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Bloodborne trick weapons are right hand weapons that transform into a second form with a different reach, speed, and moveset. Tap L1 to switch forms, start with the Saw Cleaver if you want the easiest option, and use your gun to set up big counter attacks.
Your first night in Yharnam can feel rough. The streets are crowded, the enemies hit hard, and the game does not explain much. One of the first things that confuses new players is their weapon. It folds, it extends, and it seems to have two different personalities.
That is the idea behind Bloodborne trick weapons, and once you understand them, the combat gets a lot more fun. They are the heart of how the game plays, and they give each hunter a style that feels personal.
This guide covers how Bloodborne trick weapons work, which starting weapon to pick, a few great weapons to look for next, and some simple tips that make the early hours easier. You do not need to know anything about the game to follow along.
What Are Bloodborne Trick Weapons?
Trick weapons are the melee weapons you hold in your right hand. Each one can change shape, and each form comes with its own attacks. A short blade might stretch into a long reach weapon, or a mace might turn into a spinning saw.
The two forms usually trade something for something else. The compact form tends to be quicker and easier to control, while the extended form gives you more range and often hits harder or hits more enemies at once.
That design is what sets Bloodborne trick weapons apart from the swords and clubs in most action games. Instead of picking one tool and sticking with it, you carry two tools in one, and you decide in real time which form the fight needs.
Every trick weapon has two forms. Learning when to switch between them is the biggest step toward getting good at Bloodborne.
How Do You Transform a Trick Weapon?
On the default PlayStation controls, you tap L1 to switch between forms. You can do it while standing still, but the real power comes from doing it in the middle of a combo. Pressing L1 during an attack lets you swing and change forms at the same time, which flows right into your next move.
Pay attention to which form you are in, because it changes how far your attacks reach. Many new players get hit because they swing at an enemy that is just outside the range of their current form. A quick transform can fix that.
Which Starting Weapon Should You Pick?
At the start you choose from three trick weapons. This is the question new hunters ask most, and the best starting weapon in Bloodborne depends on how you want to play. The good news is that you can buy the others later with Blood Echoes, so the choice is not permanent.
Saw Cleaver
The Saw Cleaver is the best all-rounder and the easiest pick for beginners. It is fast, its compact form is short ranged, and its extended form widens your reach so it works well against groups. If you are not sure what to choose, choose this.
Hunter Axe
The Hunter Axe is slower but hits harder than the other two. Its extended form can catch several enemies at once. The catch is that its second form is two handed, which means you cannot fire your gun while you use it. It suits patient players who like to time their swings.
Threaded Cane
The Threaded Cane is the stylish pick. It has the lowest damage of the three, but it scales best with Skill and has a quick blade form plus a whip form that is great for crowd control. It is a good fit if you plan to build around Skill.
Which Bloodborne Trick Weapons Are Worth Finding Next?
Once you settle into the game, you will find more trick weapons by beating bosses, collecting badges, and buying from the Messengers. A few of the most interesting ones are below.
Ludwig's Holy Blade
This weapon shifts between a sword and a greatsword. The sword form is faster, while the greatsword form deals much more damage. It is a great way to learn how switching forms can match the moment.
Chikage
Chikage is a risk and reward weapon. Its blood imbued form drains your own health to deal powerful damage, so you have to stay aggressive and keep your health topped up. It is a favorite for people who like a high stakes style.
Burial Blade
The Burial Blade turns into a two handed scythe with a wide sweep. It is a good choice when you want to control space and keep groups of enemies away from you.
Whirligig Saw
Found in the Old Hunters expansion, the Whirligig Saw starts as a long mace and becomes a buzzsaw you hold in your hands. It is one of the most unusual weapons in the game and a lot of fun to use.
There is no wrong weapon in Bloodborne. The best one is the one whose rhythm you actually enjoy.
How Do Bloodborne Trick Weapons Compare?
Here is a quick side by side look at the weapons covered above.
| Weapon | How to Get It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Saw Cleaver | Starting choice | Beginners and all-round play |
| Hunter Axe | Starting choice | Slow, heavy hits |
| Threaded Cane | Starting choice | Skill builds and crowd control |
| Ludwig's Holy Blade | Found later | Switching speed for power |
| Chikage | Found later | Aggressive, high risk play |
| Burial Blade | Found later | Wide sweeps and space control |
| Whirligig Saw | Old Hunters expansion | Something unusual and fun |
How Do Guns Work With Trick Weapons?
In Bloodborne, your left hand holds a firearm, and it is not really there to deal damage. Its main job is to stun enemies. If you shoot an enemy right as it starts to attack, it staggers, and you can follow up with a visceral attack that deals big damage.
Pair that with the rally system, which lets you win back lost health by hitting the enemy that just hurt you, and the game starts to reward aggression instead of hiding. If you like the look of the starting pistol, a Bloodborne Evelyn pistol replica inspired by the game makes a great display piece.
What Tips Help New Hunters Most?
- Transform in the middle of combos so your attacks flow instead of stopping.
- Use your gun to interrupt enemy attacks, then go for a visceral attack.
- Hit back right after taking damage to regain health with the rally system.
- Keep the form that fits the fight, short for tight spaces and long for groups.
- Try a few weapons from the Messengers before you commit to one build.
Once you feel at home in Yharnam, you may want some gear that matches the mood. A Lady Maria hoodie or a Hunter t-shirt is an easy way to show off your favorite game, and you can browse the full Bloodborne collection for more.
Do not worry if it feels clumsy at first. Bloodborne trick weapons reward practice, and after a few hours the switching becomes second nature. Spend some time on early enemies, try both forms, and notice how each one changes the way you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Saw Cleaver is the best pick for most beginners because it is balanced and easy to use. The Hunter Axe suits slower, heavier play, and the Threaded Cane suits Skill builds.
Tap L1 on the default PlayStation controls. You can also press it during an attack to swing and switch forms at the same time.
No. Some forms are two handed, like the Hunter Axe's second form, and you cannot fire a gun while using them.
Yes. You can buy the other starting weapons with Blood Echoes and find new trick weapons by beating bosses and collecting badges.
It is mainly used to stun enemies mid attack so you can land a visceral attack, which deals big damage.
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