Comprehensive Guide to Half Sword Weapons and Their Tier Rankings

The fierce combat mechanics in Half Sword are merciless and demand not just brute strength, but also a deep understanding of weapon handling. A shoddy blade may hinder more than help; oftentimes, your own fists or feet may prove to be more effective in a pinch. To enhance your prowess on the battlefield, we’ve compiled an ultimate weapon tier list that evaluates all available armaments, ensuring you’re equipped with the best options as you engage in combat.

Comprehensive Weapon Rankings in Half Sword

Combat scene in Half Sword with a player stabbing an enemy — Image credit: Half Sword Games

Tier	Weapons
S Tier	Long Sword, Spiked Spear, Spear, Pitchfork, Halberd, Battle Axe, Sword, Machete, Falchion
A Tier	Billhook, Pike, Long Axe, Long Candlestick, Short Sword, Axe
B Tier	Daggers, Hammer, Sickle, Cleaver Knife, Hoe, Small Candlestick, Gauntlets, Scissors, Fists
C Tier	Kick, Mace, Smithing Tongs, Spades, Helmet, Shield

Top-Tier Weapons in Half Sword (S Tier)

Weapon	Pros and Cons
Long Sword	+ Inflicts major damage that can end fights.+ Offers extended reach for maintaining distance.+ A precise neck strike can lead to instant decapitation.– Slow swinging speed.– Missing an attack exposes you to counter-strikes.
Spiked Spear	+ Maintains long-range safety akin to a standard spear.+ Its bladed shaft makes each swing lethal.+ Capable of delivering devastating thrusts to critical areas.+ Charge attacks can halt enemies.– Can be blocked by shielded opponents.– Requires precise timing to avoid counters.
Spear	+ Superior range allows you to keep adversaries at bay.+ Excellent for targeted thrusts to vital spots.+ Charge attacks can disable enemy movement.+ Dominates in spear duels.– Vulnerable to counters from shield-wielding foes.– Careful timing is essential to evade retaliation.
Pitchfork	+ Unmatched for range in poking attacks.+ Can immobilize enemies with leg strikes.+ Neck attacks can secure instant kills.– Misses create openings for counters.– Requires spacing proficiency.– Not suited for close quarters.
Halberd	+ Combines spear-like jabs with lethal slicing.+ Neck drags limit enemy movements.+ Quick body slashes cause substantial damage.+ Outreaches most melee weapons.– Slow recovery post-miss.– Needs room to utilize full range.– Has difficulty against close-range shields.
Battle Axe	+ Massive power in close-range conflicts.+ Fast swings can incapacitate limbs.+ Can decapitate unarmored targets instantly.+ Overhead strikes bypass basic helmet protection.– Ineffective against range or spear users.– Short reach against polearms.– Can be tiring with repetitive use.
Sword	+ Rapid slashes target vulnerabilities.+ Effective at severing limbs.+ Excellent for one-on-one duels.+ Best for precise attacks.– Ineffective against heavy armor.– Less competitive against polearms or spears.– Lacks effectiveness in brawls.
Machete	+ Very fast slashes, even quicker than most blades.+ High potential for limb severing.+ Ideal for executing downed foes.+ Greater reach over knives.– Fatiguing with frequent swinging.– Weak against armored enemies.– Requires constant offensive efforts to be effective.
Falchion	+ Impressive slashing force from the larger blade.+ Extremely fast horizontal cuts.+ Perfect for striking vulnerable necks and shoulders.+ Effective against shield users.– Slower with vertical strikes.– Heavier than standard swords.– Not suited for precision stabbing.

High-Performance Weapons in Half Sword (A Tier)

