How Does The Ds3 Onyx Blade Moveset Compare To Other Swords?

I can confidently say the 'Onyx Blade' stands out for its unique blend of magic and physical damage. Unlike traditional greatswords like the 'Claymore' or 'Black Knight Sword', the 'Onyx Blade' scales with both Intelligence and Faith, making it a powerhouse for hybrid builds. Its weapon art, 'Elfriede’s Blackflame', buffs the blade with dark damage, adding a layer of versatility that most greatswords lack. What really sets it apart is its range and moveset. The 'Onyx Blade' has a deceptive reach, often catching opponents off guard in PvP. While it may not hit as hard as the 'Fume Ultra Greatsword' in pure physical damage, the dark damage buff more than compensates, especially against enemies weak to magic. It’s also lighter than many ultra greatswords, allowing for better mobility. For spellswords or dark builds, it’s easily one of the top choices.

The 'Onyx Blade' in 'Dark Souls 3' is one of those weapons that just oozes style and power, especially if you're into hybrid builds. This greatsword scales with both Intelligence and Faith, making it perfect for pyromancers or dark magic users. Its base moveset is similar to other greatswords, featuring horizontal slashes for crowd control and a strong vertical chop for single targets. The weapon art, 'Elfriede’s Blackflame,' is where it truly shines—it buffs the blade with dark fire, adding extra damage and a cool visual effect. One thing I love about the 'Onyx Blade' is its versatility. The R2 attacks have decent range, and the rolling R1 is quick enough to catch opponents off guard. The buff lasts a solid 45 seconds, so you can pre-buff before engaging. It’s also surprisingly lightweight for a greatsword, letting you stay mobile. Pair it with the 'Prisoner’s Chain' or 'Ring of Favor' for extra survivability. If you’re looking for a weapon that balances raw power and dark aesthetics, this is it.

The Onyx Blade in 'Dark Souls 3' is such an interesting weapon choice! I mean, it stands out not just for its design—it’s sleek and ominous—but also for its unique mechanics. The weapon has a sort of dual nature, combining physical damage and a special dark elemental property. Right off the bat, you notice it has a really high base damage for a straight sword, which already puts it ahead of so many other options! Plus, its scaling with intelligence and faith means you can experiment with builds that are a bit different and fun, especially for folks who like to cast spells alongside melee combat. One of the coolest features is the weapon art: a special feat that allows you to unleash a dark attack, perfect for breaking enemy poise. Compared to traditional weapons like the trusty Claymore or even the infamous Estoc, the Onyx Blade feels fresher, with that unique dark magic twist. The trade-off, however, is you need a well-balanced build to make the most of it, unlike those other weapons that often have straightforward scaling. Playing with the Onyx Blade offers a totally different vibe; it creates that empowerment feeling when you can deal high damage while simultaneously unleashing those dark sorceries. Honestly, it’s versatile and gives you that awesome “look at me, I'm unique!” flair in-game. Experimenting with different setups and combos while grinding through Lothric makes each encounter feel exhilarating and fresh!

Honestly, the 'Onyx Blade' in 'Dark Souls 3' always felt like one of those weapons that sits a little outside the usual sword archetypes — it’s a hybrid weapon with physical plus dark damage and it rewards investment into the right stats rather than raw upgrade numbers. From what I’ve seen playing and poking at item screens, the base attack at +0 is middling for a unique sword: it has moderate physical AR with a secondary dark component that makes it good for bypassing some resistance checks. The important part is the scaling: it starts with low scaling in Strength and Intelligence (usually Ds or Cs at +0) and grows significantly as you upgrade the blade. By mid-upgrade (+5 or so) those Ds/Cs often jump to C/B, and at max (+10) you typically see B or even A in the primary scaling stat, with the dark split staying consistent. I like to think of it as a quality/intelligence hybrid — it doesn’t compete with dedicated pure-strength greatswords for raw physical damage, nor with full-sorcery catalysts for casting, but with a roughly even spread between physical and dark it becomes deadly for Faith/Int builds or quality builds that want a dark edge. Infusions and Ashen Estus choices can tilt it more toward magic or physical playstyles. For exact numerical ARs, the game’s item screen shows the detailed breakdown and the scaling letters; in practice I check the actual AR after applying my stat levels and upgrades to judge whether it hits damage soft caps for my build. If you want, I can walk you through the math on how the scaling letters translate into extra AR for a specific Strength/Intelligence spread.

the Onyx Blade is a weapon that stands out for its unique blend of aesthetics and practicality. The weapon’s dark flame buff not only looks cool but adds significant fire damage, making it a solid choice for hybrid builds focusing on pyromancy. Its moveset is versatile, with a greatsword’s sweeping attacks that can catch multiple opponents in invasions. However, the Onyx Blade does have drawbacks. Its range is slightly shorter than other greatswords like the 'Claymore,' and the buff duration is limited, requiring careful timing. In high-level duels, experienced players can exploit its slower recovery frames. That said, if you enjoy a mix of spellcasting and melee, the Onyx Blade’s burst damage potential makes it a fun and viable option for both invasions and casual duels.

Man, I've been messing around with the Onyx Blade in 'Dark Souls 3' for ages and I can say straight up: it’s totally playable on either build, but it rewards different styles. If you lean into Strength you'll feel the weight and raw stagger — it likes to make enemies wobble and it hits like a truck when you two-hand or stack buffs. I usually pump enough Strength to meet its requirements, slap on a Heavy or Refined infusion if the weapon allows it, and pair it with a ring or two that boost physical damage. That gives you big hits and reliable poise damage in most PvE fights. On the flip side, if you're a Dex fan, you can still make the Onyx Blade work, but it forces a more surgical approach. A Sharp or Refined infusion (again, only if the weapon is infusable) plus Dex investment turns it into something with faster follow-ups and better scaling with dexterity—less raw blunt force, more swift punishing combos and riposte setups. I like to mix in quickstep/roll punishes and weapon arts that lengthen reach. In PvP it’s a mixed bag: Strength builds tend to win trades, Dex builds win at spacing. Personally, I experiment with both and end up favoring Strength for invasions and Dex for duel-focused, mobile playstyles — try both and see which fits how you enjoy skirmishes.

