Latest Update: June 26, 2026 – Categories: Avowed
In this guide, we’re ranking the absolute best weapons in Avowed and offer the most complete guide to weapon selection.
Whether you’re stepping into the Living Lands for the first time or you’re a seasoned Godless looking to min-max your loadout, your choice of steel (or spellbook) is the difference between becoming a legend and becoming Xaurip bait.
With a vast arsenal of unique weapons, elemental enchantments, and dual-wielding combinations, which ones actually stand above the rest? From the life-stealing echoes of Last Light of Day to the room-clearing shockwaves of Caeroc’s Pride, we’ve tested every blade, bow, and grimoire to see what truly dominates combat encounters.
Key Takeaways
- Core best-in-slot weapons include Last Light of Day, Ondra’s Offense, Unmaker, Forge’s Friend, Caeroc’s Pride, One Last Trick, Ancient Alacrity, and Cruel Command—these cover melee, ranged, and magic builds effectively.
- Weapons are ranked based on raw damage, unique perks (life steal, elemental buildup, crowd control), and how early or late you can realistically acquire them in the game.
- Build two complementary loadouts that pair melee with ranged or melee with magic to handle any combat situation in the Living Lands.
- Most unique weapons are tied to side quests or bounty targets that remain accessible throughout your playthrough, though completing quests like “Forged of Star-Stuff” and “Steel Resolve” before the finale is recommended.
How Weapon Loadouts Work in Avowed
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed features a dual-loadout system that lets you equip two complete weapon sets, each with main-hand and off-hand slots, and swap between them instantly during combat.
For example, you can run a one handed sword plus shield in your first loadout for defensive melee, then swap to a pistol plus grimoire in your second loadout for ranged magic pressure. This flexibility lets you adapt to any combat encounter on the fly, plus its a ton of fun and allows for plenty of experimentation during your time in the Living Lands!
Key restrictions to understand:
- Grimoires occupy the off-hand slot exclusively, so you can’t dual wield two grimoires at once
- Two handed melee weapons like greatswords and the great hammer fill both slots
- Most weapons drain stamina to use, including wands
- Bows suffer from some arrow drop at range, making arquebuses generally easier to hit weak spots with
Recommended default setups:
- Beginners: Sword + Shield / Arquebus (One Last Trick) for coverage across close and long range
- Casters: Wand + Grimoire / Pistol for spellcasting with a reliable backup
- Aggressive melee: Two handed weapon / Pistol (Caeroc’s Pride) for burst damage with a ranged finisher
Avowed Best Weapons for All Builds
These standout weapons remain strong from late mid-game into endgame, earning their spots through powerful perks and minimal drawbacks.
Last Light of Day (One-Handed Sword)
This weapon delivers 3% maximum health restore on kills via Golden Sun’s Ascent and +10% fire damage through Dawn’s Remembrance. Obtained during the “Dawntreader” main quest in the Eothasian Temple in Dawnshore, it’s an early pickup that scales beautifully into endgame. Upgrades can boost life-steal to 5%.
Ondra’s Offense (One-Handed Sword)
A frost-infused blade that freezes enemies and creates ice platforms for exploration. Acquired through the “Forged of Star-Stuff” side quest and upgraded with Starmetal at Forgemaster Dela in Galawain’s Tusks. The frost accumulation synergizes perfectly with fire weapons for elemental duelist builds.
Unmaker (Two-Handed Greatsword)
This greatsword offers Fall Into Ruin (+15% power attack damage, upgradable to 25%) and Bane of the Eyeless (crits stun nearby enemies among Maegfolc). Found underwater near The Garden’s Broken Aqueduct waterfall, it’s a late-game juggernaut for crit-focused builds.
Star of Unbeing (One Handed Mace)
The Star of Unbeing can apply massive single-hit stun damage when accompanied with the right passives, plus its bonus effect is to cast Pull Of Eora, which gathers nearby enemies and holds them in the air, which is a lot of fun and very helpful in combat. The Star of Unbeing unique mace can be obtained during Shadows of the Past in Naku Kubel in the Shatterscarp region.
