While the Assassin's Creed franchise may have started out as a stealth exploration series, Assassin's Creed Origins transformed the games into massive, open-world RPGs. While some fans may lament this change of identity and gameplay, the new format has opened up what combat looks like and how players can approach challenges. The latest entry, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, provides players with a plethora of weapons that allow a wide array of playstyles.
Most are inspired by real-world tools of the Vikings, though there are also several inspired by folklore and mythology. Players can use whichever combination of single or double-handed weapons that they like to confront the massive European game world, but some have stats and bonuses that elevate them above the rest.
Yngling Seax Dagger
There are several weapons types in Assassin's Creed Valhalla that lend themselves to a quick, aggressive playstyle, but daggers afford players the most mobility by far.
While the Yngling Seax may not look as visually exciting as some of the more ornate weapon options available, Reddit user DarkSkyLion explains that the Yngling Seax is particularly effective once it's buffed with runes to increase speed and back damage. When using this weapon, players will want to go for "death by a thousand cuts," continuously dodging enemy strikes and laying hits from behind to whittle down their health while remaining untouched.
Varin's Axe
Most games start players out with a relatively weak weapon that is designed to be replaced by something better. However, one of the reasons Assassin's Creed Valhalla may be the best game in the series is because it doesn't force players to abandon weapons.
Every single one can be upgraded and used through the endgame, and Harpo426 explains that Varin's Axe can serve players well throughout the entire campaign. Since weapon upgrading materials are rare in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, it makes sense to stick with what works. This axe also gives players a speed boost for each hit that it lands, which can either synergize with other quick weapons or help offset the agility penalties from large shields.
Blacksmith's Hammer
While quick attacks and dodges can feel satisfying to pull off, some players prefer builds that excel at direct, blunt force trauma. No weapons are better at smashing than hammers, and the Blacksmith's Hammer is a fantastic choice for delivering high damage and battlefield control.
Asdfman voiced his love of the weapon's heavy attack in a Reddit thread about the best one-handed melee weapons. Beyond its strong damage potential, the Blacksmith's Hammer is also notable for its extra ability that grants heavy strikes the potential to knock enemies to the ground. High damage stats and this additional control potential are highly effective for fighting groups of multiple enemies.
Sepulcher Axe
Players can find success through most of the game with whichever weapons they like, but the toughest bosses in Assassin's Creed Valhalla require some equipment synergy.
On Reddit, user synda explains that the Sepulcher Axe's ability to light on fire after a critical hit pairs well with other fire-based armaments like the Sarcophagus Shield and Battlefield Cremation passive. The Sepulcher Axe is slower than many other weapons, but its high Critical Hit and Stun stats pair with its aforementioned flames to make it a formidable choice for players looking to deal significant damage on each hit.
Spinning-Death Flail
The Spinning-Death Flail is a weapon that players can find early in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, but SanTheMightiest points out that the rarity of crafting materials means that it's often worthwhile to stick with early weapons as long as possible.
Luckily, the Spinning-Death Flail stays relevant for quite a while with the proper upgrades. This flail is incredibly light, making it great for players who want to use an agile, mobile playstyle. It's very effective at landing multiple quick hits, and it doesn't slow down player dodges and movement.
Gungnir Spear
Odin is one of the most powerful figures in Norse mythology, and his iconic spear, Gungnir, is also one of the very best weapons in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Spears are already notable in-game for their superlative reach, and Gungnir has further reach than all others.
The combination of strong area-of-effect damage and best-in-class reach means that this weapon has virtually no weaknesses. Redditor Tumorous_Thumb explains in his thread that Gungnir pairs exceptionally well with another great spear, Gae Bolg, that deals shock damage after landing three hits.
Excalibur Greatsword
King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, is one of the most famous swords of all time, and it's one that Redditor Batjackgames recommends players check out in-game.
The sword's appeal begins with its stats; Attack, Critical Damage, and Stun are all at the top of the game's charts, and it also boasts one of the most potent weapon perks available. When wielding Excalibur, all heavy finishers and criticals will blind enemies in the area. This may not do much in single combat, but it's game-changing in multi-enemy encounters.
Mjolnir Hammer
Mjolnir has become a household name due to being one of the most powerful weapons in the MCU, and Thor's mythological hammer is also one of the best armaments in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
In a Reddit thread about weapon setups, Zammin explains that he went through several combinations before settling on Mjolnir as his favorite. They praise the hammer's impressive damage area-of-effect lightning blasts and stun potential, and they recommend using a shield with it to protect against arrows. There is a drawback, though. To balance out its power, Mjolnir is one of the last weapons players can obtain in the game.
Petra's Arc
One of Assassin's Creed Valhalla's most charming mysteries involves the famous folk hero Robin Hood, and players that want to emulate this noble bandit need to wield a mighty bow.
There are several bows (also called arcs) that players can find success with, but, as Redditor SarkSkyLion claims, Petra's Arc is the best one for stealth play. This bow is particularly useful when fighting from the shadows because of its unique perk. Critical Damage is increased when the player has full health, which they will when taking enemies down quietly from afar.
Sarcophagus Shield
Shields may feel like less important support pieces for offensive weapons, but the best ones open up entirely different playstyles for players. The Sarcophagus Shield, found in Sciropescire, is one of the best shields for crowd control. Its stats are solid, but Redditor Several-Degree-9078 explains a particularly effective rune combo for fighting multiple enemies at once.
The shield comes with a default perk that gives the shield a 33% chance to create a fire blast on parry. If players also equip a rune that generates poison clouds on parry, they can deal significant area-of-effect damage to damage all enemies in the immediate area.