The Best Dexterity Weapons in Dark Souls 3 for PvE and PvP
Dexterity weapons in Dark Souls 3 allow players to be extremely aggressive thanks to their fast swing speeds and low stamina usage. While they may lack some of the raw damage potential of strength weapons, dex weapons make up for it through sheer speed and deadly critical attacks.
In this guide, we will countdown the 15 best dexterity-focused weapons in Dark Souls 3 for both PvE gameplay and PvP duels. Whether you are looking for high DPS to shred bosses, range and crowd control for invasions or simply some flashy weapons to show off – dex builds have it all covered.
Top 5 Dex Weapons For PvE Gameplay
When playing through the PvE content of Dark Souls 3, you want dex weapons that can dish out damage rapidly while controlling groups of enemies. These weapons excel in fighting both standard mobs and even devastating bosses.
Sellsword Twinblades
The Sellsword Twinblades are easily one of the highest DPS dex weapons in the early game. With an S scaling in dexterity when Sharp infused, this pair of blades is incredibly powerful. The spinning weapon skill tears through groups while the standard combo chains deal nasty damage. These are a must-have for any PvE dex build.
Acquisition: Can be found in Road of Sacrifices after defeating Darkwraith or bought from Shrine Handmaid for 6,000 souls
Infusion: Sharp (S Dex scaling)
Skill: Spin Slash
Lothric Knight Sword
This straight sword may seem simple but has excellent damage thanks to its long reach and moveset. The R1 combos flow smoothly while the weapon skill knocks back enemies for breathing room. Its base dex scaling is B but reaches A when Sharp infused – making it effective throughout the entire PvE adventure.
Acquisition: Dropped by Lothric Knights wielding them
Infusion: Sharp (A Dex scaling)
Skill: Stance
Washing Pole
The massive range of the Washing Pole allows you to land hits from a very safe distance – perfect for casters and ranged dex builds. It has naturally high dexterity scaling and its strong attack execution values make it absolutely deadly after parrying tougher enemies and bosses for critical attacks.
Acquisition: Can be bought from Shrine Handmaid for 5,000 souls
Infusion: Sharp (A Dex scaling)
Skill: Hold
Pontiff Knight Curved Sword
Many dex players forgo shields completely and opt for a weapon with innate defense capabilities like the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword. Its unique skill Frost Blade not only deals high damage but also applies frost buildup to limit enemy mobility. Combine with the Carthus Beacon pyromancy and this sword melts bosses.
Acquisition: Dropped by Pontiff Knights in Irithyll Valley
Infusion: Cannot be infused but has high base dex scaling
Skill: Frost Blade
Murakumo
The Murakumo is a dex-focused curved greatsword allowing you to launch wide slashes that can hit multiple enemies at once. While slower than a straight sword, each swing packs immense power so you can use the momentum to smoothly chain into the next attack. It also has one of the longest reaches of all curved greatswords.
Acquisition: Dropped by enemy Outrider Knights throughout Lothric
Infusion: Sharp (B Dex Scaling)
Skill: Spin Sweep
Top 5 Dex Weapons For PvP Fights
Facing off against other players requires an entirely different approach as you exploit small openings for critical strikes while managing stamina closely. These dex weapons dominate in invasions and duels thanks to versatile movesets tailored for PvP combat.
Estoc
With a combination of fast thrust attacks and wide-sweeping strong attacks, the Estoc is unpredictable and deadly in the right hands. Skilled players use its reach and speed to continually pressure opponents while managing space and stamina efficiently to escape danger.
Acquisition: Sold by Greirat after sending him to pillage Irithyll Valley
Infusion: Sharp (A Dex scaling)
Skill: Stance
Crow Quills
These sharp feather quills offer unique attacks that catch opponents off guard thanks to confusing animations. Quickstep allows you to dart behind a foe while the strong attack unleashes a flurry of quill jabs that interrupt slower weapons. Dex players love baiting people into the weapon skill.
Acquisition: Sold by Patches after Greirat‘s first outing in Undead Settlement
Infusion: Sharp (A Dex scaling)
Skill: Quickstep into Thrust
Pontiff Knight Curved Sword
Already mentioned for its PvE prowess, the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword applies constant pressure in PvP fights as well thanks to superb reach and damage that racks up quickly. The frost builds up even through shields allowing you to bypass turtling players. Just beware of parry kings.
Acquisition: Dropped by Pontiff Knights in Irithyll Valley
Infusion: Cannot be infused but has high base dex scaling
Skill: Frost Blade
Bandit‘s Knife
What the Bandit‘s Knife lacks in swing range, it makes up for with terrifying critical damage. The answer to turtling cowards who simply hide behind Greatshields all fight long. Dodge their desperate attacks patiently while waiting to parry and riposte, often one-shot killing phantoms when properly setup.
Acquisition: Sold by Greirat after sending him to pillage Undead Settlement
Infusion: Sharp (A Dex scaling)
Skill: Quickstep
Frayed Blade
Arguably the most dangerous dex weapon in Dark Souls 3, the Frayed Blade combines ranged attacks with swift and punishing combos. WA unleashes a flurry of blows that stun locks opponents while the heavy attack hurls a dark projectile, allowing you to apply pressure safely. People will hate you for using this.
Acquisition: Transposed from Soul of Dark Eater Midir (Ringed City DLC)
Infusion: None
Skill: Hold into spinning combo
Most Entertaining Dexterity Weapons
While the weapons mentioned already excel at winning fights, the following options stand out for their flashy performances and ability to impress other players through elaborate attacks and combos.
Dancer‘s Enchanted Swords
These twin swords immediately captivate other players with their hypnotic weapon skill that embodies an elegant dance of death. Each spin and twirl connects for multiple hits as you rhythmically lead partners to their grave.
Skill: Spinning Weapon Dance
Freide‘s Great Scythe
Nothing speaks dexterous finesse like Sister Freide‘s signature scythe she wields with effortless grace. The strong attack charge conjures icy debris for supreme crowd control. Keeping the weapon skill going endlessly is challenging but so satisfying.
Skill: Spinning Scythe Combos
Farron Greatsword
The entrancing moveset of the Farron Greatsword evokes the image of an erratic but deadly dancer, flipping and spinning in an untamed fashion. Few weapons have such a varied and versatile style that embodies chaotic dexterity so stunningly. Just beware of parries.
Skill: Unique Spinning/Flipping Combo Attacks
While higher strength weapons can certainly destroy bosses and groups with a few heavy hits, dexterity focused weapons reward player adaptability and skill as you tactically dismantle challengers. So grab your favorite katana, curved sword or lance and relish vanquishing foes in record time.
What dexterity weapon stands as your personal favorite in Dark Souls 3? Let me know below!