Magic Mistol (Pistol)
Magic Mistol is a very powerful pistol in Avowed which inflicts high stun and also seeks out nearby enemies to target. You get this pistol fairly late in the game, but its huge stun potential is amazing. By combining this weapon with the Staggering Shot talent, you can fully stun basic enemies in just one hit!
One Last Trick (Arquebus)
Arguably the best firearm overall thanks to bouncing projectiles that chain to multiple foes and +20% reload speed. Rewarded for finishing “Steel Resolve” in the Emerald Stair Ranger Headquarters. Perfect for crowd control without accuracy penalties.
Cruel Command (Wand)
Fires fire damage with bonus high stun versus full health enemies, perfect for opening fights before switching to melee. Purchased at the Southern Warden Tower vendor in Galawain’s Tusks for approximately 58,500 Skeyt.
Best Melee Weapons (Swords, Axes, Hammers & Daggers)
Melee weapons are evaluated on DPS, stun damage, stamina efficiency, and unique passives like elemental buildup or attack speed buffs.
Last Light of Day (Sword)
This one-handed flaming sword not only deals bonus fire damage with each strike, but it also has a unique effect that can be upgraded to restore 10% of health per enemy kill, making it invaluable for sustaining long fights. Just make sure to select the Golden Sun’s Zenith enchantment to unlock this effect.
Ondra’s Offense (Sword)
The Freeze effect on this weapon plus its ability to reduce enemy damage makes it great for Tanks or upfront Brawler builds focused on punishing enemies.
Star of Unbeing (One Handed Mace)
This weapon can deal massive damage, especially versus a fully stunned enemy (special attack), plus its bonus effect is to cast Pull Of Eora, which gathers nearby enemies and holds them in the air, which is a lot of fun and very helpful in combat. The Star of Unbeing unique mace can be obtained during Shadows of the Past in Naku Kubel in the Shatterscarp region.
Limb-Taker
The Limb-Taker unique Two-Handed axe is truly one of the most powerful weapons in Avowed, making this Fighter Build slice through enemies like butter! Not only does this weapon have high Physical Damage and Stun stats, but it also easily stacks bonus Bleed damage, meaning even if you don’t kill an enemy in one hit, they can easily bleed out just a few seconds later. This is especially useful to rack up extra damage versus tankier targets and bosses to finish them off quickly.
Forge’s Friend
The Forge’s Friend unique Greathammer applies massive stun and high damage to enemies though can only be obtained later in the game from Mt. Forja Mine in Galawain’s Tusks.
Horsecutter
For a powerful Two-Handed weapon obtained earlier in the game, look to acquire the unique Two-Hander Horsecutter. This weapon deals bonus Bleed damage much like the Limb-Taker but can be obtained in the game’s second region. It can be found at Wavesculpt Hollow, in the Emerald Stair region, just south of Maxim’s Claim, by defeating the Skeleton boss there.
Philosopher’s Riddle
Philosopher’s Riddle stands out as a strong early–mid-game alternative to Unmaker for aggressive players who want faster swings and poison synergy. Meanwhile, Sheathed in Summer is ideal for fast-striking rogue-style builds that rely on a full combo attack to stack fire buildup.
Best Ranged Weapons (Pistols, Arquebuses & Bows)
Guns generally outclass bows in raw power and ease of landing headshots on weak spots, but unique bows like Storm-Sworn can be incredibly powerful with the right investment.
One Last Trick (Arquebus)
Bouncing projectiles chain between enemies for excellent crowd control, while +20% reload speed keeps you firing. Best-in-slot for gun-focused builds.
Caeroc’s Pride (Pistol)
High shock accumulation on power attacks makes this a superb sidearm for melee builds needing to disable tough targets. Dropped by Tempestuous Luandi, a bounty target on an island west of Castol’s Folly.
