Weapon Categories

In the vast and dangerous world of Hyrule, Link will encounter a myriad of foes, and to overcome them, a diverse arsenal of weapons is essential. Unlike previous Zelda titles, weapons in Breath of the Wild have durability and will break after a certain number of uses. This encourages players to constantly adapt their combat style and experiment with different weapon types. Understanding each category's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for survival.

One-Handed Weapons

One-handed weapons offer a balance of speed and power, allowing Link to wield a shield simultaneously for defense. This combination is ideal for players who prefer a more cautious and tactical approach to combat, enabling them to block incoming attacks and counter-attack effectively.

Swords: The most common type of one-handed weapon. Early game examples include the Traveler's Sword, often found in chests or dropped by defeated Bokoblins on the Great Plateau. For a significant upgrade, seek out the Soldier's Broadsword in Hyrule Field or the Knight's Broadsword from more challenging enemies like Black Bokoblins.
Clubs/Maces: These heavier one-handed options deal more blunt damage, excellent for breaking enemy armor or stunning opponents. Look for Spiked Boko Clubs dropped by Bokoblins or the more powerful Moblin Club from Moblins.
Utility: Some one-handed weapons offer unique properties. The Flameblade, found in areas like the Eldin region or dropped by Fire Wizzrobes, provides fire damage, useful for igniting grass or melting ice. Similarly, the Frostspear (a two-handed weapon, but the one-handed equivalent would be a Frostblade) can freeze enemies.

Strategy: Always keep a shield equipped when using one-handed weapons. Practice perfect parries (pressing 'A' just before an attack hits) to deflect projectiles and stun enemies, creating openings for powerful combos. The quick attack speed of one-handed weapons also makes them excellent for flurry rushes.

Two-Handed Weapons

Two-handed weapons sacrifice the ability to use a shield for significantly increased damage and a wider attack radius. These weapons are perfect for clearing groups of weaker enemies or delivering devastating blows to larger, slower foes. Their charge attack often involves a spinning motion, hitting multiple targets.

Greatswords: These massive blades deliver immense damage. Early in your adventure, you might find a Traveler's Claymore. As you progress, look for the Soldier's Claymore in military outposts or the formidable Knight's Claymore from more advanced enemies.
Axes: While slower, axes often have higher raw damage and can be used to chop down trees for wood. The Woodcutter's Axe is a common early-game find near stables or villages. More combat-oriented axes like the Double Axe are dropped by stronger enemies.
Hammers: Excellent for breaking ore deposits and armored enemies. The Stone Smasher, a reward from certain shrines or found in Goron City, is invaluable for mining.

Strategy: Due to their slower attack speed, timing is crucial with two-handed weapons. use their charge attack to deal area-of-effect damage, especially against groups of Bokoblins or Keese. Consider using Stasis+ on a powerful enemy before unleashing a fully charged two-handed attack for maximum impact.

Spears

Spears are characterized by their rapid attack speed and extended reach, making them ideal for keeping enemies at a distance and poking them down safely. While their individual hits may be weaker, their quick succession of strikes can rack up damage quickly.

Basic Spears: The Traveler's Spear is a common sight in early areas. Upgraded versions like the Soldier's Spear and Knight's Halberd offer better damage.
Elemental Spears: Similar to swords, spears can also come with elemental properties. The Electric Spear, found in areas with Electric Wizzrobes or specific shrines, can stun enemies, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Strategy: Spears excel at hit-and-run tactics. Use their reach to safely attack enemies without getting too close. They are particularly effective against enemies with short-range attacks. Their quick jab animation also makes them excellent for interrupting enemy attacks or for quick flurry rushes.

Bows

Bows are indispensable for ranged combat, allowing Link to engage enemies from a safe distance, activate environmental puzzles, or hunt animals for food. Different bows offer varying ranges, fire rates, and arrow capacities.

Standard Bows: The Traveler's Bow is one of the first bows you'll likely acquire. As you explore, you'll find more powerful options like the Soldier's Bow, Knight's Bow, and the incredibly powerful Royal Bow.
Multi-Shot Bows: These bows, such as the Lynel Bow (dropped by Lynels) or the Great Eagle Bow (a unique weapon from Rito Village), fire multiple arrows at once, significantly increasing damage output, especially at close to mid-range.
Ancient Bow: Obtainable from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab after completing Robbie's side quests, this bow boasts exceptional range and durability, making it perfect for long-distance sniping.

Strategy: Always carry several arrows (Fire, Ice, Shock, Bomb, Ancient). Use elemental arrows to exploit enemy weaknesses (e.g., Ice Arrows against Fire Lizalfos) or to manipulate the environment. Aim for headshots to deal critical damage and stun enemies. use bullet time (drawing your bow in mid-air) to slow down time and line up precise shots, especially against fast-moving targets or Guardian eyes.

Shields

While not offensive weapons themselves, shields are crucial for defense and can be used offensively through parrying. They absorb damage from incoming attacks, and their durability varies greatly.

Basic Shields: The Traveler's Shield and Soldier's Shield are common early finds.
Elemental Shields: The Flame Shield (found in Eldin) and Ice Shield (found in Hebra) offer protection against their respective elemental attacks and can even melt or freeze objects.
Hylian Shield: The most durable shield in the game, found in Hyrule Castle's Lockup. Its immense durability makes it a must-have for challenging encounters.

Strategy: Learn to perfect guard (holding 'ZL' and pressing 'A' just as an attack hits) to deflect attacks, stun enemies, and even reflect Guardian laser beams back at them. This technique is vital for conserving weapon durability and dealing significant damage to powerful foes.