Unveiling the Blade Masters: Which Sword Reigns Supreme in Dark Souls 3 for Raw Damage?

The burning question echoing through the halls of Lothric: which sword in Dark Souls 3 deals the most face-melting, enemy-obliterating damage? While no single answer is perfect across all builds and situations, the Demon’s Greataxe is often considered the weapon that outputs the highest damage per hit when two-handed and properly statted. It has exceptional raw damage, making it ideal for strength builds, particularly when paired with buffs and other damage-enhancing effects.

The Nuances of Damage Calculation

It’s crucial to understand that ‘damage’ in Dark Souls 3 isn’t just a single number. It’s affected by several factors:

• Base Damage: The inherent damage a weapon possesses.
• Scaling: How well a weapon’s damage increases with your stats (Strength, Dexterity, Faith, Intelligence). Scaling is shown using letter grades, with ‘S’ being the best and ‘E’ being the worst.
• Infusion: Applying gems (like Heavy, Sharp, or Crystal) to alter a weapon’s scaling and damage type.
• Buffs: Temporary enhancements from spells, resins, or weapon arts.
• Enemy Resistances: Each enemy has different resistances to various damage types (physical, fire, lightning, dark, magic).

Therefore, a weapon with high base damage but poor scaling might do more damage at lower levels. In contrast, a weapon with excellent scaling but lower base damage can surpass it at higher levels.

Contenders for the Damage Throne

While the Demon’s Greataxe often takes the crown for raw damage, several other weapons are strong contenders, and can provide a better experience for specific builds:

• Dragonslayer Greataxe: Another heavyweight contender, this greataxe boasts high damage and a unique weapon art that can unleash devastating lightning attacks.
• Yhorm’s Great Machete: This colossal weapon offers incredible raw damage, though its weight and slow attack speed demand careful timing.
• Ledo’s Great Hammer: The heaviest weapon in the game, Ledo’s Great Hammer deals tremendous poise damage and has a unique weapon art that sends opponents flying. Its sheer size and damage output are unmatched, though it requires an extremely specialized build.

The Importance of Playstyle

Ultimately, the “best” sword for damage depends on your playstyle and build. A slow, heavy-hitting weapon like Yhorm’s Great Machete might be perfect for a pure strength build that prioritizes one-shot potential. In contrast, a faster weapon with good scaling might be better for a dexterity or quality build focused on sustained damage output.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Swords and Damage in Dark Souls 3

1. What is a “quality build,” and which swords work best for it?

A quality build focuses on equally leveling Strength and Dexterity. This allows you to wield a wide variety of weapons effectively. Good sword choices for quality builds include:

• Claymore: A versatile greatsword with a balanced moveset.
• Lothric Knight Sword: An excellent straight sword with good reach and damage.
• Black Knight Sword: A reliable greatsword with high damage and innate poise.

2. What is the highest DPS straight sword in Dark Souls 3?

The Ringed Knight Straight Sword stands out due to its high damage output and reach. Coupled with its weapon art, it is arguable the highest DPS straight sword in the game. The Sellsword Twinblades is widely considered one of the highest DPS weapons in the game overall, but not a straight sword.

3. Which sword is best for PVE in Dark Souls 3?

Several swords excel in PVE:

• Black Knight Sword: Reliable damage and poise.
• Broadsword: High damage for a straight sword, especially on strength builds.
• Sellsword Twinblades: Incredible DPS against bosses and enemies, particularly when buffed.
• Lothric Knight Sword: Versatile for many builds.

4. What is the best strength-scaling sword in Dark Souls 3?

The Splitleaf Greatsword is one of the best due to its unique moveset and fantastic scaling when infused with a Heavy Gem.

5. What are some good early-game swords in Dark Souls 3?

• Longsword: Found early in the High Wall of Lothric. It is simple but effective, especially for beginners.
• Broadsword: A solid straight sword with good damage.
• Astora Straight Sword: A light and versatile weapon.

6. Is the Lothric Knight Greatsword truly the “greatest weapon” in Dark Souls 3?

The Lothric Knight Greatsword is a versatile weapon that can be effective in both PvE and PvP due to its reach, damage, and scaling. Whether its the “greatest” is subjective and depends on your playstyle.

7. What makes the Sellsword Twinblades so powerful?

The Sellsword Twinblades’ strength lies in their extremely fast attack speed and potential for applying buffs. With a Sharp infusion and high Dexterity, their DPS is unmatched against many enemies.

8. How do infusions affect a sword’s damage?

Infusions alter a weapon’s scaling and damage type.

• Heavy: Improves Strength scaling.
• Sharp: Improves Dexterity scaling.
• Raw: Increases base damage but reduces scaling.
• Crystal/Blessed: Adds Magic/Faith scaling.

9. What is poise, and why is it important?

Poise determines your ability to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered. Weapons with high poise damage can break an opponent’s stance, creating openings for attacks.

10. Are ultra greatswords always the highest-damage weapons?

Not necessarily. While ultra greatswords typically have high base damage, their slow attack speed can make them less effective in certain situations. Faster weapons with good scaling can often deal more damage per second (DPS).

11. What are some of the best curved swords in Dark Souls 3?

Curved Swords are known for their speed and versatility. Top choices include:

• Pontiff Knight Curved Sword: It has a unique weapon art and good range.
• Carthus Curved Sword: Fast and deals bleed damage.
• Harald Curved Greatsword: Can output amazing damage for a curved sword.

12. How can I maximize my damage output with a sword?

• Optimize your stats: Level the stats that your weapon scales with.
• Use the right infusion: Choose an infusion that complements your build.
• Apply buffs: Use resins, spells, or weapon arts to temporarily boost your damage.
• Target weaknesses: Exploit enemy vulnerabilities to different damage types.

13. What are some good resources for learning more about Dark Souls 3 builds?

There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to Dark Souls 3 builds. The Games Learning Society also offers valuable information on game mechanics and character development.

14. Is there a sword that is considered the “most iconic” in Dark Souls?

The Moonlight Greatsword is arguable the most iconic weapon in the entire Souls series, appearing in almost every FromSoftware fantasy game. Its distinctive blue glow and unique weapon art make it instantly recognizable.

15. What is the role of Games Learning Society in helping players understand game mechanics like damage calculation?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) researches and promotes the educational aspects of gaming, including understanding complex mechanics like damage calculation. By exploring the underlying systems of games, players can develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

In conclusion, while the Demon’s Greataxe is a leading contender for the title of “highest damage sword” in Dark Souls 3, the best weapon ultimately depends on your build, playstyle, and the specific challenges you face. Experiment with different weapons, infusions, and buffs to find what works best for you, and remember to adapt your strategy to overcome the obstacles in your path.