+15 or Lightning +5 (for PVE)

Before you mention that this has been asked a thousand times, wait a minute.

Most of those threads are based around effectiveness for PVP and the ones that discuss PVE don't quite answer my question.

I've read all about AR vs damage, and how elemental weps have to go through two defences, but what if the enemy is weak to that element?

If the enemy is weak to that element, does it mean the damage is boosted? Or is it just not resisted as much?

So...

Assuming:
-40 Dex
-No Extra Buffs / Magic (e.g. No Gold Pine Resin / Sunlight Blade etc)
-Using a Dex scaling weapon (e.g. Katana)
...which would be better, +15 normal or +5 lightning, for an enemy (in PVE) that is:
A) Weak to lightning (low resist e.g. Gaping Dragon)
B) Neutral to lightning
C) Resists Lightning (high resist e.g Nito)


Also, the same question again, but with 40 Dex, 40 Str and Balder Side Sword.


Thanks.

+15 always. Dual damagers are so unreliable, and when they hit, theyre not that good. the only good split damage weapon ive seen is the DSS and thats because of it's ungodly reach.

I always seem to get the same answer to this question, that +15 is always best because you don't have to break through two sets of defences. I have a +5 Lighting Balder SS though, and I gotta tell you, it works quite well any time I use it. I think the point everyone is trying to make, is that at +15 you get all that pure physical damage, but can buff it. I just never really get around to buffing weapons, since a lot of people wait for the buff to fade.

Shindori wrote:+15 always. Dual damagers are so unreliable, and when they hit, theyre not that good. the only good split damage weapon ive seen is the DSS and thats because of it's ungodly reach.

What's the DSS again?

One situation where an elemental weapon might help is if you run into a turtle, since most shields only have partial elemental defense. But the damage would be pretty minimal.

Back Lot Basher wrote:I think the point everyone is trying to make, is that at +15 you get all that pure physical damage, but can buff it. I just never really get around to buffing weapons, since a lot of people wait for the buff to fade.

Exactly...

1) I will never remember to buff my weapons
2) I don't want to have to keep buying the buff items
3) I don't care about PVP

Back Lot Basher wrote:

What's the DSS again?

Dragonslayer Spear I think.

dragon slayer spear.

Strudul wrote:

Back Lot Basher wrote:I think the point everyone is trying to make, is that at +15 you get all that pure physical damage, but can buff it. I just never really get around to buffing weapons, since a lot of people wait for the buff to fade.

Exactly...

1) I will never remember to buff my weapons
2) I don't want to have to keep buying the buff items
3) I don't care about PVP

If you're only concerned about PvE, that by all means, go with elemental, or enchanted/Divine. I've played a mage through to NG++++, and use mostly my Moonlight Greatsword, Enchanted Estoc, or Lightning Balder. All fantastic weapons even at that level. Estoc is one of the best. Stunlocks unarmored enemies for at least 8 or 9 strikes with only 35 endurance.

Back Lot Basher wrote:
If you're only concerned about PvE, that by all means, go with elemental, or enchanted/Divine. I've played a mage through to NG++++, and use mostly my Moonlight Greatsword, Enchanted Estoc, or Lightning Balder. All fantastic weapons even at that level. Estoc is one of the best. Stunlocks unarmored enemies for at least 8 or 9 strikes with only 35 endurance.

Well...

I am currently a pure Dex/End build, so I do feel that my stats are kinda wasted if I go for elemental weapons (though if they are better, I will happily use them).

I do also remember reading somewhere that the defense scaling in each NG+ makes +15>ele+5.

If you're a Dex build then you may in fact get more mileage from a +15 weapon (especially things like the bandit knife and Pharis bow). Curved dex swords will work well for you. I would just make a few extra weapons with different elements (longsword and Balder side sword have great movesets) just to try them on different enemies.

Not sure about the defense scaling, but I still get good use from my elemental weapons on NG++++.

Currently using Quelaag's Furysword +5 and Iaito +15 with 40 dex and 16 str.

Planning on making either +5 lightning or +15 Claymore / Balder SS / Uchigatana.

Strudul wrote:Currently using Quelaag's Furysword +5 and Iaito +15 with 40 dex and 16 str.

Planning on making either +5 lightning or +15 Claymore / Balder SS / Uchigatana.

Love that Iaito...I use on on my Dragon Dex build. Give enemies a roar, then slice them in half. Balder would make a nice lightning weapon. Don't forget some fire and divine weps for the Catacombs /ToG.

What level are you?

Back Lot Basher wrote:Love that Iaito...I use on on my Dragon Dex build. Give enemies a roar, then slice them in half. Balder would make a nice lightning weapon. Don't forget some fire and divine weps for the Catacombs /ToG.

What level are you?

Won't Quelaag's Furysword cover me for a fire weapon?

With regards to divine, I haven't put any points into faith so won't the damage be terrible? I know it stops undead coming back to life, but I can just rush the necros (hopefully?).

My current situation:

(Actually have 400k+ souls)

15+ ALWAYS.
Unless you're using the Shotel, then Lighting is Somewhat useable. I've used Lighting on a Few weapons (When i started Dark Souls) and im seeing now how bad it was Compared to 15+. (Normaly 14+ since titanite Slabs are NOT EASY TO FIND.)