Is the Irithyll Straight Sword Good for Dex Builds in Dark Souls 3?

The Irithyll Straight Sword (ISS) in Dark Souls 3 presents a unique case when considering its viability for Dexterity builds. While it can be used, it’s not the most optimal choice. The ISS boasts innate Frost build-up, which is undeniably powerful in the early to mid-game. However, its scaling tells a different story: C-tier in Strength and D-tier in Dexterity. This means that, although leveling Dexterity will increase its damage, the increase is minimal compared to weapons with higher Dexterity scaling like the Sellsword Twinblades or a Sharp-infused Lothric Knight Sword. The ISS shines with its base damage and Frostbite, making it effective early, but falls off later as enemies gain higher Frost resistance and your stats would benefit from better scaling.

The ISS can’t be infused or buffed, severely limiting its versatility. Dexterity builds often thrive on buffing sharp-infused weapons with spells or resins, allowing for massive damage output and the flexibility to exploit enemy weaknesses. This strategy is simply not possible with the ISS.

In summary, while the Irithyll Straight Sword is a serviceable weapon, its lackluster Dexterity scaling and inability to be infused or buffed make it a suboptimal choice for dedicated Dexterity builds. Other weapons offer far greater damage potential and flexibility as your Dex stat increases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Irithyll Straight Sword and Dex Builds

1. What stats does the Irithyll Straight Sword scale with?

The Irithyll Straight Sword scales with Strength (C-tier) and Dexterity (D-tier). This scaling is relatively poor, especially for Dexterity, compared to weapons specifically designed for Dexterity builds. The ISS’s main strength doesn’t come from scaling, but from its base damage and innate Frost build-up.

2. Can the Irithyll Straight Sword be infused or buffed?

No, the Irithyll Straight Sword cannot be infused or buffed. This is due to its innate Frost damage attribute. This limitation significantly reduces its long-term viability compared to weapons that can be infused with gems or buffed with resins or spells.

3. Is the Frost build-up on the Irithyll Straight Sword effective?

The Frost build-up is quite effective in the early to mid-game. Frostbite deals a burst of damage and reduces enemy stamina regeneration and movement speed, making it easier to control the battlefield. However, as you progress through the game, many enemies become more resistant to Frost, diminishing its effectiveness.

4. How does the Irithyll Straight Sword compare to the Lothric Knight Sword for Dex builds?

The Lothric Knight Sword (LKS) is generally considered superior for Dexterity builds. The LKS can be infused with a Sharp Gem, granting it excellent Dexterity scaling (typically A or S at higher levels). The LKS can also be buffed, allowing for even greater damage output. In contrast, the ISS can’t be infused or buffed, and its Dexterity scaling is poor. A Sharp-infused and buffed LKS will significantly outperform the ISS in terms of damage potential.

5. What are some better weapon choices for Dex builds in Dark Souls 3?

Excellent weapon choices for Dexterity builds include:

• Sellsword Twinblades: These weapons have exceptional Dexterity scaling when infused with a Sharp Gem and offer very high damage per second.

• Lothric Knight Sword: As mentioned previously, the LKS, when Sharp-infused, becomes a Dexterity powerhouse.

• Warden Twinblades: These twinblades inflict bleed damage and have good Dexterity scaling when Sharp-infused.

• Onikiri and Ubadachi: A paired katana with good Dexterity scaling and a unique weapon art.

• Ricard’s Rapier: A fun weapon with good Dexterity scaling, known for its multi-hit weapon art.

• Gotthard Twinswords: Twin straight swords with a versatile moveset and decent Dexterity scaling.

6. At what point does the Irithyll Straight Sword become less effective?

The Irithyll Straight Sword’s effectiveness starts to diminish in the mid to late-game. As enemies gain higher Frost resistance and you begin investing more levels into Dexterity, the ISS’s poor scaling becomes increasingly apparent. Weapons with better scaling and infusion/buffing capabilities will eventually surpass it in damage output.

7. Is the Irithyll Straight Sword good for a quality build (Strength and Dex)?

The Irithyll Straight Sword is acceptable for a quality build early on, but it is never great. Its C/D scaling in Strength/Dex isn’t as good as weapons with better scaling. A quality build will eventually find better options, especially weapons that have B/B scaling in Strength/Dex or that can be infused with a Refined Gem.

8. What is the best infusion for a Dex build weapon?

The best infusion for a Dex build weapon is generally the Sharp Gem. This infusion drastically increases the Dexterity scaling of a weapon, often resulting in an A or S scaling grade. This maximizes damage output as your Dexterity stat increases.

9. How do I maximize damage output with a Dex build?

To maximize damage output with a Dex build, focus on the following:

• Level Dexterity: Aim for at least 40 Dexterity, and potentially up to 60 or even 80 for maximum damage potential.
• Use a Sharp-infused weapon: Infuse your weapon with a Sharp Gem to maximize Dexterity scaling.
• Buff your weapon: Use resins (like Gold Pine Resin for lightning damage) or spells (like Crystal Magic Weapon or Dark Blade) to further increase your damage output.
• Wear appropriate rings: Rings like the Flynn’s Ring, Pontiff’s Right Eye, and Ring of Blades can further boost your damage.
• Understand enemy weaknesses: Exploit enemy weaknesses by using appropriate elemental buffs or weapon types.

10. Is the Irithyll Straight Sword good for PvP?

The Irithyll Straight Sword can be decent in PvP, especially at lower levels. The Frostbite effect can be disruptive and punish aggressive players. However, its predictability and relatively low damage output compared to other infused/buffed weapons make it less effective at higher levels. Experienced players can also easily roll away from the Frost buildup.

11. Can the Irithyll Straight Sword be upgraded?

Yes, the Irithyll Straight Sword can be upgraded to +5 using Twinkling Titanite. This will increase its base damage and Frost build-up.

12. What are the stat requirements to wield the Irithyll Straight Sword?

The stat requirements to wield the Irithyll Straight Sword are 14 Strength and 12 Dexterity.

13. Where can I find the Irithyll Straight Sword?

The Irithyll Straight Sword is dropped by a unique Outrider Knight found in the Road of Sacrifices area. The Outrider Knight is located near the Halfway Fortress bonfire.

14. Does weapon art affect the Frost build-up?

The ISS has the standard straight sword weapon art (Stance), allowing a thrust or break attack. The weapon art does not affect the amount of frost buildup applied.

15. What are some unique strategies for using the Irithyll Straight Sword?

One strategy is to use the ISS early game and then switch to a Sharp-infused Lothric Knight Sword or Sellsword Twinblades as you level Dexterity. You can also pair it with a weapon that deals fire damage to reset frostbite faster, reapplying it again for more bursts of damage.

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