Some weapons don’t just help you win battles—they transform the entire gameplay, making it more thrilling for players. This blog lists 10 iconic video game weapons that have left their mark on players’ hearts. Whether you’re a long time gamer or just curious about the most unforgettable weapons, this list is packed with nostalgia and action. Check it out to relive the epic moments when these weapons made you feel like a superhero.
Video game weapons aren’t just tools helping in destruction or survival—they’re iconic symbols of our favorite heroes and epic battles. From legendary swords to mind-boggling gadgets, these weapons have become an unforgettable part of gaming history.
They’ve carved their names into our hearts with their unique designs, killer abilities, and the epic moments they’ve created. They’ve become unforgettable symbols, each with its own story, character, and unforgettable gameplay moments. They’ve carved their names into our hearts (and our gameplay) with their unique designs, killer abilities, and the epic moments they’ve created.
But what makes a weapon truly memorable?
Is it the way it looks?
Is it the incredible damage it inflicts?
Or the nostalgic rush it brings back to players?
Well, it’s definitely hard to find a correct answer because these weapons have not only stood the test of time but also solidified their places in the Hall of Fame. In this blog, we will discuss the best video game weapons that have shaped gaming adventures and entertained players for years.
Some weapons didn’t just help players—they owned the battlefield and became legends. Here’s a list of the 10 iconic video game weapons that became the centerpiece of the entire gameplay.
The Keyblade was a mystical weapon that only “chosen ones” could wield. The weapon chooses its wielder, and in the game, Sora was selected, marking him as the hero destined to protect the world from the forces of darkness. There are two major types of Keyblades: Keyblades of Light, used by heroes to protect the worlds, and Keyblades of Darkness, used by those who seek to control the hearts of worlds.
The true origin of all Keyblades is linked to the mythical χ-blade, a powerful weapon that could directly access Kingdom Hearts, the heart of all worlds and the source of ultimate power. The Keyblade is essentially a replica created in the image of the χ-blade.
In the game, Keyblade served as Sora’s main weapon for melee combat. The weapon enhanced his magic abilities and different versions of the KeyBlade boosted specific stats, like strength or magic, and unlocked unique combat abilities.
The Keyblade was not just a typical sword or weapon—it was a magical key! Its visuals represent a key and a blade, making it appealing and distinctive, instantly recognizable, and appealing to fans of both fantasy and creativity.
As Sora progressed through his journey, his bond with the Keyblade strengthened, unlocking new, more powerful versions. Each new Keyblade reflected his growth and the connections he made with different worlds and characters.
| A Little More About Keyblade (Kingdom Hearts) Weapon Type – A Key-Shaped Weapon First Appearance – 2002 Other Appearances – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
The Spiny Shell, also known as the Blue Shell, is one of the most iconic video game weapons in the Mario Kart series. The weapon was introduced in Mario Kart 64 with the intent to target and take down the player in the first place, making it a game-changer in any race.
The Spiny Shell homes in on the lead racer, soaring through the track and knocking over any unfortunate racers in its path. Upon reaching its target, it explodes with a devastating impact, often turning the tide of the race in an instant.
Apart from that, avoiding the “Blue Shell” in Mario Kart isn’t easy, but there are a few tricks to dodge or reduce its impact. You can try to get the rare Super Horn that can destroy the Blue Shell with a powerful soundwave. You can drop back to second place, letting the new leader take the hit. You can use the support of Mushroom Boost to escape the explosion radius at the last second if you are skilled with timing.
The thing about the Blue Shell is it’s kind of a love/hate weapon. If you’re struggling to climb up the ranks, it’s your best friend because it gives you a shot at knocking the frontrunner down. But if you’re that unlucky player who’s been in first the whole race, it’s your worst nightmare. No amount of banana peels or green shells can protect you from its wrath, and you just have to sit there and take the hit.
The unpredictability and frustration caused by the Spiny Shell have made it a fan-favorite topic in the gaming community. Its reputation as the “great equalizer” or “first-place punishment” has made it an iconic symbol of Mario Kart’s light-hearted chaos.
| A Little More About Spiny Shell (Mario Kart) Weapon Type – A Laser-Guided Missile First Appearance – 1996 Other Appearances – Super Smash Bros, Brawl |
The Moonlight Greatsword is among the most iconic weapons in FromSoftware’s history, mainly featuring in the Dark Souls trilogy. The weapon is closely tied to Seath the Scaleless, who is an ancient dragon obsessed with sorcery and immortality, and obtaining the sword requires cutting off his tail in battle, adding a sense of achievement to acquiring it.