Fair Play (Pistol)
A solid mid-game upgrade purchasable from Kampeki in Shatterscarp’s Thirdborn region. Ideal for precision shooting before you secure endgame options.
Magic Mistol (Pistol)
Foe-Seeker shots curve toward enemies, and Infused Shot delivers high stun on power attacks. Found in a hidden room at Ekidan Workshop in Galawain’s Tusks—useful for players who struggle with precise aim.
The Long Touch (Bow)
Grants high crit chance on fine-aim power attacks and bonus damage versus full-health targets. Sold at Paradisian Military Surplus, making it an excellent early game opener bow.
Storm-Sworm (Bow)
Storm-Sworn has an enchantment upgrade that causes your power attacks to a Crackling Bolt spell, complete with the upgrades from your invested ability points.
Best Magic Weapons (Wands & Grimoires)
Magic weapons focus less on raw DPS and more on spell access, cooldown reduction, and elemental control. Casters should prioritize grimoires for their spell toolkit.
Cruel Command (Wand)
Fire damage with bonus stun against full health enemies makes this excellent for fight openers. Switch to melee afterward for finishing damaged foes. Purchased at Southern Warden Tower in Galawain’s Tusks.
Beothel’s Grimoire (Early Grimoire)
Offers 20% ability cost reduction and 15% cooldown reduction, plus access to Corrosive Siphon, Parasitic Staff, and Blizzard spells. Purchased from Merylin in Paradis Market District. A great tool for early casters.
Aurochs-Skin Grimoire (Frost Grimoire)
When upgraded to Legendary, delivers approximately 72% cost reduction and 55% cooldown cuts, plus Blast of Frost for rapid frost accumulation against most enemies. Obtained during “Face Your Fears” in Ryngrim’s Domain.
Beothel’s vs. Aurochs-Skin: Beothel’s is your go-to early game caster tool with relative ease of acquisition; Aurochs-Skin becomes the endgame frost mage staple once upgraded.
Minoletta’s Conduit (Wand)
+5% wand damage, +30% range, and extra shock damage. Purchased from Porrya & Vellino in Fior Mes Iverno. Ideal for long-range magical sniping before enemies close distance.
Whisper of Exiles (Frost Wand)
Fires rapid, homing frost projectiles with rising chill that slow enemies, synergizing with frost grimoires like Aurochs-Skin. Its weakness is lack of blocking, leaving you vulnerable if using arcane veil isn’t viable.
Spellblade synergy: Pair wands (Cruel Command or Minoletta’s Conduit) with one handed weapons (Last Light or Ondra’s Offense) for hybrid builds that deal more damage through versatility.
Best Early-Game Weapons & Routes to Get Them Fast
These weapons can be rushed within Paradis, Dawnshore, Fior Mes Iverno, and early Galawain’s Tusks, carrying you until true endgame options unlock.
- Last Light of Day – Prioritize the “Dawntreader” main quest in the Eothasian Temple. This unique weapon covers offense and sustain from the start.
- Philosopher’s Riddle – Explore Dawnshore and climb southeastern cliffs near Castol’s Folly ruins for this greatsword. Great for aggressive melee users who want attack speed bonuses.
- Beothel’s Grimoire – Buy immediately in Paradis Market District if playing a wizard. The cooldown and cost reductions plus powerful spells make it essential.
- Seven Strivings – Defeat ogre Ralga northeast of Paradis in The Falls for an early two handed weapon granting movement speed on kills and crit bonuses.
- The Long Touch – Purchase at Paradisian Military Surplus for the best early bow, featuring boosted crit chance and bonus damage vs full-health targets.
- Minoletta’s Conduit – Stop by Fior Mes Iverno’s Porrya & Vellino shop if following a caster path. Extra range and shock damage notably improve wand performance.
- Sheathed in Summer – Hunt down Octav the Firebrand in the Godless Ruins north of Paradis for a fire dagger that scales well with early crit skills.
