In Dark Souls 2, the variety of weapon types caters to diverse playstyles, strategic choices, and character builds. Players can choose from a wide spectrum of weapons including Straight Swords, Greatswords, Ultra Greatswords, Curved Swords, Katanas, Spears, Halberds, Axes, Hammers, Whips, Bows, Twinblades, and Fists and Claws. Each weapon type possesses unique attributes regarding attack types (such as slash, thrust, and strike) and scaling that are impacted by character stats.

Weapon Upgrading

To enhance weapon damage, players can upgrade their weapons by utilizing specific materials at blacksmiths, which follows certain paths based on the upgrade material used:

– Titanite Upgrades: Utilizes Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, and Titanite Slabs to enhance the weapon’s base damage by +10% per upgrade level. This method can ultimately double the weapon’s base damage after reaching maximum upgrade levels.

– Twinkling Titanite Upgrades: Used for more specialized weapons, this typically results in a damage increase of +10% per level but is generally capped at 1.5 times the base damage, making it ideal for unique weapons that have special properties.

– Petrified Dragon Bone Upgrades: This material allows for substantial enhancements, increasing damage by +30% per upgrade level, with the possibility of achieving 2.5 times the original base damage for specific weapon types.

Weapon Infusion

Weapon infusion is another critical mechanic that alters the weapon’s damage type or introduces elemental aspects. This is conducted by Steady Hand McDuff after obtaining the Dull Ember. The primary infusion types include:

– Magic (Faintstone)
– Fire (Fire Drake Stone)
– Lightning (Boltstone)
– Dark (Darknight Stone)
– Poison/Bleed (specific material required)
– Raw, which removes the weapon’s scaling but enhances base damage, making it favorable for builds with lower stats.

Infusing a weapon typically leads to a trade-off where some physical damage is sacrificed for elemental damage, and the damage scaling changes according to the infusion type. Additionally, weapon infusions can interact synergistically with weapon buffs, such as Sunlight Blade or Dark Weapon. When the type of infused elemental damage aligns with that of the buff, it can grant a 30% damage increase.

Summary Table for Upgrading and Infusion

| Aspect | Details |
|——————-|—————————————————————-|
| Upgrade Materials | Titanite (common), Twinkling Titanite (special), Petrified Dragon Bone |
| Upgrade Effect | +10% base damage per level (Titanite), +30% per level (Petrified)|
| Infusion Types | Magic, Fire, Lightning, Dark, Raw, Poison/Bleed |
| Infusion Effect | Adds elemental damage, modifies scaling, alters base physical damage|
| Infusion Location | Steady Hand McDuff (requires Dull Ember) |
| Buff Interaction | Infused weapons can benefit from matching elemental buffs |

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate weapon type, upgrade path, and infusion strategy is essential in Dark Souls 2. Consider your build and playstyle to optimize combat effectiveness and adapt to the challenges presented within the game. Each choice influences overall damage output and the synergy with buffs and elemental effects, providing multiple avenues to explore and master in your journey through Lordran.