Lordran is a dangerous place, filled to the brim with fearsome foes and menacing bosses. As such, it is crucial that the chosen undead choose a trusty weapon to focus on. Fortunately, there are many to choose from; there’s at least one to suit practically any play style. There’s enough variety here to keep playing Dark Souls 3 over a dozen different playthroughs, if not more.
Straight swords, greatswords, twinblades, bows… the list goes on. And don’t forget the boss weapons, quite a few of which are unique implements that exist in a class entirely of their own. To say the player is spoiled for choice would be an understatement.
Updated February 19, 2022, by Jack Pursey: With the release of Elden Ringjust around the corner, many Souls fans are revisiting some of their favorite games in the series to scratch the itch of excitement, and to brush up on their combat skills before the inevitable learning curve of the new game comes their way. To help players out who are revisiting Dark Souls 3, this list has been updated to look at some more of the game’s best twinblades, greatswords, and other great weapon types.
10 Hollowslayer Greatsword
As the name suggests, the Hollowslayer Greatsword is great for using against hollow enemies, as it deals an additional 20% of damage to them. The Hollowslayer Greatsword is obtained by using Soul Transposition with the Souls of the Rotted Greatwood and 1,000 Souls.
Given how early into the game the Curse-Rotted Greatwood can be defeated in the Undead Settlement, the Hollowslayer Greatsword is a great option for players that like to stick with the same weapon throughout their playthrough. This will give them a chance to master its moveset and extensively upgrade it.
9 Executioner’s Greatsword
The Executioner’s Greatsword is the weapon used by Slave Knight Gael when he is summoned, and it’s similar to Gael’s Greatsword aside from being in far better condition appearance-wise. The Executioner’s Greatsword is a fantastic option for magic builds, as it leeches 6FP off fallen foes.
To obtain the greatsword, go to the Cleansing Chapel in the Cathedral of the Deep. Then, head to the graveyard and look for two items next to a broken fence. The Executioner’s Greatsword will be on the right.
8 Astora Greatsword
The Astora Greatsword is the lightest Ultra Greatsword in the game at 8.0, which is close to standard greatswords. The weapon is ideal for players that want to use elemental infusions, thanks to its rare combination of high scaling potential and low requirements. There is one issue with the sword for some builds, however, as it requires 18 Dexterity.
Like the Executioner’s Greatsword, the Astora Greatsword can be found in the Cleansing Chapel’s graveyard. Head through the graveyard’s gates and take a left up the slope until reaching a corpse rested up against a gravestone.
7 Black Knight Sword
The Black Knight Sword can be reinforced with Twinkling Titanite, and deals an additional 20% of damage against demon enemies. This includes the tough boss Old Demon King who resides at the depths of the Smouldering Lake; a hidden area in the game.
Thankfully, the Black Knight Sword can be found just before the Old Demon King boss fight. After reaching the hidden Smouldering Lake area, which can be accessed by cutting down the bridge leading to the High Lord Wolnir boss fight, head to the secret room where a Black Knight is fighting a Ghru. The sword will be in the same room.
6 Claymore
The Claymore is one of the most popular and recognizable weapons in the entire Souls series. It can be found in all three Dark Souls games, as well as Demon’s Souls. The sword doesn’t have any real gimmicks, it’s just a solid, powerful greatsword that deals a ton of damage when two-handed. Its dependability has earned it the affectionate “Ol’ Reliable” nickname from the Souls community.
The Claymore is dropped by enemies who wield it in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. It can also be found in the High Wall of Lothric in front of the fire-breathing dragon.
5 The Dragonslayer Spear
Melee combat in any Dark Souls game can be brutal; it is part of what attracts challenge-hungry gamers. However, one way to give the Ashen One an advantage is reach. Spears are great for poking and prodding from a distance, especially if it happens to be imbued with an element. Enter the Dragonslayer Spear. The lightning-based weapon can be a force of nature in the right hands.
Bosses such as the Abyss Watchers will fall victim to its lightning-imbued goodness. Moreover, for longtime fans of the franchise, the Dragonslayer Spear will offer a sense of nostalgia and a trip down memory lane. After all, this spear belonged to the legendary Ornstein.
4 Exile Greatsword
When comparing swords, the Exile Greatsword is a serious contender. It’s huge, it’s deadly, it boasts a solid moveset — that’s most of the important checkboxes marked off. Any strength build could fall in love with this thing, though it’ll take a slight investment in dexterity to wield it properly. It is efficient as either a two-handed weapon or single-handed.
It can also be imbued with all kinds of resin, meaning it can be adapted for all foes. Moreover, if players are up for some PVP action, the Exile Greatsword is a great choice for destroying fellow Ashen Ones.
3 Sellsword Twinblades
This dual weapon is an excellent choice for a dex build. It is fast, offers great trick attacks, and can be imbued with all types of resin. Not only that, but this weapon can be acquired early in the game at the Crossroads. Unless the Ashen One chose the Mercenary as a starting class, of course, then they will start with these formidable swords.
Moreover, they do not require ridiculously high stats to be used. If a player is unfamiliar with dexterity builds, but wants a chance to try out the agile play style, sellswords are an excellent and easily accessible choice for beginners that happens to double as one of the best offensive choices in the game.
2 Farron Greatsword
The Farron Greatsword is unique in the sense that it’s a dexterity-scaling greatsword — a rare niche to fill. It also boasts a highly unique (and visually impressive) moveset that longtime fans might recognize as similar to a style employed by one of the franchise’s most famous knights.
It also has the distinction of being naturally paired with a parrying dagger of sorts. If a player is a parry king, then they’re likely to be well aware that there are tons of shields with much better parry windows, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s a cool gimmick and convenient to boot. Note that this is a boss weapon wielded by the Abyss Watchers, so be sure to use their soul wisely.
1 Gael’s Greatsword
What better way to cap off incredible paid for DLC than for players to be treated to a formidable boss weapon? These special weapons can be very hit-or-miss, particularly in Dark Souls 3. However, Gael’s Greatsword is a must-own, if for no other reason than to proudly wield it to prove that one of the most challenging bosses in the series has been defeated.
However, the damage output by this broken greatsword is immense. Furthermore, it is another example of a beastly weapon that can be wielded with surprising speed. And the weapon art is quick and deadly — anybody who has faced Gael will know what damage his greatsword can do.
Dark Souls 3 is out now for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4
