Highlights

  • The Watcher's Guide spear in Baldur's Gate 3 has the advantage of a second attack if the first one misses.
  • Nature's Snare quarterstaff can ensnare enemies that are not plants or beasts, keeping them in place during battle.
  • The Sussur Dagger silences spellcasters with every hit, making it effective against wizards or warlocks.

Baldur's Gate 3 is a promising role-playing game that combines the explorative nature of Dungeons and Dragons with turn-based strategic combat that fans of Divinity: Original Sin will love. As a game with a variety of well-thought-out NPCs as well as brilliant dialogue options, it's easy for players to forget to improve their character.

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This fantasy world has a variety of classes for players to try out, with their specific weapons to specialize in. New weapons can be found while exploring, which can make the time spent against foes much easier. However, with so many interesting choices of weapons, such as blades and axes, it's difficult to decide what is truly the best to equip.

Updated February 4, 2024 by Megan Smith: The 2023 Game of the Year, Baldur's Gate 3 is still incredibly popular with RPG players, with many still searching for the best weapons in BG3. In December 2023, Xbox Series X/S players were also able to join in with other players of the role-playing game and therefore start searching for the right weaponry to make the perfect build for their character as well as the other members of their party.

There are a wide variety of weapons to be found across the three acts of BG3 and therefore, finding the best one-handed weapon or just the best weapon in general can be difficult. Thankfully, players who are having a hard time deciding what to choose should keep an eye out for these options to make their playthrough a little easier.

23 The Watcher's Guide – Spear

When Missing The First Hit, The Second Strike Shouldn't

The Watcher's Guide weapon and the Sorrow weapon in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d8 (two-handed) / 1d6 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Death's Promise - When the spear misses its first attack, the second attack on the target has the advantage from True Strike

Where It Can Be Found

Found inside the Dank Crypt in Act One

One of the biggest positives of the Paladin class is its versatility, and therefore equipping them with a weapon that matches this play style is the best way for a player to make the most of this class in Baldur's Gate 3. Spears are a great option for this due to players being able to wield them in one hand or two, and therefore this powerful weapon can be equipped beside a shield or on its own.

Besides this, The Watcher's Guide isn't any ordinary spear as this weapon favors those who like to get up close and personal in battle, as many Paladins do. In addition to its decent damage, this spear – which can be found in the Dank Crypt – also possesses the Death's Promise ability, which means if the attack misses, the next attack roll has the advantage.

22 Nature's Snare – Quarterstaff

Ensnare Targets To Keep Them In Place

Nature's Snare in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d8 (two-handed) / 1d6 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Fly Trap - Ensnare a target if it isn't a beast or a plant

Where It Can Be Found

Found inside a locked chest in the Underground Passage of Act One.

Although this quarterstaff doesn't inflict much damage, as it hits foes for a lackluster 1d8's worth, its main strengths come from its weapon skills. Characters proficient in two-handed melee weapons will have the chance to cast Fly Trap when successfully hitting an enemy.

Fly Trap will ensnare an enemy right in its tracks as long as it isn't a plant or a beast. This will stop the foe from attacking allies if they are at a distance, and then they must therefore attempt to break free before they can move again.

21 Sickle Of BOOOAL – Sickle

Advantage On Bleeding Foes

Baldur's Gate 3 Sickle of BOOOAL

Damage

2d4

Additional Features

BOOOAL's Benediction - The player has advantage to hit bleeding targets

Where It Can Be Found

Purchased or looted off of Pooldripp the Zealous in the Festering Cove

Although this usual farming tool may look quite unassuming, the sickle of Boooal which is lovingly written in all capitals in Baldur's Gate 3, is a weapon that some players may take an interest in. Many of its stats are incredibly average; however, it also comes with the buff of Boooal's Benediction that gives the player an advantage when attacking bleeding targets.

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Although players have the chance of defeating Boooal – who is a horrid little Redcap – players can find the Sickle of Boooal by defeating Pooldripp The Zealous, who can be found in the Festering Cove in The Underdark.

20 Staff Of Arcane Blessing – Quarterstaff

Increasing Rolls By 1d4

Staff of Arcane Blessing in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d8 (two-handed) / 1d6 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Mystra's Blessing (Bless) - Grant an additional 1d4 to saving or attack rolls, and 2d4 to spell attack rolls

Where It Can Be Found

Found in the cellar of the Arcane Tower, which can only be unlocked by using a ring on the elevator

With similar damage to Nature's Snare, this quarterstaff is also reliant on its weapon skills. As the name suggests, the staff gives the user Mystra's Blessing, which grants them an additional 1d4 to saving throws and attack throws, as well as 2d4 to spell attack rolls.

