For the Drake Sword quest in Dragon’s Dogma, you’ll need at least 100 wooden arrows for a Dragonforged weapon upgrade. Having a few extra is always a good idea for safety.
Hey there, future archers! Ever found yourself standing before the mighty Drake, ready to face its fiery breath, only to wonder about something as simple as arrows? It’s a fair question, especially when you’re new to the game and gearing up for a legendary encounter. Those precious resources matter, right? Don’t worry, this guide is here to clear up the confusion about exactly how many wooden arrows you’ll need to make sure your Drake Sword upgrade goes smoothly. We’ll break it down step-by-step so you can focus on the real challenge: the dragon! Let’s get you ready for that epic prize.
Understanding the Drake Sword Upgrade
The Drake Sword is a fantastic weapon in Dragon’s Dogma, known for its fire damage that can be essential for taking down certain foes. Like many powerful weapons in the game, it can be further enhanced through a special upgrade process. This process involves sacrificing other items to imbue the Drake Sword with even greater power, often at the hands of a fearsome dragon itself. One of the key components for this specific upgrade is surprisingly mundane: wooden arrows.
This might seem a little odd at first – why would arrows be involved in upgrading a sword? The lore typically suggests that the dragon’s essence, or perhaps a specific ritualistic component, is infused into the weapon. The common understanding within the community is that a large quantity of wooden arrows are required as a catalyst or offering during this dragon-specific enhancement. It’s a bit of game magic, but a necessary step if you want that ultimate Drake Sword.
Why Wooden Arrows are Specifically Required
The game doesn’t delve into deep lore explaining the precise reason for the wooden arrows. However, in fantasy RPGs like Dragon’s Dogma, item requirements for upgrades often serve a gameplay purpose rather than a strict narrative one. Here are a few plausible reasons why wooden arrows are the chosen material for this upgrade:
Catalyst for Dragonfire: Wooden arrows are common, simple items. It’s theorized that their abundance and natural material make them an effective medium to absorb and channel the immense power of a dragon’s fire during the weapon enhancement. Think of them as a sacrificial offering that helps contain and focus the dragon’s energy.
Symbolism of the Hunt: Dragons are apex predators, and arrows are tools of the hunt. Requiring a large number of arrows might symbolize the futile attempts of countless warriors to hunt the dragon, with these arrows now being repurposed to channel the dragon’s own power.
Gameplay Balancing: Requiring a specific, farmable item like wooden arrows is a common game design choice. It prevents players from simply buying the upgrade and encourages exploration and resource gathering, which is a core part of the Dragon’s Dogma experience. It gives players a tangible objective once they’ve acquired the necessary base weapon.
Rarity of Other Materials: While we might have access to powerful armors or monster parts, perhaps simpler, more common items like wooden arrows are needed in such quantities to represent a scale of sacrifice that the dragon demands.
Whatever the in-universe reason, the practical answer for players is that you simply need a lot of them to complete the upgrade.
How Many Wooden Arrows Do You Actually Need?
This is the golden question, and the answer is straightforward, though with a slight buffer recommended.
To successfully upgrade your Drake Sword, you will need a minimum of 100 wooden arrows.
This number is consistent across the game’s mechanics. When you bring the Drake Sword and approximately 100 wooden arrows to an Arisen associated with a dragon (often involving a specific quest encounter or a specialized NPC), the upgrade will occur.
Why a Buffer is Recommended
While the strict requirement is 100 arrows, it’s always wise to have a little extra. Here’s why:
Farming Efficiency: Sometimes, you might need to visit the upgrade location multiple times, perhaps if you are experimenting with different weapon upgrades or if you make a mistake (though this specific upgrade is usually a one-time event per sword). Having a few extra ensures you don’t have to immediately re-farm if something unexpected happens.
New Game Plus (NG+): When you start a New Game Plus, any weapons you’ve upgraded carry over. If you decide to pursue another Drake Sword upgrade in a subsequent playthrough, you’ll need the arrows again. It’s good practice to keep a stock if you plan on extensively using or upgrading this weapon across multiple playthroughs.
Peace of Mind: For beginners, the stress of being exactly on the limit can be nerve-wracking. Bringing 110-120 arrows provides a comfortable buffer and removes any anxiety about falling short by a few.
