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Dark Souls: 15 Best Dexterity Weapons, Ranked | Game Rant

Dark Souls needs no introduction. The magnum opus of FromSoftware is considered by many to be one of the greatest and most important video games of the last decade, with the title defying modern AAA gaming tropes to craft an experience that is equal parts unique and sublime.

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One of the many great parts about Dark Souls was the amount of player freedom that was afforded when it came to creating a personalized character build. The player could choose to opt for the more traditional Strength-focused fighter or opt for a faster build by investing in Dexterity instead.

For the players who took the latter approach, the game became more about landing quick hits in succession instead of landing just one or two solid blows before maintaining distance. So it's a given that players would want to optimize their loadout and equip the best weapon they could find to complement their playstyle.

Updated on December 17th, 2020, by Reyadh Rahaman: Curved swords and daggers are the most common of the Dexterity-focused weapons; however, there are a few other weapon types that should not be ignored by those intent on putting together a great Dexterity build. It's crucial to pick a weapon that compliments one's personal technique over a weapon used heavily in PVP. After all, an armament's true power comes not from the metal or wood it is fabricated from, but the timing, spacing, and skill of its wielder. With the plethora of blades found in Dark Souls, the Chosen Undead is all but guaranteed to find an excellent weapon with which to explore Lordran.

Updated on August 6th, 2021, by Ritwik Mitra: The great thing about Dark Souls is that players can approach the combat system exactly how they want to. Slow and sluggish weapons are definitely an option; however, players who want to move around quickly and get some quick hits should definitely opt for the patented Dark Souls Dex weapons. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the best DS1 Dex weapons around, and where players can find them within the game.

Dexterity Weapon Upgrade Path Tips

  • It goes without saying that opting for the Regular Upgrade Path is the best course of action to take for new players. This is especially true for new players who don't have in-depth knowledge of the Upgrade Path system.
  • Raw Upgrades are good, but not great for the long haul. They're better reserved for weapons that will be discarded early on. Keep in mind that most Dark Souls Dex weapons have lower durability and require more hits to down enemies than their Strength counterparts; thus, it's best to avoid the Crystal Upgrade Path.
  • Players who want to pursue an Intelligence build should opt for the Magic or Enchanted Upgrade Path. Other players who pursue a Faith build should go for the Divine or Occult Upgrade Path instead.
  • Low-level players can opt for the Lightning, Fire, or Chaos Upgrade Path instead.

15 Titanite Catch Pole

  • Where to Find: Rare drop from the Titanite Demon.

This is a rare drop found after defeating the non-respawning Titanite Demons; thus, it is understandable if players have completed multiple playthroughs without ever seeing this strange halberd. With its split damage that favors the magical side, it is truly unique among polearms.

It scales with Intelligence as well as Dexterity and Strength, which makes it a great choice for a variety of builds that need a long weapon that can get around a foe's physical defenses. This is particularly true of Dexterity builds who already have a bit of Intelligence.

14 Guardian Tail

  • Where to Find: Cut off the Sanctuary Guardian's tail.

As the most intimidating-looking whip in the game, the Guardian Tail's appearance suits its combat potential. After acquiring this from severing the Sanctuary Guardian's tail while entering Oolacile, the Chosen Undead can then use it to inflict pain similar to the kind its former owner did.

It may not have the highest Dexterity scaling of the whips to be found in Dark Souls. However, it does have the highest base damage and the ability to poison one's adversary, making it arguably the best of these flexible armaments.

13 Iaito

  • Where to Find: Found in Blighttown on a platform next to the upper Bonfire that players must jump to.

Dark Souls has a ton of katanas that scale with Dexterity, and it must be said that the Iaito is a standout in this regard.

This fast katana has deceptively long reach and can cause Bleed to build up in opponents, which can be quite helpful in a PvP situation as well. Needless to say, it developed quite an infamous (and well deserved) reputation in the PVP circuit.

12 Painting Guardian Sword

  • Where to Find: Rare drop from the Painting Guardian.

The Painting Guardian Sword is a favorite of many people who play a Dexterity build, and it's easy to see why this is the case. With a great moveset and even better damage, this sword is definitely a great tool to have in anyone's arsenal.

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The only problem with the Painting Guardian Sword is actually obtaining it. Players can only obtain this weapon as an enemy drop, which is incredibly rare. Unless the player is lucky, there's going to be a ton of grinding involved to get this weapon.

11 Claw

  • Where to Find: Sold by Shiva of the East.

Despite having one of the shortest reaches in Dark Souls, the Claw has many advantages that make up for this. They allow the wielder to strike blindingly fast with very little penalty for missing a hit. Since these handheld talons inherently apply bleed build-up, their fast strikes and low stamina cost are factors that should make all PVP foes wary.

To top it all off, this slashing tool can get up to an A-rank scaling bonus after being fully upgraded for excellent Dexterity-based damage.

10 Falchion

  • Where to Find: Found in Blighttown. Also dropped by skeletons and a mimic in the Duke's Archives (the latter variant is enchanted).

