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Best Early Weapons - Version 20 vs Version 21
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11Overview22Choosing the right weapon early in Crimson Desert can make or break your first dozen hours. The game hands you a basic sword and shield during the Prologue, but the world opens up quickly after that, and stronger options become available through vendors, exploration, and quest rewards. This guide covers the best weapons to pursue during the early chapters (Prologue through Chapter 4), why they stand out, and where to find them.44Every weapon type in Crimson Desert has its own moveset, strengths, and skill interactions. Some are forgiving and accessible for newcomers while others reward experienced players who understand the combat system. The recommendations below balance raw damage, defensive options, skill synergy, and ease of acquisition.77Weapon Types Available Early99Crimson Desert features over a dozen weapon categories. Not all are available immediately, but the following types can be obtained during the early chapters:1111CategoryAvailable TypesAccessOne-Handed MeleeSwords, Daggers, RapierPrologue onwardTwo-Handed MeleeGreatswords, Spears, Axes, HammerChapter 1 onwardRangedBows, PistolsPrologue onwardShieldsShieldsPrologue onward1414Best Starter Weapon: Sword and Shield1515The Sword of the Wolf is Kliff's starting one-handed sword, equipped by default when the game begins. It has a base ATK of 12 and comes with 3 Abyss Core slots, giving it solid customization potential despite its low starting damage. Paired with any shield, this combination is the safest and most accessible loadout in the early game.1717AttributeValueWeaponSword of the WolfTypeOne-Handed SwordATK12Abyss Core Slots3How to ObtainEquipped by default at the start of the game1919Why start here? The sword teaches you the core combat system rhythm without demanding precise timing or complex input strings. It handles both offensive and defensive playstyles, and the shield provides consistent damage reduction. For players new to action RPGs, this is the weapon to learn the fundamentals with before branching out.2020Recommended pairing: Pick up the Staglord's Shield as soon as you can. It provides 6 DEF and adds +2 ATK SPD, which noticeably speeds up your attack chains. It is a meaningful upgrade over the basic starting shield.2222Best Early One-Handed Pickup: Hollow Visage2424The Hollow Visage is widely considered the strongest early-game one-handed weapon in Crimson Desert. This katana-style sword has 14 ATK out of the box, outclassing the Sword of the Wolf immediately, and it comes pre-loaded with Abyss Gears that boost Critical Rate, Attack Speed, and Regular Attack damage. That combination of offensive stats makes it hit harder and faster than anything else you can find in the first few chapters.2626AttributeValueWeaponHollow VisageTypeOne-Handed Sword (Katana)ATK14Pre-loaded Abyss GearsCritical Rate, Attack Speed, Regular AttackLocationWaterfall cave in the southern map, near the Reed Devil boss area2828How to Find the Hollow Visage2929To reach the Hollow Visage, travel to the Sanctum of Temperance Abyss Nexus and teleport there. Head south toward the river. You cannot go straight because of an enemy village blocking the path, so loop right and then cut downward. Look for the waterfall on the right side of the riverbank. Use Kliff's forward Stab skill to push through the waterfall into a hidden cave. The Hollow Visage sits inside.3131The pre-loaded Abyss Gears set this weapon apart from vendor purchases and random drops. You can remove those artifacts and transfer them to a different weapon later if you prefer, but most players will get the best mileage by simply using the Hollow Visage as their primary sword through the first half of the game. It pairs well with any shield for a defensive setup or can be dual-wielded with another one-handed weapon for aggressive builds.3333Earliest Dual-Wield Option: Bekker Axes3535The Bekker Axes are two one-handed axes you can grab almost immediately after the Prologue ends. They are found in the Underbridge area as Kliff travels with the Greymane companions. One axe is hidden in a tree stump to the right of the path, and the second sits on a nearby rock as you head toward the horses.3737AttributeValueWeaponBekker Axe (x2)TypeOne-Handed AxeATK12 eachLocationUnderbridge area, right after the Prologue3939Picking up both axes unlocks dual-wielding without needing to buy or farm anything. You can equip both axes together for a pure berserker setup, or combine one axe with a sword for a mixed moveset. Dual-wielding changes your combat stance and attack tree compared to a sword-and-shield loadout, so experiment to see which rhythm you prefer. The Bekker Axes are strong enough to carry you through the first