Its energy-infused attacks, where players can shoot magical waves, add variety to combat and make it feel special compared to other weapons. Its glowing, ethereal blue blade also gives it a visually striking design, making it one of the best video game weapons in the series.
It deals pure magic damage, rather than physical damage, making it highly effective against enemies resistant to physical attacks but vulnerable to magic. Its special ability to shoot energy projectiles when using heavy attacks adds a unique range-based attack option, providing strategic versatility that is different from most melee-focused weapons in the game.
In short, the Moonlight Greatsword is especially useful against enemies that are hard to kill with regular weapons, giving players an advantage by targeting a different type of resistance.
| A Little More About Moonlight Greatsword (Dark Souls Trilogy) Weapon Type – Glass GreatSword First Appearance – 1994 Other Appearances – King’s Field |
In 2008, the Ray Gun made its debut in Call of Duty: World at War, which is one of the most popular battle royale games. Due to its capabilities, the weapon instantly became a fan favorite. It’s been a staple in the Call of Duty Zombies experience ever since, showing up in almost every Zombies map across the games.
Players who’ve been with the series from the beginning recognize it as one of the most iconic video game weapons in gaming history. The gun looks completely different from the standard military gear—you get this glowing, sci-fi laser gun that feels like it’s straight out of a space movie. It is a powerful weapon, particularly in the earlier rounds of Zombies mode.
It deals high damage and can take down entire waves of zombies with just a few shots, making it a go-to weapon for survival. Its splash damage and ability to vaporize zombies with its energy blasts gave players a sense of immense strength and control, especially during chaotic moments.
The Ray Gun is typically obtained from the Mystery Box, which adds an element of randomness and excitement to its acquisition. It is an extremely thrilling movement for the players when they finally get their hands on this rare weapon.
Due to its amazing capabilities, the Ray Gun became more than just a weapon—it became a symbol of Call of Duty’s Zombies experience. It’s part of the shared memories and stories that fans talk about when reminiscing about epic moments in the game.
| A Little More About Ray Gun (Call of Duty’s Zombies) Weapon Type – Wonder Weapon First Appearance – 2005 Other Appearances – Call of Duty: World at War |
The Blades of Chaos are one of the iconic video game weapons in gaming, as they are central to both the story and gameplay of the God of War series. These dual blades, chained to Kratos’ forearms, are not only his signature weapons but also a symbol of his tragic past and relentless rage.
In God of War, the Blades of Chaos were given to Kratos by Ares; the weapon was a symbol that Kratos would serve Ares forever. It came with a curse and represented Kratos’ servitude to Ares and his inability to escape the violence and bloodshed that haunted his life.
The blades are directly tied to Kratos’ darkest moment—when, under Ares’ control, he killed his own family unknowingly. From that point on, the Blades of Chaos became a constant reminder of his guilt, anger, and desire for revenge against the gods.
In the later part of the God of War games, Kratos moved away from his past, but the Blades of Chaos still make a dramatic return. During crucial moments, Kratos is forced to retrieve them to fight against more powerful foes, showing that no matter how much he tries to escape his past, it will always be a part of him.
This continuous appearance of the weapon made it an inseparable part of the game and one of the most famous video game weapons in history. Talking about its appearance, the blades are attached to long chains, and support fast, sweeping attacks that hit multiple enemies at once. Players can enjoy a fast-paced, fluid feel, especially when fighting large groups of enemies. The spinning, chain-based attacks felt both powerful and stylish, with the ability to juggle enemies in the air or send them flying across the battlefield.
| A Little More About Blades of Chaos (God of War) Weapon Type – Chainsaws or short swords First Appearance – 2005 Other Appearances – God of War: Chain of Olympus |
In the Doom game, the universe is at stake, and humanity is fighting a war with demonic forces from hell. In this chaos, BFG9000 empowers the protagonist, the Doom Slayer, to take on massive hordes of demons, including the most powerful and fearsome enemies in the game. The BFG9000 is often seen as a last resort weapon, a tool to obliterate the toughest bosses or clear the battlefield when surrounded by enemies.
It became one of the most famous video game weapons for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly powerful—when players use it, it releases a massive green energy blast (40 cells per blast) that deals devastating area-of-effect damage, wiping out multiple enemies in a single attack.
Its destructive capabilities make it the ultimate “get out of jail free” card for players in tough situations. It’s not just about raw power, though; the BFG became iconic due to its memorable design and the visceral satisfaction it brings. The sheer size, sound effects, and the way it decimates enemies with a single shot have established it as a symbol of destruction in gaming culture.
