The Intelligence build in Dark Souls 3 is a popular choice among magic enthusiasts. It supports a cautious style, allowing you to strike foes with potent spells from a safe distance. Yet, relying solely on magic can leave you vulnerable in close combat due to slow casting times.
Hassan has been playing Soulslike games for years, He has 100+ hours in Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3, exploring every bit and crafting new strategies for gamers.
To address this, most players incorporate a weapon, particularly one with strong intelligence scaling, to bolster their build.
Key Takeaways
- Intelligence has a soft cap at 40, with gains diminishing beyond this point. To access all sorceries, 50 intelligence is required.
- Scaling and Parameter Bonus in Dark Souls 3 enhances weapon damage based on attributes. The rating from most to least effective is S, A, B, C, D, or E.
- The guide provides a list of the best intelligence scaling weapons in Dark Souls 3, with details on their requirements and unique features.
Comparison For Intelligence Scaling Weapons
Here is a comparison table of my 15 best Intelligence Scaling Weapons in Dark Souls 3. Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:
No. Weapons Awarded For FP Cost Physical Attack Magic Attack Durability Weight
1 Crescent Moon Sword Best Weapon Art Mechanism. 15 78 78 - 2.5
2 Crystal Sage’s Rapier Best Longest Thrusting Weapon. -(15/15) 55 82 40 2.5
3 Moonlight Greatsword Best Mage Build Weapon. 18(-/-) 69 83 75 10.5
4 Greatsword of Judgement Best Dark Energy Buff Weapon. -(19/22) 119 86 85 9
5 Darkmoon Longbow Best Ranged Support for Spellcasters. 10 36
44 50 4.5
6 Old King’s Great Hammer Best Weapon For Pyro Builds. 12(-/15) 180 - 185 18.5
7 Heysel’s Pick Best Counter And Chip Damage Weapon. 9(-/-) 93 70 70 4.5
8 Immolation Tinder Best Weapon For Sorcerers. 20(-/-) 118 0 85 10
9 Lothric Knight Sword Best Physical Intelligence Build Weapon. -(17/20) 103 0 80 4
10 Great Corvian Scythe Best Ranged INT Damage Weapon. 13(-/-\) 97 0 55 9
11 Friede’s Great Scythe Best Dual Attack Weapon. -(-/18) 110 77 60 13
12 Onyx Blade sword Best Dark INT Build Weapon. 19(-/-) 80 0 75 9
13 Dancer’s Enchanted Swords Best Dual-Wielding INT Weapon. 6(-/9) 79 62 80 8.5
14 Onikiri and Ubadachi Best Versatile Weapon. 15 104 0 80 8.5
15 Cleric’s Candlestick Best Catalyst Hybrid Weapon For Sorcerers. 5(-/-) 70 77 65 2
Comparison Table.
All the nine attributes in Dark Souls 3. Can you spot the Intelligence icon?
Your player’s initial attributes in the game include Intelligence, which determines sorcery and pyromancy casting. Boosting Intelligence enhances spell power (faith affects pyromancy). Additionally, Magic Defense and overall defenses increase by 1.1 and 0.4 per Intelligence point, respectively, along with a 0.2 increase in resistances.
Related: Dark Souls 3 Best Faith Weapons
Intelligence has a soft cap at 40, offering consistent benefits as explained earlier. Beyond this point, gains per level diminish. A hard cap at 99 results in minimal additional benefits. To access all sorceries, 50 intelligence is required.
Scaling, or Parameter Bonus, in Dark Souls 3, enhances weapon damage based on attributes. The rating, from most to least effective, follows the order: S, A, B, C, D, or E. It’s a key mechanic that complements the attribute system.
A weapon’s scaling is influenced by both its parameter bonus and base damage. High scaling with low base damage may yield less bonus damage compared to weapons with higher base damage and similar scaling. Surprisingly, a weapon with a worse parameter bonus might achieve superior scaling if it possesses substantially higher base damage.
