[Top 10] Dark Souls 3 Best Greatswords And How To Get Them

Updated:

14 Dec 2021

Greatswords are undoubtedly some of the most popular weapons in gaming, mostly because they are fun to wield, have awesome themes and are versatile for every situation. This is no less true for FromSoftware and their myriad of weapons to choose from in their games. This article will cover some of the best Greatswords in Dark Souls 3, their benefits, why they’re fun and how to get them. Happy smashing!

10. Gael’s Greatsword

Gael’s Greatsword is a great weapon with a strong moveset that includes some acrobatics tied directly to the weapon art, just like the crimson knight. Visually it is an Executioner’s Greatsword, except it’s in great disrepair due to excessive use. Functionally, it has some great damage and scaling, making it worth picking up if you need something reliable and cool to use.

What makes Gael’s Greatsword great:

Straightforward moveset
Good damage
Good Strength scaling

Gael’s Greatsword stats:

Regular: 147 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +3: 219 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +5: 268 physical attack | Strength scaling: C

9. Twin Princes’ Greatsword

One of the Greatswords acquired through Soul Transposition with Ludleth of Courland, the Twin Princes’ Greatsword is an amazing weapon with a unique weapon art that either fires Holy energy or Fire, depending on if you use heavy or light attacks. To get it, you need to defeat the Twin Princes twice, after that you can combine the swords that are in your inventory into this one. Consider this weapon for a unique experience.

What makes the Twin Princes’ Greatsword great:

Good basic moveset
Magic weapon skills
Scales with multiple attributes
Acquired by soul transposition

Twin Princes’ Greatsword stats:

Regular: 126 physical attack | Intelligence scaling: D
Regular +3: 188 physical attack | Intelligence scaling: D
Regular +5: 230 physical attack | Intelligence scaling: D

8. Onyx Blade

A very long sword ideal for pyromancers that want to completely overhaul their flame potential. The Onyx Blade is the longest of the Greatswords, and it has a Weapon Art that acts as a flame buff to normal attacks, which allows it to scale relatively well with Faith and Intelligence. It makes gameplay more dynamic with the unique Weapon Art, and should be considered.

What makes the Onyx Blade great:

Longest greatsword in the game
Multiple damage types
Buffing weapon art
Scales well with Intelligence and Faith

Onyx Blade stats:

Regular: 115 dark attack | Intelligence scaling: D
Regular +3: 160 dark attack | Intelligence scaling: D
Regular +5: 200 dark attack | Intelligence scaling: C

7. Moonlight Greatsword

Ah, you were at my side all alo… wait, wrong game. The Moonlight Greatsword is the classic weapon of FromSoftware games, appearing as early as King’s Field, and remaining an amazing weapon in each iteration it presents itself in. Instead of scaling with Dexterity or Strength, like other swords, the Moonlight Greatsword scales with Intelligence, being able to launch beams of concentrated moonlight at enemies. Besides this, it has an excellent moveset that fits most situations.

What makes the Moonlight Greatsword great:

Strong moveset
Scales well with Intelligence
Weapon art is a projectile
High poise on weapon art

Moonlight Greatsword stats:

Regular: 130 magic attack | Intelligence scaling: C
Regular +3: 195 magic attack | Intelligence scaling: B
Regular +5: 238 magic attack | Intelligence scaling: B

6. Black Knight Sword

The Black Knight Sword is found on a corpse in the Smouldering Lake, and is a weapon that proves to be very effective against Demons. Aside from this, it has some of the highest Poise damage out of any Greatsword, and features very good scaling with Strength and Dexterity. Its weapon art is useful as well, seeing as it increases Poise. As a weapon in general, the Black Knight Sword proves itself in any situation and fits many builds.

What makes the Black Knight Sword great:

Bonus damage against Demons
Very high Poise damage
Great scaling with Strength and Dexterity

Black Knight Sword stats:

Regular: 173 physical attack | Strength scaling: D
Regular +3: 241 physical attack | Strength scaling: D
Regular +5: 302 physical attack | Strength scaling: C

5. Executioner’s Greatsword

The Executioner’s Greatsword is essentially the same as Gael’s Greatsword, albeit with less apparent damage after a lot of use. It features great Strength scaling, and the innate ability to leech FP from enemies, giving them to yourself. Unlike most Greatswords, this one deals Strike damage, and it cannot be infused.

What makes the Executioner’s Greatsword great:

Deals Strike damage
Good Strength scaling
Leeches FP from attacks
Similar to Gael’s Greatsword

Executioner’s Greatsword stats:

Regular: 131 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +3: 170 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +6: 209 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +10: 262 physical attack | Strength scaling: B

4. Greatsword of Judgement

Another weapon acquired by means of Soul Transposition, the Greatsword of Judgement is used by Pontiff Sulyvahn, to channel magic energy. This is made apparent by the Weapon Art, which gives you a magic AR for a certain period of time. The moveset it has is the one the Bastard Sword uses, but with some additional features that make it a real boss weapon.

What makes the Greatsword of Judgement great:

Weapon art gives magic AR
Good moveset
Great strong attack
Good for intelligence builds

Greatsword of Judgement stats:

Regular: 110 physical attack | Intelligence scaling: D
Regular +3: 164 physical attack | Intelligence scaling: C
Regular +5: 200 physical attack | Intelligence scaling: C

3. Wolf Knight’s Greatsword

Ah, Artorias, the Knight of the Abyss. This sword is modelled after the one he uses, and features an acrobatic moveset, just like the famed knight. Aside from this, it also has some great scaling, a strong moveset, and built-in extra damage against Abyssal enemies, as well as Abyssal bosses. It should definitely be considered for your next playthrough.

What makes the Wolf Knight’s Greatsword great:

Bonus damage against Abyssal enemies
Bonus damage against Abyssal bosses
Acrobatic weapon art
Good scaling
Strong moveset

Wolf Knight’s Greatsword stats:

Regular: 139 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +3: 208 physical attack | Strength scaling: C
Regular +5: 254 physical attack | Strength scaling: C

2. Hollowslayer Greatsword

Yet another boss weapon, the Hollowslayer Greatsword has some of the most unique attack patterns out of any greatsword, and it’s great against Hollow enemies, like the name implies. In general, it is a weapon with some great scaling that favors Dexterity over Strength, and it should definitely be taken into consideration for anyone wanting some fun in their playthrough.

What makes the Hollowslayer Greatsword great:

Unique moveset
Bonus damage against Hollows
Scales well with Dexterity and Strength

Hollowslayer Greatsword stats:

Regular: 145 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
Regular +3: 216 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C
Regular +5: 264 physical attack | Dexterity scaling: C

1. Claymore

Now we come to the best Greatsword in the game: the Claymore. Speaking from a gameplay standpoint, this weapon fits all of the parameters you need. It is reliable in almost every single situation in the game, seeing as it has excellent scaling and incredible damage for how early you find it in the game. The Claymore is a jack of all trades among Greatswords, and should be used for at least one playthrough, just to experience it in full.