The BFG9000 gives players a sense of relief and control when the odds seem impossible, making it a beloved go-to weapon during the most difficult moments. The fact that it’s usually limited in ammo also makes every shot feel significant—players save it for when it’s absolutely needed, adding to its mystique.
| A Little More About BFG9000 (Doom) Weapon Type – Plasma energy weapon First Appearance – 1993 Other Appearances – Doom 64 |
The Fat Man from the Fallout series is one of the devastating and iconic video game weapons in the game’s post-apocalyptic world. The weapon was named after the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945. The Fat Man is a portable nuclear launcher that fires mini-nukes—small, tactical nuclear warheads capable of leveling entire areas and vaporizing enemies in a single hit.
In the Fallout universe, which is set in a post-nuclear wasteland, the Fat Man represents both the immense destructive power of humanity and the tragic consequences of war. Its presence in the game underscores the themes of nuclear devastation and survival in a world ravaged by atomic conflict.
The Fat Man is often found in highly dangerous or heavily fortified areas, reflecting the gravity of its power, and it’s typically saved for the most challenging enemies, like Super Mutants or Deathclaws. When the player comes across this weapon, it signals that they’ve found a tool capable of turning the tide in their favor, even against the most formidable foes.
Because of its sheer, over-the-top firepower, it became one of the most cool video game weapons in Fallout battles and gaming history. Players loved firing a mini-nuke into a pack of enemies and watching the massive mushroom cloud and shockwave that followed the game. The weapon is just not about damage numbers; it’s about the visual and audio impact—each shot feels like a game-changing event.
The Fat Man does not come without its risks. Due to the massive area-of-effect damage, players have to be careful not to be caught in their own blast, adding a layer of strategy to its use. Its ammo (mini-nukes) is also incredibly rare, meaning players often save it for the toughest moments, making each shot feel special and significant. This scarcity, combined with its absurd level of destruction, makes the Fat Man one of the most memorable weapons in the Fallout series.
| A Little More About Fat Man (Fallout) Weapon Type – Shoulder-mounted mini nuke launcher First Appearance – 1997 Other Appearances – Fallout: New Vegas |
The Assault Rifle from the Halo series is among the best weapons in video games ever designed. As a fully automatic weapon, it’s designed for mid-range combat, allowing players to mow down enemies with rapid bursts of fire. Its simple yet effective design makes it a versatile and dependable choice for players.
In the Halo series, the Assault Rifle is the standard-issue weapon for the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) soldiers and the protagonist, Master Chief. The weapon’s steady, rhythmic firing sound, combined with the way it’s used in the game’s intense, fast-paced battles, gives players a sense of military power and efficiency. Although more powerful weapons exist in the Halo universe, the Assault Rifle’s balance of firepower and usability makes it a fan favorite, especially in multiplayer modes where it’s often a go-to for beginners and veterans alike.
Its popularity also stems from its role in multiplayer. The Assault Rifle is one of the most reliable weapons in player vs. player combat, especially in modes like Slayer, where its rapid fire and quick kill potential make it a staple for close to mid-range encounters. It’s a weapon that feels accessible to new players, while still being effective in the hands of experienced ones.
It’s the weapon that feels like the heart of the UNSC’s fight for survival, providing players with a steady, dependable tool in the battle for humanity’s future.
| A Little More About Assault Rifle (Halo) Weapon Type – Select fire weapon First Appearance – 2001 Other Appearances – Halo: Combat Evolved |
Who can forget the Buster Sword? After all, it’s among the most famous video game weapons featured in the popular game Final Fantasy VII. Protagonist Cloud Strife wields this massive, oversized sword, symbolizing strength, determination, and the weight of Cloud’s mysterious past. Its unique design—an enormous, wide blade with a simple yet imposing aesthetic—has made it a legendary weapon.
In the story, the Buster Sword originally belonged to Angeal, who forwarded it to Zack Fair, Cloud’s mentor and friend. After Zack’s tragic death, Cloud inherits the sword, carrying both the physical weapon and the emotional burden of his connection to Zack. The Buster Sword becomes Cloud’s signature weapon, representing his quest for identity and purpose as he confronts the dark forces threatening the world.
Though Cloud eventually upgrades to more powerful weapons as the game progresses, the Buster Sword holds deep personal significance throughout his journey. It’s a symbol of his ties to his past, his lost friends, and his growth as a character. In many ways, the sword mirrors Cloud’s arc from a lost, confused mercenary to a true hero.
