Best Bloodborne Weapons and How to Use Them Effectively
When playing Bloodborne, your weapon choice isn’t just about dealing damage — it defines your entire combat style. This gothic action RPG rewards quick thinking, aggressive strategies, and mastery of unique Trick Weapons. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into Yharnam for the first time or a veteran hunter fine-tuning your build, selecting the right weapon can make the difference between a smooth hunt and endless frustration.
Unlike many other RPGs where stat scaling overshadows weapon mechanics, Bloodborne puts equal emphasis on movesets, transformations, and stamina efficiency. Each weapon has a personality — some excel in speed and mobility, others in reach and staggering power. This guide explores the best weapons in Bloodborne, how to use them effectively, and why they stand out for both beginners and pros.
Weapon Types Overview (Trick Weapons)
Trick Weapons are the signature feature of Bloodborne’s combat system. Each weapon has two distinct forms that can be swapped instantly, even mid-combo. This mechanic allows players to adapt dynamically to different situations, enemy types, and boss fights.
Common Trick Weapon Categories:
- Light / Agile Weapons: Fast attack speed, low stamina cost, ideal for beginners.
Example: Saw Cleaver, Threaded Cane. - Heavy / High-Damage Weapons: Slower swings but incredible stagger potential.
Example: Hunter Axe, Kirkhammer. - Hybrid / Skill Weapons: Balanced speed and power, perfect for experienced players.
Example: Ludwig’s Holy Blade, Burial Blade. - Bloodtinge / Arcane Weapons: Specialized scaling, often used for unique builds.
Example: Chikage, Tonitrus.
Transforming a weapon mid-fight can extend combos, manage stamina efficiently, and keep enemies guessing. The trick system is what gives Bloodborne combat its fluid and brutal rhythm.
Top Weapons with Details
Below are the most iconic and effective weapons in the game, each with a unique playstyle and strengths.
1. Saw Cleaver
Weapon Type: Trick Weapon
Ideal For: Beginners and aggressive melee builds
The Saw Cleaver is perhaps the most recognizable weapon in Bloodborne — and for good reason. It’s one of the starting weapons and remains viable throughout the entire game.
Key Features:
- Transformation: Short saw form (fast attacks) ↔ extended cleaver form (longer reach).
- Damage: Strong against beasts due to innate serration bonus.
- Speed: One of the fastest trick weapons, perfect for constant pressure.
- Stamina Efficiency: Allows for multiple hits before tiring.
How to Use Effectively:
- Use the short form for close-range, fast combos.
- Switch to extended form to keep distance against larger bosses.
- Apply Fire or Bolt Paper to amplify damage against beast-type enemies.
- Its R1 spam can stunlock many mobs, making it beginner-friendly.
Pro Tip:
Pair it with high Vitality and Endurance early on — you’ll clear early zones like Central Yharnam with ease.
2. Hunter Axe
Weapon Type: Trick Weapon
Ideal For: Crowd control and strength builds
The Hunter Axe is another starter option but leans heavily on raw power. Its charged attacks can stagger multiple enemies, making it a great weapon for controlling crowds and punishing bosses.
Key Features:
- Transformation: One-handed axe ↔ two-handed halberd-like extended axe.
- Damage: High base damage and excellent stagger potential.
- Reach: Extended form has one of the longest melee reaches in the early game.
- Sweep Attacks: Great for crowd control.
How to Use Effectively:
- Use short axe form for quick hits and dodges.
- Switch to long axe form to control mobs or punish boss openings.
- Charged R2 attacks are devastating against large enemies.
- Best paired with Strength-heavy builds.
Pro Tip:
The spin attack (R2 in extended form) can wipe out groups of enemies, especially in narrow streets of Yharnam.
3. Ludwig’s Holy Blade
Weapon Type: Trick Weapon
Ideal For: Balanced builds (Strength + Skill)
A fan-favorite weapon, Ludwig’s Holy Blade combines elegance with overwhelming power. It has two forms: a fast straight sword and a heavy greatsword. This flexibility makes it deadly in the hands of experienced players.
Key Features:
- Transformation: Sword ↔ Greatsword.
- Damage: Excellent base damage and scaling, especially with Quality builds.
- Versatility: Ideal for PvE and PvP alike.
- Reach: Greatsword form provides excellent range.
How to Use Effectively:
- Use sword form for aggressive play and quick hits.
- Swap to greatsword form for heavy damage or finishing blows.
- Works best with balanced Strength and Skill stats (25/25).
