Summary
FromSoftware’s groundbreakingSoulsborneseries is iconic for many reasons.Bloodborne’s Lovecraftian aesthetic,Dark Souls’ vast and complex lore, andElden Ring’s incredible open-world design are all prime examples. However, while these games are set in different universes, certain themes, items, characters, and gameplay elements connect them on a deeper level.
The weapons ofSoulsborneare central to the games. While some have become icons of individual titles, others have been featured in every release. These weapons have come to define the series and are commonfavorites among players. While the list of weapons available throughoutSoulsborneis vast, only a few have become the series’ undisputed icons.
10Threaded Cane
The Ultimate Trick Weapon
The Threaded Cane is one ofBloodborne’s starter weapon choices and, like all the weapons in the game, has two forms. While other weapons have a higher damage output, the Threaded Cane’s speed means it can be just as effective as more powerful weapons.
The Threaded Cane is the perfect weapon forBloodborne’s aesthetic. The game isset in a Victorian-inspired world, where elegance is mixed with brutal and bloody combat. The Threaded Cane typifies this with its two weapon forms. Initially, the weapon looks like any other cane, carried by the city’s upper-class gentry. However, its transformed state reveals the serrated blades hidden within, representing the hidden dangers of Yharnam’s underbelly.
9Uchigatana
A Popular Starting Weapon For Dexterity Builds
TheUchigatanais a popular weapon found throughoutSoulsbornegames. The iconic Katana is often found early in the games and is a popular choice for dexterity builds. Its fast attacks combine with a bleeding effect that can decimate enemies.
While the Uchigatana is not the most impressive weapon in the series, being not overly large or ornate, its simple design and effective damage make it a popular early-game choice. InElden Ring, it is the starting weapon for the Samurai class, where players will often duel-wield the Uchigatana with a more powerful variant, such as Moonveil.
8Zweihander
The Go-To Big Sword
Along with the Greatsword, theZweihanderis one of the most popular large swords throughout theSoulsborneseries. This oversized weapon deals high damage and is based on the real-life German sword, the Zweihander, used in the 16th century.
Popular especially in the firstDark Soulsgame, the Zweihander is the go-to weapon for strength builds. While it is a heavy, slow-moving weapon, its powerful attacks can break an enemy’s stance, leaving them open to a devastating blow. The large and distinctive weapon has become a true icon for players and continues to be popular in recent releases.
7Club
A Favorite For Challenge Runs
One of the defining factors of theSoulsborneseries is its challenging gameplay. With punishing enemies and tough boss fights, completing one of these games requires perseverance. While many players struggle with the difficulty, others have embraced it. EachSoulsbornegame offers a starting class with no specialization, no armor, and only a simpleClubto fight with. For some players, this is the only way to play the game.
The club has becomesynonymous with challenge runs, where players will even refuse to level. While it is not the only weapon known for this, the club is the go-to for those seeking a higher level of challenge.
6Starscourge Greatsword
A Destructive Weapon Of A Demi-God
With his appearance as thefinal boss in theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC,Starscourge Radahnhas cemented his place as one of the most important characters inElden Ring. The first encounter with Radahn in Caelid is a high point of the base game, with his duel-wielded swords being particularly memorable.
Upon defeat, The Starscourge Greatsword is a fitting reward, with the armament being an extremely effective weapon. The sword has become one of the most popular in the game and is instantly recognizable for its subtle ornate design, powerful weapon skill, and dual-wielded stance.
5Greatsword
A Familiar Weapon To Fans Of Berserk
While it wasn’t untilDark Souls 2that the distinct sword grew to its formidable size, theGreatswordhas been a part ofSoulsbornesince its beginning. This huge and effective weapon is a favorite for strength builds and deals high damage to enemies.
The Greatsword is not only a popular weapon, but it is also a tribute to another classic series.Soulsbornewas highly influenced by the classic darkfantasy mangaBerserk. The central character, Guts, famously wields a colossal oversized sword, which the Greatsword is based on. Fans of both series are certain to enjoy using the Greatsword in-game, decimating enemies with its heavy and powerful attacks.
4Rivers Of Blood
The Most Notorious Weapon In Elden Ring
Elden Ringwas released to mass critical acclaim and quickly became the most successful release in FromSoftware’sSoulsborneseries. As players explored the vast world, one weapon soon became known for how overpowered it was.
Rivers of Bloodis a Katana found in the Mountaintops of the Giants region, in the Church of Repose. Itspowerful weapon skill, Corpse Piler, splits the air with slashes of blood, causing massive damage to enemies. The weapon is effective in both PvE and PvP and has become one of the most famous swords in gaming. The Blade shines with blood and is the go-to for those wanting a powerful advantage through the challenging game.
3Hunter’s Pistol
Innovating On The Souls Formula
WhileBloodborneshares many gameplay elements withDark Souls, the popular title is its own unique beast.Bloodborneis a game thatinnovated theDark Soulsformula, changing the gameplay to be faster and more aggressive. One of the unique additions that achieved this was the Hunter’s Pistol. Timing an attack correctly with the pistol breaks the enemy’s stance, leaving them open to a devastatingly visceral attack.
While other weapons in the game can do this, the Hunter’s Pistol remains the most popular and most effective. The pistol fits perfectly withBloodborne’s Victorian aesthetic and, together with the Saw Cleaver, form the iconic duo of the game.
2Saw Cleaver
The Hunter’s Weapon Of Choice
The Saw Cleaver is the poster boy ofBloodborne. The brutal-looking weapon was featured in all the promotions for the game, as well as the cover art, and has remained the iconic weapon players most connect withBloodborne. The Saw Cleaver can be chosen as one of the player’s starting weapons. However, its effectiveness means that many players may never put it down.
The weapon does additional damage to beasts with its serrated edges. Like many weapons inBloodborne, it has an additional form that it can change into. This transformed version performs heavier attacks and has a longer range. The Saw Cleaver is one of the most unique weapons in theSoulsborneseries and exemplifiesBloodborne’s gory and brutal nature.
1Moonlight Greatsword
The Iconic Weapon Of Soulsborne
While this iconic weapon has gone by different names throughoutSoulsborne, each iteration is a must-find for series fans. Easily recognizable for its large blade that glows with an eerie blue light, the Moonlight Greatsword is often hidden within a questline that players must uncover.
These swords are oftencentral to the game’s loreor wielded by major characters. They’ll usually include ranged attacks that fire waves of blue light and are always effective weapons against enemies. The Moonlight Greatsword has become a real trademark for the developer. It is even featured throughout Fromsoftware’s other landmark series,Armored Core, known simply as Moonlight.
