Dark Souls 3 can feel punishing, especially when you’re trying to progress quickly. A lot of players wonder how to get the right weapons and items without wasting hours farming or struggling through difficult areas. In this guide, I’ll break down common questions about weapons, upgrades, and useful items, based on how most players approach the game.



How do players usually get powerful weapons early on?



In general, you start with very basic gear, and most players rely on three main paths to get stronger weapons:



Drops from enemies and bosses – Many players farm certain areas repeatedly to get rare drops. For example, the Wolf Knight’s Greatsword comes from repeated runs against the Abyss Watchers. Usually, this takes patience, because drop rates can be low.



Purchase from merchants – There are NPCs scattered across the world who sell weapons, some of which are hard to find otherwise. For most players, visiting Firelink Shrine regularly and checking merchants like Andre the blacksmith is standard practice.



Trading or special sources – Some weapons are obtained through covenants or questlines. Completing certain side quests or joining covenants unlocks items that most players can’t buy or farm easily.



In practice, most players combine these methods. Early in the game, you’ll rely on merchant purchases to make progression smoother. Later, drops from bosses or enemies become more important as you seek specialized weapons.



Should you upgrade weapons or just get new ones?



Most players focus on upgrading a few core weapons rather than constantly swapping for new ones. Upgrading usually gives more benefit than simply finding a stronger weapon because the scaling can make your weapon much more powerful than a new drop.



Titanite upgrades – Standard weapons can be improved using Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, and eventually Twinkling or Titanite Slabs. In general, players farm these from areas they’ve already cleared or buy them from merchants.



Infusions – Infusions can change your weapon’s scaling, adding elemental damage or enhancing Strength/Dexterity scaling. Most players pick one weapon type and infuse it to suit their build.



The practical takeaway: if you find a weapon you like, invest in upgrading it. Most players will stick with that weapon for the majority of the game instead of constantly switching.



How do you know which items are worth buying?



Not all items are equally useful early on. Most players look for:



Consumables: Items like Firebombs, Green Blossoms, and Resin are valuable for both PvE and PvP. Buying these in bulk saves time and avoids repeated farming.



Upgrade materials: Titanite and other upgrade materials are generally prioritized over weapons, especially for your main build.



Special tools: Things like the Carthus Flame Arc or Transient Curse are situational, but if you plan to run certain areas or PvP, they’re usually worth having.



When you check vendors in Firelink or other hubs, most players prioritize consumables and upgrade materials before anything else. This approach makes your progression smoother because you’re rarely stuck underpowered.



Can you buy everything from one place?



Not usually. In general, Dark Souls 3 distributes weapons, items, and upgrade materials across different NPCs and areas. Most players end up visiting multiple locations to get what they need. For example:



Some weapons are only available from questlines, like the Wolf Knight’s Greatsword.



Certain upgrade materials are limited to a few merchants, so buying in bulk when possible is common.



For players looking to save time, there are resources likeU4N where you can find lists of what each merchant offers and track which items are still missing. Using such references helps you avoid unnecessary farming and focus on the gear that really benefits your build.



How do players usually choose which weapons to buy first?



The choice depends on your build and playstyle. In general:



Strength builds favor axes, greatswords, and ultra weapons.



Dexterity builds use katanas, curved swords, and rapiers.



Magic or hybrid builds often invest in staves, catalysts, or infused melee weapons.



Most players start by buying weapons that complement their starting class and then upgrade them. The goal isn’t to own every weapon early but to secure a reliable set that can carry you through the next several zones. Once you have a strong base weapon, you can experiment with others.



Are there risks to buying weapons or items early?



Yes, a few. In general:



Limited upgrade materials – If you spend all your Titanite early, you might struggle to upgrade later. Most players balancebuying weapons with saving upgrade materials for key gear.



Item requirements – Some weapons require stats you don’t yet have. Buying too early can lock you out of using them effectively.



Redundancy – Buying many similar weapons can clutter your inventory and reduce focus. Most players buy only a few core items at a time.



The practical approach is to plan purchases based on your current level and build. This helps avoid wasted souls or inventory space.



How do players balance farming and buying?



In practice, most players use a combination:



Farm for rare drops only when necessary or for items that can’t be bought.



Buy standard weapons and consumables to maintain consistent progression.



Check online guides or resources to make sure you’re not missing anything critical. Sites like U4N provide lists of what’s available from vendors, which helps you plan efficiently.



Balancing these two methods ensures you’re leveling up fast without spending excessive time grinding.