15 Best Dark Souls 3 Intelligence Scaling Weapons
Dark Souls 3 offers immense build variety, with Intelligence builds being a popular choice to unleash devastating spells from a distance. However, relying solely on magic can leave you vulnerable up close due to slow casting times.
To address this, most Intelligence builds incorporate a weapon with solid Intelligence scaling to complement spellcasting. In this extensive guide, I will be highlighting 15 of the best Intelligence scaling weapons in Dark Souls 3.
What is Intelligence in Dark Souls 3?
In Dark Souls 3, Intelligence governs your spell power for sorceries. The higher your Intelligence, the stronger your spells become. Each point invested also boosts magic defense and overall defense.
Intelligence soft caps at 40, with diminishing returns beyond this threshold. However, 50 Intelligence unlocks advanced sorceries.
Understanding Scaling and Parameter Bonuses
Weapons in Dark Souls 3 possess scaling grades that enhance damage based on your character‘s attributes. The grades range from S (best) to E (worst).
For Intelligence builds, weapons with B, A or S Intelligence scaling are ideal. However, base damage also factors in. Weapons with higher base damage but poorer scaling may outperform in some cases.
I evaluated numerous parameters to compile this list of exceptional Intelligence scaling weapons. Let‘s get started!
1. Crescent Moon Sword
The Crescent Moon Sword boasts well-balanced physical (78) and magic (78) attack. Its unique weapon skill launches an arcing crescent projectile, augmenting its melee prowess.
With 16 Dex and 10 Str required, it scales C in Dex and D in Intelligence when fully upgraded. Its elegant design and versatile moveset make it a great sidearm for battle mages.
Location: Dropped by Ringfinger Leonhard in Anor Londo.
2. Crystal Sage‘s Rapier
The Crystal Sage‘s Rapier is the longest thrusting sword in the game. True to its name, crystals adorning its blade enhance magic damage and item discovery.
Requiring 18 Dex and 13 Str, its Intelligence scaling reaches A at +5 reinforcement. An excellent dueling weapon, its speed, range and magic damage can overwhelm foes in PvP.
Location: Obtained by transposing Crystal Sage‘s soul.
3. Moonlight Greatsword
A legendary ultra greatsword, the Moonlight GS launches energy waves with strong attacks. Its hefty Intelligence scaling and magic damage complement Strength builds nicely.
At 16 Str and 10 Dex, it scales B in Intelligence when fully upgraded. The weapon skill, Moonlight Vortex, allows launching a devastating magic projectile, wrecking bosses weak to magic.
Location: Obtained by transposing Oceiros‘ soul.
4. Greatsword of Judgment
Wielded by Pontiff Sulyvahn himself, this greatsword unleashes dark waves with its unique stance. Excelling in Intelligence hybrid builds, it offers generous scaling across Strength, Dex and Intelligence.
With 17 Str and 15 Dex requirement, it possesses C Intelligence scaling when fully reinforced. The Stance weapon art empowers the sword with dark energy for a time, boosting attack potency.
Location: Obtained by transposing Pontiff Sulyvahn‘s soul.
5. Darkmoon Longbow
A superb ranged option for Intelligence builds, the Darkmoon Longbow fires Darkmoon arrows that pierce shields and deal magic damage. It scales C in Intelligence when fully upgraded.
With 16 Dex, 10 Int requirement, its weapon skill enchants nocked arrows for additional effects. While restrictive with arrow options, the Darkmoon Longbow significantly expands a sorcerer‘s tactical capabilities.
Location: Obtained by transposing Aldrich‘s soul.
6. Old King‘s Great Hammer
Imbued with remnants of Chaos fire, this colossal hammer packs incredible power. Despite its pure Strength orientation, I included it for Pyromancer hybrids due to its D/D Intelligence/Faith scaling.
It demands high investment – 30 Strength, 10 Intelligence and 10 Faith. However, reinforced with Titanite Scales, it wrecks foes resistant to magic, with innate fire damage and pentrating attacks.
Location: Obtained by transposing the Old Demon King‘s soul.
7. Heysel‘s Pick
An intriguing blend between a thrusting sword and catalyst, Heysel‘s Pick allows integrating melee and sorceries like Farron Flashsword. It possesses excellent Intelligence scaling at +10 reinforcement.
With 12 Strength and 10 Dex needed alongside 19 Intelligence, Heysel‘s Pick is a prime choice for battle mage builds. It even boosts spell damage temporarily via its Steady Chant weapon art!
