Are Dark Weapons Good in Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, dark weapons are absolutely viable and often exceptionally powerful in Dark Souls 3, especially when optimized for specific builds. Their effectiveness stems from their unique scaling, damage type, and synergy with certain stats, making them a potent choice for both PvE and PvP. The key to unlocking their full potential lies in understanding how they interact with enemy defenses and how to build your character to maximize their dark damage output. Let’s delve into why and how dark weapons can become a cornerstone of your Dark Souls 3 arsenal.
Understanding Dark Damage in Dark Souls 3
What Makes Dark Weapons Unique?
Dark weapons in Dark Souls 3 deal dark damage, which is a unique damage type that scales with both Intelligence (INT) and Faith (FTH). This makes them ideal for builds that invest in both of these stats, often referred to as “quality” or “hybrid” builds for magic users. Unlike physical damage types that primarily scale with Strength or Dexterity, dark damage taps into the magical prowess of your character. This is especially effective for punishing opponents with low dark resistance.
Scaling and Stat Investment
The effectiveness of dark weapons is directly tied to your investment in Intelligence and Faith. When infusing weapons with a Dark Gem or Deep Gem, the scaling will shift to favor these stats. Weapons that already have innate dark scaling, like the Murky Hand Scythe or Crucifix of the Mad King, benefit immensely from high INT and FTH. Knowing the soft caps for these stats is crucial. Generally, scaling starts to diminish significantly after 40 for each stat, making 40/40 a good initial target, then scaling to 60/60 for later in the game.
Enemy Weaknesses and Resistances
Understanding enemy weaknesses and resistances is paramount to mastering dark weapons. Dark damage is particularly effective against “ancient” foes, such as the Black Knights and enemies deformed without Abyss influence. Conversely, dark damage is less effective against enemies corrupted by the Abyss, giants, undead, and most enemies wielding dark magic. Recognizing these patterns allows you to strategically choose the right weapon for each encounter.
Top Dark Weapons in Dark Souls 3
Highly Recommended Options
Several weapons stand out as exceptional choices for dark builds:
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Murky Hand Scythe: This dagger is considered one of the best non-critical daggers in the game when buffed, due to its innate dark scaling and rapid attack speed.
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Crucifix of the Mad King: This weapon is powerful due to its innate dark scaling and unique weapon art.
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Dark infused Lothric Knight Sword (LKSS): When infused with a Dark Gem, the LKSS becomes a versatile and damaging option, benefiting from the scaling.
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Dark Scimitar: A curved sword that can become a scaling monster when infused.
The Dark Hand: An Early-Game Option
The Dark Hand is a unique weapon obtainable very early in the game. It has no stat requirements and deals significant dark damage, making it a viable substitute for Deep- or Dark-infused weapons, especially in the early game before you have the stats to properly scale other weapons.
Building the Perfect Dark Weapon Build
Stat Allocation
The foundation of a successful dark weapon build lies in proper stat allocation.
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Vitality (VIT): Crucial for survivability. Aim for at least 30-40 depending on your play style.
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Endurance (END): Essential for stamina management. 30-40 is a good range.
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Strength (STR) and Dexterity (DEX): Meet the minimum requirements for your chosen weapon. Any additional points should go into INT/FTH.
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Intelligence (INT) and Faith (FTH): These are your primary damage stats. Aim for 40/40 initially, then consider pushing them to 60/60 for maximum dark scaling.
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Attunement (ATT): If you plan on using spells alongside your dark weapons, invest in ATT to increase your FP pool and attunement slots.
Infusion and Buffs
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Dark Infusion: Use Dark Gems to infuse your weapons, converting their scaling to INT and FTH. This is especially effective on weapons with good base damage.
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Deep Infusion: Offers dark damage but scales less effectively than Dark infusion. Useful for early game.
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Dark Blade: This miracle buffs your weapon with dark damage, further increasing your damage output. The damage of dark blade will increase if you use a catalyst with high faith scaling.
