Tough boss fights and Dark Souls are synonymous with each other. The franchise's incredible fights and unique settings have made for one of the most recognizable and cherished franchises in recent memory. Part of that praise comes from how many ways players can topple the challenges Dark Souls presents.
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Defeating the game's hardest bosses rewards their soul, a powerful item that can grant a large sum of currency or new weapons and spells. These weapons are some of the most unique in the series, yet all are not created equal. Some of these weapons are meta-defining, while others are not worth the hassle. Here are the seven best and worst boss weapons players can find in Dark Souls 3.
Note: This article contains boss spoilers for Dark Souls 3.
Updated August 4th, 2021, by Charles Burgar: Dark Souls 3 contains some of the best boss fights in the franchise. Featuring the likes of Gael and Nameless King, few games can compare to the intense duels that Dark Souls 3 provides.
Those who can best these bosses are rewarded with a boss soul, allowing players to transpose the soul into a boss weapon. While not all boss weapons are exceptional, each weapon's unique traits and base stats should be considered by every Dark Souls player. This guide has been updated to include weapons stats for each entry, discussing a weapon's damage output, which boss the weapon is tied to, and any unique traits that item possesses.
14 Best: Demon's Scar
Demon's Scar Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of the Demon Prince
- Attack Rating: 180 Fire
- Moveset: Curved Sword
- Required Stats: Dexterity (16) | Intelligence (17) | Faith (17)
- Scaling: Dexterity (E) | Intelligence (C) | Faith (C)
- Unique Trait: Heavy attack casts a currently selected pyromancy.
Transposed from the Soul of the Demon Prince, the Demon's Scar is a curved sword made of pure flame. This weapon only deals fire damage, although it scales with three stats instead of just one. To make up for this stat split, the Demon's Scar behaves similarly to a Pyromancy Flame, capable of casting pyromancies with its heavy attack.
Utility is this weapon's greatest strength. For only 0.5 weight, this weapon grants a suite of excellent attacks thanks to its curved sword archetype, the ability to mix up swings with pyromancies, and it can even serve as a solid flame shield if need be. Its damage output is certainly lacking for every other build type in the game, but the utility this weapon brings is hard to beat.
13 Worst: Cleric Candlestick
Cleric Candlestick Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of the Deacons of the Deep
- Attack Rating: 115 Physical | 126 Magic
- Moveset: Straight Sword
- Required Stats: Strength (8) | Dexterity (12) | Faith (12)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (D) | Faith (A)
- Unique Trait: Heavy attack casts a currently selected sorcery.
Slaying the Deacons of the Deep allows the player to create the Cleric Candlestick, a straight sword that doubles up as a staff. That sounds fantastic in theory, allowing gish builds to use a melee weapon besides the Moonlight Greatsword. Sadly, there are so many issues with this weapon that it's not even worth considering.
Spells cast from the Cleric Candlestick scale from the player's faith stat instead of intelligence. Strangely, the weapon scales its magic damage from intelligence and not faith. Since faith scales the player's spells, the fact it doesn't influence this weapon's damage is unfortunate. It doesn't end there; this weapon deals a pitiful amount of damage when it's upgraded. Not even its weapon art can save the Cleric Candlestick.
12 Best: Twin Princes' Greatsword
Twin Princes' Greatsword Stats
- Boss Soul: Twin Princes' Soul x2 (requires Lorian's Greatsword and Lothric's Holy Sword)
- Attack Rating: 230 Physical | 152 Fire
- Moveset: Greatsword
- Required Stats: Strength (22) | Dexterity (14)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (D) | Intelligence (D) | Faith (D)
- Unique Trait: Weapon art uses attacks from Lorian's Greatsword and Lothric's Holy Sword
Perhaps a reference to the Nothern Regalia sword from Demon's Souls, the Twin Princes' Greatsword is a hidden boss weapon that can only be obtained by owning Lothric's Holy Sword and Lorian's Greatsword. Since those weapons drop from the same boss, this weapon is locked behind a New Game cycle.
