Weapon Degradation

Overview

Weapons in Blight: Survival degrade through use and can break. The September 2025 developer update confirmed "degradable weapons" and breakable objects as core systems, describing them as adding "a layer of authenticity to the game" that fits the medieval setting. Degradation is not just a maintenance tax. It ties directly into the extraction-lite loop, the modular crafting system, and the risk-and-reward decisions that define every run.

How degradation works

Weapons lose condition as they are used in combat. Repeated strikes, parries, and blocks all contribute to wear. A weapon that degrades past a certain threshold becomes less effective. If it breaks entirely, it remains in your inventory but performs significantly worse. This means players cannot rely on a single weapon indefinitely. They need to either bring backup weapons into No Man's Land, find replacement gear during runs, or manage their weapon use carefully.

The system creates pressure during extended runs. A sword that felt reliable at the start of a mission may be noticeably weaker by the third or fourth major encounter. Players who push deeper into the map face compounding risk: tougher enemies ahead, and weaker gear in hand.

Modular weapon structure

Weapon degradation interacts with the game's modular weapon system. Weapons are not single items. They are assembled from interchangeable components. The developers confirmed that a sword, for example, consists of four separate parts:

Each component has its own rarity and condition values. A sword might have a high-rarity blade but a common hilt, and each piece degrades at its own rate depending on how it is stressed in combat. This means weapon maintenance is not a single number but a set of decisions about which parts to prioritize for repair or replacement.

Condition and rarity

Components exist at different rarity levels and in varying conditions. A freshly crafted crossguard performs differently from one that has been through a dozen runs. The condition system means that even a rare component loses effectiveness over time if it is not maintained.

The same modular structure applies to armor. The developers used a bascinet helmet as an example: it is composed of a coif, the bascinet itself, and a visor, each upgradeable independently. See Armor Customization for the full armor breakdown.

Repair at the Artisan

Degraded and broken weapons can be repaired at the Artisan's workshop back at the camp. Repairs cost materials and coins, the same resources gathered during extraction runs. The Artisan handles repairs on a per-component basis: you might repair just a blade while leaving a still-functional crossguard alone, or replace an entire component with a better one found during a run.

Crafting is described by the developers as "a key part of our progression system." The Artisan provides "various upgrades and customizations to your gear" in exchange for gathered resources. This means the materials looted during a successful extraction do not just sit in inventory; they feed directly back into maintaining and improving your equipment for the next run.

Gameplay implications

Weapon degradation ties into the broader risk-and-reward loop that drives Blight: Survival's design. Pushing deeper into a run means more wear on your gear. A broken weapon mid-fight against a mini-boss can be fatal. Players need to weigh whether the loot ahead is worth the risk of going in with deteriorating equipment.

The system also encourages weapon variety. Rather than maining a single sword for every run, players benefit from learning multiple weapon types. If your primary weapon breaks or degrades, switching to a backup mace or dagger keeps you combat-effective. The classless character system supports this: there are no restrictions on which weapons a character can use.

In co-op, degradation adds a team resource management layer. A group that shares information about gear condition can make smarter extraction decisions. If the team's best weapons are all running low, that is a signal to extract rather than push further.

Environmental breakables

The September 2025 devlog confirmed breakable environmental objects alongside weapon degradation. Destructible elements in the world add both visual feedback to combat (smashing through objects during a fight) and tactical options (breaking barriers, opening paths). The developers framed both systems together as part of the game's focus on medieval authenticity.

Historical context

The game's weapons are based on real historical designs. The developers have shown 14th-century Oakeshott Type XIV swords on their Instagram. This reflects the game's alternate-14th-century setting. Real medieval weapons required regular maintenance: edges dulled, handles loosened, and metal fatigued with use. The degradation system in Blight: Survival translates this historical reality into a gameplay mechanic that reinforces the grounded, low-fantasy tone the developers are targeting. See Weapons and Equipment for the full list of confirmed weapon types.