Unlocking the Dragon’s Power: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading the Dragon Longsword in Demon’s Souls
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So, you’ve got your hands on the Dragon Longsword in Demon’s Souls, eh? A fine starting weapon for many a burgeoning slayer! But like any good blade, it yearns for improvement, for the edge that separates a capable warrior from a legend. Let’s dive into what you need to transform that Dragon Longsword from a mere beginner’s tool into a fiery force to be reckoned with.
The short answer: To upgrade the Dragon Longsword, you need Dragonstone Shards, Dragonstone Chunks, and a Pure Dragonstone. You’ll upgrade the sword at a blacksmith, preferably Blacksmith Boldwin in the Nexus or Blacksmith Ed in Stonefang Tunnel. However, remember that Dragon weapons do not scale with stats, making them most effective in the early game and the first playthrough. Let’s break down the process, the resources, and the considerations in finer detail!
The Path to Forging a Superior Dragon Longsword
Understanding the Dragon Longsword’s Potential
The Dragon Longsword is a unique weapon path. Unlike weapons that benefit from scaling with your character’s stats (Strength, Dexterity, etc.), Dragon weapons gain their power solely from upgrades. This means their damage output is fixed and doesn’t increase with your character’s attributes. This makes them exceptionally potent in the early game when your stats are low, but their effectiveness diminishes as you progress and other weapons with scaling surpass them.
Acquiring the Necessary Materials
The heart of any upgrade lies in the materials. For the Dragon Longsword, you’ll need the following:
- Dragonstone Shards: These are the most common and are used for the initial upgrades (+1 to +3). They can be found in abundance within the Stonefang Tunnel (World 2) areas, especially from the Scale Miners and various environmental deposits.
- Dragonstone Chunks: Rarer than shards, these are required for upgrades beyond +3. Farm them from the Fat Officials in Stonefang Tunnel and as drops from certain Bearbugs.
- Pure Dragonstone: The rarest of the three, necessary to reach the maximum upgrade level of +5. A guaranteed drop of Pure Dragonstone can be obtained by killing the Dragon God boss, and one can be found by trading the Sparkly the Crow in the Shrine of Storms archstone.
Finding a Capable Blacksmith
While Blacksmith Boldwin in the Nexus can perform basic upgrades, to upgrade the Dragon Longsword, you will need to visit Blacksmith Ed in Stonefang Tunnel (2-1). Before Blacksmith Ed will upgrade your weapon to Dragon, you need to give the Searing Demon Soul, which is obtained from killing the Flamelurker boss in Stonefang Tunnel (2-2).
The Upgrading Process
- Gather the required Dragonstone materials. Make sure you have enough shards, chunks, and potentially the pure Dragonstone for your desired upgrade level.
- Travel to Stonefang Tunnel (2-1) and speak with Blacksmith Ed.
- Give Ed the Searing Demon Soul obtained from the Flamelurker Boss.
- Select the “Upgrade Weapon” option and choose the Dragon Longsword from your inventory.
- Confirm the upgrade and spend the necessary souls and materials.
- Repeat the process until you reach the desired upgrade level.
Dragon Longsword: FAQs
Let’s address some common questions about the Dragon Longsword and its upgrading process to solidify your understanding.
1. Is the Dragon Longsword worth upgrading?
Yes, initially. The Dragon Longsword provides a significant damage boost early on. However, its lack of scaling means its effectiveness plateaus as you level up other stats and find weapons with better scaling potential.
2. Where can I farm Dragonstone Shards easily?
The Scale Miners in Stonefang Tunnel (2-1) are your best bet. They drop shards frequently, and the area is easily accessible early in the game.
3. What’s the best place to farm Dragonstone Chunks?
Fat Officials in Stonefang Tunnel (2-2) can drop Dragonstone Chunks, but the drop rate is relatively low. Be prepared for some farming!
4. How do I get a Pure Dragonstone?
Pure Dragonstone is a guaranteed drop from the Dragon God boss. One is also available through trade with Sparkly the Crow in the Shrine of Storms.
5. Should I give the Searing Demon Soul to Blacksmith Ed?
Absolutely! Giving the Searing Demon Soul to Blacksmith Ed unlocks advanced weapon crafting, allowing you to create unique weapons from boss souls.
6. Is the Dragon Longsword good for PvP?
The Dragon Longsword can be viable in early-game PvP, but its lack of scaling becomes a significant disadvantage against players with optimized builds and scaling weapons.
7. What are the alternatives to the Dragon Longsword?
For early-game alternatives, consider the Crescent Falchion (for magic-focused builds), the Knight Sword, or the Kilij. These weapons can be found relatively early and offer solid performance.
8. How does the Dragon Longsword compare to other Dragon weapons?
Other Dragon weapons follow the same upgrade path and lack scaling. The choice depends on your preferred weapon type (sword, mace, axe, etc.).
9. Can I upgrade other weapons using Dragonstone?
No, Dragonstone is specific to the Dragon weapon path. Other upgrade paths use different types of stones (e.g., Sharpstone for Sharp weapons, Bladestone for Bleed weapons).
10. What stats does the Dragon Longsword scale with?
None. That’s the key characteristic of Dragon weapons. Their damage is fixed and solely determined by their upgrade level.
11. Is there any way to increase the Dragon Longsword’s attack speed?
No. Weapon attack speed is fixed. You can improve your character’s stamina to attack more frequently, but the weapon’s innate attack speed remains constant.
12. Can I repair the Dragon Longsword?
Yes, you can repair the Dragon Longsword at any blacksmith (Boldwin in the Nexus or Ed in Stonefang Tunnel) for a fee of souls.
13. What is the best upgrade path for a magic build?
For a magic build, the Crescent Falchion is an excellent choice. It scales with Magic and regenerates MP. The path requires Moonlightstone.
14. Where can I learn more about weapon upgrades and builds in Demon’s Souls?
The Demon’s Souls community is incredibly helpful. Explore online forums, wikis, and YouTube guides. Also, consider exploring the insights that the Games Learning Society offers on the intersection of gaming and education. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Does item discovery affect the drop rate of Dragonstone Chunks?
Yes, increasing your item discovery stat can improve your chances of finding Dragonstone Chunks. Equip items that boost item discovery, such as the Gold Mask or the Providential Ring.
By following this guide and understanding the nuances of the Dragon Longsword, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about its upgrade path and its role in your Demon’s Souls journey. Remember, while it might not be your ultimate weapon, it’s a valuable tool that can carry you through the early stages of the game and provide a solid foundation for your build. Happy slaying, and may your blade always find its mark!