S Tier
Sword & Shield
Defense · CounterThe most forgiving first Weapon. Blocking stabilizes unfamiliar encounters.
Combat field guide · All six branches
Compare all six base Weapons by range, defense, mobility, resource demands and the action you will repeat most often.
Tier 1 choices
Start with the basic action you can repeat under pressure. Upgrade branches can transform a run, but range, commitment, defense and resource demand remain the best first comparison.
The most forgiving first Weapon. Blocking stabilizes unfamiliar encounters.
Large arcs and strong stagger reward deliberate positioning.
Fast commitment and close-range pressure, with less room for mistakes.
Safe spacing and clear projectile patterns, balanced by reload pressure.
A timing-focused Weapon that turns knowledge into boss damage.
Long reach and flexible branches with a more technical resource loop.
Choose by habit
Block gives you an answer while learning enemy patterns.
Open guide →Wide room clearSweeping attacks punish grouped enemies and reward spacing.
Open guide →Ranged controlKeep a measured distance and invest in reload or attack speed.
Open guide →Planned burstConvert parry and stance timing into short damage windows.
Open guide →The anvil
Weapon upgrades are connected branches, not a single linear stat ladder. Early choices modify the basic action; later branches can replace a special attack, create a stance, add projectiles or turn defense into damage.
Learn the normal, special and dash attack.
Choose the action your current inventory already supports.
Take the late branch that completes uptime or scaling.
Verify range, MP cost and trigger behavior before the boss.
Common questions
Six Tier 1 base Weapons: Sword and Shield, Greatsword, Dagger, Crossbow, Katana and Quarterstaff.
Sword and Shield is the safest general recommendation because block provides a direct defensive answer.
No. Staff names are used within the Quarterstaff family and some upgrade labels.
Yes. Anvil choices branch and can substantially change the original move set.
Continue reading
All six Weapon types, their combat roles and version-sensitive upgrades.
Read full guide →Detailed guide 02Artifact, Tablet and inventory relationships for coherent builds.
Read full guide →Detailed guide 03Sapphires, connected upgrades, Weapon access and permanent progression.
Read full guide →Choose your next descent
Open the build library and choose a setup that strengthens the action you already trust.