Great Axes
Great Axes are heavier and stronger than standard Axes, trading speed and range for massive damage output. Their strikes can flatten enemies and often break through shields, but their slow swings and substantial Stamina cost demand precision. Using Great Axes one-handed allows slightly faster attacks than two-handing, offering subtle flexibility. While landing a hit can devastate foes, missing leaves a gaping vulnerability. Great Axes favor patient, deliberate playstyles that capitalize on punishing enemies’ mistakes with overwhelming force.
Black Knight Greataxe
Greataxe of the black knights who wander Lordran. Used to face chaos demons.
The large motion that puts the weight of the body into the attack reflects the great size of their adversaries long ago.
Availability
Drop by the Black Knight (Greataxe) in The Catacombs and Kiln of the First Flame (20% drop rate).
General Information
As with other Black Knight weapons, deals extra damage to demon enemies such as Taurus Demon and Capra Demon.
The Black Knight Great Axe often seems weaker in practice than its damage stats would indicate. This is because its Standard Attacks (R1/RB) have reduced damage to account for their swing speed, which is fast compared to similar weapons. The damage of its slower Power Attacks (R2/RT) are in line with its listed statistics.
It is possible to farm this weapon right after leaving the Asylum by simply Reversing Hollow, sprinting through the Catacombs and reaching Paladin Leeroy's summon sign. Once summoned, drop down on the side closest to the fog wall and slowly go back toward the Knight's side of the cavern. Clear the Skeleton Wheels with the help of Leeroy and the moment the Knight aggroes from his perch he will jump down into the cavern. Kite the Black Knight to Leeroy if he keeps going to the fogwall. This is a low time and effort investment into the current playthrough so if the Black Knight doesn't drop the Greataxe, start over and try again. (This "farming" method could also be potentially be used to obtain a Bonewheel Shield)
|
Move Set
| 1 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 — R1 | Right-to-left swing into left-to-right swing. | |
| R2 | Jumping downward smash. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 (left hand) | Guard. | |
| L2 (left hand) | Overhead smash. |
| 2 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 — R1 | Diagonal swing into diagonal swing. | |
| R2 | Delayed upward swing. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 or L2 | Guard. |
- Light attacks (1-handed) are replaced by a horizontal swing followed by a horizontal swing.
- Strong attack (1-handed) is replaced by a jumping downward smash.
- Light attacks (2-handed) replaced by a faster diagonal swing followed by a diagonal swing.
- Strong attack (2-handed) replaced with a delayed upward swing.
Black Knight Greataxe Moveset Video
Upgrades
Requires
- Twinkling Titanite
90% STR, 4% DEX scaling.
|
Key
| Damage: |
The Damage stat dictates how much damage the weapon does. The Damage stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Each weapon has one or more physical damage types:
Certain enemies are weak or strong against different types of damage types. |
| Critical: | One of the multipliers (in percent) for the bonus damage on criticals, such as backstabs and ripostes. |
| Durability: | The health of the weapon. The effectiveness of the weapon will severely deteriorate when the durability falls below 30%. |
| Weight: | The weight of the weapon. Note that carrying over 50% of a character's Equip Burden will reduce the speed of their rolls, while going over 100% will reduce their regular speed to walking and attempts to roll or backstep will leave them momentarily stunned. |
| Stats Needed: |
The Stats Needed determines how high various Stats must be in order to wield the weapon effectively. The Requirement stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Wielding a weapon without the required Strength and/or Dexterity will incur a penalty to the Physical damage of the weapon, while lower-than-required Magic and/or Faith will reduce the Magic damage of the weapon. Also keep in mind that a character gains a 50% bonus to Strength by wielding a weapon with both hands, thus reducing the actual Strength required. |
| Damage Reduction %: |
The Damage Reduction stat dictates the percentage of damage reduced while blocking. The Damage Reduction stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
|
| Stability: | The stability of the weapon. The higher this value, the less stamina is consumed when blocking attacks. |
| Frampt Souls: | This is the amount of souls players will receive if they feed the item to Kingseeker Frampt. |
Footnotes
- When two-handing this weapon, only 24 Strength is required.
