The Drake Sword: Can It Break? A Comprehensive Guide to Dark Souls’ Infamous Weapon
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Yes, the Drake Sword can absolutely break in Dark Souls. While it’s a tempting early-game weapon due to its high initial damage, its durability is a significant weakness. Understanding how and why it breaks is crucial for effectively using (or avoiding) this controversial sword.
Understanding the Drake Sword’s Durability
The Drake Sword’s durability is relatively low compared to other weapons in Dark Souls. This means it deteriorates faster with regular use. Blocking attacks, hitting walls, or dying all contribute to durability loss. However, the most significant culprit behind its fragility is its unique R2 two-handed strong attack.
The Devastating (and Destructive) R2 Attack
The Drake Sword’s two-handed strong attack unleashes a ranged vertical cleave, reminiscent of the Stormruler from Demon’s Souls. This attack deals considerable damage and can be incredibly useful for taking down enemies from a distance. However, each use of this attack consumes a whopping 30 points of weapon durability. Considering the Drake Sword’s base durability is only 200, spamming this move will quickly lead to a broken weapon.
Consequences of a Broken Drake Sword
A broken weapon in Dark Souls is essentially useless. It deals negligible damage, making combat nearly impossible. Therefore, careful durability management is essential if you choose to rely on the Drake Sword. Repairing it frequently and minimizing the use of its R2 attack are vital strategies.
Strategies for Managing Drake Sword Durability
Here are a few tips to prolong the Drake Sword’s lifespan:
- Minimize R2 attacks: Use the strong attack sparingly, reserving it for situations where the ranged damage is absolutely necessary. Rely on standard attacks for most encounters.
- Repair frequently: Visit a blacksmith regularly to repair the Drake Sword. Blacksmiths can be found in the Undead Parish (Andrei) and in Anor Londo (Giant Blacksmith). Carrying a Repairbox allows you to repair your weapon at bonfires, providing more flexibility.
- Avoid unnecessary hits: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid hitting walls or other objects with the sword. These actions contribute to durability loss.
- Consider a secondary weapon: Having a backup weapon allows you to switch when the Drake Sword’s durability gets low, giving you time to repair it without being completely defenseless.
- Understand the Games Learning Society: Exploring gameplay strategies is what the Games Learning Society is all about.
Why the Drake Sword Isn’t a Long-Term Solution
While the Drake Sword can be helpful in the early game, it quickly becomes outclassed by other weapons. Its lack of scaling with player stats (Strength, Dexterity, Faith, Intelligence) means that its damage output remains static, while other weapons improve as your stats increase. Furthermore, upgrading the Drake Sword requires Dragon Scales, a rare resource that is better spent on more powerful weapons. By the time you reach areas like Blighttown and the Sen’s Fortress, you should seriously consider switching to a more reliable weapon.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Drake Sword
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Drake Sword to help you make informed decisions about its use:
1. How strong is the Drake Sword?
The Drake Sword starts with a base damage output of 200, making it significantly stronger than most early-game weapons. However, this damage does not increase as you level up your stats.
2. Can the Drake Sword be repaired?
Yes, the Drake Sword can be repaired by any blacksmith in the game, such as Andrei in the Undead Parish. You can also use a Repairbox at bonfires to fix it yourself.
3. When should you stop using the Drake Sword?
You should stop using the Drake Sword when you can upgrade another weapon beyond its damage. This is generally around the Depths area, where you can find items that allow you to upgrade normal weapons past +5. Definitely by the time you complete Blighttown.
4. Is upgrading the Drake Sword worth it?
No, upgrading the Drake Sword is generally not recommended. It requires Dragon Scales, which are rare and better used on other, more powerful weapons that scale with your stats.
5. Is the Zweihander better than the Drake Sword?
The Zweihander is generally considered a better long-term weapon, especially for Strength-oriented builds. While the Drake Sword offers early-game power, the Zweihander’s scaling allows it to become much stronger as you level up.
6. What weapons are better than the Drake Sword?
Many weapons eventually outclass the Drake Sword. Some excellent alternatives include the Black Knight Sword, Claymore, Man-Serpent Greatsword, and Gargoyle Halberd. These weapons scale with your stats and can be upgraded to higher levels.
7. What weapon is similar to the Drake Sword?
The Zweihander, Man Serpent Greatsword, Black Knight Axe, Gargoyle Halberd, and Claymore are great alternatives to the Drake Sword. They offer a blend of power and versatility, allowing you to adapt to different combat situations.
8. How many arrows does it take to get the Drake Sword?
You typically need around 50 arrows to shoot the Hellkite Dragon’s tail to obtain the Drake Sword. The Short Bow and standard arrows purchased from the Undead Merchant are sufficient.
9. Is the Drake Sword or Claymore better?
The Claymore is almost universally considered better than the Drake Sword in the long run. Even a +5 Claymore surpasses the Drake Sword’s damage when factoring in stat scaling. A +10 Claymore is definitively superior.
10. Should I use the Drake Sword?
The Drake Sword is a decent early-game option but should be replaced as soon as possible. Focus on leveling your stats and finding a weapon that scales well with them. The Claymore is a great choice for a balanced Strength/Dexterity build.
11. What stats do I need to use the Drake Sword?
You need a minimum of 16 Strength and 10 Dexterity to effectively wield the Drake Sword.
12. What does the Drake Sword scale with?
The Drake Sword does not scale with any stats. Its damage remains constant regardless of your Strength, Dexterity, Faith, or Intelligence levels.
13. What sword should I get after the Drake Sword?
Excellent choices include the Zweihander, Man Serpent Greatsword, Black Knight Axe, Gargoyle Halberd, and Claymore. Experiment with different weapons to find one that suits your playstyle.
14. Why is the Claymore better than the Drake Sword?
The Claymore becomes better than the Drake Sword because it scales with your Strength and Dexterity stats. As you level up, the Claymore’s damage will increase significantly, while the Drake Sword’s damage remains static.
15. Where can I learn more about game strategies?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is an amazing resource for digging deeper into game strategies, understanding the educational aspects of gaming, and connecting with a community of like-minded individuals passionate about learning through games.
Conclusion: Use the Drake Sword Wisely
The Drake Sword can be a useful tool in the early stages of Dark Souls, but it’s essential to understand its limitations. Manage its durability carefully, avoid relying too heavily on its R2 attack, and be prepared to transition to a better weapon as you progress through the game. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about whether the Drake Sword is right for your playthrough.