Zweihander

Notes

• A Colossal Sword requiring 19 Strength and 11 Dexterity and weighing 15.5. Using both hands meets its Strength requirement at 13 Strength, but still needs 11 Dexterity.
• Standard affinity has stronger Dexterity than Strength scaling. Heavy changes it toward Strength, so its two-handed name does not make every version a pure Strength weapon.
• Its first heavy and charged heavy attacks include a long thrust. The rest of its moveset still offers broad swings for groups.
• The thrust can benefit from counter-hit bonuses such as Spear Talisman while an enemy is attacking. That does not give its sweeping attacks the same bonus.
• Its default Stamp (Upward Cut) costs 5 FP for the bracing step and another 8 FP for the strong-attack rising cut. The bracing animation does not prevent all incoming damage.
• It is considerably lighter and has lower Strength requirements than Greatsword, which weighs 23 and needs 31 Strength one-handed. Neither comparison decides every affinity or build.
• Its critical rating is 100. The merchant sells one for 3,500 runes; buying it leaves the merchant alive and his other stock available.
• Upgrade it with Smithing Stones to +25. Can use compatible Ashes of War; changing the affinity can change which attributes improve its damage.
• Grease or a weapon enchantment can be applied while using an affinity that allows weapon buffs.
• It has no innate blood loss, poison or Frostbite. An appropriate affinity or compatible buff is needed if you want one of those effects.