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After fighting this late-game boss twice, players can take both blades to Ludleth and have him combine the two into this deadly weapon. While it only has a D scaling in its stats, this weapon scales from Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith. Hybrid builds that scale Intelligence and Faith as much as Strength can output a surprising amount of damage with this greatsword.
Builds that can scale this weapon will notice its excellent greatsword moveset and powerful weapon art—allowing the player to send out a piercing ray of light or a wave of flame. It's good for applying pressure to targets, closing the gap, and catching rolls. Both PvE and PvP players can get a good bit of mileage out of this weapon.
11 Worst: Darkmoon Longbow
Darkmoon Longbow Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of Aldrich
- Attack Rating: 65 Physical | 80 Magic
- Moveset: Bow
- Required Stats: Strength (7) | Dexterity (16) | Intelligence (10)
- Scaling: Dexterity (E) | Intelligence (B)
- Unique Trait: Weapon art infuses a readied arrow with Magic, allowing it to pierce shields
The Darkmoon Longbow is Dark Souls 3's weakest bow. Slaying Aldrich, Devourer of Gods grants players access to this weapon. Statistically, the Darkmoon Bow is the worst in its class.
With only an E rating in Strength and B in Intelligence at +5, this weapon struggles to compete with even the standard Short Bow unless paired with Moonlight Arrows and its weapon art. Low base damage split between Physical and Magic makes this weapon far from ideal for most engagements. Hybrid characters and roleplay-centered builds will get a kick out of this weapon, but Aldrich's bow is a massive disappointment considering how solid Lifehunt Scythe is.
10 Best: Frayed Blade
Frayed Blade Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of Darkeater Midir
- Attack Rating: 184 Physical | 76 Dark
- Moveset: Katana
- Required Stats: Strength (11) | Dexterity (40)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (A)
- Unique Traits: Low durability; weapon art releases a multitude of slashes and dark fissure attacks
Transposed from the Soul of Darkeater Midir, the Frayed Blade is arguably the strongest katana in Dark Souls 3. While it requires a whopping 40 dexterity to wield properly, it more than makes up for it with one of the most devastating weapon arts in the game.
Rapid slashes that extend as far as a Washing Pole along with a solid moveset are the Frayed Blade's largest boons. If it weren't obtained so late in a playthrough and had better durability, the Frayed Blade would be much higher on this list. This is certainly a reward that was worth the effort.
9 Worst: Crystal Sage Rapier
Crystal Sage Rapier Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of a Crystal Sage
- Attack Rating: 100 Physical | 150 Magic
- Moveset: Thrusting Sword
- Required Stats: Strength (13) | Dexterity (18)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (D) | Intelligence (A)
- Unique Trait: Increases Item Discovery by 50
Crystal weapons are supposed to be some of the hardest-hitting weapons in the Dark Souls franchise. Sadly, that does not hold true for the Crystal Sage's Rapier. This blade deals low damage due to its terrible scaling with Strength and Dexterity alongside its split damage types. Worse, it has a rather lackluster weapon art and a mediocre moveset.
Its greatest strength is increasing Item Discovery while equipped, but players tend to two-hand their off-hand weapon with this equipped solely for the bonus. If players aren't interested in farming items, there is little reason to transpose the Crystal Sage's soul.
8 Best: Wolf Knight Greatsword
Wolf Knight Greatsword Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of the Blood of the Wolf
- Attack Rating: 254 Physical
- Moveset: Greatsword
- Required Stats: Strength (24) | Dexterity (18)
- Scaling: Strength (C) | Dexterity (C)
- Unique Traits: Deals 20% extra damage to Abyssal enemies; weapon art mimics Artorias' moveset from the original Dark Souls
Followers of Sif and Artorias, the Abyss Watchers are a phenomenal fight with even better items to transpose. Choosing between the Farron Greatsword or Wolf Knight's Greatsword is a tough choice. Ultimately, the Wolf Knight Greatsword edges over the Abyss Watchers' signature weapon.
