Different Types of RPG Weapons You Need to Know About

From melee weapons like swords and axes to ranged weapons such as bows and guns, types of RPG weapons offer a unique way to approach combat. Moreover, there are magical weapons like wands and staves, along with projectiles and some unconventional weapons that bring extra variety to your gameplay. The blog covers these types to help you choose the right one for your next adventure.

RPG weapons aren’t just tools—they’re extensions of your character’s identity. These weapons symbolise who you are, what you stand for, and how you fight. They forge heroes, topple villains, and sometimes even become characters in their own right.

There are many types of RPG weapons, and each weapon tells a story, and your choice can make all the difference. Simple blades become the companion of a wandering swordsman. A bow transforms into a silent guardian in the ranger’s hand. You’d be surprised to know even the smallest dagger can carry the weight of countless untold stories.

Every swing, every shot, every spell cast feels like an extension of your character’s soul. However, what goes into designing game weapons is completely different. Each type has its strengths, weaknesses, and personality. Some are built for power, others for speed, and a few for sheer chaos. This blog explores the types of RPG weapons and breaks down what makes them tick and why they matter.

Different Types of RPG Weapons That Change the Way You Play

From elegant blades to mystical staves, each RPG weapon type offers something unique, allowing you to customize your adventure to your liking. The following are the main types that shape game quests: 

1. Melee Weapons

Melee weapons are used in close-combat role-playing games to enemies directly. Unlike ranged weapons or magical tools, melee weapons require players to get up close to their opponents, emphasizing physical prowess, strategic positioning, and timing. 

These weapons come in various shapes, sizes, and functionalities, allowing players to choose one that matches their combat style. Here’s an overview of key melee weapon types: 

Swords 

Swords are the most iconic types of melee weapon, known for their versatility and balance. They are suitable for a wide variety of combat styles, from switch attacks to heavy blows. 

Variants

• Shortswords: Lightweight and quick, perfect for agile warriors. 
• Greatswords: Heavy and slow but incredibly powerful, ideal for tank-like characters. 
• Dual-Wielding Swords: High-speed offence with two blades, sacrificing defence for sheer aggression. 

Axes 

Axes give raw power and do devastating damage with each strike. They are effective against heavily armoured foes and ideal for aggressive playstyles. 

Variants

• Battle Axes: One-handed axes for balanced offence and defence. 
• Great Axes: Two-handed axes do overwhelming attacks that are hard to escape and survive. 
• Throwing Axes: Versatile for short-range attacks and finishing off distant enemies. 

Maces and Hammers 

These blunt weapons focus on crushing power and breaking through shields or armour. Though slower than swords or axes, they deal incredible damage and often stun opponents. 

Variants

• One-Handed Maces: Compact and effective for shield-users. 
• War-Hammers: Heavy weapons for dealing area-of-effect damage. 
• Flails: Unique weapons with swinging chains for unpredictable strikes. 

Daggers and Knives 

Daggers and knives are lightweight, fast, and designed for high-precision attacks. They’re the weapons of choice for rogues, assassins, and stealth-based characters, offering deadly efficiency in close combat. 

These RPG weapons types are typically associated with critical hits, sneak attacks, and rapid strikes. While they may lack the raw power of larger weapons, their speed and precision make them invaluable for tactical players. 

Variants

• Single Daggers or Knives: Ideal for quick, precise attacks, particularly in ambush scenarios. These are often enchanted or paired with poisons for added effectiveness. 
• Dual Daggers: Perfect for those who prefer speed over defence, allowing for a flurry of attacks that overwhelm enemies before they can react. 
• Throwing Knives: A versatile option that helps players engage enemies from a distance while retaining the stealthy, assassin-like vibe. 
• Poisoned or Elemental Daggers: Frequently used in RPGs for applying damage-over-time effects or exploiting elemental weaknesses. 

Spears and Polearms 

These weapons offer extended reach, allowing players to attack from a safer distance. They’re ideal for controlling space and fighting multiple enemy attacks. 

Variants

• Spears: Lightweight and fast for both offense and defense. 
• Halberds: A combination of a spear and axe, perfect for slashing and thrusting. 
• Tridents: Often magical, offering versatile attacks with added elemental damage. 

Knuckles and Fists

For close-range brawlers, fist-based weapons deliver rapid punches and combos, relying on speed and precision rather than brute force. 

Variants

• Brass Knuckles: Enhanced unarmed attacks. 
• Claws: Deadly hand-mounted weapons for tearing through enemies. 

Unarmed Combat: Martial artist-style fighting with high-speed techniques.

