Unleash the Blade: Mastering Rapiers and Estocs in Dark Souls 2
You wander the harsh lands of Drangleic. You dodge ambushes and face monstrous foes. You think, “I need a weapon. Not just any, but something that screams speed and finesse.” Enter the rapier and estoc. These thrusting swords can turn you from a mere survivor to a hero in Dark Souls 2.
The Swift Sting of the Rapier
Let’s discuss the rapier. This is not a greatsword or a dainty dagger. The rapier emphasizes speed and precision. Picture it as the hummingbird of weapons in Dark Souls 2. It’s light, fast, and packs a sting.
Rapier: General Strengths – Speed, Reach, and Precision
In Dark Souls 2, combat is like a dance of death. Speed is your partner. The rapier? Think of it as having Fred Astaire on your arm. It’s fast. We’re talking about click-as-fast-as-you-can levels of speed. Enemies breathe down your neck, so every moment counts. This speed is an advantage, even a superpower. Forget lengthy wind-ups; with this weapon, you poke holes in foes before they realize a fight is on.
But speed without reach is a sports car with empty gas. Luckily, the rapier combines quickness with length. You can keep your distance while still being aggressive. Imagine fencing: maintain a safe spot to jab while your enemy cannot retaliate. The rapier allows this finesse in a world full of undead.
Now let’s talk thrusts. Rapiers excel at thrusting, launching precise attacks to exploit weaknesses. It’s not about wild swings. This is about aimed strikes that lead to critical damage. In one-on-one fights, this accuracy is key. You pinpoint weak spots and make enemies feel like they ed a fencing match instead of brutal combat.
Did I mention armor? Heavy knights seem tough, but the rapier laughs at their defenses. It ignores armor. In PvP, this is devastating. All that time your opponent spent on armor? Poof! The rapier slices through it easily like a hot knife through butter. Suddenly, they are just another target.
Specific Rapiers to Crave
Not all rapiers match each other. Dark Souls 2 offers unique options. Here are some standouts.
- Ricard’s Rapier: Dexterity Darling
First, Ricard’s Rapier. Ricard knew what he was doing. This weapon is ideal for dexterity builds. It scales brilliantly with Dexterity; nimble characters hit harder with it. Plus, it has great critical damage. For those skilled in parrying or backstabs, this rapier turns those hits into power strikes. It’s so light you could wield it while juggling flaming torches (though I don’t recommend it). Securing Ricard’s Rapier is like finding a cheat code for style.
- Ice Rapier: The Frosty Finisher
Next up, the Ice Rapier. This weapon is the ultimate rapier. It boasts the longest reach in its category and is super light. Its counter damage is impressive too. But there’s more! The strong attack sends out an ice projectile, almost like a mini Soul Arrow. Imagine stabbing someone and then blasting them with ice magic. It’s a bold statement to foes who think they can close in on you.
Infusion Insights: To Enhance or Leave Pure?
Infusion in Dark Souls 2 is like seasoning food. Get it right, and you’re golden. Get it wrong, and it’s ruined. So what about infusing your rapier? Tread carefully.
Purists often declare, “Leave Ricard’s Rapier alone!” Infusing with fire offers a slight bump to fire damage but lessens physical damage. It’s not worth the trade-off – like choosing an inferior vehicle that moves slightly faster. On the other hand, for regular rapiers, infusion can transform your game if you’re a spellcaster. Infusing with magic, lightning, or dark adds elemental damage to every jab. Your rapier evolves from a fast weapon to an elemental damage dealer. Just to buff it well.
Dual Wielding Rapiers: Double the Trouble?
Picture dual wielding rapiers—looks cool, right? It resembles a swashbuckler in a dark fantasy realm. But is it practical in Dark Souls 2? Not really. You can’t just wield two rapiers like crazy.
The power stance allows for some dual action, but traditional dual wielding doesn’t apply here. Rapiers aren’t classified as “light” weapons, making it hard to dual wield effectively without specific feats in D&D 5e. Historically, rapiers paired with another weapon or a buckler for defense was common. In Dark Souls 2, pairing a rapier with a shield or spell tool might be wiser than two rapiers alone.
Rapier Stats: Entry Requirements
Good news for new rapier s! Stat requirements are favorable: 13 Strength and 15 Dexterity. Many classes can grab a rapier early without extensive grinding or respec-ing efforts. It feels as accessible as that stylish jacket that fits perfectly without needing alterations.
Where to Snag a Rapier
So, where to find this exquisite rapier? The best route is buying one from Blacksmith Lenigrast in Majula for just 1,000 souls. Yes, only 1,000 souls! That’s like finding coins in couch cushions inside Drangleic! Or if you prefer violence (which is likely in Dark Souls 2), farm Goblins. They drop rapiers with some effort required for drops. Either way, acquiring one is no epic quest at all.
Classes That Click with Rapiers
Who benefits most from the rapier’s pointy strengths? Classes that favor Dexterity fit best. Rogues, Rangers, or Bards find the rapier a natural match. If your build revolves around agility and precise attacks, embrace the rapier as your weapon of choice. It speaks to classes that favor finesse over strength.
Parry This! Rapier Parrying Prowess
Can rapiers parry larger weapons? Absolutely! A rapier can parry effectively against larger arms, allowing skilled duelists an advantage.
