Is The Lothric Knight Sword Any Good? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls 3’s Premier Straight Sword
Unequivocally, yes. The Lothric Knight Sword (LKS) is exceptionally good in Dark Souls 3. Its combination of reach, speed, damage, and scaling makes it a top-tier choice for both PvE and PvP, and it’s often considered one of the best, if not the best, straight sword in the game. Its versatility allows it to shine throughout your entire playthrough, from the early game to the toughest bosses.
Unpacking the Lothric Knight Sword’s Strengths
The Lothric Knight Sword isn’t just good; it’s good for many reasons. Let’s break down what makes this weapon so powerful:
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Reach: Compared to other straight swords, the LKS boasts impressive range. This extra reach allows you to space yourself effectively, keeping you safe from enemy attacks while still landing your own. In PvP, this is a massive advantage for out-trading opponents.
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Damage: Its base damage is respectable, but its true potential lies in its scaling. With a Sharp infusion and high Dexterity, or a Refined infusion with a quality build (equal Strength and Dexterity), the LKS’s damage output becomes formidable.
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Speed: Straight swords, in general, are known for their quick attacks. The LKS is no exception, allowing for fast combos and effective roll-catching.
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Stamina Consumption: The LKS doesn’t require a ton of stamina per swing, allowing you to maintain pressure and chain attacks without quickly exhausting your stamina bar.
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Versatility: The LKS can be infused with various gems, allowing it to adapt to different builds and enemy weaknesses. Sharp, Refined, Raw, and even elemental infusions like Lightning or Fire can be effective depending on your stats and the situation.
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Moveset: The standard straight sword moveset is solid, but the LKS’s two-handed R2 attacks are particularly noteworthy. They offer excellent range and can catch opponents off guard.
Playstyle and Build Synergies
The LKS’s versatility means it slots easily into a variety of builds. Here’s a look at some optimal pairings:
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Dexterity Build: A Sharp-infused LKS with high Dexterity scaling is a damage powerhouse. Use resins or buffs to exploit enemy weaknesses.
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Quality Build: A Refined-infused LKS is excellent for quality builds, granting great damage due to scaling with both Strength and Dexterity.
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Faith Build: A Lightning or Blessed infused LKS can be used to accommodate for bosses weaknesses, while adding Faith scaling to its lightning base damage.
When to Use the Lothric Knight Sword
The LKS is effective in most situations, but here are some scenarios where it truly shines:
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PvE: Excellent against most regular enemies and bosses. Its speed and range allow you to deal consistent damage while maintaining a safe distance.
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PvP: A top-tier PvP weapon due to its reach, speed, and roll-catching capabilities.
While extremely powerful, it is crucial to understand the nuances of the Lothric Knight Sword to be able to use it to it’s full extent.
Lothric Knight Sword: A Tool for Education
It’s important to consider how games impact players and society. One way to explore this intersection is by delving into the field of game-based learning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, investigate how games can enhance education and problem-solving skills. The strategic thinking required to master weapons like the Lothric Knight Sword in Dark Souls 3 can translate into valuable cognitive abilities applicable in various real-world scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 commonly asked questions related to the Lothric Knight Sword, providing you with even more insights:
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Is the Lothric Knight Sword better than the Longsword? Yes, generally. While the Longsword is a solid weapon, the LKS offers superior range and scaling, making it a stronger choice overall. However, the Longsword is lighter and available earlier in the game.
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What’s the best infusion for the Lothric Knight Sword? It depends on your build. Sharp is best for Dexterity builds, Refined for Quality builds, and Raw for low-level builds before you invest heavily in stats. Lightning or Blessed infusions can be effective if you want to add Faith scaling.
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Where can I farm the Lothric Knight Sword? The easiest place to farm is from the Lothric Knights near the High Wall of Lothric bonfire. They’re located just down the stairs from the Tower on the Wall bonfire. They have a fairly low drop rate, so be patient or use items to increase Item Discovery.
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Is the Lothric Knight Sword good for endgame? Absolutely. A well-upgraded and infused LKS remains viable throughout the entire game, including the toughest endgame bosses.
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Does the Lothric Knight Sword scale with Strength? Yes, but primarily with Dexterity, especially when Sharp-infused. A Refined infusion balances the scaling between Strength and Dexterity.
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Is the Lothric Knight Sword rare? No, it’s relatively easy to farm from the Lothric Knights at the High Wall of Lothric. While it may take a few attempts, it’s a common enough drop.
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Is the Lothric Knight Sword good in PvP? Yes, it’s one of the best straight swords for PvP due to its reach, speed, and versatile moveset.
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What are the best stats for the Lothric Knight Sword? For a Sharp infusion, prioritize Dexterity (40-60). For a Refined infusion, aim for equal Strength and Dexterity (40/40 is a good starting point).
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What rings are good with the Lothric Knight Sword? Havel’s Ring (for equip load), Ring of Favor (for stamina, health, and equip load), Chloranthy Ring (for stamina regen), and situational rings like the Leo Ring (for thrusting attacks) can all be useful.
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How does the Lothric Knight Sword compare to the Irithyll Straight Sword? The LKS generally outperforms the Irithyll Straight Sword due to its better scaling and infusing capability. The Irithyll Straight Sword’s Frostbite buildup can be useful, but the LKS is more versatile overall.
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What is the best early-game weapon in Dark Souls 3? The Lothric Knight Sword is a strong contender. Even though the Longsword is available earlier in the game, you will be able to farm the Lothric Knight Sword at the High Wall of Lothric.
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Can I beat Dark Souls 3 with just the Lothric Knight Sword? Absolutely. Many players have successfully completed the game using only the LKS. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a reliable choice for a solo playthrough.
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How do I upgrade the Lothric Knight Sword? Like most weapons, the LKS is upgraded using Titanite shards, large Titanite shards, chunks, and a Titanite slab at Andre the Blacksmith in Firelink Shrine.
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What is the weight of the Lothric Knight Sword? The LKS weighs 3.5 units. Manage your equipment load carefully to ensure you can roll effectively.
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Is the Lothric Knight Sword considered a “meta” weapon? It’s generally considered to be a strong, popular choice for most builds and is often seen in the meta.
Conclusion
The Lothric Knight Sword has earned its reputation as a top-tier weapon in Dark Souls 3. Its blend of reach, speed, damage, and scaling makes it a powerhouse in both PvE and PvP. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, the LKS is a reliable and rewarding weapon to master. So, pick it up, upgrade it, and see for yourself why it’s so highly regarded in the Dark Souls 3 community.