Unveiling the Secrets of the Large Sword of Searching: Your Ultimate Farming Tool in Demon’s Souls
The Large Sword of Searching in Demon’s Souls is a unique and highly sought-after weapon. Its primary purpose is to double the wielder’s Item Discovery stat, making it invaluable for farming rare items and materials. While its damage output is notably poor, its utility in boosting drop rates far outweighs its combat deficiencies for players aiming to optimize their loot acquisition.
Delving Deeper: The Large Sword of Searching’s Functionality
The Large Sword of Searching isn’t a weapon you’ll wield to vanquish foes through sheer force. Its value lies entirely in its passive effect. By simply equipping the sword, even if you’re using another weapon for combat, your Item Discovery is doubled. This significantly increases the chance of enemies dropping items, including rare upgrade materials, healing items, and valuable equipment. Think of it as your personal good luck charm, ensuring that your efforts in the treacherous world of Demon’s Souls are rewarded with more spoils.
This makes it the weapon of choice for players focused on:
- Gathering upgrade materials: Essential for improving weapons and armor.
- Farming specific enemy drops: For rare equipment or consumables.
- Maximizing efficiency: Getting more loot with less effort.
How to Obtain the Large Sword of Searching
To acquire this valuable farming tool, you’ll need to trade a Scimitar +8 or higher to Sparkly the Crow in the Shrine of Storms (4-1). This requires upgrading a Scimitar using various upgrade stones, so plan accordingly. Once you have your upgraded Scimitar, find Sparkly the Crow’s nest atop the tower in 4-1 and drop the weapon. Reload the area, and you’ll find the Large Sword of Searching in its place.
Combat Considerations
It’s crucial to remember that the Large Sword of Searching has poor scaling (D scaling in both Strength and Dexterity) and unremarkable base damage. Therefore, it’s not a practical weapon for direct combat. The best strategy is to equip it alongside a more effective combat weapon, switching to the preferred weapon when engaging in fights.
FAQs: Mastering the Large Sword of Searching
1. What exactly does Item Discovery do?
Item Discovery is a stat that directly affects the likelihood of enemies dropping items upon death. A higher Item Discovery stat means a greater chance of obtaining loot, including rare and valuable items.
2. Can the Large Sword of Searching be upgraded?
No, the Large Sword of Searching cannot be upgraded. Its sole purpose is to passively double your Item Discovery stat.
3. Does the Large Sword of Searching need to be actively used to get the item discovery bonus?
No. The sword simply needs to be equipped, whether it’s actively wielded or sitting in your off-hand.
4. Is the Large Sword of Searching useful for all character builds?
Yes, any character build can benefit from the Large Sword of Searching, regardless of their combat focus. Farming is a necessary part of the Demon’s Souls experience for everyone.
5. Can the effects of the Large Sword of Searching be stacked with other Item Discovery boosting items?
Yes, its item discovery effects do stack with other items, such as the Providential Ring. This allows you to achieve even higher Item Discovery rates for maximum farming efficiency.
6. How does the Large Sword of Searching compare to the Providential Ring?
The Large Sword of Searching doubles your Item Discovery, providing a much larger boost than the Providential Ring. However, the ring is easier to obtain early in the game, making it a good starting point. The providential ring increases your item discovery stat, which in turn increases your chances of getting the items you need when starting the game.
7. What is the best way to farm with the Large Sword of Searching?
Equip the Large Sword of Searching alongside your primary combat weapon. Choose a location with enemies that drop the items you need. Clear the area, then return to the Nexus and back to reset the enemy spawns.
8. What are some good early-game farming locations to use with the Large Sword of Searching?
- Island’s Edge (4-1): Skeletons drop shards and chunks of Sharpstone and Hardstone, good for early weapon upgrades.
- Gates of Boletaria (1-1): Dreglings drop shards of Hardstone and healing grass.
9. Why is the Large Sword of Searching considered a curved sword despite its name?
This is due to its moveset and classification within the game’s code. The Large Sword of Searching shares animations and attributes with other curved swords, despite its larger appearance.
10. What is the best weapon to use alongside the Large Sword of Searching for farming?
This depends on your character build. A strong weapon with good damage output is ideal, such as the Knight Sword, Dragon Long Sword, or a weapon infused with magic for extra damage.
11. Is it worth trading the Large Sword of Searching to Sparkly the Crow for the Providential Ring?
Generally, no. The Large Sword of Searching’s doubling of item discovery is far more valuable than the Providential Ring’s smaller boost. Only trade it if you no longer need the farming benefits or are pursuing a specific trophy/achievement.
12. How do I increase my item discovery stat even further?
Besides the Large Sword of Searching and the Providential Ring, you can temporarily boost your Luck stat by consuming Gold Coins, which in turn increases item discovery. However, Gold Coins are rare.
13. Does world tendency affect item drops and farming efficiency?
Yes, World Tendency does influence item drop rates. Pure Black World Tendency increases the drop rate of rare items but also makes enemies stronger. Pure White World Tendency decreases the drop rate but makes enemies weaker. Experiment to find the best balance for your farming needs.
14. Can I use the Large Sword of Searching in online play?
Yes, you can use the Large Sword of Searching in both online co-op and PvP. However, its poor combat stats make it unadvisable for direct combat situations in PvP.
15. Where can I learn more about the game and about the learning aspects associated with the game?
For those interested in learning more about the connections between gaming and education, the Games Learning Society provides a valuable resource. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or you can use GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
The Large Sword of Searching may not be a weapon that strikes fear into the hearts of demons, but its ability to double your Item Discovery makes it an indispensable tool for any Demon’s Souls player looking to efficiently farm materials and rare items. Its strategic use, paired with a potent combat weapon, can significantly reduce the grind and enhance your overall gaming experience. Embrace its unique function, and you’ll find yourself swimming in loot in no time.
As we delve deeper into the world of gaming, exploring the intersection between gameplay and cognitive development becomes crucial. Organizations like the Games Learning Society play a pivotal role in examining the educational aspects embedded within games, fostering a deeper understanding of how these experiences can contribute to learning and skill development.
The best thing about the Large Sword of Searching is it allows you to get more out of playing, and it’s something to look forward to getting in the game.