Ascending Magic Weapons in Dark Souls: A Comprehensive Guide
The process of ascending magic weapons in Dark Souls can seem daunting to new players, and even veterans might need a refresher. The game doesn’t explicitly explain all the nuances, leading to confusion and frustration. This guide will provide a clear, detailed explanation of how to ascend magic weapons and will delve into some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering doubts.
Understanding the Basics of Weapon Progression
Before we dive into the specifics of magic weapons, it’s crucial to understand the general weapon upgrade path in Dark Souls. Weapons initially start at +0 and can be improved incrementally using Titanite Shards and souls, typically at a bonfire or with a blacksmith. This progression continues up to +5. Beyond this point, things get more intricate.
The Key to Ascension: The Large Ember
To advance weapons past +5, you’ll need the Large Ember, a vital item found in the chest near the first butcher in the Depths. Once acquired, this ember must be given to Andre, the blacksmith in Undead Parish. This unlocks the “Modify Equipment” option with Andre, allowing weapons that are already +5 to be ascended.
Ascending Beyond +5: The Modification Process
Ascending is not a straightforward upgrade like those before +5. Instead, it requires visiting the “Modify Equipment” menu at a blacksmith, specifically Andre in most cases. After acquiring the Large Ember, he becomes the go-to blacksmith for this process. The modify equipment option will allow you to choose two paths. You will either be able to choose to ascend to the next tier +6 upgrade, or use the relevant ember, titanite and souls to ascend your standard weapon to a elemental weapon type such as magic.
Steps to Ascending a Magic Weapon
- Upgrade to +5: Use Reinforce Weapon at any bonfire or blacksmith to reach +5 using Titanite Shards and souls.
- Acquire the Large Ember: Obtain the Large Ember from the chest in the Depths.
- Give the Large Ember to Andre: Return to Andre in the Undead Parish and give him the Large Ember.
- Ascend the weapon type: Use the Modify Equipment option to change your +5 weapon into a magic weapon (or similar).
- Upgrade past +5: Use Reinforce Weapon again at Andre to increase the level of your modified weapon. Use the appropriate Titanite for your newly modified weapon type.
- Modify Equipment Again (if applicable): Certain weapon ascension paths may require further modifications using special embers to ascend beyond +10, which will also be done with Andre.
In summary, the process to ascend magic weapons involves upgrading to +5, acquiring the Large Ember, giving it to Andre, modifying the weapon through the modify equipment option, and continuing to upgrade with Reinforce Weapon. It’s crucial to understand the distinction between the initial +5 progression and the subsequent modification that allows you to create a magic weapon and further upgrade that weapon past +5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances of magic weapon ascension in Dark Souls, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. What is the difference between Reinforce Weapon and Modify Equipment?
Reinforce Weapon is the standard upgrade process using titanite shards to reach +5 (and again +6 to +10 after modification). Modify Equipment is a special menu at a blacksmith, primarily Andre after giving him the Large Ember, which allows you to change the path of a weapon, including ascending it to a magic, elemental or divine version.
2. Can I ascend a weapon at any blacksmith?
No. While any blacksmith can perform initial upgrades up to +5, the crucial modification step requires Andre after obtaining and handing over the Large Ember. For further special upgrades you must find other blacksmiths.
3. What materials are needed to ascend a weapon to a magic weapon?
- Titanite Shards to initially upgrade to +5.
- Large Ember to unlock the modification.
- Green Titanite Shard is required for the magic modification.
- Large Titanite shards and other titanite materials (based on weapon path) are used to reinforce magic weapons past +5.
4. Do magic weapons scale differently than regular weapons?
Yes. Magic weapons primarily scale with the Intelligence (INT) stat, unlike regular weapons that typically scale with Strength (STR) and Dexterity (DEX). This is why intelligence focused builds will find this path useful.
5. Does ascending a weapon to magic change its base damage type?
Yes, when you ascend to a magic weapon, it adds magical damage and usually reduces physical damage and its corresponding stat scaling, changing its damage type distribution.
6. What does infusing a weapon mean in Dark Souls 1?
“Infusing” isn’t a term used in DS1. The term is often reused from later Dark Souls titles. In DS1, it’s called weapon modification or ascension. The term “infusing” typically refers to changes made to a weapon’s stats, typically damage output and scaling, as well as adding extra damage types such as magic, fire, divine, etc.
7. Can I revert a magic weapon back to its original state?
No, you cannot directly revert a weapon back to its standard upgrade path once it has been modified to a magic weapon. The ascensions are permanent.
8. What happens if I ascend a weapon then change my build?
If you respec your build away from intelligence, your ascended magic weapon will lose some of its damage potential, as its scaling with intelligence will be lost.
9. Can I use weapon buffs on magic weapons?
Yes, weapon buffs from spells or consumables can still be applied to magic weapons, but only those that work on “non-magic” weapons (usually elemental buffs). You cannot “double-dip” with more magic buffs.
10. How do I get a weapon to +10 once it is magic?
After modifying a weapon to a magic version using Modify Equipment, you will need to continue to upgrade it using Reinforce Weapon and specific titanite at a blacksmith (usually Andre) to reach +10.
11. What are the benefits of magic weapons?
Magic weapons offer magical damage and better scaling with Intelligence, making them ideal for sorcery-focused builds. However, that means the scaling with strength and dexterity will be negatively affected.
12. Where do I find the Very Large Ember?
The Very Large Ember, needed to upgrade past +10 with regular weapons, is found in New Londo Ruins. It’s usually on a corpse near the Darkwraith enemies.
13. Can I upgrade to lightning weapons?
Yes, you can modify a weapon to a lightning weapon with a specific blacksmith in Anor Londo after ascending to +10 and using the required titanite.
14. What is the difference between Enchanted and Magic weapon paths?
The Enchanted path scales better with INT and worse with STR/DEX than the Magic path. Enchanted is better for very high INT builds with low STR/DEX, while Magic is better for builds with a balanced approach.
15. Do Magic weapons do more damage than standard weapons?
This is situational, a magic weapon will only do more damage with good intelligence scaling. Against certain enemy types or resistances, a physical weapon may still do better damage.
Conclusion
Ascending magic weapons in Dark Souls is a crucial aspect of character development for magic users. By understanding the steps, requirements, and nuances of weapon modification, players can optimize their builds and overcome the challenges of Lordran. Remember to gather the Large Ember, visit Andre, and utilize the correct titanite to craft powerful magical armaments, making your journey through the game more rewarding.