Dark Souls 3 BEST Strength Weapons + Locations [2024]

Strength weapons in Dark Souls 3 range from Great hammers to Greatswords to basic swords. Strength weapons scale with the strength stat, with the heavier and harder-hitting ones requiring a higher strength level. Strength weapons primarily deal physical damage, and their moveset usually consist of slashes, thrusts, and slam attacks.

I recommend a strength level of at least 40 for strength weapons, which is the soft level cap for Strength. Some heavier weapons, however, will require a Strength level of 50 to wield in one hand.

I also recommend a high vitality and endurance level for most strength weapons will consume a lot of stamina. While no armor set is recommended in particular, consider equipping one of these armor sets, for they will greatly complement the aesthetics of your Strength Weapons.

For more Dark Souls 3, consider checking out Dark Souls 3 Pyromancer Builds and Dark Souls 3 Thief Build.

Best Strength Weapons Stats Comparison

Each stat can be arranged to view the highest and lowest values for a comparison:

No.	Weapons	Awarded For	Physical Damage	Magic Damage	Fire Damage	Lightning Damage	Critical Damage	Physical Reduction	Magic Reduction	Fire Reduction	Lightning Reduction	Stability	Strength Req.	Dexterity Req.	Intelligence Req.	Faith Req.	Weight	Durability	Weapon Type	Attack Type
1	Great Club	Best Strength Weapon for Early-Game.	135	-	-	-	100	50.0	10.0	35.0	35.0	32	28	-	-	-	12.0	250	Great Hammer	Strike
2	Cathedral Knight Greatsword	Best Strength Weapon for Beginners.	140	0	0	0	100	60.0	50.0	40.0	40.0	45	20	10	-	-	15.0	120	Ultra Greatsword	Strike
3	Ledo’s Greathammer	Best PvE Strength Weapon.	170	0	0	0	100	85.0	55.0	60.0	55.0	50	60	-	-	-	28.0	310	Great Hammer	Strike
4	Butcher’s Knife	Best All-Rounder Strength Weapon.	112	0	0	0	0	55.0	10.0	30.0	30.0	40	25	8	-	-	16.0	40	Great Hammer	Strike
5	Greatsword	Best Strength Weapon for High Damage.	130	-	-	-	100	70.0	10.0	50.0	50.0	44	28	10	-	-	12.0	200	Ultra Greatswords	Regular / Thrust
6	Vordt’s Greathammer	Best Strength Weapon for Causing Frostbite & High Damage.	178	0	0	0	100	55.0	45.0	35.0	35.0	45	30	-	-	-	17.0	170	Great Hammer	Strike
7	Winged Knight Twinaxe	Best Strength Weapon for Versatile Moveset & Long Range.	122	0	0	0	100	45.0	30.0	25.0	25.0	35	20	12	-	-	8.5	80	Axe (Paired)	Standard
8	Fume Ultra Greatsword	Best Strength Weapon for Unique Appearance & High Damage Output.	149	0	0	0	100	80.0	55.0	65.0	60.0	55	50	10	-	-	25,5	170	Ultra Greatsword	Strike
9	Dragonslayer Greataxe	Best Greataxe for Formidable Physical & Lightning Damage.	200	0	0	74	100	55.0	45.0	40.0	40.0	40	40	-	-	-	20,0	165	Greataxe	Standard

Comparison Table. 

While you cannot go wrong with almost any Strength Weapon in Dark Souls 3, I tried to compile the best ones in a list. Owing to their high damage output, unique movesets and strength scaling, the following are what I consider to be the greatest pure-strength weapons in Dark Souls 3.

Great Club

Best Strength Weapon for Early-Game.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	135
Magic Damage	-
Fire Damage	-
Lightning Damage	-
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	50.0
Magic Reduction	10.0
Fire Reduction	35.0
Lightning Reduction	35.0
Stability	32
Strength Req.	28
Dexterity Req.	-
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	12.0
Durability	250
Weapon Type	Great Hammer
Attack Type	Strike

Great Club Stats Table.

While this may come as a surprise to some, the Great Club is probably one of the greatest early game/beginner strength weapons. It is also a great option for people transitioning into weapons such as the Greatsword and FUGS. The Great Club is dropped from the Watchdog of the Farron NPC near Farron Keep.

