Unsheathe Your Steel: Navigating Bloodborne’s Arsenal
You’ve entered Yharnam, huh? You may have faced the Cleric Beast already. Welcome to the hunt, Hunter. Before you get smashed by more beasts, let’s discuss weapons. In Bloodborne, your weapon is an extension of your will and your survival. The right choice may lead to victory or death. What’s the ‘best’ weapon? It is not about the shiniest blade. We will analyze Bloodborne’s arsenal and arm you with what you need to select a suitable weapon. Yharnam has no time for coddling.
The Cream of the Crop: Top-Tier Bloodborne Weapons
Let’s cut to the chase. You want names and power. These weapons dominate in the right hands. They tear through Bloodborne’s horrors efficiently, satisfying yet brutal.
Ludwig’s Holy Blade: The All-Around Behemoth
Ludwig’s Holy Blade offers “versatile excellence.” It is powerful and adaptable. A secret? You can get this sword early if you follow the right steps. After obtaining it, many players forget other weapons exist. It scales nicely with Strength and Skill. This blade’s moveset is impactful. Think of it as your Swiss Army knife for monster hunting. For most players, Ludwig’s Holy Blade is simply unbeatable. After acquiring it, leaving it aside feels pointless.
Saw Cleaver: The Iconic Workhorse
Meet the Saw Cleaver, a symbol of Bloodborne brutality. It’s not just iconic; it performs well. Don’t let its ‘starting weapon’ status mislead you. The Saw Cleaver excels despite being accessible early in the game. Its usability makes it a reliable choice throughout the entire journey. For newcomers, it’s vital. For veterans, it remains a trusted partner. The Saw Cleaver offers a perfect blend of accessibility and reliability, making it ideal for both new and seasoned players alike.
Saw Spear: The Underrated Shredder
If you seek something less conventional yet devastating, consider the Saw Spear. Sometimes overlooked, this weapon hides immense power. Its moveset is arguably superior to the Cleaver’s—fast transform attacks, damage multipliers, and enhanced beast buildup abound. Serrated damage cuts through beastly hides swiftly. Best part? You can obtain this weapon *for free* in the starting area. Some hunters claim it’s the best weapon in the game. Don’t ignore the Saw Spear; it’ll guide you from Yharnam’s streets to cosmic realms. I defeated foes at level 65 with a plus-eight Saw Spear easily; this is one of the best weapons available.
Whirligig Saw: The DPS King (or Queen)
Want to obliterate enemies? The Whirligig Saw delivers just that. This weapon offers pure damage per second (DPS). It melts bosses in seconds, causing some to deem it a bit overpowered. But if you wish to shred through the hunt effortlessly, use the Whirligig Saw. It excels at cornering foes and taking down bosses with ease. There’s no doubt; it has the highest DPS in the game
Chikage: The Bloodletter’s Delight
Fancy yourself a vampire hunter? Or perhaps you enjoy watching enemies dissolve in blood? The Chikage awaits you. This weapon thrives on Bloodtinge, a stat many weapons ignore. Mastering it takes practice; you sacrifice health for sickening blood damage. However, the results are worth it. For those who grace the crimson tide, Chikage is a beautiful destruction tool. It rewards players who fully understand its mechanics and inflicts blood damage effectively.
Holy Moonlight Sword: The Arcane Enigma
Behold the Holy Moonlight Sword! It’s not merely a weapon; it’s iconic. This sword masterfully balances physical and Arcane damage. That makes it perfect for hybrid builds. Unleashing arcane waves feels gratifying and looks fantastic. If you want a weapon that combines power and beauty, choose wisely. The Holy Moonlight Sword excels with both physical and magical damage.
Decoding the Arsenal: Weapon Attributes and Stats
Selecting a weapon goes beyond picking based on appearance (though that is part of the appeal). Understanding stats and attributes is crucial for survival in Bloodborne.
