The Definitive Guide to Dark Souls 2‘s Best Weapons

As a gaming professional and Dark Souls expert with over 200 hours across multiple playthroughs, I‘ve tested every weapon class Dark Souls 2 has to offer. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll be breaking down the 10 strongest and most versatile options available to help you destroy enemies and bosses alike.

Below I‘ve highlighted key stats for each weapon, their unique movesets, best upgrade paths, build recommendations, and my own impressions from extensive use. I‘ll also suggest which are best suited for newcomers.

Let‘s kick things off with number 10!

10. Black Knight Ultra Greatsword

Strength: 46
Dex: 20
Damage: 620
Moveset: Sweeps, Smashes
Upgrades: Titanite +10

The Black Knight UGS hits harder than some bosses! It inflicts enormous damage with each earth-shattering blow and boasts excellent Strength scaling. However, its demanding stat requirements and slow use speed make it more suitable for advanced players.

Impressions:
The charged strong smash decimates enemies, striking them high into the air while you power through attacks. Definitely not friendly for newcomers though.

9. Fume Ultra Greatsword

Strength: 50
Dex: 10
Damage: 570
Moveset: Heavy Slashes
Upgrades: Petrified Bones +5

This menacing ultra greatsword offers the second highest physical damage in its class. It‘s extremely heavy yet provides hyper armor on most attacks. The one-handed moveset provides wide slashes with a lunging two-handed thrust strong attack.

Impressions:
The Fume UGS caused me to rethink my perception of ultra weapons – it‘s lighter than expected while providing multi-target attacks and thrust counters. Stamina management and timing is key.

8. Sun Sword

Strength: 10
Dex: 10
Damage: 300
Moveset: Quick Slashes
Upgrades: Titanite +10

Don‘t let its unassuming appearance fool you – few sidearms match the Sun Sword‘s lethal agility. It offers speedy slashing combos with increased counter damage and quality scaling when fully upgraded, making it deadly in skilled hands.

Impressions:
The Sun Sword is a supreme dueling weapon that dominates mostweapon classes through speed, versatility and reach. It quickly became a personal favorite.

7. Roaring Halberd

Strength: 40
Dex: 20
Damage: 430
Moveset: Sweeping Halberd
Upgrades: Twinkling Titanite +5

The Roaring Halberd stands apart through sheer ferocity – each attack releases a guttural cry while dealing heavy physical, dark, AND strike damage. It also inflicts terror to sap enemies‘ strength.

Impressions:
This halberd carried me through NG+ with sheer damage and crowd control potential. It breaks guards easily and pressures groups. Satisfying weighty chops.

6. Curved Dragon Greatsword

Strength: 28
Dex: 20
Damage: 570
Moveset: Wide Sweeps
Upgrades: Dragon Bone +5

With tremendous base power and sweeping range, the Curved Dragon Greatsword excels at crowd control. Charging the strong attack unleashes a ranged shockwave explosion for even more devastation.

Impressions:
The curved shape alters attack trajectories unexpectedly while retaining hard-hitting damage. Fun moveset – the special wave packs a punch! Deals Strike damage too.

5. Drakeblood Greatsword

Strength: 18
Dex: 18
Damage: 430
Moveset: Quick Slashes
Upgrades: Titanite +10

The Drakeblood GS attacks as swift as longswords but with inherent magic damage. Its lengthy reach and swift rolling poke attack excel at catching evasive players and enemies mid-dodge.

Impressions:
A quality weapon that truly balances offense and defense. The versatile moveset covers approaches while magic damage gives mages a physical alternative.

4. Chaos Blade

Strength: 14
Dex: 20
Damage: 430
Moveset: Katana Slashes
Upgrades: Titanite +10

Few weapons match the sheer risk vs reward thrill offered by the lethal Chaos Blade. Each landed attack chips your HP but sustains you with high counter damage and recovered HP. Truly a glass cannon.

Impressions:
The Chaos Blade pushes aggression with its hp steal mechanic. Still, the innate bleed build-up and lengthy reach secure victories. Not for newer players!

3. Red Iron Twinblade

Strength: 50
Dex: 12
Damage: 440
Moveset: Heavy Twin Slashes
Upgrades: Titanite +10

This colossal twinblade hits the hardest but rewards pure Strength builds greatly through tremendous damage. Just mind the heavy stamina costs when spinning to win!

Impressions:
It was love at first swing. The charged two handed strong attack sends lighter foes flying! Extreme risk vs reward. I used the Stone Ring to maximize poise damage.

2. Blue Flame

Strength: 13
Dex: 15
Int: 12
Damage: 300
Moveset: Rapier Slashes/Sorcery
Upgrades: Twinkling Titanite +5

This rare weapon unleashes melee sorceries, functioning as both sword and catalyst. Beyond casting spells instantly mid-attacks, Blue Flame boasts strong magical scaling when upgraded.

Impressions:
Mystical and versatile. I utilized an off-hand staff to mix melee combos, spells, and parrying. This battle mage feels so unique – it quickly became a favorite!

1. Zweihander

Strength: 24
Dex: 10
Damage: 550
Moveset: Smashing Slashes
Upgrades: Titanite +10

The iconic Zweihander offers the perfect balance between damage, stamina efficiency and versatility. Its charged strong attack pounds enemies relentlessly – seasoned veterans and newcomers alike will feel its incredible power!

Impressions:
The Zweihander consistently tops my list through raw damage and crowd control potential, friendly requirements, and iconic legacy. Plus, pancaking enemies never gets old!

And there you have it – an extensive expert rundown of Dark Souls 2‘s premiere weapons. I hope evaluating the unique movesets, scaling, requirements and damage types helps you discover an awesome new arm perfect for your own playstyle and build!

Please let me know which weapon selections resonated with you in the comments section. Feel free to suggest ideas for my next gaming weapon breakdown too!