LogFAQs > #963087868

HeroDelTiempo17 posted...

I find blocking to be marginally useful on bosses with big combo strings. You will save yourself one or two hits but also the attacks will shred your stamina and probably break your guard. Also, like Margit his phase 2 attacks are part magic (holy?) and deal a significant amount of chip damage.

I did finally find the Uchi though and had enough stones to get it to +6. Been using the magic crystal sword so far which I've also upgraded a few times by now. But maybe I should swap to the Uchi - I hear bleed is strong.

I agree on blocking, though I find shields to be much more useful in this game than in Dark Souls 2 or 3. I think it's the combination of long combo strings with few breaks in between, and the lack of a strong DPS option (something like the Sellsword Twinblades in DS3, for instance, which could just shred all opposition in no time) - not having a shield feels like such a liability.

I primarily use a shield for two reasons: one, to get a feel for a boss or enemy's pattern, knowing I can spend the beginning of every new fight playing defensively until I figure out the right timing or strategy. Two, as a safety net for when I botch a dodge. Knowing the worst that can happen is that I'll get staggered and maybe take one hit, as opposed to a full combo to the face, is a much safer prospect.

I'm curious as to who is running a pure Dex build here. I'm about two regions in (about to head to the 2nd legacy dungeon), and while I've found a couple of interesting Dex weapons here and there, I haven't seen anything I feel confident swapping in to replace my Uchi. It might be a bit simple, but it's reliable and quick, and definitely valued when the bleed procs.