Scaling: The Stat Symphony
Scaling determines how your stats (Strength, Skill, Arcane, Bloodtinge) affect weapon damage. Think of this as each weapon’s affinity for traits. Strength and Skill form a powerful duo in Bloodborne, often scaling well together. Many weapons allow versatile Strength/Skill builds for both PvE and PvP settings. In Bloodborne, “strongest” can vary, but good builds involving Strength and Skill often excel.
Bloodtinge is specific for weapons dealing blood damage, like Chikage. Arcane boosts elemental damage and certain tools. Choosing well-scaling weapons maximizes output damage. Bloodtinge isn’t as vital as Strength/Skill but may help some blood damage weapons.
Damage Output: Beyond Just Raw Numbers
Damage output isn’t merely about having high numbers. It concerns *how* you inflict damage. Physical damage is basic, but bear in mind bleed damage importance. Weapons with serrated edges (like Saw Cleaver and Spear) enhance bleed build-up for massive effects on enemies. Then there are visceral attacks—powerful finishers from parries or backstabs. High Skill inflates visceral damage, making these actions extremely effective.
Moveset: The Art of Combat
A weapon’s moveset serves as its soul, defining combat style, attack patterns, and flow. A great moveset can elevate even seemingly weaker weapons in combat scenarios. The Saw Spear’s moveset receives acclaim for speed and versatility, making it an arguably top-tier choice.
The Saw Spear stands out as one of the finest weapons, offering incredible movesets and fast transformation abilities, much like some of the best in the game.
first area.
Accessibility/Ease of Use: Getting into the Groove
Some weapons are easier to use than others. The Saw Cleaver is a prime example. It helps players learn Bloodborne’s combat. Other weapons, like the Kos Parasite, are more difficult. The Saw Cleaver is iconic and accessible within Bloodborne.
DPS (Damage Per Second): Efficiency is Key
DPS measures how much damage a weapon can inflict over time. Weapons like the Whirligig Saw are designed for high DPS. This weapon shreds enemies fast. It’s the highest DPS in the game. Players may find it broken.
Weapon Variety: Trick Weapons, Firearms, and More
Bloodborne offers more than just swords and axes. It features diverse weapon types, each with unique strengths.
Trick Weapons: Transformation is Your Friend
Trick weapons drive Bloodborne’s combat. They have two forms, allowing shifts in moveset mid-battle. This transformation adds fluidity. However, some trick weapons can be tricky to master. The Kos Parasite is hard to learn and obtain.
Firearms: Parry, Blast, Repeat
Firearms aren’t typical guns in Bloodborne. They focus on parrying and interrupting attacks. This sets up visceral attacks. Some firearms deliver significant damage too.
Hunter Blunderbuss: Beginner-Friendly Boomstick
The Hunter Blunderbuss is a good starting firearm. It suits players new to parrying. With a wide spread, it allows easy landing of parries. If aiming isn’t your strength, the Blunderbuss helps. Players often begin with this weapon, making it effective in fast-paced combat.
Cannon: The Nuke Launcher
Need to obliterate enemies quickly? Try the Cannon. It’s overkill in a weapon form. It hits with massive damage, capable of one-shotting many foes. The downside? It consumes 12 Quicksilver Bullets per shot. Use cautiously and stock up on bullets. The Cannon is the game’s most damaging firearm.
Hand Cannons: (Though Not Directly in Bloodborne)
Bloodborne lacks “hand cannons” in the typical sense. If you play other games, weapons like the Hunter Pistol and Repeating Pistol act like hand cannons. Their one-handed nature and range fit that description. For broader gaming context, Sunshot is a top PvE hand cannon.
Tailoring Your Arsenal: Weapons for Specific Hunts
Not all hunts feel the same. Some weapons excel in certain scenarios, making them ideal for challenges.
PvE (Player vs. Environment): Monster Mashers
For facing hordes and bosses, the Whirligig Saw excels with high DPS. Ludwig’s Holy Blade and the Saw Cleaver also shine in PvE. Each remains effective in encounters. The Whirligig Saw holds the highest DPS.
