Best One-Handed Weapons in Baldur's Gate 3

Summary

Versatile weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 can be wielded one or two-handed, offering flexibility in combat strategy.
Some one-handed weapons like the Sacred Star have unique effects like Radiant Strike and can turn undead creatures.
High-level weapons like Duellist's Prerogative and Devotee's Mace offer additional benefits like healing auras and extra attacks.

From Shortswords and Morningstars to Rapier and Maces, there are a multitude of one-handed weapons in Baldur's Gate 3, and this isn't even considering all the Versatile weapons that can be wielded in one hand or two. The advantage of one-handed weapons that typically deal less damage, is that they can be used alongside BG3's best shields for added protection, or some of them can instead be duel-wielded.

The Best Beginner Classes in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 lets players step in almost any class from the Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook, and these are the easiest ones for begginers.

Posts

By Adam Sy

As with any weapons, more complex one-handed options such as Flails require Martial Proficiency, whereas easier-to-wield weapons such as Clubs and Handaxes only need Simple Proficiency. When it comes to the best one-handed weapons in BG3, these not only have great damage, but also unique effects that can change the course of a fight.

Updated January 24, 2025, by Joe Grantham: When players are looking for one-handed weapons, it is typically because they plan on wielding their weapon alongside a shield, staff, or another dual-wielded weapon. Therefore, it only feels fitting to also present players with Versatile weapons, which can be held in one hand or two. These weapons deal slightly less damage with one hand, but are nonetheless potent, and often complement a shield.

9 Voss' Silver Sword

Base Damage: 4~14

Baldur's Gate 3 Voss' Silver Sword (Longsword)

Weapon Type

Damage

Rarity

Weapon Skills

Longsword

1d8 + 2 Slashing + 1d4 Psychic (One-Handed)

Very Rare

Interplanar Slayer: This weapon grants a +1d4 bonus to Damage and Attack Rolls against githyanki, aberrations, fiends, and elementals. Wrathful Smite (Lvl 1 Spell): Adds 1d6 Psychic damage to a weapon attack and possibly frightens targets.

Location: Belongs to Kith'rak Voss, Act 3.

As Longswords in BG3 are classed as versatile weapons, players can use them in one hand, alongside a shield or secondary weapon. Arguably the best Longsword is Voss' Silver Sword, which belongs to the high-ranked Githyanki warrior Kith'rak Voss. What makes it so good, is the 1d4 bonus to Damage and Attack Rolls against certain enemies such as elementals.

Players can also perform Wrathful Smite for additional damage and to hopefully frighten enemies, with Smites usually only available to Paladins. To obtain the weapon, players will need to take it from Kith'rak Voss. Unfortunately, he does not stick to one location even in Act 3. His locations include Sharess' Caress, the Lower City Sewers, and the Upper City later on.

8 Blade Of The First Blood

Base Damage: 3~6

Baldur's Gate 3 Blade of the First Blood Dagger

Weapon Type

Damage

Rarity

Weapon Skills

Dagger

1d4 + 2 Piercing

Legendary

Improved Critical: The number needed to roll a Critical Hit while attacking is reduced by 1. This effect can stack. Exploit Weakness: Creatures hit with this weapon receive Vulnerability to Piercing Damage. True Strike Riposte: When a creature misses with a melee attack, the wielder may retaliate and gain True Strike. Armor Class +1

Location: Looted from Orin in Bhaal's Temple, Act 3.

Daggers can be great one-handed weapons, especially when wielded in the off-hand alongside something else. The best dagger in Baldur's Gate 3 is arguably the Blade of the First Blood, as it has numerous effects that make it deadly, and even enhances follow-up attacks with a main weapon. As it can make enemies vulnerable to Piercing damage, it's best to choose a main weapon that pierces.

The chance to retaliate against enemies who miss is also one of the strongest features, as players end up dealing damage when it isn't even their turn. To obtain the Blade of the First Blood, players will need to kill Orin as part of the main story. The fight versus her happens in Act 3 in Bhaal's Temple.

7 Justiciar's Scimitar

Base Damage: 3~8

Weapon Type

Damage

Rarity

Weapon Skills

Scimitar

1d6 + 2 Slashing

Very Rare

Shadow-Blinding: When attacking with Advantage, there is a chance to Blind the target.
Shadowsoaked Strike: Strike an enemy, adding Proficiency Bonus to the damage. Moreover, if the attack hits, it also deals an additional 1d6 Psychic damage. This attack doesn't break concealment.

