Slaying the Infernal Hordes: The Definitive Guide to Demon-Slaying Weapons in Dark Souls 3

The world of Dark Souls 3 is a bleak and unforgiving landscape, teeming with grotesque creatures and formidable bosses, many of whom are, well, demons. Knowing the best way to dispatch these infernal foes is crucial for survival. So, what is the best weapon against demons in Dark Souls 3? The answer, as is often the case in Dark Souls, is nuanced, but generally, Black Knight weapons (Black Knight Sword, Black Knight Greataxe, Black Knight Greatsword, and Black Knight Glaive) are considered the kings of demon slaying due to their innate bonus damage against demons. These weapons, combined with a build that emphasizes physical damage output, create an efficient demon-slaying machine.

Understanding Demon Weaknesses in Dark Souls 3

Before diving into the specifics of weaponry, it’s critical to understand what makes demons tick (or rather, bleed, burn, and generally cease to exist). Demons in Dark Souls 3, particularly those found in the Ringed City DLC, generally share these characteristics:

• Weakness to Black Knight Weapons: This is the golden rule. The Black Knight weapons were specifically designed to hunt demons, and the game reflects this in their damage output.
• Susceptibility to Dark Damage: Many demons are inherently vulnerable to the forces of dark, making weapons with dark infusions or innate dark damage extremely effective.
• Slash and Thrusting Damage: Certain demons, like the Demon in Pain and Demon From Below, take additional damage from slashing and thrusting weapons, especially when aimed at their heads.
• Resistance to Fire Damage: This seems counterintuitive, given their fiery nature, but demons are resistant to fire. So, fire-based weapons are generally not a good choice.
• Resistance to Poison/Toxic: Attempting to poison or inflict toxic status on demons is generally a waste of time, as they possess high resistance to these effects.

The Contenders: Top Demon-Slaying Weapons

While Black Knight weapons are the standard, several other options can effectively dispatch demons:

• Black Knight Sword: A versatile Greatsword with excellent scaling and high physical damage, amplified against demons. Its weapon art, Perseverance, allows you to tank hits while dishing out significant damage.
• Black Knight Greataxe: Deals incredibly high raw damage, perfect for staggering and overwhelming demons. It’s slower than the sword but packs a serious punch.
• Black Knight Greatsword: Slightly slower than the Black Knight Sword, but has more range. It also makes great use of the Perseverance weapon art
• Black Knight Glaive: Offers great range and versatility, allowing you to maintain a safe distance while still dealing significant damage.
• Lothric Knight Sword: A seemingly ordinary straight sword, but with excellent scaling and the ability to be infused with dark damage, the Lothric Knight Sword becomes a surprisingly potent demon-slaying tool. Buffing it with Dark Blade can make it a force to be reckoned with.
• Dark Sword: A powerful straight sword that can be infused with Dark for optimal damage. Its weapon art Stomp can be a great option for trading hits with demons.
• Onikiri and Ubadachi: A dual katana weapon with very high bleed build-up, combined with innate physical damage makes this a great pick for some demons.

Strategies for Fighting Demons

Choosing the right weapon is only half the battle. Utilizing effective combat strategies is equally important:

• Target Weak Points: Aim for the head of demons like the Demon in Pain and Demon From Below. Headshots deal extra damage and can stagger them, opening them up for critical attacks.
• Utilize Rolling and Dodging: Demons often have wide-sweeping attacks. Mastering the art of rolling and dodging is crucial for avoiding damage and creating opportunities to strike.
• Exploit Openings: Demons have predictable attack patterns. Learn their moves and capitalize on the brief openings after their attacks.
• Buff Your Weapon: Use consumables like Charcoal Pine Resin to add fire damage (although demons are resistant, it can still add a little boost), or Dark Blade to inflict even greater dark damage to demons.
• Consider a Shield: A good shield with high physical resistance can provide valuable protection against demon attacks, allowing you to conserve stamina and create opportunities for counter-attacks.

