The Heaviest Sword in Dark Souls 3: A Deep Dive

The Fume Ultra Greatsword stands as the heaviest sword in Dark Souls 3. This behemoth, visually resembling a slab of dark slate, demands significant Strength to wield effectively, making it a favorite among Strength builds. It’s weight of 26.5 units is the highest of all swords in the game, reinforcing its status as a true testament to raw power.

Understanding Weapon Weight in Dark Souls 3

Weapon weight isn’t just a number; it directly impacts your character’s movement, roll speed, and stamina consumption. Exceeding certain weight thresholds can lead to sluggish rolls (fat rolls), making dodging enemy attacks significantly harder. Therefore, managing your equipment load is crucial, especially when wielding a colossal weapon like the Fume Ultra Greatsword.

The Fume Ultra Greatsword: A Closer Look

The Fume Ultra Greatsword is more than just heavy; it possesses a unique moveset and significant damage potential. Its weapon art, Stomp, allows you to brace yourself against incoming attacks while preparing a powerful follow-up strike. This combination of raw power and tactical ability makes it a formidable weapon in both PvE and PvP.

FAQs: All About Heaviest Weapons in Dark Souls 3

Here are fifteen frequently asked questions, designed to give you the most comprehensive overview on heavy weapons in Dark Souls 3.

1. What is the absolute heaviest weapon in Dark Souls 3?

While the Fume Ultra Greatsword is the heaviest sword, the overall heaviest weapon in Dark Souls 3 is Ledo’s Great Hammer. This monstrous weapon, even larger than Smough’s hammer from Dark Souls 1, weighs a staggering 30.0 units.

2. How does weapon weight affect my character?

Weapon weight contributes to your overall equipment load. Your equipment load determines your character’s movement speed, roll distance, and stamina regeneration speed. Staying below 70% of your maximum equipment load allows for a medium roll, while exceeding 70% results in a slow “fat roll.”

3. What are some good strategies for using heavy weapons?

Effective strategies for using heavy weapons often involve leveraging their range and hyper armor. Hyper armor is a mechanic that allows you to poise through attacks while swinging your weapon. Timing your attacks to trade blows with enemies can be highly effective. Also, using your weapon art strategically for defense or powerful attacks is key.

4. Which stats should I prioritize for a heavy weapon build?

The primary stat to focus on for a heavy weapon build is Strength. Many heavy weapons, including the Fume Ultra Greatsword and Ledo’s Great Hammer, scale exceptionally well with Strength. Investing in Vitality is also important, as it increases your maximum equipment load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without fat-rolling. Endurance for stamina is another crucial one.

5. Are there any rings that can help with heavy weapon builds?

Yes, several rings can significantly benefit heavy weapon builds. The Havel’s Ring increases your maximum equipment load, allowing you to carry heavier weapons and armor. The Ring of Favor also increases maximum HP, stamina, and equip load. The Cloranthy Ring can aid in stamina regen.

6. What is hyper armor, and how does it work?

Hyper armor is a mechanic that provides temporary poise during certain attack animations. This means that while swinging a heavy weapon, you can withstand enemy attacks without being staggered. Not all attacks grant hyper armor, and heavier weapons tend to have more pronounced hyper armor.

7. Is the Fume Ultra Greatsword viable in PvP?

Yes, the Fume Ultra Greatsword can be viable in PvP, but it requires skill and tactical awareness. Its slow swing speed can be a disadvantage against faster weapons, but its high damage output and hyper armor can punish opponents who make mistakes. Learning to predict your opponent’s movements and utilize its weapon art effectively is essential.

8. Where can I find the Fume Ultra Greatsword?

The Fume Ultra Greatsword is dropped by the Knight Slayer Tsorig phantom in the Catacombs of Carthus. You must defeat him to acquire the weapon.

9. What are some alternative heavy weapons to the Fume Ultra Greatsword?

Some popular alternative heavy weapons include the Greatsword, the Zweihander, Ledo’s Great Hammer, and the Yhorm’s Great Machete. Each weapon offers a unique moveset and playstyle, so experimenting to find what suits your preferences is recommended.

10. Does weapon reinforcement affect weight?

No, reinforcing a weapon does not affect its weight. Reinforcement increases damage and scaling, but it does not alter the weapon’s weight.

11. How does the Darksaber’s weight in Star Wars relate to heavy weapons in Dark Souls?

The Darksaber’s unique weight, influenced by the wielder’s mental state, is an interesting concept. This doesn’t have a direct correlation to Dark Souls, but the idea of a weapon’s effectiveness being tied to the wielder’s skill and control is a theme that resonates with the game.

12. What is the difference between a Greatsword and an Ultra Greatsword?

Generally, Ultra Greatswords are heavier, slower, and deal more damage than Greatswords. They also tend to have different movesets, with Ultra Greatswords often featuring more horizontal swings and Stomp attacks.

13. How important is armor when using heavy weapons?

Armor is very important when using heavy weapons, but not for its defensive properties. Heavy armor allows you to withstand attacks and not get staggered.

14. Are there any drawbacks to using heavy weapons?

Yes, heavy weapons have several drawbacks. They typically consume a significant amount of stamina per swing, leaving you vulnerable if you mismanage your stamina. Their slow swing speed can make it difficult to hit fast-moving enemies or react to quick attacks. Managing your equipment load to avoid fat-rolling is also a challenge.

15. Is Dark Souls 3 a good game for studying game design?

Absolutely! Dark Souls 3, with its intricate world design, challenging combat mechanics, and emphasis on player learning, offers valuable insights for aspiring game designers. The way it emphasizes difficulty and forces players to learn and adapt has been the subject of much discussions. Understanding how the game creates challenges and encourages players to find creative solutions can be highly educational. Learning more about the design principles behind games like Dark Souls can be achieved by following resources from the Games Learning Society, which promotes interdisciplinary research and learning in the field of games and simulations: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Mastering the Heavy Weapon Playstyle

The key to success with heavy weapons in Dark Souls 3 lies in understanding their strengths and weaknesses, managing your equipment load, and mastering their unique movesets. With practice and patience, you can become a formidable force on the battlefield. Embrace the weight, and unleash the power within!