Dark Souls III Best Early Weapons
Best early weapons in Dark Souls 3 — Long Sword, Claymore, Rapier, and infusion basics before Cathedral.

Early weapons matter less than upgrades. +6 standard beats unupgraded rare weapons.
Top early weapons
| Weapon | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long Sword | Straight sword | Balanced, refine infusion |
| Claymore | Greatsword | Stagger machine |
| Rapier | Thrust | Critical damage king |
| Mace | Strike | Good vs armored knights |
Infusion tip
Match infusion to highest stat — Raw before scaling stats reach soft caps.
Bottom line
Long Sword refined to +6 carries early game. Claymore if you prefer stagger over speed.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best early weapon in Dark Souls 3?
Long Sword is the community favorite. Claymore for greatsword users. Both scale well with infusions.