Optimizing Your Build for Demon Slaying

Beyond weapon selection, your overall build can significantly impact your demon-slaying capabilities:

• Strength Build: Focus on Strength to maximize the damage output of heavy weapons like the Black Knight Greataxe.
• Dexterity Build: Emphasize Dexterity to increase attack speed and critical hit damage with weapons like the Black Knight Sword or Onikiri and Ubadachi.
• Quality Build: A balance of Strength and Dexterity, allowing you to wield a wider variety of weapons effectively.
• Intelligence/Faith Build: Focuses on utilizing Dark magic to inflict high damage to demons weak to Dark.

FAQs: All Your Demon-Slaying Questions Answered

1. Are all demons in Dark Souls 3 weak to the same things?

No, while there are general trends, some demons have unique weaknesses and resistances. For example, some may be more vulnerable to thrusting damage than others. Experimentation and observation are key.

2. Is fire damage completely useless against demons?

Mostly, yes. While a small amount of fire damage might still contribute to overall damage, the resistance demons have to fire makes it highly inefficient.

3. Can I use magic to effectively fight demons?

Yes! Dark magic is particularly effective, as many demons are vulnerable to dark damage. Lightning can also be effective against certain types of demons.

4. Are there any armor sets that are particularly useful against demons?

Armor sets with high fire resistance can mitigate some damage, but there aren’t any specific sets that offer a significant advantage against demons. Prioritize armor with good physical defense and poise.

5. Is it worth investing in bleed against demons?

Yes, some demons, such as the Demon in Pain and Demon From Below, are highly susceptible to bleed. Weapons like Onikiri and Ubadachi or a Carthus Rouge-infused weapon can quickly trigger bleed buildup.

6. What is the best ring for fighting demons?

The Ring of Favor for increased equip load, HP, and stamina, the Havel’s Ring for increased equip load, and the Chloranthy Ring for faster stamina regeneration are all excellent choices. For specific demons, rings that boost dark or physical damage might also be beneficial.

7. Should I always use a Black Knight weapon?

While Black Knight weapons are generally the most effective, they may not fit your playstyle or build. Experiment with other options and find what works best for you.

8. What is the best strategy for fighting the Demon Prince (Demon in Pain and Demon From Below)?

Focus on targeting their heads with slashing or thrusting weapons to trigger staggers. Exploit their weaknesses to bleed and dark damage. Dodge their fire attacks and capitalize on openings.

9. Is it possible to parry demon attacks?

Some demon attacks can be parried, but it’s generally risky due to their erratic attack patterns and high damage output.

10. What is the difference between a demon and a devil in Dark Souls 3?

Dark Souls 3 does not explicitly distinguish between demons and devils. The term “demon” is used as a broad classification for a variety of monstrous creatures of infernal origin.

11. Is the Dragonslayer Greataxe good against demons?

The Dragonslayer Greataxe deals split physical and lightning damage, which can be useful against some demons. However, its heavy weight and slow attack speed may make it less effective against agile demons.

12. How important is weapon upgrade level when fighting demons?

Weapon upgrade level is crucial. A fully upgraded weapon will significantly increase your damage output and make demon slaying much easier.

13. Where can I find Black Knight weapons?

Black Knight weapons are dropped by Black Knights found in various locations throughout the game, including the Catacombs of Carthus and the Kiln of the First Flame.

14. Is it better to infuse a weapon with dark or bleed for fighting demons?

It depends on the specific demon. If the demon is highly susceptible to bleed, bleed infusion can be effective. If the demon is more resistant to bleed but weak to dark, dark infusion is the better choice.

15. Can I summon help to fight demons?

Yes, summoning other players for assistance can make challenging demon encounters significantly easier.

Mastering the art of demon slaying in Dark Souls 3 requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and the right equipment. By understanding demon weaknesses, choosing the appropriate weapon, and employing effective combat strategies, you can overcome these infernal foes and emerge victorious in the harsh world of Lothric. For more information on gaming and educational strategies, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.