Best long sword, short sword, and greatsword
There is no universal best weapon: stamina, reach, guard speed, and the manual upgrades available in your route matter more than rarity. Use this quick comparison when choosing a main weapon.
Type | Best use | What to prioritize --- | --- | --- Long sword | General duels and first playthroughs | Balanced reach, reliable block recovery, and riposte compatibility Short sword | Fast enemies and tight interiors | Quick recovery, low stamina cost, and mobility Greatsword | Boss punish windows and high stagger | Damage per opening, poise, and enough stamina to finish the swing
Upgrade a weapon only after checking its manual path and repair cost. A well-maintained common sword with Perfect Riposte support is safer than an untested legendary whose moveset you cannot recover from. Keep a second weapon repaired for Bakir’s maze, where Vampiric abilities are unavailable.
For Ambrus and Brencis, favor a long sword with fast riposte follow-ups. For Xanthe, short recovery is more valuable than maximum damage because you must sprint to blood orbs. Use a greatsword only when you can reliably read the opening.