Outward is an open-world survival RPG where you play as an ordinary person — no chosen one narrative, no power fantasy. You're a villager paying off a debt while exploring a hostile world where every expedition requires preparation: food, water, warm clothes, healing supplies, and a plan. The game's defining feature is its consequence system — dying doesn't reload a save but triggers a unique defeat scenario (dragged to a bandit camp, rescued by a stranger, washed ashore). Magic isn't innate; you must sacrifice max health permanently to gain mana through a dangerous ritual. The Definitive Edition includes the Soroboreans and Three Brothers DLC expansions, adding new regions, mechanics, and faction content.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Greatsword | S | Warrior | A fire-enchanted greatsword dealing physical + fire damage with every hit. |
| Horror Bow | A | Rogue | The best bow in the game with highest base damage and built-in decay damage (armor-reducing effect). |
| Jade Lich Mace | A | Mage | A mace that reduces mana costs by 15% while equipped. |
| Manticore Greataxe | B | Shaman, Warrior | A greataxe dealing poison damage on hit. |
| Fang Weapons | B | Rogue | A weapon set crafted from manticore fangs with built-in poison. |
S-Tier: Brand Greatsword
A fire-enchanted greatsword dealing physical + fire damage with every hit. Found in the Hallowed Marsh through a quest. The fire damage applies burning, adding DOT to every melee hit. One of the strongest two-handed weapons in the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Warrior |
| Key Mechanic | survival RPG |
| Recommended Build | Warrior |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Brand Greatsword: Pairs naturally with Warrior thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Horror Bow
The best bow in the game with highest base damage and built-in decay damage (armor-reducing effect). Obtained through the Blue Chamber Collective faction quest. Decay damage reduces enemy physical resistance, making follow-up hits more effective.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Rogue |
| Key Mechanic | no hand-holding |
| Recommended Build | Mage |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Horror Bow: Pairs naturally with Mage thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Jade Lich Mace
A mace that reduces mana costs by 15% while equipped. Found in a specific dungeon in the Abrassar desert region. The mana cost reduction is build-defining for Mage builds, allowing more spell casts per encounter.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Mage |
| Key Mechanic | backpack management |
| Recommended Build | Rogue |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Jade Lich Mace: Pairs naturally with Rogue thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Manticore Greataxe
A greataxe dealing poison damage on hit. Obtained through the Heroic Kingdom of Levant faction. The poison application on every hit means even basic attacks stack toxic damage. Pairs well with Shaman builds that use boons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Shaman, Warrior |
| Key Mechanic | split-screen co-op |
| Recommended Build | Shaman |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Manticore Greataxe: Pairs naturally with Shaman thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Fang Weapons
A weapon set crafted from manticore fangs with built-in poison. The Fang Dagger is the fastest poison applicator in the game. Crafted at a specific forge using manticore materials. The entire Fang weapon line shares the poison theme.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Rogue |
| Key Mechanic | faction quests |
| Recommended Build | Mercenary |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Fang Weapons: Pairs naturally with Mercenary thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Cierzo
- Horror Bow → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Jade Lich Mace → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Brand Greatsword → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Drop your backpack (dedicated key) before every fight. The movement speed and dodge improvement is dramatic and can be the difference between life and death.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Outward Guides
- Outward Outward Overview
- Outward Best Builds
- Outward Tier List
- Outward Walkthrough
- Outward Beginner's Guide
- Outward Tips & Tricks
- Outward Combat Guide
- Outward Boss Guide
- Outward Maps & Locations
- Outward Crafting Guide
- Outward Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Outward, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
