Bloodborne Best Weapons Guide – Bloodborne, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware, is known for its intense combat, intricate lore, and dark, atmospheric world. One of the most crucial aspects of surviving and thriving in Yharnam is choosing the right weapon. With an array of weapons available, each with its unique attributes and playstyle, finding the best one can be challenging. This guide will explore some of the best weapons in Bloodborne, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

Saw Cleaver: The All-Rounder

The Saw Cleaver is one of the first weapons you can obtain in Bloodborne, and it remains one of the most versatile throughout the game. Its effectiveness lies in its balanced stats, speed, and adaptability in both its normal and transformed modes. The Saw Cleaver has a serrated edge, which deals bonus damage to beasts—an advantage early in the game, as many enemies you encounter fall into this category.

Strengths:
Speed and Versatility: The Saw Cleaver offers quick attacks in its standard form, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles. When transformed, it gains extra reach, allowing you to hit multiple enemies at once.
Bonus Damage to Beasts: The serrated edge increases damage against beast-type enemies, making it particularly effective in the early game.
Low Stamina Consumption: The weapon’s attacks don’t drain much stamina, allowing you to strike multiple times before needing to retreat.

Best For:
New Players: Easy to learn and forgiving, making it perfect for those new to Bloodborne.
Beast Hunting: The bonus damage to beasts makes it a strong choice for much of the game’s early to mid-sections.

Ludwig’s Holy Blade: The Powerhouse

Ludwig’s Holy Blade is a favorite among many Bloodborne players due to its high damage output and versatility. This weapon starts as a one-handed sword, but it can transform into a massive greatsword that deals devastating damage. Its ability to switch between a fast, precise sword and a heavy-hitting greatsword makes it suitable for various situations.

Strengths:
High Damage: In its transformed state, Ludwig’s Holy Blade can deal massive damage, making it excellent for taking down tougher enemies and bosses.
Versatility: The ability to switch between a one-handed sword and a greatsword allows you to adapt to different combat scenarios on the fly.
Scaling: It scales well with both Strength and Skill, making it a solid choice for hybrid builds.

Best For:
Strength/Skill Builds: Ludwig’s Holy Blade is a perfect fit for players who want to balance power and finesse in their builds.
Boss Fights: Its high damage output and reach in its transformed state make it ideal for dealing with Bloodborne’s challenging bosses.

Threaded Cane: The Stylish Executioner

For players who prefer a more elegant and strategic approach to combat, the Threaded Cane is a fantastic choice. This weapon is a trick weapon that can transform from a cane into a bladed whip. While it may not deal as much damage as some of the heavier weapons, it makes up for it with speed, range, and style.

Strengths:
Speed and Range: The Threaded Cane’s whip form allows you to strike from a distance, keeping you safe from counterattacks while still dealing damage.
Precision: Its attacks are fast and precise, making it easier to hit smaller, faster enemies.
Fashionable: The Threaded Cane is perhaps the most stylish weapon in Bloodborne, perfect for players who value aesthetics as much as efficiency.

Best For:
Skill Builds: The Threaded Cane scales well with Skill, making it ideal for players focusing on fast, precise attacks.
Crowd Control: Its whip form is excellent for dealing with groups of enemies, keeping them at bay while you control the battlefield.

Whirligig Saw: The Beast Grinder

Introduced in the Old Hunters DLC, the Whirligig Saw quickly became a fan favorite due to its sheer destructive power. This weapon is essentially a saw mounted on a staff, and when transformed, it becomes a spinning saw blade that can rip through enemies with ease. The Whirligig Saw is known for its brutal efficiency, particularly against larger foes.

Strengths:
Massive Damage: The Whirligig Saw deals incredible damage, especially when you use its continuous saw spin attack.
Stagger Potential: Its heavy hits can stagger most enemies, making it easier to land successive blows.
Fear Factor: The sight and sound of the spinning saw can be intimidating, both for in-game enemies and any co-op partners who might witness your destruction.

Best For:
Strength Builds: The Whirligig Saw scales well with Strength, making it an excellent choice for players focused on raw power.
Boss Melting: This weapon can make quick work of bosses, especially those with large health pools.

Chikage: The Bloodthirsty Blade

For those who venture into the world of Bloodtinge builds, the Chikage is the weapon of choice. This katana transforms into a blood-powered weapon that drains your health in exchange for increased damage. While this weapon requires careful management of health and resources, it can be incredibly powerful in the right hands.

Strengths:
High Damage: In its transformed state, the Chikage deals significant damage, particularly when combined with high Bloodtinge stats.
Versatility: In its normal form, it functions as a standard katana, but its transformed state offers a unique playstyle with increased risk and reward.
Unique Playstyle: The health-draining mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy, requiring you to balance offense and defense carefully.

Best For:
Bloodtinge Builds: The Chikage is designed for players who invest heavily in Bloodtinge, making it a central weapon for such builds.
High-Risk, High-Reward Play: If you enjoy playing on the edge, the Chikage’s health-draining mechanic offers a thrilling challenge.

Rakuyo: The Dual-Wielding Masterpiece

Another gem from the Old Hunters DLC, the Rakuyo, is a dual-bladed weapon that allows for fast, fluid combat. It’s a perfect weapon for players who value speed and finesse over raw power. The Rakuyo can be split into two blades, allowing for dual-wielding attacks that can overwhelm enemies with rapid strikes.

Strengths:
Speed: The Rakuyo is one of the fastest weapons in the game, making it ideal for quick, relentless attacks.
Combo Potential: Its dual-wielding mode allows for a wide variety of attack combinations, giving you flexibility in combat.
Stylish: Like the Threaded Cane, the Rakuyo is a stylish weapon, perfect for players who enjoy a bit of flair in their combat.

Best For:
Skill Builds: The Rakuyo scales with Skill, making it perfect for players focused on speed and precision.
Aggressive Playstyles: If you prefer staying on the offensive, the Rakuyo’s speed and combo potential will suit you well.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Weapon in Bloodborne

Choosing the best weapon in Bloodborne ultimately depends on your playstyle, build, and personal preferences. Whether you favor the balanced versatility of the Saw Cleaver, the sheer power of Ludwig’s Holy Blade, or the speed and finesse of the Rakuyo, Bloodborne offers a weapon for every hunter. Experimenting with different weapons and finding the one that suits you best is part of the joy of the game.

Each weapon in Bloodborne has its own unique strengths and playstyle, so don’t be afraid to try out multiple options. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of Yharnam or a seasoned hunter, the right weapon can make all the difference in your journey through this dark and challenging world.