Dark Souls 2 Boss Weapons: Are They Worth the Trouble?

Absolutely! Many boss weapons in Dark Souls 2 are not only “worth it,” but can be game-changers depending on your build and playstyle; some are among the most powerful and unique armaments in the game. They offer distinct movesets, scaling, and special effects that you simply can’t find elsewhere.

Diving Deep: Why Boss Weapons Matter in Drangleic

Dark Souls 2 presents a diverse armory, but boss weapons often stand out. They are forged from the souls of defeated bosses and typically require a specific infusion from Weaponsmith Ornifex in Brightstone Cove Tseldora (after rescuing her from Shaded Woods). Getting your hands on them demands a hefty soul investment and the commitment to seek out Ornifex, but the rewards can be substantial.

The value of a boss weapon comes down to several factors:

• Unique Movesets: Boss weapons frequently offer distinct attack patterns and combos that differentiate them from standard weapons of the same class. This variety can provide a tactical advantage, allowing you to adapt to different enemy types and situations.
• Scaling and Damage Types: Some boss weapons have exceptional scaling in particular stats, like Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith. Others deal unique damage types like Dark, Magic, or Fire, allowing you to exploit enemy weaknesses.
• Special Effects: Many boss weapons possess unique properties. This might include increased critical hit chance, health regeneration, self-damage on hit, or the ability to cast spells. Such effects can fundamentally alter your gameplay.

Notable Boss Weapons and Why They Shine

To illustrate the value of boss weapons, let’s examine some standouts:

• Sacred Chime Hammer: A Strength/Faith beast forged from the Soul of Velstadt, Royal Aegis. Its massive damage output and ability to cast hexes (with high enough Faith) make it a formidable weapon for hybrid builds. It is considered one of the most overpowered weapons in the game.
• Crypt Blacksword: Crafted from the Soul of the Rotten, this ultra greatsword boasts incredible Dark damage and scaling. It is especially effective when infused with Dark and paired with a Dark-optimized build.
• Roaring Halberd: Formed from the Soul of Najka, this halberd deals substantial Dark damage and scales well with Intelligence and Faith. Its special attack unleashes a powerful Dark orb, offering ranged offensive capability.
• Chaos Blade: As seen in Dark Souls 1, this weapon deals high damage with a great moveset but hurts the user on every hit.
• Demon’s Greataxe: A powerhouse weapon with excellent Strength scaling, this weapon allows the player to deal very high damage in a single swing.

Ultimately, the “best” boss weapon depends entirely on your character build and playstyle. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and then experiment with different weapons to find the perfect fit.

Consuming Souls vs. Weapon Creation

The souls acquired from defeating bosses can also be consumed for a sizable amount of souls. However, unless you’re desperately short on souls for leveling or purchasing equipment, it’s almost always better to save boss souls for weapon creation. The unique weapons and their associated benefits far outweigh the immediate soul gain. Plus, crafting all boss weapons is often required for certain achievements or trophies, adding another layer of incentive.

Making the Most of Your Boss Weapons

To truly excel with boss weapons, consider the following:

• Stat Allocation: Tailor your stats to maximize the weapon’s scaling. Pay attention to the stat requirements and focus on building a character that synergizes with the weapon’s strengths.
• Infusion and Buffs: Experiment with different infusions to enhance the weapon’s damage output or add elemental properties. Buffs like resins or spells can further augment its power.
• Mastering the Moveset: Practice the weapon’s unique moveset to become proficient in its attack patterns and combos. Understand its strengths and weaknesses to use it effectively in various combat scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which boss souls are worth keeping in DS2?

All of them! Every boss soul can be used to create a unique weapon or spell. Consuming them is generally a waste unless you’re in dire need of souls. It is very worth it to keep the Last Giant, Pursuer, Dragonrider, Old Dragonslayer, Flexile Sentry, Ruin Sentinel, Lost Sinner, and all of the DLC boss souls.

