Echoes of Aincrad gives you six weapon types to choose from, each pulling from the Sword Art Online setting in distinct ways. The range runs from fast, mobile options that punish hesitation to slow, bone-crunching heavyweights that demand precision. After testing all six against bosses and standard enemies across the full game, the differences between them are real enough to matter. Some weapons will carry you through content with minimal friction; others ask a lot before they give anything back.
Full weapon tier list
Before breaking down each type, here's where everything lands:
S-tier weapons
Two-Handed Axe
The Two-Handed Axe is the standout performer once you hit the midgame. The reason is a specific weapon variant called the Iron Scythe, which you unlock around the midgame and which transforms how the weapon plays. Its MOD enhances Sprint Attacks significantly, and a second MOD can push your Sprint Speed even higher. The result is a weapon that lets you close distance and deal damage before enemies can react. There's a learning curve to managing the sprint-based playstyle, but once it clicks, the Two-Handed Axe clears faster than anything else in the game.
All six weapon types available
Sword
Swords sit in S-tier for a different reason than the Two-Handed Axe. They don't dominate any single category, but they do everything competently. Solid damage, decent speed, no extreme stat investment required, and you get access to a shield for blocking incoming attacks. That shield option is more valuable than it sounds, especially against bosses where parry timing is tight. Swords are the safest pick for new players and still hold up at higher difficulty levels, which is exactly why they rank this high.
Iron Scythe MOD upgrade screen
For a deeper look at how Swords fit into broader build options, the combat, crafting, and builds guide covers weapon synergies and EX-MOD choices in detail.
A-tier weapons
Mace
The Mace is straightforward to use and hits hard with the right stat investment. Strength is the key attribute here; without it, the Mace underperforms relative to its tier. Stack enough Strength and it becomes a reliable damage dealer with fast enough attack speed to stay competitive. The shield access is a genuine bonus, particularly for players who struggle with parry timing. It's not the most exciting weapon, but it works.
Rapier
Rapiers reward Agility investment and pair well with Swords if you want a dual-style approach. The speed and mobility they offer make them appealing for players who prefer to stay in constant motion rather than trading heavy blows. They're not complex to understand, but optimizing them requires committing heavily to Agility, which narrows your build options elsewhere.
Dagger
Daggers are the pure Agility option. They deal burst damage quickly and punish enemies hard when every hit connects. The trade-offs are real, though: the range is extremely short, so you're always fighting in close quarters, and there's no shield option. Missing attacks hurts more with Daggers than with any other weapon type because you're sacrificing defense for speed. If you're confident in your positioning and dodge timing, Daggers pay off. If not, the lack of a shield will get you killed.
Agility build for Rapier users
B-tier weapons
Two-Handed Sword
The Two-Handed Sword deals the most raw damage of any weapon type, and that's genuinely its only selling point. The attack speed is slow, the weapon is heavy, and missed swings are punishing because of how long each animation takes. Every hit needs to count. Players who enjoy methodical, high-stakes combat will find something here, but the Two-Handed Sword demands far more precision than other options while offering no defensive tools in return.
What's the best weapon for beginners?
Swords. The shield access alone makes early-game survivability much easier, and the balanced stat requirements mean you won't paint yourself into a corner with your early Growth Point spending. The Two-Handed Axe is the higher ceiling option, but it asks you to understand Sprint Attack mechanics and MOD unlocks before it really shines. Start with Swords, learn the systems, then experiment.
If you're just starting out, the beginner's guide to Echoes of Aincrad covers stamina, Sword Skills, Growth Points, and Smithy upgrades, all of which directly affect how your weapon of choice performs.
Does your weapon choice affect other systems?
Yes, in a few meaningful ways. Strength and Agility are the two stats that matter most across the weapon types. Maces and Two-Handed Swords scale with Strength; Rapiers and Daggers need Agility. Swords and Two-Handed Axes are more flexible. Shield access is tied directly to weapon type, with Swords and Maces offering it while Daggers, Rapiers, and Two-Handed Swords do not. That distinction matters a lot in Death Game Mode, where mistakes have permanent consequences. If you're playing that mode, check the permadeath and save system guide before committing to a weapon that leaves you without a shield.
For everything else in the game, including optimizing your PC settings to keep combat running smoothly, the full Echoes of Aincrad guide collection has you covered.