Location: Looted from Lyrthindor in the Gauntlet of Shar, Act 2.

Scimitars in Baldur's Gate 3 aren't known for being the best, but the Justiciar's Scimitar is one of the exceptions. It is particularly strong for those who have other means of consistently attacking with Advantage, as this enables the wielder to Blind foes. The Shadowsoaked Strike action is also great for when big hits are needed and has the added bonus of keeping the wielder hidden. It is also refreshed with Short Rests.

To get hold of the Justiciar's Scimitar, players will need to talk to the rats in the Gauntlet of Shar during Act 2 and follow them to the bottom of a colossal statue in the image of Shar. They will then need to defeat the rats and Lyrthindor who spawns when the last of them is felled. The Scimitar can be looted from Lyrthindor.

6 Nyrulna

Base Damage: 5~15

Weapon Type

Damage

Rarity

Weapon Skills

Trident

1d6 + 3 Piercing + 1d6 Thunder

Legendary

Zephyr Connection: This weapon will return when thrown. Cannot be forced to drop the trident. When thrown, it creates an explosion that deals 3d4 (3~12) Thunder damage in a 6m blast.
Veil of the Wind: Gain a +3m bonus to movement speed and jump distance. Gives Immunity to falling damage.
Nyrulna: Glowing: This object shines with a glowing light in a radius of 6m.
Zephyr Flash: Rush forward, creating an air vortex that blasts foes and possibly inflicts Bleeding.
Zephyr Break: Zephyr Break imitates the effects of the spell Gust of Wind while dealing thunder damage.

Location: Acquired via multiple steps at the circus in Rivington, Act 3.

Nyrulna is easily one of the best Versatile weapons in Baldur's Gate 3, but as its strength lies more in passives and abilities rather than raw damage, it is arguably best used in one hand alongside a shield. One of the standout features of this Trident is the fact that when thrown it explodes and crucially returns. The fact that it deals Thunder damage too is a plus seeing as few enemies have resistance to Thunder.

The tricky thing with Nyrulna, however, is obtaining it, as players must first steal the Djinni Ring from Akabi at the Circus of the Last Days. This ring will allow them to win Akabi's jackpot, whereupon they will be teleported to the jungle where Nyrulna waits inside a DC 20 locked chest. This all takes place at the start of Act 3.

5 The Sacred Star

Base Damage: 4~14

Baldur's Gate 3 The Sacred Star (Morningstar)

Weapon Type

Damage

Rarity

Weapon Skills

Morningstar

1d8 + 2 Piercing + 1d4 Radiant

Very Rare

Radiant Strike: On a hit, inflict 1 turn of Radiating Orb upon the target.
Dawnburst Strike: Deal additional Radiant damage based on the wielder's Proficiency bonus and possibly Blind enemies. Once per Short Rest.
Sanctified Weapon: Undead creatures struck by this weapon are possibly Turned.

Location: Sold by Vicar Humbletoes, Stormshore Tabernacle, Act 3.

The Sacred Star is the best Morningstar in Baldur's Gate 3, and as such, it is also one of the best one-handed options to go alongside a shield. It has good damage, an action that can Blind and deal bonus damage, as well as the ability to turn Undead creatures around, rendering them useless.

While players will need to wait until Act 3 to obtain The Sacred Star, it is easy to find as it is simply purchased from Vicar Humbletoes in the Strormshore Tabernacle.

4 Crimson Mischief

Base Damage: 4~12

Baldur's Gate 3 Crimson Mischief Shortsword

Weapon Type	Damage	Rarity	Weapon Skills
Shortsword	1d6 + 2 Piercing + 1d4 Necrotic	Legendary	Prey Upon the Weak: This weapon deals an additional 1-4 Piercing damage against targets with 50% of their hit points or fewer. Redvein Savagery: When the wielder makes an attack with Advantage, the target takes an additional 7 Piercing damage. Crimson Weapon: When the wielder makes an attack with their off-hand weapon, they can add their Ability Modifier to the damage of the attack.

Location: Looted from Orin, Act 3.

