The Definitive Guide to Early Game Strength Swords: Dominating Your First Hours
Navigating the early hours of a Souls-like game can be brutal, and choosing the right weapon is crucial for success. When it comes to strength-based characters, finding a powerful sword that can carry you through the initial challenges is paramount. While the term “best” is subjective and depends on player preferences, there are a few standouts that consistently prove their worth. So, the definitive answer to what is the best strength sword in the early game is: the Great Axe found in Elden Ring. While not technically a sword, the Great Axe’s early availability, sheer damage output, and strength scaling make it the ideal choice for players wanting a dominant early-game strength option.
The Power of the Great Axe in Elden Ring
The Great Axe isn’t a sleek, elegant sword, but its raw power and accessibility make it the go-to choice for early-game strength builds. You’ll find this beastly weapon in the chest of the first carriage being pulled by giants near the gateway to Stormveil Castle in Elden Ring. This location is reachable very early in the game, meaning you don’t have to grind through difficult areas to acquire a powerful strength weapon.
Why the Great Axe is Superior Early Game
- High Base Damage: The Great Axe boasts impressive base damage that will allow you to dispatch early enemies quickly, significantly reducing the difficulty of your first encounters.
- Excellent Strength Scaling: This weapon scales exceptionally well with the Strength stat, meaning that as you level up, the Great Axe will become even more formidable.
- Early Availability: Its location near the start of the game means you can acquire this powerhouse almost immediately, giving you a distinct advantage over other players.
- Staggering Potential: The Great Axe is effective at staggering enemies, breaking their guard and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. This can be crucial in dealing with tougher early-game bosses.
While other weapons might become stronger in the mid-to-late game, the immediate impact of the Great Axe is unparalleled for early progression, particularly if you’re focused on a pure strength build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Early Game Strength Swords
Here are some common questions regarding strength weapons in the early phases of Souls-like games:
1. Is the Grafted Blade Greatsword a good early strength weapon?
While the Grafted Blade Greatsword is indeed a powerful strength weapon, it is not the ideal choice for early game in Elden Ring. It’s located in Castle Morne, which, while accessible early, requires a challenging trek and boss fight that is not ideal for players just starting the game. The Great Axe is far easier and faster to acquire.
2. What are some other good early game strength weapons in Elden Ring besides the Great Axe?
Other notable early strength options in Elden Ring include:
- The Battle Hammer: Found relatively early and great for staggering opponents.
- The Lordsworn’s Greatsword: A decent greatsword you can acquire from early enemies.
- The Flail: Available early at Gatefront Ruins.
- The Claymore: While a quality weapon, it’s also an excellent option if you lean a little into Dexterity and strength.
3. Where can I find the Crushing Battle Axe in Demon’s Souls?
The Crushing Battle Axe, a top strength weapon in Demon’s Souls, is found in the Stonefang Tunnels and will be dropped by the Rock Worm. The regular Battle Axe is a decent early alternative, dropped by the Boletarian Soldiers.
4. What are good strength weapons in early Dark Souls 1?
Good strength options in early Dark Souls 1 include:
- Hand Axe: A fast, early-game axe.
- Reinforced Club: Provides both damage and bleed potential.
- Large Club/Great Club: Powerful but slower options found a little later.
5. How do I find the Great Epee in Elden Ring?
The Great Epee is not a pure strength weapon but rather a thrusting sword, found in a chest at the Tombsward Catacombs in the Weeping Peninsula. It is a great option for dex builds early on.
6. Is the Black Knight Halberd really overpowered in Dark Souls?
Yes, the Black Knight Halberd is considered one of the most powerful weapons in Dark Souls. While not always available in the very early game, if obtained early, it can make your gameplay significantly easier due to its high damage, range, and speed.
7. What is the best greatsword in Demon’s Souls?
The Northern Regalia is the best greatsword in Demon’s Souls, created by combining Demonbrandt and Soulbrandt with the False King’s Demon’s Soul. However, this is a late-game weapon. The Dragon Bone Smasher is another top-tier greatsword, found in the Dragon God’s boss arena with Pure White World Tendency.
8. Where do you get the Dragon Bone Smasher in Demon’s Souls?
The Dragon Bone Smasher is located in the Dragon God’s boss arena in Demon’s Souls. You need to have Pure White World Tendency to clear the rubble blocking the path to it.
9. Is The Axe of Godrick a good early game weapon?
While The Axe of Godrick is a powerful weapon, it is not an early game option as you obtain it by defeating a late-game boss in Stormveil Castle. It’s not recommended for players just starting their Elden Ring journey.
10. What are some of the best late-game strength weapons in Elden Ring?
Late-game options for strength builds in Elden Ring include:
- Greatsword (Gut’s Greatsword): A high damage option found in Dragonbarrow.
- Brick Hammer: A colossal weapon found in the Altus Plateau.
- Starscourge Greatsword: Another high-tier greatsword.
- Giant-Crusher: A truly massive, colossal weapon.
11. What is the best one-handed strength weapon in Demon’s Souls?
For one-handed strength, the Kilij is a good option. It offers fast attacks and high damage. For DEX builds the Uchigatana is a better early-game option for one-handed combat.
12. Is the Blueblood Sword worth getting in Demon’s Souls?
The Blueblood Sword is a unique weapon that scales with luck. It can be very powerful if you build your character around it. However, for early-game strength builds, it is less effective than the other options mentioned above. You need to defeat Maiden Astraea to craft the weapon.
13. What is the strongest enemy in Dark Souls 1?
The Black Dragon Kalameet is arguably the most challenging boss in Dark Souls 1, with immense health, damage, and aggressive attacks. He can be considered the “strongest” enemy overall, especially if you challenge him before weakening him.
14. Is the Drake Sword a good early game weapon in Dark Souls?
The Drake Sword is a powerful early-game weapon but it’s not designed for strength builds. It does not scale with any stats making it worse later on.
15. What classes are best for early strength builds in Dark Souls?
The Warrior and Bandit classes are generally considered the best for strength builds in early Dark Souls. The Bandit starts with higher strength and endurance.
Conclusion
While various games offer a plethora of strength-based weapons, the Great Axe in Elden Ring shines as the best strength weapon for early gameplay. Its immediate accessibility, high damage, and strength scaling make it the clear winner for players focusing on strength builds. Understanding the early strengths of different weapons in Souls-like games will greatly improve your experience and help you conquer the challenges that await you. By utilizing the Great Axe and taking the advice provided in these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the early stages of these unforgiving yet rewarding games.