In the expansive world of Dark Souls 3, the Onyx Blade stands out as a formidable greatsword, especially favored by those who harness both intelligence and faith. Introduced in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, this weapon not only boasts impressive reach but also comes imbued with dark energy, making it a coveted choice for many players.
Locating the Onyx Blade
To acquire the Onyx Blade, players must venture into the Painted World of Ariandel, accessible through the Ashes of Ariandel DLC. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining this powerful weapon:
- Access the DLC: Ensure you’ve purchased and installed the Ashes of Ariandel DLC. To enter the Painted World of Ariandel, head to the Cleansing Chapel bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep. Here, you’ll encounter an NPC who transports you into the DLC area.
- Navigate to the Corvian Settlement: Upon arrival, progress through the initial areas until you reach the Corvian Settlement. This area is characterized by its desolate village setting, inhabited by Corvian enemies.
- Find the Chapel: As you traverse the settlement, you’ll come across a prominent chapel. Adjacent to this structure is a smaller building, which houses the NPC Sir Vilhelm.
- Confront Sir Vilhelm: Entering the building, Sir Vilhelm will confront you. Be prepared for a challenging battle; he’s a formidable foe wielding the Onyx Blade.
- Claim the Onyx Blade: Upon defeating Sir Vilhelm, he will drop the Onyx Blade as a reward for your victory.
Weapon Overview
The Onyx Blade is renowned for its exceptional length, making it one of the longest greatswords in the game. This reach provides a tactical advantage, allowing players to strike enemies from a safer distance.
Skill: Elfriede’s Blackflame
One of the standout features of the Onyx Blade is its unique weapon skill, Elfriede’s Blackflame. Activating this skill envelops the blade in a dark flame, enhancing its damage output. Key aspects of this skill include:
- Damage Buff: The blackflame adds a flat 145 fire damage to the weapon for a duration of 45 seconds.
- Combination of Damage Types: When buffed, the Onyx Blade deals a mix of physical, dark, and fire damage, making it versatile against various enemy resistances.
- Scaling: The weapon scales with both intelligence and faith, making it particularly effective for hybrid spellblade builds.
Upgrade Path
Upgrading the Onyx Blade requires Twinkling Titanite. It cannot be infused with other elements or buffs, preserving its unique dark flame attribute. Fully upgrading the weapon enhances its base damage and scaling, making it a formidable tool in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Optimal Builds for the Onyx Blade
To maximize the potential of the Onyx Blade, consider the following build recommendations:
- Stat Allocation: Prioritize reaching 40 points in both intelligence and faith. This allocation ensures optimal scaling and maximizes the weapon’s damage output.
- Complementary Spells: Given its dark and fire damage, pairing the Onyx Blade with pyromancies like Black Fire Orb or Black Flame can enhance your combat versatility.
- Ring Selection: Equip rings that boost dark and fire damage, such as the Dark Clutch Ring and Fire Clutch Ring, to further amplify your offensive capabilities.
Combat Strategies
When wielding the Onyx Blade, consider the following tactics:
- Utilize Its Reach: The extended length allows you to engage enemies from a distance, reducing the risk of counterattacks.
- Leverage the Weapon Skill: Activating Elfriede’s Blackflame before challenging tougher foes or entering PvP ensures you maximize your damage output during critical moments.
- Mind Your Stamina: As a greatsword, the Onyx Blade’s swings consume significant stamina. Manage your endurance to avoid leaving yourself vulnerable after attacks.
The Onyx Blade is a distinctive weapon in Dark Souls 3, offering a blend of impressive reach, unique damage types, and a powerful weapon skill. By optimizing your build and mastering its combat nuances, this greatsword can be a game-changer in your journey through Lothric and beyond.