Do not be fooled by its rather lackluster C scaling in both strength and dexterity when upgraded. The Wolf Knight Greatsword has one of the most aggressive and agile movesets in the franchise. Frequent spins and flips make this blade perfect for outdueling foes in PvP or taking down aggressive foes in PvE. It also does 20% additional damage against Abyssal foes, making this weapon perfect for taking down Darkeater Midir and Aldrich.
7 Worst: Firelink Greatsword
Firelink Greatsword Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of the Lords
- Attack Rating: 234 Physical | 162 Fire
- Moveset: Greatsword
- Required Stats: Strength (20) | Dexterity (10) | Intelligence (10) | Faith (10)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (D)
- Unique Trait: Weapon art releases a line of flame
Defeating the final boss of Dark Souls 3 can grant the Firelink Greatsword. Wielded by the Soul of Cinder itself, this blade is meant to be the manifestation of fire itself. Unfortunately, it doesn't scale with Intelligence nor Faith.
Strength and Dexterity don't help, either. Even when fully upgraded, this blade only has a D scaling in its stats. This weapon's moveset is rather average when compared to its contemporaries, featuring a bog-standard set of swings for a typical greatsword. It can't compete with the rest of DS3's excellent roster of greatswords, both in PvE and PvP. Besides its incredible appearance, the Firelink Greatsword is easily the most disappointing final boss reward in the franchise.
6 Best: Vordt's Great Hammer
Vordt's Great Hammer Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of Boreal Valley Vordt
- Attack Rating: 320 Physical
- Moveset: Great Hammer
- Required Stats: Strength (30)
- Scaling: Strength (B)
- Unique Trait: Inflicts Frostbite buildup
For a hammer that players can obtain within their first couple of hours, Vordt's Great Hammer is one of the strongest two-handed weapons in the game. This weapon deals great damage per swing, has a B scaling in Strength when upgraded, and it passively deals frost damage—one of the only weapons in DS3 to do so. Inflicting enough frost damage will apply frostbite, removing a chunk of their HP while reducing their Stamina recovery.
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Two or three hits are all it takes to activate this effect. Needless to say, it's a complete powerhouse in PvP and a surprisingly good weapon in PvE when coupled with its Poise-enabling weapon art. It can be obtained quite early as well, which makes this one of the best early-game weapons that a player could use.
5 Worst: Valorheart
Valorheart Stats
- Boss Soul: N/A; drops from Champion's Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf
- Attack Rating: 210 Physical
- Moveset: Straight Sword
- Required Stats: Strength (12) | Dexterity (12)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (C)
- Unique Trait: Has a mobile weapon art
Valorheart's stylish moveset is the only positive thing about this weapon. Obtained from the Champion's Gravetender & Gravetender Greatwolf boss, this sword and shield combo provides a solid amount of mobility that is accompanied by a few sword attacks. The thing is, the weapon deals almost no damage.
An Attack Rating of 210 with a D scaling in Strength and a C scaling in Dexterity is frankly terrible. Scaling this weapon's damage output is rather difficult, even when accounting for the weapon's mobile moveset. The shield isn't good either, only able to absorb 60% of physical damage and 30-40% of elemental damage. It has some use breaking shield guards thanks to the weapon art's excellent stamina damage, yet most players will be better off using a bleed-infused dagger to pressure a turtling player.
There is no situation in PvE or PvP where this weapon shines. Valorheart is all bark with no bite.
4 Best: Gael's Greatsword
Gael's Greatsword Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of Slave Knight Gael
- Attack Rating: 268 Physical
- Moveset: Greatsword
- Required Stats: Strength (19) | Dexterity (13)
- Scaling: Strength (C) | Dexterity (D)
- Unique Trait: Incredibly mobile weapon art
It seems that all the Executioner's Greatsword needed to be a top-tier weapon is to snap it in half. Gael's Greatsword is a broken version of this coveted blade that has one of the strongest weapon arts in the game. The number of rapid slashes in this stance is so great that it gives the great knight Artorias a run for his money.
