Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is FromSoftware's action game set in Sengoku-era Japan where you play as Wolf, a shinobi on a mission to rescue his kidnapped lord. Unlike Dark Souls, Sekiro has no RPG stats, no build variety, and no co-op — it's a pure action game built around the posture system and deflection mechanics. The game won Game of the Year 2019 by demanding mastery of its sword-clashing rhythm combat. Every boss teaches you that aggression and precise deflection are the path forward.
Your choice of weapons 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.
Weapons Rankings
| Weapon | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kusabimaru | S | The only option — master it | Wolf's katana and only melee weapon. |
| Loaded Axe | A | Shielded enemies, Blazing Bull | A prosthetic tool that breaks wooden shields in one hit and deals heavy posture damage. |
| Flame Vent | A | Beast enemies, Guardian Ape Phase 1 | Projects fire that staggers beast-type enemies (Guardian Ape, Blazing Bull, all animals). |
| Shuriken | B | Airborne enemies, Genichiro, Lady Butterfly | Throwable projectiles that interrupt enemy attacks, especially airborne ones. |
| Mist Raven | B | Advanced players, specific boss openings | A counter tool that teleports you when hit, allowing repositioning or aerial attacks. |
S-Tier: Kusabimaru
Wolf's katana and only melee weapon. Cannot be swapped — combat depth comes from how you use it, not what you equip. Upgrades increase attack power. The sword's deflection mechanics are the game's entire combat system. Master it.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | The only option — master it |
| Key Mechanic | posture system |
| Recommended Role | Aggressive Deflector |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Kusabimaru: Pairs naturally with Aggressive Deflector thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Loaded Axe
A prosthetic tool that breaks wooden shields in one hit and deals heavy posture damage. Essential against shield-bearing enemies and the Blazing Bull. The Lazulite upgrade adds bonus damage. Uses 2 Spirit Emblems per use.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Shielded enemies, Blazing Bull |
| Key Mechanic | deflection |
| Recommended Role | Prosthetic User |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Loaded Axe: Pairs naturally with Prosthetic User thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Flame Vent
Projects fire that staggers beast-type enemies (Guardian Ape, Blazing Bull, all animals). Upgraded versions create lingering fire fields or coat your sword in fire. Living Force technique applies fire to sword attacks.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Beast enemies, Guardian Ape Phase 1 |
| Key Mechanic | Shinobi prosthetics |
| Recommended Role | Stealth Player |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Flame Vent: Pairs naturally with Stealth Player thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Shuriken
Throwable projectiles that interrupt enemy attacks, especially airborne ones. Cheap at 1 Spirit Emblem. The Chasing Slice follow-up gaps closing. Essential for Genichiro and any enemy that jumps frequently.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Airborne enemies, Genichiro, Lady Butterfly |
| Key Mechanic | stealth deathblows |
| Recommended Role | Combat Arts Focus |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Shuriken: Pairs naturally with Combat Arts Focus thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Mist Raven
A counter tool that teleports you when hit, allowing repositioning or aerial attacks. Advanced technique — creates openings from attacks you'd otherwise have to deflect. The Lazulite upgrade adds elemental damage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Advanced players, specific boss openings |
| Key Mechanic | resurrection |
| Recommended Role | Balanced |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Mist Raven: Pairs naturally with Balanced thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Weapons Progression Path
The order you should acquire weapons as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Ashina Outskirts
- Loaded Axe → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Flame Vent → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Kusabimaru → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Weapons Tips
- Always upgrade your primary weapon before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your weapons to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Deflect, don't block. Timing is everything — a deflection (tap block at impact) deals massive posture damage to the enemy while taking none yourself. Blocking fills your posture bar.
- Check our tier list for how weapons rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Guides
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Overview
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Best Builds
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Tier List
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Walkthrough
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Beginner's Guide
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Tips & Tricks
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Combat Guide
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Boss Guide
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Maps & Locations
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Crafting Guide
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