- Upgrade early to increase its scaling benefits.
Pro Tip:
Ludwig’s Holy Blade pairs beautifully with high stamina pools, letting you alternate forms mid-combo to overwhelm enemies.
4. Burial Blade
Weapon Type: Trick Weapon (Skill-focused)
Ideal For: High-skill players and fast, evasive combat styles
The Burial Blade, used by Gehrman, the First Hunter, is one of the most iconic and stylish weapons in the game. Its scythe form offers unparalleled mobility and range, making it lethal in experienced hands.
Key Features:
- Transformation: Curved sword ↔ Reaper-style scythe.
- Damage: High Skill scaling and strong Arcane bonus.
- Range: Excellent reach, great for kiting.
- Aesthetics: It just looks terrifying and cool.
How to Use Effectively:
- Sword form for aggressive melee engagements.
- Scythe form allows you to keep distance and land long sweeps.
- Perfect for dodging and countering enemy attacks.
- Best suited for Skill builds (30+ Skill recommended).
Pro Tip:
The Burial Blade shines in PvP and boss fights where mobility matters. Learn to time dodges and punish with long sweeps.
5. Chikage
Weapon Type: Trick Weapon (Bloodtinge)
Ideal For: Advanced players, Bloodtinge builds
Chikage is a unique katana that deals Blood damage when transformed. It requires a specialized build and good resource management, but in return, it delivers some of the highest DPS in the game.
Key Features:
- Transformation: Standard katana ↔ Blood-infused blade.
- Damage: Extremely high in transformed mode but drains health.
- Speed: Fast and fluid attack animations.
- Scaling: Strong with Bloodtinge stats.
How to Use Effectively:
- Use normal form for safe, stamina-friendly combos.
- Transform for massive burst damage, but monitor HP closely.
- Works best with high Bloodtinge (25+) and proper blood vial management.
- Ideal for PvP duels and skilled boss fights.
Pro Tip:
Combine Chikage with the Regen runes (like Communion or Blood Rapture) to offset HP loss in transformed mode.
Best Weapons for Beginners vs Pros
Choosing the right weapon depends on your experience level and preferred playstyle.
| Experience Level | Recommended Weapons | Playstyle Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Saw Cleaver, Hunter Axe | Easy to use, forgiving stamina usage, great early-game performance. |
| Intermediate | Ludwig’s Holy Blade | Versatile, adaptable to most situations, good scaling potential. |
| Advanced / Pros | Burial Blade, Chikage | High skill ceiling, complex mechanics, reward mastery. |
Beginners should focus on weapons with quick recovery, straightforward combos, and good serration bonuses. Pros often gravitate toward more technical weapons that reward precision and timing.
How to Upgrade Weapons
Upgrading weapons is crucial for scaling damage and unlocking their full potential. Weapon upgrades can turn a basic starting weapon into a powerhouse.
Steps to Upgrade:
- Collect Blood Echoes
- Defeating enemies and bosses earns currency used for upgrades.
- Acquire Blood Stone Shards
- Found in early zones like Central Yharnam.
- Use the Workshop in Hunter’s Dream
- Interact with the upgrade bench.
- Progression Materials:
- Blood Stone Shard → +1 to +3
- Twin Blood Stone Shard → +4 to +6
- Blood Chunk → +7 to +9
- Blood Rock → +10 (max level)
- Blood Gems:
- Add elemental damage or stat bonuses.
- Farm Chalice Dungeons for powerful gems.
Pro Tips for Upgrading:
- Upgrade your main weapon first, don’t spread materials thin.
- Use gems that match your build (e.g., physical, arcane, bloodtinge).
- Even starting weapons like the Saw Cleaver become endgame-worthy with +10 upgrades.
FAQs
Conclusion
Mastering Bloodborne Weapons isn’t just about stats — it’s about rhythm, adaptability, and understanding each weapon’s unique personality. The Saw Cleaver and Hunter Axe provide reliable, beginner-friendly options to conquer Yharnam. Meanwhile, Ludwig’s Holy Blade stands as the perfect balance between elegance and power, ideal for players aiming to dominate both PvE and PvP.
For the most experienced hunters, Burial Blade and Chikage offer technical depth and unmatched style. Whatever you choose, remember to upgrade your weapon wisely, practice transformation combos, and let your playstyle evolve with the hunt.
Every swing, parry, and dodge counts in Bloodborne. The right weapon won’t just help you survive — it will turn you into the predator Yharnam fears.
