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Is the Longsword Viable in Dark Souls? An In-Depth Analysis

Absolutely! The Longsword in Dark Souls 1 is not only viable, but a dependable and versatile choice for both newcomers and experienced players alike. While it may not boast the raw power of some ultra greatswords or the specialized utility of certain katanas, its balanced stats, accessible upgrade path, and buffability make it a solid weapon capable of carrying you through the entire game and well into New Game Plus cycles. Its effectiveness hinges on understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and how to build your character to maximize its potential. It’s the reliable workhorse of Lordran, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest tool is the most effective.

The Longsword’s Strengths: A Balanced Approach

The Longsword shines due to its well-rounded nature. It doesn’t excel in any single area, but it performs admirably in many:

Move Set: The Longsword features a varied move set with both horizontal and vertical attacks, as well as a useful thrusting attack when locked on and pressing forward + R2. This adaptability allows you to effectively deal with different enemy types and situations.
Scaling: It scales equally with Strength and Dexterity (C/C), making it a good choice for quality builds, which invest points in both stats. This opens up options for using other quality weapons and provides flexibility in your character build.
Upgrade Path: The Longsword can be upgraded along the Normal path to +15, which allows it to be buffed with resins and spells like Sunlight Blade or Crystal Magic Weapon. Buffing the Longsword dramatically increases its damage output, especially in boss fights.
Availability: You can acquire the Longsword early in the game from the Undead Merchant in the Undead Burg, making it accessible right from the start.
Weight: It’s relatively lightweight, allowing for greater mobility and the use of heavier armor.
Stamina Consumption: Its attacks consume a moderate amount of stamina, allowing for multiple attacks in succession and leaving stamina for dodging and blocking.

The Longsword’s Weaknesses: Knowing Your Limits

While versatile, the Longsword isn’t without its drawbacks:

Damage Output: Compared to specialized weapons like the Black Knight Halberd or ultra greatswords, the Longsword’s base damage is relatively low. This means you’ll need to invest in Strength and Dexterity and utilize buffs to maximize its damage.
Range: Its range is shorter than many other weapons, which can be a disadvantage against enemies with long-reaching attacks.
Special Effects: Unlike some weapons that inflict status effects like bleed or poison, the Longsword has no inherent special properties.

Building Around the Longsword: Stat Allocation and Equipment

To make the Longsword truly shine, you need to optimize your build:

Stats: Aim for 40 Strength and 40 Dexterity to maximize its scaling potential on a quality build. You can also opt for 27 Strength and 40 Dexterity if you prefer to two-hand the weapon. Don’t neglect Vitality for health and Endurance for stamina and equip load.
Rings: The Ring of Favor and Protection is invaluable for increasing health, stamina, and equip load. The Havel’s Ring is also useful for increasing equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor while maintaining mobility. The Leo Ring can boost the counter damage of thrust attacks.
Armor: Choose armor that provides a good balance of protection and mobility. The Elite Knight Set is a popular choice.
Buffs: Resins like Gold Pine Resin (for lightning damage) and Charcoal Pine Resin (for fire damage) can be applied to the Longsword to exploit enemy weaknesses. Spells like Sunlight Blade (faith build) or Crystal Magic Weapon (intelligence build) provide even greater damage increases.

Comparison with Other Weapons: When to Choose the Longsword

The Longsword’s viability often comes down to comparing it with other popular weapons:

Balder Side Sword: The Balder Side Sword is another popular dex weapon with better range and a slightly faster moveset. However, it cannot be buffed, making the Longsword superior in situations where buffs are applicable.
Katanas: Katanas like the Iaito and Uchigatana offer bleed buildup, but generally have lower poise damage and cannot be buffed through normal upgrade paths.
Greatswords and Ultra Greatswords: These weapons offer higher damage and poise damage but are slower and consume more stamina. The Longsword is a faster and more versatile option.

