Is the Black Knight Sword the Best Weapon? A Deep Dive

The simple answer? No, the Black Knight Sword (BKS) isn’t unequivocally the “best” weapon in Dark Souls, but it’s undeniably one of the most reliable and powerful options, especially for the early to mid-game. Its reputation as a powerhouse is well-earned, but claiming it as the singular “best” weapon ignores the nuances of the game and the availability of other formidable contenders. The BKS boasts a compelling blend of high base damage, relatively early availability, and the distinct feeling of heft and impact that makes it satisfying to wield. However, it’s not without its limitations, and players should understand its strengths and weaknesses to fully appreciate its place in the Dark Souls arsenal.

Strengths of the Black Knight Sword

The BKS shines primarily because of its high base physical damage. This means that right off the bat, it will hit hard without needing to heavily invest in scaling stats early on. Its damage output is particularly noticeable in the first half of the game, when many other weapons haven’t yet achieved their full potential. The ability to acquire the BKS early, potentially even before defeating the first major boss, makes it a highly attractive option for players seeking to establish a strong foothold.

Another crucial advantage lies in its two-handed moveset. When wielded two-handed, the Black Knight Sword swings become noticeably faster. This increased speed, coupled with its already substantial damage, can turn the BKS into an incredibly punishing weapon, capable of quickly dispatching foes that might otherwise pose a challenge. Furthermore, its 2-handed strong attack can launch enemies into the air, offering a unique advantage in crowd control or when dealing with specific enemy types. This is a great tool to disrupt enemy patterns and opens them up for further damage.

Finally, the ease of upgrade for the Black Knight weapons using Twinkling Titanite shouldn’t be understated. Twinkling Titanite is relatively abundant compared to Titanite Chunks, meaning that the BKS can be upgraded to its max +5 very quickly, allowing players to access its peak performance early and consistently. This is in stark contrast to weapons that rely on regular Titanite upgrades and can struggle to keep up in the early game.

Weaknesses and Limitations

While it’s a formidable weapon, the Black Knight Sword isn’t without its drawbacks. Its scaling with Strength and Dexterity is relatively poor, rated as a C in Strength and an E in Dexterity. This means that, while it will always hit hard, the damage benefit from investing in these stats will eventually become overshadowed by weapons with better scaling. The lack of scaling becomes noticeable in the late game, as other weapons, like the Zweihander or Claymore, with better scaling, begin to surpass its damage output.

Another important limitation is the lack of infusion and buffing capabilities. The Black Knight Sword cannot be infused with elemental properties, nor can it be buffed with magic or resins. This limits its potential damage ceiling. While a buffed Claymore or a infused weapon can reach significantly higher damage totals, the Black Knight Sword is stuck with its physical damage only.

The BKS can also be described as having a cumbersome moveset. While its two-handed attacks are swift, its one-handed attacks can be described as slower and more clunky compared to other weapons within its weight class. It is designed to be wielded two-handed, and while this makes its 2-handed attacks shine, you will struggle in situations when you want to use one-handed attacks, such as when using a shield.

Ultimately, the Black Knight Sword shines in the early and mid-game due to its high base damage and the availability of Twinkling Titanite. However, it loses its edge in the late game as other weapons with superior scaling and buffing capabilities outclass it.

Alternatives to the Black Knight Sword

While the Black Knight Sword is fantastic, it’s important to recognize that many alternatives exist within the world of Dark Souls. For instance, the Claymore eventually outshines it with superior scaling and the ability to be infused. The Zweihander also becomes a powerful contender, especially with its impressive range, stagger, and knockdown capability. The Black Knight Halberd is another Black Knight weapon that has a very powerful moveset, and is considered a top-tier weapon by many.

For players who focus heavily on scaling and utility, these alternatives represent a better late-game option, while the BKS serves as a reliable companion through the early portions of the game.

Conclusion

The Black Knight Sword is a potent weapon that can carry players through a substantial portion of Dark Souls. Its high base damage, faster two-handed attacks, and ease of upgrading make it a popular choice. It is not, however, unequivocally the “best” weapon, with limitations in scaling, infusions and weapon buffs holding it back compared to other weapons in the long run. The Black Knight Sword is a reliable and effective weapon that should not be underestimated, but a true champion knows the value of diversity and adaptability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Black Knight weapon?

The community often debates this, but the Black Knight Halberd is often cited as the best due to its high damage, speed, and range, especially when used properly.

Can the Black Knight Sword be infused?

No, Black Knight weapons cannot be infused with elemental or other damage types.

Can the Black Knight Sword be buffed?

No, Black Knight weapons cannot be buffed with spells or resins.

How many times can the Black Knight Sword be upgraded?

The Black Knight Sword can be upgraded a maximum of 5 times, as it requires Twinkling Titanite for upgrades.

What does the Black Knight Sword scale with?

The Black Knight Sword scales with C in Strength and E in Dexterity. Its scaling is considered poor compared to other weapons.

Is the Black Knight Greatsword better than the Black Knight Sword?

The Black Knight Greatsword hits harder, but its moveset is clunkier, with slow strong attacks. The BKS is generally considered a more versatile and usable weapon.

Is the Black Knight Sword good for late game?

While still a good weapon, the Black Knight Sword’s limitations in scaling and lack of buffing capabilities mean it’s outshined by better-scaling weapons like the Claymore in the late game.

Why can’t I parry Black Knights easily?

The best strategy to parry Black Knights is to wait for their shield bash, followed by a thrust stab, as this is their most predictable attack and very easy to parry.

Do Black Knights respawn in Dark Souls?

Most Black Knights do not respawn. Only the Black Knights in the path to Gwyn in the Kiln of the First Flame respawn.

Is the Black Knight Sword a longsword?

No, the Black Knight Sword is classified as a Greatsword, which results in a clunkier moveset when compared to Longswords.

How is the two-handed damage of the Black Knight Sword?

Two-handing the Black Knight Sword significantly increases the attack speed of the weapon, making it a very powerful and punishable weapon.

Does the Black Knight Sword do bonus damage to demons?

Yes, like all Black Knight weapons, the Black Knight Sword deals 20% bonus damage to demons.

Is the Black Knight Sword better than the Zweihander?

The Black Knight Sword is generally better in the early to mid-game, while the Zweihander becomes more powerful in the late game due to scaling and moveset diversity.

How early can I get the Black Knight Sword?

You can potentially get the Black Knight Sword from the Black Knight in Undead Burg, which is one of the first areas in the game, making it one of the earlier weapons you can find.

Is the Black Knight Halberd the best Black Knight weapon?

The Black Knight Halberd is widely considered to be the best Black Knight weapon by many, due to its mix of range, speed and damage, especially when using the 1-handed R1 attack, which benefits from counter damage.