Bloodborne Weapons: Ranking the Best and Worst

Bloodborne, an iconic entry in the Soulsborne series by FromSoftware, captures players’ imaginations with its atmospheric world, cryptic lore, and, most prominently, its unique combat system. Central to this gameplay is the arsenal of weapons available to Hunters as they traverse the Gothic landscapes of Yharnam. Each weapon is distinct, with a transformation mechanic that allows for a broad spectrum of strategic approaches. Here, we rank Bloodborne’s weapons from the finest to the least effective, focusing on versatility, damage output, and player adaptability.

1. Ludwig’s Holy Blade
   Ludwig’s Holy Blade is often hailed as the pinnacle of Bloodborne weaponry. This weapon is a staple in many players’ arsenals due to its extraordinary versatility. In its one-handed mode, it functions as a longsword with a rapid attack speed and relatively low stamina consumption, making it highly effective against quicker foes. However, its transformation into a massive greatsword sets it apart, delivering devastating blows that can stagger even the toughest enemies. This double threat of speed and power allows Hunters to adapt seamlessly to diverse combat scenarios. Additionally, its scaling with Strength and Skill attributes facilitates multiple build types, enhancing its appeal to a wide range of players.

2. Saw Cleaver
   The iconic Saw Cleaver remains a favorite due to its balance of speed, power, and manageability. As the quintessential starting weapon, it offers quick attacks in its base form, which counters many early-game adversaries effectively. Upon transformation, it extends into a longer weapon with sweeping attacks ideal for crowd control. Importantly, the Saw Cleaver’s innate serrated bonus increases damage against beast-type enemies, a significant portion of Yharnam’s inhabitants. This characteristic, coupled with its high rally potential to regenerate health on counterattacks, gives the Saw Cleaver enduring utility throughout a Hunter’s journey.

3. Whirligig Saw
   Unveiled in The Old Hunters expansion, the Whirligig Saw quickly gained a reputation as a behemoth of destruction. This weapon comprises a mace with a mounted saw, capable of relentless pressure on adversaries. Its primary form allows for swift, direct strikes, while the transformed mode initiates a continuous sawing attack, inflicting massive damage over time. While the Whirligig Saw’s weight limits mobility, its exceptional power encourages bold, aggressive playstyles. Its scaling with Strength makes it particularly devastating for players focused on overpowering enemies with brute force.

4. Blade of Mercy
   The Blade of Mercy caters to those who thrive on agility and dexterity. These dual-wielded blades cater to a rapid, acrobatic fighting style, allowing quick dashes and multi-hit combos that confuse and disorient foes. When transformed, the blades join to form a single weapon with longer reach but maintaining speed. Their remarkable attack speed synergizes well with Skill-focused builds, particularly against bosses with smaller windows of vulnerability. While its damage per hit may be lower than heavier weapons, its sustained DPS compensates, especially in prolonged engagements against agile opponents.

5. Chikage
   The Chikage appeals to players who enjoy risk-laden, high-reward weapons. Functioning as a katana, its base form already provides notable slashing abilities. However, its transformation consumes the player’s health in exchange for immensely amplified damage output as the blade bathes in blood. This mode makes it a formidable tool against fierce adversaries but mandates careful monitoring of health reserves due to the self-damaging effect. Optimal for hybrid Skill and Bloodtinge builds, the Chikage provides unparalleled lethality to seasoned Hunters who can master its demanding requirements.

6. Hunter Axe
   A weapon favored by those who combine brute strength with methodical gameplay, the Hunter Axe offers balanced performance. Approaching with measured, weighty swings in its base mode, this weapon flourishes in its halberd form, extending its range significantly. The charged spin attack, unique to its transformed state, is unmatched in crowd control, capable of sweeping through groups of enemies with lethal efficiency. While its slower speed might be a hindrance in swiftly paced battles, practiced Hunters can use its reach and power for tactical advantage.

