Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

As a seasoned veteran of the realm of Lordran, I must say that the weapons in Dark Souls 3 have always held a special place in my heart. However, some stand out more than others, and today, dear reader, we shall delve into three such weapons that every adventurer should consider wielding on their journey.


In the realm of Dark Souls 3, some players may find dexterity-based builds less favorable due to their immense power. These builds predominantly focus on boosting dexterity and endurance levels significantly. Such characters can attack without much restraint, but there’s a compelling reason behind their widespread popularity.

In Dark Souls 3, some of the most potent weapons for Player vs Environment (PvE) are optimized with Dexterity. On the other hand, numerous weapon types in Player vs Player (PvP) excel when combined with high Dexterity, offering powerful movesets capable of dealing significant damage. Here’s a guide focusing on optimal dexterity builds for both PvE and PvP scenarios in Dark Souls 3.

16 PVE: Frayed Blade Build

A Fair Reward For Defeating Darkeater Midir

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

The “Frayed Blade” is an ominous-looking katana that boasts a powerful, long-range ability called “Hold.” This ability sends a shockwave across the ground, making it perfect for Dexterity-based characters. With a B scaling rating and the capability to dish out significant damage through rapid combos, this weapon excels in close quarters combat. Moreover, its unique skill allows it to handle enemies from afar, as well as swiftly slice through multiple opponents when players find themselves surrounded.

As a fellow enthusiast, I’d like to share some tips on enhancing gameplay efficiency. Using this weapon in tandem with the Chloranthy Ring can significantly slow down your stamina depletion rate. Moreover, donning the Carthus Milkring offers an extra 3 Dexterity points and provides a stealth-like effect during rolls. Lastly, don’t forget to equip the Ring of Favor for a 3% boost in max HP, 8.5% increase in max Stamina, and a 5% enhancement to your max Equip Load. Happy gaming!

How To Get The Frayed Blade

In the additional content for Dark Souls 3 titled The Ringed City, this sword is available. After successfully defeating Darkeater Midir, players can employ the technique of soul transposition to acquire this katana.

15 PVP: Estoc Build

Quick Swings And Long Range

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

The Estoc is one of the lightest and most versatile weapons in Dark Souls 3. With fast thrust attacks and wide swings, this weapon is ideal for PvP. It doesn’t deal the most damage and doesn’t have the best Dexterity scaling (D), but given its speed, it can keep constant pressure on opponents, forcing them to roll continuously until their Stamina is depleted.

In terms of its length, the Estoc is versatile, making it effective in close, mid-range, and even long-distance battles. Given its focus on agility, it’s best for players to opt for lightweight armor to ensure easy movement. Ideal accessories for this weapon include the Ring of Favor, the Chloranthy Ring (for swift Stamina recovery), and the Prisoner’s Chain. To boost its power, players may also consider using Magic Weapon or Sacred Oath, which deal extra damage to enemies.

How To Get The Estoc

If a player chooses the Assassin class initially, they’ll find the Estoc is their main weapon right off the bat. For those who opt for different classes, they can acquire this weapon by having Greirat loot the Undead Settlement and then purchasing it from him later on.

In case Greirat passes away prior to you acquiring the Estoc, you have another option: You can deliver his remains (Greirat’s Ashes) to the Shrine Maiden instead, and she will offer to sell it to you for 3,000 Souls.

14 PVE: Brigand Twindaggers

The Daggers With The Highest Damage Per Second In The Game

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Via: SirDifferential (YouTube)

In the Dark Souls series, daggers are typically employed as defensive tools. However, players may find themselves taken aback by the lethal potential of the Brigand Twindaggers when optimally constructed. Compared to other daggers in the game, these weapons boast the highest damage-per-second rate and boast an exceptionally swift attack sequence.

Focus significantly on enhancing your dexterity, aiming to reach around 60 in that stat. Once achieved, prioritize increasing endurance to maximize this weapon’s ability to perform multiple attacks. To boost its damaging potential, consider imbuing the weapon with a sharp infusion. Additionally, it comes equipped with Quickstep weapon art for effortless movement and traversal.

