Dark Souls 3, released in 2016, is an action-packed RPG filled with a wide range of characters and weapons to choose from. If you’re an experienced player, you likely have a good idea of which characters and weapons work best for your playstyle. However, if you’re new to the game or the RPG genre, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive Dark Souls 3 Weapons Tier List that ranks the weapons from best to worst.
This list includes weapon names and types, helping you navigate your choices. The tier rankings begin with S-class, representing the most powerful weapons, and go all the way down to F-class, which marks weapons you should generally avoid. Whether you’re looking to optimize your loadout or simply curious about the weaponry in Dark Souls 3, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Dark Souls 3 Weapons Tier List
Tier lists are crucial, whether you’re evaluating characters or weapons. Choosing the right team and the best weapons is key to determining the outcome of the game. The Dark Souls 3 Weapons Tier List can guide you on which weapons to buy or farm in the game. If you’re a Dark Souls 3 player, this list will be incredibly useful. Now, let’s dive into the details.
Here is the table with the required information:
| Dark Souls 3: S Tier Weapons | Type |
|---|---|
| Black Knight Glaive | Halberd |
| Carthus CS | Curved Sword |
| Estoc | Piercing Sword |
| Gotthand TS | Straight Sword |
| Gundy’s Hallbred | Halberd |
| Oni and Uba | Katana |
| Washing Pole | Katana |
| Dark Souls 3: A Tier Weapons | Type |
|---|---|
| Anri’s SS | Straight Sword |
| Astora GS | UGS |
| Barbed SS | Straight Sword |
| BK Greataxe | G Axes |
| BK Sword | Greatsword |
| Carthus Shotel | Curved Sword |
| Chaos Blade | Katana |
| Claws | Fist and Claw |
| Claymore | Greatsword |
| Dark Sword | Straight Sword |
| Dragonslayer Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Dragonslayer SS | Spear and Pike |
| Exile GS | Curved GS |
| Gargoyle FS | Spear and Pike |
| Glaive | Halberd |
| Halberd | Halberd |
| Hollowslayer GS | Greatsword |
| Long Sword | Straight Sword |
| Lothric Knight LS | Spear and Pike |
| Lothric Knight Sword | Straight Sword |
| Moonlight GS | Greatsword |
| Pontiff Curved Sword | Curved Sword |
| Rapier | Piercing Swords |
| Red Hilted Halberd | Halberd |
| Ricards Rapier | Piercing Swords |
| Storm Curved Sword | Curved Sword |
| Twin Princes GS | Greatsword |
| Uchigatana | Katana |
| Dark Souls 3: B Tier Weapons | Type |
|---|---|
| Bandit’s Knife | Dagger |
| Broadsword | Straight Sword |
| Butcher Knife | Axes |
| Carthus Curved GS | Curved GS |
| Corvian GK | Dagger |
| Crescent Axe | Halberd |
| Crescent Moon Sword | Curved Sword |
| Dagger | Dagger |
| Demon Fist | Fist and Claw |
| Dragonslayer Axe | G Axes |
| Drang TS | Spear and Pike |
| Falchion | Curved Sword |
| Farron GS | UGS |
| Four-Pronged Plow | Spear and Pike |
| Fume UGS | UGS |
| Great Club | G Hammers |
| Irithyll Rapier | Piercing Swords |
| Irithyll SS | Straight Sword |
| Large Club | G Hammers |
| Lorians GS | UGS |
| Lothric Knight GS | UGS |
| Lothric’s Holy S | Straight Sword |
| Lucerne | Halberd |
| Morion Blade | Straight Sword |
| Murakumo | Curved GS |
| Old Wolf CS | Curved GS |
| Partizan | Spear and Pike |
| Pike | Spear and Pike |
| Profaned GS | UGS |
| Sellsword TB | Curved Sword |
| Spiked Mace | G Hammers |
| Sunlight SS | Straight Sword |
| Tailbone Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Thrall Axe | Axes |
| Warden TB | Curved Sword |
| Winged Knight Halberd | Halberd |
| Witch’s Locks | Whips |
| Wolf Knights GS | Greatsword |
| Yhorm’s GM | G Axes |
| Dark Souls 3: C Tier Weapons | Type |
|---|---|
| Astor’s Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Astora SS | Straight Sword |
| Bastard Sword | Greatsword |
| Battle Axe | Axes |
| BKGS | UGS |
| Black Blade | Katana |
| Blacksmith Hammer | Hammers |
| Bloodlust | Katana |
| Brigand TD | Dagger |
| Caestus | Fist and Claw |
| Cathedral Knight GS | UGS |
| Club | Hammers |
| Crystal Sage’s Rapier | Piercing Swords |
| Dancer’s Enchanted Swords | Curved Sword |
| Darkdrift | Katana |
| Demon Fist | Fist and Claw |
| Demon GA | G Axes |
| Dragonslayer Axe | Axes |
| Drang Hammers | Hammers |
| Eleonora | Axes |
| Executioners GS | Greatsword |
| Firelink GS | Greatsword |
| Flamberge | Greatsword |
| Great Corvian Scythe | Reaper |