It has a relatively quick moveset that consists of Blunt/Slam attacks and requires a Strength level of at least 28. It deals a ton of damage and has a very beginner-friendly learning curve.

The Great Club can also be infused with the Heavy Gem for additional damage strength scaling. You can upgrade the Great Club with Titanite Shards.

The Great Club is a great option for both PVE and PVP, which is evident by how often you will encounter an online opponent wielding this weapon. Its straightforward moveset and high backstab damage make it a strong choice for all sorts of encounters. The powerful blunt attacks mean the Great Club will be staggering almost every non-boss enemy.

Cathedral Knight Greatsword

Best Strength Weapon for Beginners.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	140
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	0
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	60.0
Magic Reduction	50.0
Fire Reduction	40.0
Lightning Reduction	40.0
Stability	45
Strength Req.	20
Dexterity Req.	10
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	15.0
Durability	120
Weapon Type	Ultra Greatsword
Attack Type	Strike

Cathedral Knight Greatsword Stats Table. 

The Cathedral Knight Greatsword is an excellent choice for beginners and a top-tier ultra greatsword in the game. It’s a clear indication of a pure-strength player. Ultra greatswords can be challenging due to their slow swing speed, heavy weight, and dual-wielding complexity.

However, the Cathedral Knight Greatsword is newbie-friendly within the ultra greatsword category. It demands lower strength compared to others and offers a relatively quicker moveset while maintaining high damage.

To obtain it, you can pick it up from the Knights wielding it in the Cathedral of the Deep. Upgrade it using Titanite shards. Its moveset features Slash and Thrust attacks, requiring a minimum strength of 28 and dexterity of 10.

You can also infuse it; I recommend using the Heavy Gem for enhanced Strength scaling.

Ledo’s Greathammer

Best PvE Strength Weapon.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	170
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	0
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	85.0
Magic Reduction	55.0
Fire Reduction	60.0
Lightning Reduction	55.0
Stability	50
Strength Req.	60
Dexterity Req.	-
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	28.0
Durability	310
Weapon Type	Great Hammer
Attack Type	Strike

Ledos Greathammer Stats Table.

This is both the heaviest in the game and the weapon with the highest Strength requirement. Ledo’s Greathammer certainty is not one for beginners or those new to Strength builds, but it is arguably one of the greatest late-game weapons.

You can acquire this Greathammer after beating Silver Knight Ledo in the Ringed City DLC. This weapon is one of the hardest-hitting weapons in the game. While it does have a steep learning curve, it is justified by the skillset of this weapon.

Ledo’s greatsword has an L2 called Call to Stone that buffs the attacks of this weapon and the following R2 shatters nearby stones, causing damage. This weapon can be upgraded using twinkling titanate. Its moveset consists primarily of slow-hitting strike attacks.

While not a good PvP option, Ledo’s Greathammer is a contender for the best PvE weapons. Once you get comfortable with it and are timing your hits correctly, you will be shredding through all kinds of enemies. From multiple ads to a high-health boss fight, this weapon can cover every encounter.

Butcher’s Knife

Best All-Rounder Strength Weapon.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	112
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	0
Critical Damage	0
Physical Reduction	55.0
Magic Reduction	10.0
Fire Reduction	30.0
Lightning Reduction	30.0
Stability	40
Strength Req.	25
Dexterity Req.	8
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	16.0
Durability	40
Weapon Type	Great Hammer
Attack Type	Strike

Butchers Knife Stats Table. 

The Butcher’s Knife is a highly accessible weapon, ideal for both beginners and veterans. This pure Strength weapon offers a swift moveset considering its Strength scaling, making it a versatile choice.

You can obtain the Butcher’s Knife by defeating an NPC wielding it in the Road of Sacrifices. Upgrade it using Titanite shards. With good range and fast slash attacks, it excels in PvE and PvP scenarios.

It boasts unique R2 attacks and an L2 buff called ‘Sharpen,’ granting bonus attack and HP recovery with each hit for 25 seconds. A minimum Strength level of 18 is needed to wield it.

This weapon proves to be excellent for both PvP and PvE gameplay. Its fast moveset and Strength scaling make it effective in PvP, while unique R2 attacks and HP regeneration enhance its PvE capabilities. 