Its sheer size is visually impressive, making it instantly recognizable even to those who aren’t familiar with the Final Fantasy series. The sword’s massive, almost impractical size captures the fantasy element of the game while also signifying Cloud’s larger-than-life battle against seemingly impossible odds.
| A Little More About Buster Sword (Final Fantasy VII) Weapon Type – Enormous broadsword First Appearance – 1997 Other Appearances – Final Fantasy VII Remake |
The Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda series is one of the most iconic weapons in video game history. It is also known as “Blade of the Evil’s Bane.” It’s the legendary weapon wielded by the hero, Link, in his quest to defeat the dark forces threatening the land of Hyrule, particularly the evil “Ganon.” The Master Sword is deeply tied to the mythology of the series, representing hope, courage, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
In the game, Master Sword is the only weapon capable of defeating Ganon or other great evils that threaten Hyrule. To wield it, Link must prove himself worthy, as the sword rests in a sacred location called the Temple of Time or the Lost Woods, awaiting the chosen hero.
The Master Sword is more than just a weapon—it’s a symbol of Link’s destiny as the chosen hero. The journey to obtain the sword is a rite of passage for Link, marking his transformation from a simple boy into the legendary hero of Hyrule. It’s a weapon with a deep history, often tied to the gods of Hyrule and the ancient struggle between good and evil that spans generations.
Visually, the Master Sword is striking with its blue hilt, golden accents, and sleek blade, making it instantly recognizable to fans. Its role as a legendary, sacred weapon also gives it an air of mystery and importance, which has been enhanced through its recurring presence across many Zelda titles. Fans have grown to associate the Master Sword with the climax of Link’s journey, where the fate of Hyrule hangs in the balance.
The Master Sword’s popularity comes from both its symbolism and gameplay impact. As a weapon, it’s often the most powerful tool in Link’s arsenal, capable of dealing great damage to enemies, repelling dark magic, and sometimes even shooting beams of light when Link is at full health.
| A Little More About Master Sword (The Legend Of Zelda) Weapon Type – Legendary sword First Appearance – 1991 Other Appearances – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |
As we wrap up our exploration of iconic game weapons, it’s clear that these legendary tools do more than just deal damage; they shape the way we experience games and connect with their stories. From the imposing Buster Sword to the versatile Assault Rifle, each weapon carries its own legacy, enriching the narratives and gameplay mechanics.
Moreover, the impact of these weapons extends beyond their games, influencing pop culture and spawning merchandise, cosplay, and fan art. They resonate with players on a personal level, creating unforgettable memories tied to epic battles and heroic deeds. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, we can only imagine what new iconic weapons will emerge to capture our hearts and redefine our adventures in the gaming worlds we love.
Their popularity proves that weapon game design is worth the investment. However, you must choose a reliable game design company with a long track record in weapon designing to get the desired success.
300Mind specializes in crafting legendary weapons that not only look incredible but also pack a series punch in the gameplay. You can hire game designers from our team to craft weapons that are a true extension of your character’s journey—an iconic weapon that tells a story, incorporates unique mechanics, and feels perfectly balanced.
Whether you’re aiming for a futuristic plasma blaster, a mystical sword that glows with ancient runes, or a quirky, over-the-top gadget, we’ve got your back!
Don’t just take our word for it—check out our artstation portfolio! We’ve worked on a diverse range of projects, bringing various weapons to life that are as unique as the games they belong to. From sleek sci-fi designs to classic fantasy swords, our portfolio showcases our creativity and technical skills. Each weapon we’ve crafted tells a story and enhances gameplay in meaningful ways.
In 1994, one of the most famous video game weapons, The Moonlight Greatsword was featured in the game King’s Field as the Moonlight Sword. After this time, the weapon came in FromSoftware games, such as Elden Ring, Armored Core franchise, and the Dark Souls series.
Game weapon designing is an intricate process, designers have to balance between aesthetics, functionality, and narrative. It must serve a purpose, add depth to the storytelling, and fit seamlessly within the game’s art style. A well-designed weapon often has a backstory or theme that ties into the game’s lore, making it feel significant and memorable.
In the God of War series, the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos each have their strengths and serve different purposes in gameplay, making it hard to definitively say one is stronger than the other. Players often switch between the two to exploit different strengths, making both weapons powerful in their own right. Some might favor the Leviathan Axe for its versatility and unique mechanics, while others may prefer the relentless aggression of the Blades of Chaos.
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