| Great Machette | G Axes |
| Great Scythe | Reaper |
| Greataxe | G Axes |
| Greatsword | UGS |
| Immolation Tinder | Halberd |
| Mace | Hammers |
| Man Serpent Hatchet | Axes |
| Morne’s GH | G Hammers |
| Notched Whip | Whips |
| Old King GH | G Hammers |
| Pickaxe | G Hammers |
| Pontiff Knight GS | Reaper |
| Reinforced Club | Hammers |
| Rotten Ghru Dagger | Dagger |
| Rotten Gru Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Scimitar | Curved Sword |
| Shortsword | Straight Sword |
| Shotel | Curved Sword |
| Smoughs Hammer | G Hammers |
| Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Spotted Whip | Whips |
| Storm Ruler | Greatsword |
| Tailbone SS | Dagger |
| Warpick | Hammers |
| Whip | Whips |
| Winged Knight TA | Axes |
| Winged Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Wolnir’s Holy Sword | Greatsword |
| Zweihander | UGS |
| Dark Souls 3: D Tier Weapons | Type |
|---|---|
| Broken SS | Straight Sword |
| Clerics Candlestick | Straight Sword |
| Dragon Tooth | G Hammers |
| Drakeblood GS | Greatsword |
| Gargoyle Flame Hammer | G Hammers |
| Golden Ritual spear | Spear and Pike |
| Great Mace | G Hammers |
| Great Wooden Hammer | G Hammers |
| Greatlance | Spear and Pike |
| GS of Judgement | Greatsword |
| Handmaids Dagger | Dagger |
| Harpe | Dagger |
| Heysel Pick | Hammers |
| Mailbreaker | Dagger |
| Manikin Claws | Fist and Claw |
| Painting Guardian’s CS | Curved Sword |
| Parrying Dagger | Dagger |
| Rotten Gru CS | Curved Sword |
| Saints Bident | Spear and Pike |
| Soldering Iron | Spear and Pike |
| Vordts GH | G Hammers |
| Yorshka’s Spear | Spear and Pike |
| Dark Souls 3: F Tier Weapons | Type |
|---|---|
| Dark Hand | Fist and Claw |
| Scholar’s Candlestick | Dagger |
The Importance of Choosing the Right Weapon in Dark Souls 3
Choosing the right Dark Souls 3 weapon can mean the difference between life and death. With so many options available, it’s crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon type. But why does this choice matter so much?
In Dark Souls 3, combat is king. It’s not just about how much damage you can deal, but how well you can time your attacks, dodge incoming blows, and manage stamina. Every weapon has its own distinct set of attributes, ranging from speed and range to stamina consumption and scaling with stats like strength, dexterity, and intelligence. This variety ensures that no two builds are the same, and it’s up to you to find the one that suits your personal style.
Weapon Types in Dark Souls 3
To make an informed choice, it’s essential to understand the different weapon types in Dark Souls 3. Here’s a breakdown of the primary categories:
1. Straight Swords
Straight swords are the most balanced and versatile weapons in the game. They offer a great mix of speed, damage, and range. Many players choose them because of their fluid attacks and the ability to quickly close the gap between enemies. Popular straight swords like the Broadsword and Sunlight Straight Sword are ideal for new players and veterans alike.
- Strengths: Balanced damage, fast attacks, and easy to handle.
- Weaknesses: Moderate scaling with stats; lacks the heavy damage of larger weapons.
2. Greatswords
Greatswords are large, powerful weapons that deal significant damage at the cost of speed. If you prefer heavy, slow strikes, then a greatsword might be right for you. Weapons like the Claymore and Lothric Knight Sword are excellent choices, offering great reach and high damage.
- Strengths: High damage, great range.
- Weaknesses: Slow attack speed, requires high strength and stamina.
3. Ultra Greatswords
When you need to hit hard, ultra greatswords are the way to go. These massive weapons can stagger enemies with a single blow, but they demand a heavy investment in strength. Weapons like the Zweihander and Greatsword of Artorias are perfect for players who enjoy heavy-hitting, slow attacks.
- Strengths: Enormous damage, staggering power.
- Weaknesses: Extremely slow, requires massive stamina and strength.
4. Curved Swords
Curved swords are a fantastic blend of speed and damage. They allow for fast slashing attacks with decent range, making them ideal for players who prefer a more agile combat style. Scimitars and the Curved Dragon Slayer Sword are great options for this class.
- Strengths: Quick, agile strikes.
- Weaknesses: Lower damage compared to other weapon types.