Rings and Equipment
Certain rings can significantly enhance your dark weapon build:
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Dark Clutch Ring: Increases dark damage, but reduces physical defense. Use with caution.
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Sage Ring: Improves casting speed for spells.
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Havel’s Ring: Increases equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without fat-rolling.
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Ring of Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
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Prisoner’s Chain: Increases VIG, END, and VIT at the cost of increased damage taken.
Dark Weapons in PvE and PvP
PvE Prowess
In PvE, dark weapons excel against specific enemy types, particularly those vulnerable to dark damage, such as the Black Knights. Their scaling also allows you to deal consistent damage throughout the game.
PvP Strategies
In PvP, dark weapons can be incredibly effective due to their versatility and potential for burst damage. The ability to buff your weapon with Dark Blade adds another layer of offense, and the split damage can catch opponents off guard.
Mastering Dark Weapons: Tips and Tricks
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Weapon Selection: Choose weapons with good movesets and scaling potential.
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Stat Optimization: Fine-tune your stats based on your chosen weapon and play style.
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Buff Management: Practice applying buffs efficiently during combat.
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Enemy Knowledge: Learn enemy weaknesses and resistances to maximize your damage output.
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Adaptability: Be prepared to switch weapons based on the situation.
Conclusion: Embrace the Darkness
Dark weapons in Dark Souls 3 offer a compelling and rewarding play style for those willing to invest in the necessary stats and strategies. Their unique scaling, damage type, and versatility make them a powerful option for both PvE and PvP. So, embrace the darkness and unleash the full potential of these formidable weapons. Share your builds and strategies with the community! Consider getting involved with research and game design projects through organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Dark Sword a good weapon in DS3?
The Dark Sword is a decent weapon for beginners or quality builds. It deals solid damage at a good range, but it’s not specifically a “dark weapon” unless infused. Its damage is more focused on physical stats.
2. What is dark damage good for in DS3?
Dark damage is effective against enemies like Black Knights and those not influenced by the Abyss. It is less effective against enemies corrupted by the Abyss, giants, undead, and enemies using dark magic.
3. What do dark weapons do in Dark Souls 3?
Dark weapons deal dark damage, which scales with Intelligence and Faith. They are particularly effective against enemies weak to dark damage. They are especially potent for builds with high INT/FTH.
4. Is Dark Hand viable in DS3?
Yes, the Dark Hand is viable, especially early game. It requires no stat investment, and deals high dark damage.
5. Are DS3 bans permanent?
Yes, Dark Souls 3 bans are typically permanent.
6. What is the most powerful one-handed weapon in DS3?
Arguably, the Ringed Knight Straight Sword is the most powerful one-handed weapon due to its reach and damage.
7. What is the most broken weapon in Dark Souls 3?
The Lothric Knight Sword is considered one of the most overpowered due to its moveset, scaling and overall damage output.
8. What weapon should I use in Dark Souls 3?
The Claymore is a solid, powerful greatsword that’s effective when two-handed and doesn’t rely on gimmicks, making it a reliable choice.
9. What is the best class in Dark Souls 3?
The Knight is a good starting class due to its balanced stats, good starting weapon (Longsword), and 100% physical absorption shield.
10. What is the best dark spell staff in DS3?
The Murky Longstaff is excellent for dark sorceries, particularly for players with Intelligence below 45.
11. What does Dark Blade scale with in DS3?
Dark Blade scales with Faith regardless of the catalyst used. It works best with pure FTH catalysts.
12. What is the best strength weapon in Dark Souls 3?
The Great Club and Splitleaf Greatsword are among the best strength weapons in the game.
13. Why are curved swords good in DS3?
Curved swords offer fast attacks, high damage per second, and some incredibly cool weapon skills, making them versatile weapons.
14. What is the hardest fight in Dark Souls 3?
The Nameless King is widely considered the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3 due to his challenging two-phase fight.
15. What is the most toxic weapon in ds3?
Weapons infused with poison like the Rotten Ghru Dagger, Rotten Ghru Curved Sword, and Rotten Ghru Spear can be considered toxic.