Dark Souls 3: A Guide to the Best Ultra Greatswords

As a long-time Souls player with over 1000 hours across the series‘ titles, I‘ve developed an in-depth understanding of mechanics, stats, and weapon performance. This expertise allows me to analyze the complex factors that make particular ultra greatswords effective.

Simply comparing AR or weights does not determine "best in class." Instead, one must consider movesets, scaling, infusion potential, requirements, and versatility. My goal is to leverage my knowledge to help fellow players discover their perfect ultra greatsword.

What Are Ultra Greatswords?

Ultra greatswords represent the largest standard weapon class in Dark Souls 3. These massive swords demand incredible strength and dexterity to wield, reflected in high stat requirements. However, those who can swing an ultra greatsword reap tremendous rewards.

In exchange for slow swing speeds, these weapons offer:

• Extreme damage per strike
• Excellent range
• Vastly increased poise damage
• Access to Hyper Armor
• Devastating critical attacks

Additionally, ultra greatswords cannot be parried when two-handed and have the Stamp weapon art. This lunging slam grants bonus poise, allowing players to poise through enemy combos.

The weight and striking power of an ultra greatsword conveys the resilience of its wielder. These are not graceful weapons, but rather stone cleavers that relentlessly smash foes. Now let‘s highlight some top-tier options.

Best Ultra Greatsword Weapons

Many players simply pick the coolest-looking ultra greatsword and call it a day. But spending a few minutes determining the best weapons for your build goes a long way. Below I‘ll analyze my top choices based on performance, scaling, and utility.

Lothric Knight Greatsword

The Lothric Knight Greatsword has an excellent balance of physical and lightning damage. With the proper stats and upgrades, it can reach fearsome attack ratings. The stomp weapon art and hyper armor attacks also make it great for trading blows.

Stats:

• Can reach 700+ AR with proper investment
• Split damage lessens effectiveness

Moveset:

• Powerful thrust R2 attack
• Sweeping one-handed R1 swings

How to Upgrade:

• Scales best with Refined +10 and 60/60 Quality
• Also good Heavy, Sharp, Blessed infusions

This ultra greatsword is dropped by the Lothric Knights outside Lothric Castle. It‘s one of the most reliable thanks to excellent base damage, reach, and moveset. Investing in quality builds maximizes the LKGS‘s potential.

Fume Ultra Greatsword

Wielded by legendary duelist Knightslayer Tsorig, the Fume Ultra Greatsword boasts the highest physical AR. But it comes at the cost of ridiculous weight and strength requirements.

Stats:

• 50 strength requirement
• Weighs a colossal 25.5 units

Moveset

• Giant vertical chop for one-handed strong attack
• Upward slash on two-hand light attack

How to Upgrade:

• Scales incredibly well with Strength
• Cannot be buffed or infused
• Max upgrade with Twinkling Titanite +5

For pure physical damage, no ultra greatsword comes close to a Fume +5. It retains hyper armor on virtually every attack as well. Only veterans with high-Strength builds can wield this metal monstrosity.

Astora Greatsword

Despite its name, many players don‘t realize the Astora Greatsword is actually an ultra greatsword. Don‘t let its relatively light weight fool you – this versatile weapon hits like a truck in PvE and PvP.

Stats:

• Low requirements due to lighter weight
• Elemental infusions add high damage

Moveset:

• Charged heavy stab devastates bosses and invaders
• Useful one-handed and two-handed movesets

How to Upgrade:

• Get S Dexterity scaling at +10 Sharp
• Also good Refined, Crystal, Blessed infusions

The Astora Greatsword‘s flexibility makes it my favorite "jack of all trades" ultra. I use a Sharp infusion for deadly dexterity builds with 700+ AR. It out-ranges straight swords in PvP while retaining excellent movesets.

Greatsword

Sometimes simplicity is best. The aptly named "Greatsword" is an iconic staple of the Dark Souls franchise. This ultra greatsword has no fancy gimmicks or lore – just raw damage and fundamental movesets.

Stats:

• 28 Strength 10 Dexterity requirement
• Excellent base damage and versatility

Moveset:

• Diagonal slashes on one-handed light attacks
• Overhead vertical slash for strong attack

How to Upgrade:

• Refined is best for quality builds
• Also good Heavy, Sharp, Dark, Chaos infusions

The Greatsword is the quintessential introduction to ultra weapons in Dark Souls. It has no flashy skills, combos, or effects. Just a whole lot of metal smashing enemies at 60+ mph. Sometimes simple is best.

Ideal Builds

Now let‘s discuss complementary stats and gear to empower ultra greatswords:

Strength Build

These ultra weapons thrive on raw power above all else. Strength builds maximize physical AR while equipping the heaviest armors:

• 66 Strength: Hard cap for additional damage
• 40 Dexterity: Boost cast speed and equip load
• 35-40 Vigor: Survival is key
• 25-30 Vitality: Critical for armor load
• Remaining points into Endurance

Use the Fume Ultra Greatsword along with the heaviest armors possible. Having 68+ poise prevents staggering from standard attacks. Rings like Favor +3 and Havel‘s +3 are critical here.

Quality Build

A quality build offers excellent scaling for sharp-infused ultra greatswords:

• 40 Strength
• 40 Dexterity: Standard soft caps
• 30-35 Vigor: HP cushion for slower attacks
• Remaining points into Endurance/Vitality

Infuse the Lothric Knight Greatsword or Astora Greatsword with a Sharp gem. Use Gold Pine Resins or Bundles to counter damage resistance. I also recommend packing a simple off-hand weapon for FP regen.

Dark/Chaos Build

Occult cleric builds can empower Dark-infused ultra greatswords:

• Minimum Ultra Greatsword wield stats
• 30 Intelligence
• 30 Faith: Soft caps for elemental damage
• 30-35 Vigor
• 18 Attunement: 2 spell slots

Infuse the Greatsword with a Dark Gem for insane AR 700+ damage. Use melee-boosting spells like Dark Blade for over 800 AR! Having high poise lets you tank hits while casting spells.

Closing Thoughts

And those are my top picks and advice for mastering ultra greatswords in Dark Souls 3! Here are some final tips:

• Two-hand for max damage and to prevent parrying
• Time heavy attacks after enemy combos
• Use stomp weapon art to break guards
• Carry a straight sword or axe in second slot
• Poise and hyper armor are ultra weapons‘ best friends

Ultra greatsword wielders don‘t hide behind shields – they smash through them! I hope this guide helps you unleash your inner strength. Praise the sun, and may your swings strike true!