Greatsword

Best Strength Weapon for High Damage.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	130
Magic Damage	-
Fire Damage	-
Lightning Damage	-
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	70.0
Magic Reduction	10.0
Fire Reduction	50.0
Lightning Reduction	50.0
Stability	44
Strength Req.	28
Dexterity Req.	10
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	12.0
Durability	200
Weapon Type	Ultra Greatswords
Attack Type	Regular / Thrust

Greatsword Stats Table. 

The Greatsword in Dark Souls 3 draws inspiration from Guts’ sword in Berserk, making it an iconic and visually striking Ultra greatsword. Its menacing appearance, unique R2 attacks, and moveset position it among the top Strength weapons.

To acquire the Greatsword, look for it in Farron Keep atop a broken bridge. Upgrade it using Titanite Shards, and you have the option to buff and infuse it. Its moveset includes slashes and thrust attacks, requiring a minimum Strength of 28 and dexterity of 10.

You can enhance its Strength scaling by using a Heavy Gem, making it a Pure Strength weapon. The ability to be buffed sets it apart from most other ultra Greatswords.

The Greatsword shines in both PvP and PvE due to its length and high damage output. However, it’s particularly recommended for PvE, as its slow swing speed can be less effective in PvP, especially in one-on-one encounters. In PvE, it excels against both mobs and bosses.

Vordt’s Greathammer

Best Strength Weapon for Causing Frostbite & High Damage.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	178
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	0
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	55.0
Magic Reduction	45.0
Fire Reduction	35.0
Lightning Reduction	35.0
Stability	45
Strength Req.	30
Dexterity Req.	-
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	17.0
Durability	170
Weapon Type	Great Hammer
Attack Type	Strike

Vordt’s Greathammer Stats Table. 

Vordt’s Greathammer, due to its high damage, ability to cause frostbite, and perseverance, is one of the best Strength weapons in Dark Souls 3. This weapon cannot be buffed or infused. Its moveset consists primarily of strike attacks.

Since it is a boss soul weapon, you can acquire it by transposing the souls of Vordt of the Boreal Valley. It is reinforced using the Titanite Scale. You will require a strength level of at least 30 to use Vordt’s Greathammer.

This weapon causes frostbite quickly, often taking only 2 or 3 hits. It also has a strong L2 called Perseverance. Perseverance largely reduces incoming damage and gives you a lot of poise for 6 seconds, making you a tank for moments where you just want to jump in and spam attack

Voedt’s Greathammer is good for both PvE and PvP. Its high damage output, coupled with its moveset makes it a great PvE option, helping you melt through your enemies.

Perseverance and frostbite make it a great PvP weapon, especially if you are an offensive player and like to bait your enemies.

Winged Knight Twinaxe

Best Strength Weapon for Versatile Moveset & Long Range.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	122
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	0
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	45.0
Magic Reduction	30.0
Fire Reduction	25.0
Lightning Reduction	25.0
Stability	35
Strength Req.	20
Dexterity Req.	12
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	8.5
Durability	80
Weapon Type	Axe (Paired)
Attack Type	Standard

Winged Knight Twinaxe Stats Table. 

You know the Winged Knight Twinaxe will be a great Strength weapon the first time you come across a foe wielding it. This weapon, owing to its unique spinning attack, long length, high damage output, and strength scaling is one of the greatest weapons.

This weapon has a moveset that spans wide, clearing a large number of ads in mere seconds. You can acquire this weapon from Winged Knights that wield it as a drop, you will require a Strength level of at least 20 and a Dexterity level of at least 12 to wield this weapon. You can upgrade it using Titanite shards. It can be buffed and Infused.

While not a great PvP option, its length and versatile moveset make the Winged Knight Twinaxe a great PvE option. It is especially good against multiple foes and its spinning attack can be devastating.

It is also decent against single large health pool enemies and bosses. All in all, this is one of the finest PvE weapons.

Fume Ultra Greatsword

Best Strength Weapon for Unique Appearance & High Damage Output.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	149
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	0
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	80.0
Magic Reduction	55.0
Fire Reduction	65.0
Lightning Reduction	60.0
Stability	55
Strength Req.	50
Dexterity Req.	10
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	25,5
Durability	170
Weapon Type	Ultra Greatsword
Attack Type	Strike

Fume Ultra Greatsword Stats Table. 

