Dexterity builds are some of the prominent, popular, and effective builds in Dark Souls 3. Along with strength, dex builds offer the most variety and options in the game. Dexterity weapons are often but certainly not always faster relying on combos or weapon arts to deal massive damage.
Here are some of the best for those looking to get into dark souls 3 or returning fans who hope to fill the void of no Elden Ring news with more souls.
Because there are so many dexterity weapons it was hard to narrow the list down to just five. So here are some honorable mentions: Washing pole, Corvian Scythe, Carthus Curved Sword, Exile Greatsword, and any katana.
5. Astora Greatsword
Thats a long swords
The Astora Greatsword is a weapon granted to the elite knights hailing from the land of Astora. Despite this none of the characters the players meet along their wield this weapon. This prestigious list includes warriors such Solaire, and Anir, and those who assist heroes in their journeys such as Anastacia and Andre. Perhaps if one of these NPCs had armed themselves with the Astora Greatsword their own personal journeys may have been a bit easier.
What makes this weapon great
- The Astora Greatsword is the lightest ultra-great sword in the game.
- It has all the benefits of being an ultra greatsword including reach and armor on moves.
- The Astora Greatsword has S scaling in dex when infused with sharp.
- It doesn’t have to be dex, but it is a very good dex weapon
- The Astora Greatsword has decent weapon art that can deal a lot of damage and catch rolls.
Weapon Details
The Astora Greatsword requires 16 strength and 18 dexterity to wield. Weighing in at a flat 8 the sword is lighter than most other Greatswords. Its weapon art is Charge. The player basically holds the sword like a spear and charges forward with it, potentially catching their enemy in a multi-hit move.
The Astora Greatsword is a strength weapon disguised as a dex weapon. It's long and hits hard. The build to use this weapon isn’t complicated just infuse with sharp and level-up dexterity. Even if you want to use this weapon for a different build such as an intelligence build go ahead and do so. It's a very adaptable. The Astora Greatsword is a great PVP weapon. It can and should be buff with magic or an item before battle.
How to Get
The Astora Greatsword can be found in the Cathedral of the Deep. The sword will be on a corpse in the graveyard by the Cleansing Chappal Bonfire.
4. Crow Quills
Wait, bird feathers are a weapon?
The loyalty of the Corvian knights was proven to Sister Frieda when they killed their brethren in defense of their world using this weapon. The Crow Quills is a paired weapon just like the next one on this list. However, the weapon of the Corvian knights is more complicated than just the same weapon repeated in each hand. The Crow Quills are composed of a thrusting sword in one hand and four thin edge blades reminiscent of wing quills in the other.
What makes this weapon great
- The Crow quills have a great move that encourages an aggressive playstyle.
- Despite being patched it has good damage output especially with combos
- It has S scaling in dexterity making it a true dexterity weapon.
- It is very fast that will beat out others in R1 mashing as long as they aren’t armored
- The heavy moves have armor so if the player needs to trade against lighter weapons, they can.
Weapon Details
To use this weapon the player needs 9 strength and 16 dexterity. The weapon art is Quill Dart. This art causes the player to throw a dart at their enemy. The dart deals more damage the closer the less distance between the player and the target.
While no longer the king of dexterity builds after patches the Crow Quills is still an amazing pick. Despite being patched it is still a strong weapon. Speed, armor, a unique move set this weapon has a lot going for it. It supports an aggressive playstyle with the player assaulting their opponent. It is a Strong pick for PVP. As long as you aren’t reckless there is a good chance at success. Its weakest aspects are that it is weak against skilled parries but who isn’t and the reduced damage it has after the patch.
How to Get
The Crow Quills are located in the painted world of Ariendel DLC. The quills can be found just south of the Corvian settlement on a little plateau. To get them, go into the Corvian settlement stay to the left. Drop down from a little ledge onto a stone bridge. Follow the path. Jump from the path to another ledge. Go into a building on the right. Kill the Corvian and look around until you see a way to jump to the plateau.
3. Sellsword Twinblades
What's better than one sword, two, duh
The Sellsword Twinblades is a pair of scimitars used in conjunction with one another. Think Zuko from Avatar the Last Airbender. Using the slashing weapons at the same time allows the player to attack with an aggressive onslaught that deals tons of damage.