Location: Dropped from Yellowfinger Heysel‘s invasion.
8. Immolation Tinder
Deceivingly named, the Immolation Tinder actually empowers sorceries instead of pyromancies. Reinforced with Titanite Scales, it‘s a flexible melee-catalyst hybrid for Intelligence hybrids.
At 18 Strength and 18 Dexterity requirement alongside 12 Intelligence, it scales A in Intelligence when fully upgraded. Its length and wide swings build status easily. Overall, a quality backup for Intelligence builds.
Location: Dropped from Irithyll‘s Fire Witches.
9. Lothric Knight Sword
Arguably the best sidearm for Intelligence builds due to its customizability, the Lothric Knight Sword shines with Crystal, Simple and Chaos Infusions. This remarkably boosts its Intelligence scaling.
Needing only 11 Strength and 18 Dexterity to wield, its balanced moveset, self-buff ability and Critical modifier reward skillful play. A quality weapon made exceptional with magic or dark enhancements.
Location: Found on various Lothric Knights throughout Lothric Castle.
10. Great Corvian Scythe
Boasting the highest innate Bleed of any Intelligence weapon, the Great Corvian Scythe is ideal for Bleed/Intelligence hybrid builds. Infusions grant S-tier Intelligence scaling for formidable melee potential.
It demands 16 Strength and 18 Dexterity. Fully upgraded, its Frostbite build-up also pressures enemies. Sweeping strong attacks and excellent running attacks maximize these status effects.
Location: Dropped by Corvian Knights wielding it.
11. Friede‘s Great Scythe
A personal favorite, Friede‘s Great Scythe stands out as the sole twin-wielded scythe on this list. Delivering A/A Dexterity and Intelligence scaling reinforcement, it excels with high investment.
With 12 Strength, 16 Dex, 12 Intelligence and 11 Faith needed, its unique stance slashes twice, or coats the area in frost. Innately dealt Frostbite enables potent combos, augmented further by its Intelligence scaling.
Location: Transposing Sister Friede‘s soul.
12. Onyx Blade
Included for Pyromancer/Hexer hybrids, the Onyx Blade demands high Intelligence/Faith investment just like the Old King‘s Greathammer. However, it possesses more pronounced Intelligence scaling in addition to Dark damage.
Requiring 14 Strength, 12 Dex, 15 Intelligence and 15 Faith, its Elfriede‘s Blackflame weapon art imbues the blade with scorching dark fire temporarily, melting bosses and PvP opponents.
Location: Dropped from Sir Vilhelm in The Ringed City DLC.
13. Dancer‘s Enchanted Swords
The Dancer‘s Enchanted Swords stand out as the premier dual-wielded pair for pure Intelligence builds. Possessing excellent magic, fire, physical damage and scaling across all attributes, they perform well with high investment.
At 20 Dex, 12 Str and 9 Intelligence/Faith, their unique stance enhances mobility, allowing seasoned players to unleash a devastating offense. Reinforcement pushes their Magic/Fire ratings beyond their physical attack.
Location: Transposing Dancer of the Boreal Valley‘s soul.
14. Onikiri and Ubadachi
This dual-wielded pair offers fearsome Dexterity/Intelligence potential. Its unique weapon skill empowers an acrobatic combo with high damage. Late-game availability is its only real limitation.
With 25 Dexterity and 13 Strength needed, Dark, Chaos or Crystal Infusions grant A/S Intelligence scaling. This enables Intelligence builds to exploit the weapons‘ innate Bleed; a versatile pairing for PvE and PvP.
Location: Dropped from Black Hand Kamui in Grand Archives.
15. Cleric‘s Candlestick
Deceptively named, Cleric‘s Candlestick empowers sorceries with its skill. Specifically built for Intelligence-Faith hybrids, its respectable magic enhancement and physical damage supplement casting.
Requiring only 12 Dexterity, 12 Intelligence and 8 Strength, it scales A in Intelligence when fully upgraded. While less overtly powerful than other weapons listed, its Weapon Art providing a light source offers utility.
Location: Transposing Deacons of the Deep soul.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – 15 exceptional weapons for Intelligence builds spanning all categories. I hope this guide gives you great ideas on how to reinforce your arcane arsenal for tackling Dark Souls 3. Most weapons shine best with high investment, so don‘t be afraid to really crank those Intelligence levels! Let me know your favorite Intelligence weapons below!