The more exciting aspect of this staff is the adventure a player must go on to obtain it. After defeating the boss at the top of the Arcane tower, the player must equip a ring, which will reveal an elevator that requires a sussur flower to work. Once finally reaching the top, the player will find the staff.

19 Sussur Dagger – Dagger

Silence Spell Casters With Every Hit

Baldur's Gate 3 Sussur Dagger

Damage

1d4 + 1

Additional Features

Applies Silence on impact

Where It Can Be Found

Finish the Masterwork quest in Act One

Daggers aren't a very commonly used weapon in Baldur's Gate 3, but as the best damage-dealing dagger in the game, the Sussur Dagger deserves its mention. It may only deal a 1d4 of piercing damage plus one due to its weapon enchantment, but its weapon skill silences enemies, which is something for players to consider.

Similar to the Silence spell, an enemy struck by this weapon will be unable to cast spells that have a verbal element, which makes it a great weapon to use against wizards or warlocks.

18 Phalar Aluve – Longsword

Help Allies Or Hinder Foes With A Blade That Sings

Phalar Aluve in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d10 + 1 (two-handed) / 1d8 + 1 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Melody - Allows the player to 'Sing' to bless allies or 'Shriek' to hinder and injure foes +1 Performance

Where It Can Be Found

Found on an altar in the Underdark

The Phalar Aluve is another Act One long sword that many players are likely to use for the entirety of their playthrough. While the amount of damage it does may seem rather basic it's an incredible choice for any player that is considering creating a bard due to the minor boost it gives to performance.

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Apart from this, players can also use the class action of Melody when they have the sword equipped. This action will allow a player to sing or shriek, depending on what the player chooses this can either buff their party or weaken the enemy.

17 Deep Delver – War Pick

Causes Shattered On Hit

A barbarian attacking with the info for Deep Delver on the side in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d8

Additional Features

Deep Delver - Inflicts Shattered when it hits a foe, this causes an extra d4 of damage

Where It Can Be Found

Looted off Elder Brithvar in the Grymforge

As a war pick, this weapon already has a brutal point to it; shaped like an agonizing sickle, the Deep Delver inflicts 1d8 of piercing damage. Proficiencies in this weapon can also increase the brutality of the player's hits, as they cripple and weaken foes.

Unlike other war picks, this ancestral weapon holds a skill called Dig Deep that has the power to inflict shattered on a hit. This status effect means that when the enemy is hit again, a player can cause an additional 1d4 piercing damage.

16 Sussur Greatsword – Greatsword

Another Silencing Weapon

Baldur's Gate 3 Sussur Greatsword

Damage

2d6 + 1

Additional Features

Silences foes on hit

Where It Can Be Found

Finish the Masterwork quest in Act One

Like the Sussur dagger, the Sussur Greatsword does everything the dagger does but better, as it can hit an enemy for 2d6 slashing damage with an additional plus one due to its weapon enchantment. As long as the user is proficient in martial weapons.

Once again, the weapon skill on this blade can silence an enemy, which means they are unable to cast spells that have verbal elements to them. This is a weapon to bring out when facing primarily spell casters.

15 Blooded Greataxe – Greataxe

Deal More Damage With Less Health

Where to find the Blooded Greataxe in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d12 + 1

Additional Features

Relentless Rage - If the player has 50% hit points or less, they do an extra d4 of slashing damage

Where It Can Be Found

Purchased from Dammon in the Druid Grove or Roah Moonglow in the Shattered Sanctum.

The Blooded Greataxe is a great addition to any barbarian's list of weaponry. Its name will inflict fear, and the glorious 1d12 of damage is sure to leave the enemy in pain, but that isn't all this simple axe is cut out for.

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If the wielder is under half health, attacking enemies will allow the player to hit an enemy for another 1d4 of slashing damage, increasing the overall chaos the wielder can perform. As a class that is likely to be taking the hits, this weapon calls out to them.

14 Paleoak – Quarterstaff

A Druidic Staff Just For Druids

A close up of the Druid Kagha and the Paleoak in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d8 (two-handed) / 1d6 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Faithwarden's Vines - Vines appear from the ground, possibly entangling foes Faithwarden's Stride - The player can't be entangled by vines created by druids

Where It Can Be Found

Must be a druid and spare Kagha in Act One.

Paleoak is another Quarterstaff that may at first appear average, but it actually has two incredible abilities a Druid may be tempted to use. The first is Faithwarden's Vines, which makes the terrain difficult to traverse with it also possibly ensnaring enemies; the next is Faithwarden's Stride, which makes the player no longer affected by ensnare effects from Druids.

Unlike other weapons mentioned, Paleoak can only be obtained by a player who has created a Druid; this is because the player needs to be able to become Faithwarden, so they can help Kagha. While players may have already taken a dislike to Kagha when first meeting her, they must investigate this Druid, persuade her, and then spare her life to get the Paleoak.