Demon's Greataxe
Carved from the bones of fellow demons.
Wielded by the lesser Taurus demons.
This axe is imbued with no special power,
but can merrily beat foes to a pulp,
providing you have the strength to wield it.
Availability
Drop by Taurus Demon enemies (5% drop rate)
Sold by Shiva of the East for 10,000 Souls (in Blighttown when in Forest Hunter Covenant)
General Information
Strongest weapon in the game in physical damage, it has 654 AR at 46 STR in normal upgrade path+15.
Its high durability and availability make it an excellent crystal weapon: with 46 STR, a crystal Demon's Greataxe +5 has over 700 AR.
|
Move Set
| 1 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 — R2 | Right-to-left swing into diagonal swing. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 (left hand) | Guard. | |
| L2 (left hand) | Overhead smash. |
| 2 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 | Slow vertical smash. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 or L2 | Guard. |
- Strong attacks (1-handed) are replaced with a large radius horizontal swing followed by a diagonal swing.
- Strong attack (2-handed) is replaced replaced with a slow vertical smash.
Upgrades
Basic
Standard upgrade path.
Requires
- Titanite Shard/Large Shard/Chunk/Slab
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Large Ember (+6) & Very Large Ember (+11).
125% STR scaling. Highest STR scaling in the game.
|
Raw
Base damage increased. Stat bonuses reduced.
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +5
- Titanite
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Large Ember.
94% STR scaling.
|
Crystal
Demon's Greataxe durability reduced to 60. Base damage increased. Cannot repair weapon (except through reinforcement).
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +10
- Titanite
Ascended by the Giant Blacksmith with Crystal Ember.
125% STR scaling.
|
Lightning
Adds lightning damage. All stat bonuses removed.
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +10
- Titanite
Ascended by the Giant Blacksmith.
|
Magic
Adds magic damage. Moderate damage bonus from intelligence.
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +5
- Green Titanite
- Blue Titanite
Ascended by Rickert of Vinheim & with Large Magic Ember (+6).
35% STR, 90% INT scaling.
|
Enchanted
Base damage reduced from magic upgrade path. Increased damage bonus from intelligence.
Requires
- Magic Demon's Greataxe +5
- Blue Titanite
Ascended by Rickert of Vinheim with Enchanted Ember.
24% STR, 88% INT scaling. Unknown additonal amount of INT scaling.
|
Divine
Adds magic damage. Moderate damage bonus from faith. Additional damage multiplier against unholy enemies.
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +5
- Green Titanite
- White Titanite
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Divine Ember & Large Divine Ember (+6).
48% STR, 89% FAI scaling.
|
Occult
Base damage reduced from divine upgrade path. Increased damage bonus from faith. Additional damage multiplier against holy enemies.
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +5
- White Titanite
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Dark Ember.
45% STR, 105% FAI scaling.
|
Fire
Fire damage added. All stat bonuses removed.
Requires
- Demon's Greataxe +5
- Green Titanite
- Red Titanite
Ascended by Vamos & with Large Flame Ember (+6).
|
Chaos
Base damage reduced from fire upgrade path. Damage bonus from humanity, up to 10 soft Humanity.
Requires
- Fire Demon's Greataxe +5
- Red Titanite
Ascended by Vamos with Chaos Flame Ember.