few chapters, but plan to replace them once you reach the Hernand region's vendors and world bosses.4040Best Early Two-Handed Weapon: Spear4242The Spear is arguably the strongest early-game weapon type in Crimson Desert. Its combination of superior reach, forgiving defensive mechanics, and crowd control makes it effective against both regular enemies and bosses. Many veteran players consider the spear borderline overpowered during the first half of the game.4444Warspike Spear4646The Warspike Spear is one of the first spears you can obtain and is an excellent backup weapon. It has a base ATK of 14, which already surpasses the Sword of the Wolf. You can find it leaning against a shrine not far from Hernand. Leave town and head to the wooded area marked on your map, or scale carefully down the cliff side to reach it. Nearby, you will also find a Sealed Abyss Gear that teaches Sharpened Spear II, a useful passive boost for spear weapons.4848AttributeValueWeaponWarspike SpearTypeTwo-Handed SpearATK14How to ObtainFound at a shrine near Hernand (free pickup)5050Why the Spear Dominates Early5151The spear's defining skill is Evasive Slash, a counter stance that activates with R1 + Circle (PlayStation) or RB + B (Xbox). Unlike a standard parry, which requires frame-perfect timing, Evasive Slash stays active for as long as you have stamina. When an enemy attacks during the stance, Kliff responds with a wide horizontal swing that pushes enemies away, followed by powerful repeated thrusts that stagger most targets. This forgiving window makes it accessible for new players while still being devastatingly effective against bosses.5353Two other spear skills stand out in the early game. Turning Slash (R1 + R2 / RB + RT) is a spinning attack that triggers almost instantly when chained from another skill, pushing enemies back and dealing high damage to groups. Stab (R1 + Triangle / RB + Y) delivers a triple thrust combo that chains into a rapid six-thrust assault, which is nearly guaranteed to break through shield-wielding enemies' guards.5555Tip: You can unlock Evasive Slash by investing in the Armed Combat branch of Kliff's skill tree up to level 3. Prioritize this early.5757Recommended Swords Beyond the Starter5959First Abyss Gear Weapon: Sword of the Lord6161The Sword of the Lord is the first weapon you receive that comes with Abyss Gear already equipped. With 13 ATK and Attack Speed Lv. 2, it is a noticeable step up from the Sword of the Wolf in both damage and combo speed. You earn it as a reward for defeating Kailok the Hornsplitter during The End of Greed main questline in Chapter 2.6363AttributeValueWeaponSword of the LordTypeOne-Handed SwordATK13Attack SpeedLv. 2How to ObtainDefeat Kailok the Hornsplitter in Chapter 2 (The End of Greed)6565The Abyss Gear on the Sword of the Lord is worth paying attention to. It comes pre-slotted with Wind Slash, which you can either keep on this weapon or remove and transfer to a different sword if you prefer another base. The Lv. 2 Attack Speed makes this sword noticeably faster for dual-wielding setups, where combo speed directly translates into higher sustained damage output.6666The Sword of the Wolf works well for the Prologue and Chapter 1, but its ATK of 12 falls behind quickly. Here are stronger swords to look for as you progress:6868WeaponATKNotesHow to ObtainTauria Curved Sword16+1 ATK SPD. Pairs with the Crow's Pursuit Abyss Core for ranged crow projectiles on heavy strikes.Equipment shops / explorationBalton Longsword~15Solid all-rounder with balanced stats.Equipment shops in Hernand regionSydmon Sword~14Reliable upgrade over the starter sword.Vendors / dropsGlenmore Sword~14Another solid option found through exploration.Exploration / chestsIgnir20Base ATK 20, upgrades to 45. Five Abyss Core sockets. Exceptional mid-game sword.Defeat Ludvig in Chapter 77070The Tauria Curved Sword is the standout pick for the early-to-mid game. Its +1 ATK SPD bonus makes combos faster, and its compatibility with Crow's Pursuit adds ranged damage to your heavy attacks without requiring a weapon swap. The Ignir is a later reward (Chapter 7), but it is worth calling out because its five Abyss Core sockets and upgradeable ATK of 45 make it one of the best swords in the entire game.7171Best Early Two-Handed Swords7373Best Early Greatsword7575Before you find the Absolute Justice Greatsword, the Rhett's Longsword is the earliest two-handed weapon available. At 15 ATK with a Crit Rate Lv. 1 bonus, it hits harder than most one-handed swords while introducing you to the slower, wider swing patterns of two-handed combat. You can pick it up during Chapter 1.7777WeaponATKTypeNotesRhett's Longsword15Two-Handed GreatswordCrit Rate Lv. 1. Earliest two-handed option, available from Chapter 1.Absolute Justice Greatsword20Two-Handed GreatswordHigh damage, strong stagger, counter