Getting my hands on the Onyx Blade in 'Dark Souls 3' was a game-changer for me. First off, its finesse in blending physical and magic damage is astonishing. A major strategy I’ve honed is to use the weapon art, which unleashes a devastating dark blade attack. Timing is everything, so I usually wait for my target’s attack animation to finish before striking back; this not only maximizes damage but also gives me a moment to reposition myself. Beyond the blade art, I’ve found that buffing the weapon can catapult its effectiveness. Using spells like ‘Darkmoon Blade’ enhances its already solid scaling, increasing both damage output and versatility. Pairing it with a shield that complements the blade's dark attributes really turns the tide during tough encounters, making me a formidable opponent. It's all about creating opportunities and knowing when to go on the offensive or defensive. Of course, since the Onyx Blade is a little slower than a lot of other weapons, it demands a careful, calculated approach. I focus on dodging rather than parrying, avoiding the temptation to tank blows while I take my opponent's measure. Once they're vulnerable, that's when I strike, unleashing the Onyx Blade's true potential with powerful combo attacks. In tough battles, the rhythm of attack and retreat becomes a sort of dance, and it feels so rewarding when I land a critical hit with that dark magic infusion! No other weapon makes me feel quite as powerful in that game. Using the Onyx Blade has transformed encounters into thrilling battles where strategy trumps just brute force, and it keeps every play session exciting. I always get a kick out of outsmarting my foes with the unpredictable nature of dark magic, and it’s opened up a world of new strategies for me!

The Onyx Blade in 'Dark Souls 3' is a fascinating weapon that packs quite the punch while having an intriguing lore tied to it. First off, its unique design reflects the darker themes rooted in the game. The Onyx Blade has a scaling of E in Strength and B in Dexterity, making it a solid choice for players who focus on agility while maintaining a decent damage output. But don’t let its lower Strength scaling fool you; it’s the weapon's elegance and finesse that truly shine during a fight. One of my favorite things about the Onyx Blade is its unique skill, ‘Oath of Vengeance.’ This ability not only lets you channel your inner vengeance but also boosts your attack power for a short time. It’s such a blast to use in battles, especially in the heat of PvP where timing and strategy matter. Plus, the blade inflicts Dark damage, which is particularly effective against enemies weak to it. Given how many foes in 'Dark Souls 3' have high resilience to physical damage, this can tip the tide in your favor during tougher boss battles. Overall, I found the Onyx Blade to be not just a weapon but a companion that embodies the struggle and determination of every 'Dark Souls' player. Its understated elegance is matched only by its lethal efficiency.

The Onyx Blade in 'Dark Souls 3' can definitely spice up your PvP experience! First off, its design is just stunning; that jet-black blade really stands out. What truly sets it apart, though, is its unique scaling with intelligence and faith and its powerful Dark damage. It’s not just a pretty face; this weapon can dish out some serious pain in the right hands. When you wield the Onyx Blade, you're not just using a weapon; you're embracing a playstyle that combines strong melee attacks with magic. The fire and dark infusion add a layer of strategy. In PvP, having that edge can turn the tide of battle since many players focus solely on raw physical damage. Plus, the weapon skill, 'Unleash,' can catch opponents off-guard if you time it right. Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The Onyx Blade does require a balance of stats that not every build can accommodate. If you're fully invested in strength or pure dexterity, it might not deliver the performance you wish for. But if you put in the time to build a hybrid character that can unlock its potential, you'll find the Onyx Blade not only fun to use but also super effective against unsuspecting foes. I’ve had some of my best moments in invasions with this weapon, and there’s nothing like it when you land a well-timed hit!

If you're gearing the Onyx Blade for duels in 'Dark Souls III', the first thing I tell myself is: pick the role you want it to play. The Onyx Blade can be a jukey, spacing-heavy sword or a heavy-hitting trade machine depending on how you upgrade and what stats you pump. Start by fully upgrading it to +10 at the blacksmith — that’s non-negotiable for PvP; all scaling bonuses and infusion effects are most useful at max upgrade. From there, match the infusion to your stat spread: Heavy if you’re stacking Strength, Sharp if you lean Dex, Refined if you’re splitting Strength/Dex, and elemental or deep infusions if you’re pairing with Faith/Int/hexes. Raw is only for weird low-stat builds and usually not PvP-friendly. Mechanics matter as much as the numbers. Aim your primary offensive stat to the softcap (around 40 for most builds) so the Onyx Blade actually converts that scaling into damage. Don’t skimp on Vigor and Endurance — you need HP and stamina to win trades. Consider boosting equip load so you can wear decent armor without fat-rolling; being able to tank a hit and retaliate with the weapon art or a strong R1 string makes a massive difference. And experiment with weapon buffs or temporary resins if your build supports them — they turn the Onyx Blade into a surprise threat against turtles. On the practical side, work on timing: the weapon art and R2s cover space and create openings, while R1 flurries and mixups punish rolls. Change your approach in each match: sometimes bait a roll and raw punish, other times play spacing and poke until you can commit. I spend a lot of practice time in 1v1 duels testing different infusions and swap a ring or two depending on whether I’m facing heavy armor or glass cannons — small adjustments go a long way. Try a few builds in casual duels, note what opponents struggle with, and lean into that; the Onyx Blade rewards patience and smart reads more than reckless swinging.