If you're jumping into the full version of Echoes of Aincrad, you might be wondering which of the six available weapon types deserves your time. While the game is balanced well enough that you can clear content with any weapon you prefer, some types clearly outperform others when you look at the current meta.

Weapon Tiers at a Glance

  1. S-Tier: Two-Handed Axe, Swords
  2. A-Tier: Maces, Rapiers, Daggers
  3. B-Tier: Two-Handed Swords

S-Tier: The Powerhouses

These weapons feel slightly overpowered and are relatively easy to master, making them the top picks for most encounters.

  • Two-Handed Axe: This is arguably the best weapon in the game for clearing crowds. Once you reach the midgame and unlock the Iron Scythe, your sprint attacks become incredibly fast and damaging. Using a MOD to further increase your sprint speed makes this weapon devastating.
  • Swords: A reliable, all-around choice. Swords don't specialize in one specific area, which makes them perfect for beginners. The ability to equip a shield to block incoming attacks gives them a massive survivability advantage.

A-Tier: Niche and Tactical

These choices are effective but require a bit more specific build planning or skill to use effectively.

  • Maces: If you want a shield but prefer a bit more punch than a standard sword, the mace is a great alternative. They require a heavy investment in Strength to shine, but they deal significant damage at a decent speed.
  • Rapiers: These are for players who prioritize mobility over raw power. They aren't overly complex, but you will need to invest heavily in Agility to make them viable. You can also combine them with swords for a versatile setup.
  • Daggers: These offer the highest speed for Agility-focused builds. They deal massive damage in quick bursts, but you have to stay right on top of your enemies due to their short range. Since you cannot equip a shield with daggers, you'll need to be extra careful with your positioning.

B-Tier: High Maintenance

The Two-Handed Sword falls into this category. While it packs a massive punch, it is extremely heavy and slow. You have to be incredibly precise with your strikes because the attack wind-up time is long. If you miss, you leave yourself wide open. It’s a viable weapon if you enjoy high-damage, heavy-hitting playstyles, but it requires significantly more homework than the S-tier options.