2. Ranged Weapons

Ranged is one of the most used and appreciated RPG weapon types. They engage enemies from a distance, keeping the wielder out of direct combat. These weapons are essential for characters who value precision, strategy, and safety, allowing them to attack from afar without the immediate risk of retaliation. 

Ranged weapons often complement melee combat by offering tactical flexibility, enabling players to control the battlefield, exploit enemy weaknesses, and target enemies in hard-to-reach places. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of ranged weapons commonly found in RPGs:

Bows

The bow is a classic ranged weapon, ideal for long-range precision attacks. Players use arrows as ammunition, often enhanced with elemental or magical effects. Bows require skill to master and reward players with high versatility.

Variants

• Shortbows: Lightweight and quick, great for rapid attacks in close-to-medium range combat.
• Longbows: Designed for long-range precision and high damage, ideal for sniping enemies from afar.
• Composite Bows: A blend of power and speed, offering balanced performance for various playstyles.
• Magical or Enchanted Bows: These can fire explosives, frost, or poison arrows, adding a layer of tactical depth.

Crossbows

Crossbows are powerful and straightforward, firing bolts with incredible accuracy and force. While slower to reload than bows, they deal higher damage and are easier to use for beginners. 

Variants

• Light Crossbows: Faster reload times but slightly less damage, ideal for mobile players.
• Heavy Crossbows: High-damage weapons with slow reload times, excellent for dealing with heavily armored foes.
• Automatic Crossbows: Found in some fantasy RPGs, these can fire multiple bolts quickly, sacrificing power for speed.

Bolt Types: Crossbows often feature specialized ammunition like explosive, piercing, or poisoned bolts.

3. Magical Weapons

Magical weapons are also one of the most popular types of RPG weapons as they offer a captivating blend of lore, utility, and raw power. These tools aren’t just about dealing damage—they’re central to gameplay, enabling players to cast spells, manipulate the battlefield, or wield the forces of the arcane.

Elemental Weapons

Infused with elemental forces like fire, ice, or lighting, these weapons exploit enemy weaknesses and add extra effects like burning, freezing, or stunning.

Variants

• Flame Sword: Engulfs enemies in fire, causing damage over time. 
• Ice Dagger: Slows enemies and freezes weaker foes. 
• Thunder Spear: Channels lighting, striking multiple targets in a chain.

Wands and Staves

Primarily used by mages, wands, and staves channel magical energy. They amplify spell power, enhance mana regeneration, or unlock unique spells.

Variants

• Arcane Staff: Boosts spell range and damage.
• Wand of Frost: Focuses on freezing enemies and controlling the battlefield.
• Stormcaller’s Staff: Summons lightning storms in large areas.

Spellbooks

Spellbooks are both weapons and tools for casting powerful magic. They contain a variety of spells and often allow players to customize their magical arsenal.

Variants

• Grimoire of Shadows: Focuses on dark magic and curses.
• Tome of Light: Contains powerful healing and holy spells.
• Elemental Codex: Grants access to fire, ice, and lighting spells. 

Magic Bows

Magical bows amplify ranged attacks with unique effects, such as firing enchanted arrows or creating elemental projectiles.

Variants

• Bow of True Sight: Guarantees accuracy and deals bonus critical damage.

Phoenix Bow: Shoots flaming arrows that explode on impact.

4. Firearms

Firearms are a diverse class of ranged weapons that deliver immense power and precision. While less common in traditional fantasy RPGs, firearms often appear in modern or steampunk-themed RPGs.

They offer unparalleled speed and damage but often require ammunition management.

These weapons rely on ammunition to fire projectiles at enemies and often vary in terms of range, damage, and fire rate. Each type of firearm caters to a unique playstyle, offering players different tactical advantages.

Here are the primary types of firearms you might encounter in RPGs along with their details:

Pistols and Revolvers

Pistols are compact, lightweight firearms designed for quick, medium-range combat. They are often the most basic firearms in RPGs but can still pack a punch when used effectively. Pistols are favored for their quick draw and firing speed, making them ideal for hit-and-run tactics or secondary weapons. 

On the flip side, revolvers are powerful, single-action pistols known for their high damage and iconic design. Although they have slower reload times, they are extremely reliable and often deal critical damage.

Rifles

Rifles are powerful firearms designed for long-range precision and high damage. These RPG weapons excel in scenarios where accuracy and distance matter. Moreover, Rifles are versatile, with many subtypes like assault rifles and sniper rifles. 

