Large Titanite Shards: Your Guide to Weapon Upgrades in Dark Souls 1

So, you’re venturing through the treacherous lands of Lordran in Dark Souls 1, eager to upgrade your trusty weapon to its full potential. The question on your mind? How many Large Titanite Shards do you need to reach +10? The answer is a straight forward 9 Large Titanite Shards are required to upgrade a standard weapon from +5 to +10.

However, the journey to a +10 weapon is more than just a simple count. It involves understanding the upgrade process, knowing where to find these precious shards, and planning your resource allocation. Let’s delve deeper into the details of weapon upgrades in Dark Souls 1.

The Standard Upgrade Path: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you can even start worrying about Large Titanite Shards, you need to understand the entire weapon upgrade process:

1. +0 to +5: Use Reinforce Weapon at a bonfire or blacksmith. This will require Titanite Shards.
2. The Large Ember: Find the Large Ember in The Depths and give it to Andrei the blacksmith in the Undead Parish. This allows him to modify weapons beyond +5.
3. Modify Equipment: At Andrei, use Modify Equipment to ascend your +5 weapon to +6.
4. +6 to +10: Use Reinforce Weapon at a bonfire or blacksmith. This will require Large Titanite Shards.

The Importance of Andrei

Andrei is your go-to blacksmith for standard upgrades. He’s conveniently located near the Undead Parish, making him accessible early in the game. Don’t underestimate the importance of finding the Large Ember; without it, you’re stuck at +5!

Farming and Purchasing Large Titanite Shards

Large Titanite Shards can be found throughout Lordran, both as item pick-ups and as drops from specific enemies.

Prime Farming Locations:

• Leeches in Blighttown: While tedious, this is a reliable, albeit slow, method.
• Sen’s Fortress Serpent Soldiers: These enemies have a decent drop rate and are easily accessible.

Buying Large Titanite Shards:

• The Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo: After defeating Ornstein and Smough, this giant blacksmith becomes accessible and sells Large Titanite Shards.
• Crestfallen Merchant in Sen’s Fortress: An earlier option, albeit more expensive than the Giant Blacksmith.

Choosing Your Weapon Wisely

Not all weapons benefit equally from upgrades. Consider your build and playstyle when deciding which weapon to invest your precious Large Titanite Shards into.

• Strength Builds: Look for weapons with high Strength scaling.
• Dexterity Builds: Prioritize weapons with high Dexterity scaling.
• Faith/Intelligence Builds: Consider weapons that can be infused with elemental damage after reaching +10 on the standard path, leading to a split damage type, scaling with Faith or Intelligence.

FAQs About Large Titanite Shards in Dark Souls 1

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you master the art of weapon upgrading in Dark Souls 1:

1. Where do I find the Large Ember in Dark Souls 1?

   • The Large Ember is located in a chest in The Depths, near the Butcher.

2. Can I farm Large Titanite Shards early in the game?

   • Yes, the Leeches in Blighttown drop them, though it can be time-consuming.

3. How many Titanite Shards do I need to get a weapon to +5?

   • You need 9 Titanite Shards to upgrade a weapon from +0 to +5.

4. What is the best way to farm souls for buying Large Titanite Shards?

   • The Phalanx enemies in the Painted World of Ariamis offer a large number of souls and are easy to defeat.

5. Can I revert a weapon upgrade in Dark Souls 1?

   • No, weapon upgrades are permanent in Dark Souls 1. Choose wisely!

6. What are Titanite Slabs used for?

   • Titanite Slabs are used to upgrade weapons to their maximum level (e.g., +15 for standard weapons).

7. Are Titanite Slabs limited in Dark Souls 1?

   • Yes, Titanite Slabs are limited per playthrough.

8. What happens if I give the Large Ember to the wrong blacksmith?

   • You should always give the Large Ember to Andrei, otherwise you will have to restart to use it or wait until NG+.

9. Can I buy Titanite Shards infinitely?

   • Yes, Andrei sells Titanite Shards, and his supply is infinite.

10. Is it worth farming Large Titanite Shards, or should I just buy them?

    • It depends on your patience and soul income. Farming can save souls, but buying is faster.

11. What other upgrade paths are available besides the standard path?

    • Other upgrade paths include Raw, Divine, Occult, Magic, Enchanted, Fire, and Lightning.

12. How do I access Anor Londo to buy Large Titanite Shards from the Giant Blacksmith?

    • You must reach Sen’s Fortress and activate the mechanism at the top.

13. What is the soft cap for Vitality in Dark Souls 1?

    • Many consider 30 and 50 to be the “soft caps”.

14. What are the best weapons for beginners in Dark Souls 1?

    • The Drake Sword (early game) and the Claymore are popular choices.

15. Where can I find more information about Dark Souls 1 and game-based learning?

    • Explore resources available from the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and insights into educational gaming.

Conclusion: Master the Upgrade, Conquer Lordran

Understanding how to acquire and use Large Titanite Shards is crucial for success in Dark Souls 1. By following the steps outlined above and using the provided FAQs as a guide, you’ll be well-equipped to upgrade your weapons and overcome the many challenges that await you in Lordran. Now, go forth, brave undead, and forge your legend!