bastard sword vs. claymore?

So, I'm working on a build that uses straight physical damage, no buffs or magic or elemental weapons, and I wanted to use one of these swords, the claymore or the bastard sword. The bastard sword has a bit more damage, but I almost never(I can't even recall) see anyone use it in PVP. Is the claymore just better, despite the damage difference? What are the pros and cons of each and why is claymore more popular?

Go with claymore, have 2 thrust attacks unlike the bastard sword. Thats it.


(I personally preffer the bastard for my builds, but because no one use it )

Thanks, I just checked out a video and I hadn't realized the difference in the one handed R1 movesets, my guy can only two hand it now. Is there a difference in speed?

I like the bastard sword, people arent as used to its moveset as they are the claymore. I say try both, claymore has the 1 hand r2 thrust and the rolling r1 thrust, it also has slightly better range. I think the bastard sword is more bad *** though.

the clay is way better simply because of the moveset, you will get parried with the poke attack so dont be too predictable. the bastard sword is good and people just use it to be different since its not as good as the clay in terms of move set.

make sure you try the flamberge too, its one of the most underrated weapons in the game.

Claymore has an 'arguably' better R2, but I myself have a newfound liking to the bastard sword. Make up your own mind, Bastard Sword has higher AR, but test it yourself and see what moveset you're more comfortable with. I'm currently using a Bastard sword +15 and I'm doing pretty well.

What rant said about the flamberge I love using that thing and I still got caught out by its R2 when I fought another person with it.

I still love my Bastard sword, however with my current physical damage build I use my BSS and Rapier +15

I think the bastard sword looks nicer aesthetically. That's my two cents, I rarely ever use the thrust attack.

If your using it for a build around 120. The Man Serpent Greatsword has the same moveset as the bastard sword and it scales an A in str. Since both the claymore and bastard scale C in both str and dex it takes a while before you max the full potential. i stopped seeing an increase around 55 60 for both stats. But they are clearly a better weapon at higher levels. A +15 MSGS scales quicker and tops out at about 45-50. They are all i use and they are fun to swap back an forth.

Wow thanks for the replies guys. Yeah, I also prefer the look of the bastard sword, which is why I was wondering why I never see it used. The MSGS is a bit heavier than I want for my build and I'm not too crazy about how it looks, but I'll probably end up trying it out.

I use the bastard sword alot....have like three for my main build . Most people like the Claymore move set better, so you will just have to try them both. I think the one handed move set for the Bastard sword is better, so it depends on what you plan to use it for.

I havnt used the flamberge much, but it is under rated and should be considered as others have already said.

With the hornets ring does the bastard do the same move as the claymore or that Zweei?

The claymore I would imagine.... cant say I have tested it though.

I like the Clay's moveset better. Never got into the MSGS, but I'm too used to my 40/40 where I can use most weapons to their max potential.

And, as far as Str and Dex go, there is no reason to go above 40 for each . . . except for casting speed (debatable, but tops out at dex of 45) or weapon requirements. After 40, the diminishing returns kick in to the point where 99 is only minimally better than 40.