Summary
- Bloodborne is one of FromSoftware's most distinct releases, standing out among other action RPGs with its rich worldbuilding and epic boss encounters.
- The Trick Weapons in Bloodborne have reduced options compared to Dark Souls, focusing on quality over quantity. Some of the best weapons include Ludwig's Holy Blade, Saw Cleaver, and Whirligig Saw.
- While all Trick Weapons are viable, some options require more caution and specific circumstances to be effective. Weapons like the Burial Blade and Beast Cutter fall into this category, but can still be fun to use.
Still one of the most relevant Soulslikes despite being a legacy title of the past generation, Bloodborne has persisted as one of FromSoftware's most distinct releases. Through both streamlining and experimenting with the formula previously established in titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne was able to carve out its own reputation as an action RPG that few others can compare to. While it kept the rich worldbuilding and epic boss encounters FromSoft is known for, it also approached several mechanics from a new perspective. One of the biggest changes came in the form of Bloodborne's reduced options in its unique arsenal, the signature Trick Weapons.
While Dark Souls may have presented the player with quite a large amount of equipment in the journey through Lordran, Bloodborne opted for focusing on quality over quantity with its own gear. Technically, every Trick Weapon is able to support the player throughout the course of the entire game, but that doesn't mean all of them will provide an easy time doing so.
Best Trick Weapon Options in Bloodborne
S Tier
The best weapons available in Bloodborne are characterized by their ability to easily decimate much of what Yharnam has to offer in the right hands. It’s difficult to find discourse surrounding the best Trick Weapons without Ludwig’s Holy Blade coming up as one of the best due to its versatility and lasting damage potential, but several alternatives are capable of stacking up as well. Famously featured on the cover art, the Saw Cleaver actually lives up to its reputation for many who have praised its lasting potential as well, and the Saw Spear is essentially a variant of the same design. The swiftness of Lady Maria’s Rakuyo and the carnage of the Whirligig Saw hardly require further explanation, while FromSoft’s signature Holy Moonlight Sword is amazing for players who can afford to invest into both Strength and Arcane.
- Ludwig's Holy Blade
- Whirligig Saw
- Rakuyo
- Saw Cleaver
- Saw Spear
- Holy Moonlight Sword
A Tier
While all the Trick Weapons are theoretically viable in their own right, this set of options is far more likely to be effective for the common hunter. The Hunter Axe is a fan-favorite starting weapon with the power of its charged R2, with the Beasthunter Saif and Blades of Mercy embodying a similar sense of simplicity in their own ways. For players who can navigate around downsides like the Chikage’s self-damaging property and the setup needed for the Kos Parasite, these seemingly niche picks can become just as devastating.
- Beasthunter Saif
- Chikage
- Church Pick
- Blade of Mercy
- Simon's Bowblade
- Hunter Axe
- Kos Parasite
Challenging Trick Weapon Options in Bloodborne
B Tier
It is undeniable that weapons like the Threaded Cane have staunch defenders that praise them to no end, but it’s also true that these Trick Weapons require a bit more caution in their usage. The Burial Blade is powerful in the hands of a deft hunter, but its inability to receive direct buffs can emphasize the specific care it needs to thrive. Options such as the Beast Cutter, Bloodletter, and Kirkhammer can all suffer from a similar reliance on proper circumstances due to their specific movesets, but it doesn’t mean that casual fans still won’t be able to have a lot of fun with them.
- Threaded Cane
- Burial Blade
- Bloodletter
- Kirkhammer
- Beast Cutter
- Rifle Spear
C Tier
While it can be tough to classify any of the Trick Weapons as the “worst”, there is no doubt a set of them that many players may struggle to utilize well. There are entire builds dedicated to getting the most out of options like the Stake Driver or Reiterpallasch, but the fact that they require so much commitment is telling of how they compare to more accessible options. There’s no denying that the Beast Claw can cause some serious damage with the correct build supporting it, but it simply lacks the ease of use that even the starting weapons can carry throughout the entirety of Bloodborne.
- Amygdalan Arm
- Logarius' Wheel
- Boom Hammer
- Beast Claw
- Stake Driver
- Tonitrus
- Reiterpallasch
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 91 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- March 24, 2015
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Havok
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps4,ps5
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.
A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.
Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you'll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city's dark secrets.
A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.
Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4
- How Long To Beat
- 33 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