How To Get The Brigand Twindaggers

  • Head to the Road of Sacrifices bonfire in the Road of Sacrifices area
  • Proceed past the overturned cart surrounded by corvian enemies
  • Beyond where the corvian storyteller is, there will be a way down
  • Travel down to an area below a bridge (the same area where one can fight the Madwoman)
  • Nearby, there will be a ledge next to a wall with a corpse holding the Brigand Twindaggers

13 PVP: Sellsword Twinblades

Ideal For Chaining Combos And Building Up Bleed

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Often called “Sellsword Winblades” by many, these blades stand out as an excellent choice for Player vs Environment (PvE) and a viable option for Player vs Player (PvP). The moveset of the Sellsword Twinblades is designed to capitalize on rapid, multiple attacks that can penalize aggressive players who overstep their boundaries or those whose dodge timings are less than precise.

In this fight scenario, the weapon technique excels at maintaining proper distance between attacks, but be mindful that greatswords may counterattack during their animations. For optimum results, aim for a dexterity level of 60 and equip a sharp infusion on your weapon. Additionally, consider using Pontiff’s Eye rings as they enhance the rapid attack speed of these weapons.

How To Get The Sellsword Twinblades

  • Can be obtained as the starting weapon for the Mercenary class
  • Alternatively, they can be found on the Road of Sacrifices
  • Start from the Halfway Fortress bonfire
  • Head down and keep to the right when entering the swamp
  • Keep staying to the right and descending until one reaches a dry path with poisonhorn bugs
  • Beware the 2 fierce lycanthrope enemies and proceed into the ruins at the end of the path
  • After entering the ruins and noticing the locked door on the right, go left into the open area
  • In this area will be a black knight
  • Behind the black knight will be the Sellsword Twinblades on a corpse.

12 PVE: Claymore

A Dark Souls Classic That Never Disappoints

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Many individuals within the community often perceive the Claymore as a weapon favored by beginners due to its accessibility. However, this assumption overlooks several key factors. For one, it’s commonly obtained early in the game, around the first hour of play. Moreover, its moveset is impressive, and it adapts effectively to various character builds, even those focusing on dexterity.

Enhance the Claymore with a Precious Stone to boost its Dexterity rating to A level. This high Dexterity score allows the Claymore to effortlessly defeat most enemies in New Game Plus and higher difficulties. The built-in hyperarmor makes this weapon excel even when the player is surrounded by numerous enemies, making it a versatile choice for both Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP). However, its broad swings make it more effective against PvE opponents.

How To Get The Claymore

  • Begin at the High Wall of Lothric Bonfire in the High Wall of Lothric area
  • Go down the stairs, beyond the praying hollows
  • Travel through the stairway entrance
  • Descend the ladder left of the entrance in this room
  • Go out the open metal gate and then make a left at the stone doorway to find a split path
  • Ascend the left of this splitting path, up the stairs, to reach the area below the firebreathing dragon
  • The Claymore is in the corner of this fire-bathed area but is on an annoying-to-reach ledge
  • Use the small set of stairs to get up to the ledge and grab the Claymore from the corpse in the corner
  • Beware, as the dragon’s fire makes it very difficult to navigate this area, so a suicide run may be in order

11 PVP: Crow Quills

An Outstanding, Quick Weapon That Can Reach The Highest Dexterity Scaling

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Equipped with both a slender blade like a rapier and a deadly claw, the Crow Quills are formidable weapons. When infused with sharpness, they scale strongly with dexterity (S). These weapons boast a robust combat style that encourages opponents to attack, only to be met with retaliation in the form of quill projectiles or seamless chaining of attacks together.

As a connoisseur of combat, I can attest that the Crow Quill, with its complex combos, poses a challenge to even the most seasoned players. Yet, when wielded by a master, it becomes a formidable spectacle in PvP. And let’s not forget about the Hornet Ring; when skillfully paired with this weapon, it adds an extra layer of prowess, especially for those adept at parrying foes.

How To Get The Crow Quills

  • In the Painted World of Ariandel, start from the Corvian Settlement bonfire
  • Head out the door and travel up and to the left in a wide arc
  • Drop down a very short ledge behind a house
  • Cross the cobblestone path to the right to a thin ledge hugging the rocky side of a cliff
  • Follow the thin path until one reaches an area with an aggressive corvian villager
  • Dispatch the weak foe and leap left across the gap nearby
  • Within the building to the right of the gap will be a corrupted corvian villager
  • After dealing with them, players will notice some boxes and barrels
  • Break these boxes and barrels to more easily spot an item on a raised bit of land below
  • Since this raised area can only be reached from above, jump down onto it
  • The item on the corpse here will be the Crow Quills

10 PVE: Murakumo

Amazing Dexterity Scaling, But It Requires Decent Strength Stats

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

The Murakumo excels at dealing damage in Player vs Environment (PvE). With its S scaling in dexterity and a +10 Sharp enhancement, it’s capable of dishing out enough damage to defeat more formidable PvE opponents with just a few strikes.

