throws at you.
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