PvP (Player vs. Player): Hunter vs. Hunter
In hunter-on-hunter fights, speed and precision matter most. Weapons like the Rakuyo shine in Skill-focused builds. Competing against a max Skill Rakuyo build is tough.
Crafting Your Hunter: Builds and Weapon Synergies
A build involves how you allocate stats and gear to forge an effective character. Weapon choice shapes build crafting.
Strength/Skill Builds: The Jack-of-All-Trades
Strength/Skill builds are popular. They offer versatility and power. You can wield many weapons, including Ludwig’s Holy Blade and Saw Cleaver. Focus on Vitality, Endurance, Strength, and Skill for growth. A strong fit for PvE and PvP often mixes Strength and Skill.
Specialized Builds: Focusing Your Fury
Want a specific playstyle? Plenty of builds exist for you.
- Reiterpallasch Bloodtinge/Skill Build: A mix of melee and blood damage. Reiterpallasch Bloodtinge/Skill Build.
- Kirkhammer Strength Build: Pure strength with the Kirkhammer. Kirkhammer Strength Build.
- Blade of Mercy Skill/Arcane Build: Agile player focused on magic and speed. Blade Of Mercy Skill/Arcane Build.
- Holy Moonlight Sword Arcane/Strength Build: Embrace arcane strength from the Moonlight Sword. Holy Moonlight Sword Arcane/Strength Build.
- Beast Claw Strength/Skill Build: Unleash your inner beast. Beast Claw Strength/Skill Build.
- Quality build with Saw Cleaver/Spear: Balanced build focused on Saw weapons. Quality build with Saw Cleaver/Spear.
Acquiring Your Arsenal: From Start to Finish
Weapons lie scattered through Yharnam, waiting to be found or bought.
Starting Strong: Beginning Armaments
Your starting weapons are serious tools. The Saw Cleaver and Saw Spear can carry you through much of the game. Both are top choices. The Saw Cleaver remains strong despite starting as a weapon.
Early Power: Snatching Victory Early
Ludwig’s Holy Blade is accessible early with the right knowledge. This advantage gives you a significant edge. Ludwig’s Holy Blade can be obtained quickly if players act wisely.
The Hunt for the Rare: Chasing the Elusive
Some weapons are hidden or demand specific conditions for acquisition. The Kos Parasite is infamously hard to get, adding to its allure. It is truly difficult to grasp and acquire.
Weapon Enhancement: Sharpening Your Edge
Finding a good weapon isn’t enough. Upgrading weapons is crucial to keeping pace with Bloodborne’s challenges.
Upgrade or Die (Probably Die): The Importance of Reinforcement
Upgrading weapons at the Hunter’s Dream workshop greatly boosts damage output. Don’t neglect this step! Upgrade your weapons at the top of the stairs in Hunter’s Dream for effective boosts.
Beyond the Blade: Mastering the Hunt
Choosing the ‘best’ weapon is subjective. It depends on playstyle and build choice. Beyond weapon selection, fundamental rules enhance your hunting skill.
Experimentation: Find Your Flow
Bloodborne promotes experimentation. Test different weapons, builds, and styles. You may find a weapon that clicks perfectly with your approach.
Know Your Enemy: Pattern Recognition
Bloodborne’s foes are challenging yet predictable. Learning attack patterns is vital for survival. Knowing when to dodge, parry, and strike is key for mastering hunting.
Stat Savvy: Leveling with Purpose
Leveling isn’t only about boosting numbers. Focus on improving stats that fit your build and weapon choice. Build Vitality for health, Endurance for stamina, and Strength/Skill/Arcane/Bloodtinge for weapon scaling.
So there you go, Hunter. A clearer guide to traversing Bloodborne’s weapon world. , the ‘best’ weapon is the one you enjoy using most.
This is the weapon that resonates with your hunter’s spirit, turning beasts into shredded flesh efficiently. Now go hunt. Try not to die too much.