Two main factors go into calculating the bonus damage. Let’s analyze Intelligence for the sake of this guide. The first factor is your weapon’s scaling in a particular attribute:
| Scaling | % Damage Increase |
|---|---|
| S | 101% |
| A | 81-100% |
| B | 61-80% |
| C | 45-60% |
| D | 1-44% |
| E | 0-1% |
Crescent Moon Sword
Best Weapon Art Mechanism.
Why did I Choose Crescent Moon Sword?
I chose Crescent Moon Sword in this list because of its outstanding weapon art, Crescent Blade, which launches a long-range crescent moon projectile.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Crescent Blade |
| FP Cost | 15 |
| Physical Attack Power | 78 |
| Magic Attack Power | 78 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | - |
| Weight | 2.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | - |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | C |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | D |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 10 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 16 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Crescent Moon Sword Stats Table.
It’s worth noting that while the Crescent Moon Sword requires 10 strength and 16 dexterity for wielding, it lacks any scaling in strength. Instead, it boasts a C scaling in dexterity and a D scaling in intelligence. This weapon can’t be infused or buffed; it can only be reinforced using Titanite Scales.
At maximum reinforcement, it achieves an impressive 142 in both physical and magic damage. An exceptional feature of this weapon is its distinctive Crescent Blade weapon art, allowing your character to assume a broad stance and launch a long-range crescent moon projectile.
Location: Dropped by Ringfinger Leonhard if killed after using the Black Eye Orb in Anor Londo, after defeating Aldrich, going up one of the elevators in the back of the boss arena, then entering the large bed chamber. Does not drop if you kill him without meeting these conditions (for instance, killing him at Firelink Shrine).
- Decent damage output.
- Quick attack mechanics.
- It cannot be infused or buffed.
- Requires high DEX and Strength.
Crystal Sage’s Rapier
Best Longest Thrusting Weapon.
Why did I Choose Crystal Sage’s Rapier?
I find Crystal Sage’s Rapier a great addition to this list because of its scalability which increases with each reinforcement and longest thrusting range in the game.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Stance |
| FP Cost | -(15/15) |
| Physical Attack Power | 55 |
| Magic Attack Power | 82 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 40 |
| Weight | 2.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | E |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | E |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | C |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 13 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 18 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Crystal Sage’s Rapier Stats Table.
The Crystal Sage’s Rapier, adorned with tiny crystals on its blade, serves as a preferred self-defense tool for Crystal Sages. These crystals enhance both the weapon’s magic damage and the wielder’s item discovery, a result of extensive sage research.
Notably, it ranks among the top intelligence scaling weapons in Dark Souls 3, partly due to its distinction as the longest-thrusting weapon in the game.
Requiring 13 strength and 18 dexterity for proper use, this weapon exhibits E scaling in both strength and dexterity, alongside a C scaling in intelligence. While it’s exclusively upgradable with Titanite Scales and remains un-infusible, its scaling improves notably with each reinforcement. At +5, it achieves an A-tier in intelligence and a D-tier in both strength and dexterity.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of a Crystal Sage at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- Low stamina consumption.
- Longest-ranged thrusts.
- Amazing self-defense weapon.
- Mediocre weapon art.
Moonlight Greatsword
Best Mage Build Weapon.
Why did I Choose Moonlight Greatsword?
I added Moonlight Greatsword to this list because it’s a great Intelligence scaling weapon for mage builds, mainly focusing on magic attacks.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | 10000 |
| Skill | Moonlight Vortex |
| FP Cost | 18(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 69 |
| Magic Attack Power | 83 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 75 |
| Weight | 10.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | E |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | C |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 16 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 11 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 26 |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Moonlight Greatsword Stats Table.
Arguably the finest greatsword for sorcerers and one of the premier intelligence-scaling weapons, it stands out for fully charged heavy attacks that launch a far-reaching projectile, augmenting blade damage.
To wield the Moonlight Greatsword effectively, you need 16 strength and 11 dexterity. In its base form, it exhibits E scaling in strength and C scaling in intelligence. It’s not infusible or buffable, only upgradeable with Titanite Scales.
