Weapons (Dark Souls)

For other uses, see Weapons (disambiguation).

Weapons are a vital type of equipment in Dark Souls.

Weapons include any objects wielded in the right or left hand and utilized in combat, including shields. Whichever weapon is in the right hand is used to attack, while the weapon in the left hand is usually utilized to block or parry, although in some cases it can also be used to attack.

Despite this conglomeration, traditional weapons such as swords invariably have high attack power and low defensive power, while shields are invariably the other way around. If a sword is placed in the left hand, for example, and used to block, only its damage resistance and stability will affect its blocking effectiveness. In addition to attacking, a weapon can either block or parry when equipped in the left hand but not both at the same time; for example, scimitars can only parry or attack, but not block. Different weapons have different movesets depending on which hand they are equipped in.

Attack Types and Parameters[]

All weapons have an Attack Type, otherwise known as a damage type, and can have values in Physical, Magic, Fire, and Lightning damage. Some weapons have varying movesets, or attacks, and each move may inflict a different type of physical damage. For example, some daggers inflict Slash or Thrust damage depending on which attack is used.

Weapons have parameters, also called stat requirements that need to be met in order to be wielded properly. These are usually Strength and Dexterity but can also include Intelligence or Faith. If the Strength stat isn't met, two-handing the weapon will decrease the requirement, effectively increasing the player's Strength by a factor of 1.5. Many weapons also have parameter bonuses that scale with corresponding attributes, providing a higher attack rating.

Weapon Types[]

Main article: Weapon Types (Dark Souls)

All weapons have a weapon type that aid the player in determining the basic functionality of that weapon. Weapons of the same weapon type usually have similar movesets and often inflict the same type of damage. Weapons of the same type may also have different attack speeds and Poise damage.

Weapons by Class[]

Axes[]

Bows[]

Crossbows[]

Curved Greatswords[]

Curved Swords[]

Daggers[]

Gauntlets - Fist Weapons[]

Great Hammers[]

Greataxes[]

Greatswords[]

Halberds[]

All of these weapons are capable of gaining the Sweet Spot damage bonus. Some of these also have attack types that are not listed correctly in game and deal Thrust and can gain Counter Damage bonuses, all of the "Scythe" named weapons excluded.

Hammers[]

All of these weapons are capable of gaining the Sweet Spot damage bonus. Pickaxe and Warpick also deal Thrust and can gain Counter Damage bonuses.

Katanas[]

Spears[]

This class is unique in that you can block behind a Shield while attacking. These weapons all feature Thrust attacks and can have their Counter Damage boosted by Leo Ring. This class suffers from low base damage due to the benefits of turtling behind Shield and the ability to boost Counter Damage.

Straight Swords[]

Thrusting Swords[]

This class is unique in that you can block behind a Shield while attacking. These weapons all feature Thrust attacks and can have their Counter Damage boosted by Leo Ring. This class suffers from low base damage due to the benefits of turtling behind Shield and the ability to boost Counter Damage.