Weapon	Pros and Cons
Billhook	+ Exceptional swing reach.+ Lethal horizontal slashes to control enemies.+ Capable of crippling limbs.+ Delivers axe-like damage at full distance.– Ineffective in close combat.– Slow recovery per swing makes you vulnerable.
Pike	+ Versatile capabilities for mid-range attacks.+ Horizontal cuts surprise foes.+ Excellent for area control.+ The pointed blade ensures lethal strikes.– Outclassed by spears or halberds.– Combat in tight quarters may be difficult.
Long Axe	+ Inflicts severe damage on weak points.+ Effective against ribs, necks, and legs with one swing.+ Solid medium-range crowd control.+ Can deliver emergency horizontal cuts in close quarters.– Poor at poking.– Recovery from large swings is slow.
Long Candlestick	+ Rapid, swatting attacks for constant pressure.+ Maintains polearm range, keeping foes at bay.+ Great stamina-efficient weapon for harassment.+ Produces quick damage with successive swings.– Causes no sharp damage; blunt only.– Struggles against armored foes.
Short Sword	+ Extremely fast slashing capabilities.+ Can be utilized one-handed or two-handed.+ Precision attacks to weak areas.+ Quick thrusting ability in close ranges.– Very limited reach.– Less effective against longer weapons.– Challenged in chaotic fights.
Axe	+ Delivers powerful charged or overhead strikes.+ Excellent close-quarters killing prowess.+ Bypasses light armor effectiveness.+ Capable of inflicting crippling blows.– Lacks range capabilities.

Mid-Tier Weapons in Half Sword (B Tier)

Weapon	Pros and Cons
Daggers	+ Quickest stabs available, applying constant pressure.+ Capable of inflicting critical hits to vulnerable areas.+ Causes bleeding effects; ideal for point-blank range.
Hammer	+ Staggering force can interrupt enemies.+ Enables quick executions of downed foes.– Lacks bleed damage effectiveness.
Sickle	+ Hooked swings can disarm enemies by catching limbs.+ Fast, arc-shaped attacks are perfect for hit-and-run tactics.+ Can deal bleeding damage with deeper cuts.– Limited reach despite its design.
Cleaver Knife	+ Provides rapid chopping actions, quicker than many axes.+ Inflicts deep bleeding wounds.+ Capable of severing limbs if properly aimed.–Very limited reach.– Largely ineffective against heavy armor.– Requires an aggressive playstyle.
How	+ Polearm-like reach surprisingly effective for a farming tool.+ Hefty swings can catch limbs effectively.+ Adequate crowd control through wide sweeps.– Slow recovery time between strikes.– No piercing potential.
Small Candlestick	+ Offers rapid, spammable swings.+ Surprising stun capability, especially on headshots.+ Minimal reach for engagements.– Lacks armor-penetrating capability.– Ineffective against shields.
Gauntlets	+ Enhances fist damage significantly.+ Causes substantial blunt force trauma.+ Can block attacks while punching.+ May cause skull fractures with headshots.– Outmatched by longer-range weapons.– Exhausting with prolonged use.
Scissors	+ Creates extensive bleeding wounds that debilitate enemies.+ Operates similarly to a tong grasp for effective strikes.+ Quick stabbing combos to target weak points.– Very limited range.– Vulnerable against armor and heavy weaponry.
Fists	+ Capable of inflicting heavy damage to vulnerable areas.+ Effective hook combinations can disorient rivals.– Highly dangerous against armed opponents.– Minimal armor penetration.– Demands flawless dodging skills.

Lower-Tier Weapons in Half Sword (C Tier)

Weapon	Pros and Cons
Kick	+ Creates immediate distance from opponents.+ Temporarily stuns adversaries for follow-up opportunities.+ Effective as a brutal finisher on downed enemies.+ Always accessible.– High risk if executed at close range.– Ineffective against armored legs.
Woman	+ Inflicts punishing blunt trauma.+ Able to crush heads or ribs swiftly.+ Serves as an excellent finisher for downed foes.+ Ignores armor protection.– Extremely limited reach.– Slow and predictable swings.– Not suitable for ranged encounters.
Smithing Tongs	+ Pincers apply crushing force to heads or chests.+ Excellent for executions at close range.– Shortest reach of any weapon available.– Ineffective against armored opponents.– Lacks cutting or bleeding damage potential.
Spades	+ Mimics sword speed with blunt impact.+ Quick horizontal swings suited for crowd control.+ Surprisingly versatile in melee combat.– Offers no cutting potential.– Reach is shorter than actual swords.
Helmet	+ Has significant stun potential on successful hits.+ Capable of executing headbutts.– Extremely short range with attacks.– High-risk situations during use.
Shield	+ Can disrupt enemy attacks with quick bashes.+ Staggers foes, creating openings for follow-up strikes.– Minimal offensive capability.– Stamina consumption increases with each use.– Excessive usage leaves you exposed.