Variants

• Assault Rifles: Great weapon for sustained combat, fully automatic or burst-fire rifles with balanced range, damage, and speed. 
• Sniper Rifles: Long-range weapons with high precision, designed for one-shot kills. Ideal for eliminating enemies before they even see you. 
• Battle Rifles: Semi-automatic rifles with high damage per shot, suitable for mid-to-long-range engagements. 
• Shotguns: Devastating at close range with a wide spread of damage. 
• Dual-Wielded Guns: A flashy but effective option for players who want speed and chaos. 

Shotguns

Shotguns are devastating close-range firearms that deal high burst damage. They fire shells that spread over a wide area, making them perfect for crowd control or quickly eliminating single targets up close.

Variants

• Pump-Action Shotguns: Reliable but slow-firing with heavy damage. 
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Faster firing rate with slightly reduced power. 
• Double-Barreled Shotguns: High-damage burst with limited ammo capacity. 

Submachine Guns (SMGs)

SMGs are lightweight, automatic firearms that excel at close-to-medium range. They offer rapid fire and are highly effective for suppressing enemies or dealing consistent damage in fast-paced battles.

Machine Guns

Machine guns are heavy-duty firearms designed for sustained fire and crowd control. These weapons are often slower to handle and require more setup time but can suppress large groups of enemies with ease.

Variants

• Light Machine Guns: Portable but heavy, offering mobility with a balance of firepower.
• Heavy Machine Guns: Mounted or stationary weapons with extreme firepower.

Energy Guns (Sci-Fi Variants)

In futuristic RPGs, firearms evolve into energy-based weapons that fire plasma, lasers, or other futuristic projectiles. These weapons blend traditional firearm mechanics with unique effects.

Variants

• Laser Rifles: High-precision, long-range weapons that fire concentrated energy beams.
• Plasma Guns: Medium-range weapons that deal explosive or burning damage.
• Railguns: Extreme long-range weapons using magnetic acceleration for devastating power.

Holy Weapons

Holy weapons are divine tools used to vanquish evil. They’re particularly effective against undead, demons, and other dark creatures. Often, they are wielded by characters with noble or religious backgrounds.

Variants

• Paladin’s Hammer: A warhammer that deals radiant damage and blinds enemies.
• Lightbringer Sword: A glowing blade that burns unholy foes.

Projectiles

Projectile weapons are essential in RPGs for ranged combat, offering versatility, precision, and tactical advantages. These weapons allow players to deal damage from a distance, target specific enemies, or control the battlefield. Below are the major types of projectile weapons commonly found in RPGs:

Throwing Weapons

Compact weapons that can be thrown at enemies. These include daggers, axes, and even magical or elemental items. They’re often faster but deal less damage compared to bows or crossbows.

Variants

• Throwing Daggers: Lightweight and quick, ideal for precision strikes.
• Throwing Axes: Heavier than daggers, providing higher damage at a shorter range.
• Boomerangs: Unique weapons that return to the wielder after being thrown.

Slings and Slingshots

Slings are primitive but effective ranged weapons that launch stones or other small projectiles. Though not as powerful as bows, they’re lightweight, silent, and easy to use.

Variants

• Simple Sling: Fires basic stones with moderate damage.
• Enchanted Sling: Launches magical projectiles that deal elemental damage.

Javelins and Spears

Long weapons designed for throwing, javelins and spears combine range with melee versatility. They often deal significant damage and can be reused.

Variants

• Throwing Javelin: A lightweight spear optimized for distance throws.
• Lightning Spear: Infused with electric magic, stunning enemies on impact.

Chakrams and Discs

Circular, bladed weapons that can be thrown to deal damage. They often return to the wielder or continue to attack in an arc.

Variants

• Bladed Chakram: Cuts through multiple enemies before returning.
• Flaming Disc: Burns enemies in its path.

Grenades and Explosives

Throwable weapons that deal area-of-effect damage. These include bombs, grenades, and other explosive devices.

Variants

• Fire Bombs: Explode into flames, dealing damage over time.
• Poison Grenades: Release toxic gas, damaging enemies in an area.

Unconventional Weapons

Unconventional RPG weapons are unique, often humorous or surprising tools used in combat that deviate from the typical swords, guns, or magic spells. These weapons offer a fun twist to gameplay, adding creativity and variety. Here are some common types of unconventional RPG weapons:

Frying Pans

One of the most iconic unconventional weapons, the frying pan is often used in RPGs as a comedic weapon that surprisingly delivers decent damage. Despite its mundane nature, it can be surprisingly effective in the hands of skilled characters.

