Is the Drake Sword a Dex Weapon? Unpacking its Strengths and Limitations
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The short answer is a definitive no. The Drake Sword is not a dex weapon. It doesn’t scale with dexterity or any other stat for that matter. This means that its damage output remains static, unaffected by increases in your character’s strength, dexterity, intelligence, or faith. This makes the Drake Sword a somewhat unique case in Dark Souls, and it’s crucial to understand this limitation for those crafting a build. While the Drake Sword can be a handy crutch early on, its lack of scaling means that it’s ultimately a temporary option for most players, especially those aiming for a dexterity-focused “thief” build.
Why the Drake Sword Isn’t Ideal for a Dex Build
The core issue with the Drake Sword and dex builds lies in its lack of stat scaling. Most weapons in Dark Souls gain bonus damage based on specific attribute levels. Dexterity (Dex) scaling is common on weapons like katanas, rapiers, and curved swords. These weapons benefit directly from increased dexterity, making them more powerful as you level up that specific attribute.
The Drake Sword simply does not work this way. Its attack power remains constant, making it a poor choice for players looking to maximize damage through attribute scaling. While it has a relatively low stat requirement (16 Strength), this does not translate into any synergy with dexterity builds.
Early Game Utility vs. Long-Term Viability
The Drake Sword often tempts new players due to its relatively high base attack power available very early in the game, making it a powerful tool for dealing with the initial challenges in Undead Burg. However, as you progress through the game, this early strength quickly diminishes. When other weapons start benefiting from upgrades and attribute scaling, the Drake Sword lags behind, becoming significantly less effective.
When Should You Move On From the Drake Sword?
The Drake Sword is generally considered a stepping stone weapon. Many players abandon it by the time they reach Blighttown, where upgrading weapons become more accessible. By the time you obtain the Large Ember (in The Depths), allowing weapons to be upgraded beyond +5, it’s time to seriously consider replacing the Drake Sword with a more scalable weapon. It’s useful to think of it as a temporary power spike, not a long-term solution.
Drake Sword’s Upgrading and Repair
Upgrading the Drake Sword
While the Drake Sword can be upgraded, this is generally not recommended. Upgrading it requires Dragon Scales, a somewhat rare item that is better spent on more powerful Dragon Weapons later in the game. The maximum attack damage achievable by upgrading the Drake Sword is 300, which is significantly lower than other weapons at similar upgrade levels.
Repairing the Drake Sword
Like other weapons, the Drake Sword can be repaired at a blacksmith. This is crucial, as the Drake Sword can break quite quickly if you heavily use its two-handed special attack, which consumes 30 durability per use. While the base durability of the weapon is fine for normal use, be mindful of the special attack.
Durability Considerations
The durability of the Drake Sword is particularly noteworthy, because of how quickly it degrades with its special attack. This can be particularly frustrating, if you’re in the middle of a difficult section of the game.
Alternative Weapons for Dex Builds
If you’re pursuing a dex-focused character, there are many better options available than the Drake Sword. Some popular early alternatives include:
- Balder Side Sword: Known for its speed and excellent reach, this weapon scales decently with dexterity.
- Uchigatana: A powerful katana with a good balance of damage and speed, also scaling well with dexterity.
- Rapier: The weapon class is excellent for a dex-based build, and available as a starting class weapon.
These weapons, when upgraded and utilized with appropriate dexterity investment, will consistently outperform the Drake Sword, especially in the later stages of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Drake Sword
1. What does the Drake Sword scale with?
The Drake Sword does not scale with any stats. Its damage is fixed, meaning it won’t increase as you level up your strength, dexterity, or other attributes.
2. Is it worth reinforcing the Drake Sword?
Reinforcing the Drake Sword is generally not recommended. It requires rare Dragon Scales, which are better spent on other, more powerful dragon weapons. The Drake Sword also doesn’t get much stronger from upgrades.
3. Is the Drake Sword or Claymore better?
The Claymore is generally better than the Drake Sword, especially if you have invested points into Strength and/or Dexterity. The Claymore will outperform the Drake Sword as soon as its damage surpasses the base of 200, because of its scalability.
4. When should I stop using the Drake Sword?
You should stop using the Drake Sword once you can upgrade other weapons beyond +5. Typically, this happens after beating the Gaping Dragon in The Depths and obtaining the Large Ember. You should also abandon it once you are out of Blighttown.
5. Can the Drake Sword break?
Yes, the Drake Sword can break. It breaks very quickly if you frequently use its two-handed special attack. It depletes 30 durability each time.
6. Can you get two Drake Swords?
No, you can only obtain one Drake Sword per playthrough. Although the Hellkite Drake on the bridge will respawn, you can only cut its tail once.
7. How do I get the Drake Sword?
You get the Drake Sword by shooting the Hellkite Drake’s tail with arrows until it falls off. It usually takes around 20 arrows depending on your damage, bow, and arrow type.
8. Can the Drake Sword be repaired?
Yes, the Drake Sword can be repaired by a blacksmith. Locate Andre at the Undead Parish to repair the weapon.
9. How many arrows do I need for the Drake Sword?
You need approximately 100 arrows with a basic short bow from the Undead Merchant to get the Drake Sword.
10. What strength level do I need for the Drake Sword?
You need 16 strength to wield the Drake Sword effectively with one hand.
11. Is the Drake Sword a unique weapon?
Yes, the Drake Sword is a unique weapon obtained from the Hellkite Drake’s tail. It’s a special type of weapon.
12. Is the Drake Sword good for Blighttown?
The Drake Sword is okay for Blighttown if you do not have upgraded weapons yet. However, it’s recommended to replace it soon after exiting.
13. What weapons should I use after the Drake Sword?
Popular alternatives to the Drake Sword include the Claymore, Zweihander, and the Man Serpent Greatsword, or a Black Knight weapon if you’re lucky to get one early.
14. Is the Zweihander better than the Drake Sword?
The Zweihander is better than the Drake Sword in the long run because of its stat scaling. However, it is more suited to strength builds. If you’re going with Dexterity, look at the Balder Side Sword.
15. Should I make a raw Zweihander?
Making a weapon “raw” typically reduces the scaling the weapon, but increases the base damage. For a high stat build, you’re better off with normal +15. A “raw” weapon is often considered a worse option overall.