Bloodborne is widely celebrated for its fast-paced combat, haunting atmosphere, and deep lore. One of the defining features of the game is its unique arsenal of Trick Weapons, each with its own transformation and moveset. Mastering the best weapons in Bloodborne can significantly enhance your experience, making the brutal world of Yharnam a little more manageable.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best weapons in Bloodborne, breaking down their strengths, and weaknesses, and tips on how to use them effectively.
The Best Weapons in Bloodborne
1. Saw Cleaver
The Saw Cleaver is not only the first weapon many players choose, but it also remains one of the most effective weapons throughout the game. This versatile weapon shines in both its standard and transformed states, making it perfect for newcomers and veterans alike.
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Strengths:
- High damage against beasts due to its serrated property.
- Fast attack speed and solid stagger potential.
- Effective in both short and medium-range combat.
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How to Master the Saw Cleaver:
- Use the transformed mode (extended saw) to control crowds of enemies.
- Take advantage of the weapon’s quick strikes to trigger the Rally mechanic, regaining lost health.
- Great for aggressive playstyles; keep pressure on enemies and beasts to maximize damage.
2. Ludwig’s Holy Blade
Ludwig’s Holy Blade is considered one of the most powerful weapons in Bloodborne. This weapon transforms from a straight sword to a massive greatsword, offering players both agility and strength in combat.
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Strengths:
- Balanced scaling with Strength and Skill, ideal for quality builds.
- Greatsword mode offers powerful crowd control and long-range attacks.
- Excellent versatility for both PvE and PvP situations.
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How to Master Ludwig’s Holy Blade:
- Use the straight sword form for quick strikes and when stamina is low.
- Switch to the greatsword form against large enemies or groups.
- The charged R2 attack in greatsword form can stagger and even knock down tougher enemies.
3. Rakuyo
The Rakuyo is a dual-wielding weapon that emphasizes speed and dexterity. It requires a high Skill stat, making it perfect for fast, agile builds. The weapon shines in its ability to chain attacks rapidly and deal significant damage in a short amount of time.
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Strengths:
- Excellent combo potential with high DPS.
- Fast attack speed allows quick Rally opportunities.
- Dual-wielding mode provides unique moveset options.
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How to Master the Rakuyo:
- Utilize quickstep attacks to stay close to your target.
- Perfect for hit-and-run tactics in boss fights.
- Focus on Skill-based runes and blood gems to maximize damage.
4. Chikage
The Chikage is a hybrid weapon that transforms between a standard katana and a blood-infused blade. This weapon is favored by Bloodtinge builds and offers high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
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Strengths:
- High damage output in its transformed (Blood) mode.
- Pairs well with ranged firearms for hybrid combat strategies.
- Allows versatility between melee and ranged playstyles.
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How to Master the Chikage:
- Manage health carefully when in Blood mode, as it slowly drains health.
- Use blood bullets to fuel firearms and maintain aggressive pressure.
- Ideal for PvP, but also effective in PvE with a focus on Bloodtinge stat.
5. Hunter Axe
The Hunter Axe is another great starter weapon with an emphasis on Strength. It features a deadly spin attack in its transformed mode, allowing for devastating crowd control.
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Strengths:
- Spin attacks can clear groups of enemies with ease.
- Solid range and good stagger potential.
- Can be effective in both early and late-game content.
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How to Master the Hunter Axe:
- Utilize the spin attack for large crowds but be mindful of stamina.
- Strong-charged attacks can knock back enemies and create breathing room.
- Works well with Strength-focused builds.
6. Blade of Mercy
The Blade of Mercy is a fast weapon that scales well with the Skill stat. Its dual-blade transformation offers incredible speed and relentless combo potential, making it perfect for aggressive players.
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Strengths:
- High mobility and speed.
- Effective for quick strikes and maintaining pressure on enemies.
- Best used with Skill-based builds and with Arcane for added effects.
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How to Master the Blade of Mercy:
- Keep moving and avoid trading hits due to lower damage resistance.
- Perfect for dodging and quick retaliation.
- Ideal for PvP due to its speed and unpredictability.
7. Whirligig Saw
Introduced in The Old Hunters DLC, the Whirligig Saw is a fan favorite due to its unique design and raw power. The weapon transforms into a giant spinning saw, ideal for both crowd control and boss melting.
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Strengths:
- Incredible sustained damage when the saw is active.
- Can stagger even large enemies with its saw attack.
- Great for Strength builds.
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How to Master the Whirligig Saw:
- Use the spinning attack against large or stationary enemies for maximum damage.
- Pair with fire or bolt paper to amplify damage output.
- Best used against bosses with large hitboxes to maximize saw contact.
Tips for Mastering Any Weapon in Bloodborne
- Understand Your Build: Make sure your stats align with your weapon’s scaling (Strength, Skill, Bloodtinge, or Arcane).
- Learn Transform Attacks: Each Trick Weapon has a transformation attack that can be chained from a standard attack. This can create unpredictable combos.
- Use Blood Gems: Slot the right blood gems into your weapon to boost its damage, add elemental effects, or enhance your play style.
- Upgrade Your Weapons: Always prioritize upgrading your primary weapon to keep up with the increasing difficulty of enemies.
- Manage Stamina: Don’t overcommit to long combos if it will leave you without stamina to dodge.
Conclusion
Bloodborne offers a diverse array of weapons that cater to all kinds of playstyles. Whether you prefer the aggressive speed of the Rakuyo, the balanced versatility of Ludwig’s Holy Blade, or the raw power of the Whirligig Saw, mastering these weapons requires practice, patience, and a deep understanding of their mechanics.
Choosing the right weapon is only half the battle—learning when to attack, when to dodge, and how to use your weapon’s full potential will be the key to surviving the horrors of Yharnam. As you experiment with different weapons, you’ll find the one that feels just right and gives you the edge against the challenging enemies that await.