stance access.Hwando19Two-Handed KatanaCritical Rate I, Stamina Siphon Lv1. Found at Lioncrest Manor.8181Best Early Two-Handed Sword: Hwando8282The Hwando is a large two-handed katana with 19 ATK, making it one of the hardest-hitting weapons you can obtain in the early game. It also comes with Critical Rate I, Stamina Siphon Lv1, and an Attack 1 Abyss Gear slot, giving it strong built-in stats before any refinement upgrades.8484AttributeValueWeaponHwandoTypeTwo-Handed Sword (Katana)ATK19Passive StatsCritical Rate I, Stamina Siphon Lv1LocationLioncrest Manor, northwest of the starting town8686How to Get the Hwando8787Obtaining the Hwando requires a key. You can purchase one from the Back Alley Shop (southeast of the starting town, at the base of the windmill) for 30 coins, or you can find a key on a dead bandit's corpse during exploration, or earn one by completing a bounty notice quest.8989With the key in hand, head to Lioncrest Manor. Go to the smaller house to the left of the main building and climb through the western window that has no glass. On the second floor, run into the locked door to use your key. Open the glowing chest inside to claim the Hwando.9191Optionally, you can also buy or earn a Mask from the Back Alley Shop (10 coins) or from the Jeffrey bounty at the Constabulary. The Mask enables theft, but it is not required to get the Hwando itself. The raw 19 ATK on this weapon puts it above every other two-handed option available at this point, making it an excellent choice for players who enjoy greatsword-style combat with slower, more deliberate swings.9393Best Early Ranged Weapon: Bow9595Crimson Desert gives you a Bow alongside your starting melee weapons. Ranged combat is not just supplementary in this game; there is a fully dedicated archery skill branch with multiple abilities and arrow types. The bow earns top marks for its versatility: it supports stealth takedowns, creates distance during chaotic fights, and accepts a wide variety of projectile types with different status effects.9797Early bows to look for include the White Wood Bow, the Grey Wolf Bow, and the Bekker Bow. All are obtainable through vendors, chests, or enemy drops in the Hernand region. Pair your bow with elemental arrows when possible; you can imbue arrows with elemental effects through skills to add fire, ice, or other damage types to your shots.9999WeaponTypeNotesWhite Wood BowBowAccessible early; solid starting ranged option.Grey Wolf BowBowImproved stats over the White Wood Bow.Bekker BowBowHigher-tier bow available through vendors or drops.101101Best Early Sidearm: Pistol102102The Pistol is a one-handed ranged weapon that complements melee combat beautifully. You can fire it quickly without aiming, making it ideal for squeezing in shots between dodge rolls or during brief openings in a boss's attack pattern. The pistol also has inherent dodge mechanics that let you extend combos by juggling enemies.104104Look for the Jemel Pistol and the Spencer Pistol in equipment shops around Hernand. The pistol pairs especially well with sword-and-shield builds, giving you a reliable way to deal damage at range without swapping to a two-handed bow.106106Best Early Utility Weapons108108Axes and Hammers110110If you want maximum stagger and area-of-effect damage, Axes and Hammers deliver. They are slower than swords and spears, but their charged attacks launch enemies and deal heavy blunt or slashing damage. The Lambert Axe and Balton Hammer are solid early options that can be found through vendors or world drops.112112Mining Knuckledrill114114The Mining Knuckledrill (ATK 16) is a unique one-handed weapon obtained by defeating Marni's Excavatron, a boss unlocked through the House Roberts questline (the "Troubled Count" quest, which leads to "Estate in Dismay: Stolen Quarry"). Beyond combat, the Knuckledrill doubles as a mining tool, making it valuable for gathering ores used in refinement. It is worth pursuing early because it serves double duty as both a combat weapon and a resource-gathering tool.116116WeaponATKTypeHow to ObtainLambert Axe~14One-Handed AxeVendors / dropsBalton Hammer~14Two-Handed HammerVendors / dropsMining Knuckledrill16One-HandedDefeat Marni's Excavatron (House Roberts questline)118118Best Early Weapons for Damiane119119If you are playing as Damiane, the early weapon options differ from Kliff's loadout. Damiane's starter setup centers on the White Wind Rapier paired with the Demenissian Gold-Plated Shield for melee encounters, then switching to the Spencer Pistol when you need ranged damage from a safe distance.121121The Rapier weapon type has a built-in riposte mechanic that triggers massive damage when enemies attack into your guard. This rewards precise timing and makes the rapier feel distinct from swords and spears. The Pistol complements this playstyle perfectly: