The Ultimate Guide to Staves in Dark Souls 2: Finding Your Perfect Catalyst
The quest for the perfect staff in Dark Souls 2 can feel as daunting as navigating Drangleic itself. Ultimately, the “best” staff hinges on your build, your preferred spells, and your playstyle. However, if forced to pick a single staff that provides the most overall utility, it would be the Black Witch Staff +10. This staff is uniquely useful as it can cast sorceries, hexes and miracles, and also provides flexibility if you respec during the game. For specific builds, the Sunset Staff is the champion for dark spells, and the Staff of Wisdom reigns supreme for sorceries.
Unveiling the Staves of Drangleic: A Detailed Look
Dark Souls 2 offers a plethora of staves, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these nuances is crucial for optimizing your character and dominating your opponents. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable contenders:
The Black Witch Staff: Versatility Defined
The Black Witch Staff stands out as a jack-of-all-trades. It’s the only staff capable of casting sorceries, hexes, and miracles, making it incredibly versatile. This is a huge advantage for players who like to experiment with different spells or want to avoid switching between multiple catalysts. Its scaling in both Intelligence and Faith is decent, though it won’t reach the peak damage potential of specialized staves. The Black Witch Staff is an especially strong choice for PvP, allowing you to adapt to your opponent’s tactics on the fly. Found in the Undead Crypt, dropped by the Black Leydia Witch.
Sunset Staff: Master of the Dark Arts
When it comes to hexes (dark magic), the Sunset Staff is undeniably the best. Infusing it with Dark enhances its dark scaling, making your dark spells hit like a truck. However, it’s important to note that its effectiveness with sorceries is considerably lower. The Sunset Staff requires a decent investment in both Intelligence and Faith to shine, making it ideal for dedicated hex builds. Keep in mind, that it is a bit slower than most other staves.
Staff of Wisdom: The Sorcery Powerhouse
For pure sorcery builds, the Staff of Wisdom is unmatched. Upgrading it to +10 significantly boosts its magic scaling, allowing your sorceries to reach their maximum potential. However, it’s a one-trick pony – it cannot cast hexes. If your build focuses solely on sorceries and you don’t plan on dabbling in dark magic, the Staff of Wisdom is the clear choice. Its primary drawback is its size, which some players find cumbersome. To obtain the staff of wisdom, trade the Soul of Nadalia, Bride of Ash (from the Crown of the Iron King DLC) to Weaponsmith Ornifex.
Other Notable Staves
- Archdrake Staff: A good early-game option that can cast both sorceries and hexes. Sold by Felkin the Outcast.
- Staff of Amana: Its spell buff is increased while in human form, making it situational but potentially powerful. Found in Shrine of Amana.
- Leydia Black Staff: Can cast miracles, making it a niche choice for hybrid builds.
- Sorcerer’s Staff: A basic staff, good for the beginning of the game and obtained at the start as a Sorcerer or purchased from the Merchant Hag Melentia.
- Witchtree Branch: While not a staff, it can cast sorceries, hexes and miracles, but has very low damage.
Infusion: Maximizing Your Staff’s Potential
Infusing your staff can significantly impact its performance. Here’s a general guideline:
- Sunset Staff: Always infuse with Dark to maximize its dark scaling.
- Staff of Wisdom: Infuse with Magic to boost its base magic damage, although it won’t increase the scaling.
Choosing the Right Staff for Your Build
The “best” staff isn’t a universal answer; it depends entirely on your character build and playstyle.
- Pure Sorcerer: Staff of Wisdom
- Hexer: Sunset Staff
- Hybrid (Sorceries, Hexes, Miracles): Black Witch Staff
Consider the spells you plan to use, your stat distribution, and your preferred playstyle when making your decision.
Dark Souls 2 Staves FAQ
1. Which staff is the most versatile?
The Black Witch Staff is the most versatile, capable of casting sorceries, hexes, and miracles.
2. What is the best staff for pure sorcery builds?
The Staff of Wisdom is the best for pure sorcery, thanks to its high magic scaling.
3. Which staff is ideal for hexes (dark magic)?
The Sunset Staff is the top choice for hexes, especially when infused with Dark.
4. Can the Staff of Wisdom cast hexes?
No, the Staff of Wisdom can only cast sorceries.
5. Where can I find the Black Witch Staff?
The Black Witch Staff is dropped by the Black Leydia Witch in the Undead Crypt.
6. Should I infuse my Sunset Staff? If so, with what?
Yes, infuse your Sunset Staff with Dark to maximize its dark scaling.
7. Is the Staff of Amana any good?
The Staff of Amana’s spell buff increases when in human form, making it situational but potentially powerful. It’s not generally considered a top-tier staff.
8. Is the Black Witch Staff good for PvP?
Yes, the Black Witch Staff is excellent for PvP due to its versatility, allowing you to switch between different types of spells.
9. How important is it to upgrade my staff?
Upgrading your staff is crucial for increasing its magic scaling and overall damage output.
10. Which early-game staff is a good choice for both sorceries and hexes?
The Archdrake Staff, sold by Felkin the Outcast, is a decent early-game option for both sorceries and hexes.
11. What stats should I focus on for a hex build?
For a hex build, focus on both Intelligence and Faith, as hexes scale with the lower of the two.
12. Where can I get better staff in DS2?
You can obtain a better staff from various locations. Archdrake Staff sold by Felkin, trade for Staff of Wisdom, or find Leydia Black staff in the Undead Crypt.
13. Is the Black witch staff any good DS2?
Yes! It’s the best in PvP for the flexibility to cast spells without swapping. It’s great for magic and hexes.
14. What is the best staff and chime in ds2?
Sunset staff has REALLY good dark scaling, especially when dark infused. For Chimes, the two best are a dark chime of want, and a dark caitha’s chime.
15. What’s more important, Spell Buff or scaling?
While both are important, scaling determines how your staff’s power increases with your stats. A higher spell buff is generally better.
Mastering Magic in Drangleic
Choosing the right staff is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly master magic in Dark Souls 2, you also need to:
- Optimize your stats: Invest in the appropriate stats (Intelligence, Faith, Attunement) to meet the requirements of your spells and staff.
- Choose the right spells: Experiment with different spells to find those that suit your playstyle and complement your build.
- Master spellcasting techniques: Learn how to time your casts, manage your stamina, and use spells strategically in combat.
With the right staff and a solid understanding of magic mechanics, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges of Dark Souls 2. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and experimenting with different builds and playstyles is part of the fun!
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Selecting the correct catalyst and mastering magic in Dark Souls 2 will ensure you’re not only surviving but thriving in the treacherous landscape of Drangleic. Experiment, adapt, and embrace the arcane arts!