The Ice Rapier in Dark Souls 2 is a unique and powerful thrusting sword that has become a favorite among PvP enthusiasts and PvE players alike. Known for its high counter damage, fast thrust attacks, and the ability to fire a ranged projectile with its strong attack, the Ice Rapier offers a highly versatile weapon choice. To build around the Ice Rapier effectively, players need to consider stats, gear synergy, infusions, and playstyle tactics. This build guide will walk you through how to maximize the Ice Rapier’s full potential in Dark Souls II, both in terms of raw damage output and tactical advantage.
Why Choose the Ice Rapier?
Weapon Overview
The Ice Rapier is a thrusting sword that scales with Dexterity and has inherent magic damage. It’s especially effective because of the following features:
- High counter damage (130 counter rating)
- Fast attack speed and excellent reach
- Strong attack fires a magic projectile
- Can be buffed and infused
These traits make it ideal for players who want to pressure opponents with constant pokes, while also having a surprise ranged attack to catch enemies off guard.
How to Obtain the Ice Rapier
Location and Requirements
The Ice Rapier is acquired by trading the Soul of Aava, the King’s Pet with Weaponsmith Ornifex. To do this:
- Defeat Aava in the Crown of the Ivory King DLC area.
- Take the boss soul to Ornifex in Brightstone Cove Tseldora.
You need 13 Strength and 25 Dexterity to wield the Ice Rapier effectively. Magic-based characters will also benefit, as the weapon deals both physical and magic damage.
Stat Distribution for Ice Rapier Build
Recommended Stat Spread
There are a few ways to build around the Ice Rapier depending on your focus pure Dexterity, hybrid Dex/Int, or full Intelligence. Here’s a balanced hybrid spread suitable for PvP and PvE:
- Vigor: 20-30 (for survivability)
- Endurance: 20 (stamina for repeated thrusts and rolls)
- Vitality: 10-15 (depends on your armor setup)
- Attunement: 10-20 (optional, if using spells or buffs)
- Strength: 13 (minimum to wield)
- Dexterity: 25-30 (primary scaling stat)
- Intelligence: 30-40 (if you infuse with Magic and use sorcery)
- Adaptability: 15-20 (for i-frames and fluid movement)
This spread gives you solid melee damage with strong elemental scaling, while still having options to buff or cast spells if needed.
Infusion and Buff Choices
Best Infusion Options
The Ice Rapier can be infused to enhance specific damage types or scale with other stats. Top choices include:
- Magic Infusion: Adds more magic damage and scales with Intelligence. Ideal if you’re running a spellblade or sorcerer hybrid build.
- Raw Infusion: Boosts base damage but removes scaling. Not ideal unless used purely for projectile spam.
- Lightning or Fire Infusion: Only if you’re building toward those elements, though less effective than Magic for this weapon.
Weapon Buffs
The Ice Rapier can be buffed with spells like Magic Weapon, Great Magic Weapon, or Crystal Magic Weapon. These buffs stack well with the magic projectile attack and can give you a significant edge in duels and boss fights. Using items like the Magic Clutch Ring and Unleash Magic can further increase your offensive power.
Armor and Ring Synergies
Recommended Armor Sets
You want to stay light and mobile with this build, as the Ice Rapier benefits from quick positioning and spacing. Consider these armor pieces:
- Looking Glass Set: Decent defense and stylish aesthetics.
- Black Witch Robe: Great for spellblade builds, lightweight.
- Lion Mage Set: Speeds up casting, useful if combining spells.
Alternatively, mix and match pieces to hit your desired equip load and poise breakpoints. Remember, mobility is key with this build.
Best Rings for Ice Rapier
- Ring of Blades: Boosts physical damage output.
- Magic Clutch Ring: Boosts magic damage (especially good with Magic Infusion).
- Flynn’s Ring: Increases physical damage based on low equip load.
- Clear Bluestone Ring: Shortens spell casting time if you use buffs or sorcery.
These rings help enhance both your melee and magic damage output while also keeping you light on your feet.
Playstyle and Combat Strategy
PvE Strategy
In PvE, the Ice Rapier excels against enemies that are vulnerable to thrust damage or magic. Its fast pokes and ability to attack at range make it ideal for picking off dangerous mobs one by one. Use the ranged projectile to pull enemies or finish them from a distance. When dealing with groups, kite and poke rather than committing to combos.
PvP Strategy
In PvP, the Ice Rapier becomes especially deadly. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Spacing: Take advantage of the long reach to poke enemies safely.
- Counter Hits: Time your attacks when enemies are mid-swing for increased counter damage.
- Projectile Surprise: Mix in the strong attack magic projectile to catch dodging enemies.
- Buff Before Battle: Apply weapon buffs to increase pressure and damage output.
- Roll Punish: Time your pokes after opponents dodge to clip them mid-recovery.
Because of its high counter damage, patience and timing are rewarded. Avoid panic spam and instead use strategic thrusts and spacing to outplay your opponents.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Combine the Ice Rapier with a small shield like the Llewellyn Shield for fast parries and stamina conservation.
- Use the projectile attack when enemies heal or back off to keep the pressure on.
- Pair with sorceries like Homing Soulmass or Soul Spear for a hybrid offense.
- Practice spacing and roll-catching in PvP to take full advantage of the rapier’s properties.
- Infuse early if you’re committing to a magic-heavy build; otherwise, stick to physical for raw thrust damage early game.
The Ice Rapier build in DS2 is one of the most well-rounded and dangerous setups available, especially for those who favor agility, precision, and tactical play. With its built-in projectile, high counter potential, and excellent scaling when infused properly, the Ice Rapier suits players who enjoy controlling the flow of combat. Whether you’re exploring dangerous areas of Drangleic or challenging skilled opponents in PvP, this build offers both style and substance. With the right stats, gear, and technique, you’ll find the Ice Rapier to be a weapon of both elegance and deadly efficiency.