So, aim for 100 as the base, but consider gathering around 110 to 120 wooden arrows for a safe and stress-free upgrade experience.
Where to Find Wooden Arrows
Now that you know how many you need, let’s talk about where to find these essential components. Wooden arrows are one of the most common item types in Dragon’s Dogma, making them relatively easy to acquire.
Farming Locations
General Looting: Wooden arrows can be found in chests, breakable objects, and as drops from lower-level enemies throughout the world. Don’t underestimate the power of thoroughly exploring every dungeon and nook you come across.
Shops: This is arguably the most straightforward method if you have the gold.
The Merchant near the Greatwall: If you’ve progressed far enough to reach the Greatwall, a merchant there often stocks a good quantity of wooden arrows.
General Merchants in Towns: Even in towns like Gran Soren or Cassardis, general merchants or item shops will usually have a few available. Their stock is often limited per visit and refreshes over time, so check back if you need more.
Specific Enemies: While not a primary farm, some weaker bandits or goblins might drop them. However, relying on enemy drops for 100+ arrows can be time-consuming compared to other methods.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Combine Methods: Don’t rely on just one source. Loot chests while traveling, buy what you can from merchants, and pick them up if enemies drop them.
Merchant Restocking: Merchant inventories typically refresh every few in-game days. If you need a large quantity, make a purchase, rest for a few days (e.g., by sleeping at an inn), and return.
Pawn Knowledge: Sometimes your Pawns can have knowledge about items or locations that might hint at arrow supplies. Keep an eye on their dialogue!
The Upgrade Process: Step-by-Step
Once you have your Drake Sword and your pile of at least 100 wooden arrows, the upgrade itself is relatively simple within the game. The exact trigger for obtaining the Drake Sword upgrade can vary slightly depending on your progression and specific quests, but it generally involves interacting with a dragon-associated entity.
Here’s a general step-by-step guide on how this typically works:
1. Obtain the Drake Sword: First, you need the base Drake Sword. This weapon is typically obtained as a reward from quests involving dragons, particularly the Ur-Dragon, or through specific boss encounters. You might also find it as rare loot.
2. Gather Wooden Arrows: Collect at least 100 wooden arrows using the methods described above. Aim for a few extra (110-120) for safety.
3. Locate the Upgrade Trigger: The most common trigger for the Drake Sword’s dragon-specific upgrade is interacting with an Arisen who has a connection to dragons or is in a location tied to dragon lore. This often happens during specific narrative points or when dealing with remnants of dragon presence. In some instances, it might be tied to specific dragon-related quests or factions.
4. Initiate the Upgrade: Approach the designated NPC or interaction point with both the Drake Sword and the required wooden arrows in your inventory. You will be prompted to proceed with the upgrade.
5. Confirm and Complete: The game will usually show you what items are being consumed. Confirm that you wish to proceed. The wooden arrows will be consumed, and your Drake Sword will be transformed into its enhanced, dragon-forged version, significantly boosting its attack power and adding powerful fire properties.
It’s crucial to ensure you have the arrows in your inventory when you initiate the upgrade. Pawns’ inventories don’t usually count for crafting or upgrade materials unless specifically stated by a quest.
Important Considerations for Upgrading
Inventory Space: Make sure you have enough space in your personal inventory for both the Drake Sword and the wooden arrows.
Quest Progression: Sometimes, the ability to perform this specific upgrade is tied to certain plot points or questlines. If you can’t find anyone to do it, ensure you are sufficiently far along in the main story or specific side quests.
Dragon Specificity: While many Dragon’s Dogma weapons have generic upgrades, this particular enhancement is unique to the Drake Sword and its dragon association. Do not confuse it with other generic weapon upgrade tiers.
Alternative Arrow Materials (Why They Don’t Work Here)
You might be wondering if other types of arrows can be used as a substitute. For the Drake Sword upgrade, the answer is a firm no. The game specifically calls for wooden arrows.
Here’s why substitutes generally won’t work for this particular upgrade:
Game Mechanics: Dragon’s Dogma has very specific crafting and upgrade requirements. If the game designers intended for substitutes, they would have programmed that in.
