Summary
TheDark Soulsseries is known for challenging gameplay, difficult bosses, and terrifying environments, andDark Souls 3is no different. These games are also, however, known for the incredible customizability available to players. Players can change the appearance, stats, armor, and weapons of their designed characters.Dark Souls 3has a massive gallery ofdifferent weapons for playersto try out, from katanas to oversized hammers and everything in between.
One weapon type has always been in the hearts of allDark Soulsfans, not only because these weapons often boast the best stats in the games, but they also have incredible designs, fun, and diverse move-sets, and can be a challenge to obtain and master. This is, of course, Greatswords. Here is a ranking of thebest Greatswords inDark Souls 3, andno, the Moonlight Greatsword will not be featuredbecause of how underwhelming it is.
Updated Aug 01, 2025 by Vlad Mazanko:Greatswords are among the most popular and beloved weapon categories in any Soulslike, and it’s easy to see why. With their smooth and versatile moveset, a mix of fast and heavy attacks, and an ideal balance of size, speed, and weight, they suit both Strength and Dexterity builds in the game. They’re perfect for Dark Souls 3 players who want to embody a knight-like playstyle and pair well with most medium to heavy armor sets.
The list has been updated to include more of the best Greatswords in Dark Souls 3, along with stat tables for each weapon, and instructions on how to get each Greatsword.
128+89 (fire)
234+162
9.0
Skill
Ember
One of the most visually stunning and iconic weapons inDark Souls 3, theFirelink Greatswordis a solid choice, though its full potential is best realized in a New Game+ cycle due to how late it becomes available. Its weapon art enhances its damage output by adding fire damage, which is a nice touch.
However, the Firelink Greatsword has an oddly placed heavy charged attack, a wide swipe instead of a stab, which feels somewhat inconsistent with its design. Additionally, it’s best suited for PvE, as its weapon art is easily recognized and parried in PvP. Despite its less-than-ideal scaling, the weapon’s solid moveset, striking appearance, and added fire damage make it a respectable option.
How to get Firelink Greatsword in Dark Souls 3:
This weapon is only available at the very end of the base game. Afterdefeating the final boss, Soul of Cinder, at the Kiln of the First Flame, players must transpose the Soul of the Lords to acquire it.
158
371 (raw)
8.5
Stance
Relatively easy to obtain, infusion-ready, buffable, long-reaching, and hard-hitting, theFlambergeis a versatile Greatsword that excels in both PvE and PvP. With very few weaknesses, it remains one of the most popular choices and the staple in theDark Soulsseries.
On the downside, its scaling is somewhat underwhelming, placing it below the Claymore at higher character levels. Additionally, its classic wavy blade design may not appeal to every player, though that comes down to personal preference. Still, the Flamberge is a deadly weapon, particularly effective for Strength/Dexterity builds, especially in the first half of the game.
How to get Flamberge in Dark Souls 3:
This Greatsword can be acquired fairly early in the game. To obtain it, players need to farm Hollow Slave enemies wielding it, commonly found in the Undead Settlement, particularly near the stone bridge by the Cliff Underside Bonfire.
80+115 (dark)
140+200
Default Scaling
Str - E, Dex - E, Int - D, Fai - D
Max Scaling (+5)
Str - D, Dex - D, Int - C, Fai - C
Elfriede’s Blackflame
Not only is theOnyx Bladeone of the best-looking weapons inDark Souls 3, but it also boasts the longest range of any Greatsword in the game, whether wielded one-handed or two-handed. Thismakes the sword particularly useful in PvP, as many Greatswords without a poke attack can be difficult to wield against opponents with longer-reaching weapons.
While it has decent stats, it scales poorly with strength and dexterity. Fortunately, it fills a unique niche byscaling well with intelligenceand faith. Moreover, its weapon arts are really fun to use and effective, too.
How to get Onyx Blade in Dark Souls 3:
The Onyx Blade is available through theAshes of AriandelDLC. Players can obtain this weapon by defeating Sir Vilhelm near the graveyard when he becomes hostile.
131
262
Stomp
Elden Ring players will instantlyrecognize the deadly Marais Executioner’s Swordin this weapon. InDark Souls 3, theExecutioner’s Greatswordis also a top-tier choice and one of the most powerful in its category. With solid damage, great scaling, FP leeching on kills, and the unique trait of dealing strike damage (unlike most other Greatswords slash damage), this weapon earns a well-deserved place among the best.
Widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded PvE weapons, the Executioner’s Greatsword also boasts a rich lore background that further enhances its appeal. Interestingly, Gael’s Greatsword is a worn-out version of this weapon, making the final battle against Slave Knight Gael even more thematically compelling when wielding this one.
How to get Executioner’s Greatsword in Dark Souls 3:
This weapon can be found on a corpse in the graveyard near the Cleansing Chapel Bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep.