At +5 reinforcement, it elevates to a B scaling in intelligence, delivering an impressive 126 physical and 238 magic damage. Its distinctive weapon art, Moonlight Vortex, sets it apart. Your character retracts the greatsword and thrusts, unleashing a formidable moonlight projectile, making it a must-have for mage builds.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of Consumed Oceiros at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine. It is obtained after beating Oceiros, the Consumed King in the Consumed King’s Garden.
- Unique weapon art.
- Powerful magic damage.
- High stamina consumption.
- Difficult to master.
Greatsword of Judgement
Best Dark Energy Buff Weapon.
Why did I Choose the Greatsword of Judgement?
I chose Greatsword of Judgement mainly because of its greater affinity with dark energy, dealing dark energy damage with the given buff.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | 3000 |
| Skill | Stance of Judgment |
| FP Cost | -(19/22) |
| Physical Attack Power | 119 |
| Magic Attack Power | 86 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 85 |
| Weight | 9.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | D |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | C |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 17 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 15 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 12 |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Greatsword of Judgement Stats Table.
It’s wielded in Pontiff Sulyvahn’s left hand, mirroring the dark blue hues that resonate with his nature. Ideal for a physical/intelligence build, it earns its place among the best intelligence scaling weapons.
Proper one-handed use of the Greatsword of Judgment necessitates 17 strength and 15 dexterity. It features a D scaling in strength, dexterity, and faith. As for upgradability, it’s exclusively reinforced with Titanite Scales.
Notably, its distinguishing feature is the “Stance of Judgment” weapon art, which buffs it with dark energy. This allows for a lunging thrust with a normal attack or the emission of far-reaching, side-sweeping waves with a strong attack.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of Pontiff Sulyvahn at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- High magic attack damage.
- Unique weapon art; dark energy buff.
- Slow attack speed.
- Requires high strength.
Darkmoon Longbow
Best Ranged Support for Spellcasters.
Why did I Choose Darkmoon Longbow?
I chose Darkmoon Longbow because it’s a great Intelligence scaling weapon that offers decent support for Spellcasters.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | 5000 |
| Skill | Darkmoon Arrow |
| FP Cost | 10 |
| Physical Attack Power | 36 |
| Magic Attack Power | 44 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | 50 |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 50 |
| Weight | 4.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | - |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | E |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | C |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 7 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 16 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 10 |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Darkmoon Longbow Stats Table.
It truly shines when paired with Moonlight Arrows, performing noticeably worse with other ammunition. Nevertheless, its uniqueness and intelligence scaling easily place it among the best intelligence scaling weapons in Dark Souls 3.
Effective use of the Darkmoon Longbow calls for 7 strength, 16 dexterity, and 10 intelligence, marking it as one of the more stat-demanding weapons in this list.
It features E scaling in dexterity and C scaling in intelligence. This bow is non-buffable and non-infusible, limited to upgrade through Titanite Scale reinforcement.
Notably, its weapon art, “Darkmoon Arrow,” infuses readied arrows with Darkmoon essence, granting magic damage and the capacity to pierce shields. This renders it an excellent long-range support for spellcasters.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of Aldrich at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- Excellent magic damage.
- Best for long-ranged attacks.
- Variety of arrows with effects.
- Requires high DEX.
- Not best for close combat.
Old King’s Great Hammer
Best Weapon For Pyro Builds.
Why did I Choose Old King’s Great Hammer?
I chose Old King’s Great Hammer as it’s a pretty decent INT scaling weapon which is most useful for Pyromancer Builds.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Molten Perserverance |
| FP Cost | 12 (-/15) |
| Physical Attack Power | 180 |
| Magic Attack Power | |
| Fire Attack Power | 69 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 185 |
| Weight | 18.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | D |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | D |
| Strength (requirement) | 30 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 10 |
| Faith (requirement) | 10 |
Old King’s Great Hammer Stats Table.
Imbued with remnants of the Chaos Flame, a renowned endgame boss from the original Dark Souls, it stands as the foremost melee weapon suitable for pyromancers on this list. It holds the distinction of being the finest intelligence scaling weapon in Dark Souls 3.
