Is The Greatsword A Dex Weapon? A Tarnished’s Guide

The short answer? It’s complicated. While “The Greatsword” (yes, that’s its actual in-game name) primarily leans towards a Strength build, dexterity plays a significant role in maximizing its potential. The Greatsword requires a decent amount of Dexterity to wield effectively, and in some builds, Dexterity is crucial for additional damage scaling.

Understanding Strength vs. Dexterity in Elden Ring

Before diving deep into the Greatsword’s scaling, let’s clarify the core difference between Strength and Dexterity builds in Elden Ring.

• Strength Builds: These builds focus on maximizing raw physical power. They typically wield heavy, imposing weapons, and rely on brute force to overcome enemies. Think colossal swords, hammers, and axes.

• Dexterity Builds: These builds prioritize speed, precision, and agility. They often use lighter weapons like katanas, daggers, and curved swords, focusing on rapid attacks and dodging.

The Greatsword: A Strength Weapon with Dex Appeal

The Greatsword requires a considerable amount of Strength to wield effectively. However, it does have some scaling with Dexterity, meaning that increasing your Dexterity stat will contribute to the weapon’s overall attack rating (AR). This makes it a viable option for hybrid builds that invest in both stats.

Scaling refers to how well a weapon’s damage increases based on your character’s stats. Weapons have scaling grades, typically ranging from “E” (lowest) to “S” (highest), for Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. The Greatsword often shows a “C” or “D” scaling in Dexterity at higher upgrade levels, indicating that while Strength is the primary focus, Dexterity still offers a tangible benefit.

Hybrid Builds: Maximizing The Greatsword’s Potential

To truly maximize the Greatsword’s potential, consider a hybrid build that balances Strength and Dexterity. This approach allows you to meet the weapon’s minimum Strength requirement while also benefiting from the increased attack power and weapon skill casting speed that Dexterity provides.

For example, a build with 50 Strength and 40 Dexterity can be incredibly effective with the Greatsword. This provides substantial physical damage while simultaneously improving your character’s agility and attack speed.

Infusions: Tailoring The Greatsword to Your Playstyle

Infusions play a vital role in shaping your Greatsword build. By applying different Ashes of War, you can modify the weapon’s scaling and damage type, tailoring it to your specific needs.

• Heavy Infusion: This infusion increases the Greatsword’s Strength scaling, making it ideal for pure Strength builds.
• Keen Infusion: This infusion enhances the Greatsword’s Dexterity scaling, making it more viable for Dexterity-focused builds.
• Quality Infusion: This infusion balances Strength and Dexterity scaling, making it suitable for hybrid builds.

The Importance of Weapon Skills

Greatswords, including “The Greatsword,” have unique Weapon Skills that are crucial for effective combat. Dexterity can affect the speed with which these skills are executed. While the Greatsword’s primary effectiveness comes from its raw damage, weapon skills add variety and tactical options to your fighting style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Greatswords and their relationship with Dexterity builds in Elden Ring, crafted to provide the most value for players.

H3 FAQ 1: Can I use the Greatsword effectively with low Strength and high Dexterity?

No, the Greatsword has a significant Strength requirement. You’ll need to meet this threshold to wield it without penalty. However, once you meet that requirement, investing in Dexterity can provide added benefits.

H3 FAQ 2: What is the best infusion for the Greatsword on a Dexterity build?

The Keen Infusion is generally the best choice for Dexterity builds using the Greatsword, as it boosts Dexterity scaling, maximizing damage output based on your Dexterity stat.

H3 FAQ 3: How does Dexterity affect weapon skill casting speed with the Greatsword?

Increasing your Dexterity stat does reduce the casting time of weapon skills for the Greatsword, allowing you to execute them more quickly in combat.

H3 FAQ 4: Is the Claymore a better option for Dexterity builds than the Greatsword?

The Claymore is more versatile with split scaling but the Greatsword can outperform it when properly infused for a specific build due to its higher base damage potential with proper stat allocation.

H3 FAQ 5: Does armor choice affect my ability to use the Greatsword effectively?

Yes, your armor impacts your equip load. If your equip load is too high, you’ll be “heavy rolling,” making it difficult to dodge attacks. Lighter armor allows for greater agility with the Greatsword.

H3 FAQ 6: What are the best talismans to use with a Greatsword Dexterity build?

Talismans like the Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery), Erdtree’s Favor (boosts HP, stamina, and equip load), and Claw Talisman (enhances jump attacks) are useful for Greatsword users.

H3 FAQ 7: How important is poise when using the Greatsword?

Poise is important for absorbing hits without being staggered, allowing you to continue your attacks. Armor with high poise is valuable for Greatsword users.

H3 FAQ 8: What other weapons complement the Greatsword in a Dexterity build?

Weapons like the Bloodhound’s Fang or a katana can complement the Greatsword by offering faster attack options for situations where the Greatsword’s slower speed is a disadvantage.

H3 FAQ 9: Does Dexterity affect the critical hit damage of the Greatsword?

No, Dexterity primarily affects the weapon’s attack rating and casting speed. Critical hit damage is typically influenced by other factors, such as weapon upgrades and talismans.

H3 FAQ 10: Can I dual-wield Greatswords effectively with a Dexterity build?

Dual-wielding Greatswords is very Strength dependent, and not generally efficient with Dexterity builds, unless you have high strength. It requires very high Strength, making it difficult to execute effectively.

H3 FAQ 11: How does Arcane affect the Greatsword?

Arcane primarily influences status effects, like bleed or poison. Without an infusion, the Greatsword’s scaling in Arcane is minimal, making it not ideal to use.

H3 FAQ 12: Is it better to two-hand or one-hand the Greatsword on a Dexterity build?

Two-handing the Greatsword is generally better, as it increases your Strength stat by 50%, allowing you to meet the Strength requirement more easily and boosting damage output.

H3 FAQ 13: How does the Greatsword compare to other Greatswords for a Dexterity build?

The Greatsword stands out for its raw physical damage potential, making it a viable option for Dexterity-focused builds when infused correctly.

H3 FAQ 14: What is the ideal stat distribution for a Greatsword Dexterity hybrid build at level 100?

A balanced stat distribution around level 100 might look like: Vigor (40), Mind (15), Endurance (30), Strength (40), Dexterity (40), Intelligence (9), Faith (9), and Arcane (7). This provides a good balance of health, stamina, and damage.

H3 FAQ 15: Can I respec my character to optimize for a Greatsword build?

Yes, you can respec your character by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. This allows you to reallocate your stat points to optimize your build for the Greatsword.

Conclusion: The Greatsword and Dexterity – A Powerful Combination

While the Greatsword is primarily a Strength weapon, Dexterity plays a significant role in its versatility. By carefully balancing your stats, choosing the right infusions, and understanding weapon skills, you can create a powerful and effective Greatsword build that leverages the benefits of both Strength and Dexterity. Experiment with different builds, find what suits your playstyle, and become a true Elden Lord.

To understand more about gaming, learning, and education, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org!