Crimson Mischief is easily one of the best melee weapons in Baldur's Gate 3, and on top of its high base damage, players deal plenty of bonus damage in certain situations. For example, if they attack a low-health enemy with Advantage, they will deal 1d4 + 7 Piercing damage respectively, and both of these effects work on their own too.

title image best items to have in act 1 bg3

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Items To Get In Act 1

Baldur's Gate 3 is long and dense, and players should pick up these items during Act 1 to get started on the right foot.

Posts

By Kristy Ambrose

To get hold of this deadly Shortsword, players will have to kill Orin in Act 3 of the game, as Crimson Mischief belongs to her. It might be late into the game, but its power will certainly be felt across the final act.

3 Duellist's Prerogative

Base Damage: 5~15

Duellist's Prerogative in Baldur's Gate 3

Weapon Type	Damage	Rarity	Weapon Skills
Rapier	1d8 + 3 Piercing + 1d4 Necrotic	Legendary	Elegant Duellist: While the off-hand is empty, score a Critical Hit when rolling a 19. Moreover, gain an additional reaction per turn. Withering Cut: On a hit with a melee weapon, use a reaction to deal additional Necrotic damage equal to Proficiency Bonus. Challenge to Duel (Lvl 1 Spell): Challenge an enemy to attack and inflict Bleeding on them. Dueller's Enthusiasm: When not dual-wielding, make an additional melee attack.

Location: Reward for the Save Vanra quest, Act 3.

Duellist's Prerogative is a fantastic Rapier with high base Piercing and Necrotic damage, with the ability to deal further Necrotic damage. Furthermore, if players keep their off-hand empty, they will gain additional benefits such as easier crits, an extra reaction per turn, and the ability to attack again as a bonus action.

To acquire Duellist's Prerogative, players will first need to complete the Save Mayrina quest in Act 1, as this unlocks the Save Vanra quest in Act 3 which rewards players with the Rapier. This quest can be initiated by speaking to Lora in the Lower City.

2 Devotee's Mace

Base Damage: 5~17

Weapon Type	Damage	Rarity	Weapon Skills
Mace	1d6 + 3 Bludgeoning + 1d8 Radiant	Legendary	Healing Incense Aura: The wielder and nearby allies regain 1d4hit points at the start of the wielder's turn for 10 turns. Once per Long Rest.

Location: Acquired through Divine Intervention at Cleric Lvl 10.

Devotee's Mace is the perfect weapon to complete a Cleric build; in fact, it can only be procured by members of this class. On top of its outstanding damage, this Mace comes equipped with a healing aura that will make all allies thankful for its presence.

Baldurs Gate 3 Masterclass RPG Archetypes

Baldur's Gate 3: 4 Best Honour Mode Party Compositions

Honour Mode in BG3 can be brutal. Here's a list to help players narrow down what party composition they want.

Posts

By Anastasia Maillot

At Cleric level 10, a character will gain access to Divine Intervention, which is a one-time-use action with a few options. One of these options, Arm Thy Servant, creates the Devotee's Mace.

1 The Blood Of Lathander

Base Damage: 4~9

Baldurs Gate 3 Blood of Lathander Quest Legendary Weapon Mace, featured image

Weapon Type

Damage

Rarity

Weapon Skills

Mace

1d6 + 3 Bludgeoning

Legendary

Lathander's Blessing: Once per Long Rest, when reduced to 0 HP, regain 2d6 HP. Allies within 9 m / 30 ft also regain 1d6 HP.
Lathander's Light: Sheds holy light in a 6 m / 20 ft radius. In combat, fiends and undead standing in the light are Blinded if they fail a DC 14 Constitution throw.
Sunbeam (Lvl 6 Spell): Deal 6d8 (6~48) Radiant damage in a line and Blind enemies.

Location: Creche Y'llek, during the Find the Blood of Lathander quest, Act 1.

While it might not have the best damage, The Blood of Lathander has some truly astounding effects that make it one of BG3's best one-handed weapons. Sunbeam, for example, is one of the best spells and can wipe out waves of enemies at once. Perhaps even more useful, however, is the automatic healing for the wielder and their allies when the wielder drops to 0 HP.

The astounding thing about this Mace is that it can be obtained at the end of Act 1, making it a viable option for most of the game. It is found inside Creche Y'llek as part of the Find the Blood of Lathander quest.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image