its innate dodge-after-shot mechanic lets you stay mobile while dealing damage, and it can extend airborne juggle combos that other ranged weapons cannot achieve.123123WeaponTypeNotesWhite Wind RapierOne-Handed RapierBuilt-in riposte mechanic. Damiane's primary melee weapon.Demenissian Gold-Plated ShieldShieldPairs with the rapier for defensive melee combat.Spencer PistolPistolRanged sidearm with dodge mechanics. Use when you need distance.125125Recommended Early Skill Investments126126The right skills transform a good weapon into a great one. Here are the key skill tree investments to prioritize during the early chapters, regardless of which weapon you main:128128SkillTreeWhy It MattersArmed Combat (to Lv 3)StaminaUnlocks Evasive Slash, the overpowered counter stance for spears and greatswords.Quick SwapStaminaLets you instantly switch to a secondary weapon mid-combo for burst damage.Blinding FlashStaminaStrong opener that reveals enemy weaknesses.Keen SensesSpiritUnlocks Counter, Parry, and Perfect Dodge. Essential for all weapon types.GrapplingStaminaProvides crowd control moves like Lariat, Throw, and Giant Swing.Force PalmSpiritCreates space between you and enemies. Useful for resetting combos.Stab / Forward SlashStaminaHigh punish damage on staggered enemies.130130Aim for at least 5 points in Stamina and 4 points in Health during the early game. Stamina powers your combo execution, while Health keeps you alive during the tougher boss encounters. You can respec skills at any time using Faded Abyss Gears, so don't worry about making permanent mistakes.131131Weapon Switching Strategy133133One of the most effective early-game tactics is pairing a primary sword with a secondary spear using the Quick Swap skill. The recommended rotation works like this: open with two heavy sword attacks, follow up with Force Palm to create space, then repeat. When you stagger an enemy, activate Quick Swap to switch to your spear and unload heavy thrusts for massive burst damage. Use Lariat or Meteor Kick for crowd control when surrounded by mobs.135135This dual-weapon approach leverages the sword's safety for general combat and the spear's raw damage for punishing staggered targets. Keep your bow or pistol equipped as a ranged option so you can deal damage before closing distance or when enemies are airborne.137137Upgrading Your Early Weapons139139Even low-tier weapons become significantly stronger through refinement. Visit the blacksmith in Hernand to refine your weapons and armor. Each weapon supports up to 10 refinement levels, and each level boosts ATK noticeably. You need Iron Ore and Copper Ore for metal weapons, which can be purchased from the Mineral Shop at Cairn House (north of Hernand, near Three Saints' Falls) or gathered with your Pickaxe.142142To unlock your gathering tools, complete two early side quests in Hernand: Rhett's Request (rewards the Pickaxe) and Turnali's Request (rewards the Logging Axe). These tools let you harvest ores and timber for refinement materials. Make refinement a regular habit, because some encounters are extremely difficult to beat with unupgraded gear.145145Beyond refinement, you can further customize weapons by equipping Abyss Cores into available sockets. Abyss Cores add modifiers like increased attack speed (Swift), boosted attack power (Destruction), or enhanced defense (Fortification). The Crow's Pursuit core is particularly notable: obtained from the Crowcaller, it sends crows dealing passive damage with each swing.147147Quick Recommendation Summary149149SituationRecommended WeaponWhyLearning combatSword of the Wolf + ShieldSafest, most forgiving. Teaches fundamentals.Highest early DPSWarspike SpearSuperior reach, Evasive Slash counter, crowd control.Big hits, boss staggerAbsolute Justice GreatswordMassive per-hit damage with wide cleave arcs.Ranged / stealthBowStealth takedowns, elemental arrows, safe distance.Quick sidearmPistolFast shots between melee combos, dodge mechanics.Dual purpose (combat + mining)Mining KnuckledrillDecent ATK and doubles as a mining tool.Best early sword pickupHollow Visage14 ATK with pre-loaded Critical Rate, Attack Speed, and Regular Attack boosts.Two-handed powerhouseHwando19 ATK with Critical Rate I and Stamina Siphon. Found at Lioncrest Manor.Earliest dual-wield setupBekker Axes12 ATK each. Unlocks dual-wielding right after the Prologue.Damiane's melee primaryWhite Wind RapierBuilt-in riposte mechanic. Pairs with Demenissian Gold-Plated Shield.151151Looking Ahead: Mid-to-Late Game Weapon Goals152152While this guide focuses on the early chapters (Prologue through Chapter 4), it helps to know which weapons you are building toward so you can plan your Abyss Core investments and skill tree choices accordingly. Two swords stand out as clear long-term targets for Kliff.154154Ignir Sword (Chapter 7)156156The Ignir