Primary Weapons (Swords)

Primary Weapons (Swords)

Raiden's arsenal in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance revolves primarily around his High-Frequency Blades. While the default blade is a formidable weapon in its own right, the game offers several unlockable swords, each boasting unique properties, attack animations, and strategic advantages. Mastering these different blades is crucial for achieving high ranks, tackling tougher difficulties, and tailoring your combat style to specific encounters.

All primary weapons can be upgraded to increase their damage output, making Raiden an even more devastating force on the battlefield. Understanding the nuances of each blade and how to enhance them is key to becoming a true master of the blade.

Sword Upgrade Mechanism

Upgrading your swords is a straightforward process that significantly boosts their effectiveness. This is done through the Customization Menu, accessible from any save point or during mission intermissions. Here's how it works:

1. Access the Customization Menu: Interact with any save point (represented by a glowing blue terminal) or select "Customization" from the mission intermission screen.
2. Navigate to "Weapons": Within the Customization Menu, select the "Weapons" tab.
3. Select Your Desired Sword: Choose the sword you wish to upgrade from the list.
4. Spend Battle Points (BP): Each upgrade level requires a certain amount of Battle Points (BP), which are earned by defeating enemies, completing missions, and achieving high ranks. The cost increases with each subsequent level.
5. Confirm Upgrade: After selecting an upgrade, confirm your choice to apply the enhancement.

Upgrading a sword primarily increases its Attack Power, making Raiden's strikes deal more damage to enemies. This is vital for quickly dispatching tougher foes and bosses, especially on higher difficulties. While the base attack animations remain consistent, the impact of each hit becomes far more pronounced.

Available Primary Weapons

Here's a detailed breakdown of each primary weapon Raiden can wield, including their unique characteristics, acquisition methods, and recommended playstyles:

1. High-Frequency Blade (Default)

• Acquisition: Available from the start of the game.
• Description: Raiden's iconic, high-frequency vibratory blade. It's a balanced weapon, offering a good mix of speed and power, making it suitable for all combat situations. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for new players and veterans alike.
• Unique Properties:
  • Balanced Stats: Offers a solid foundation in both attack speed and damage.
  • Versatile Moveset: Its standard attack animations are fluid and cover a wide range, making it effective against single targets and groups.
  • No Special Gimmicks: Lacks the unique properties of other blades, but its reliability is its strength.
• Recommended Playstyle: All-rounder. Excellent for learning the game's combat mechanics, parrying, and executing precise Blade Mode cuts. It's a reliable choice for any encounter.

2. Murasama

• Acquisition: Unlocked after defeating Samuel Rodrigues (Sam) in Mission R-00: Coup d'État. This is a story-related unlock and cannot be missed.
• Description: Sam's signature High-Frequency Murasama blade. This weapon is significantly more powerful than the default HF Blade but comes with a slight trade-off in attack speed for some animations. Its sheer damage output makes it a favorite for players looking to maximize their offensive capabilities.
• Unique Properties:
  • Higher Base Damage: The Murasama boasts a noticeably higher base attack power compared to the HF Blade, allowing for quicker enemy dispatch.
  • Distinct Attack Animations: While many animations are similar to the HF Blade, some of Sam's signature moves are incorporated, giving it a slightly different feel. For instance, some heavy attacks might feel a bit slower but hit with greater force.
  • Increased Stagger Potential: Due to its higher damage, the Murasama can more easily stagger larger enemies and break through defenses.
• Recommended Playstyle: Aggressive, damage-focused. Ideal for players who prioritize raw power and want to end fights quickly. It excels at breaking enemy guards and dealing massive damage in short windows. Combine it with offensive upgrades for maximum impact.

3. Fox Blade

• Acquisition: Available as a DLC item or unlocked by completing the game on any difficulty.
• Description: A legendary blade said to be wielded by a certain "legendary hero." The Fox Blade is unique in that it has a fixed, incredibly high attack power that cannot be upgraded. This makes it an incredibly potent weapon right from the moment it's acquired, often trivializing early-game encounters.
• Unique Properties:
  • Maxed Attack Power (Unupgradable): The Fox Blade starts with an attack power equivalent to a fully upgraded Murasama or HF Blade. This means it requires no BP investment to reach its full potential.
  • Fast Attack Animations: Its attack animations are generally very quick and fluid, making it excellent for rapid combos and maintaining pressure on enemies.
  • No BP Investment: Since it cannot be upgraded, all your BP can be invested into other aspects of Raiden's kit, such as his body upgrades or secondary weapons.
• Recommended Playstyle: Speedrunning, New Game+, or players seeking an easier experience. Its high damage and fast attacks make it excellent for quickly clearing levels and achieving high combo counts. It's particularly useful for tackling challenges or replaying the game on higher difficulties without the grind of upgrading.

Choosing Your Blade: Strategic Considerations

While all swords are viable, choosing the right one can significantly impact your combat effectiveness:

• Early Game (First Playthrough): The High-Frequency Blade is your workhorse. Focus on upgrading it to keep pace with enemy difficulty. Once unlocked, the Murasama offers a significant damage boost and is generally recommended for its raw power.
• New Game+ / Speedrunning: The Fox Blade is unparalleled for its immediate maxed damage, allowing you to breeze through most encounters. If you prefer a more traditional upgrade path, the Murasama remains an excellent choice for its high damage ceiling.
• Boss Fights: For bosses with large health pools, the Murasama's higher damage output can shorten fight times considerably. For bosses that require precise, quick strikes, the HF Blade or Fox Blade's faster animations might be preferred.
• Challenge Missions: Depending on the challenge, you might prioritize speed (Fox Blade), raw damage (Murasama), or balanced utility (HF Blade). Experiment to find what works best for each specific challenge.

Remember, the core of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance combat lies in parrying, dodging, and precise Blade Mode cuts. While your chosen sword enhances these actions, mastering the fundamentals is always paramount. Experiment with each blade to find the one that best suits your personal combat style and the specific challenges you face.