Wielding the Legend: Mastering the Drake Sword’s Strength Requirements
The Drake Sword, a formidable early-game weapon in Dark Souls, holds a unique allure for new players. Its potent dragon damage can carve a path through the game’s initial challenges, but wielding it effectively requires understanding its specific requirements. So, what’s the bottom line?
To wield the Drake Sword in one hand, you need a Strength stat of 20. Failing to meet this requirement results in significantly reduced attack power and awkward, slow swings, making you more vulnerable than you already are in the unforgiving world of Lordran.
Understanding the Drake Sword’s Appeal and Limitations
The Drake Sword offers a significant advantage early on due to its high base damage of 200, specifically its dragon damage type. This damage type is particularly effective against many early-game enemies, making it a popular choice for newcomers finding their feet. However, it’s crucial to understand that the Drake Sword’s power diminishes significantly as the game progresses. Its scaling is non-existent (meaning it doesn’t gain additional damage from your Strength or Dexterity stats), and it cannot be infused with elemental damage or upgraded beyond +5. Therefore, while it’s a fantastic crutch in the beginning, players should plan to transition to more potent, scalable weapons as they delve deeper into the game.
Meeting the Strength Requirement: Strategies and Considerations
Reaching 20 Strength early in the game is certainly achievable, but it might require some strategic planning. Here’s a breakdown of considerations:
- Starting Class: Choosing a class with a higher starting Strength stat, such as the Warrior or Knight, can significantly reduce the amount of leveling required to wield the Drake Sword one-handed.
- Leveling Up: Prioritize investing your early souls into the Strength stat. Each level up increases your Strength, bringing you closer to the required 20.
- Ring of Strength: This ring, found early in the game, boosts your Strength stat by 5. While it cannot be stacked with other rings that provide Strength bonuses, it can be a crucial tool for wielding the Drake Sword before you officially meet the 20 Strength requirement. However, remember it comes with the drawback of halving your stamina recovery speed.
- Two-Handing: If you haven’t reached 20 Strength yet, you can still wield the Drake Sword by two-handing it. Two-handing a weapon effectively multiplies your Strength stat by 1.5, allowing you to meet the requirement with a lower base Strength. In the case of the Drake Sword, you need only 14 strength to wield it two-handed.
The Drake Sword: More Than Just Strength
Beyond the Strength requirement, understanding the Drake Sword’s quirks can further optimize its usage.
- Durability: The Drake Sword has notoriously low durability. It degrades quickly, especially when used against armored enemies or during repeated blocking. Carry repair powder or visit a blacksmith regularly to avoid it breaking mid-combat, leaving you vulnerable.
- Dragon Damage: As mentioned, the dragon damage is highly effective against specific enemy types, including some bosses. Understanding enemy weaknesses can maximize the Drake Sword’s impact.
- Ranged Attack: The Drake Sword’s two-handed strong attack unleashes a powerful ranged attack that consumes durability. This can be useful for taking down distant enemies but should be used sparingly due to the weapon’s durability issues.
Transitioning Beyond the Drake Sword
The Drake Sword is a stepping stone, not an endgame weapon. As you progress, explore other weapon options that scale better with your stats. Consider weapons like the Claymore, Zweihander, or various katanas, depending on your preferred playstyle and stat investment. Regularly upgrade your equipment and consider infusing them with elemental damage to adapt to different enemy types.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if my Strength is below 20 when I try to use the Drake Sword one-handed?
Your character will perform slow, ineffective swings, and the damage output will be significantly reduced. This makes you an easy target for enemies.
2. Can I use the Ring of Strength to meet the Drake Sword’s Strength requirement?
Yes, the Ring of Strength boosts your Strength by 5, which can help you wield the Drake Sword earlier than you normally would.
3. Is it worth leveling Strength just to use the Drake Sword?
In the early game, yes, investing in Strength to wield the Drake Sword can be beneficial. However, remember to transition to a more scalable weapon as you progress to avoid falling behind.
4. Does the Drake Sword scale with any stats?
No, the Drake Sword has no scaling, meaning its damage does not increase with your Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith stats.
5. How do I obtain the Drake Sword?
The Drake Sword is obtained by shooting the Hellkite Dragon on the bridge in the Undead Burg with arrows until its tail is severed. This usually takes a significant number of arrows, depending on your bow and Strength.
6. Can I upgrade the Drake Sword?
Yes, the Drake Sword can be upgraded, but only to +5. Blacksmith Andrei in the Undead Parish performs the upgrades.
7. Is the Drake Sword good for the entire game?
No, the Drake Sword’s effectiveness diminishes significantly as you progress. Its lack of scaling and limited upgrade path make it less viable in later areas.
8. What are the best alternatives to the Drake Sword in the early game?
Good early-game alternatives include the Claymore, Longsword, and Zweihander, all of which can be found relatively early and scale with Strength and/or Dexterity.
9. Does the Drake Sword deal more damage than other early-game weapons?
Initially, yes, the Drake Sword’s high base damage often surpasses other weapons, especially against enemies vulnerable to dragon damage.
10. Can I parry with the Drake Sword?
No, the Drake Sword cannot be used to parry.
11. What are the Drake Sword’s weaknesses?
The Drake Sword is weak against enemies with high defense and resistance to dragon damage. Its low durability is also a significant drawback.
12. Can I infuse the Drake Sword with elemental damage?
No, the Drake Sword cannot be infused with elemental damage or buffed with spells.
13. How does the Drake Sword compare to other dragon weapons?
The Drake Sword is a relatively weak dragon weapon compared to those found later in the game, such as the Dragon Greatsword or the Black Dragon Greatsword.
14. What is the best strategy for defeating enemies with the Drake Sword?
Utilize its high base damage and ranged attack strategically. Focus on enemies vulnerable to dragon damage and avoid situations that could quickly degrade its durability.
15. Where can I learn more about Dark Souls strategies and gameplay mechanics?
There are numerous online resources, including wikis, forums, and video tutorials. You can also explore resources related to learning and design in gaming like those provided by the Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ) to understand the game’s design and overcome challenges more effectively. Check out their website here: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/
The Drake Sword, while powerful early on, requires careful consideration of its limitations. Mastering its strength requirements, understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and planning your transition to a more scalable weapon are crucial for success in Dark Souls. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!