What makes this weapon great
- The Sellsword Twinblades get A dex scaling when infused with sharp.
- The weapon art on this pair of weapons is amazing. The player gets to string together a long furry of attacks.
- Despite doing little damage compared to the Astora Greatsword when a single hit is compared the Sellsword Twinblades are still considered to have a high damage output.
Weapon Details
To wield this weapon the player needs 10 strength and 16 dexterity. The weapon art is called a spin slash. The name describes the move it’s a spin attack that does a ton of damage.
The Sellsword Twinblades are amazing dual weapons that the player can use from the start of the game. It has incredible damage output and an amazing weapon art. This damage comes from its combos and ability to get in numerous hits at once. The weapon art and damage output allow the player to quickly cripple and take out some bosses. In PVP the goal should be to get close and fire off the weapon art.
The only downsides of this weapon are that people who are used to PVP may be familiar with combo and the weapons incredibly short range.
How to Get
These twin blades are used as the starting weapon for the mercenary class. These twin blades can also be found in the swampy area of the road of sacrifices. All you need to do to get them is stick to the right side of the swamp until they reach the castle ruins. Enter the ruins and get past the black knight. They will be in the hallway to the right.
2. Chaos Blade
Shing!
Even the player can’t escape its chaotic nature. This mysterious katana is tempered with a unique pattern that may reflect this nature. Despite this weapon's characteristic of doing damage to the user of this weapon it still finds itself at such a high spot on this list.
What makes this weapon great
- It’s a katana with a katana move set. Katana moveset simply some of the best weapons in the game.
- Good damage especially for a katana gives the player high offensive pressure with only a few swings.
- Gets S scaling without an infusion
- Good weapon skill
- Great in PVP
Weapon Details
To use this weapon the player needs 16 strength and 14 dexterity. The weapon art is Hold. When doing the weapon art, the player holds the sword by their side like in a samurai movie and quickly slashes when the player wants.
The Chaos Blade deals high damage and has good range. This is a great dexterity weapon and the best katana in the game. This weapon has thrust attacks which are good for out spacing opponents. It also has high poise for a katana.
The only drawback is every time the player swings this weapon it deals a little damage to the player. However, this can be mitigated with miracles or a ring. For example, the sun princess ring very slowly heals the player over time. This feature also eliminated the use of rings that are only in effect at full health. While the player won’t be mashing the R1 button they shouldn’t need to. You need to be more precise and patient with this weapon, especially in PVP.
How to Get
To get this weapon, go past Champion Gundyr, not Iudex Gundyr. Go up to the mirrored/dark version of Firelink shine. Go left to where the swordmaster is found in the regular Firelink shrine and it will be there on a corpse. You will have to get past some blade knights.
1. Lothric Knight Sword
A knight's most reliable companion is his sword
Often hailed as the best weapon in the game the Lothric Knight sword takes the top spot on this list. the Lothric Knight sword is a weapon of you guessed it Lothric Knight’s. They supposedly used to ride on the backs of dragons into battle. Wyverns can be found in the same areas as the knights perhaps supporting this fact.
What makes this weapon great
- It gets S scaling with sharp
- It has long-range for a short sword
- Good weapon art that breaks shields and blocks
- High damage especially for a short sword
- Can do repeating thrusts which is a strong PVP option
Weapon Details
The player needs 11 in strength and 18 in dexterity to use this weapon. Its weapon art is Stand. Stand is the weapon art where the player holds the sword up in the air then attacks in a strange arc. The attack breaks blocks and shielding.
The Lothric knight sword is an amazing PVP and PVE weapon. It is often regarded as the best weapon in the game. It’s hard to say more than that. It’s a simple and uncomplicated weapon to use. Buff it with a miracle or an item to great effect. It has long-range with short sword speed, letting the player R1 spam a bit.
How to get
The Lothric knight sword can be obtained as a drop from a Lothric knight. It is possible to farm them on the High Wall of Lothric. The second area in the game and the first one after firelink shine. The weapon can also be purchased from Greirat after sending him on a mission to Irithyll Valley when the time arrives. However, beware if you do, he can die without doing the right quests first.
