Get off on the right foot in Lordran

The trecherous reputation of Dark Souls difficulty is something to behold. Admittedly the guide ahead will introduce the player to the birth of such a legend. That being said, with the right guide to the right paths, Dark Souls also gives the players numerous opportunities to power themselves early in any playthrough with a range of awesome weaponry..

Below is a countdown of 10 early game weapons to make taming Dark Souls difficulty a cakewalk.

10. Zwiehander

You’ll have no problem getting hold of this Dark Souls staple… It's just a walk down the road. Well, figuratively… it can be located in the graveyard just nearby Firelink Shrine at the start of the game. The graveyard is undoubtedly treacherous for any starting player. That being said, a brave and careful run through could make this ultra greatsword an early game treat. 

What makes Zweihander Great 

• Reasonable parameter requirements to use
• Solid damage output and buffable
• A reliable and varied moveset
• Not that heavy for its weapon class

How To Get Zweihander:

9. Reinforced Club

A hallmark blunt force weapon that any player can get hold of relatively early. It may not be the most spectacular or alluring of weapon choices but perhaps the most acquirable of any early game choice. Bought from the merchant in the Undead Burg, it won't break the bank but will certainly level enemy defenses. 

What makes Reinforced Club Great 

• B scaling in Strength parameter bonus
• Competitive damage output
• Effective, snappy swing speed
• Absolute shield masher…

How To Get Reinforced Club: 

8. Claymore

Ever danced with a dragon on a medieval bridge somewhere? Now is as good a time as ever, your reward could be one of the most revered weapons in the entire game. Its acquisition may prove testing, but the Hellkite Dragon encounter can include crossing the bridge entirely. Likely to be found in the wake of the Hellkite’s fiery breath is a weapon capable enough for the entirety of the game.

What makes Claymore great 

• Easy parameter requirements 
• Good parameter bonuses
• Effective and learnable move/combo set
• Fast yet large Greatsword

How To Get Claymore:

7. Estoc

If a player needed a weapon that defined an ‘early game’ choice, then look no further than the Estoc. Acquirable in under a minute flat with directions, the Estoc is a remarkable piercing weapon available at the entrance to New Londo Ruins. Considering the list of qualities upon mastering it, the Estoc is a perfect beginners guide to dexterity weapon playthrough. 

What makes Estoc Great

• Hide behind a shield while using it, if you want
• Longest range of piercing swords
• Highest damage of piercing swords with scaling
• Quick as a hiccup

How To Get Estoc: 

6. Uchigatana

Sometimes a player’s gotta do, what a players gotta do. There are merchants spread across the world of Lordran who can serve the player well with their trade. They can also serve the player well with… well… what they drop in the event of their death. Something of a Faustian pact, as unlike all other NPC’s, slain merchants do not respawn. Yet, should the player make the decision, the merchant in the Undead Burg will leave behind a remarkable katana…

What makes Uchigatana Great 

• Fluid and kinetic moveset
• Damage output can reach great sword levels
• Bleed build up slash weapon
• Achievable parameter requirements

How To Get Uchigatana: 

5. Black Knight Halberd

This is a relatively rare drop, it should be stated. It is the strength of the weapon, not so much its availability, that earns its place on this list. Yet, the Black Knight Halberd can be acquired early on in the game. Should fortune strike after an encounter with a certain knight patrolling a certain path around Deep Root Basin, a game carrying Halberd shall be yours.. 

What makes Black Knight Halberd Great 

• Huge reach with swing attacks
• Very effective flurry attacks
• Powerful specials and backstabs
• Has fast attacks for a weapon of such size and weight

How To Get Black Knight Halbeard:

4. Great Scythe

Far from the easiest weapon on the list to acquire early in the game, but again, such a potent weapon can’t be dismissed. This imperious scythe is under 3 minutes away from the very start of the game at Firelink Shrine. Faced with what appears a ‘suicide run’, the player has a lengthy journey through the graveyard and into the depths of the catacombs. However, this unique halberd class weapon will make surviving worth your while.

What makes Great Scythe Great

• Reliable bleed build up on opponents
• One handed use perfect for lighter builds
• Huge reach with colossal swings
• High dexterity and intelligence scaling

How To Get Great Scythe: 

3. Drake Sword

One of the game’s most beloved and known of easter eggs. Most importantly, unlike many on this list, its parameter requirements are low. The Hellkite Dragon at the Undead Burg may seem perched and undeterrable. Yet should a player equip a crossbow or bow, its tail can be repeatedly shot till it flies away for good leaving behind one of the games strongest weapons.

What makes Drake Sword Great 

• Magic and Flame defense upped when equipped
• Remarkably overpowered for the start of the game.
• A whole game weapon should the player need or choose
• Shockwave attack for two-handed strong attack

How To Get Drake Sword:

 

2. Astora Straight Sword 

Further cementing the Dark Soul’s legacy of rewarding player exploration, this early game find is dependent on the player either choosing Thief as their class or the Master Key as their gift. Either being so, from Firelink Shrine heading through to the Valley of the Drakes the player can find this powerful divine weapon. Be advised, there may be a not so undead dragon guarding it …

What makes Astora Straight Sword Great

• Up to 160 base damage 
• Half physical, half magic damage
• Catacombs killer
• A reliable, accessible moveset

How To Get Astora Straight Sword:

1. Gravelord Sword

Joining covenants is one of the side quest elements found in the game. All covenants come with different advantages and burdens for joining or disbanding. Should the player want the strongest early game weapon available, joining the Gravelord Covenant is the way. An early trip to the catacombs is needed, and surprisingly, a little rest in a nearby open coffin…

What makes Gravelord Sword Great 

• Toxic build up per hit
• High base damage that can build
• Remarkable Thrust attacks 
• Curved sword moveset

How To Get Gravelord Sword: 

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