What is the Hardest Hitting Strength Weapon in Dark Souls 3?
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In the brutal world of Dark Souls 3, wielding a massive weapon and crushing your foes is a deeply satisfying experience. But when it comes to pure, unadulterated damage, which strength weapon reigns supreme? The answer, with a slight caveat, is the Demon’s Greataxe. While other weapons may achieve higher single-hit damage under very specific circumstances (buffs, counter hits, etc.), the Demon’s Greataxe consistently delivers monstrous damage with its standard moveset and high Attack Rating (AR) when properly upgraded and scaled with strength.
Why the Demon’s Greataxe?
The Demon’s Greataxe possesses a combination of factors that contribute to its raw power:
- High Base Damage: Even before scaling, the Greataxe boasts a significant base damage value, laying the foundation for impressive numbers.
- Excellent Strength Scaling: The weapon benefits immensely from high Strength investment, scaling at S at +5 upgrade allowing it to reach incredible AR. As you pump levels into Strength, the Demon’s Greataxe’s damage output climbs dramatically.
- Versatile Moveset: While not the flashiest, the moveset is reliable and effective for both PvE and PvP. It can be acquired very early in the game.
- Weapon Skill: Its weapon art, Demonic Flare, further enhances its damage potential by adding a fire damage buff to your next attack, potentially one-shotting enemies.
Considerations and Caveats
While the Demon’s Greataxe is the king of consistent high damage, it’s important to note these nuances:
- Buffs and Counter Hits: As mentioned, certain weapons, such as the Dragonslayer Greataxe with its weapon art combined with a Leo Ring counter hit on an enemy that is thrusting at you, can achieve higher single-hit damage in specific scenarios. Buffing a weapon with resins or spells can also temporarily boost damage, potentially exceeding the Demon’s Greataxe’s output, albeit with less consistent application.
- Weapon Art vs. Standard Attacks: The Demon’s Greataxe’s weapon art is powerful, but its high FP cost and longer animation can make it less practical for sustained combat. The weapon’s regular attacks are still devastating and should not be overlooked.
- Weight and Stamina Consumption: Ultra Greatswords and Greataxes are naturally heavy, requiring high Endurance to manage stamina effectively. The Demon’s Greataxe is no exception.
- Other Top Tier Strength Weapons : The Ledo’s Great Hammer has excellent damage and can do incredibly high amounts of damage to a single opponent.
Ultimately, the “hardest hitting” weapon is context-dependent. If you’re looking for the most consistent, reliable, and impressive damage output from a Strength weapon in Dark Souls 3, the Demon’s Greataxe is an excellent choice. If you are looking for situational one-shot builds then consider the Dragonslayer Greataxe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What stats do I need to wield the Demon’s Greataxe?
The Demon’s Greataxe requires 30 Strength and 12 Dexterity to wield effectively.
2. Where can I find the Demon’s Greataxe?
The Demon’s Greataxe is acquired by transposing the soul of the Demon (Old Demon King) with Ludleth of Courland at Firelink Shrine.
3. How do I upgrade the Demon’s Greataxe?
The Demon’s Greataxe is upgraded using Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, Titanite Chunks, and finally, a Titanite Slab to reach its maximum potential.
4. Is the Demon’s Greataxe good for PvP?
Yes, the Demon’s Greataxe can be effective in PvP due to its high damage and potential for one-shotting opponents with its weapon art. However, its slow attack speed and telegraphic moveset make it vulnerable to skilled players.
5. What rings should I use with the Demon’s Greataxe?
Recommended rings include the Havel’s Ring (for equip load), Ring of Favor (for stamina, health, and equip load), Prisoner’s Chain (for vigor, endurance, and vitality), and Leo Ring (to counter thrusting attacks). The Cloranthy Ring is also important for increasing stamina recovery.
6. What infusion is best for the Demon’s Greataxe?
Typically, a Heavy Infusion is the best choice for the Demon’s Greataxe, as it maximizes Strength scaling and damage output.
7. Does the Demon’s Greataxe deal fire damage?
No, the Demon’s Greataxe primarily deals physical damage. The weapon skill, Demonic Flare, adds fire damage as a buff to your next attack.
8. How does the Demon’s Greataxe compare to other Greataxes?
While other Greataxes, like the Greataxe and Black Knight Greataxe, are viable, the Demon’s Greataxe generally outperforms them in terms of raw damage due to its superior scaling and AR.
9. Is the Demon’s Greataxe good for a beginner?
The Demon’s Greataxe can be challenging for beginners due to its high Strength requirement and slow attack speed. However, its high damage can also make it forgiving, allowing players to quickly dispatch enemies.
10. What are the weaknesses of the Demon’s Greataxe?
Its main weaknesses are its slow attack speed, high stamina consumption, and predictable moveset. It can also be easily parried by skilled players.
11. Can the Demon’s Greataxe be buffed with resins or spells?
No, the Demon’s Greataxe cannot be buffed with resins or spells.
12. How much does the Demon’s Greataxe weigh?
The Demon’s Greataxe weighs 20.0 units.
13. Is the Demon’s Greataxe viable in the late game?
Yes, the Demon’s Greataxe remains a powerful weapon throughout the entire game, especially when fully upgraded and used with a high Strength build.
14. What are some alternative strength weapons to consider?
If you are looking for alternatives, consider the Ledo’s Great Hammer, Great Club, Black Knight Greataxe, or the Dragonslayer Greataxe, each offering different strengths and weaknesses.
15. How does weapon choice relate to the broader gaming community and learning?
Studying weapon choices, builds, and strategies in games like Dark Souls 3 can foster analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and community engagement. The gaming community often shares knowledge and strategies, creating a collaborative learning environment. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org focus on understanding and promoting the educational aspects of gaming.