In Crimson Desert Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka have access to eleven weapon types. Additionally, there is unarmed combat. In our tier list, we reveal how strong the different options are.
How do the weapon types in Crimson Desert differ? For a strong build, it is most important in Crimson Desert to equip the right Abyss gear in the fitting equipment. You can find a lot of basic information in this guide: Build a strong build for Crimson Desert – With our tips you will dominate hordes of enemies and bosses
A factor in choosing the weapon is certainly the number of possible sockets for Abyss equipment. But which weapon to choose if two options can hold the same number of Abyss orbs? Then factors like base damage, range, attack speed, or a weapon’s ability to break strong opponents come into play.
Many tips for starting in Crimson Desert can be found on our YouTube channel of MeinMMO – check it out!
In the following ranking, we reveal how the different weapon types from Crimson Desert perform. We categorize the types into the following tier levels:
- S-Tier: The best choice for any situation, hardly any weaknesses
- A-Tier: Strong alternative to S-Tier, but more weaknesses
- B-Tier: Great option for certain situations
- C-Tier: Weaker than alternatives in all situations and therefore not worth recommending
Tier List of Weapons in Crimson Desert
Note that all 3 playable characters can combine two one-handed weapons for dual-wielding. While they do not hold a protective shield, they can chain even more attacks together.
Special Case: Unarmed Combat
| Tier Level | Weapon Type | Strengths | Weaknesses | Conclusion |
| S | Greatsword | – Good range – High damage, reliably breaks bosses – Comparatively fast for a two-handed weapon – Strong against single opponents and enemy groups | – Timing is important to optimize your combos | The best weapon for any situation |
| S | Pistol | – Easily integrated into combat – Useful dodge effect – Strong at short and medium distance – Good control | – Not as strong as the bow at long range – The hand cannon is better against groups of enemies – High ammunition requirement | The best ranged option at short and medium distance |
| S | Bow | – Deadly attacks from a safe position – Silent attacks for stealth actions – High versatility due to different projectile types – Can act from a secure distance in chaotic mass battles | – Weaker when an opponent is already on your feet – The hand cannon is better against groups of enemies – Requires ammunition | The best ranged option at long distance |
| A | Sword | – Easy to learn – Solid choice for offensive and defensive builds – More damage than the rapier | – Low range – Does not reliably break the posture of strong opponents compared to other weapon types | Good all-round option for beginners |
| A | Spear | – Extremely fast – High range – Many attacks in a short time – Good enemy control | – Weak against large groups of enemies – No major damage spikes per hit, doesn’t break the posture of bosses effectively – Difficult to use in tight spaces | Strong alternative to the greatsword if you prefer fast attacks |
| A | Rapier | – Extremely fast – Many attacks in a short time – Built-in riposte effect | – Effective only with long combos – Doesn’t reliably break the posture of strong opponents compared to other weapon types | A strong option if you’re aiming for long combos and want to trigger certain effects with many attacks |
| A | Hand Cannon | – Strong against groups of enemies – High damage | – Slow attack speed – Long reload time – Inefficient against single opponents | The best ranged weapon for fighting many opponents |
| B | Battle Axe | – High single-target damage, reliably breaks bosses’ posture on hits – Strong combos for area attacks | – Slower than two-handed swords – Vulnerable to counterattacks during slow animations | More damage than two-handed swords, but still slower and less suitable for beginners. |
| B | Great Hammer | – High control over individual and many enemies – Provides some breathing room in emergencies | – Slower than axes, but less damage – Almost useless against very agile targets | The damage of a hammer is too low to serve as a main weapon, but it’s suitable as a supplement to other weapon types, especially when control is needed. |
| B | Musket | – Higher damage than the bow on a target – High range | – Too slow reload time for many situations | Muskets are good for an initial strike from a distance or when enemies are not focused on you (mass battles). |
| C | Mace | – Can reliably break strong opponents | – Weaker in all other categories than swords, axes, or hammers | Maces are currently not a good choice. |
It may seem like a meme, but unarmed combat is indeed a strong option for Kliff. Firstly, you can disrupt opponents hiding behind a large shield with your throws. This is often much easier than breaking through them with several powerful swings of a two-handed weapon.
Attacks with hands and feet also ignore physical barriers, and there are several maneuvers to control opponents and dominate the battlefield – such as throwing an enemy against another or taking a rival hostage, causing everyone else to halt.
With the power strike, you can even reliably disrupt bosses and initiate strong weapon combos. In short: it’s worth learning unarmed talents and trying out the maneuvers with Kliff in combat. What are your experiences so far? What weapon do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! Here it is about a very special weapon: Player from Crimson Desert turns beehive into weapon, destroys bosses in a single blow
Attacks with hands and feet also ignore physical barriers, and there are several maneuvers to control opponents and dominate the battlefield – such as throwing an enemy against another or taking a rival hostage, causing everyone else to halt.
With the power strike, you can even reliably disrupt bosses and initiate strong weapon combos. In short: it’s worth learning unarmed talents and trying out the maneuvers with Kliff in combat. What are your experiences so far? What weapon do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! Here it is about a very special weapon: Player from Crimson Desert turns beehive into weapon, destroys bosses in a single blow
