With dozens of weapons to choose from, there are a wide variety of builds players can make in Dark Souls 3. Spells, buffs, weapon archetypes, and the ability to two-hand weapons are just a few factors players must consider when making a character.
Two-handing is one of the easiest mechanics to understand yet can dramatically change how a build functions. Two-handing a weapon modifies its moveset and grants players a strength bonus, making strength-focused weapons a perfect fit for two-handed builds. That said, there are all sorts of two-handed builds players can make based on their preference. Here is a complete guide on how to create a great two-handed character in Dark Souls 3.
10 Two-Handing Mechanics
Before players decide to create a character around two-handing a weapon, they would first understand how two-handing works. While a weapon is two-handed, the player's strength stat will be multiplied by 1.5x, the weapon will use a new moveset, and it will be able to use its weapon art. This strength multiplier also influences a weapon's strength requirements, meaning players can use certain heavy weapons much earlier than intended if they two-hand them.
9 Find A Two-Handed Weapon To Use
The most important aspect of any two-handed build is to decide which weapon to use. Every weapon in Dark Souls 3 can be two-handed to provide a new moveset and better damage output, yet only a few weapons truly benefit from this practice.
Curved greatswords, greatswords, ultra greatswords, and great hammers are typically the best weapons tied to two-handing as they have excellent strength scaling. Regardless of choice, get comfortable with the moveset and learn when to use its weapon art.
8 Farm Upgrade Materials
Once players have decided what weapon they will use, the next step is to upgrade it. Most weapons will require Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, Titanite Chunks, and a Titanite Slab to upgrade from standard to +10 quality.
Players can either each the end of a game cycle to purchase most of these materials from the Shrine Handmaid or grind out the materials from certain enemies. Note that boss weapons will require Titanite Scales instead, and unique weapons will require Twinkling Titanite.
7 Determine If The Build Is Strength, Dexterity, Or Quality
Most two-handed builds are in one of three archetypes: strength, dexterity, or quality builds. Each build type will determine how players invest their character stats to improve their weapon's scaling.
Greatswords typically scale the best with strength, which is why many two-handed builds are focused on bringing strength to at least 40, preferably 50 or even 60. Dexterity builds are similar but focus on bringing dexterity up instead of strength. This type of build is best when two-handing katanas or similar dexterity-based weapons. Finally, quality builds are when players obtain an equal stat distribution between strength and dexterity. These builds get 40 in both stats. Quality builds are best for weapons that either have great scaling in both stats or have been infused with a Refine Gem.
6 Invest In Scaling Stats
When the build type has been determined, the next step is to begin investing in the build's stats. Strength-only builds should raise their dexterity to the weapon's dexterity requirements, then improve their strength up to 50 or 60. Dexterity-only builds do the same thing but with inverted stats. Finally, quality builds want to level both stats simultaneously after they can use the weapon.
Since quality builds won't have as much upfront damage while leveling, considering infusing a weapon with Raw or Refined to make the weapon better suited for PvE or PvP. Also note that the PvP Soul Level meta is 120, so try to stick around that level range if PvP is the main focus of the build.
5 Infuse Weapons
Infusion is a crucial aspect of any build, allowing weapons to scale better based on the build a player is using. Players that are using strength as their core attribute will want to infuse their weapons with a Heavy Gem to give it additional strength scaling. Sharp Gems do the same thing for dexterity-based weapons.
Quality builds will typically get the most out of infusing their weapons with a Refined Gem, making both strength and dexterity scale more efficiently. That said, quality builds might want to level with Raw weapons since they deliver much higher base damage than their stats will provide.
4 Obtain A Lot Of Stamina
Endurance is a key stat to obtain for any melee-oriented build. Regardless of build type, every two-handed build should increase their Endurance to increase their stamina total. The stat players should reach highly varies on what feels comfortable. Just be sure to have enough stamina to get a few attacks off in quick succession and still have enough stamina left to dodge. Most players obtain around 30 to 40 Endurance, as the stat has a soft cap at 40.
3 Best Rings To Use
Rings can be a game-changer for certain builds. While two-handed builds don't have any exceptional rings, there are a few goods choices players can make. The Chloranthy Ring is solid for those that want more stamina regen, the Ring of Favor grants a myriad of useful bonuses, and the Wolf Ring is a solid option for two-handed builds that use katanas or similar weapon archetypes that lack hyperarmor.
2 Best Two-Handed PvE Weapons
PvE players have a ton of options when it comes to good two-handed weapons. The Mace is a fantastic early-game weapon that all Clerics start with. Alternatively, the Great Club is also a solid bludgeoning weapon for any playthrough.
As for weapons that scale well into the endgame, Vordt's Great Hammer is shockingly powerful and can be obtained right after learning how to transpose boss souls. Dexterity builds should consider obtaining the Astora Greatsword since it scales with dexterity more than strength. Any curved greatsword is good for two-handed builds, but those looking for the very best should consider using the Exile Greatsword. For general play, the Zweihander is a great jack-of-all-trades weapon.
1 Best Two-Handed PvP Weapons
Greatswords are somewhat hard to pull off in PvP nowadays since the community is so accustomed to that archetype of weapon. That said, players can still make short work of invaders with the Astora Greatsword or Zweihander.
Curved greatswords are one of the best weapon archetypes for PvP due to their varied movesets. The Exile Greatsword is a powerhouse in PvP that can be used rather early. The Old Wolf Curved Sword is also a great choice thanks to its solid moveset and great weapon art.