Can You Upgrade Crystal Weapons in Dark Souls 1? A Deep Dive

The burning question on every Dark Souls 1 player’s mind when they encounter a weapon shimmering with that telltale crystal gleam: Can you upgrade crystal weapons? The short answer is yes, but with significant caveats. While not all weapons with “crystal” in their name are created equal, true Crystal Weapons can be upgraded, but the process is unique and limited compared to standard upgrade paths. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this powerful yet fragile weapon type.

Understanding Crystal Weapons in Dark Souls 1

Crystal weapons in Dark Souls 1 represent a significant power boost in exchange for a severe drawback: drastically reduced durability and the inability to be repaired in the traditional sense. This makes them a high-risk, high-reward option for players who favor damage output over longevity. Knowing how they work and how to partially circumvent their limitations is crucial for anyone considering incorporating them into their build.

The Upgrade Process: A One-Way Street

Unlike standard weapons upgraded through titanite shards, large titanite shards, chunks, and slabs, Crystal Weapons are upgraded through a specific process tied to a particular blacksmith: the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo.

To “upgrade” a Crystal Weapon, you must have it at its base Crystal form (usually achieved by ascending a +10 standard weapon). The Giant Blacksmith then uses titanite chunks (9 total) and a slab to upgrade the weapon to +5 Crystal.

Here’s the catch: each upgrade does fully restore the weapon’s durability. This is the only way to “repair” a Crystal Weapon. However, once you reach +5 Crystal, there are no further upgrades possible. This means that once the weapon’s durability reaches zero, it breaks permanently and is lost forever.

Differentiating “Crystal” Weapons: Domhnall’s Deception

It’s important to distinguish between true Crystal Weapons and weapons that merely have “Crystal” in their name. Domhnall of Zena sells the Crystal Shield and Crystal Straight Sword. These weapons, despite their names, cannot be upgraded through the Crystal path or any other upgrade path for that matter. They are fixed weapons with decent stats and relatively high durability, making them useful early- to mid-game, but they eventually become outclassed. Their main appeal is accessibility rather than raw power.

Ascending to Crystal: The Starting Point

To create a true Crystal Weapon, you must first upgrade a standard weapon to +10 using standard titanite upgrade materials. Then, you take that +10 weapon to the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo and have him ascend it to the Crystal path. This process consumes souls and typically requires a titanite chunk to initiate the ascension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crystal Weapons in Dark Souls 1

Here’s a comprehensive list of FAQs to further clarify the nuances of Crystal Weapons in Dark Souls 1:

1. Are Crystal Weapons worth using in Dark Souls 1?

   Absolutely, if you understand their limitations. Crystal weapons offer significantly higher damage output compared to standard weapons, making them ideal for burst damage or boss fights. However, their low durability requires careful management. They’re best suited for builds that can either eliminate enemies quickly or rely on other weapon options for general exploration.

2. What are the best weapons to ascend to Crystal?

   Strength-based weapons with high base damage generally benefit the most from the Crystal infusion. Consider weapons like Clubs, Demon Machete, or Demon GreatAxe, especially those with 200+ durability in their base form, as this will give the Crystal version slightly more to work with.

3. How much durability do Crystal Weapons have?

   Crystal Weapons have significantly reduced durability compared to their standard counterparts. It’s typically reduced to about 1/10th of the original weapon’s durability. This makes durability management paramount.

4. Can I repair Crystal Weapons using repair powder?

   No, repair powder does not work on Crystal Weapons. The only way to “repair” them is to upgrade them at the Giant Blacksmith, and only up to +5.

5. Does the Ring of Repair affect Crystal Weapons?

   No, the Ring of Repair does not slow the degradation of Crystal Weapons. It only affects standard, repairable weapons.

6. What happens when a Crystal Weapon breaks?

   When a Crystal Weapon’s durability reaches zero, it breaks permanently. It disappears from your inventory, and you’ll need to create or acquire a new one if you wish to use it again.

7. Is it possible to beat Dark Souls 1 using only Crystal Weapons?

   It’s possible, but extremely challenging. It requires meticulous planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of enemy weaknesses. You would need to create multiple Crystal Weapons and carefully allocate their use to conserve durability. Consider viewing the research at GamesLearningSociety.org to find communities of gamers who have taken on similar challenges.

8. Do Crystal Weapons scale with stats?

   Yes, Crystal Weapons retain their original scaling from the weapon they were ascended from. Strength weapons still scale with Strength, Dexterity weapons with Dexterity, and so on. However, the Crystal infusion itself does not change the scaling properties.

9. Are Crystal Weapons good for PvP (Player vs. Player)?

   Crystal Weapons can be effective in PvP due to their high damage output, allowing for quick kills. However, their low durability makes them a risky choice, as a prolonged fight can easily lead to weapon breakage.

10. Can Crystal Weapons be buffed with spells or resins?

    Yes, Crystal Weapons can be buffed with spells like Crystal Magic Weapon or resins like Charcoal Pine Resin. This further enhances their damage output, making them even more deadly in short bursts.

11. How do I get titanite chunks for upgrading Crystal Weapons?

    Titanite chunks can be found in various locations throughout the game, including Lost Izalith, The Great Hollow, and are dropped by certain enemies. They can also be purchased from the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo, though their availability is limited.

12. What is the difference between Crystal, Lightning, and Fire weapons?

    Each of these infusions offers a unique trade-off. Crystal focuses on pure physical damage at the cost of durability. Lightning splits damage between physical and lightning, removing scaling. Fire also splits damage between physical and fire, removing scaling. The best choice depends on your build and playstyle.

13. Does upgrading my weapon to +10 before ascending to Crystal affect the final damage output?

    Yes, you must upgrade your weapon to +10 before ascending to Crystal to maximize its potential damage. The Crystal ascension inherits the base damage of the +10 weapon.

14. Is there a way to farm Crystal Weapons?

    No, you cannot directly farm Crystal Weapons. You must ascend a standard +10 weapon to the Crystal path each time you want one.

15. Are there any glitches or exploits that can bypass the durability limitations of Crystal Weapons?

    While some glitches may have existed in the past, they are generally patched out. As of the current versions of Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls: Remastered, there are no reliable exploits to bypass the durability limitations of Crystal Weapons.

Crystal weapons are a testament to Dark Souls’ design philosophy: high risk, high reward. Used wisely, they can be devastating. Used carelessly, they can leave you vulnerable and weaponless. Master the art of durability management, and you’ll wield the power of crystal with confidence.