Wielding the Old King’s Great Hammer demands a substantial 30 strength, along with 10 intelligence and 10 faith. This attribute combination not only aligns it with pyromancy builds but also offers potential for integration into intelligence-based setups, given the link between pyromancy potency and both intelligence and faith.
It exclusively upgrades through Titanite Scales and cannot be buffed or infused. At maximum reinforcement, it reaches an impressive Attack Rating (AR) of 326, making it notably effective against shields.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of the Old Demon King at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- Massive damage.
- Unique weapon art.
- Very slow attack speed.
- Difficult to use effectively every time.
Heysel’s Pick
Best Counter And Chip Damage Weapon.
Why did I Choose Heysel’s Pick?
I chose Heysel’s Pick because players can use it not only to counter-attack enemies but also to deal chip damage throughout the battle, which can go a long way.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Steady Chant |
| FP Cost | 9(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 93 |
| Magic Attack Power | 70 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | 102 |
| Durability | 70 |
| Weight | 4.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | E |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | B |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 12 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 10 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 19 |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Heysel’s Pick Stats Table.
The Heysel’s Pick is the favored weapon of Yellowfinger Heysel, a Finger of Rosaria and Xanthous Scholar. It ranks among the most viable intelligence scaling weapons, making it an excellent choice for physical sorcerer builds.
This unique weapon serves both as a melee weapon and a sorcery catalyst, synergizing well with spells like Farron Flashsword, Great Farron Dart, and Great Soul Arrow. To wield it effectively, you need 12 strength, 10 dexterity, and 19 intelligence. Its scaling includes a D in strength, an E in dexterity, and a formidable B in intelligence.
In its role as a melee weapon, the Heysel’s Pick can bypass shields with chip damage, execute jump attacks, and boast counter-damage potential due to its Thrust-type nature. While it’s not infusible, like many catalysts, it features the Steady Chant weapon art, which enhances both spell and melee damage.
Location: Drops from Yellowfinger Heysel, an invading dark spirit encountered in the Road of Sacrifices.
- Low stamina consumption.
- Unique moveset; greater crowd control.
- Low damage output.
- Short ranged.
Immolation Tinder
Best Weapon For Sorcerers.
Why did I Choose Immolation Tinder?
I chose Immolation Tinder for its best affinity with sorcerers being a great pick for players who prefer spell attacks overall.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Punitive Flame |
| FP Cost | 20(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 118 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 75 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | 100 |
| Durability | 85 |
| Weight | 10 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | D |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | B |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 18 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 18 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 12 |
| Faith (requirement) | 12 |
Immolation Tinder Stats Table.
Wrapped in an eternal flame, it should not be underestimated. Its versatility for casting sorceries and inflicting physical damage earns it a spot among the top intelligence-scaling weapons.
Despite expectations, it excels at casting sorceries, not pyromancies, making it a good match for spells like Farron Flashsword and Soul Greatsword.
To wield the Immolation Tinder effectively, a substantial stat investment is required: 18 strength, 18 dexterity, 12 intelligence, and 12 faith. It features D scaling in both strength and dexterity, along with a commendable B scaling in intelligence.
While it’s neither buffable nor infusible, reinforcing it with Titanite Scales significantly enhances its scalings, particularly elevating intelligence to an A-tier.
This results in substantial physical damage (206) and solid fire damage (132). With 60 intelligence, it achieves an impressive spellbuff of 220.
Location: Drops from Fire Witches in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley.
- Can be buffed with magic.
- Great for quick attacks.
- Unique weapon art.
- Low base damage.
- Primarily used for its weapon art.
Lothric Knight Sword
Best Physical Intelligence Build Weapon.
Why did I Choose Lothric Knight Sword?
I chose Lothric Knight Sword for its ability to deal great damage, being a pretty decent option for physical intelligence builds.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | 4000 |
| Skill | Stance |
| FP Cost | -(17/20) |
| Physical Attack Power | 103 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 110 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 80 |
| Weight | 4.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | D |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 11 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 18 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Lothric Knight Sword Stats Table.
This sword is the optimal choice for a sorcerer’s physical intelligence build and a vital inclusion in any list of the finest weapons. With a requirement of 11 strength and 18 dexterity, it offers impressive capabilities at a modest stat investment.