Solid damage compliments the great moveset as well, making it a must for any greatsword enthusiasts that frequent PvE content. Gael's Greatsword is rather predictable in PvP, however, and can easily be parried by a skilled opponent. Use the weapon art sparingly against other players to prevent getting shut down by frequent parries.
3 Worst: Dancer's Enchanted Swords
Dancer's Enchanted Swords Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of the Dancer
- Attack Rating: 144 Physical | 114 Magic | 114 Fire
- Moveset: Curved Sword
- Required Stats: Strength (12) | Dexterity (20) | Intelligence (9) | Faith (9)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (D) | Intelligence (D) | Faith (D)
- Unique Trait: Each sword has unique damage types
Curved swords are among the strongest weapon archetypes in Dark Souls 3, containing classics such as the Sellsword Twinblades and the Demon's Scar. Dancer's Enchanted Blades fall into the same category yet lack the same impact, both metaphorically and literally.
Players must deal with a blade that has not one or two damage types but three. This alone makes it a nightmare to use since resistances vary so wildly in PvE and PvP, but it gets worse. A D scaling in every stat, even at +5, prevents quality or hybrid builds from making these blades truly shine. They have quite a unique and fun moveset, yet the weapon's split damage seriously harms its effectiveness. Anyone that wishes to slash their way to victory is better off with the Sellsword Twinblades instead.
2 Best: Hollowslayer Greatsword
Hollowslayer Greatsword Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of the Rotted Greatwood
- Attack Rating: 264 Physical
- Moveset: Greatsword
- Required Stats: Strength (14) | Dexterity (18)
- Scaling: Strength (D) | Dexterity (C)
- Unique Traits: Deals 20% bonus damage to Hollows (PvE only); fast swing speed for a greatsword
Take the damage of a hard-hitting greatsword and pair it with the moveset and speed of a straight sword, and the result is the Hollowslayer Greatsword. This blade can be obtained immediately after unlocking Soul Transposition.
No other greatsword has the same easy-to-use moveset and overall speed as this blade. Solid damage and great speed are further complemented by this weapon's hyper armor with each swing, meaning staggers during attacks are a rare sight. Thrust attacks are particularly devastating on this weapon due to this and pair nicely with Leo's Ring.
If that wasn't enough, this sword also gains a 20% damage increase against all Hollows in PvE — a category that nearly every enemy falls under. For PvE, it's an amazing early-game choice that scales to the endgame.
The Hollowslayer Greatsword is also a fantastic PvP Greatsword. Its versatile moveset and fast swing speed make it an excellent weapon for dueling. Once someone gets accustomed to this weapon's moveset, they become a menace in PvP.
1 Worst: Repeating Crossbow
Repeating Crossbow Stats
- Boss Soul: Soul of Slave Knight Gael
- Attack Rating: 228 Physical
- Moveset: Crossbow
- Required Stats: Strength (16) | Dexterity (20)
- Scaling: None
- Unique Trait: Weapon art doesn't need to reload
Those that defeat Gael can either obtain his greatsword or the Repeating Crossbow. If players have never seen the Repeating Crossbow before, that is because it is easily the worst boss weapon in the game.
A flat 83 Attack Rating per shot with no scaling whatsoever puts the Repeating Crossbow well behind its peers. Using its main fire requires a reload as with every other crossbow, meaning that this item's rapid-fire nature is only achieved through using its weapon art that disables movement. In exchange for all of these drawbacks, the weapon consumes a bolt and 13 FP with each shot to hit targets with terrible hip-fire accuracy. Aiming in this stance is next to impossible.
Drawbacks continue with the Repeating Crossbow having a pitiful 20 Durability, the lowest in the category. Firing this weapon for too long will break it. It requires constant upkeep to repair, consumes ammo with every shot, and even still has too many drawbacks to consider using legitimately in PvP or hard PvE encounters. In terms of fun, this weapon is one of the best in the game. For practicality, however, it's the worst.
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