Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III

Skills

Understand Weapon Skills in Dark Souls III. Learn how these FP-consuming abilities provide unique offensive and defensive advantages in combat.

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Skills

Weapon Skills, also known as Weapon Arts, are special abilities tied to specific weapons in Dark Souls 3. These skills consume Focus Points (FP) and offer unique offensive maneuvers, defensive buffs, or utility effects that can dramatically change the tide of battle. Learning to utilize your weapon's skill effectively can provide a significant advantage.

Weapon Skills are a dynamic addition to Dark Souls 3's combat, adding a layer of strategic depth beyond basic attacks. Each skill is unique to a particular weapon or weapon class and consumes Focus Points (FP) to activate:

  • What are Weapon Skills? These are special abilities activated by pressing the L2/LT button (when two-handing a weapon or using a weapon with a skill in the off-hand). They range from powerful offensive strikes to defensive buffs and utility effects.
  • FP Consumption: Using a Weapon Skill depletes your Focus Points (FP), which can be replenished by using Ashen Estus Flasks or certain consumables. Your maximum FP is determined by your Attunement stat.
  • Examples of Weapon Skills:
    • Stomp: Found on many heavy weapons, this skill temporarily boosts your poise and allows for a powerful follow-up attack.
    • Weapon Art: Many weapons have a unique skill named after them, such as the 'Weapon Art' of the Lothric Knight Sword, which allows for a quick flurry of attacks.
    • Spinning Slash: A common skill on curved swords and daggers, allowing for a wide, damaging arc.
    • Perseverance: Found on some heavier weapons, this skill allows you to withstand a hit with reduced damage and poise, often followed by a counter-attack.
    • Ready Stance: Allows you to enter a defensive stance, often leading into a powerful counter-attack.
  • Two-Handing Requirement: Most Weapon Skills can only be activated when your weapon is in your right hand and you are two-handing it, or if the skill is inherent to an off-hand weapon.

Mastering your chosen weapon's skill can turn the tide of difficult encounters. For example, using Stomp before a heavy attack can poise through an enemy's incoming blow, guaranteeing your attack lands. Experiment with different weapons to discover the diverse and powerful skills available.