The Falchion could've easily made this list for its speed alone. The fact of the matter is that this sword is lightning-quick and can turn enemies to mincemeat in mere seconds.

However, this does come at the cost of range. Players need to get up close and personal to deal with their enemies if they choose to use the Falchion.

9 Estoc

  • Where to Find: In Firelink Shrine while on the way to the New Londo Ruins.

One of the best piercing weapons in the game, the Estoc has exactly what the Falchion lacks — range. This makes it great for players who like to have a bit more distance between themselves and their enemies.

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Using the Estoc is one of the most satisfying experiences in Dark Souls. Turning enemies into a pincushion from afar and watching them helplessly flail as they try and counter the player is quite a memorable sight to witness.

8 Uchigatana

  • Where to Find: Dropped by the Undead Merchant, and sold by Shiva of the East.

Players can receive the Uchigatana in the early stages of the game with relative ease. Coupled with a simple yet reliable moveset, this makes the Uchigatana one of the best and most popular katanas in the game.

It's a great weapon that players can use for the first half of the game, and can even prove to be a reliable companion for the latter half of the experience if need be . It's a safe bet and a solid investment for most dexterity-focused players.

7 Washing Pole

  • Where to Find: Sold by Shiva of the East.

With such an unthreatening name, some overlook this katana as a silly weapon, though this is far from the truth. In fact, many consider the Washing Pole to be the best katana in the game. This blade is basically an Uchigatana with increased range with additional benefits. It is one of the few weapons of this type to scale with both Strength and Dexterity, which makes up for its lower Dexterity parameter bonus compared to similar blades.

The most notable feature is its incredible reach, which can catch many foes coming out of a roll with ease. Its rolling attack is especially deadly, as this has a very wide hitbox. The only real downside to the Washing Pole is its abysmally low durability.

6 Chaos Blade

  • Where to Find: Ascend a +10 katana with the Soul of Quelaag.

Chaos Witch Quelaag is easily one of the more memorable bosses in Dark Souls, and not for reasons that one might assume. Rather, it's because her soul can allow the player to forge two of the best Dexterity weapons in the game.

The first one is the Chaos Blade, which is obtained when ascending a katana. While the Chaos Blade is quite powerful, these attacks come at the cost of the player's health. The Chosen Undead needs to keep a close eye on their HP if they don't want to experience a rather embarrassing demise.

5 Quelaag's Furysword

  • Where to Find: Ascend a +10 Curved Sword, or Curved Greatsword with Quelaag's Soul.

The second Dexterity weapon that a player can forge with Quelaag's Soul has a ton of fire damage as well. Quelaag's Furysword is easily one of the more fun weapons to use in the game, without the debuff of losing any health like the previous weapon made from her soul.

This weapon does force players to keep a set amount of Humanity on their person at all times. However, there's no denying the fact that the trade-off is more than worth it. Watching enemies get simultaneously slashed and incinerated at the same time is quite a treat indeed.

4 Balder Side Sword

  • Where to Find: Rare drop from Balder Knight.

The Balder Side Sword is another favorite of many Dark Souls players. It's easily one of the most powerful yet easy-to-use weapons in the game for Dex-based builds.

The downside to obtaining this weapon is the rare item drop associated with it, forcing players to farm enemies for a long while until they can finally get a taste of this absolute masterpiece.

3 Demon's Spear

  • Where to Find: Rare drop from the Bat Wing Demon. Also sold by Shiva of the East.

If the Chosen Undead is looking for optimal lightning and thrust damage, they need not look any further after attaining this spear. This versatile weapon can be dropped from the hideous batwing demons prowling Anor Londo and is worth farming these demons to acquire, as it boasts the best range and split-damage of almost any spear in the game.

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With an excellent moveset and great synergy with shields and buffs, all seeking to shock and overwhelm their enemies should consider picking up this weapon.

2 Murakumo

  • Where to Find: Dropped by Shiva of the East. Also a rare drop from Giant Skeletons.

The Murakumo boasts some of the best damage for a Dexterity weapon, making it an easy recommendation for anyone who wants to switch up their weapon loadout near the endgame.

Since waiting for their drop is pretty torturous, players can instead choose to hunt down and kill Shiva Of The East instead. Be warned that this NPC has some great weapons, so the player should buy any weapon that catches their eye before commencing with their onslaught.

1 Lifehunt Scythe

  • Where to Find: Ascend a +10 Scythe, Whip, or Halberd with Soul of Priscilla.

Most people might be up in arms at the idea of the Great Scythe being ousted for this weapon; however, there's no denying that the Lifehunt Scythe has just a few more tricks up its sleeve that gives it an edge over the Great Scythe.

For starters, the Lifehunt Scythe is one of only two weapons in the game that can slash an enemy's health with 50% through their Bleed status infliction. Not that the player would even need it, given the massive damage output of this awesome weapon.

While this weapon does cause a Bleed build-up for the player too, this can be negated with equipment like the Blood Crest Shield or the Bloodbite Ring.

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