13 Sword Of Justice – Greatsword

Increase Armor Class With A Sword

Sword of Justice in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

2d6 + 1

Additional Features

Tyr's Protection - Increase the player, or an ally's armor class by two

Where It Can Be Found

Looted or given as a quest reward from Anders at the Risen Road

Players can obtain this sword by helping or killing the Paladin Anders. He and his group are devout believers of the god Tyr and his weapon also matches this belief. Tyr, unfortunately, doesn't strike out but instead protects, and this is exactly what this sword does.

By equipping the Sword of Justice, a player can cast Tyr's protection. This increases the character's armor class by two which is similar to the Shield of Faith spell. Aside from the protection it gives, the sword itself is still a great choice for any frontline fighters, as it deals 2d6+1 worth of slashing damage.

12 Intransigent Warhammer – Warhammer

Knock Foes Prone

Baldur's Gate 3 Intransigent Warhammer

Damage

1d10 (two-handed) / 1d8 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Impulse Blast - Knocks nearby enemies prone after killing an enemy or getting a critical hit

Where It Can Be Found

Found in a chest on a Duergar boat in the Ebon Lake.

Barbarians are sure to be in for a treat when using the Intransigent Warhammer; not only does it do a d10 of damage when held with both hands but also has a great effect on it. If a player kills an enemy or manages to do a critical hit using the hammer, it has a chance to knock nearby creatures prone with an Impulse Blast.

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The only issue with this Warhammer is how late into the first act players receive it. This makes the weapon essentially useless during the early access version of Baldur's Gate 3, with many other weapons gaining far more use. Players may be able to put this hammer to the test further once the game is fully released.

11 Sorrow – Glaive

Pull Enemies Closer

The Glaive Sorrow in Baldur’s Gate 3

Damage

1d10 + 1

Additional Features

Sorrowful Lash (Thorn Whip) - Pull a foe closer to the player and deal 1d4 + the spellcasting modifier worth of damage

Where It Can Be Found

Found inside the Hidden Vault in the Druid Grove.

Although a glaive is like a double-edged sword, its power comes with consequences. The base hit of Sorrow is a decent 1d10+1 of slashing damage that is sure to knock the wind from any foe it lands on. Sorrow is also granted the skill of ensnaring strike, which means any enemy it hits has the chance to be stuck in place.

However, this is where the issue starts; the user of Sorrow feels guilty after every hit, causing them to take one point of psychic damage. In smaller battles, this may not be an issue; however, the longer the fight, the more noticeable this damage will appear.

10 Faithbreaker – Warhammer

Push Enemies Back With The Power Of The Absolute

Faithbreaker in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d10 + 1 (two-handed) / 1d8 + 1 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Absolute Power - Deal an extra 1d6 of damage and potentially push enemies back

Where It Can Be Found

Dropped by Dror Ragzlin in the Shattered Sanctum.

Similar to Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammers are versatile weapons that can be used either one-handed or two-handed. This changes the amount of damage it can do between 1d8 and 1d10. As an enchanted weapon, players can add another point of bludgeoning damage, but that isn't all; Faithbreaker has the power to occasionally change the base attack into an absolute power attack.

This can be incredibly powerful as it will inflict a further 1d6 of damage and has the power to push an enemy back by seventeen feet. In patch 9, players may wish to use their faith as a Paladin to break the faith of others, as starting as this class will begin the Paladin's journey with a maul. Therefore, players are likely to continue to follow in these footsteps, and the Faithbreaker is a great way to continue this.

9 Duellist Prerogative – Rapier

Graceful Attacks With Necrotic Damage

Duellist's Prerogative in BG3

Damage

1d8 + 3 and 1d4 Necrotic damage

Additional Features

Elegant Duelist - While the player's off-hand is empty, a player can score a critical hit on a 19 as well as gain an extra reaction on a turn Withering Cut - On a hit, a player can use a reaction to deal an extra amount of Necrotic damage equal to their proficiency bonus Dueller's Enthusiasm - If not duel-willing a player to attack twice with this weapon Can cast Challenge to Duel

Where It Can Be Found

Complete the Save Vanra quest in the Lower City

The Duellist Prerogative is a rapier that players are likely to miss during the third act if they don't consider completing the various side quests found while adventuring. The legendary sword is earned by helping a mother be reunited with her child. Players will need to equip the rapier by its lonesome with no shield in sight to use this weapon to its best potential.

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Players not only can critical hit on a 19, but they can also react twice during an enemy's turn. Not to mention the necrotic damage it does alongside the base damage.