7. Kirkhammer
   An embodiment of versatility, the Kirkhammer serves dual roles adeptly. As a traditional short sword, it delivers quick, agile strikes suitable for typical encounters. However, its transformation into an enormous hammer emphasizes powerful, staggering blows that require precise timing. This adaptability suits players who alternate between aggressive and defensive playstyles fluidly. Still, the Kirkhammer remains unwieldy for those unaccustomed to its momentum, demanding commitment to harness its potential fully.

8. Reiterpallasch
   The Reiterpallasch merges a traditional rapier with a firearm, introducing a novel twist on Bloodborne’s combat. Its rapid thrusting attacks in sword form are complemented by the secondary shot ability, allowing players to parry or deliver unexpected projectile damage. Particularly effective for spacing and control, it accommodates both melee and ranged combat strategies. Favorable scaling with Skill and Bloodtinge lends itself to specific builds, yet its niche qualities may not appeal universally.

9. Stake Driver
   Admired for its unique design, the Stake Driver suits those willing to engage at point-blank range. This punch-gun hybrid emphasizes close encounters with explosive outcomes. While its base attacks are functional, the weapon truly ignites in its charged state, delivering compounding damage that can decimate health bars. Such concentration on charge mechanics necessitates timing proficiency, making it challenging for wider audiences and better in niche scenarios than general applications.

10. Threaded Cane
    Elegance defines the Threaded Cane, a choice weapon for those who value precision and sophistication. In its default form, it functions as a nimble cane sword, delivering pinpoint strikes. Transformed, it becomes a reach-extending whip, ideal for maintaining distance and exploiting openings. Its lightness accommodates quick attack sequences but requires acute judgment given its lower base damage. The cane’s appeal to skill-based builds demonstrates panache, albeit less effective against high-resilience foes.

11. Beast Claw
    A weapon drawing on bestial ferocity, the Beast Claw thrives among players who embrace offensive swiftness. Its attacks boast moderate speed, supplemented by a unique R2 attack that initiates a bestial form, enhancing power temporarily. Suited for uninterrupted chains of aggression, it rewards relentless play yet struggles in encounters necessitating strategic restraint. Largely favorable in PvE content, its niche transforms into limitations against more formidable challenges and PvP escapades.

12. Logarius’ Wheel
    Logarius’ Wheel is notorious for its head-turning aesthetics and heavy-hitting potential. This massive circular weapon converts physical strength into relentless crushing force. The wheel’s ability to transform while increasing arcane damage provides an intriguing dynamic to its already colossal attack power. However, its bulkiness hampers mobility, constricting players to a narrower combat approach that may frustrate those reliant on agility.

13. Tonitrus
    Known as the weapon of choice for players harnessing arcane abilities, Tonitrus demands adept control. Initially unassuming, its transformation charges the weapon with electrical energy, granting substantial damage bonuses against enemies sensitive to lightning. Though appealing for anti-beast encounters, its widespread success is limited by short charge duration and incomplete synergy with dexterous tactics. Ideal for committed elementalists, its situational dominance might not satisfy varied combat needs.

14. Executioner’s Gloves
    The Executioner’s Gloves, translated as an arcane-driven tool, fall outside traditional melee categories. Though technically not a weapon, they serve as powerful catalysts for arcane assaults, conjuring homing energy blasts. Effective for disrupting engagements and offsetting adversity, their utility augments magic-focused builds, particularly in long-range skirmishes. Yet, as a primary combat implement, their absence of melee functionality introduces constraints unsuitable for direct confrontations.

15. Rifle Spear
    The Rifle Spear dares to integrate firearm mechanics directly into melee engagements, aspiring to meld ranged interruption with melee continuity. Although admirable for versatility, it demands impeccable timing and positioning to maximize its potential. While appealing to hybrid playstyles, its split functionality insufficiently excels either as a blade or firearm, causing it to suffer from the “jack-of-all-trades” syndrome without the merit of mastery.

In the world of Bloodborne, weapons are more than instruments of combat; they serve as extensions of a Hunter’s intent and style. Players are encouraged to embrace experimentation, finding tools that best suit their strategies and preferences. This ranking serves to guide newcomers through the myriad choices and assist seasoned Hunters in exploring unfound synergy, deepening their legacy within the haunting lore of Yharnam.