Other than JK for curse, does this have any remote usage? I feel the charge sucks because risking the off chance of cursing yourself is a terrible idea. Also what is the point of upgrading a Faust to a Gran Faust? For shadow damage isn't Acheron way better due to the faster attack speed and therefore providing better defensive capability?
I guess somebody justify using Faust, and/or upgrading it to Gran Faust. I'm trying to find a reason to use mine.
Choosing one over the other is a matter of preference. The old 2 vs 3 swing debate, which way one goes depends highly on their personal playstyle. The Acheron is faster and thus has quicker defensive capabilities, but the Gran Faust makes up for this with a wider arc and much more knockback... so it depends on what you prefer when fighting jellies and gremlins.
As for the GF charge attack - it is quite particular since it takes a very long time to charge up, so it is unlikely to be used frequently. The few times it is used, the curse makes it worthwhile. Curse makes Giant Lichen Colonies, JK and menders rather easy. Even if you do curse yourself, run around until it wears off, use a remedy pill, or switch to a weapon that isn't cursed... not really a big deal.
I think you've got it backwards, the faust is much better defensively than the nightblade, because of the slower attack speed. The safest way to use any sword is swing once - shield, repeat. and with a heavy sword you'll get more damage done with that one swing. (its better to just do one swing both because you spend less time attacking, but also because the later swings push you forward into the attack, making you vulnerable) Also the better knockback and aoe on a heavy sword helps with safety. Curse is also incredibly strong...
I'm very new to this game, so curse only curses a few weapons, and not all? So I don't take damage using all of them just a select few?
With a GF, depending on your curse resistance if you have 4 weapon slots you'll only get 2-3 cursed. Your vials get cursed in the same manner.
Meh... As far as better defense... the swing-shield-swing-shield does work really well for heavy swords due to its wide arc and better knockback. With the Acheron though I find that there are more options depending on what is happening on the battlefield. You can swing-shield-swing-shield or swing-swing-shield. Also finishing the combo (in case of a miss) doesn't leave one vulnerable for as long as with a heavy sword.
Just keep remedy capsules on you and you'll be fine - they drop all over the place. I find myself never using vials so that's no great loss to me. The chance of curse is always nice, particularly as there are very few weapons that can actually do it.
I guess the speed somewhat depends on your playstyle, but I don't see why you can't get 2 swings off if you time it correctly.
Also, the Gran Faust looks ridiculous, which scores it some points