The robust armor embedded in the Murakumo makes it an effective choice against groups of lesser enemies, particularly when used in conjunction with its spinning weapon skill. Any build aiming for 20 strength and at least 40 dexterity might want to consider testing out this weapon. However, it has a few drawbacks: the high strength demand, its weight of 11 units, and the fact that you can’t acquire it until midway through your journey.

How To Get The Murakumo

  • The Murakumo is a guaranteed drop from Alva, Seeker of the Spurned, who invades the world of embered players shortly before they enter Irithyll Dungeon

9 PVP: Any Curved Sword

Curved Swords Are Extremely Versatile And Have Long Range

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Nearly all the curved swords found in Dark Souls 3 are excellent options for player versus player (PvP) battles. Each curved sword boasts a decent attack set, and when upgraded, they have at least a C rating in dexterity. Additionally, these weapons have a surprisingly long reach.

Opting for a Lothric Knight Sword or similar weapons generally offers an edge in PvP for many players, but these tools are exceptionally valuable for mastering dueling skills. Their extensive move set and long reach make curved swords one of the most versatile and challenging weapon types to read in the game. However, curved swords can be less effective against players with great shields or defensive strategies. A few swift strikes from a bleed-infused dagger should rattle even the most resilient opponents.

8 PVE: Old Wolf Curved Sword

Ideal To Pair With The Pontiff’s Right And Left Eye Rings

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

The swift strikes and natural regeneration of the Old Wolf Curved Sword make it one of the most enjoyable weapons in the Dark Souls series. This weapon scales exceptionally well with dexterity during upgrades, making it an ideal choice for characters focusing solely on dexterity builds.

Because the weapon is exceptionally swift with its art of attack, it synergizes nicely with Pontiff’s Left and Right Eye rings. These rings boost Attack Power and HP with consecutive attacks. This combination of stats and rings makes the gameplay more akin to Bloodborne than Dark Souls.

How To Get The Old Wolf Curved Sword

  • Players must enter the Watchdogs of Farron covenant by speaking with the Old Wolf of Farron in Farron Keep
  • After entering the covenant, players will need to offer 10 Wolf’s Blood Swordgrass (rare drops from Ghru enemies and guaranteed drops from defeating invaders for the covenant)
  • Offering 10 Wolf’s Blood Swordgrass will allow one to reach Rank 1 in the Watchdogs of Farron covenant
  • The Old Wolf Curved Sword can be obtained as a Rank 1 reward

7 PVP: Astora Greatsword

Considerably Unaffected By The 40 Dexterity Soft Cap

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

In Dark Souls 3, almost every structure allows the Astora Greatsword to become incredibly potent due to its ultra-light weight and excellent scaling. With its edge honed, this sword significantly boosts its Attack Rating beyond the soft cap of 40 dexterity, making the Astora Greatsword feel like a freight train when wielded by a character with a dexterity build.

This weapon boasts an excellent combination of rapid strikes and powerful slashes, making it ideal for player versus player combat. Not many swords are as effective at completing a dexterity-focused build for PvP as the Astora Greatsword.

How To Get The Astora Greatsword

  • Begin from the Cleansing Chapel Bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep
  • Go out of the main doors and turn right toward the pillar
  • Run around the exploding hollows that are praying
  • Ascend the curved stairway and pass through the metal gate
  • Stay as left as possible and head uphill
  • Players will soon find a corpse kneeling at a large gravestone on a patch of cobblestone
  • At the bottom of this gravestone will be the Astora Greatsword on a lootable corpse

6 PVE: Onikiri and Ubadachi

Great Katanas With Bleed Included

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

In Dark Souls 3, it’s widely believed that the Onikiri and Ubadachi katanas are the top choices for PvE combat due to their excellent scaling with dexterity when sharpened. What sets them apart is their inherent bleed effect, which allows them to deal massive damage to most bosses. However, you can use any katana until you acquire these weapons, which are found later in the game at Lothric Castle.

In comparison to many other weapons, Onikiri and Ubadachi are less affected by the skill cap that reduces damage based on high dexterity, making them an excellent selection for characters focused on dexterity.

