Nier: Replicant is a faithful yet significantly improved remake of the original Nier (known as Nier: Gestalt in the west). In addition to modern graphics and a more subdued soundtrack, Yoko Taro also seized the opportunity to update the game's combat system, making it more spectacular than ever.

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In Nier: Replicant, there are 38 weapons for players to find, including those added in the DLCs. Nier can only wield one-handed swords in the opening chapters; however, in the second half of the game, he can add two-handed swords and spears to this arsenal. Finding as many weapons as possible allows players to experiment, and find out what best suits their playstyle. These are some of the game's best options.

Updated December 10, 2021, by Michael Llewellyn: Despite being a remake that's very close to the original release, Nier: Replicant still proved to be one of the best JRPGs of the year. In terms of its impactful story and incredible characters, it can stand among some of the best narrative experiences in any generation. As far as remakes go it doesn't deviate too much away from the original game that was released in 2010 the combat system has seen a significant upgrade helped by smooth 60fps framerate.

As a result, finding and experimenting with every weapon in the game is an enjoyable experience. These weapons need to be upgraded to reach their full potential and finding the best in the early parts of the game is more about what feels right to the player. These weapons have different weight classes that contribute to the handling and effectiveness of these weapons. To obtain all the endings in the game it's worth seeking out all the weapons in the but here is a list of the best for all situations.

13 Ancient Overlord - A Fast And Nimble Weapon

Ancient Overlord

The Ancient Overlord can be obtained in the second half of the game and while it doesn’t have a high damage output it’s perfect for players that like to fight with a speed advantage. The Ancient Overlord sword has a long history in the series as it appeared in Drakengard the predecessor to the Nier series.

The sword is obtained during the story mission in Act 2 when King Sechs gives Nier the Ancient Overlord during a cutscene. It can’t be missed because the King will award the sword before the boss fight with the Wolves.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 283
  • Magic Regain 50%
  • Weight: Very Light

12 Labyrinth’s Whisper - A Crowd Controlling Power Weapon

Labyrinths Whisper sword

The Labyrinth’s Whisper is a one-handed sword that is obtained as a reward from completing the "Bridge in Peril" side quest. The quest is obtained in Act 2 when older brother Nier has spoken to a guard in the Northern Plains. Once the quest has been completed the guard will reward Nier with the Labyrinth’s Whisper.

It has the same damage output as the Beastbain sword but its Magic Power is slightly higher. It’s a sword that’s better suited for taking on multiple enemies at once due to it being a very heavy weapon to handle.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 313
  • Magic Regain 60%
  • Weight: Very Heavy

11 Beastbain – The Perfect Starting Weapon

Beastbain Is A Great Starting Weapon In Nier Replicant

Players trying to unlock the weapons collector achievement will need complete sidequests. Some of these missions offer rare swords or spears as rewards, but for the most part, players will need to embark on them to earn gold for buying new weapons from blacksmiths.

Beastbain can be purchased from the blacksmith in the starting village for 16,800 gold. This hefty initial investment is worth it for one of the strongest weapons players can find during the first half of the game. Players can purchase iron ore for upgrading this weapon from Gideon at the junk heap, for 1000 gold.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 313
  • Magic Regain: 70%
  • Weight: Heavy

10 Phoenix Dagger – A Short Sword With High Magic Regen

The Phoenix Dagger Is Great For Players Who Enjoy Using Magic In Nier: Replicant

Weapons in Nier: Replicant are split into 6 different weight categories: very light, light, moderate, heavy, very heavy, and extra heavy. Weight determines how fast a sword or spear will swing, with heavier blades dealing more damage but taking longer to wind up.

The phoenix dagger is moderate weight, making it reasonably fast and easy to use against hordes of shades. This sword deals more damage than a fully upgraded Beastbain at level 3; however, its best feature is its high magic regain. This allows players to quickly recharge their spells in combat.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 346
  • Magic Regain: 80%
  • Weight: Moderate

9 The Devil Queen – A Solid Starting Spear

The Devil Queen Is Given As A Reward For Completing A Side Quest In Nier: Replicant

Upon starting the second half of the game, players will be able to equip two-handed swords and spears for the first time. Both of these weapon types have their advantages and drawbacks.

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Players receive the Devil Queen as a reward for completing The Damaged Map sidequest. This spear is far from the best, but it is significantly better than the player's starting spear, Transcience. The main benefit of the Devil Queen is how easy it is to upgrade, with many of the necessary materials available to buy from material shops.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 383
  • Magic Regain: 50%
  • Weight: Very Heavy

8 Kusanagi – A Light-Weight Two-Handed Sword

Players Start The Second Half Of Nier: Replicant With The Kusanagi

As well as Transcience, players will also receive the Kusanagi upon starting the second half of the game. While players will certainly find better weapons to replace it with soon, this two-handed sword is unique for its low weight.