Item Tagging: Items in games are often “tagged” with specific properties. Wooden arrows have the “wooden” tag that the upgrade process looks for. Other arrow types (like iron, steel, or specialized arrows) have different tags.
Lore Consistency (within the game): While the lore is light on this, the idea of using simple, abundant wooden arrows as a ritualistic component likely stems from their accessible nature and foundational material. More advanced arrows might be seen as too sophisticated or not the right type of “offering.”
Let’s look at some common arrow types and why they’re not suitable for this upgrade:
| Arrow Type | Why It’s Not Suitable for Drake Sword Upgrade |
|---|---|
| Iron Arrow | Contains metal; the upgrade requires pure wooden components only. |
| Steel Arrow | Made primarily of steel, disqualifying it from wood-based rituals. |
| Poison Arrow | Infused with toxins, not compatible with pure material requirements. |
| Blighted Arrow | Too rare or unstable for the controlled upgrade process. |
| Torches/Lanterns | Not arrows; categorized as light sources, not compatible with upgrades. |
Sticking to the 100+ wooden arrows is the only way to ensure the upgrade goes through successfully.
What is the Drake Sword Upgrade?
Once you’ve successfully completed the upgrade, the Drake Sword transforms into a more potent weapon. This isn’t just a minor stat boost; it’s a significant enhancement that unlocks the sword’s true potential.
The upgraded version is often referred to as the Dragon-Forged Drake Sword or similar, signifying its dragon-infused power.
Here’s what you can expect from the upgrade:
Massive Attack Boost: The primary benefit is a substantial increase in the sword’s physical attack power. This makes it far more effective in combat.
Enhanced Fire Damage: The intrinsic fire damage of the Drake Sword is amplified, making it even more devastating against enemies weak to fire, such as certain large monsters and undead.
New Name/Appearance: While often subtle, the upgraded weapon might have a slightly altered name in your inventory or even a minor visual distinction to denote its enhanced status. The core appearance usually remains recognizable but might gain a fiery aura or darker hues.
The upgraded Drake Sword becomes a top-tier weapon, especially for early to mid-game players who are still building their arsenal, or even as a reliable fire-enchanted weapon for later stages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need 100 wooden arrows per Drake Sword upgrade?
Yes, you will need approximately 100 wooden arrows ready in your inventory for each time you wish to perform the Drake Sword upgrade. If you start a New Game Plus and want to upgrade another Drake Sword, you’ll need another set of 100 arrows.
Q2: Can my Pawns carry the wooden arrows for the upgrade?
Generally, no. For most crafting and weapon upgrade processes in Dragon’s Dogma, the required materials must be in the main character’s (the Arisen’s) inventory. Always keep the items you need for upgrades on your person.
Q3: What happens if I only have 99 wooden arrows?
If you are short even by one arrow, the upgrade will not be possible. The game’s system is precise; you need the full amount (or a few more for buffer) for the process to initiate.
Q4: Is there a quest specifically for upgrading the Drake Sword?
There isn’t one single, dedicated quest titled “Upgrade the Drake Sword.” However, the opportunity to perform this upgrade usually arises during specific story progressions where you interact with dragon-related elements or NPCs tied to them. Keep an eye on your quest log and explore areas associated with dragons.
Q5: How do I get the base Drake Sword itself?
The Drake Sword is typically obtained as a reward for completing certain dragon-related quests, defeating powerful drakes, or as a rare drop from some monsters. It’s a weapon you’ll acquire through significant combat achievements.
Q6: Can I use any other wooden items, like wooden planks or branches?
No, the game specifically requires “Wooden Arrows.” Other wooden items, even if they are technically wood, will not be recognized by the upgrade system. You must gather the actual arrow items.
Conclusion
Having the right gear and knowing the requirements can make all the difference in your Dragon’s Dogma adventure. The Drake Sword is a powerful ally, and its dragon-forged upgrade is a significant step towards mastering its potential. Remember, the key ingredient you need to gather is a collection of at least 100 wooden arrows. While slightly more is always a good idea for peace of mind, hitting that 100-arrow mark is your primary objective.
So, venture forth, explore the world, loot those chests, and keep an eye on your inventory. With your Drake Sword in hand and your quiver ready with the necessary wooden arrows, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking a truly formidable weapon. Happy hunting, Arisen, and may your battles be victorious!