8 Halberd Of Vigilance - Halberd

Always Be The One To Hit

Baldurs Gate 3 Halberd Of Vigilance

Damage

1d10 + 2 & 1d4 force damage

Additional Features

Sentinel Weapon - Gain advantage in perception and a plus 1 to initiative rolls Adroit Reflexes - When attacking as a reaction, the player gets advantage

Where It Can Be Found

It can be either purchased or looted from Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers during Act Two.

Players who are looking for a weapon that can attack a foe from a distance during Act Two should look no further than the Halberd of Vigilance. Like the glaive sorrow, players can create a slight amount of distance between themselves and the enemy while using it which may give them the chance to not set off an opportunity of attack.

Besides its regular damage, when hitting an enemy the player will also deal an additional 1d4 of force damage, not to mention that the player receives an advantage on attack rolls that are done as a reaction.

7 Bloodthirst – Dagger

A Dagger That Exploits Vulnerabilities

Bloodthirst in BG3

Damage

1d4 + 2

Additional Features

Improved Critical - Players can get a critical hit if they roll a 19 Players can cast True Strike (Main-hand only) Foes hit with this weapon become vulnerable to piercing damage (off-hand only) When a foe misses the player, they may retaliate with an attack and gain True Strike

Where It Can Be Found

Looted from Orin in the Bhaal Temple

Bloodthirst is a highly deadly dagger that increases the player's critical hit chance while also making the foe they face weak to its hits. This weapon is perfect for any agile rogue as with every dodge, the player can retaliate with a hit of their own.

The only issue with using Bloodthirst is that players are likely to earn this lethal dagger near the end of the game due to it requiring the player to defeat Orin. Players may wish to leave this till last when playing Baldur's Gate 3 due to the wide variety of side quests to complete in the city.

6 Vision Of The Absolute – Spear

The Spider Killer Spear

Vision Of The Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3

Damage

1d8 (two-handed) / 1d6 (one-handed)

Additional Features

Absolute Night - Blind targets that fail a dexterity saving throw This spear deals an extra 2d6 of damage to foes with multiple sets of eyes

Where It Can Be Found

Find the shaft of the spear on Edowin and combine it with the spearhead, which can be found on the Owlbear mother

While still working like a simple spear that can be wielded by most classes due to its versatility, what sets this spear different from the others is its ability Absolute Night. When attacking with this weapon, the player has the chance to blind their enemy while also randomly doing more damage to foes that have multiple sets of eyes.

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Out of all the weapons in Baldur's Gate 3, the Vision of the Absolute is one of the hardest to obtain, as players will need to find the separate pieces of the spear first. Once both parts of the spear have been located, the player can then combine them in their inventory to finally obtain the Vision of the Absolute.

5 Nyrulna – Trident

An Explosive Throwable Weapon

Nyrulna in BG3

Damage

1d8 +3 (two-handed) / 1d6 + 3 (one-handed) and 1d6 thunder damage

Additional Features

Zephyr Connection - The trident returns to the player's hand when thrown, and they can't be forced to drop it. Throwing the trident causes 1d12 of thunder damage. Veil of the Wind - Players gain a bonus to their movement speed and jump distance. They are also immune to fall damage Nyrulna Glowing - It emits light

Where It Can Be Found

Steal the ring from the genie in the Circus of the Last Days and be teleported to the jungle to find the chest

Act three has plenty of impressive weapons for players to get their hands on but it's of no surprise to see that some of the best players can find are those that are deemed legendary. Players are likely to visit a circus as soon as they arrive in the third act of BG3. Here they will find a genie who is rigging a wheel of fate. Exposing his lies will teleport the player to a faraway jungle where the chest at the end holds this prize.

Nyrulna is an incredible trident for not only its base damage but also its explosive nature. Throwing this weapon will cause a harsh explosion, injuring all around it. Then the trident returns to the player's hand.

4 Knife Of The Undermountain King – Dagger

A Damage Dealing Dagger

Baldur’s Gate 3: Knife of the Undermountain King

Damage

1d6 + 2

Additional Features

Organ Rearranger - The player can score a critical hit when rolling a 19. If they roll a 2 or less, they reroll the damage dice Shadow Blade - The player has advantage on attacking foes that are lightly or heavily obscured

Where It Can Be Found

Purchased or looted from A'jak'nir Jeera, Quartermistress in the Githyanki Creche.

What makes the Knife of the Undermountain King one of the greatest short swords in the game is how perfectly it suits a rogue player. Due to its Organ Rearranger description, this sword not only has the chance of doing a critical hit when rolling a nineteen, but it can also roll the die again if the player rolls to do two damage or less.

Besides this, the blade works brilliantly in the dark, and players will automatically have an advantage on their attack roll if they choose to attack a foe that is lightly or heavily obscured.