What Weapons Can Hit Ghosts? A Comprehensive Guide

The ethereal enemies known as ghosts in video games often present a unique challenge. Unlike solid foes, they typically require specific types of attacks or weapons to inflict damage. This guide delves into the intricacies of weaponry that can effectively harm these spectral adversaries, drawing primarily from the game mechanics of Dark Souls, where ghosts are a formidable presence in the New Londo Ruins.

The most straightforward answer is that not all weapons can harm ghosts. In most scenarios, normal, physical weapons have no effect. In Dark Souls, for example, the ability to damage a ghost is tied to specific properties or states of the player and their gear, rather than merely raw damage. In essence, to strike a ghost, the player needs to be in a certain cursed state, or wield a weapon specifically designed to overcome their spectral nature. Here’s the breakdown:

• Cursed Weapons: These weapons are imbued with a specific property that allows them to damage ghosts, even if the player isn’t cursed. The primary examples from Dark Souls include:

  • Jagged Ghost Blade: A weapon dropped by ghosts themselves.
  • Ghost Blade: Another weapon dropped by ghosts.
  • Greatsword of Artorias (Cursed version): One specific version of this weapon is capable of damaging ghosts due to its unique property. Notably, the regular Greatsword of Artorias does not hit ghosts.

• Transient Curse: Using a Transient Curse item temporarily places the player into a state where they can interact with and harm ghosts. This is the most common way of dealing with them for most players, as the Cursed weapons are less common. This temporary effect allows normal weapons to harm ghosts as if they were solid entities. However, the effect is not permanent, making the need for more Transient Curses a constant issue while you travel through New Londo Ruins.

• Cursed State: If a player is cursed, they can also harm ghosts with any melee weapon. Note that being cursed is usually an undesirable state, and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This requires the player to be afflicted by the “curse” status effect, not to be confused with the auxiliary effect some weapons have (as noted below). This can be obtained by encountering Basilisks, and a few other enemies throughout the game.

• Divine weapons do not work against ghosts. It is a common mistake made by many, to think that because ghosts are of a spirit nature, that divine weapons will work against them. This is a falsehood. Divine weapons are designed to keep skeletons from reviving, while the weapons that work against ghosts must possess the cursed auxiliary effect.

Essentially, weapons that hit ghosts either possess a cursed auxiliary effect or are used by a character who is in a temporary or permanent state of being cursed. Understanding this mechanic is crucial for effectively navigating areas like the New Londo Ruins in Dark Souls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can magic or ranged attacks damage ghosts?

In Dark Souls, no. Ghosts are only vulnerable to melee attacks, both while cursed, and when using one of the weapons listed above. Magic, bows, and any kind of damage over time effect will not affect them. This restriction adds to the unique challenge of facing ghosts, as players need to be up close and personal to inflict any damage.

Are ghosts weak to any particular element?

While ghosts in Dark Souls are not especially vulnerable to a specific damage type in the traditional sense, many players have found them to be particularly vulnerable to fire damage. This may be circumstantial, but generally, most enemies in the game are weakest to fire damage if they don’t have any other elemental weakness.

Can I block ghost attacks if I’m not cursed?

No. If you’re not cursed, or using one of the few cursed weapons that hit ghosts, you will not be able to block their attacks. Once the player is cursed, or has a transient curse applied, you can then block their attacks as if they were physical entities.

How do I get cursed in Dark Souls?

You can become cursed by several things, including but not limited to the following:
* Basilisks are the most common source of the curse status effect.
* Other enemy attacks may also curse you.
* One of the weapons, specifically the Greatsword of Artorias (Cursed version), can cause the player to be cursed with a special attack

Can I permanently curse myself to always hit ghosts?

While you can be permanently cursed in Dark Souls, it is generally not recommended, as it halves the player’s max HP. It’s often more practical to use Transient Curses, or one of the specifically cursed weapons as stated above.

Do Divine weapons help against ghosts?

No. Divine weapons have no special effect on ghosts. Their primary purpose is to prevent the re-animation of skeletons by necromancers in the catacombs. It’s the cursed auxiliary effect that is needed to hit ghosts, not the divine one.

Where can I find Transient Curses?

Transient Curses can be found in multiple locations, including:
* New Londo Ruins: There are two Transient Curses to be found before facing any ghosts.
* Undead Female Merchant: This NPC sells Transient Curses for 1000 souls each in the waterway behind the Undead Burg.
* Ghosts: They will drop these items when defeated, especially if you have an item-find ring.

What level should I be to explore the New Londo Ruins?

The generally recommended level to explore the New Londo Ruins is between level 50-70. Going earlier is very difficult and not generally recommended as your weapons will not be able to harm them without a transient curse, which are not the easiest to come by in large numbers at the start of the game.

What are the most annoying enemies in Dark Souls?

While the ghosts in New Londo are certainly annoying, many find the following enemies to be the most irritating:
* Basilisks: Their curse ability is a pain, especially at lower levels.
* Anor Londo Archers: Their long range and pinpoint accuracy is one of the biggest sources of frustration for players.
* Bonewheel Skeletons: Their erratic movements and ability to interrupt can be overwhelming for even skilled players.

What are the hardest enemies in Dark Souls?

There are many difficult encounters, but these are considered among the hardest:
* Havel The Rock: This knight is incredibly tanky with extremely high damage output.
* Anor Londo Archers: They present a very real challenge for many players, who often find them to be much harder than some bosses.
* The Hellkite Wyvern: Its sheer size and attacks cause frustration for many players attempting to cross the bridge.

What are the unique challenges of New Londo Ruins?

New Londo Ruins presents unique challenges that are rarely, if ever, found in other locations throughout Dark Souls. Some of these are:
* Ghosts: Their immunity to normal damage means that players are forced to use cursed weapons, or transient curses, to be able to harm them.
* Water: The area is mostly flooded, reducing mobility and slowing the player down in combat situations.
* The Four Kings: The end-game boss of the area, who are a highly mobile and powerful group of bosses that can overwhelm the player very quickly.

Can you use a shield against ghosts?

Yes, once you are cursed or have applied a transient curse you can block their attacks with a shield, as if they were normal enemies. However, you cannot block them if you are not in one of these two conditions.

Do ghosts have weaknesses in other games?

While specific weaknesses vary between games, generally speaking, ghosts are often:
* Vulnerable to elemental attacks, usually fire.
* Vulnerable to weapons and enchantments specifically designed to damage spiritual entities.
* In some cases, they may be vulnerable to salt in some folklore-based games, however, this is not true in the Dark Souls series.

What items can inflict the cursed status other than basilisks?

As previously mentioned, one of the weapons, specifically the Greatsword of Artorias (Cursed version), can cause the player to be cursed with a special attack, though this is not advised for general use. Basilisks are the primary sources of curses within the game, and you should plan around this.

Are there non-cursed weapons that can affect ghosts?

There are only three weapons that will work on ghosts while not being cursed. The three weapons that work on ghosts without requiring the cursed status are: the Jagged Ghost Blade, the Ghost Blade and the Greatsword of Artorias (cursed variant). Other weapons will require a transient curse to be applied to the character.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanics of how to damage ghosts is crucial for any player venturing into areas like New Londo Ruins. Remember to utilize Transient Curses, or seek out the specific cursed weapons if you prefer to be permanently ready for these ghostly encounters. These spectral enemies are often among the most annoying, as their unique mechanics often cause an insurmountable challenge for players who are not prepared. By understanding these mechanics, you’ll be better equipped to take on any specter that stands in your way.