Ranking BOTW’s 10 Most Powerful Weapons
BOTW has some awesome weapons – but which ones succeed in power?
One thing that makes Breath of the Wild so unique is the array of weapons you can use – and I’m not kidding. With a whopping total of 127 different available weapons in the game’s entirety, there are many ways to take down your enemies in both power and style. Ranked by attack power and durability, here are the 10 most powerful weapons you need to keep your eye out for.
10. Royal Guard’s Claymore
Attack Power | 72 |
Durability | 15 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 116 |
Location(s) | Hyrule Castle |
The Royal Guard’s Claymore, found only in Hyrule Castle, is by far one of the most powerful weapons in all of Breath of the Wild. Its normal base power is already an impressive 72, but one variant with the Attack Up bonus can even deal a vast 116 damage. It is the only weapon in the entire game that deals a damage amount above 100. However, its extremely low durability (as with all other Royal Guard weapons) balances out this extreme power, along with its slowness as a two-handed weapon. Don’t expect this claymore to last more than a few minutes in battle.
9. Edge of Duality
Base Attack Power | 50 |
Base Durability | 35 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 69 |
Location(s) | – Shrine treasure chests – Hyrule Castle – Divine Beast Vah Medoh treasure chest |
The Edge of Duality may look old and wooden, but don’t judge it by its cover. It has a base power of 50, erasing health from enemies by the chunk, and probably one of the best things about it is the fact it can be found towards the beginning of your journey. No, you don’t have to wait until a dungeon to get this! It’s found mainly in treasure chests, and shrines, and occasionally carried by enemies, making it a rarity. Sadly though, like claymores, the Edge of Duality is an extremely slow two-handed weapon.
8. Dragonbone Boko Club
Base Attack Power | 24 |
Base Durability | 18 |
1 or 2-Handed | 1-Handed |
Rarity | Common |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 70 |
Location(s) | Carried by Bokoblins |
Dragonbone Boko Clubs give the impression of “crudely crafted weapon” at first sight, but make sure to think again. This wooden stick of a Bokoblin weapon actually packs quite a punch. Like all Dragonbone weapons, the stats of their normal counterparts are upgraded by a lot – and I mean a lot. This swift one-handed club has a base power of 24, a significant improvement from the weak Boko Club (2 damage) and the Spiked Boko Club (12 damage). It’s common, too, making it all the better.
7. Ancient Bladesaw
Base Attack Power | 55 (83 against Guardians) |
Base Durability | 50 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 99 (with Ancient Proficiency clothing) |
Location(s) | Akkala Ancient Tech Lab |
The Ancient Bladesaw is both cool and powerful. Its neon rotors can literally chop through your enemies, and its normal power of 55 is upped to 83 (sheesh!) against Guardians. Wearing armor with the Ancient Proficiency bonus will only further increase it to 99. Only con: the bladesaw doesn’t necessarily excel in the field of durability. It will last through one White Lynel battle, but if you’re expecting a super durable weapon, maybe consider not handing your rupees over to an oven at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab.
6. Great Thunderblade
Base Attack Power | 32 |
Base Durability | 50 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Somewhat common |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 52 |
Location(s) | – Hyrule Field – Tabantha Frontier – Shrine treasure chests |
The Great Thunderblade, like every elemental weapon, is doubtlessly useful. It has a high attack power, and it stuns enemies when you whack them with it. It’s also great for snatching weapons away out of jealousy. Like Link’s reaction to shock, Moblins, Bokoblins, and Lizalfos all drop their weapons after they’re struck with the sword. While they’re stunned (or searching for their weapons in confusion), don’t hesitate to steal their nice things. They’ll be so shocked when they see you carrying their prized possessions and using them against their rightful owners.
5. Royal Claymore
Base Attack Power | 52 |
Base Durability | 40 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Common |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 72 |
Location(s) | – Hyrule Castle – Tabantha Frontier – Gerudo Desert – Shrine treasure chests |
Speaking of powerful two-handed weapons, don’t forget the Royal Claymore! Designed for none other than Hyrule’s royal family, the claymore does not disappoint with a base attack power of 52. Its durability far surpasses its Royal Guard counterpart, lasting a fairly long time in battle against most enemies. What’s even better is that they’re so common across most regions of Hyrule, mainly found in various treasure chests and carried by Moblins. It’s just the Royal Claymore’s weight and speed that have worked to its detriment.
4. Savage Lynel Sword
Base Attack Power | 58 |
Base Durability | 41 |
1 or 2-Handed | 1-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 100 |
Location(s) | White & Silver-Maned Lynels in Hyrule Field and Hebra Mountains |
The Savage Lynel Sword is what you’d look for in a good weapon: it’s fast, fairly durable, and powerful. While it doesn’t boast the same towering attack power of the giant Savage Lynel Crusher, it still clocks in splendidly at 58, with its best possible Attack Up bonus giving it an eye-popping 100. Moreover, it comes in second when ranking all one-handed weapons by power, succeeded only by the legendary Master Sword – no simple feat. Savage Lynel Swords aren’t named “savage” for no reason!
3. Great Frostblade
Base Attack Power | 30 |
Base Durability | 40 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 48 |
Location(s) | – Shrine treasure chests – Hebra Mountains – Coliseum Ruins |
The Great Frostblade may not look as intimidating as the gigantic Savage Lynel Crusher, but it nevertheless packs in a different kind of power. As an elemental weapon, it doesn’t only have a high attack power, but also an added benefit: when struck, your enemy will immediately be frozen in ice. This ice coat can even last longer than the Stasis rune itself depending on who you use it on. Also, whacking an enemy after freezing them will deal triple damage: a nice bonus against tougher enemies like the Guardian Scouts in shrines and even Silver Moblins.
2. Savage Lynel Crusher
Base Attack Power | 78 |
Base Durability | 35 |
1 or 2-Handed | 2-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 96 |
Location(s) | White, Silver, and Golden Lynels in Hebra and Eldin Mountains |
Savage Lynel Crushers are not easy to come by, but once you have one in your inventory, don’t let go of it. They have a base attack power of 78, and, when they come with an Attack Up bonus, they can reach a mind-blowing 96. They’re not only good as a weapon, though. They can be dropped on the ground, picked up with Magnesis, and then used to push the largest slabs of stone away with their sheer weight. (Note: Using Crushers for any other purpose other than fighting won’t affect their durability.)
1. Master Sword
Base Attack Power | 30 |
Base Durability | Infinite |
1 or 2-Handed | 1-Handed |
Rarity | Rare |
Best Possible Attack Up Total | 60 |
Location(s) | Korok Forest |
This one was a no-brainer. The Master Sword is Link’s legendary weapon hidden by Zelda in Korok Forest (there’s a reason why the Lost Woods exist to protect the sword), and it’s unique among all 127 weapons for being the only one that technically never breaks. It will occasionally run out of energy and require a 10 minute recharge time, but it can be used again when it’s ready. (That would be a real shame if the sword that seals the darkness breaks into pieces…) You may be disappointed when you find out the Master Sword only has an attack power of 30, but don’t worry! When in Hyrule Castle or near Guardians, it will glow and have its power doubled to 60. It’s also the only one-handed weapon that surpasses the Savage Lynel Sword in power.