Faith builds can focus on Dragon Communion incantations (breath attacks, requiring Arcane) or Lightning incantations (bolts and spears, pure Faith). Both are viable but demand different stat investments and playstyles.
Dragon Communion
AoE breath attacks and status effects
Strengths
- Breath attacks cover huge areas
- Multiple elements (fire, rot, ice, lightning)
- Rotten Breath trivializes many bosses
- Dramatic, satisfying gameplay
- Status effects (Rot, Frost) on top of damage
Weaknesses
- Requires Faith AND Arcane investment
- Very long cast animations
- Punished by aggressive bosses
- Dragon Communion Seal is the only good option
- High FP cost per cast
VS
Lightning Spear
Ranged single-target damage
Strengths
- Fast cast speed for reliable punishes
- Charged version does massive damage
- Pure Faith investment (no Arcane needed)
- Honed Bolt is instant for interrupts
- Good in PvP with mix-up potential
Weaknesses
- Primarily single-target
- Less dramatic than dragon breaths
- Lightning has no tracking
- Fewer elemental options
- Less AoE coverage
Verdict
Dragon Communion is more fun and dramatic; Lightning Spear is more practical and reliable. Lightning builds are better for PvP. Dragon builds are better for PvE boss melting (Rotten Breath). Choose based on whether you want spectacle or efficiency.