2. How do I craft boss soul weapons in Dark Souls 2?

You need to visit Weaponsmith Ornifex in Brightstone Cove Tseldora. She requires specific boss souls and a certain amount of souls to forge the weapons. You must first find and rescue her from the Shaded Woods.

3. What is the best boss weapon for a Strength build in Dark Souls 2?

The Demon’s Greataxe and the King’s Ultra Greatsword are both excellent choices. The Demon’s Greataxe offers high raw damage and S scaling in Strength, while the King’s Ultra Greatsword scales well and deals strike damage, effective against armored foes. Another great choice is the Smelter Hammer.

4. Is the Pursuer’s Ultra Greatsword any good?

Yes, it is! It has a unique moveset, particularly its special attack, and scales well with Strength and Dexterity. It also deals thrust damage, making it effective against certain enemies.

5. What is the best boss weapon for a Dexterity build in Dark Souls 2?

The Bewitched Alonne Sword is a strong choice, offering good scaling in Dexterity and a unique self-buffing ability. The Chaos Blade can also be effective, but its self-damage effect requires careful management.

6. Are any of the DLC boss weapons worth getting?

Absolutely! The DLC areas contain some of the most powerful and unique boss weapons in the game. Weapons like the Fume Ultra Greatsword and the Rampart Golem Lance are highly sought after.

7. Can I get all boss weapons in a single playthrough?

No, you cannot. Some boss souls can be used to create two different weapons or spells. To obtain all of them, you’ll need to either trade with other players or play through the game multiple times in New Game Plus (NG+) to acquire multiple copies of the boss souls.

8. Does weapon durability matter when using boss weapons?

Yes, weapon durability is always a factor in Dark Souls 2. Some boss weapons, like the Chaos Blade, have lower durability than others, requiring more frequent repairs. Keep an eye on your weapon’s durability to avoid it breaking in the middle of a fight.

9. What is the best infusion for a boss weapon?

The best infusion depends on your build and the weapon’s scaling. Generally, if a weapon has high scaling in a particular stat, infusing it with that element (e.g., Magic infusion for high Intelligence) can be beneficial. However, raw infusions can also be effective for weapons with low scaling. Magic infusion is “optimal” because it boosts the damage of the projectile on its strong attack.

10. How does the weapon scaling work in Dark Souls 2?

Weapon scaling is represented by letters (S, A, B, C, D, E) next to each stat. “S” indicates the best scaling, while “E” indicates the worst. A higher scaling grade means the weapon will gain more damage from that stat as you level it up.

11. Which class is best to start with if I want to use boss weapons?

The Knight or Warrior are good starting classes due to their balanced stats and focus on melee combat, allowing you to effectively wield a variety of boss weapons early on. However, starting class ultimately matters less as you progress and customize your build.

12. What stats should I focus on for a Dark build in Dark Souls 2?

For a Dark build, focus on leveling up Intelligence and Faith to increase your Dark damage output. You’ll also need to invest in Adaptability (ADP) to increase your agility and improve your roll invincibility frames.

13. What armor is best for a strength build in Dark Souls 2?

The Havel’s Set and the Alonne Captain Set are among the best options, offering high physical defense and poise. Poise is crucial for maintaining your stance during attacks and avoiding being staggered.

14. How important is weapon buffing in Dark Souls 2?

Weapon buffing can significantly increase your damage output, especially on boss weapons. Resins like Charcoal Pine Resin (for Fire damage) or Gold Pine Resin (for Lightning damage) can be applied to your weapon to add elemental damage for a limited time. Spells like Sunlight Blade and Dark Weapon can also provide powerful buffs.

15. Where can I learn more about Dark Souls 2 builds and strategies?

There are many great resources online, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Exploring these resources can help you discover new builds, optimize your character, and learn advanced strategies. Check out educational content on the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to dive deeper into the mechanics of Dark Souls 2 and other games.

Final Verdict

While navigating the dark and dangerous world of Drangleic, don’t underestimate the power and potential of boss weapons. They can be instrumental in overcoming challenging encounters and adding unique depth to your gameplay experience. Experiment, explore, and find the boss weapons that best suit your style – the rewards are well worth the effort.