|
Key
| Damage: |
The Damage stat dictates how much damage the weapon does. The Damage stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Each weapon has one or more physical damage types:
Certain enemies are weak or strong against different types of damage types. |
| Critical: | One of the multipliers (in percent) for the bonus damage on criticals, such as backstabs and ripostes. |
| Durability: | The health of the weapon. The effectiveness of the weapon will severely deteriorate when the durability falls below 30%. |
| Weight: | The weight of the weapon. Note that carrying over 50% of a character's Equip Burden will reduce the speed of their rolls, while going over 100% will reduce their regular speed to walking and attempts to roll or backstep will leave them momentarily stunned. |
| Stats Needed: |
The Stats Needed determines how high various Stats must be in order to wield the weapon effectively. The Requirement stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Wielding a weapon without the required Strength and/or Dexterity will incur a penalty to the Physical damage of the weapon, while lower-than-required Magic and/or Faith will reduce the Magic damage of the weapon. Also keep in mind that a character gains a 50% bonus to Strength by wielding a weapon with both hands, thus reducing the actual Strength required. |
| Damage Reduction %: |
The Damage Reduction stat dictates the percentage of damage reduced while blocking. The Damage Reduction stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
|
| Stability: | The stability of the weapon. The higher this value, the less stamina is consumed when blocking attacks. |
| Frampt Souls: | This is the amount of souls players will receive if they feed the item to Kingseeker Frampt. |
Footnotes
- When two-handing this weapon, only 31 Strength is required.
Dragon King Greataxe
This axe, one of the rare dragon weapons,
is formed by the tail of the Gaping Dragon,
a distant, deformed descendant of the everlasting dragons.
The axe is imbued with a mystical power,
to be released when held with both hands.
Availability
Automatically added to your inventory upon cutting Gaping Dragon's tail
General Information
Can be enchanted.
Increases your Magic and Fire Defense by 20.
Upgrading it will also increase the strong attack area of effect damage.
The area of effect attack is one of the strongest in the game and will consume most or all of someone's Stamina if blocked.
| Image | Name | Damage | Critical Bonus | Durability | Weight | Stats Needed Stat Bonuses |
Damage Reduction % |
Stability | Frampt Souls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Dragon King Greataxe | 380/0/0/0 (Regular) |
100 | 400 | 24.0 | 501/8/0/0 -/-/-/- |
55/10/40/40 | 38 | 5,000 |
Move Set
| 1 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 | Right-to-left horizontal smash. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 (left hand) | Guard. | |
| L2 (left hand) | Overhead smash. |
| 2 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 | Smash AoE. | Consumes 50 durability. |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 or L2 | Guard. |
- Strong attack (2-handed) is replaced by a very large area of effect Magic attack around the wielder. This attack gains bonus damage from the weapon's enchantment. Consumes 50 durability points per use.
Upgrades
Requires
- Dragon Scale
| Name | Damage | Stat Bonuses | Dragon Scale | Souls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon King Greataxe +0 | 380/0/0/0 | -/-/-/- | ||
| Dragon King Greataxe +1 | 418/0/0/0 | -/-/-/- | 1 | 10,000 |
| Dragon King Greataxe +2 | 456/0/0/0 | -/-/-/- | 1 | 10,000 |
| Dragon King Greataxe +3 | 493/0/0/0 | -/-/-/- | 2 | 10,000 |
| Dragon King Greataxe +4 | 532/0/0/0 | -/-/-/- | 2 | 10,000 |
| Dragon King Greataxe +5 | 570/0/0/0 | -/-/-/- | 4 | 10,000 |
Key
| Damage: |
The Damage stat dictates how much damage the weapon does. The Damage stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Each weapon has one or more physical damage types:
Certain enemies are weak or strong against different types of damage types. |
| Critical: | One of the multipliers (in percent) for the bonus damage on criticals, such as backstabs and ripostes. |
| Durability: | The health of the weapon. The effectiveness of the weapon will severely deteriorate when the durability falls below 30%. |
| Weight: | The weight of the weapon. Note that carrying over 50% of a character's Equip Burden will reduce the speed of their rolls, while going over 100% will reduce their regular speed to walking and attempts to roll or backstep will leave them momentarily stunned. |
| Stats Needed: |
The Stats Needed determines how high various Stats must be in order to wield the weapon effectively. The Requirement stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Wielding a weapon without the required Strength and/or Dexterity will incur a penalty to the Physical damage of the weapon, while lower-than-required Magic and/or Faith will reduce the Magic damage of the weapon. Also keep in mind that a character gains a 50% bonus to Strength by wielding a weapon with both hands, thus reducing the actual Strength required. |
| Damage Reduction %: |
The Damage Reduction stat dictates the percentage of damage reduced while blocking. The Damage Reduction stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
|
| Stability: | The stability of the weapon. The higher this value, the less stamina is consumed when blocking attacks. |
| Frampt Souls: | This is the amount of souls players will receive if they feed the item to Kingseeker Frampt. |
Footnotes
- When two-handing this weapon, only 34 Strength is required.
