Is the Balder Side Sword in Dark Souls Really Worth the Grind? (Spoiler: Maybe, Yeah)
Ah, the Balder Side Sword. Its name hints at tales of perseverance. Definitely a lot of grinding. This isn’t just any weapon. It requires dedication, luck, and slaying many Balder Knights in Undead Parish and Sen’s Fortress. Is this sword worth hype and heartache? Let’s see if it lives up to its status in Dark Souls.
Balder Side Sword: Your PvE Powerhouse
The Balder Side Sword is fantastic for the challenges in Dark Souls. You could argue it is not just good. It might be one of the best straight swords against enemies. Strange, as this sword is wielded by Balder Knights, who can match some greatswords in power.
What makes it so special? It has impressive range for a straight sword. This range allows you to engage foes from a distance. Then there is the damage output. It is consistent and reliable, alive against hordes of undead and bosses alike. The requirements for stats are low. You do not need to be a muscle-bound behemoth to use this effectively. This accessibility means the Balder Side Sword fits with many builds. Choose a nimble Dexterity set? Perfect. Want balance? Still good. Even with a Faith or Intelligence build, wielding this sword works without penalties. Game Rant ranks it among the best PvE weapons and in overall rankings, proving its place in the realm of Dark Souls weapons.
Decoding the DNA: Balder Side Sword Characteristics
Let’s look closely at the Balder Side Sword’s key traits.
Dexterity Scaling: Embrace the Finesse
A quality build may squeeze more damage from a standard Longsword. But the Balder Side Sword emphasizes Dexterity. Its low Strength need benefits agile players. This sword scales best with Dexterity, leading to stronger swings. At +10 reinforcement, it has ‘B’ scaling in Dexterity. Invest in Dex, and see this sword thrive. The Dark Souls Wiki has more stats for serious players.
The Infamous 1% Drop Rate: Prepare for the Farm
The Balder Side Sword has a shocking 1% drop rate. For every 100 Balder Knights you defeat, only one might yield a sword. That means grinding to earn it. Your time will be spent in Undead Parish and Sen’s Fortress, battling Balder Knights and hoping for drops.
Location, Location, Location: Where to Hunt Balder Knights
Your farming spots are primarily Undead Parish and Sen’s Fortress. These areas host Balder Knights wielding the coveted sword. Focus on knights with the sword to increase your chances. Watch for their sword-and-shield setup, and be ready for multiple encounters.
Farming Tips: Maximizing Your Odds (Slightly)
The 1% drop rate is harsh, but you can improve your odds. Here’s your farming guide:
- Boost Your Item Discovery: This is essential for farming. Item Discovery affects enemy drops. Enhance it with:
- Covetous Gold Serpent Ring: This ring boosts item discovery.
- Symbol of Avarice: A daredevil option, this helmet increases item discovery, though it drains health.
- Humanity: Each point of Humanity raises item discovery. Up to 10 Humanity increases chances.
- Sen’s Fortress Efficiency: Experienced players often prefer Sen’s Fortress for farming. The layout and knight density can streamline your hunt.
- Balder Knights Respawn: Good news amid tough odds. Balder Knights respawn each time you rest at a bonfire or reload the area, giving endless targets.
Balder Side Sword: Head-to-Head Matchups
How does the Balder Side Sword compare to others? Let’s look closely.
Versus the Longsword: Quality vs. Dexterity
The standard Longsword may out-damage the Balder Side Sword on quality builds. However, it requires more stat investment. Optimizing a quality Longsword means splitting points between Strength and Dexterity. The Balder Side Sword focuses on Dexterity scaling and low Strength needs, offering similar damage while saving stat points for other areas.
Dexterity Weapon Alternatives: Katanas, Curved Swords, and More
If you’re focused on Dexterity builds, Dark Souls has many choices. Katanas, Curved Swords, and Curved Greatswords suit Dexterity builds. They provide diverse moves and stats. Yet, the Balder Side Sword maintains a unique role. Its reliable moveset is versatile and its range excels in its class. It offers competitive damage without complex weapon arts or enemy knowledge. Sometimes simple strategies are best in the world of Dark Souls.
So, is the Balder Side Sword worth farming? If you want a top PvE straight sword with excellent range and scaling, yes. That said, prepare for a grind. Find some good music or a podcast. Get ready for countless encounters with Balder Knights in Lordran. May RNG smile upon you.
