Is the Grafted Blade Greatsword Any Good in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, the Grafted Blade Greatsword is an excellent weapon in Elden Ring, especially for players who favor a strength-based build and are looking for a powerful tool early in the game. While it may not be the absolute highest-damaging weapon at the end game, its unique combination of stats, skills, and lore significance makes it a compelling choice for many Tarnished. Its early availability and powerful stat-boosting weapon skill significantly contribute to its popularity and effectiveness. The greatsword’s design is also a homage to the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, adding to its allure for fans of George R.R. Martin’s work. Let’s dive deeper into why this weapon is a worthy contender in the Lands Between.
Why the Grafted Blade Greatsword Stands Out
The Grafted Blade Greatsword is a Colossal Sword, meaning it’s one of the largest weapon types in Elden Ring. This classification makes it slower than smaller swords but also delivers devastating blows. It boasts:
- High Base Physical Damage: The sword starts with a respectable 162 base Physical Damage, making it effective from the moment you obtain it.
- Strength Scaling: It scales primarily with Strength, making it perfect for players who are focused on building a character that prioritizes raw power.
- Unique Weapon Skill: The Oath of Vengeance skill temporarily boosts all of your character’s stats. This boost is significant, enhancing not only your damage output but also your defenses and other attributes, making it a potent buff for difficult encounters.
- Early Availability: The greatsword can be obtained relatively early in the game, making it an accessible option for players who are in the early to mid-game stages.
- Lore Significance: As a tribute to the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, this weapon carries a certain level of thematic weight and visual appeal, making it a collector’s item for many players.
The Power of Oath of Vengeance
The Oath of Vengeance skill is arguably the defining characteristic of the Grafted Blade Greatsword. Activating this skill temporarily increases all your attributes and also enhances your poise, which means you’ll be less likely to be interrupted during attacks. This skill allows players to push their character’s abilities to the extreme for a short duration, allowing for devastating offense and increased survivability. It is particularly effective when going up against challenging bosses or clearing areas with large enemy groups.
Is it the Best Colossal Weapon?
While the Grafted Blade Greatsword is powerful and useful, it is not necessarily the “best” colossal weapon for all situations. Several other colossal swords excel in different aspects:
- Starscourge Greatsword: Often considered one of the strongest colossal weapons due to its unique skill and multi-hit potential. It also scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence making it a versatile choice.
- Giant-Crusher: This massive hammer delivers extremely high damage, particularly when upgraded and with the right scaling and build. It is often considered to have the highest raw damage potential of colossal weapons.
- Ruins Greatsword: Known for its weapon skill that sends enemies flying, it can be very useful for crowd control.
Each weapon has its own strengths, and the “best” is subjective to a player’s play style and preference. However, the Grafted Blade Greatsword is a very solid pick, and is a standout choice, especially considering it is not a late-game weapon and is readily available.
Requirements and Upgrades
To effectively use the Grafted Blade Greatsword, you’ll need specific stats:
- Strength: 40 to wield it one-handed, 27 to two-hand it.
- Dexterity: 14
These requirements mean that this weapon is primarily designed for Strength-based builds. The sword is also upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones, making it easier to upgrade than regular weapons which often use normal Smithing Stones. This allows for consistent and powerful upgrades that enhance the blade’s damage and effectiveness. The sword starts off with a C scaling in Strength, which improves with upgrades.
Limitations of the Grafted Blade Greatsword
Despite its many positives, the sword does have some limitations:
- No Ashes of War: The Grafted Blade Greatsword cannot be infused with Ashes of War, meaning that it can not be customized with different weapon skills. Players are stuck with the unique Oath of Vengeance.
- Slower Attack Speed: Like all colossal weapons, it has slower attack animations than smaller swords or weapons. Players need to carefully time their attacks to avoid being interrupted or punished.
The Game of Thrones Connection
For fans of George R.R. Martin’s work, the Grafted Blade Greatsword is a clear tribute to the Iron Throne. The sword is designed to look like many different blades are fused together. This visual homage makes it a highly sought-after weapon for those looking for that connection to the GoT universe.
Is it worth using?
In conclusion, the Grafted Blade Greatsword is certainly worth using. Its combination of high base damage, scaling with Strength, useful early availability, unique stat-boosting weapon skill, and iconic look make it a strong choice, particularly for those focusing on a strength-based build. While it may not be the single most powerful option, its balanced attributes and early access in the game make it a highly effective and memorable weapon for many players exploring the Lands Between. It’s a fantastic weapon to obtain early, allowing for a massive early power boost, and it remains a viable choice even into the late-game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Grafted Blade Greatsword be upgraded?
Yes, the Grafted Blade Greatsword can be upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones. This will improve its damage output and scaling with Strength.
2. Does the Grafted Blade Greatsword scale with any other stats besides Strength?
Yes, it has minor scaling with Dexterity, but its primary focus is Strength.
3. What is the special skill of the Grafted Blade Greatsword?
The special skill is Oath of Vengeance, which temporarily boosts all of your character’s attributes and increases poise.
4. Can I use Ashes of War on the Grafted Blade Greatsword?
No, this weapon cannot be infused with Ashes of War.
5. Where can I find the Grafted Blade Greatsword?
You can obtain it by defeating the Leonine Misbegotten boss at Castle Morne in the Weeping Peninsula.
6. Is the Grafted Blade Greatsword good for PvP?
It can be effective in PvP, thanks to its high damage and Oath of Vengeance skill. However, its slower attack speed requires careful timing.
7. How much Strength do I need to use the Grafted Blade Greatsword?
You need 40 Strength to wield it one-handed, and 27 Strength to two-hand it.
8. Is the Grafted Blade Greatsword considered a legendary weapon?
Yes, it is considered a unique legendary weapon.
9. Does the Oath of Vengeance skill stack with other buffs?
Yes, it can stack with certain other buffs. However, stacking too many buffs can sometimes be counterproductive.
10. How long does the Oath of Vengeance buff last?
The Oath of Vengeance buff lasts for a certain duration, generally considered long enough to be used in the midst of a fight.
11. Is the Grafted Blade Greatsword a tribute to Game of Thrones?
Yes, its design is inspired by the Iron Throne from George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.
12. Does the Grafted Blade Greatsword have any weaknesses?
It is not particularly weak to any damage type, but its slower attack speed and inability to be customized with Ashes of War are limitations.
13. What is the best build for the Grafted Blade Greatsword?
A build focused on maximizing Strength and endurance is most effective for this weapon.
14. Is the Grafted Blade Greatsword a good weapon for beginners?
Yes, it can be a good choice for beginners who are comfortable using heavier weapons and focused on building a Strength-based character. Its early availability also means it’s available as soon as it is able to be reached in the early game.
15. What are the alternative Colossal Swords to the Grafted Blade Greatsword?
Alternative colossal weapons that perform well include Starscourge Greatsword, Maliketh’s Black Blade, Ruins Greatsword, and the Giant-Crusher.