139
254
11.5
Wolf Sword
TheWolf Knight’s Greatswordis one of the most popular weapons in the game, and it has fairly high damage. Fans of the series may guess by its name that yes, this is Artorius' sword, boasting the familiar moveset for Str or Dex knight builds.
The Wolf Knight Greatsword deals extra damage against abyss enemies and abyss bosses so it’s great for PvE. This weapon is fairly fast and the weapon art is really fun to use, but unfortunately, it can be parried and that is really what holds this weapon back. Experienced players will punish users for using its weapon art in PvP.
How to get Wolf Knight’s Greatsword in Dark Souls 3:
It’s available relatively early in the game. It can be acquired bytransposing the Soul of the Abyss Watchers after defeating themin Farron Keep.
147
268
Blade of Peril
InDark Souls 3,Gael’s Greatswordoffers really good stats and scales well with strength. However, the best thing about this worn-out Greatsword, aside from its stylish looks, is its outstanding skill.
Its weapon art is truly something, allowing players to leap in any direction, slamming the sword down,similar to Gael in his battle. Players can follow this up with a normal attack for a slash or with a strong attack for an overhead leap. This weapon not only looks good, and goes well with a host of armor sets, but it has solid stats all around.
How to get Gael’s Greatsword in Dark Souls 3:
As the name suggests, players can obtain Gael’s Greatsword bydefeating Slave Knight GaelinThe Ringed CityDLC and transposing his dark Soul. Given that Gael is essentially the final boss of theFire Fades Edition, this weapon, alongside the Twin Princes' Greatsword, is one of the hardest to acquire for new players.
138
374 (raw)
TheClaymoreis the jack of all trades, and to be fair, it’s the master of most trades too. This weapon is readily available and can be infused and buffed, which is rare for Greatswords. The upgrade materials for it are easily available too, allowing players to experiment with all sorts ofdifferent Claymore builds.
There’s nothing wrong with the Claymore statistically, even its weapon art. The stance is pretty good and its different infusions can make it a good option for late-game fights and PvE as well. If players overlook the basic design, they’ll find a top-tier weapon.
How to get Claymore in Dark Souls 3:
Claymore can be found on the plateau where the fire-breathing dragon rests in the High Wall of Lothric,right near the first Bonfire. Its early availability makes it one of the most popular Greatswords in the game.
126+83 (fire)
230+152
Str - D, Dex - D, Int - D, Fai - D
9.5
Sacred Light and Flame
Due to its rarity, theTwin Princes' Greatswordis quite underrated. While it does take some effort to get this weapon, it has great stats and scales well with strength, dexterity, intelligence, and faith. While it doesn’t boast the highest damage, its weapon art compensates for it: players can enter a stance and then use either light or heavy attacks to cast Sacred Lothric Light or Flame of Lorian.
These two spellshave good range and deal additional fire damage. What holds this weapon back is the low range and low damage, but it’s quick and can surprise foes in PvP due to being underutilized.
How to get Twin Princes' Greatsword in Dark Souls 3:
Alongside Gael’s Greatsword, the Twin Princes' Greatsword is one of the rarer weapons, as players can only obtain it by transposing the Soul of the Twin Princes, Lothric and Lorian, twice. This means players must be in NG+ and essentially beat the game twice before acquiring it.
173
302
10.0
Perseverance
TheBlack Knight Swordmight be one of the best weapons in the game, as it is easily obtainable and has incredible stats. The weapon skill increases the user’s poise and makes them much more tanky. One of its greatest advantages in PvE is the 20% extra damage it deals to Demons, making the Black Knight Sword especially effective against formidablebosses like the Old Demon Kingandthe Demon Prince.
This weapon is great in both its one-handed and two-handed versions, it boasts great stats, is easily upgraded, and inflicts tons of poise damage. Perhaps its only weakness is its low range and its attacks may be a bit too telegraphed for PvP play at times.
How to get Black Knight Sword in Dark Souls 3:
The Black Knight Sword can be found on a corpse behind an illusory wall in Smouldering Lake, near the Demon Ruins Bonfire.
145
264
This is easily the all-around best Greatsword inDark Souls 3. TheHollowslayer Greatswordhas really wide weapon slashes making it effective at crowd control, its weapon art is readily spammable and breaks an opponent’s guard. Moreover, players can be in a nearly continuous state of hyper armor using its light attack combos. The Hollowslayer also scales well with Strength and notably has the best scaling with Dexterity out of any Greatsword in the game.
Its speed makes it a useful tool for PvP too, the Hollowslayer isn’t that popular, so it can catch people off-guard, it isn’t that heavy either so can be carried by lighter build users, and overall there’s hard to find any metric it doesn’t excel in.
How to get Hollowslayer Greatsword in Dark Souls 3:
The Hollowslayer Greatsword is accessible fairly early, as it can be obtained by transposing theSoul of the Curse-Rotted Greatwood after defeating the bossnear the end of the Undead Settlement.