Ultimately, the choice of weapon is a matter of personal preference. However, the Longsword’s balanced stats, versatile move set, and buffability make it a compelling option for any player. The Longsword isn’t just viable; it’s a reliable and effective weapon that can carry you through the challenges of Dark Souls.

The complex interplay between gameplay, weapon design, and player strategy in games like Dark Souls makes them an excellent subject for academic study. Learn more about the theoretical underpinnings of gaming at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Longsword in Dark Souls, designed to give you a deeper understanding of its potential:

What is the best infusion for the Longsword? The best infusion for the Longsword depends on your build. For a quality build (40 Strength/40 Dexterity), the Normal +15 path is the best, as it allows you to buff the weapon. For lower stat investments, elemental infusions like Lightning or Fire can be effective, but they remove scaling and cannot be buffed.
Is the Longsword good for PvP? Yes, the Longsword can be effective in PvP. Its versatility and speed allow for a mix of offensive and defensive play. Learning to space properly and utilize its thrusting attack are crucial for success.
How does the Longsword compare to the Claymore? The Claymore is another popular greatsword with a similar move set to the Longsword, but it deals more damage and has slightly longer range. However, it consumes more stamina and is heavier. The choice between the two depends on whether you prioritize speed and stamina efficiency (Longsword) or raw damage (Claymore).
What are the ideal stats for a Longsword build? The ideal stats for a Longsword build are typically 40 Strength, 40 Dexterity, 40-50 Vitality, and 40 Endurance. This provides a good balance of damage, health, stamina, and equip load.
Can the Longsword be used effectively in New Game Plus (NG+)? Yes, the Longsword remains effective in NG+ and beyond, especially when buffed. The increased enemy health pools make buffing even more important.
What is the best way to obtain the Longsword early in the game? The Longsword can be purchased from the Undead Merchant in the Undead Burg for 1,000 souls. He is located on the bridge where the Hellkite Dragon breathes fire.
Is the Longsword better than the Astora’s Straight Sword? The Astora’s Straight Sword is a good early-game weapon for faith builds, but it falls off in the late game due to its lower scaling. The Longsword, with its C/C scaling and buffability, becomes the better option for a quality build.
What are some good buffs to use with the Longsword? Sunlight Blade (for faith builds), Crystal Magic Weapon (for intelligence builds), and resins like Gold Pine Resin and Charcoal Pine Resin are all excellent buffs to use with the Longsword.
How does the Longsword’s poise damage compare to other weapons? The Longsword’s poise damage is moderate. It’s not as high as heavier weapons like greatswords or ultra greatswords, but it’s sufficient to stagger many smaller enemies and interrupt some attacks.
Does Dexterity increase swing speed in Dark Souls? No, Dexterity does not directly increase swing speed in Dark Souls 1. However, it does increase casting speed for pyromancies, spells, and miracles.
Is the Longsword a good choice for a first playthrough? Yes, the Longsword is an excellent choice for a first playthrough due to its availability, versatility, and relatively low stat requirements.
What armor sets synergize well with a Longsword build? Armor sets that provide a good balance of protection and mobility, such as the Elite Knight Set, the Wanderer Set, or the Black Leather Set, synergize well with a Longsword build. Prioritize armor that allows you to fast roll (equip load below 25% of your maximum).
Are there any unique Longswords in Dark Souls? No, there are no unique versions of the Longsword in Dark Souls. The standard Longsword is the only one available.
How does the Longsword fare against specific bosses? The Longsword is effective against most bosses when buffed. However, some bosses are resistant to certain damage types, so it’s important to adjust your buffs accordingly. For example, use Gold Pine Resin against bosses weak to lightning.
What is the maximum attack rating (AR) possible with the Longsword? The maximum attack rating (AR) possible with the Longsword at Normal +15 and 40 Strength/40 Dexterity is approximately 408. This can be significantly increased with buffs.

Is longsword viable Dark Souls?