Sword starts at 20 ATK and can be upgraded to 45 ATK through refinement. It has five Abyss Core sockets, giving it exceptional customization potential. You earn it by defeating Ludvig during the "Time to Face Justice" quest in Chapter 7. If you are running a one-handed sword build, the Ignir is the point where your loadout shifts from "good enough" to genuinely powerful.158158Fated Shadow (Chapter 9)160160The Fated Shadow is one of the strongest swords in the entire game. It has the highest starting damage of any sword at 25 ATK and comes pre-equipped with the Greysoul Howling Abyss Core, which adds extra strikes to your Turning Slash. That core alone makes Turning Slash significantly more dangerous, especially against bosses.162162AttributeValueWeaponFated ShadowTypeOne-Handed SwordATK25Unique Abyss CoreGreysoul Howling (adds extra strikes to Turning Slash)How to ObtainChapter 9, dead-end room behind the Goyen boss arena164164The Fated Shadow is easy to miss if you do not know where to look. After the Goyen boss fight in Chapter 9, head to the back of the arena and climb the steps. You will find a small living quarters inside a cave. The Fated Shadow sits on a weapon stand in the corner of that room. Interact with it to claim the sword permanently.165165Tip: If you have already passed Chapter 9, you can use fast travel to return to the Goyen arena location (it appears as a small island on your map) and pick up the weapon retroactively.167167For an even stronger setup, pair the Fated Shadow's Greysoul Howling core with the Crow's Pursuit core from the Tauria Curved Sword. That combination adds both extra Turning Slash hits and ranged crow projectiles to your heavy attacks, creating one of the most effective combat loadouts in the game.169169Legionary's Gladius: Early Canyon Pickup171171Before leaving the Hernand canyon area, the Legionary's Gladius can be found at Three Saints' Fall by solving a candle puzzle at a statue above the lowest waterfall. It has the same 12 ATK as the Sword of the Wolf but adds Attack Speed Lv.1, making your combos noticeably faster. With 3 Abyss Gear slots, it also accepts the same customization as your starter sword. It is a worthwhile detour before heading into the wider world.173173Kylo Dagger: Post-Staglord Reward175175After defeating The Staglord at Icemore Castle Ruins, return to Hernand and look for a woman who wants to speak with you about the Staglord killing her husband. She can appear in multiple locations around town, including the Bluemont Manor. Speaking with her rewards the Kylo Dagger, which is a solid upgrade over the default starting dagger. Many players miss this reward because it requires finding the NPC manually.177177Boss Fight Tips: Claiming the Vessel of Dark Pursuit179179The Vessel of Dark Pursuit at the Sanctum of Absolution requires defeating Antumbra's Sword, a boss that can be challenging in the early game. However, the fight is simpler than it first appears because the boss is single-phase and has a limited set of attack patterns.181181The most effective approach is to use Focus heavily throughout the fight. Staying in Focus mode lets you observe the boss's attacks in slow motion, making dodges and parries significantly easier. Critically, time spent in Focus also charges your spirit gauge. When the boss leaves an opening, immediately use Force Palm to build stun, followed by Turning Slash for additional stun buildup and damage. Bring plenty of food and heal during Focus windows for maximum safety.183183Soul Spear: High Power, No Upgrades185185The Soul Spear (27 ATK) inside the Tomb of Frozen Souls is an easier alternative to the Vessel of Dark Pursuit because you can grab it without fighting a boss. Run past the Antumbra enemies inside the tomb, jump down to the protruding platform in the main chamber, and the spear is inside that room. Fast travel out once you have it.187187However, the Soul Spear has a significant long-term limitation: it cannot be refined and has no Abyss Core slots. Its raw 27 ATK is excellent out of the box and will carry you through roughly Chapter 6, but weapons with refinement potential (like the Hwando at 44 max ATK with 5 slots, or the Vessel of Dark Pursuit) will outscale it in the mid-to-late game. Consider the Soul Spear a powerful stepping stone rather than a permanent choice.189189See Also191191For more detailed information on specific weapon categories and advanced builds, check these related articles:193193- Weapons - Full overview of all weapon types195195- Combat System - Detailed mechanics guide197197- Build Guide: Kliff - Complete Kliff build recommendations199199- Refining System - How to upgrade weapons and armor201201- Abyss Cores - Socket modifiers for your equipment203203- Kliff Skills - Full skill tree breakdown205205- Beginner's Guide - General tips for new players