Brooms and Mop

Brooms or mops are often used as makeshift weapons or magical tools in RPGs. These items might not be built for combat, but their unexpected presence can add charm or quirky functionality to the gameplay.

Musical Instruments

In some RPGs, musical instruments are wielded as weapons to either deal damage or cast spells through sound. Instruments like guitars, flutes, or tambourines can be used in battle, adding a rhythm or harmony to your attacks.

Chainsaws

Chainsaws are an over-the-top, brutal unconventional weapon found in certain RPGs, offering a mix of horror and power. These weapons are often used in games with dark or gritty themes.

Best RPG Weapons That Shaped Legendary Quests

In the world of RPGs, certain weapons have become iconic, not just for their power but for how they’ve shaped legendary quests and stories. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic video game weapons that have left an unforgettable mark on role-playing game genre:

1. Master Sword (The Legend of Zelda Series)

The Master Sword, also known as the “Blade of Evil’s Bane,” is the heart of The Legend of Zelda series. It symbolizes heroism, courage, and destiny and is a pivotal element in Link’s quest to save Hyrule from darkness. Its role goes beyond combat—it’s tied to the overarching narrative, requiring players to prove their worth to wield it. The Master Sword’s glowing blade, energy beams, and eventual upgrades provide a satisfying gameplay progression, while its striking design and rich lore make it unforgettable.

2. Excalibur (Final Fantasy series, Dark Souls, King Arthur Legends)

Excalibur is a timeless symbol of power and royalty, rooted in Arthurian legend and reimagined across RPGs like Final Fantasy and Dark Souls. It’s often portrayed as a weapon of divine origin, grating immense strength and significance to its wielder. Its adaptability and enduring legacy in myth and games have cemented it as one of the most iconic RPG weapons types.

3. The Elder Scrolls: Dawnbreaker (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)

Dawnbreaker is a radiant weapon gifted by the Daedric Prince Meridia in Skyrim, and its dazzling appearance and undead-slaying abilities make it stand out. Not only does it explode undead enemies upon killing them, but its glow and lore tie it to the eternal fight against darkness. Acquiring Dawnbreaker involves an engaging quest that connects players to the world’s rich mythology. This combination of utility, aesthetics, and storytelling has made it one of the most beloved RPG weapons.

4. Cloud’s Buster Sword (Final Fantasy VII)

The Buster Sword’s massive size and bold design make it instantly recognizable, symbolizing Cloud’s struggles, growth, and legacy. Starting as a basic weapon, it evolves into a representation of Cloud’s strength and resolve throughout the game. The Buster Sword’s prominence extends beyond the original game, appearing in spin-offs, remakes, and even pop culture. Its blend of visual impact, narrative significance, and emotional resonance makes it unforgettable.

5. The Witcher’s Silver Sword (The Witcher Series)

The silver sword is central to Geralt’s identity as a monster hunter in The Witcher series. Specifically, forged to combat supernatural creatures, it emphasizes the danger and specificity of Geralt’s profession. Unlike a typical RPG weapon, the silver sword has a practical purpose tied deeply to the lore, reinforcing the immersion in the game’s world. Whether through crafting, upgrading, or using it in combat, players feel a direct connection to Geralt’s role. Its iconic design and unique purpose make it a staple of The Witcher series.

Whether you’re slashing through enemies with a sword or casting powerful spells with a wand, each weapon offers something unique to your journey. The right choice can shape how you engage with the world and tackle challenges, adding excitement and depth to every quest. So, as you set off on your next RPG adventure, keep in mind that your weapon isn’t just an item—it’s the key to how you experience the world and the story ahead.

Need Custom-Made RPG Weapons for Your Game? Let 300mind Design Them!

300Mind is a popular game development company known for its top-tier game art design services that take your RPG or game to the next level. Our expert team specializes in creating custom, high-quality weapons, be it iconic swords, magical staffs, high-tech firearms, or unique projectiles, we design weapons that fit perfectly into the story and world you’re building.

We create weapons that don’t just look cool; they feel powerful. Every weapon we design is built with your game’s narrative, mechanics, and atmosphere in mind. Our designs are inspired by the lore of your world, the strength of your characters, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Whether it’s a mythical blade passed down through generations, an artefact of unimaginable power, or a futuristic piece of tech with deadly precision, we craft weapons that pack a punch both visually and in-game.

FAQs on RPG Weapons

WRITTEN BY Pradeepsingh Rajpurohit

Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit is a 3D Artist with more than 5 years of experience in 2D & 3D gaming/console gaming/AR/VR gaming and design. Requirement understanding, assets creation, provides solutions in terms of visuals to make the game experience smooth and engaging.