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Is The Black Knight Sword Any Good? A Deep Dive for Dark Souls Players

Unequivocally, yes! The Black Knight Sword (BKS) is an excellent weapon in Dark Souls, particularly for new players and those seeking a reliable damage dealer throughout their journey. While it might not be the absolute best in every single situation, its consistent performance, manageable upgrade path, and powerful moveset make it a fantastic choice for tackling the challenges of Lordran.

Why The Black Knight Sword Excels

The BKS shines for several reasons:

High Base Damage: From the moment you acquire it, the BKS boasts impressive base damage. This is crucial early on when your character stats are low, and you’re still finding your footing.
Ease of Upgrading: The BKS, along with other Black Knight weapons, upgrades with Twinkling Titanite. This material is relatively easier to acquire compared to regular Titanite chunks, making it less of a grind to fully upgrade the weapon to +5.
Forgiving Moveset: The moveset of the BKS is generally considered user-friendly. The one-handed strong attacks have excellent range and knockback, providing ample spacing and control over enemies. The two-handed strong attacks launch enemies into the air, creating openings for follow-up attacks or simply disrupting enemy formations.
Effective Against Demons: The BKS, like other Black Knight weapons, deals bonus damage against demon-type enemies, which are prevalent throughout the game. This makes it incredibly effective in areas like the Demon Ruins and Lost Izalith.
Stagger Potential: The BKS has a high stagger potential, meaning it’s more likely to interrupt enemy attacks and leave them vulnerable. This is invaluable against tougher enemies and bosses.

When The Black Knight Sword Is At Its Best

The BKS is particularly strong in the early to mid-game. Its high base damage allows you to quickly overcome early challenges, and the relative ease of upgrading ensures it remains a potent weapon as you progress. It’s also a solid choice for players who prefer a more straightforward, less stat-dependent playstyle. If you stumble upon it early, it can carry you through a large portion of the game with minimal stat investment.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, the BKS does have some limitations:

Scaling: While the BKS has decent scaling with Strength (D) and Dexterity (E), it doesn’t scale as well as some other weapons, particularly those that scale strongly with either Strength or Dexterity. This means that as you level up your stats, other weapons might eventually surpass the BKS in terms of raw damage output.
Weight: The BKS is a relatively heavy weapon, requiring a decent amount of Strength to wield effectively. This can be a concern early on, especially for players who prefer lighter armor.
Speed: The strong attacks, while powerful, are slower than those of many other weapons in its class. This requires careful timing and positioning to avoid being punished by enemies.

Alternatives and Late-Game Options

While the BKS is a reliable choice, it’s worth exploring other options as you progress further into the game. Some popular alternatives include:

Zweihander: A massive greatsword with excellent range, damage, and stagger potential. It’s a popular choice for Strength builds.
Claymore: A versatile greatsword with a well-rounded moveset and decent scaling. It’s a good all-around option for quality builds (characters that invest in both Strength and Dexterity).
Gravelord Sword: Another early game option if you can survive the Catacombs, but also an excellent choice for those who want a weapon with a toxic build up.
Murakumo: A curved greatsword with high damage and a unique moveset. It’s a popular choice for Dexterity builds.
Black Knight Greatsword: Black Knight Sword’s larger and more powerful relative. Offers a similar demon-slaying power with higher damage.

Ultimately, the best weapon depends on your individual playstyle and stat distribution. However, the BKS remains a solid and reliable choice throughout the game, especially for first-time players.

FAQs About The Black Knight Sword

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of the Black Knight Sword:

1. Where can I find the Black Knight Sword?

The Black Knight Sword can be found by defeating Black Knights who wield the weapon. These knights are located in various areas, including the Undead Burg, Catacombs, and Kiln of the First Flame. The drop rate is not guaranteed, so you may need to farm them.

2. What stats do I need to wield the Black Knight Sword effectively?

The Black Knight Sword requires 20 Strength and 18 Dexterity to wield. While you can two-hand the weapon with only 14 strength, meeting these requirements will allow you to wield it one-handed and maximize its potential.

3. How do I upgrade the Black Knight Sword?

The Black Knight Sword is upgraded using Twinkling Titanite. You can find Twinkling Titanite in various locations throughout the game, including the Crystal Cave, Ash Lake, and the Great Hollow. You can also purchase it from the Giant Blacksmith after giving him the Large Ember.

4. Is the Black Knight Sword better than the Zweihander?

The Black Knight Sword is often better in the early to mid-game due to its high base damage and ease of upgrading. However, the Zweihander has excellent range and stagger potential, making it a strong contender, especially for Strength builds and in the late game.

5. What is the best Black Knight weapon in Dark Souls?

This is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. The Black Knight Halberd boasts the highest base damage, while the Black Knight Greatsword has a different moveset and scaling. The standard Black Knight Sword strikes a balance between damage, speed, and range.

6. Can the Black Knight Sword be parried?

Yes, the Black Knight Sword can be parried. Pay attention to the enemy’s attack patterns and timing.

7. Is the Black Knight Sword good for PvP (Player vs. Player)?

The Black Knight Sword can be effective in PvP, but it’s not necessarily the best choice. Its slower strong attacks can be predictable, and experienced players might be able to parry them easily. However, its high damage and range can still make it a formidable weapon.

8. Does the Black Knight Sword scale well?

The Black Knight Sword has D scaling in Strength and E scaling in Dexterity. This means it doesn’t scale as well as weapons with higher scaling grades (C, B, A, or S). Its strength lies in its high base damage, especially during the early game.

9. What are the Black Knights weak to?

Black Knights are generally weak to Dark damage, Poison/Toxic, and Frostbite. They are resistant to Lightning, Standard, Slash, Thrust, and Bleed.

10. Is the Black Knight Sword good against bosses?

Yes, the Black Knight Sword is effective against many bosses, especially those that are vulnerable to demon damage. Its high damage and stagger potential can make boss fights significantly easier.

11. What armor should I use with the Black Knight Sword?

This depends on your playstyle and stat distribution. Aim for a balance between defense and mobility. Havel’s Set offers excellent protection but can be heavy. Lighter armor sets like the Elite Knight Set or Black Iron Set can provide good protection while allowing for faster movement and rolling.

12. Can I repair the Black Knight Sword?

Yes, the Black Knight Sword can be repaired at a blacksmith. Only weapons specifically designated as “Crystal” weapons cannot be repaired.

13. Is the Black Knight Sword good for a first-time playthrough?

Absolutely! The Black Knight Sword is exceptionally good for a first-time playthrough. Its high damage output and relatively easy upgrade path make it a forgiving weapon that can help you overcome many of the game’s challenges.

14. Does the Black Knight Sword need to be fully upgraded?

While the Black Knight Sword is useful even without upgrading it to the max of +5, the jump in power from upgrading is significant. Take the time to fully upgrade if you’re able, as it’s a relatively easy process.

15. Can I use the Black Knight Sword effectively in later Souls games?

The Black Knight Sword appears in subsequent Souls games (Dark Souls 2 and 3) but its effectiveness will be different. While it might not be as dominant as it is in the first Dark Souls, it remains a solid weapon choice in those games as well.

The enduring popularity and reliability of the Black Knight Sword in Dark Souls is a testament to FromSoftware’s clever game design. Its accessibility and significant power are factors in why so many players are drawn to playing and understanding games. The Games Learning Society studies these factors to enhance the quality of game design. To learn more, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is The Black Knight Sword any good?