- Caeroc’s Pride – While slightly more involved, defeating Tempestuous Luandi off the beaten path near Shantytown in Dawnshore provides a huge early spike in pistol power.
Best Weapon Combos & Loadouts
Avowed’s combat shines when you pair complementary perks. Here are the most effective weapon combos for different playstyles:
Fire & Frost Battle Mage
Dual wield Last Light of Day + Ondra’s Offense for a mobile melee build that alternates between burning and freezing enemies. The fire damage from Last Light complements Ondra’s moderate frost accumulation, letting you deal fire damage then freeze weakened foes. Works exceptionally with light armor and dodge-focused play. Alternatively, pair either weapon with a Shield for a more defensive playstyle.
Check out our Battlemage Build for Avowed!
Bleed Berserker Fighter
Pair Unmaker or Forge’s Friend in one loadout with Caeroc’s Pride in the other. Use the two handed weapon for close-range burst against groups, then swap to the pistol to tag dangerous targets or apply shock from mid-range during open fights.
Check the Beserker Fighter Build for Avowed!
Spellblade
Run Cruel Command + shield early, then switch to Cruel Command + Last Light of Day once acquired. Combine wand ranged poke to cast magic at openers with melee finishers that trigger life-steal for sustain.
Ranged Controller
Use One Last Trick as primary for openers and crowd control against multiple foes, with a melee backup like Drawn in Winter or Seven Strivings for enemies that close the distance.
Frost Control Archer
Combine Ancient Alacrity in one loadout for slows and mobility with frost-heavy options like Drawn in Winter or Whisper of Exiles in the second for frost damage stacking.
Check our Arcane Archer build for Avowed!
Pro tip: Always keep one loadout optimized for single-target burst and the other for groups – this covers most enemies you’ll encounter.
Avowed Weapons Frequently Asked Questions
These questions address common concerns not fully covered above, including missable items and upgrade materials.
1. Can you miss any of the best weapons permanently in Avowed?
Most top weapons like Last Light of Day, Ondra’s Offense, Unmaker, Forge’s Friend, and Caeroc’s Pride are tied to quests or boss encounters that remain accessible throughout your playthrough. However, you should complete side quests such as “Forged of Star-Stuff,” “Our Dreams Divide Us Still,” and “Steel Resolve” before pushing too far into the finale.
2. How do weapon upgrades and enchantments work for unique weapons?
Unique weapons can be upgraded at your camp at any time by using rare upgrade materials, improving base damage and scaling their unique effects. For example, Last Light of Day’s life-steal increases from about 3% to 5%, and Unmaker’s power attack bonus climbs toward 25% when fully upgraded.
3. What’s the best Weapon Loadout for beginners in Avowed
A simple, forgiving setup works best: Last Light of Day + shield in one loadout for survivability, and a reliable ranged weapon in the game like One Last Trick (arquebus) or The Long Touch (bow) in the other. This combination covers melee, blocking, and long-range engagement, working well on Normal difficulty while you experiment with different weapon types and skill trees.
4. Are bows or guns better?
In most situations, pistols and arquebuses (especially Caeroc’s Pride and One Last Trick) outperform bows in raw damage and ease of hitting enemy weak spots. However, bows like Ancient Alacrity and The Long Touch shine in stealth or kiting-focused ranger builds due to their crit synergies and slows.
5. Should casters prioritize wands or grimoires?
Grimoires like Beothel’s and Aurochs-Skin define your spell toolkit and cooldowns, so they should be your first priority for upgrades if you rely on spells for damage and control. Wands like Cruel Command or Minoletta’s Conduit serve as excellent secondary tools for consistent ranged pressure when spells are on cooldown or when you need to conserve Essence.
More Avowed Builds
Looking for the best Avowed Builds? We’ve got you covered! Check out our best Avowed Builds below, with detailed skill explanations, gear loadouts, and leveling guides.