How To Get The Onikiri And Ubadachi

  • This paired weapon is a guaranteed drop from Black Hand Kamui, who attacks the player in the Grand Archives along with 2 other hostile NPCs

5 PVP: Murakumo (Yes, It’s Great For PVP Too!)

Roll Catching Attacks And High Base AR, Ideal For Decimating Other Players

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Despite its impressive size, the Murakumo shines as an exceptional agility-based weapon for proficient players. This weapon is engineered around dexterity, and when upgraded to +10 Sharp, it boasts an S scaling in this attribute with a base attack rating of 244. With sufficient dexterity, the Murakumo can swiftly deal lethal blows to most enemies, often requiring just two strikes. Additionally, it offers a decent amount of hyperarmor, enabling players to retaliate during ganks by counter-attacking.

The Murakumo excels not only in causing damage but also in its versatile moveset: shaped like a curved greatsword, it offers an excellent blend of diagonal slashes and maneuver-capturing strikes that will constantly challenge your adversaries. Combine the Murakumo’s primary attacks with its spinning weapon art for an enjoyable experience.

4 PVE: Astora Greatsword (Yes, It’s Also Awesome For PVE!)

Paired With High Dexterity And Some Faith, This Weapon Hits Like A Truck

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Via: FurryWulfz (YouTube)

In the PvP section, it was noted earlier that this build features the Astora Greatsword. However, this weapon truly shines in PvE, showcasing its power and earning a separate mention. Its exceptional scaling and user-friendly design make it ideal for swiftly dealing with large groups of enemies or challenging mobs in PvE combat.

Invest in 60 dexterity and, if possible, obtain 15 faith to take advantage of Blessed Weapon which grants even more damage. A sharp-infused Astora Greatsword trivializes most of Dark Souls 3’s PvE content.

3 PVP: Katanas

Katanas Like The Washing Pole Have Extremely Long Range

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

Via: TATICADS (YouTube)

As a gamer, let me tell you that katanas are quite the sensation among us gamers, often deemed “powerful” and “affordable.” The reason behind this label is clear: their impressive reach, versatile move sets, ease of acquisition, and a majority of A or S scaling in dexterity. What’s more, players can lay their hands on the Uchigatana as early as the first area in the game, making it possible for them to deal some serious damage in early PvP encounters.

Most katanas are good in PvP, though, this boils down to preference. Those looking for range should use the Washing Pole and run over 60 dexterity alongside high endurance. Those who want more flourish with their playstyle can opt for the Frayed Blade with the Pontiff Eyes and 60 dexterity to demolish players in a few strikes, recovering HP and gaining damage per weapon art attack.

2 PVE: Sellsword Twinblades (Another Incredible Double-Entry Weapon!)

Combined With Carthus Rouge, They Make For An Overkill Bleed Build

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

In yet another reference, the “Sellsword Winblades” are highlighted for their remarkable damage capability in Player versus Environment (PvE) scenarios. Just like in Player versus Player (PvP), players are advised to prioritize dexterity and equip these Sellsword Twinblades with a sharp infusion for optimal performance.

Among all the weapons in the game, particularly those used for PvE content, these ones dish out some of the greatest damage per second. What’s more, they boast a potent arsenal of moves. Even better, they can be bolstered with Carthus Rouge or any element to amplify their killing power even further.

1 PVP: Lothric Knight Sword

Combined With The Hornet Ring, This Weapon Has An Outstanding Critical Multiplier

Dark Souls 3: Best Dexterity Builds For PVE & PVP

In the realm of Dark Souls 3, straight swords have always held their ground, but none surpass the Lothric Straight Sword when it comes to PvP combat. This sword boasts an S scaling in dexterity within PvP, making it an ideal choice for a character build centered around agility and speed.

Strive to maximize agility with this weapon for optimal benefits. This blade boasts an extraordinary damage potential, often exceeding 400 Attack Rating (AR) with some enhancement in agility. Due to its high critical hit multiplier, pair it with the Hornet Ring to deal massive damage on parries or backstabs. It’s a highly effective build and strategy, though its popularity has waned somewhat as players tire of using a straightforward straight sword, which might appear generic.

How To Get The Lothric Knight Sword

  • Can be dropped by the Lothric knights who wield them at the High Wall of Lothric (uncommon drop rate)
  • Can be bought from Greirat for 4,000 sounds after he returns from his second expedition

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2024-09-16 13:55