Whether you're taking on your first Floor Boss or simply exploring every corner of Aincrad, your starting weapon can have a much bigger impact than you might expect. A weapon that matches your playstyle makes combat smoother, helps you clear enemies more efficiently, and can even save you from frustrating early-game deaths.
The good news is that every weapon type is viable. The challenge is figuring out which one deserves your time and upgrade materials during the opening hours. In this guide, we'll break down the best early weapons, explain what makes each one stand out, and share a few tips for getting stronger gear as quickly as possible.
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Sword – The Most Reliable Choice
If you're still deciding on your first weapon, the Sword is easily the safest pick. It doesn't specialize in one particular area, but that's exactly what makes it so effective. The combination of decent damage, solid attack speed, and dependable defense allows it to handle almost every encounter comfortably.
Another major advantage is Shield compatibility. Blocking attacks gives you far more room to recover from mistakes, especially while you're still learning enemy attack patterns. Even after unlocking stronger equipment later in the game, the Sword remains a dependable option that never really falls out of use.
Rapier – Speed Over Raw Power
Players who enjoy staying on the offensive will probably feel most comfortable with the Rapier. Its attacks come out quickly, making it easy to maintain pressure and string together long combo chains.
While its individual hits aren't as powerful as heavier weapons, the fast recovery between attacks means you're much less likely to get punished after swinging. Like the Sword, the Rapier can also be paired with a Shield, giving aggressive players a little extra protection without sacrificing mobility.
Dagger – Built for Agile Fighters
Don't let its size fool you—the Dagger can be surprisingly effective in the right hands. It rewards players who enjoy constant movement, allowing you to dart in for quick attacks before slipping back out of danger.
Its ranged throwing attacks also add another layer of flexibility, making it easier to deal damage while keeping your distance. The only real drawback is the lack of Shield support, so surviving with the Dagger depends much more on positioning and dodge timing.
Mace – Slow, Steady, and Surprisingly Safe
At first glance, the Mace may seem too slow compared to the Sword or Rapier. Once you start fighting tougher enemies, though, its strengths become much more noticeable.
Heavy swings are excellent at staggering opponents and breaking through their defenses, creating valuable openings during longer fights. Since the Mace can also equip a Shield, it's one of the best choices for players who prefer patience over constant aggression.
Two-Handed Sword – Massive Damage for Boss Battles
If your goal is to deal as much damage as possible, the Two-Handed Sword deserves your attention. Every successful hit packs serious power, making boss fights much shorter once you've learned when it's safe to attack.
Of course, that extra damage comes at a cost. Without a Shield, you'll need to rely entirely on dodging and careful positioning. It's less forgiving than one-handed weapons, but experienced players will appreciate just how hard it hits.
Two-Handed Axe – The Best Choice for Fighting Groups
The Two-Handed Axe shines whenever multiple enemies surround you. Its sweeping attacks cover a wide area, making it much easier to clear mobs without constantly changing targets.
Like other heavy weapons, it requires good timing because every swing commits you for longer. Once you get used to its rhythm, however, the Axe becomes one of the most satisfying weapons for exploration, farming, and clearing crowded areas.
How to Get Better Weapons Early
You don't need to wait until the middle of the game to start upgrading your arsenal. A little exploration goes a long way during the opening floors. Here are a few simple ways to strengthen your equipment early:
Follow the main story to unlock more crafting recipes and weapon options.
Open every treasure chest you come across, even if it means taking a small detour.
Complete side quests whenever they're available, as many reward useful crafting materials.
Challenge stronger enemies instead of farming only basic monsters, since better materials usually come from tougher fights.
Visit the blacksmith regularly. Upgrading a weapon you already enjoy using is often more valuable than constantly replacing it with something new.
Our Best Early Weapon Picks
Not sure which weapon suits you best? Here's our quick recommendation.
For most players, the Sword is still the weapon we'd recommend first. It's easy to learn, works well in nearly every situation, and remains useful throughout the game. If you enjoy faster-paced combat, the Rapier is an excellent alternative, while the Dagger offers the most freedom for players who like dodging instead of blocking.
Meanwhile, anyone chasing higher damage should eventually move toward the Two-Handed Sword, and the Two-Handed Axe is hard to beat when clearing large groups of enemies.
Final Thoughts
There's no single weapon that dominates every situation in Echoes of Aincrad, and that's part of what makes the combat system so enjoyable. Every weapon rewards a different approach, whether you prefer fast combos, heavy hits, or a more defensive playstyle.
Rather than switching weapons every time you find new gear, focus on mastering one that feels comfortable and keep upgrading it as you progress. A weapon you're familiar with will almost always perform better than a stronger one you haven't learned to use yet.
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kurila Experienced Game Editor
I'm a game editor who enjoys exploring RPGs, anime-inspired adventures, and story-driven games. I focus on breaking down gameplay systems, character builds, and progression mechanics into clear and practical guides. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your strategy, I aim to make every guide easy to follow and useful throughout your journey.
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