Sharp as a knife...
After enough souls being lost and enemies ravaging the player to dust, the mechanics of Dark Souls become increasingly apparent. One of the most satisfying and exciting abilities the player is given are critical attacks. With criticals the player can either backstab with timing and movement, or parry/riposte an attack to deliver a front on critical. Below are the best weapons in game to deliver some killer riposte's on Lordran's biggest baddies.
5. Dagger
The most fundamental of slash and thrust weapons is not one to take lightly. Despite a nearly non existent weight it boasts tremendously fast attacks. A starting weapon of the sorcerer class, it is infusible with any elemental upgrade. While easily overlooked and not the best in its class, the standard dagger is a critical attack machine.
What makes Dagger great:
- Fast strike speed
- Quick, varied move set
- B scaling in Dexterity
- Great with buffs
Dagger details:
4. Parrying Dagger
The mildest of dexterity investment and the player can equip one of the most unique weapons in game. Lore will tell you it was a specialist item of the Knights of Carim. The dagger in question is equipped with the left hand and used as a form of shield. Statistically this is nearly identical to your standard dagger, but this thing really knows how to parry.
What makes Parrying Dagger great:
- Most parrying frames in the game
- Strong scaling
- Held in shield hand
- Easily found in New Londo Ruins
Parrying Dagger details:
3. Mail Breaker
This small, unremarkable item can be acquired within the opening minutes of the game. This short piercing sword does not hold a remarkable base damage, but its critical damage modifier is where its power lies. Buffable in every which direction, a close quarters play style is only empowered with this armor piercing thrust specialist.
What makes Mail Breaker great:
- Easily acquired
- brilliant Scaling when enchanted
- Powerful critical
- Easy requirement stats
Mail Breaker details:
2. Dark Silver Tracer
Some would have the dark silver tracer at the top of this list, however, its is DLC exclusive item. Acquiring it depends on the players interaction with Carian after their fight with the Knight of Artorias. Wielding it requires some fair investment in dexterity. Poison build up comes with every blisteringly fast strike and can be used with its gold counterpart for devastating combos.
What makes Dark Silver Tracer great:
- S scaling in dexterity
- Powerful critical damage modifier
- Auxiliary poison damage
- OP with Hornet ring
Dark Silver Tracer details:
1. Bandit’s Knife
A starting item for the thief class, this single edged slash weapon is the best riposte weapon available in Dark Souls. Its 30 percent bleed build up is easily hit with such a fast move set. This knife can be upgraded in any element the player chooses and its not difficult for a player to find. Throw on a hornet ring, master the move set and watch your ripostes leave enemies in the dust.
What makes Bandit’s Knife great:
- Highest critical in game
- Auxiliary bleed build up
- Brilliant parameter bonuses
- Can be acquired early game