Naturally, it features a D scaling in both strength and dexterity. The versatility of the Lothric Knight Sword extends to its capacity for buffs and infusions, alongside the option for standard Titanite reinforcement.
While it thrives in physical/quality builds, it seamlessly integrates into intelligence-based setups. A Crystal infusion (via Crystal Gem) or a Simple Infusion (via Simple Gem) catapults it to an S-scaling in intelligence.
With a Crystal infusion, it reaches 133 physical and magic damage, and with a Simple infusion, it boasts 113 in both categories, not accounting for scaling.
Location: Dropped by Lothric Knights, which can be easily farmed down the stairs from the Tower on the Wall bonfire. Also sold by Greirat for 4000 souls, after pillaging Irithyll Valley.
- Great scaling for physical and magic DMG.
- Best for beginners.
- No compacted movesets.
- Mediocre damage output.
- Not effective in late-game.
Great Corvian Scythe
Best Ranged INT Damage Weapon.
Why did I Choose the Great Corvian Scythe?
I chose the Great Corvian Scythe for its impeccable range and high damage output.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Neck Swipe |
| FP Cost | 13(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 97 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 55 |
| Weight | 9.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | C |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 16 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 18 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Great Corvian Scythe Stats Table.
It holds the distinction of being the premier intelligence scaling weapon in Dark Souls 3 for bleed/intelligence builds, thanks to its remarkable synergy with the attribute and its status as the weapon with the highest innate bleed in the game.
To wield the Great Corvian Scythe effectively with one hand, you need 16 strength and 18 dexterity. It bears a D scaling in strength and a C scaling in dexterity.
Although it lacks innate scaling in intelligence, it remarkably attains an S scaling in intelligence through either a Crystal infusion (via Crystal Gem) or a Simple Infusion (via Simple Gem).
While it may not match the speed of other weapons on this list, it excels in range, outclassing all other reaper-class weapons. Its weapon art, “Neck Swipe,” boasts significant hyper armor and aims for the scruff of a foe’s neck.
When executed successfully, it functions as a headshot, dealing substantial damage.
Location: Dropped by Corvians (winged enemies) wielding it in Road of Sacrifices, Untended Graves, and Grand Archives.
- Long-ranged attacks.
- INT scaling with Bleed build-up.
- Unique weapon art dealing AOE damage.
- Slow attack speed.
- Requires high DEX.
- The bleed effect applies to the user too.
Friede’s Great Scythe
Best Dual Attack Weapon.
Why did I Choose Friede’s Great Scythe?
I chose Friede’s Great Scythe because it’s an outstanding intelligence scaling weapon with dual attack capabilities.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | 10000 |
| Skill | Elfriede’s Stance |
| FP Cost | -(-/18) |
| Physical Attack Power | 110 |
| Magic Attack Power | 77 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 60 |
| Weight | 13.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | E |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | B |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | C |
| Faith (Scaling) | E |
| Strength (requirement) | 12 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 16 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 12 |
| Faith (requirement) | 11 |
Friede’s Great Scythe Stats Table.
It stands as the sole dual-wielded scythe on this list and is recognized among the top weapons. However, it demands a substantial stat investment, necessitating 12 strength, 16 dexterity, 12 intelligence, and 11 faith to wield effectively.
Reinforcement for Friede’s Great Scythe exclusively involves Titanite Scales, with no options for buffs or infusions. Nevertheless, its scaling improves significantly with each reinforcement, making it an ideal fit for a dexterity/intelligence build.
At +5 reinforcement, it reaches an impressive A-tier scaling in both dexterity and intelligence. This is a standout feature. Additionally, the weapon possesses innate Frostbite, and its weapon art, “Elfriede’s Stance,” allows you to perform a normal attack to leap forward and swing twice, or a strong attack to coat the ground with freezing frost.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of Soul of Sister Friede (Ashes of Ariandel DLC) at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- Great moveset; crowd control.
- Applies frostbite build-up.
- Weapon art freezes enemies with extra damage.
- Slow attack speed.
- Requires high DEX.
- High stamina consumption.