Greataxe
This greataxe is a veritable mass of iron.
Its weight sends foes flying, but makes it difficult to handle without inhuman strength.
Any miss makes one very vulnerable, as each swing requires the full force of the body.
Availability
Sold by the Crestfallen Merchant for 8,000 Souls
Treasure from a corpse in the Depths, under some crates behind five Small Undead Rats
Drop from Heavy Knights (2% drop rate, 0.67% drop rate in Undead Parish)
General Information
|
Move Set
| 1 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 | Right-to-left horizontal smash. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 (left hand) | Guard. | |
| L2 (left hand) | Overhead smash. |
| 2 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 | Right-to-left horizontal smash. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 or L2 | Guard. |
Upgrades
Basic
Standard upgrade path.
Requires
- Titanite Shard/Large Shard/Chunk/Slab
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Large Ember (+6) & Very Large Ember (+11).
68% STR, 11% DEX scaling.
|
Raw
Base damage increased. Stat bonuses reduced.
Requires
- Greataxe +5
- Titanite
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Large Ember.
52% STR, 8% DEX scaling.
|
Crystal
Greataxe durability reduced to 23. Base damage increased. Cannot repair weapon (except through reinforcement).
Requires
- Greataxe +10
- Titanite
Ascended by the Giant Blacksmith with Crystal Ember.
68% STR, 11% DEX scaling.
|
Lightning
Adds lightning damage. All stat bonuses removed.
Requires
- Great Axe +10
- Titanite Chunk
Ascended by the Giant Blacksmith.
|
Magic
Adds magic damage. Moderate damage bonus from intelligence.
Requires
- Greataxe +5
- Green Titanite
- Blue Titanite
Ascended by Rickert of Vinheim & with Large Magic Ember (+6).
19% STR, 3% DEX, 57% INT scaling.
|
Enchanted
Base damage reduced from magic upgrade path. Increased damage bonus from intelligence.
Requires
- Magic Greataxe+5
- Blue Titanite
Ascended by Rickert of Vinheim with Enchanted Ember.
14% STR, 2% DEX, 55% INT scaling. Unknown additional amount of INT scaling.
|
Divine
Adds magic damage. Moderate damage bonus from faith. Additional damage multiplier against unholy enemies.
Requires
- Great Axe + 5
- Green Titanite Shard
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Divine Ember & Large Divine Ember (+6).
27% STR, 4% DEX, 56% FAI scaling.
|
Occult
Base damage reduced from divine upgrade path. Increased damage bonus from faith. Additional damage multiplier against holy enemies.
Requires
- Divine Greataxe +5
- White Titanite
Ascended by Andre of Astora with Dark Ember.
24% STR, 4% DEX, 56% FAI scaling.
|
Fire
Fire damage added. All stat bonuses removed
Requires
- Greataxe +5
- Green Titanite (for Fire Greataxe to +5)
- Red Titanite (for +6 to +10)
Ascended by Vamos & with Large Flame Ember (+6).
|
Chaos
Base damage reduced from fire upgrade path. Damage bonus from humanity, up to 10 soft Humanity.
