Overview
Crimson Desert features 13 distinct weapon typeseach built around a specific combat role. Unlike many action RPGs where one weapon dominates all content, the system here is closer to Monster Hunter: every type is designed for a particular job, and players can equip multiple weapons at once, switching between them mid-combo. The real power of the combat system comes from chaining attacks across different weapon types for devastating inter-weapon combos.
This tier list reflects the early-launch community consensus during the first weeks after the March 2026 launch. Rankings are based on overall versatility, ease of use, damage output, and how well each weapon performs across a variety of content including open-world exploration, boss fights, and group encounters. Keep in mind that Pearl Abyss will adjust weapon balance through future patches, so these rankings may shift over time.
Because you can switch weapons freely during combat, a weapon sitting in B or C tier is not useless. It may simply be more situational. The strongest loadouts combine weapons from different tiers to cover each other's weaknesses.
Tier Rankings
The following table summarizes every weapon type ranked from S+ (best) to C (most situational). Each tier reflects how the weapon performs as a general-purpose tool across all content types.
Tier | Weapon Type | Role | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
S+ | Combo Extender / Finisher | The only S+ entry. Bare-handed attacks weave into every other weapon's moveset, functioning as a universal combo connector that makes every weapon hit harder and chain more fluidly. Not a standalone weapon in the traditional sense, but an essential part of every loadout. | |
S | High Damage / Reach | The most forgiving high-damage melee option. Wide arcs hit multiple enemiesand the reach keeps you safe from counterattacks. Excellent for both exploration and boss fights. | |
S | Versatile Melee / Counter | Outstanding reach and the Evasive Slash counter make the Spear borderline overpowered in the early and mid game. Strong single-target damage with reliable crowd control. | |
S | Balanced / Defensive | The safest and most accessible weapon in the game. Handles offensive and defensive playstyles equally well. The shield provides damage reduction that no other melee weapon can match, making it ideal for beginners and veterans alike. | |
S | Ranged / Stealth | Earns its S-tier placement through sheer versatility. Supports stealth takedowns, creates distance during chaotic fights, and accepts a wide variety of projectile types with different status effects. Strong at every stage of the game. | |
A | Close-Range / Juggle | The standout ranged weapon for close-to-mid-range combat. A built-in dodge after every shot keeps you mobile, and aerial juggle extensions give it primary-weapon viability that the Bow and Rifle cannot match up close. | |
A | AoE Ranged | The only AoE firearm in the game. A single charged shot can devastate a cluster of enemies. Pairs exceptionally well with Axes and Hammers that stun and knock down targets, giving you time to charge. | |
A | Technical / Riposte | The most mobile melee weapon, featuring a built-in riposte that deals massive damage when triggered by an enemy attack. High skill ceiling; realizing its full potential requires near-perfect inputs and long combo strings. | |
B | Burst Damage / AoE | Delivers the highest single-hit damage of any melee weapon with strong AoE coverage. However, slow wind-up animations punish mistimed attacks hard. Significantly better on Oongka than Kliff due to her stagger bonuses. | |
B | Crowd Control / Setup | Best understood as a setup weapon rather than a primary damage dealer. Charged attacks launch enemies into the air and clear space, making it an excellent combo initiator when paired with a faster follow-up weapon. Standalone damage is low for its speed. | |
B | Long-Range / Single Target | A hard-hitting sniper option built for single targets with large HP pools. Reload times are punishing, but each shot deals substantial damage. Effective in its niche, frustrating outside of it. | |
C | Guard Break / Stun | Slower than the Sword and relies heavily on a shield to function defensively. Its primary value of breaking enemy guards and stunlocking defenders is a niche that other weapons cover more efficiently as part of their normal kits. | |
N/A | Stealth Only | Daggers function exclusively as a stealth elimination tool and cannot be used in open combat. Not ranked on the standard tier list because they serve a different purpose. |
Best Weapons by Category
Beyond the general tier rankings, certain individual weapons stand out within their category. The following picks represent the strongest options you can obtain for each weapon type, based on base stats, unique Abyss Coresand overall utility.
