In Dark Souls III, the best infusions for weapons depend on your character build and playstyle. Sharp infusions are great for Dexterity-based builds, Heavy infusions work well with Strength-focused characters, Refined infusions are versatile for balanced stats, and Elemental infusions can be effective for specific elemental damage bonuses.
Introduction
Choosing the best infusions for weapons in Dark Souls III is crucial for maximizing your damage output and making the most of your build. Infusions allow you to imbue your weapons with elemental attributes, scaling bonuses, and unique effects that can cater to different playstyles and builds. In this guide, we will explore the various infusion options available in Dark Souls III and provide insights into the best infusions for different scenarios.
Raw Infusion
The Raw infusion in Dark Souls III removes all scaling bonuses from a weapon but increases its base damage. This infusion is ideal for low-level builds or players who do not have high stats in Strength or Dexterity. Raw-infused weapons shine in the early game when players have limited stats and access to upgrade materials. However, as you progress and invest more in your stats, other infusions generally outperform Raw infusion due to the lack of scaling bonus.
Sharp Infusion
Sharp infusion increases the Dexterity scaling of a weapon while reducing its Strength scaling. This infusion is perfect for Dexterity-focused builds that rely on fast, agile attacks with weapons like katanas, curved swords, or spears. Sharp-infused weapons scale well with high Dexterity stats, making them potent choices for players who prioritize agility and quick strikes over raw power.
Heavy Infusion
Heavy infusion is tailored for Strength-based builds by enhancing a weapon's Strength scaling while reducing its Dexterity scaling. This infusion is ideal for players wielding heavy weapons like ultra greatswords, greataxes, or hammers that demand high Strength requirements. Heavy-infused weapons pack a tremendous punch with each hit, making them formidable choices for players who prefer slow but devastating attacks.
Refined Infusion
Refined infusion balances a weapon's Strength and Dexterity scaling, making it suitable for quality builds that invest evenly in both stats. Quality builds are versatile and can wield a wide array of weapons effectively. Refined-infused weapons benefit from scaling bonuses in both Strength and Dexterity, resulting in a well-rounded and adaptable playstyle. However, for specialized builds focusing heavily on either Strength or Dexterity, other infusions may provide better damage output.
Crystal and Lightning Infusions
Crystal and Lightning infusions imbue weapons with magical properties, scaling with Intelligence and Faith, respectively. Crystal-infused weapons deal Magic damage and cater to Sorcery-focused builds that emphasize spellcasting and intelligence stats. Lightning-infused weapons deal Lightning damage and suit Faith-based builds that rely on miracles and faith scaling. These infusions are excellent choices for hybrid Sorcerer or Cleric builds that incorporate melee combat alongside spellcasting.
Dark and Chaos Infusions
Dark and Chaos infusions infuse weapons with both Intellige nce and Faith scaling, making them versatile choices for Dark builds that combine sorceries and miracles. Dark-infused weapons deal a mix of Physical and Dark damage, while Chaos-infused weapons deal Fire damage. These infusions are especially potent for players who delve into both sorceries and miracles, offering a diverse damage output that can catch opponents off guard.
Blessed and Simple Infusions
Blessed and Simple infusions provide unique effects that differentiate them from traditional damage-inflicting infusions. Blessed-infused weapons gradually restore the wielder's health over time, making them valuable choices for players seeking passive healing during combat. Simple-infused weapons gradually replenish the wielder's FP (Focus Points) over time, benefiting spellcasters who rely on magic for their attacks. These infusions offer utility and sustainability on top of their base damage.
Best Infusions for Different Builds
Deciding on the best infusion for your weapon in Dark Souls III largely depends on your build, playstyle, and stat allocation. For Dexterity-focused builds, Sharp infusion is typically the way to go, enhancing your Dexterity scaling for swift and precise attacks. Strength-based builds excel with Heavy infusion, maximizing the raw power of heavy weapons. Quality builds benefit most from Refined infusion, striking a balance between Strength and Dexterity scaling for versatility.
For magic-focused builds, Crystal and Lightning infusions cater to Sorcery and Faith builds, respectively, amplifying their magical damage output. Dark and Chaos infusions offer hybrid builds the flexibility to wield both sorceries and miracles effectively, dealing a mix of elemental damage types. Blessed and Simple infusions provide unique utility for players seeking passive healing or FP restoration during combat.
Conclusion
Choosing the best infusion for your weapon in Dark Souls III is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your effectiveness in combat. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each infusion type and tailoring your choice to match your build, you can optimize your damage output and enhance your overall gameplay experience. Experiment with different infusions, consider your playstyle and build requirements, and adapt your weapon accordingly to unleash its full potential in the challenging world of Dark Souls III.