Lightning is one the damage types you can deal in Dark Soul 2, often considered by players as the best element due to the low number of enemies and bosses that are resistant to it. Today we’ll be combining those two subjects, by talking about what are some of the best weapons in the game for lightning infusion! Just a small note before we begin: If you want to take full advantage of your infusion you’re going to need a high Faith stat (the softcap for scaling is at 50), and the miracle Sunlight Blade, which will further enhance your offensive bonuses.
5. Dragonslayer’s Crescent Axe
The first entry of our list happens to be one of my favorite weapons in the game. This peculiar axe possesses a unique moveset, and an above-average attack speed than all of the other axes. Unlike other weapons with innate elemental damage types, this one is able to be buffed by any item (like resins), plus it gets the full damage bonus from the Ring of Blades. Infusing it is basically a straight upgrade, losing you barely any physical damage in the process. How to get: Shaded Woods, take the left route from the Ruined Fork Road. The axe is found behind a different enemy depending on your version of the game.
4. Zweihander
Power up the bass cannon! Though other weapons might have higher AR and its days of glory may have gone by, the Zweihander is still a formidable beast that flattens anyone in its path. When upgraded fully, the Zwei has a base attack rating of 252 physical and lightning damage, which is incredibly powerful. Its regular Str and Dex scalings are pretty subpar, which means you don’t lose out on much either. Also, despite what the description says about it being heavy, it’s actually one of the lightest Ultra Greatswords! The more you know. How to get: Iron Keep in a metal chest, across the Smelter Demon bossfight. Dropped by Parasite Spiders.
3. Defender Greatsword
Another greatsword, though less “ultra” than the last, the Defender Greatsword is an excellent pickup for any Faith build. This slashing machine comes with its own built-in Sunlight Blade-esque buff, activated by hitting the L2 button while two-handing it. It lasts for about 45 seconds and consumes 10 durability on use, so be frugal while using it unless you are nearing a bonfire. Don’t let the voices sway you into trading the soul for the Defender Shield, everyone knows the best defense is a good offense! How to get: Trade the Throne Defender Soul to Weaponsmith Ornifex.
2. Heide Knight Sword
The eagled-eyed among you might have noticed a trend by now. Most of these weapons already have innate lightning damage before infusing them, and that’s the case with this one too. This little sword right here is an excellent choice for any up and coming Faith builds, being one of the earliest lightning weapons available when starting a new game. It’s fast, strong, lightweight, and melts everything in its path. In fact, all of the Heide Knight weapons are good options, so don’t let me dissuade you from using the spear or the lance. It’s just that I’m more of a sword guy myself. How to get: Dropped by Heide Knights at Heide’s Tower of Flame.
1. Mastodon Halberd
It wouldn’t be a lightning themed list without a mastodon weapon! This monstrous halberd, when fully upgraded, has a base 287 AR in both physical and lightning – that can of course be further increased by Sunlight Blade. An extremely powerful weapon for Str/Faith builds, thanks to its double B scaling in both of those attributes (even after the infusion). I guarantee you that this will cut through any enemy like butter, even in New Game+. Its greatsword counterpart is equally strong, for anyone that prefers that moveset over the halberd’s. How to get: Dropped by Primal Knights.