Onyx Blade
Best Dark INT Build Weapon.
Why did I Choose Onyx Blade?
I chose Onyx Blade because of the possibilities it brings for Dark Build players that best use high INT scalable weapons.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Elfriede’s Blackflame |
| FP Cost | 19(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 80 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Dark Attack Power | 115 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 75 |
| Weight | 9.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | E |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | E |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | D |
| Faith (Scaling) | D |
| Strength (requirement) | 14 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 12 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 15 |
| Faith (requirement) | 15 |
Onyx Blade Stats Table.
If you seek a fitting weapon for your Dark/Intelligence build, the Onyx Blade stands as one of the prime intelligence scaling weapons for this purpose.
Wielding the Onyx Blade effectively requires 14 strength, 12 dexterity, 15 intelligence, and 15 faith. It features limited upgradability, solely relying on Twinkling Titanite for reinforcement, and is not open to infusions or buffs, except for its weapon art.
Within the greatsword class, it excels in terms of range and can unleash a formidable assault with its weapon art, “Elfriede’s Blackflame.” When activated, this art imbues the Onyx Blade with Blackflame, adding an extra 145 flat fire damage. The buff remains active for 45 seconds, so timing is crucial.
Location: Dropped by Sir Vilhelm in the Painted World of Ariandel.
- Weapon transformation and DMG boost.
- Can be buffed with magic.
- Slow attack speed in a transformed state.
- Requires high DEX.
- Vulnerable during weapon transformation.
Dancer’s Enchanted Swords
Best Dual-Wielding INT Weapon.
Why did I Choose Dancer’s Enchanted Swords?
I chose Dancet’s Enchanted Swords because they are one of the best damage-dealing weapons whose trump card is their Dual-wielded moveset.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Dancer’s Grace |
| FP Cost | 6(-/9) |
| Physical Attack Power | 79 |
| Magic Attack Power | 62 |
| Fire Attack Power | 62 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 80 |
| Weight | 8.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | D |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | D |
| Faith (Scaling) | D |
| Strength (requirement) | 12 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 20 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 9 |
| Faith (requirement) | 9 |
Dancer’s Enchanted Swords Stats Table.
In both PvP and PvE, these dual-wielding swords excel in terms of DPS (Damage per second), arguably positioning themselves as one of the premier intelligence scaling weapons.
To wield the Dancer’s Enchanted Swords effectively, you need 12 strength, 20 dexterity, 9 intelligence, and 9 faith. These swords possess a natural scaling of D in all four attributes, and regrettably, these scalings cannot be enhanced as the weapon is impervious to buffs and infusions.
They can be reinforced with Titanite Scales, and at +5 reinforcement, they deliver 144 physical damage, along with 114 damage in both magic and fire, rendering them highly effective against enemies weak to either or both elements.
Notably, their weapon art, “Dancer’s Grace,” enables you to unleash both blades in a spinning motion and execute a strong attack to extend the combo as long as your stamina allows.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of Soul of the Dancer at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- Unique moveset; crowd control.
- Can be infused with elemental gems.
- Weapon art can deal chain damage.
- High stamina consumption.
Onikiri And Ubadachi
Best Versatile Weapon.
Why did I Choose Onikari and Ubadachi?
I chose Onikari and Ubadachi for their high versatility as they can do well with Simple, Crystal, Dark, and Chaos infusions, bringing a diverse range of possibilities.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Value | - |
| Skill | Onislayer |
| FP Cost | 15 |
| Physical Attack Power | 104 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 80 |
| Weight | 8.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | C |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 13 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 25 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Onkikir & Ubadachi Stats Table.
These unique swords stand out as one of the rare weapons in the game capable of achieving substantial scaling with intelligence, solidifying their place among the best Int weapons.
To effectively wield the Onikiri and Ubadachi, a strength of 13 and dexterity of 25 is required. They possess a natural scaling of D in strength and C in dexterity. Furthermore, they can be infused, buffed, and reinforced with regular Titanite.
