However, the ST isn't good for much besides backstabs and ripostes. If you want a good, versatile weapon, you can't go wrong with a Longsword +15 even though it doesn't provide any critical hit bonus. 1H R2 is a thrust attack, so if you're fighting something that can't be parried or backstabbed, just swap out your Hornet Ring for the Leo RingIf you prefer light weapons, use something like a 2H Falchion, unlock, turn around mid-swing and spam R1, they'll most likely get caught and be killed. watch that, it's a video showing how to counter backstabs. Once you see it in action and clearly explained it's much easier to practice in-game. Once you get good at this (which also requires
Essentially, if you have a super powerful slow weapon, the damage done would be greater for a regular attack than for a backstab. For elemental heavy weapons, a backstab would do pitiful damage. Rapiers and daggers would do the extra base, but their damage modifiers would be higher too.
The best players will abuse the strongest stuff mercilessly and everyone knows it. You're playing the same game as everyone else. You can do everything that others can. Backstabs are a great mechanic in a competitive sense. If you look at it like a fighting game, it's a move that allows you to punish mistakes consistently.