Requires
- Fire Greataxe +5
- Red Titanite
Ascended by Vamos with Chaos Flame Ember.
|
Key
| Damage: |
The Damage stat dictates how much damage the weapon does. The Damage stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Each weapon has one or more physical damage types:
Certain enemies are weak or strong against different types of damage types. |
| Critical: | One of the multipliers (in percent) for the bonus damage on criticals, such as backstabs and ripostes. |
| Durability: | The health of the weapon. The effectiveness of the weapon will severely deteriorate when the durability falls below 30%. |
| Weight: | The weight of the weapon. Note that carrying over 50% of a character's Equip Burden will reduce the speed of their rolls, while going over 100% will reduce their regular speed to walking and attempts to roll or backstep will leave them momentarily stunned. |
| Stats Needed: |
The Stats Needed determines how high various Stats must be in order to wield the weapon effectively. The Requirement stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Wielding a weapon without the required Strength and/or Dexterity will incur a penalty to the Physical damage of the weapon, while lower-than-required Magic and/or Faith will reduce the Magic damage of the weapon. Also keep in mind that a character gains a 50% bonus to Strength by wielding a weapon with both hands, thus reducing the actual Strength required. |
| Damage Reduction %: |
The Damage Reduction stat dictates the percentage of damage reduced while blocking. The Damage Reduction stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
|
| Stability: | The stability of the weapon. The higher this value, the less stamina is consumed when blocking attacks. |
| Frampt Souls: | This is the amount of souls players will receive if they feed the item to Kingseeker Frampt. |
Footnotes
- When two-handing this weapon, only 22 Strength is required.
Stone Greataxe
Greataxe borne by the stone knights who guard the forest Sanctuary.
This greataxe, requiring inhuman strength to wield and more fitted to manual labor than battle, is nevertheless completely lethal.
Availability
Drop from Stone Guardian in the Royal Wood (2% drop rate)
General Information
Can be enchanted.
| Image | Name | Damage | Critical Bonus | Durability | Weight | Stats Needed Stat Bonuses |
Damage Reduction % |
Stability | Frampt Souls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Stone Greataxe | 190/0/0/0 (Regular) |
100 | 700 | 24.0 | 481/10/0/0 B/E/-/- |
55/10/40/40 | 38 | 100 |
Move Set
| 1 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 | Right-to-left swing. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 (left hand) | Guard. | |
| L2 (left hand) | Overhead smash. |
| 2 Handed | ||
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Overhead smash. | |
| R2 — R2 | Smash followed by AoE. | |
| Roll — R1 | 360 degree horizontal spin attack. | |
| Backstep or Run — R1 | Running horizontal smash. | |
| Forward + R1 | Kick. | Useful for breaking guard. |
| Forward + R2 | Leaping overhead smash. | |
| L1 or L2 | Guard. |
- Strong attack (1-handed) is replaced by a right-to-left swing.
- Strong attack (2-handed) is replaced by a smash followed by a ground explosion attack, similar to the attack used by the Stone Guardians.
Upgrades
Requires
- Twinkling Titanite
96% STR, 10% DEX scaling.
|
Key
| Damage: |
The Damage stat dictates how much damage the weapon does. The Damage stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Each weapon has one or more physical damage types:
Certain enemies are weak or strong against different types of damage types. |
| Critical: | One of the multipliers (in percent) for the bonus damage on criticals, such as backstabs and ripostes. |
| Durability: | The health of the weapon. The effectiveness of the weapon will severely deteriorate when the durability falls below 30%. |
| Weight: | The weight of the weapon. Note that carrying over 50% of a character's Equip Burden will reduce the speed of their rolls, while going over 100% will reduce their regular speed to walking and attempts to roll or backstep will leave them momentarily stunned. |
| Stats Needed: |
The Stats Needed determines how high various Stats must be in order to wield the weapon effectively. The Requirement stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
Wielding a weapon without the required Strength and/or Dexterity will incur a penalty to the Physical damage of the weapon, while lower-than-required Magic and/or Faith will reduce the Magic damage of the weapon. Also keep in mind that a character gains a 50% bonus to Strength by wielding a weapon with both hands, thus reducing the actual Strength required. |
| Damage Reduction %: |
The Damage Reduction stat dictates the percentage of damage reduced while blocking. The Damage Reduction stats for a weapon are W / X / Y / Z:
|
| Stability: | The stability of the weapon. The higher this value, the less stamina is consumed when blocking attacks. |
| Frampt Souls: | This is the amount of souls players will receive if they feed the item to Kingseeker Frampt. |
Footnotes
- When two-handing this weapon, only 32 Strength is required.