What sets these swords apart is their intelligence scaling, with an S scaling achievable through a Crystal infusion (via Crystal Gem) and an A scaling in intelligence with a Simple infusion (via Simple Gem), Chaos infusion (via Chaos Gem), and Dark infusion (via Dark Gem).
These versatile options make them a favorite for intelligence-based builds. Their weapon art, “Onislayer,” is notably flashy, with your character leaping forward to deliver merciless slashes with both blades, making it a formidable choice for various encounters.
Location: Dropped by Black Hand Kamui at the top floor of the Grand Archives. Found among the 3 hostile NPCs at the top of the Grand Archives, on the staircase that leads to the Twin Princes.
- Fast attack speed.
- High DPS potential.
- Unique weapon art.
- Low base damage.
- Vulnerable during attacks.
Cleric’s Candlestick
Best Catalyst Hybrid Weapon For Sorcerers.
Why did I Choose Cleric’s Candlestick?
I chose Cleric’s Candlestick because of its catalyst hybrid nature, and the fact that it’s a must-have weapon for sorcerers.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Attribute | - |
| Purchasing Value | Guiding Light |
| Skill | 5(-/-) |
| FP Cost | 70 |
| Physical Attack Power | 77 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 100 |
| Critical Attack Power | - |
| Range | 100 |
| Spell Buff | 65 |
| Durability | 2.0 |
| Weight | D |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | C |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | 8 |
| Strength (requirement) | 12 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | 12 |
| Faith (requirement) |
Cleric’s Candlestick Stats Table.
This duality positions the Cleric’s Candlestick as one of the superior melee-catalyst hybrid weapons recommended for sorcerers. With a relatively modest requirement, it necessitates 8 strength, 12 dexterity, and 12 faith to wield effectively.
The Cleric’s Candlestick features a D scaling in both strength and dexterity, accompanied by a C scaling in intelligence. These scalings can be further enhanced through reinforcement, and notably, it is the only boss soul weapon that can be reinforced with titanite.
At +10 reinforcement, it achieves a substantial A scaling in intelligence while delivering 115 physical and 126 magic damage. It’s essential to bear in mind that the Cleric’s Candlestick cannot be infused or buffed.
Its weapon art, “Guiding Light,” is a noteworthy feature. With this art, your character ignites the candlestick, akin to a Torch or Follower’s Torch, providing a source of light, which can be particularly helpful in dark areas or for exploration.
Location: Acquired by Soul Transposition of Soul of the Deacons of the Deep at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine.
- Modest stat requirements.
- Great for exploration support.
- Low damage output.
- Cannot be infused or buffed.
Why Others Were Not Chosen?
- Mail Breaker: This starting weapon for the Sorcerer class has decent INT scaling early on, but its low base damage and short range hold it back later in the game.
- Sorcerer’s Staff: This staff offers good INT scaling for spells but lacks any physical damage, making it purely a spellcasting tool.
- Deep Battle Axe: Scales with both INT and Faith, offering decent damage, however, its moveset is slow and its scaling falls off later in the game.
What Would I Recommend?
In creating this guide, I’ve aimed to provide a comprehensive resource for Dark Souls 3 players looking to create an intelligence-focused character. My goal was to give you a detailed overview of each weapon’s requirements, scaling, and unique properties, helping them make informed decisions.
It was a grueling task of going to the different enemies and trying out different weapons and even testing them on a few bosses (although these were in NG+ so make of that what you will).
Regardless, it was a test of my patience with some of these weapons since I am a more aggressive player by nature so some were much more suited to my playstyle hence their justification for being on this list.
Whether you’re an experienced sorcerer or a newcomer to the world of Dark Souls, I hope this guide was helpful to you in your quest to conquer the game with a powerful intelligence build.
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Hasaan is an enthusiatic gamer with a particular interest in MOBA, RTS, and story-mode games. He creates quality guides, playing games and sharing valuable information to his readers. Beyond his gaming pursuits, he finds enjoyment in watching animes, movies and TV shows. Additionally, he nurtures his creative side through drawing and continuously seeks personal growth by exploring new experiences, all in an endeavor to understand his life and purpose better. Do find him on Steam to learn more about Hassan’s Gaming Adventures.
