How Good is Drake Sword DS1?
The Drake Sword is a unique and powerful weapon in Dark Souls 1, and many players wonder how good it is compared to other weapons in the game. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the Drake Sword and explore its strengths and weaknesses.
Initial Impressions
The Drake Sword is an invaluable resource during the initial few areas of Dark Souls 1. It’s a powerful weapon that can take down most enemies with ease, especially when combined with its high damage output. However, its limitations become apparent as the player progresses through the game.
Upgrades and Scaling
The Drake Sword can be upgraded, but most players would advise against it. Upgrading the sword requires Dragon Scales, a somewhat rare in-game item that can be better spent on upgrading other weapons. The sword’s scaling is also limited, reaching a maximum of 300 attack power. In comparison, other weapons can reach much higher attack power with the right upgrades.
Comparison to Other Weapons
The Drake Sword is only useful if you plan on keeping the base requirements to wield it, which is 16 strength. In comparison, other weapons like the Zweihander and the Claymore are more efficient for STR-oriented builds. The Drake Sword also lacks the scaling and damage output of other weapons, making it less desirable for players who want to optimize their damage output.
When to Stop Using the Drake Sword
You should stop using the Drake Sword when you have enough levels and titanite to upgrade a weapon beyond its damage output. Generally, this is around the Depths area where you can find an item that lets you upgrade normal weapons past +5. By this point, the Drake Sword’s limitations become apparent, and other weapons become more desirable.
Best Shields to Pair with the Drake Sword
The Drake Sword can be paired with a variety of shields to enhance its performance. Some of the best shields to pair with the Drake Sword include:
| Shield | Description |
|---|---|
| Havel’s Greatshield | Provides a high amount of defense and can be used to block heavy attacks. |
| Crest Shield | Dropped by Oscar of Astora, this shield provides a moderate amount of defense and can be used to block medium attacks. |
| Spider Shield | Provides a high amount of defense and can be used to block heavy attacks. |
| Black Knight Shield | Provides a moderate amount of defense and can be used to block medium attacks. |
| Silver Knight Shield | Provides a high amount of defense and can be used to block heavy attacks. |
Can You Get the Drake Sword Later?
The Drake Sword is not required to win the game, and you can continue playing without it. If you really want it, you can try running across the bridge a few times, and it should come back.
Conclusion
The Drake Sword is a powerful weapon in Dark Souls 1, but its limitations become apparent as the player progresses through the game. It’s only useful if you plan on keeping the base requirements to wield it, and even then, other weapons become more desirable. If you’re looking for a powerful weapon to pair with a shield, consider other options like the Zweihander or the Claymore.