How to Get +15 Weapons in Dark Souls: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re striving for that coveted +15 weapon in Dark Souls? Excellent! Reaching +15 on a standard weapon is a hallmark of mastering the game’s upgrade system and a key step toward conquering its challenges. Getting to +15 in Dark Souls requires specific steps and items. First, you’ll need to reinforce your weapon to +10 through regular upgrades using Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, and Titanite Chunks. Then, you’ll need the Very Large Ember, found in the New Londo Ruins, and give it to Blacksmith Andre in the Undead Parish. After that, you can ascend your +10 weapon to +11 and continue upgrading to +15 using Titanite Chunks and a final Titanite Slab. This process is fundamental for maximizing your weapon’s damage output and preparing for the late-game challenges and NG+ cycles.
The Journey to +15: A Step-by-Step Guide
Initial Upgrades: +0 to +5
Your journey begins with the basic upgrade path. Visit any blacksmith (like Andre) or utilize a bonfire after acquiring the Weapon Smithbox to reinforce your weapon. Use Titanite Shards to upgrade your weapon from +0 to +5. This is the most straightforward part of the process, readily accessible early in the game.
The Large Ember and the Path to +10
To continue past +5, you need the Large Ember, located in the Depths. Defeat the Capra Demon and navigate through the area until you find it. Take the Large Ember to Andre the blacksmith. He will then be able to modify your weapon from +5 to +6. After modification, continue reinforcing with Large Titanite Shards to reach +10.
The Crucial Very Large Ember
This is where things get a bit more challenging. To break past the +10 barrier, you need the Very Large Ember. This ember is found in the New Londo Ruins. To access it, you’ll need to drain the water using the contraption at the top of the building accessible after defeating the Four Kings. Descend into the depths of the ruins to retrieve the Very Large Ember. Be prepared for some tough fights with ghosts!
Andre and the Ascension to +11
Once you have the Very Large Ember, return to Andre the blacksmith. Give him the ember, and he’ll now have the ability to ascend your +10 weapon to +11. Use the “Modify Equipment” option.
The Final Stretch: +11 to +15
With your weapon now at +11, you can continue upgrading it through the regular “Reinforce Weapon” option at Andre or any bonfire (with the Weapon Smithbox). This stage requires Titanite Chunks for upgrades from +11 to +14. The final upgrade, from +14 to +15, requires a coveted Titanite Slab.
Finding Titanite Slabs
Titanite Slabs are rare and precious. Here are a few reliable locations:
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Stray Demon (Undead Asylum): This is often the first slab players acquire.
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Darkwraiths (New Londo Ruins): These enemies have a chance to drop Titanite Slabs. Equip items like the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring to increase your item discovery rate.
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Crystal Lizards: These creatures occasionally drop Titanite Slabs.
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Trading with Snuggly the Crow (Undead Asylum): Trade a specific item (e.g., a Sunlight Medal) to receive a Titanite Slab.
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Archdragon Peak: One slab can be found as loot in this late-game area.
Why +15? The Benefits of Maxed-Out Weapons
Upgrading to +15 maximizes your weapon’s physical damage output. This is crucial for dealing with late-game enemies and bosses, as well as for success in PvP combat. A +15 weapon provides a significant damage boost compared to a +10 or lower weapon. While some builds may focus on elemental or magic damage, a reliable +15 weapon is a cornerstone for any serious Dark Souls player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where do I find Andre the blacksmith?
Andre is located in the Undead Parish, near the church. He’s in a small workshop just before the Titanite Demon.
2. What happens if I kill Andre?
Killing Andre means you won’t be able to upgrade weapons at him anymore. You’ll need to rely on other blacksmiths (like Vamos or the Giant Blacksmith) or the Weapon Smithbox. It’s generally not recommended!
3. Can I upgrade all weapons to +15?
No. Only weapons that follow the standard upgrade path can reach +15. This includes many common weapons like swords, axes, and hammers. Weapons that require special upgrade paths (e.g., boss weapons, crystal weapons) have different maximum upgrade levels.
4. Do I need to be a certain level to upgrade weapons?
No, your character level doesn’t affect weapon upgrading. What matters are the required embers, titanite materials, and souls.
5. Is there a way to farm Titanite Chunks easily?
Yes, the best place to farm Titanite Chunks is the Darkwraiths in the New Londo Ruins. Increase your item discovery using the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring and humanity.
6. Can I revert a weapon back to a lower upgrade level?
No, once a weapon is upgraded, you cannot revert it to a previous state. Be sure to double-check before confirming upgrades.
7. What are the best weapons to upgrade to +15?
This depends on your build and playstyle. Popular choices include the Claymore, Balder Side Sword, and Zweihander due to their versatile movesets and scaling.
8. How many souls does it cost to upgrade a weapon to +15?
The total soul cost to upgrade a weapon to +15 can vary slightly depending on the weapon type, but you should expect to spend tens of thousands of souls. It is always wise to have a sizable bank of souls prior to upgrading.
9. Can I upgrade weapons at a bonfire?
Yes, you can upgrade weapons at a bonfire after purchasing the Weapon Smithbox from Andre. This provides convenience but doesn’t offer the modification options that blacksmiths do.
10. What is the difference between “Reinforce Weapon” and “Modify Equipment”?
Reinforce Weapon increases the weapon’s upgrade level (+0 to +5, +6 to +10, +11 to +15). Modify Equipment is used to ascend weapons to a new upgrade tier (e.g., from +5 to +6 or +10 to +11) or to transform them into unique weapons using boss souls.
11. Does weapon scaling affect +15 weapons?
Yes, weapon scaling (the letters like A, B, C, etc., indicating how well a weapon’s damage increases with your stats) still applies to +15 weapons. A weapon with good scaling will benefit more from stat investments.
12. Is it worth upgrading multiple weapons to +15?
It depends on your goals. For PvP or to experiment with different builds, upgrading multiple weapons can be beneficial. However, focusing on one or two main weapons is often more efficient for PvE.
13. Can I get to NG+ with a +15 weapon?
Absolutely. Your upgraded weapons and armor carry over into NG+ cycles, making subsequent playthroughs easier (at least initially).
14. Does upgrading a weapon to +15 affect its durability?
No, upgrading a weapon does not directly affect its durability. However, higher-damage weapons may lead to faster enemy deaths, potentially reducing the number of hits your weapon takes overall.
15. Is the +15 upgrade necessary to beat the game?
While not strictly necessary, a +15 weapon makes the late-game areas and bosses significantly more manageable. It provides a substantial damage boost and is highly recommended for most builds.
The Importance of Game Studies and Learning
The intricate systems within games like Dark Souls offer valuable opportunities for study and understanding. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to exploring how games can be used for educational purposes, highlighting the cognitive and problem-solving skills that games foster. To learn more about the intersection of games and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mastering weapon upgrades in Dark Souls is just one aspect of the game’s deep and rewarding experience. By understanding the steps involved and utilizing the resources available, you can equip yourself with the tools necessary to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. Now go forth, Undead, and forge your path to victory!