Weapon Analysis: The Heide Knight Sword

Weapon Analysis: The Heide Knight Sword

 Location:

In the arena area of the Forest of Fallen Giants, after the Crestfallen Retreat bonfire, carried by a dejected looking Heide Knight slumped against the tree. 

 

 Stats:

Straight-sword, dealing both physical and lightning damage in both slash/thrust formats. Requiring 11 strength and 10 dexterity, with a C scaling in each, this is an ideal early game weapon. 

 Analysis

I like to think of the Heide Knight Sword as one of the two early game weapons which can supercharge a playthrough. Like its twin, the Fire Longsword, also found in the FoFG and topic of my next Analysis piece, the HKS is extremely powerful in the early game- the bonus lightning damage making armoured enemies (looking at you Pursuer) far, far more manageable. The thing I love about this weapon is its distinctive moveset, as while the small hitbox may take getting used to, the sword is easily swung in close quarters, and is ideal in 1-on-1 encounters. When faced with multiple opponents, the HKS falters in comparison to the Fire Longsword, lacking the sweeping attacks capable of hitting- and stunning- multiple enemies at once. In addition to this, each swing carries more foreward momentum than the average straight sword; excellent for presing the attack but dangerous if left unchecked.

I'll say it now: I love this sword. I used it throughout my first playthrough, and there will always be a spot for it on any build I make. Lightning is a hugely useful effect for a weapon to have- especially on faith builds, where the HKS has a C in lightning scaling. As far as weapon combinations go, I found that dual wielding this sword with another straight sword incredibly effective for a high damage per shot. I also liked using the HKS with a shield, where the fast, narrow strikes allow fast blocking between strikes and minimises opportunities to be hit, especially when the length of the HKS is taken into account. However I found dual wielding this sword inconvenient. The moveset that makes this sword so strong one-handed works against it when held with both hands. The narrow strikes make it hard  to fight multiple enemies at once, and the far slower strikes make it too easy to be overwhelmed. Personally, if you want to 2-hand a weapon, find a greatsword/axe/club/whatever, don't try to adapt a primarily one handed weapon.

If you found this useful, leave a quick comment below and I'll know to keep making these. If not, then no worries- move on guilt free.