The Fume Ultra Greatsword (FUGS) is an iconic Strength weapon in Dark Souls, known for its impressive appearance and performance. It first appeared in Dark Souls 2 and has since become a fan favorite.

To obtain FUGS, you must defeat Knight Slayer Tsorig, who invades you shortly after the first bonfire in the catacombs. FUGS cannot be infused but can be buffed and upgraded using Twinkling Titanite.

It demands a substantial Strength level of 50 and a Dexterity level of 10 to wield. Its moveset resembles the Greatsword but with a slightly higher damage output.

While it’s possible to wield FUGS with one hand, dual-wielding is recommended for optimal moveset and maximum damage. It has a learning curve due to its weight and slow swings, so it’s advisable to become comfortable with Ultra Greatswords using other options first. Once mastered, FUGS becomes one of the best choices in the game.

Fume Ultra Greatsword excels in both PvE and PvP. Its long reach, immense damage, and strike combos make it highly effective against regular enemies, mini-bosses, and bosses.

In PvP, it creates distance and deals substantial damage, often leading to quick victories. Overall, FUGS stands as one of the greatest weapons.

Dragonslayer Greataxe

Best Greataxe for Formidable Physical & Lightning Damage.

Attribute	Value
Physical Damage	200
Magic Damage	0
Fire Damage	0
Lightning Damage	74
Critical Damage	100
Physical Reduction	55.0
Magic Reduction	45.0
Fire Reduction	40.0
Lightning Reduction	40.0
Stability	40
Strength Req.	40
Dexterity Req.	-
Intelligence Req.	-
Faith Req.	-
Weight	20,0
Durability	165
Weapon Type	Greataxe
Attack Type	Standard

Lightning Greataxe Stats Table. 

The Dragonslayer Greataxe is a formidable and possibly the best in the game. It deals significant physical damage and can also deal Lightning Damage if you invest in faith, with a chance for Critical Damage.

Obtaining this weapon requires the soul of the Dragonslayer Armor, as it’s a boss soul weapon. While it can’t be buffed or infused, its base and lightning damage are already substantial. You’ll need a minimum Strength level of 50, and it has slight scaling with Dexterity and Faith. Its moveset includes strikes and slam attacks.

The Dragonslayer Greataxe excels in PvE, where its high damage and slow, telegraphed moves can shred through enemies, especially slower bosses like Darkeater Midir.

While it has a learning curve, its immense power makes it a justified choice for PvE. However, it’s less effective in PvP due to its slow swings and limited range.

Why Others Were Not Chosen?

1. Ringed Knight Paired Greatsword: Its high weight and stamina consumption may hinder maneuverability and limit prolonged engagements in combat.
2. Man Serpent Hatchet: It suffers from relatively low base damage and limited scaling potential, making it less optimal for high-strength or high-dexterity builds.
3. Long Sword:  Lack the raw damage output compared to other late-game weapons, limiting its effectiveness in high-level encounters.
4. Yhorm’s Great Machete: Burdened by its slow swing speed, leaving users vulnerable to agile opponents and making precise timing crucial in combat.
5. Millwood Greatbow: It suffers from its limited range and inability to use standard arrows, making it less versatile than other bows in various situations.
6. Exile Greatsword: It suffers from limited range and substantial weight, making it less versatile compared to other curved greatswords.

What Would I Recommend?

As an experienced player, I would recommend considering the Fume Ultra Greatsword (FUGS) and Ledo’s Greathammer as top choices among the best-strength weapons.

The Fume Ultra Greatsword, with its iconic design, long reach, and immense damage output, stands out as a versatile and powerful option. While it has a learning curve due to its weight and slow swings, mastering the FUGS can make it one of the most potent weapons for both PvE and PvP encounters.

The combination of its unique moveset, high damage, and the ability to be buffed sets it apart as a formidable choice for seasoned players who can handle its weight and swing timing.

Additionally, Ledo’s Greathammer is recommended for its unparalleled damage potential and unique abilities. While not suitable for beginners due to its steep learning curve and slow swings, it stands out as one of the best late-game weapons for experienced strength builds. 

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