Ah, the Lands Between in 2026. Still as unforgiving and beautiful as ever. As a fellow Tarnished who’s been smacked around by everything from lowly foot soldiers to demigods, I know the importance of a reliable early-game weapon. If you, like me, are leaning into a melee build, you’ve probably dumped a bunch of points into either brute force strength or nimble dexterity. These stats aren't just for show; they’re your ticket to wielding a vast arsenal of armaments and making them hit like a runaway chariot. And let me tell you, among the sea of early-game options, one weapon stands out for its elegant reach and surprising synergy: the Lucerne halberd. It’s not just a pointy stick; it's a statement.
Halberds are the unsung heroes for the discerning warrior. They offer that sweet, sweet reach to poke enemies from a safe distance, all while keeping your equip load light enough to perform a graceful (or panicked) roll. While you might swap out your armament later for some legendary blade, having a trusty, powerful polearm to carry you through Stormveil Castle and beyond is crucial. Let's talk about how to get your hands on this beauty and why it might just become your new best friend.
Finding the Elusive Lucerne
Alright, so you’ve braved the horrors of Stormveil Castle, dodged Grafted Scions, and maybe even bested Godrick the Grafted. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to venture into the misty, sprawling wetlands of Liurnia of the Lakes. Your destination is the eastern side of this soggy region. Keep your eyes peeled for the Liurnia Highway North site of grace. Once you’ve rested there (and maybe leveled up a bit), your journey truly begins.
From this checkpoint, you’ll want to follow the dilapidated, broken road heading north. Soon, you’ll stumble upon a scene of perpetual spectral warfare—a haunting battlefield where spectral soldiers and living troops are locked in an eternal, ghostly brawl.
It’s a chaotic mess, and frankly, a fantastic early rune farm if you just sit back and let them kill each other. More apparitions will materialize after you arrive, and if you venture a bit further, a terrifying ghost giant will spawn on the right side of the path. My advice? Don’t engage everyone head-on. Use the confusion to your advantage!
The prize we seek, the Lucerne, isn’t held by a boss or locked in a chest. It’s lying amidst the wreckage of some destroyed carts on the right side of the path. Sneak around, avoid the larger skirmishes, and smash those carts to splinters. Among the debris, you’ll find your new weapon. While you’re there, scour the area—other valuable treasures are scattered around, making this detour well worth the trouble.
Mastering the Lucerne: A Dexterity User's Dream
So, you’ve got the Lucerne in hand. It feels good, right? Substantial, but not clumsy. Now, let’s break down why this weapon is such a gem, especially for us dexterity-focused folks.
First, the stat requirements: 15 Strength and 12 Dexterity. That strength requirement might make you think it’s a strength weapon, but here’s the delightful twist: its damage scaling eventually favors Dexterity more! At higher upgrade levels, it can reach a 'B' scaling in Dexterity, which is semi-rare and incredibly powerful for weapons available this early. This makes it a perfect centerpiece for a Dexterity build that still wants a bit of oomph and reach.
Here’s what makes the Lucerne special in combat:
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Pierce Damage: Unlike many standard halberds that do standard damage, the Lucerne does pierce damage. This is fantastic against enemies wearing heavy armor, as thrusting attacks often bypass a good chunk of their defenses.
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The Charge Forth Skill: Its default Ash of War is Charge Forth. For a mere 16 FP, you can lower the spear and launch yourself at an enemy, covering distance quickly. It’s an excellent tool for initiating combat, catching fleeing foes, or just looking cool as you close the gap. For a dexterity build focused on hit-and-run tactics, it’s a perfect opener—strike hard, then back off with your superior speed.
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Unmatched Versatility: Don’t like Charge Forth? No problem! One of the best features of the Lucerne is that it can be infused with other Ashes of War. This means you can customize its affinity and skill to perfectly match your playstyle. Want to make it a Keen weapon for even higher dexterity scaling? Go for it. Want to add Bloody Slash for bleed buildup? You can do that too. This adaptability is a huge plus.
Why Choose the Lucerne?
Let’s compare it to some early-game alternatives in a quick table:
| Weapon | Primary Stat | Damage Type | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucerne | Dexterity | Pierce | Great reach, pierce damage, infusable, 'B' Dex scaling |
| Lordsworn's Greatsword | Strength/Quality | Standard | Reliable, good critical damage |
| Uchigatana | Dexterity | Slash/Standard | Causes blood loss, fast attacks |
| Great Épée | Strength/Dexterity | Pierce/Standard | Good moveset, but shorter range |
As you can see, the Lucerne carves its own niche with its unique combination of reach, damage type, and scaling potential.
In summary, the Lucerne is more than just another halberd you find on a corpse-strewn road. It’s a strategic choice. For the Tarnished who values precision over brute force, who prefers to strike from the shadows (or at least from outside the enemy’s swing range), and who loves a weapon that can grow and adapt with their build, the Lucerne is an early-game treasure that can easily carry you into the mid-game and beyond. Now go out there, poke some things from a safe distance, and show the Lands Between what a smart fighter can do! :crossed_swords: