Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III

Weapon Arts

Master Weapon Arts in Dark Souls III, using FP for unique abilities tied to specific arms. Learn key tactics for combat and bosses.

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Weapon Arts

Weapon Arts are powerful, unique abilities tied to specific weapons in Dark Souls III, offering a dynamic layer to combat beyond standard attacks. Utilizing Weapon Arts consumes Focus Points (FP), the blue bar beneath your health and stamina. Mastering these skills is crucial for overcoming challenging enemies and bosses, as they can provide tactical advantages like increased damage, defensive buffs, or crowd control.

Understanding Weapon Arts

Each weapon in Dark Souls III, with a few exceptions, possesses a unique Weapon Art. These skills are activated by holding the L2/LT button (on PlayStation/Xbox controllers, respectively) while the weapon is in your main hand. Some Weapon Arts have a follow-up attack or stance that can be triggered by pressing R1/RB or R2/RT after initiating the art. The effectiveness and FP cost of a Weapon Art can vary greatly, so experimentation is key.

Activating Weapon Arts

  1. Equip the Weapon: Ensure the desired weapon is in your right hand (main hand).
  2. Two-Handing (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for all Weapon Arts, two-handing your weapon (Y/Triangle + R1/RB or R2/RT) often enhances the power and stability of the art, and for some weapons, it's required to access their full potential.
  3. Hold L2/LT: This initiates the Weapon Art. For stance-based arts, holding L2/LT will put you into the stance, and subsequent R1/RB or R2/RT presses will execute different attacks.
  4. Monitor FP: Keep an eye on your blue FP bar. If you don't have enough FP, you'll perform a weaker, often less effective version of the Weapon Art, or none at all.

Ashes of War and Infusion

The Weapon Art of a weapon can be altered through the use of Ashes of War. These consumable items, found throughout Lordran, allow you to imbue a standard weapon with a new Weapon Art and an associated infusion type (e.g., Sharp, Heavy, Refined, Fire, etc.).

  • Finding Ashes of War: Ashes of War are scattered across various locations. For example, the Heavy Gem (which grants the "Stomp" Weapon Art) can be found early in the High Wall of Lothric. The Sharp Gem, often paired with the "Quickstep" Weapon Art, is a drop from the Grave Warden Skeleton in the Catacombs of Carthus.
  • Applying Ashes of War: Speak to Andre of Astora at the Firelink Shrine. Select the "Assign Ash of War" option. Here, you can choose a weapon and an Ash of War to apply.
  • Infusion Considerations: Applying an Ash of War often comes with an infusion that changes the weapon's scaling and damage type. For instance, a "Heavy" infusion increases Strength scaling, while a "Sharp" infusion boosts Dexterity scaling. Choose infusions that align with your character's stats.
  • Removing Ashes of War: You can remove an Ash of War from a weapon at any time, also through Andre of Astora, without losing the Ash of War itself. This allows for flexible build experimentation.

Strategic Use of Weapon Arts

  • Stance Arts: Weapons like Straight Swords and Greatswords often have "Stance" arts. Holding L2/LT puts you in a ready stance. Pressing R1/RB performs a quick, often guard-breaking attack, while R2/RT executes a powerful, charged strike. This is excellent for breaking enemy guard or punishing openings.
  • Buffs and Self-Enhancements: Some Weapon Arts provide temporary buffs. For example, the "War Cry" art (found on many axes) boosts attack power, while "Perseverance" (on Great Hammers and some other weapons) grants hyper armor and damage reduction. Use these before engaging tough enemies or during boss fights.
  • Ranged Attacks: Certain weapons, like bows and some catalysts, have Weapon Arts that offer unique ranged attacks or spells. The "Steady Aim" art on bows, for instance, allows for more precise shots.
  • Crowd Control: Arts like "Stomp" (on Ultra Greatswords and Great Hammers) can knock down or stagger multiple enemies, providing valuable breathing room.
  • FP Management: Always carry Ashen Estus Flasks to replenish your FP. Consider allocating more Estus Flasks to Ashen if you rely heavily on Weapon Arts. The Farron Ring, found in the Farron Keep area (near the Old Wolf of Farron bonfire), reduces FP consumption for Weapon Arts, making it invaluable for builds centered around them.

Notable Weapon Arts to Master

  • Stomp (Ultra Greatswords, Great Hammers): A powerful art that grants hyper armor and a strong upward swing, excellent for trading hits or breaking enemy poise.
  • Quickstep (Daggers, some Straight Swords with Sharp infusion): A rapid sidestep that provides invincibility frames, perfect for dodging attacks and repositioning.
  • Unfaltering Prayer (Talismans, Chimes): Grants hyper armor while casting miracles, preventing interruptions from enemy attacks. Essential for faith builds.
  • War Cry (Axes, Great Axes): A temporary attack buff that can turn the tide of battle.
  • Perseverance (Great Hammers, some other weapons): Grants significant damage reduction and hyper armor, allowing you to tank hits and retaliate.
  • Charge (Spears, Halberds): A forward thrust that can cover ground quickly and deal significant damage, often breaking enemy guard.

Experiment with different weapons and Ashes of War to discover the Weapon Arts that best suit your playstyle and current challenges. They are a vital tool in the arsenal of any successful Unkindled.