The Church Pick: A Masterclass in Bloodborne Weaponry
The Church Pick is good because it is a skill-scaling weapon that offers a unique blend of thrust damage, righteous damage, and beasthunter effects. This combination makes it incredibly versatile and effective against a wide range of enemies in Bloodborne. Its transformed mode deals pure thrust damage, a rarity in the game, allowing players to exploit enemy weaknesses and deal substantial damage, while also benefiting from a significant beasthunter bonus on thrusting attacks. The righteous damage bonus in both forms further amplifies its effectiveness against specific enemy types, solidifying its status as a top-tier weapon for skilled hunters.
Unpacking the Church Pick’s Versatility
The beauty of the Church Pick lies not just in its individual strengths, but in how those strengths synergize to create a weapon that’s adaptable to numerous combat scenarios. Let’s break down the key elements that make this weapon so appealing:
Thrust Damage Dominance
In Bloodborne, different enemies exhibit different vulnerabilities. While some are susceptible to blunt or arcane damage, a significant number are highly vulnerable to thrust attacks. The Church Pick, especially when transformed, becomes a thrusting powerhouse, capable of piercing through armor and dealing immense damage to foes like knights, hunters, and certain beasts. This makes it invaluable in areas like Cainhurst Castle and the Hunter’s Nightmare.
The Righteous Advantage
The righteous damage modifier is another crucial aspect of the Church Pick. This bonus, present in both its untransformed and transformed states, dramatically increases the damage dealt to enemies affiliated with the Healing Church. Considering the prevalence of these enemies throughout the game, particularly early on, the Church Pick provides a substantial advantage in key areas such as Central Yharnam, the Cathedral Ward, and Upper Cathedral Ward. This makes it an excellent choice for both new and experienced players alike.
Beasthunter: More Than Just Serrated
The Church Pick’s often-misunderstood beasthunter effect is another hidden gem. While many players initially mistake it for the serrated bonus (which is effective against beasts), the beasthunter bonus is different. It provides a significant damage boost against certain beasts with its thrusting attacks. This is particularly useful against larger, more challenging beast-type enemies found throughout the game and in the Chalice Dungeons, making it a valuable tool in a hunter’s arsenal.
Skill Scaling: Rewarding Precision
As a weapon primarily scaling with Skill, the Church Pick rewards players who invest in precise movements, strategic dodging, and calculated attacks. This makes it a perfect fit for players who enjoy a more deliberate and tactical approach to combat. Moreover, the high skill scaling ensures that the weapon remains viable throughout the entire game, even at higher levels.
Transform Attacks: Mastering the Art
The Church Pick’s transform attacks are arguably some of the most effective and stylish in Bloodborne. These attacks seamlessly transition between the weapon’s two forms, allowing players to chain together devastating combos. Mastering the timing and execution of these transform attacks is key to unlocking the full potential of the Church Pick and becoming a truly formidable hunter.
Why Choose the Church Pick?
In conclusion, the Church Pick offers a compelling combination of thrust damage, righteous damage, beasthunter effects, and skill scaling, making it a versatile and powerful weapon for any Bloodborne player. Its ability to adapt to various combat scenarios, coupled with its rewarding gameplay style, makes it a truly exceptional choice for those seeking to master the hunt.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Church Pick
1. Where do I find the Church Pick?
The Church Pick is found in the Underground Corpse Pile area of the Old Hunters DLC. It’s dropped by the Church Pick Hunter located in the third left jail cell after the lamp.
2. What are the Church Pick’s scaling stats?
The Church Pick primarily scales with Skill (S). It also has decent scaling in Strength (D). However, its effectiveness is maximized when paired with a high Skill stat.
3. What gems should I use on the Church Pick?
For a pure physical build, physical attack up gems are ideal. Thrust attack up gems can further enhance its damage output in transformed mode. For an arcane hybrid build, you can use elemental gems to convert its damage type.
4. Is the Church Pick better than the Burial Blade?
This is subjective and depends on playstyle. The Church Pick excels in thrust damage and righteous damage, while the Burial Blade offers wider swings and more range. The Church Pick is generally considered stronger against specific bosses and enemies vulnerable to thrust attacks.
5. Is the Church Pick good for beginners?
Yes, the Church Pick can be a good weapon for beginners due to its versatility and effectiveness against early-game enemies. However, mastering its transform attacks and thrust-based gameplay requires some practice.
6. Does the Church Pick have serrated damage?
No, the Church Pick does not have serrated damage. It has a unique beasthunter effect which is different. Many players mistakenly believe it has serrated damage.
7. What is the best way to use the Church Pick in combat?
Utilize the Church Pick’s untransformed mode for standard attacks and wide swings. Transform it for thrust-focused combat against armored enemies and bosses. Master its transform attacks to chain together powerful combos.
8. Can the Church Pick be buffed with fire or bolt paper?
Yes, the Church Pick can be buffed with fire paper and bolt paper, further enhancing its damage output against specific enemies.
9. Is the Church Pick good for Chalice Dungeons?
Yes, the Church Pick is an excellent weapon for the Chalice Dungeons, particularly against enemies vulnerable to thrust and righteous damage.
10. How does the Church Pick compare to Ludwig’s Holy Blade?
Ludwig’s Holy Blade is a more general-purpose weapon with a wider moveset and less reliance on thrust attacks. The Church Pick is more specialized, focusing on thrust and righteous damage. Ludwig’s Holy Blade also requires a different build, focused on strength.
11. What is the best origin class to start with if I want to use the Church Pick?
A Professional or Military Veteran origin is a good choice, as they both start with a higher Skill stat, which is crucial for maximizing the Church Pick’s effectiveness.
12. Does the Church Pick work well with a Bloodtinge build?
No, the Church Pick primarily scales with Skill and Strength, not Bloodtinge. It is not an effective weapon for a Bloodtinge build.
13. Can the Church Pick be used effectively in PvP (Player vs. Player)?
Yes, the Church Pick can be effective in PvP due to its thrust attacks and ability to punish over-aggressive opponents. However, its predictable moveset can be exploited by skilled players.
14. How important is it to upgrade the Church Pick?
Upgrading the Church Pick is highly important to maximize its damage output. Utilize Blood Stone Shards, Twin Blood Stone Shards, Blood Stone Chunks, and a Blood Rock to fully upgrade the weapon.
15. What are some alternative weapons to the Church Pick?
Alternatives include the Rakuyo, the Threaded Cane, and the Reiterpallasch, all of which scale primarily with Skill and offer unique playstyles. The Saif is also a worthy consideration.