Thanks very much for the advice. I've already started on a Combuster and planned to pick up an Acheron and a Final Flourish at some point after I upgrade my Ash Tail set to Vog Cub. I'm also working on a Barbarous Thorn Shield to complete my set.
I read your guide man, it was really helpful in picking my choices for my final loadout.
I'll keep working on my three final blades and swordmasters kit, thanks again.
Lets say you have piercing, shadow and elemental sword(s). You go to a level with lichens (slimes). Its not a problem to equip shadow sword and Striker. That combination is better than shadow and elemental or shadow and piercing (against slimes). When you buy weapon slots you will be able to equip elemental,shadow,piercing AND the Vile/Dread venom striker and use it whenever you want.
Its not a problem to equip shadow sword and Striker. That combination is better than shadow and elemental or shadow and piercing (against slimes).
No, DVS/WHB is not better against slimes than an elemental sword. For example, Combuster does at least as much damage per second on combos, and has a dramatically more powerful and useful charge attack.
Furthermore, if you're carrying a shadow sword, then you don't need to use your second sword against slimes at all. Your second sword is there to help you against the other monsters --- for example, lumbers. The question is: What's the best damage type to use against these other monsters? It depends on what the monsters are, but the answer is definitely not "normal".
On an relatively unrelated side note....does anyone happen to know of any special tricks or techniques to be used with DVD/WHB? I use mine occasionally but it never feels very effective, even compared to other neutral swords like CiV or Triglav.
I don't know of any special tricks or techniques, but maybe someone will speak up. DVS/WHB seem designed for a newbie-style run-up-to-monsters-and-hit-them-until-they-die style of play. The charge attack is dangerous, unless you plan carefully (one slow target, no other monsters in the room). In my sword guide, DVS and WHB are the only swords for which I cannot imagine a purpose. They are kind of fun, though.
I think the trick to using the cutter line weapons is not to end the combo in the enemy's face. Treat it as a flourish+WRH, use the movement to help you escape.
I do that, except I use the shield cancel right when I am about to finish the combo. Then I just repeat what I do...or I use a gun to finish the monster off.
Dread Venom Striker was my first 5-star sword, so I still have warm feelings for it, but I almost never use it anymore. When you switch to other swords, you will find that the game becomes dramatically easier. You will also acquire Attack Speed Increases (if you don't have them already) that make slower swords feel pretty fast. Then you'll play for a few more months, get tired of using swords, and try out a variety of guns and bombs. And after a few more months, you'll master all parts of the game, and grow tired of guns and bombs too. You might find yourself playing around with your DVS again, like an old friend.
In short: Switch to better swords now, but keep your DVS in your arsenal, and enjoy it a little later.