How does the weapon scaling work exactly?

[Jp]

So you have those letter gradings for each weapon. I assumed it was simple enough, the higher the letter the more a bonus you get from the relevant stat. But a friend of mine told me otherwise, he said that if I have a weapon with say C, C for str and dex, then having a lower dex than Strength will actually pull my damage down.

So is is possible to lose effectiveness or does it always just scale upwards?

Also, I'm thinking of using the broadsword (and occasionally claymore) on my dude, what's the best combination of strength and dexterity for the broadsword? Considering its Str is C and Dex is D, does this mean I will gain more benefit from having a higher strength than dex, and would boosting the dex harm the effects?

Sorry if this isn't a clear question, I'm not sure what I'm asking either to be honest, as I don't understand these letters.

[verarticus]

Well, the scaling is complicated in a way because DS2 (for some reason) lies about the scaling on some weapons, but others it is true. Basically a higher letter (E-A and S is the highest) increses the scaling. (except in a few cases as said before)

Typically Str scales higher than Dex does (I've heard you get roughly 2-3 damage per str and only around 1 per dex) for the same scaling, but the higher the stat the less you get. It soft caps at around 40 (meaning it DOES increase at higher levels but at a much MUCH lower rate)

And no you can't lose damage by having one thing higher than another (meaning if you have 40 str and 20 dex on a weapons labeled c,c you don't lose damage for having dex lower you still get the bonus from both) HOWEVER you have to at least meet the requirements of the weapon to do normal damage with it.

Edit: I forgot to add that fire and dark damage on a weapon scale with both int and faith.
Magic damage on a weapon scales with just int.
Lightning and bleed (apperently...) scales with just faith

[Kazper TehOne]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von verarticus:

Well, the scaling is complicated in a way because DS2 (for some reason) lies about the scaling on some weapons, but others it is true. Basically a higher letter (E-A and S is the highest) increses the scaling. (expect in a few cases as said before)

Typically Str scales higher than Dex does (I've heard you get roughly 2-3 damage per str and only around 1 per dex) for the same scaling, but the higher the stat the less you get. It soft caps at around 40 (meaning it DOES increase at higher levels but at a much MUCH lower rate)

And no you can't lose damage by having one thing higher than another (meaning if you have 40 str and 20 dex on a weapons labeled c,c you don't lose damage for having dex lower you still get the bonus from both) HOWEVER you have to at least meet the requirements of the weapon to do normal damage with it.

wow, that's actually the clearest i've ever heard somebody explain it.

[Mr.Bright]

dude
forget about the broadsword and the claymore
trust me they will be useless later
my advice is...
go pyromancy
let the lizard kills you once with the curse smoke ONLY
the lizard that got big eyes\
the fire orb ( the weakest pyro spell)
with pyromancy+10
deals 847 each

the Forbidden Sun
i killed dragon rider with 2 spells

or

you can be the hardest guy in game
get the havels armor dragon tooth

and you will be unstoppable

and the drgon tooth+5 deals 1023 each hit

thats a maxxive damage man

Regards, Jason

[Mr.Bright]

sry dragon tooth+5 with any elemant lightning,magic,fire
deals 1023 per/hit

[Jp]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von JasooM-EX:

dude
forget about the broadsword and the claymore
trust me they will be useless later
my advice is...
go pyromancy
let the lizard kills you once with the curse smoke ONLY
the lizard that got big eyes\
the fire orb ( the weakest pyro spell)
with pyromancy+10
deals 847 each

the Forbidden Sun
i killed dragon rider with 2 spells

or

you can be the hardest guy in game
get the havels armor dragon tooth

and you will be unstoppable

and the drgon tooth+5 deals 1023 each hit

thats a maxxive damage man

Regards, Jason

Yeah but with an upgraded sword I could do more than that damage in 3-4 hits in roughly the same time, with the added bonus of being able to move between the hits, and not use all of my stamina. I'm going for a sword and shield guy, I will make a pyromancer at some point, although my DS 1 guy was a pyro so I'm in no rush to try it again, as fun as it is. Next up is a Cleric I reckon.

Thanks for the other comments guys