Should I Make a Lightning Zweihander? A Dark Souls Deep Dive

So, you’re pondering the age-old question: should you infuse your Zweihander with lightning in Dark Souls? The short answer is it depends entirely on your character build and playstyle. A Lightning Zweihander can be a powerful tool, especially in the early to mid-game, but it comes with trade-offs. Lightning infusions remove all scaling with Strength and Dexterity, meaning the weapon’s damage won’t increase as you level those stats. This makes it ideal for builds that don’t focus on STR/DEX or are having trouble leveling them. However, a fully upgraded normal Zweihander (+15) with good scaling can potentially outdamage it in the late game.

Ultimately, deciding to create a Lightning Zweihander depends on whether you’re willing to sacrifice the potential for scaling in favor of consistent, elemental damage, and when you choose to do it in your playthrough. It’s a strong choice for players seeking a reliable, damage-dealing tool without the need for heavy stat investment in offensive stats.

Understanding Lightning Infusion

Before making the leap, let’s delve into the mechanics of lightning infusion. As mentioned, the primary effect is the removal of Strength and Dexterity scaling. This means your damage output with the Zweihander becomes fixed based on the weapon’s base physical damage and the added lightning damage. This is both a blessing and a curse.

• The Blessing: For characters with low Strength and Dexterity (e.g., those focusing on Faith, Intelligence, or Vitality), a Lightning Zweihander can provide substantial damage output without demanding stat investment. This frees up levels to focus on other areas. It’s also helpful if you want a specific weapon for taking on enemies with weaknesses to lightning.

• The Curse: As your Strength and Dexterity increase, a normal Zweihander upgraded to +15 will eventually surpass the damage of its lightning counterpart if your scaling stats are high enough. You’re trading potential for immediate effectiveness.

When is a Lightning Zweihander a Good Choice?

Consider these scenarios where a Lightning Zweihander might be a solid option:

• Early to Mid-Game Power: If you’re struggling in the early game and need a damage boost, a Lightning Zweihander can provide it. The consistent damage output helps overcome difficult enemies and bosses without requiring you to grind for levels.

• Faith or Intelligence Builds: Characters primarily investing in Faith or Intelligence often have lower Strength and Dexterity. A Lightning Zweihander allows them to wield a powerful weapon without deviating from their core build. This is especially useful for dealing with armored enemies resistant to magic or fire.

• Backup Weapon: As the article text mentions, a Lightning Zweihander serves as a reliable backup weapon. You can have a normal, scaling Zweihander for situations where physical damage is preferred and switch to the lightning version when facing enemies weak to lightning or resistant to physical attacks.

• PvE Utility: Lightning can be very effective against specific enemy types throughout the game. Having a Lightning Zweihander as part of your arsenal provides versatility in tackling different challenges.

Alternative Infusions and Upgrades

Before committing to lightning, explore other options:

• Raw: Raw weapons have even worse scaling, but higher base damage. This option is even better in the early game than lightning for non-STR/DEX builds, but falls off much quicker in the late game.

• Fire: Fire infusion functions similarly to lightning, removing scaling. It could be a better choice depending on enemy weaknesses. Pyromancy focused builds might gravitate toward a fire infusion.

• Chaos: In Dark Souls, Chaos infusions deal Fire damage and scale with humanity. This may be a good choice for some builds.

• Normal +15: The standard upgrade path allows the Zweihander to scale with Strength and Dexterity. If you’re investing heavily in these stats, this path ultimately offers the highest damage potential.

How to Obtain a Lightning Zweihander

The process involves the following steps:

1. Acquire a Zweihander: You can find the Zweihander in the graveyard near Firelink Shrine early in the game.

2. Upgrade to +5: Use Titanite Shards to upgrade your Zweihander to +5.

3. Evolve to +6: Go to Modify Equipment. Take +5 Zwei to +6.

4. Upgrade to +10: Go back to Reinforce and take the +6 to +10 using Large Titanite Shards (you’ll need 9 in total.)

5. Infuse with Lightning: Visit the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo and choose the “Modify Equipment” option. He can infuse your +10 Zweihander with lightning.

Remember that once you infuse a weapon, you can’t reverse the process. So, make sure you’re confident in your decision!

Final Verdict: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Ultimately, the decision to create a Lightning Zweihander hinges on your specific circumstances. If you’re:

• Playing a build with low Strength and Dexterity
• Struggling in the early to mid-game
• Seeking a reliable backup weapon with elemental damage
• Facing enemies with lightning weaknesses

Then a Lightning Zweihander can be a very good choice. However, if you’re:

• Planning a heavy Strength or Dexterity build
• Looking for the absolute highest damage potential in the late game
• Wanting the flexibility to buff your weapon

Then sticking with a normal +15 Zweihander might be a better option.

Consider your priorities and your character build carefully before making your decision. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!

FAQs: Lightning Zweihander and Beyond

1. What stats does a Lightning Zweihander scale with?

A Lightning Zweihander does not scale with any stats. It has fixed damage based on its base physical damage and added lightning damage.

2. Is a Lightning Zweihander better than a normal +15 Zweihander?

Not necessarily. A normal +15 Zweihander will likely have higher damage output at high Strength and Dexterity stats. A Lightning Zweihander will have higher damage at low Strength and Dexterity stats and provides consistent lightning damage.

3. Can I buff a Lightning Zweihander with spells or resins?

No, you cannot buff infused weapons like the Lightning Zweihander with spells or resins.

4. What are the best stats for a Zweihander build?

For a normal Zweihander build focusing on scaling, Strength and Dexterity are the most important stats. Vitality and Endurance are also crucial for survivability and stamina management.

5. What are some other good weapons for lightning infusion?

Weapons with high base damage and poor scaling typically benefit most from lightning infusion. Examples include the Claymore, Man-Serpent Greatsword, and even some smaller weapons.

6. Is lightning damage effective against all enemies?

No, some enemies are resistant or immune to lightning damage. For instance, enemies in areas like Blighttown and some bosses are resistant to lightning.

7. Can I reverse a lightning infusion?

No, you cannot reverse a lightning infusion once it has been applied. So, make sure you are very certain.

8. How do I get Titanite Slabs for upgrading my Zweihander?

Titanite Slabs are rare upgrade materials. You can find a limited number in each playthrough, and some enemies, like Darkwraiths, have a small chance to drop them.

9. Where can I find the Giant Blacksmith?

The Giant Blacksmith is located in Anor Londo, after you defeat Ornstein and Smough.

10. Is the Zweihander a good weapon for PvP?

Yes, the Zweihander is a very effective weapon for PvP due to its long reach, high damage, and potential for “pancaking” opponents with its two-handed attacks.

11. What rings should I use with a Zweihander build?

Useful rings include the Havel’s Ring (for increased equip load), Ring of Favor and Protection (for increased HP, stamina, and equip load), and situational rings like the Cloranthy Ring (for faster stamina regeneration).

12. Is a Lightning Spear a good spell in Dark Souls?

Yes, Lightning Spear can be great. Many of the same principles of when to go lightning with a Zweihander also apply to the spell!

13. Is there a connection between gaming and learning, and how does it help?

Absolutely! The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) promotes the use of games for educational purposes. Video games can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative learning.

14. What is the best class to use the Zweihander?

Any class that allows you to get the stats high enough to wield the weapon. The warrior is a great pick!

15. What are the Zweihander advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages: Long Reach, Pancake ability, and high damage. Disadvantages: Slow speed, high stat requirements.