Ripostes and backstabs are a great way of handling yourself in many different combat situations, as they deal massive damage and give you a few moments of respite from fighting. Builds that utilize critical weapons aren’t that common, but they are viable, and for a good build, you need a good weapon. This article will cover ten of the best weapons for critical builds, based on their critical stat.

10. Black Blade

How to get the Black Blade

One of the heavier Katanas in the game, the Black Blade possesses a strong, heavy moveset that deals high Poise damage and lets you get the edge in combat. The moveset it has is excellent for catching opponents off-guard and even better for dealing critical damage. You aren’t bound to just one build with this weapon, as it fits well into Dexterity/Luck builds, regardless of the critical damage.

What makes the Black Blade great:

• Heavy moveset
• High base damage
• High attack rating with Dex/Luck
• Can knock opponents down
• Works well in a Critical build

Black Blade stats:

• Regular: 122 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +3: 146 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 195 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +10: 244 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

9. Washing Pole

How to get the Washing Pole

Another Katana, the Washing Pole is the longest one in its weapon class, but also the most fragile. The reason that this weapon fits so well into Critical builds is its weapon Skill, which is either a damaging slash or a deflective parry, depending on if you use light or heavy attacks during the Skill. A deflective parry is noticeably useful for dispatching enemies with ripostes, and you should consider it for your next playthrough.

What makes the Washing Pole great:

• Good damage and scaling
• Long range
• Extremely useful weapon Skill

Washing Pole stats:

• Regular: 121 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +3: 157 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 193 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +10: 242 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

8. Dragonslayer Swordspear

How to get the Dragonslayer Swordspear

The Dragonslayer Swordspear is a large weapon that is very versatile in its approach to combat since its moveset is a mixture of Spear and Glaive attacks. This means that you’re going to essentially be covered in basically any fight you come across. The critical damage is also fairly high, so it fits nicely into builds such as these.

What makes the Dragonslayer Swordspear great:

• Incredible weapon Skill
• Good critical damage
• Versatile moveset

Dragonslayer Swordspear stats:

• Regular: 128 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +3: 191 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +5: 234 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

7. Partizan

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How to get the Partizan

As one of the best spears in the game, the Partizan is an excellent choice for almost any build, Critical builds included. The moveset includes large, sweeping attacks, some of which are true combos with each other, and the weapon Skill, which is extremely strong against groups of enemies. When speaking of the damage the Partizan provides, it is quite consistent and high, so it’s a great overall choice.

What makes the Partizan great: 

• True combos on some attacks
• Great damage
• High critical damage
• Versatile

Partizan stats:

• Regular: 108 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +3: 140 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 172 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +10: 216 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

6. Falchion

How to get the Falchion

This weapon is quite popular among players that enjoy PvP, as it has a unique moveset compared to other Curved Swords, so it’s harder to adapt to as quickly. Besides this, you also have long range and great damage on top of the critical stat, so the Falchion fits well into Critical builds, but also any other build.

What makes the Falchion great:

• High damage
• Unique moveset
• Great scaling

Falchion stats: 

• Regular: 117 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +3: 152 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 187 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +10: 234 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

5. Demon’s Scar

How to get the Demon’s Scar

This is a very cool weapon that you get by transposing the Soul of the Demon Prince, and it is very unique when it comes to all of the effects it has. It acts as a Pyromancy Flame, so you can incorporate it into a pyromancy build, fast attack speed for quick builds, and a high Critical stat for Critical builds. Overall it is an all-in-one package that is very useful in many situations.

What makes the Demon's Scar great:

• Lightest Curved Sword in the game
• Great for Critical builds
• Decent scaling
• Highest critical damage of all Curved Swords

Demon’s Scar stats: 

• Regular: 99 Fire attack | Intelligence scaling: D
• Regular +3: 147 Fire attack | Intelligence scaling: C
• Regular +5: 180 Fire attack | Intelligence scaling: C

4. Claw

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How to get the Claw (0:33)

Most of the weapons that are small and fast are great for critical attacks, and the Claw is no exception. With a monstrous weapon Skill that launches an attack at the opponent’s head, acting as a heavy-damage headshot. Pretty metal, right? This, coupled with strong Riposte damage make a powerhouse of a weapon that is excellent for single targets.

What makes the Claw great:

• Excellent Weapon Art
• Good damage
• Solid scaling
• Can be used to parry attacks

Claw stats:

• Regular: 86 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +3: 111 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 137 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +10: 172 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

3. Crow Talons

How to get the Crow Talons

For players that prefer a vicious, aggressive playstyle, the Crow Talons are a perfect fit. Everything about this weapon emphasizes aggression, from the moveset, to the Bleed effect it has, and to the very high Critical stat it has. All of these things are improved by the extra mobility you gain from utilizing it properly, so it’s a very exciting weapon.

What makes the Crow Talons great:

• Great Dexterity scaling
• Devastating weapon Skill
• Strong and effective moveset
• Unique attack patterns when two-handing

Crow Talons stats:

• Regular: 91 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +3: 118 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 145 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +10: 182 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

2. Brigand Twindaggers

How to get the Brigand Twindaggers

A very quick weapon, the Brigand Twindaggers are excellent for stringing a large number of attacks together, ideal for Bleed builds. However, this weapon has very high Critical damage, as is the case with most Daggers, so it is great for dealing massive Riposte damage, on top of everything else it does. 

What makes the Brigand Twindaggers great:

• Overwhelming attacks because they are paired
• Decent Dexterity scaling
• Strong moveset
• Useful Weapon Art

Brigand Twindaggers stats:

• Regular: 67 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +3: 71 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +6: 107 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D
• Regular +10: 134 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: D

1. Dagger

How to get the Dagger (1:25)

Now we come to the best Critical weapon in the game – the Dagger. It has the highest Critical stat in the game, which makes it awesome for riposting enemies. Fast attacks and a fast playstyle are a must when it comes to this weapon, which is made more apparent by the excellent weapon Skill – Quickstep. Quickstep allows you to instantly get behind or to the side of enemies.

What makes the Dagger great:

• Great weapon Skill
• High mobility
• High attack speed
• Excellent Dexterity scaling

Dagger stats:

• Regular: 65 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +3: 84 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
• Regular +6: 104 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: B
• Regular +10: 130 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: B

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