Weapon Name | Key Stats / Notes | |
|---|---|---|
One-Handed Sword | Highest starting attack of any sword at 25. Obtained during Chapter 9 in the arena cellar. Comes with the Greysoul Howling Abyss Coreone of the best in the game. | |
Curved Sword | Extremely popular mid-game weapon. Its unique Abyss GearCrow's Pursuitgives it top-tier mobility and burst damage in a single package. | |
Greatsword | 25 attack with built-in attack speed bonus and the Stamina Siphon Abyss Core, which sustains your combo chains by recovering stamina on hit. | |
Spear | Exceptional early-game spear. Deals strong single-target damage and fires a projectile that staggers groups of enemies at range. | |
Bow | Starting bow for Kliff. Easy to upgrade through multiple reinforcement tiers and remains relevant well into the late game. | |
Dropped by the boss Myurdin in Chapter 7. Incredible stagger power with the Groundsurge ability that erupts rocks and lava from the ground. Best on Oongka. | ||
Two-Handed Sword | One of the earliest two-handed weapons available. Already comes with a set of Abyss Geargiving it more power than its base stats suggest. |
Weapon Type Rankings by Character
Not every weapon performs the same across all three playable characters. KliffDamianeand Oongka each have inherent scaling bonuses and moveset differences that shift certain weapons up or down in effectiveness.
Kliff
Kliff is the most versatile of the three characters and works well with almost any weapon type. He shines brightest with one-handed swords and sword-and-shield combinations thanks to his balanced stat spread. His unarmed build is also exceptionally strong, excelling in both AoE and single-target damage through Grappling skills and Iron Fist abilities. For Kliff, the Fated Shadow (one-handed sword) and the Spear are the top recommendations.
Damiane
Damiane excels with fast, technical weapons. Her strongest loadout is the Steel Rose build, which pairs the Rapier with the Pistol. This combination leverages her riposte bonuses for high burst damage, and the Pistol's dodge mechanic chains into Rapier ripostes seamlessly. Damiane's agility bonuses make the Rapier perform significantly better in her hands than on Kliff or Oongka.
Oongka
Oongka benefits from inherent stagger bonuses on heavy attacks, making slow, powerful weapons far more effective for her. The Great Axe performs significantly better in Oongka's hands than it does on Kliff. Her best weapon overall is the Myurdin Hammerdropped by the boss Myurdin in Chapter 7. Both the Axe and Hammer builds benefit from Oongka's natural stagger scaling, turning B-tier weapons into A-tier performers.
Tips for Weapon Selection
Equip multiple weapon types. You can carry several weapons and switch between them mid-combat. The strongest loadouts pair a high-damage primary with a fast secondary for combo extensions.
Use Bare Hands in every loadout. Bare-handed attacks act as combo connectors between weapon switches. They cost no stamina and extend your damage windows significantly.
Match weapons to content. S-tier weapons are the best all-rounders, but a B-tier Rifle will outperform an S-tier Sword against a distant, high-HP target. Bring the right tool for the job.
Consider your character. Oongka's stagger bonuses elevate Axes and Hammers. Damiane's riposte scaling makes the Rapier deadly. Pick weapons that align with your character's strengths.
Upgrade early-game weapons. Weapons like the Grey Wolf Bow and the Rhinard Cannon remain competitive well into the late game when fully reinforced. Do not ignore the upgrade system.
Watch for Abyss Cores. Some weapons come with unique Abyss Cores that dramatically change their performance. The Tauria Curved Sword's Crow's Pursuit and the Fated Shadow's Greysoul Howling are examples of cores that push weapons above their base tier.
Expect balance patches. The game launched in March 2026 and Pearl Abyss has a history of adjusting weapon balance regularly. Rankings will shift as patches roll out.