5. Thrusting Swords
Thrusting swords are a unique weapon type that focuses on quick, precise stabbing attacks. These weapons excel in situations where timing and precision are key. The Estoc is a prime example of a thrusting sword that can deal high damage from a safe distance.
- Strengths: Long reach, high precision.
- Weaknesses: Low damage in close-quarters combat.
Weapon Upgrades and Infusions
The path to becoming a master of your chosen weapon lies in the upgrades and infusions you make. In Dark Souls 3, you can improve your weapons by infusing them with various gems, altering their scaling, or buffing their damage output.
Upgrading Weapons
Upgrading a weapon increases its base damage and scaling. This is done using Titanite shards and other materials, which can be found throughout the game. You can upgrade your weapon as far as +10, and some legendary weapons can even go beyond that.
Weapon Infusions
Infusions change the way a weapon scales with your stats. For example, infusing a weapon with Fire will make it scale with Intelligence and Faith, while a Sharp infusion will enhance its Dexterity scaling. Choosing the right infusion is key to maximizing your weapon’s potential.
Buffs and Enhancements
Temporary buffs and enhancements can provide an extra edge in battle. Spells and items like Resins and Magic Weapon can boost your weapon’s effectiveness for a limited time.
Best Weapons for Specific Builds
Now that you understand the types of weapons and how to upgrade them, it’s time to focus on the best Dark Souls 3 weapons for specific builds. Whether you’re playing a strength-focused tank or a dexterity-based agile fighter, here are some top recommendations.
Strength Builds
For strength-based builds, you’ll want a weapon that can dish out massive damage. The Zweihander, Great Club, and Dragon Slayer are all excellent choices. These weapons take full advantage of high strength and can crush enemies with ease.
Dexterity Builds
If you’re playing a dexterity-based character, you’ll need weapons that reward agility and speed. The Chaos Blade and Iaito are both exceptional options, offering fast slashes and impressive scaling with dexterity.
Magic Builds
For magic builds, the best weapons are those that scale with Intelligence or Faith. The Moonlight Greatsword is a classic, and it can be infused with powerful magic to deal devastating blows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are S-tier weapons in Dark Souls 3?
S-tier weapons are the best in Dark Souls 3, offering high damage, versatility, and unique abilities. These weapons excel in both PvP and PvE, and they typically have excellent scaling with attributes, making them ideal for players who want top-tier performance. Examples include the Black Knight Glaive, Washing Pole, and Gotthard Twin Swords.
How is the Dark Souls 3 weapons tier list determined?
The weapons in Dark Souls 3 are ranked based on their performance in various aspects, including damage output, scaling with stats, attack speed, and special abilities. Player feedback, as well as performance in both PvP and PvE content, also play a crucial role in determining each weapon’s rank. Weapons that consistently perform well across different builds and scenarios tend to be placed higher in the tier list.
Are A-tier weapons still good in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, A-tier weapons are still incredibly strong and viable for most players. While they may not outperform S-tier weapons, they are often easier to obtain or require less investment in stats. Popular examples of A-tier weapons include the Claymore, Dark Sword, and Exile Greatsword. These weapons still deliver excellent damage and are favored by many for their well-rounded nature.
Why are some weapons placed in the lower tiers of the list?
Weapons in the lower tiers, such as C-tier or D-tier, are typically ranked lower due to factors like lower damage output, poor scaling with attributes, slower attack speeds, or limited effectiveness in combat. These weapons may still have niche uses or be fun for certain builds, but they are not considered optimal for endgame content or competitive PvP.
Does the weapon tier list change with patches or updates in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, the weapon tier list can change with patches or balance updates. Developers may buff or nerf certain weapons, which can shift their rankings. Changes in game mechanics, weapon scaling, and overall balance may cause some weapons to rise or fall in the tier list. It’s important to stay updated on patch notes to understand how these changes may affect weapon performance.
conclusion
In Dark Souls 3, weapons play a crucial role in shaping the success of your journey, and knowing which weapons perform best can make all the difference. The S-tier weapons are the pinnacle, offering exceptional damage, speed, and versatility, making them the ideal choice for most players. However, A-tier and even B-tier weapons also offer fantastic options, providing solid performance with varying strengths that can suit different playstyles and builds.
While C-tier and D-tier weapons may not be the best choices for endgame content, they can still be fun to use in specific scenarios or for those seeking a unique challenge. Ultimately, the tier list provides a helpful guideline, but personal preference, build optimization, and experimentation should guide your final weapon selection.
Whether you’re exploring the treacherous lands of Lothric or engaging in fierce PvP battles, the right weapon can make your adventure all the more rewarding. Keep in mind that the weapon tier list may evolve with updates, and each weapon has its place depending on your preferred playstyle. Choose wisely, and may your journey through Dark Souls 3 be victorious!
