Best Weapons in Dark Souls II

Dark Souls is undeniably FromSoftware's most outstanding project yet. The mastermind behind the action RPG Bloodborne gives its fan base yet another tremendous, enthralling series in a dark and medieval setting. Dark Souls is a series where survival is a great achievement, especially when you have various enemies coming for your head. From phantoms, demons, knights, and dragons to paranormal beings, you have your hands full. Moreover, you'll need to face off with the tough bosses to make progress in the game. The bosses in Dark Souls II prefer schemes and extravagance when launching attacks. A few strikes, and you'll be struggling to find your balance. Hence, you'll need a unique set of the strongest weapons for a fair chance at victory.

Lucky for you, Dark Souls II has an arsenal of weapons that will get the job done. Furthermore, the weapons retain relevance as you progress. New weapons don't overshadow the old ones. After a few upgrades, you can still get a victory streak with entry-level armaments. However, some weapons have overarching flaws that limit your combat instead of complementing it. That said, we've sampled the top-tier weapons to give you an edge against your foes. Here are the best weapons in Dark Souls II.

5. Black Knight Greatsword

The Black Knight Greatsword is a virtuous blade that deals intense damage and ranks second highest in the cluster of ultra greatswords. It's ideal for launching heavy attacks since it also deals fire damage. However, it's a slow sword, making it challenging to unleash a speedy attack against incoming foes. Moreover, you'll need more stamina for a swing. Notwithstanding, a single strike will have your enemies airborne.

The blade's attack swings come in two stages; charging up and thrusting. In PVP mode, you can wittingly lure unsuspecting foes for a cowardly backstab, then surprise them with a mighty swing from your blade. This is a solid strategy that is also a bit tough to master. With your enemies approaching, you can control the thrust direction for a formidable attack that sends the antagonist flying. 

Moreover, this versatile blade is heavy, but you can still handle it with one hand. You can also perform a running or rolling attack when doing crowd control. You can obtain this blade in Iron Keep inside a chest behind an illusory wall. Alternatively, you can get it from the Kobolds as a rare drop.

Weight-12.0

Durability:70

Attack type: Slash/Thrust

4. Moonlight Greatsword

Arguably, the Moonlight Greatsword is a legendary weapon in Dark Souls 2. This iconic weapon is present in all titles in the franchise. For starters, the shimmering sword it's a tad faster than other greatswords. Also, it launches magic projectiles that amp the damage with a player's high Intelligence Stat. The blade is suitable for enemies vulnerable to magic-based attacks. The Greatsword will only do a little if you're waging war against foes susceptible to intense physical damage. Regardless, the weapon's versatile move set and impressive primary stats can turn a weakling into an invincible sword-wielding master. 

A notable downside is that the blade has poor range. Moreover, you can only access this weapon later in the game. However, once you do, it's a powerful aide to venture into the battleground with. Moreover, you can upgrade 

You can obtain the blade by trading it for 10,000 souls and the Paledrake Soul to weaponsmith Ornifex. 

Weight– 6

Durability-300

Attack type: Regular

3. Sacred Chime Hammer

The Sacred Chime Hammer is a mighty mallet with similar attributes to Thor's Mjölnir. One strike of the hammer will swoop your enemies into oblivion. Pairing it up with the Petrified Dog Bone levels it to +5, making it more invincible. 

Moreover, the hammer unleashes a dark orb strike attack that can make enemies within its range fall to the ground. The orbs drain the enemy's stamina if they are not countered with a block. However, you'll need two hands to wield the hammer and meet the stat requirements (half or total STR). You can infuse the hammer with Dark to amp up this attack.

The hammer's invaluable feature is it absorbs little stamina for its archetype. Furthermore, it's a solid choice for PvE and PvP combat. However, its slow strike makes it ideal for PvE. You can access this legendary hammer from weaponsmith Orinfex after trading the Soul of Velstadt and 30,000 souls.

Weight-22.0

Durability-70

Attack type: Strike

2. Smelter Hammer

Another legendary hammer to grace our list as the best weapon in Dark Souls 2 is the impeccable Smelter Hammer. Its obnoxious size lives up to the notion that bigger is better. Also, it's packed with greater strength and weight than any Great Hammer in the game's inventory. Due to its weight, your character needs to be buff enough to wield it effortlessly.

It's no surprise that such a heavy weapon is slow to attack. But it packs an intense wallop that staggers the most challenging bosses. Another downside is that the enormous size of the hammer's head may limit your field of vision. However, this shouldn't worry you. A two-handed attack while holding down R2 will knock down your foes. Also, a two-handed move set is way faster than a single-handed attack.

You can acquire this iconic weapon as a rare/uncommon drop from the Iron Warrior. You can also obtain it next to the Fume Knight, a common encounter in the Crown of the Old Iron King expansion. 

Weight-35

Durability-300

Attack type: Strike

1. Claymore

The Claymore is arguably the best weapon to have in Dark Souls. It may lack the dazzle that other weapons in the game's arsenal have, but it's pretty powerful.

For starters, the oversized long sword has a dynamic move set and high swing speed. Moreover, it inflicts varying damage depending on how you wield it. A one-hand-wielding attack deals a heavy forward thrust with the first R2 or a heavy upward slash with the second R2. Alternatively, two hands will get you a heavy vertical slash.

Moreover, in contrast to other greatswords, the claymore is a weapon you can count on. Aficionados of the game will appreciate its heavy build stats and low requirements. You can obtain this blade as a purchase from Vengarl in the Shaded Woods for 4,300 souls.

Weight– 8.0

Durability-60

Attack type: Slash/Thrust.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our best weapons in Dark Souls? Are there other weapons we should know about? Let us know down in the comments or over on our socials here.