The Kusanagi is the only light two-handed sword in the game, offering decent damage and the fastest attack speed of any weapon in its class. Unfortunately, its magic regain is relatively low, meaning many players will swap it out early for weapons that better complement their sorceries.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 659
  • Magic Regain: 40%
  • Weight: Light

7 Sunrise – A Powerful Heavy Spear

The Sunrise Spear

The Sunrise spear is a powerful weapon that can only be purchased in the second half of the game from the Blacksmith in Aerie for 21,600. Without upgrades, the bladed Sunrise spear is a moderately heavy weapon that’s easy to handle.

However, when fully upgraded the spear changes to the Very Heavy class making it harder to handle. At the cost of speed comes a lot of power and the ability to take down multiple enemies at once. The Sunrise spear also appeared in Drakengard as the Fheng's Glaive.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 625
  • Magic Regain: 70%
  • Weight: Very Heavy

6 Spear Of The Usurper – A Strong All-Purpose Spear

The Spear Of The Usurper Can Be Bought From The Seafront Blacksmith In Nier: Replicant

Spears deal less damage than two-handed swords but are often much faster. When using spears, it is worth remembering that most of the attacks are thrusts, which are ineffective when surrounded by swarms of enemies. For dealing with hordes, players will want to use the large sweeping strike, which they can activate by pressing attack after a dodge.

The spear of the usurper can be purchased from the blacksmith at Seafront for 21,600 gold. This weapon is great for players struggling through the second half, as it trumps most early-game weapons before its first upgrade.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack power: 600
  • Magic Regain: 70%
  • Weight: Moderate

5 Virtuous Treaty – A Sword From The Future

The 4 Yorha DLC Introduces New Costumes And Weapons To Nier: Replicant

If players download the free 4 Yorha DLC, they can unlock unique costumes and weapons from Nier: Automata. After downloading the expansion, fans need only reload their last save to enjoy the 9S costume as well as the virtuous weapon set.

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Virtuous Treaty, like the other items from its set, boasts incredibly high damage and rapid attack speed with one major drawback. Sadly, none of the virtuous weapons are capable of regenerating magic. Players won't be able to cast as many spells with this sword equipped. However, given their incredible attack power, they may not need to.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 999
  • Magic Regain: 0%
  • Weight: Very Light

4 Fool's Lament – A Powerful Sword From The DLC

The Fools Lament Is Found In The First DLC Of Nier: Replicant

While there are many differences between Nier: Replicant and its predecessor Nier: Gestalt, one thing both games have in common is the first DLC. This extra content, originally added in 2010, allows players to visit the World of Recycled Vessel. Here, they can discover diary excerpts written by the protagonist's mother (or his wife in Gestalt).

The fool's weapon set can also be found in this area. All three of the weapons from this set are very heavy, meaning players will have to adapt to the slow attack speed to use them. Fool's Lament is great for fans of two-handed swords, who will be used to the longer wind-up animations. It deals incredible damage, along with high magic regen.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 999
  • Magic Regain: 80%
  • Weight: Very Heavy

3 Beastlord – A Devastating Greatsword

Beastlord Is A Mighty Greatsword From Nier Replicant

As players level up their weapons, they will receive new excerpts from the weapon's story. These short passages of text reveal facts about the weapon's history as well as new details about the game's intriguing setting.

If players can adapt to the long wind-up animations, two-handed swords deal incredibly high damage and have sweeping attacks capable of hitting large groups of enemies. Beastlord never goes above heavy when upgraded, meaning it has a slightly faster attack speed than other greatswords in the game. This sword can be found in a crate near the entrance to the Lost Shrine during the second half of the game.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 715
  • Magic Regain: 50%
  • Weight: Heavy

2 Kaine's Sword – The Most Powerful One-Handed Sword

Emil And Nier At Kaine's Shack In Nier Replicant

Kaine is an awesome character from Nier: Replicant, known not only for her excellent quotes but also for her awesome prowess in combat. Upon completing ending E, players can reload their previous save and find her signature serrated blade outside her shack at The Aerie.

This weapon is easily the best one-handed sword in Nier: Replicant, with the highest possible damage and magic, regain of any weapon in the game. Its only drawback is it's a Very Heavy category weapon making it slow but devastating when it hits its target.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 999
  • Magic Regain: 100%
  • Weight: Extra Heavy

1 Phoenix Spear – A Strong Spear With Fast Attacks

Nier With A Phoenix Spear On His Back In Nier: Replicant

Excluding the weapons from the DLC, the phoenix set includes many of the best weapons in Nier: Replicant. The phoenix spear can be bought from the blacksmith in Facade for 32,400 gold and is worth every penny.

This spear is not only capable of tearing through hordes of shades, but its high magic regain makes it very useful for sorcerers. What makes this weapon better than DLC items with higher damage is its moderate weight which makes it fast as well as devastating. Since it is a spear, this weapon works best against single large targets and is perfect for boss fights.

Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:

  • Attack Power: 721
  • Magic Regain: 80%
  • Weight: Moderate

Nier Replicant was re-released on April 23, 2021, and is available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

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