Mastering Lightning: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading Lightning Weapons in Dark Souls 1

So, you’ve decided to harness the electrifying power of lightning weapons in Dark Souls 1? Excellent choice! These weapons offer a unique edge, especially against certain enemy types. But upgrading them can be a bit confusing for newcomers, so let’s break it down step-by-step.

The process for upgrading lightning weapons in Dark Souls 1 is quite straightforward, albeit with a few crucial prerequisites:

1. Acquire a +10 Normal Weapon: You cannot directly create a lightning weapon from a base weapon. First, you need to upgrade a standard weapon (swords, axes, etc.) to +10 using Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, and Titanite Chunks. This requires the Large Ember, which must be given to Andre the Blacksmith in the Undead Parish.
2. Visit the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo: Once your weapon is at +10, travel to Anor Londo. You’ll find the Giant Blacksmith within the cathedral (after defeating Ornstein and Smough).
3. Ascend the Weapon: Talk to the Giant Blacksmith. He offers the option to “Modify Equipment.” Select your +10 weapon and choose the Lightning upgrade path. This will consume Titanite Chunks to create the Lightning +0 weapon.
4. Further Upgrading: The lightning weapon can then be upgraded from Lightning +0 to Lightning +5 using Titanite Chunks (for +1 to +4) and a Titanite Slab for the final upgrade to Lightning +5.

That’s the core process! However, to truly master this electrifying path, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lightning Weapons in Dark Souls 1

What are the benefits of using Lightning Weapons in Dark Souls 1?

Lightning weapons deal pure lightning damage, which can be incredibly effective against enemies with high physical resistance but low lightning resistance. Common examples include stone-armored enemies like the Belfry Gargoyles and many dragons. In general, many enemies have less lightning resistence than other elements. This makes it an excellent choice for builds focusing on raw damage output, especially on a first playthrough. The Games Learning Society promotes an understanding of game mechanics; consider how lightning vulnerability impacts enemy strategy.

Does Lightning scaling with Faith in Dark Souls 1?

No. Unlike in Dark Souls 2, lightning weapons in Dark Souls 1 do not scale with Faith or any other stat. Their damage is fixed based on their upgrade level. If you desire scaling, stick to normal weapon upgrade paths and buff them with Lightning Blade via the Darkmoon Talisman.

What Ember is needed to upgrade to +10?

You need the Large Ember. It’s located in The Depths specifically in the Butcher’s house. This Ember must be given to Andre the Blacksmith to allow him to upgrade weapons beyond +5.

Where can I find Titanite Chunks for upgrading lightning weapons?

Titanite Chunks can be found in several locations:

• Kiln of the First Flame: Dropped by the Black Knights.
• Lost Izalith: Loot from corpses and dropped by certain enemies.
• New Londo Ruins: Dropped by Darkwraiths (rarely).
• Oolacile Township: Dropped by Bloatheads (rarely).

The Kiln of the First Flame is typically the best farming location, as the Black Knights have a relatively high drop rate.

Where can I find a Titanite Slab?

Titanite Slabs are rare upgrade materials. There are several fixed locations:

• Great Hollow: Located at the very bottom, guarded by Crystal Lizards.
• Lost Izalith: On a corpse near the Chaos Eater pit.
• Northern Undead Asylum (Revisited): Dropped by the Stray Demon.
• Defeating the Taurus Demon (Rare): Very rare drop.
• Trading with Snuggly the Crow: Trade a Plume for a Slab.
• Kiln of the First Flame: One can be found on a corpse on the main path.

What are the best weapons to turn into Lightning Weapons?

Any weapon you like can be upgraded into lightning, but the community generally agrees on certain weapons that can do it best. Lightning Zweihander, Lightning Claymore and Lightning Bandit’s Knife are the best options that can be turned into lightning weapons.

Is it worth upgrading a weapon to Lightning in Dark Souls 1?

It depends on your build and playstyle. If you’re not investing heavily in Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith, then a lightning weapon can be a strong choice as the damage does not depend on your stats. This also allows you to invest in Endurance, Vitality, and Attunement. On the other hand, if you have high Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence or Faith, scaling with weapons buffs would be better than lightning weapons.

Can I revert a Lightning Weapon back to a normal weapon?

No. Once a weapon is upgraded to the Lightning path, there’s no way to revert it back to the normal upgrade path. This is a permanent decision, so be absolutely sure before committing.

Can I buff a Lightning Weapon with spells or resins?

No. Lightning weapons cannot be buffed with spells like Magic Weapon or resins like Charcoal Pine Resin. They already deal elemental damage, and the game doesn’t allow stacking elemental buffs in this way.

How does Lightning Damage compare to other elemental damage types?

Lightning damage is generally effective against armored enemies, while fire damage is often better against fleshy or wooden enemies. Magic damage is a more general-purpose damage type, while divine damage is particularly effective against undead.

What is the Lightning Weapon Achievement/Trophy in Dark Souls 1?

The Lightning Weapon achievement/trophy requires you to upgrade any weapon to Lightning +5. A common strategy is to upgrade the Lightning Spear to Lightning +5 due to it being a lightning weapon, which saves chunks and Titanite Slab

Can shields be upgraded to Lightning?

No. Only weapons can be upgraded to the Lightning path by the Giant Blacksmith. Shields have their own separate upgrade paths, such as Normal, Divine, Occult, Fire, and Crystal.

What enemies are resistant to Lightning damage?

Some enemies, particularly those with shiny and silver armor, can have high lightning resistance. Silver Knights are a prime example. Experiment and observe which enemies take less damage from your lightning weapon.

Does upgrading a weapon to Lightning affect its durability?

Generally, upgrading a weapon along any path doesn’t directly affect its durability. Durability is primarily affected by usage, enemy attacks, and certain environmental factors.

Is it possible to get more than one Titanite Slab in a single playthrough?

Yes, it’s possible to acquire multiple Titanite Slabs in a single playthrough. Through exploration, quest completion, and rare drops, you can potentially find enough Titanite Slabs to fully upgrade several weapons. Remember to explore thoroughly!

How does reinforcing a weapon affect the lightning damage?

Reinforcing a weapon with lightning damage makes the weapon even more stronger, but the scaling of stats does not improve and is not applicable.

Upgrading lightning weapons in Dark Souls 1 requires careful planning and resource management. However, with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to unleash the electrifying fury of your upgraded armaments. Remember to always explore, experiment, and adapt your strategy to overcome the challenges that await you in Lordran. Consider the insights shared by the GamesLearningSociety.org regarding game design and strategic decision-making to further enhance your gameplay experience.