Boss. The rapier may look slender. But it can deflect blows well. Think fencing. Rapiers have hilts designed to parry. In Dark Souls 2, parrying is effective. You can parry greatswords, ultra greatswords. Big axes, too. Rapier vs. Longsword? Rapier can parry a longsword for sure. Don’t underestimate this elegant weapon. It’s meant for poking and predicting opponent’s attempts to attack.
The Rapier’s Achilles’ Heel: Watch Out!
Despite its strengths, the rapier has weaknesses. Its main issue? Cutting power. Rapiers are made for thrusting. Not slashing. Against foes with armor, it struggles. Maneuverability is decent but not the best. Tight spaces can hinder you. You may wish for wider attacks. No weapon is flawless. Even Bond’s gadgets fail.
Buffing Up Your Rapier: Dark Weapon and Beyond
We discussed buffs earlier. Buffs are vital for rapiers. In Dark Souls 2, Dark Weapon is powerful. It adds dark damage to your weapon. It scales with your Faith and Intelligence, stats many builds enhance. For melee builds wielding a rapier, Dark Weapon must be used. Early or late game, it’s effective throughout Drangleic. Don’t leave without it.
The Estoc: The Versatile Piercer
Now, let’s shift to the estoc. If the rapier is the fast hummingbird, the estoc is a larger, sturdier version with more punch. It’s a thrusting sword but adds heft and versatility.
Estoc: Strengths – Piercing and Slashing Power
The estoc is not just a thrusting sword. It’s a hybrid weapon. It can deal both piercing and slashing damage. It’s like the rapier’s stronger sibling. Good reach helps keep enemies at bay. It’s faster than many swords, balancing speed and power.
The estoc scales with Strength and Dexterity. This makes it ideal for quality builds. If you want a thrusting sword with versatility, the estoc is a great choice. It’s for those who like rapiers but want to swing a sword too. The estoc gets it; no judgment here.
The description says it clearly: “Large piercing sword capable of slashing.” This sword can pierce and slash effectively through Drangleic.
Beyond the Blades: General Weapon Wisdom for Dark Souls 2
We’ve examined rapiers and estocs. But let’s step back for broader weapon considerations in Dark Souls 2. Choosing a weapon isn’t just about looks; it involves understanding your build and playstyle.
Dexterity vs. Strength: Build Considerations
Dexterity or Strength? A classic question in Souls games. If you’re choosing Dexterity, especially with katanas, aim for 40 to 60 Dexterity. This is when they perform best. Dexterity builds focus on speed and exploiting enemies with fast attacks. Rapiers and katanas fit this style perfectly.
Strength builds emphasize raw power. For these builds, curved greatswords shine. Look no further than the Exile Greatsword. Especially in two-handed setups, it’s very powerful. Strength builds stagger enemies and deal massive damage per hit.
The Ultimate Weapon Buff: Dark Weapon’s Reign
Dark Weapon is the buff for melee builds in Dark Souls 2. It should be utilized often. Dark Weapon is effective at all stages of the game. It’s nearly always a top-tier choice when buffing your weapon.
Starting Strong: The Surprisingly Potent Battle Axe
Don’t overlook starting weapons! The Battle Axe is one of the best early-game choices, especially for newcomers. It’s simple yet powerful and reliable. Sometimes, the basics are best. Before seeking fancier weapons, try the Battle Axe.
Agility Goals: Aiming for the Sweet Spot
Agility (AGL) is crucial for dodging effectively. Players often aim for a specific AGL threshold for comfort. A common target is 100 AGL. It balances roll distance and i-frames well. For low-Vitality builds, aim for 105 AGL. Every AGL point helps in dodging attacks.
Twinblade Temptation: A Whirlwind of Steel
Twinblades are fast and look cool. If you’re curious, here are some notable ones:
- Red Iron Twinblade
- Dragonrider Twinblade
- Curved Twinblade
- Stone Twinblade
- Sorcerer’s Twinblade
- Twinblade (standard version)
Twinblades deliver rapid, multi-hit attacks. They excel against enemies weak to their damage type. Be cautious about their stamina use — swinging both blades can be tiring!
Hammer Time: Crushing Blows for the Discerning Souls Player
Sometimes, you need to smash things. Hammers serve this purpose well. Here’s a ranking from “decent” to “face-crushing”:
- Black Dragon Warpick
- Blacksmith’s Hammer
- Homunculus Mace
- Craftsman’s Hammer
- Barbed Club
- Mace
- Morning Star
- Club
Hammers do strike damage well against armored foes. The Black Dragon Warpick ranks highest among them. Use a hammer to stagger foes or break their guards.
Shield Up: The Defender’s Shield and Beyond
Shields are crucial for survival. If you want a medium shield that does well, consider the Defender’s Shield. This shield offers high stability, good resistances, and decent weight – it’s reliable for blocking and parrying.
Exploiting Enemy Weaknesses: Ruin Sentinels and Strike/Lightning
Know enemy weaknesses is vital in Dark Souls 2. For instance, the Ruin Sentinels have two main vulnerabilities:
- Strike Damage: Heavy armor makes them weak to strikes. Hammers and maces work best here.
- Lightning Damage: They’re also vulnerable to lightning attacks, so lightning-infused weapons do well.
Understand enemy weaknesses for efficient combat. Be aware of what you use and if it’s suitable for the enemy. Switching weapons can make all the difference.
Your journey exploring rapiers and estocs should now be clearer, along with general weapon wisdom for Dark Souls 2. Choose wisely, ensure accuracy, and may your rolls be favorable. And when in doubt, : Dark Weapon is key.
