Elden Ring: How to Unlock and Use the Greatswords of Radahn

The Greatswords of Radahn are among the most iconic and Elden Ring Runes devastating weapons in Elden Ring, embodying the sheer power and majesty of General Radahn himself—the demigod warrior who commands the stars. These colossal twin blades not only carry immense physical might but also serve as a tribute to one of the game's most memorable bosses. Unlocking and mastering them requires skill, patience, and understanding of their unique attributes. This guide explains how to unlock the Greatswords of Radahn, their stats and scaling, and how to use them effectively in both PvE and PvP combat.

1. Unlocking the Greatswords of Radahn

To obtain the Greatswords of Radahn, players must first defeat General Radahn, one of the key shardbearers in Elden Ring. He is found in Redmane Castle, located in the southern region of Caelid. However, the battle against Radahn only becomes available after progressing certain story or regional events—typically once you've advanced enough in the game or triggered the Festival of Combat at Redmane Castle.

Steps to unlock the Greatswords of Radahn:

Activate the Radahn Festival:

Speak to NPCs at Redmane Castle after meeting the prerequisites—this can be done by speaking to Blaidd or Alexander the Iron Fist in earlier quests, or by progressing Ranni's storyline. The festival will then commence, unlocking Radahn's boss arena.

Defeat General Radahn:

The fight against Radahn is one of the most cinematic and challenging encounters in Elden Ring. Using summonable NPC allies is highly recommended, as Radahn's ranged gravity arrows and melee combos can destroy unprepared players. Upon victory, you will receive the Remembrance of the Starscourge and Radahn's Great Rune.

Exchange the Remembrance for the Greatswords:

After defeating Radahn, travel to the Roundtable Hold and speak with Enia, the Finger Reader. You can exchange the Remembrance of the Starscourge for either Radahn's Greatswords or the Lion's Greatbow. If you want both, you can duplicate the Remembrance at a Walking Mausoleum before consuming it.

2. Weapon Stats and Scaling

The Greatswords of Radahn are unique because they count as paired colossal swords, meaning both blades are wielded simultaneously in a dual-wield stance. Each swing strikes with immense power and stagger potential.

Weapon Type: Colossal Greatswords (Paired)

Base Requirements: Strength 38 / Dexterity 15

Default Scaling: Strength (B), Dexterity (C)

Damage Type: Standard/Slash

Special Skill: Starcaller Cry

The weapon's skill, Starcaller Cry, is a gravity-based ability that channels Radahn's control over the cosmos. When activated, it creates a gravitational pull that draws nearby enemies closer, followed by a devastating slam that deals massive area damage. It is extremely effective against groups of enemies or large bosses susceptible to stagger.

With high Strength investment—typically around 60+—the Greatswords of Radahn can achieve some of the highest raw physical damage in the game. Players can also boost its damage using the Starscourge Heirloom talisman (+5 Strength) or Radahn's Great Rune, which enhances HP, FP, and Stamina for greater durability in battle.

3. Combat Tips and Playstyle

Mastering the Greatswords of Radahn requires adapting to their slower attack animations and massive stamina consumption, but once controlled, their destructive potential is unmatched.

In PvE:

These swords excel at boss fights and large groups due to their long reach and high stagger. The Starcaller Cry skill can interrupt enemy attacks, giving you openings for critical strikes. Use a mix of jumping heavy attacks and charged R2 swings to break enemy poise efficiently. Pair the swords with talismans like the Claw Talisman (enhances jumping attacks) and Shard of Alexander (boosts skill damage) for maximum impact.

In PvP:

The Greatswords of Radahn are intimidating in duels. Their sheer damage and reach can force opponents to play defensively. Use light attacks to bait dodges, then unleash Starcaller Cry or a heavy swing to punish evasion. Be cautious, however—colossal weapons have slow recovery times, so timing and spacing are critical.

Recommended Build:

A Strength/Endurance hybrid build works best. Aim for around 60 Strength, 25 Endurance, and 20 Vigor minimum. Equip heavy armor like the Lion Set (Radahn's armor) to complete the thematic and functional synergy.

4. Final Thoughts

The Greatswords of Radahn are not just weapons—they are a symbol of Elden Ring's grand scale and cheap Elden Ring Runes mythic storytelling. Unlocking them demands triumph over one of the game's hardest bosses, and mastering them rewards you with near-unstoppable might. Whether you're crushing foes in PvE or asserting dominance in PvP arenas, wielding Radahn's twin blades is an experience that perfectly captures the soul of Elden Ring: power earned through struggle and mastery forged in battle.