Transforming the Zweihander: To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade?

Whether or not you should transform your Zweihander depends heavily on the game you’re playing and your specific build. In some games, like Code Vein, transformation, specifically fortification, can grant near invincibility through blocking. However, this might come at the cost of mobility or damage output. In the Soulsborne games, infusions fundamentally change the weapon’s scaling and damage type, potentially optimizing it for a specific build but limiting its versatility. Therefore, a definitive “yes” or “no” is impossible without context. Analyze your character stats, playstyle, and the available transformation options within your game to make the optimal decision.

Understanding the Zweihander: A Colossal Weapon Across Games

The Zweihander, often appearing as a massive greatsword or colossal sword, is a recurring weapon in various action RPGs, most notably the Soulsborne series and Code Vein. Known for its significant reach, high damage potential, and ability to stagger enemies, it’s a popular choice for players who favor a strength-based build. However, its effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the specific game mechanics. Transformation or infusion systems provide a layer of customization, allowing players to tailor the weapon to their playstyle, but this customization requires careful consideration.

The Impact of Transformation/Infusion

The decision of whether to transform (in Code Vein) or infuse (in the Soulsborne games) the Zweihander rests on how the resulting changes align with your character build and preferred playstyle.

• Code Vein: Fortification vs. Other Transformations: The Fortification transformation provides unparalleled blocking capabilities by raising physical defense to 100%, rendering you impervious to physical damage while guarding. This is a fantastic choice for tank builds, but significantly increases the weapon’s weight, hindering mobility. Other transformations, like scaling upgrades, might increase damage based on specific stats.

• Soulsborne Games: Infusion Variety: These games offer a plethora of infusions, each altering the weapon’s damage type and stat scaling. Lightning infusion, for example, removes Strength and Dexterity scaling, adding Lightning damage. This is suitable for builds with minimal Strength and Dexterity investment but high Faith. Raw infusion increases base damage but reduces scaling, beneficial for low-level characters or builds that don’t focus on scaling stats. Sharp infusion enhances Dexterity scaling, while Heavy infusion enhances Strength scaling. It’s crucial to choose an infusion that complements your build.

Factors to Consider Before Transforming

Before committing to a transformation, consider the following:

• Your Build: What are your primary stats? Strength, Dexterity, Faith, Intelligence? Choose a transformation or infusion that scales well with your highest stats.
• Your Playstyle: Do you prefer to block attacks or dodge? Do you prioritize mobility or damage output? Fortification favors blocking and tanking, while other transformations may favor damage.
• The Enemy Type: Some enemies are resistant to certain damage types. Infusing with Fire damage might be effective against certain foes but ineffective against others.
• Resource Availability: Transformations often require specific materials that can be rare or difficult to obtain. Ensure you have enough resources before committing.
• Game Stage: What’s effective early game might not be effective late game. Consider how your build and weapon will scale as you progress.

Specific Game Considerations

Code Vein

In Code Vein, the Zweihander is a fantastic option due to its high base damage and potential for Fortification. If you’re aiming for a tank build that can absorb significant damage, Fortification is a worthwhile consideration. However, be aware of the increased weight and reduced mobility. Experiment with other transformations to see if they offer better damage scaling for your build.

Elden Ring & Dark Souls

In the Soulsborne series, including Elden Ring, the decision is more nuanced. Infusion can significantly boost damage output, but it also alters the weapon’s scaling. If you have high Strength, a Heavy infusion is generally recommended. If you have high Dexterity, a Sharp infusion is better. For hybrid builds, consider Magic, Fire, or Lightning infusions, depending on your Intelligence, Faith, or both.

Examples of Transformation Decisions

• Code Vein – Tank Build: Fortification is a strong choice, allowing you to block almost all physical attacks.
• Code Vein – Strength Build: Focus on transformations that enhance Strength scaling.
• Elden Ring – Pure Strength Build: Heavy infusion maximizes damage output.
• Elden Ring – Quality Build (Strength & Dexterity): A Quality infusion or leaving the weapon uninfused might be optimal.
• Elden Ring – Faith Build: Flame Art infusion or Sacred infusion scales with Faith and provides fire or holy damage.

The Versatility of the Zweihander

Regardless of transformation decisions, the Zweihander remains a versatile weapon. Its moveset allows for both sweeping attacks and thrusts, making it effective against a variety of enemies. Its range and stagger potential are significant advantages, especially in crowded situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Zweihander

1. Is the Zweihander a good weapon in Elden Ring?

Yes, the Zweihander is considered one of the most powerful weapons in Elden Ring, especially for players who enjoy wielding heavy swords. Its low stat requirements (24 Strength and 11 Dexterity) make it accessible early on, and it can carry you throughout the game.

2. Why is the Zweihander good in Code Vein?

The Zweihander in Code Vein boasts excellent base weapon defense stats. With the Fortification transformation, it can achieve 100% physical damage reduction while guarding, making it a formidable defensive weapon.

3. What stats do I need for the Zweihander?

The stats required to wield the Zweihander vary depending on the game. In Dark Souls 1, for example, you need 24 Strength and 10 Dexterity. Elden Ring is 24 Strength and 11 Dexterity.

4. Does the Zweihander scale with Dex?

Yes, the Zweihander scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity. However, specific infusions or transformations can alter its scaling.

5. What should I infuse the Zweihander with in Dark Souls?

The ideal infusion depends on your build. Heavy infusion for Strength builds, Sharp infusion for Dexterity builds, and Magic/Enchanted/Crystal infusions for Intelligence builds. Fire, Chaos, Lightning, Divine, and Occult infusions are generally less effective than Magic and Enchanted for Intelligence builds, unless you have some investment in Faith as well.

6. Is the Greatsword or Zweihander better?

The Greatsword and Zweihander are both excellent colossal swords with overlapping strengths and weaknesses. The Greatsword is more versatile due to its moveset, while the Zweihander often has a longer reach. It depends on your preference.

7. Is the Zweihander better than a katana?

The Zweihander and a katana serve different purposes. The Zweihander offers superior range and stagger potential, while the katana emphasizes speed and dexterity.

8. Can you dual wield Zweihanders?

Yes, in games like Elden Ring, you can dual-wield Zweihanders if you meet the stat requirements for both weapons and have sufficient equip load.

9. What is the strongest weapon in Code Vein?

Many players consider the Zweihander to be one of the strongest weapons in Code Vein, owing to its high damage and defensive capabilities when fortified.

10. Who uses the Zweihander?

Historically, the Zweihander was mostly associated with Swiss or German mercenaries known as Landsknechte.

11. Is the Zweihander a quality weapon in DS1?

Yes, the Zweihander is a viable quality weapon (scaling with both Strength and Dexterity) in Dark Souls 1, especially when not infused.

12. Should I upgrade the Zweihander to Lightning?

Upgrading to Lightning removes Strength and Dexterity scaling. It’s best suited for builds with high Faith.

13. Is the Zweihander a good training wheel weapon?

Yes, it’s considered a good “training wheel” weapon because it can carry you through early game, but you might develop some bad habits.

14. How much poise damage does the Zweihander do?

The Zweihander is known for its colossal poise damage, making it effective at staggering enemies.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics?

You can find valuable resources and communities dedicated to game design and mechanics at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org offers articles, research, and a network of educators and developers focused on the educational aspects of gaming.

By carefully considering your build, playstyle, and the specific mechanics of the game you’re playing, you can make an informed decision about whether to transform or infuse your Zweihander.