When players think of ultra greatswords, usually what comes to mind is a veritable mass of metal (or sometimes stone as well as bone) that one can use to pancake foes into the ground or send them flying into the air. However, there are a few members of this powerful weapon class that are a fair deal more nimble.
Dark Souls 3 offers a ton of variety when it comes to melee weapons, so those seeking a powerful blade will have no trouble finding one that suits them, even if the Ashen One comes up with an unorthodox build.
Players often taking their character down the Dexterity build path usually aim to utilize the faster weapons or those with superior reach, though, the Astora Greatsword grants the potential for Dexterity builds to wield a heftier weapon without being over-encumbered thanks to its minimal weight of only 8--the lightest of all the ultra greatswords. This, in addition to excellent scaling, base stats, and a versatile moveset allow gamers wielding the Astora Greatsword to annihilate their enemies.
How To Find The Astora Greatsword
While not particularly difficult to locate, the Astora Greatsword is in one of those annoying to-find spots that are pseudo-mazes. Thankfully, it's located close to a Bonfire and is not surrounded by much danger, so players should have few issues obtaining it. Players seeking the Astora Greatsword will need to head to the Cathedral of the Deep.
Where To Find The Astora Greatsword In The Cathedral Of The Deep
- Start from the Cleansing Chapel Bonfire
- Proceed out of the main doors and go toward the obelisk on the right just up some stairs
- Avoid or dispatch the 4 exploding enemies that are praying here
- Continue up the next curved flight of stairs and go through the metal gate
- Hug the left wall and follow it uphill
- This will lead to a small area with a cobblestone floor and a corpse kneeling before a large tombstone
- At the base of this tombstone will be the Astora Greatsword
How To Use The Astora Greatsword
The Astora Greatsword's Moveset
As one of the few ultra greatswords to possess true thrusting attacks, the Astora Greatsword holds a unique advantage over its brethren in this regard. Most of the attacks that are possible with this blade are slash-based ones, such as the horizontal light attacks and vertical heavy ones when used in one hand.
However, when two-handed, the Astora Greatsword can allow its wielder to unleash powerful thrust maneuvers with the heavy attacks, albeit only with the first strike of the 2-hit combo. The reach, counterattack potential, and ability to use this move in a tight corridor are all great boons in battle.
The Astora Greatsword's Weapon Skill (Charge)
In line with this weapon's regular moveset, the Astora Greatsword also offers the Charge skill, which allows the wielder to run forward with the blade at waist height to simultaneously shove and stab foes in one's path. If the player inputs a heavy attack while this thrusting assault is in progress, they will extend the duration and distance of the attack.
The Astora Greatsword's Stat Requirements
- Strength needed: 16
- Dexterity needed: 18
The Astora Greatsword's Best Upgrade Paths
This ultra greatsword's stat requirements and base scaling (D in Strength and C in Dexterity) are a pretty good indication of the kinds of builds it would be best suited for accompanying into battle.
If players decide to give the Astora Greatsword a Sharp infusion, they can expect a +10 weapon with 244 physical attack alongside D-tier scaling in Strength and an impressive S-tier scaling in Dexterity. Dexterity builds would do well with a blade such as this in their hands.
Alternatively, those going for a quality build can also expect great things from the Astora Greatsword if they give it a Refined infusion, as this will allow the sword at +10 to achieve 237 physical attack as well as B-tier scaling in both Strength and Dexterity. This makes the Astora Greatsword one of the weapons with the highest potential attack rating out of all the ultra greatswords for a quality build.
Tips For Using The Astora Greatsword In PVE & PVP
The AI of the enemies in this game's PvE, even the more sophisticated NPCs, won't be able to predict the player's moves as long as one keeps up the pressure. Utilize the Astora Greatsword's versatile moveset to confound foes by alternating between light and heavy attacks. On occasion, switch between one-handing and two-handing the weapon as well for enhanced unpredictability that will naturally incorporate some of this ultra greatsword's powerful thrusting attacks.
Players should use a similar approach in PvP, as unpredictability is arguably the greatest asset when facing a human opponent. However, gamers should also take advantage of the Astora Greatsword's excellent poise health to trade blows optimally to rack up wins more often than losses.