Is The Banished Knight’s Greatsword Any Good? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword is a remarkably good weapon in Elden Ring, and it is suitable for a wide range of players. Its dual scaling with Dexterity and Strength allows for versatile builds, making it a great option for those who like a balance of both stats. It’s not the absolute best in any single category, but its well-rounded nature, ease of acquisition, and solid damage output make it a reliable choice throughout your journey in the Lands Between.
Understanding the Banished Knight’s Greatsword
The Banished Knight’s Greatsword offers a solid blend of physical damage and scaling with Strength and Dexterity. While it might not reach the highest raw damage of purely Strength-based weapons or boast the speed of purely Dexterity-based ones, it finds a comfortable middle ground. This balanced approach makes it accessible to a variety of playstyles. If you’re running a character that invests in both Strength and Dexterity, this weapon can reach its full potential.
Key Strengths
- Versatile Scaling: As mentioned, its Strength and Dexterity scaling provides flexibility in character builds. You don’t have to commit fully to one stat, allowing for greater diversity.
- Reliable Damage: It provides consistent, reliable physical damage that is effective against a variety of enemies. While some weapons might spike higher in certain situations, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword performs well in most scenarios.
- Decent Reach: Greatswords in general offer a good balance between speed and range. The Banished Knight’s Greatsword is no exception, giving you enough reach to engage enemies safely.
- Availability: While it’s not handed to you immediately, the weapon can be reliably farmed from certain Banished Knights, making it relatively easy to obtain.
- Effective Moveset: Like most greatswords, it has a good range of attacks, allowing you to chain combos effectively.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not the Highest Damage: Compared to some specialized Greatswords with dedicated scaling, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword might fall behind in raw damage output when used in purely Strength builds.
- Slower Attacks: Greatswords are inherently slower than smaller weapons like straight swords and katanas. Players need to be mindful of timing their attacks and dodging.
- No Unique Skill: Unlike some unique weapons, it doesn’t possess an intrinsic unique weapon skill. It relies on Ashes of War to enhance its capabilities.
Comparison with Other Greatswords
While the Banished Knight’s Greatsword is good, it’s essential to compare it to other options in Elden Ring.
- Greatsword: The standard Greatsword prioritizes pure Strength scaling. If you’re solely focused on a Strength build, the Greatsword may output more damage. However, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword offers more versatility.
- Claymore: The Claymore is another popular greatsword known for its versatility and excellent moveset. It is another strong alternative for players. While the Claymore offers a unique poke attack, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword still holds up as a powerful choice.
- Other Special Greatswords: Weapons like the Blasphemous Blade and the Dark Moon Greatsword offer unique skill sets and damage types but require you to fulfill certain story steps or build a specific character. The Banished Knight’s Greatsword is more easily acquired and still viable through the end game.
Conclusion
The Banished Knight’s Greatsword is a solid, versatile, and reliable weapon for Elden Ring players. It’s especially good for those who prefer a balanced playstyle with investment in both Strength and Dexterity. While it may not be the absolute strongest in raw damage, its ease of acquisition, consistent performance, and effective moveset make it a very worthwhile choice. It’s a great all-around option, particularly if you’re trying out different builds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the primary scaling stats for the Banished Knight’s Greatsword?
The Banished Knight’s Greatsword scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity. This dual scaling allows for versatile builds that balance both stats.
2. Where can I find the Banished Knight’s Greatsword?
It can be farmed from Banished Knights wielding the weapon, particularly those found in Stormveil Castle and other locations throughout the Lands Between. The knight downstairs from the Rampart Tower grace in Stormveil Castle is a popular farming spot.
3. Is the Banished Knight’s Greatsword a good weapon for beginners?
Yes, its ease of acquisition and balanced scaling make it suitable for beginners. While it’s not handed to you right away, its straightforward usage and decent damage make it a good choice early and mid-game.
4. Is the Banished Knight’s Greatsword better than the standard Greatsword?
It depends on your build. The standard Greatsword is more powerful for dedicated Strength builds, but the Banished Knight’s Greatsword offers more versatility due to its dual scaling with Dexterity.
5. How does it compare to the Claymore?
The Claymore is another well-rounded option, and both are viable. The Claymore offers a unique poke attack whereas the Banished Knight Greatsword relies more on a traditional moveset. The choice comes down to personal preference in terms of the movesets.
6. Can I use Ashes of War with the Banished Knight’s Greatsword?
Yes, like most non-unique weapons, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword can be infused with various Ashes of War, allowing you to customize its moveset and special abilities.
7. What type of damage does the Banished Knight’s Greatsword deal?
It primarily deals physical damage.
8. Is it effective against all types of enemies?
It is generally effective against a wide range of enemies. However, some enemies with high physical resistance may require other damage types to be more effective, such as Magic or Fire.
9. Is it worth upgrading the Banished Knight’s Greatsword?
Yes, upgrading it with Smithing Stones significantly improves its damage output, making it a worthwhile investment if you plan to use it long-term.
10. What is the best armor set to pair with the Banished Knight’s Greatsword?
The Lionel’s Set is considered to be the best armor for tanking hits while using a greatsword, offering a good balance of poise and defense. However, other heavy armor sets can also work well depending on your preference and build.
11. Are Banished Knights weak to any particular damage type?
Banished Knights themselves are weak to Lightning damage, making lightning-based weapons and spells effective against them while farming.
12. Can the Banished Knight’s Greatsword carry me through the entire game?
Yes, it can. While it’s not the absolute best weapon, its balanced scaling and versatility make it a reliable choice that can see you through the entirety of Elden Ring.
13. Is the Banished Knight’s Greatsword a good weapon for PvP?
Yes, it can be effective in PvP if used correctly. Its reach and decent damage, combined with a good Ash of War, can make it a formidable weapon. Timing and spacing are key.
14. Is the Bloodhound’s Fang better than the Banished Knight’s Greatsword?
The Bloodhound’s Fang is a powerful Curved Greatsword with unique skills. While it is a very powerful option it isn’t as versatile as the Banished Knight’s Greatsword. Both are good, but the Bloodhound’s Fang is less viable in a pure Strength build.
15. How does the Banished Knight’s Greatsword compare to other late-game Greatswords?
Late-game Greatswords like the Blasphemous Blade or the Dark Moon Greatsword often have unique abilities and stronger scaling in specific stats. However, the Banished Knight’s Greatsword remains a viable option due to its balanced scaling and consistent performance even at higher levels.