2023 was a good year for games because of titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, and Pikmin 4. They’re all great games with sleek visuals, immersive soundtracks, and fun combat mechanics. To that end, we’ve rounded up the best weapons we used in those games. They were so innovative that Player.com hopes that other studios will pick up from there.
Also Similar: Baldur’s Gate 3’s Cantrips vs. Spells: Prime Examples Included
6 Exemplary Video Game Weapons of 2023
Many video games were released in 2023 so we played them to compile a list of the best weapons we could find. Returnal comes to mind when we’re talking about intricate weapons, especially as the tactical feedback was fitting. There are other games like Splatoon 3 where you fire different coloured paints to kill enemies and rejuvenate the sandbox. It’s like an art game but with shooting mechanics reminiscent of a paintball game.
#1: Everburn Blade in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a huge game with an amazing cast of characters and voiceovers. Likewise, there are tons of spells and weapons to learn and invest in, so you’re in for quite the ride. That said, the best in-game weapon we’ve encountered is the Everburn Blade. It’s a good thing that you’re fighting the undead and other enemies who are weak against fire.
To that end, the Everburn Blade is a flaming sword that’ll cut through enemies’ defences and heath like a hot knife through butter. There’s also the fact that you can learn fire-based spells, so you can bring out the dragon in you. To obtain the Everburn Blade, you must kill Commander Zhalk or force him to drop it via a lucky Command Spell. If he doesn’t drop it after being commanded, just kill him, and you can win a two-handed sword that’ll last you the entire game.
#2: Ultima Weapon in Final Fantasy 16
Ultima is an end-game weapon in Clive’s repertoire that deals astounding damage to enemies. It’s not one of the most popular weapons in the game because you can only use it in the New Game Plus. We don’t blame the creators because Ultima’s stat is 700 for both Magic and Attack. To acquire this weapon, you must complete several challenges, including killing the main bosses and completing the Blacksmith’s Blues quest.
Other characters in Final Fantasy 16 use powerful weapons such as Stormcry, Ragnarok, Brightburn, Levinbolt, and Icebrand. However, Ultima makes you work for it, so only the most devout players can get one. To craft this ultimate game weapon, you’ll need 1x Everdark Reforged, 1x Utterance of Creation, and 1x Gotterdammerung Reforged.
#3: Wand in Hogwarts Legacy
The Wand in Hogwarts Legacy is a capable game weapon that can level the playing field with death curses, painful torture spells, and the ability to subjugate magical creatures. You can approach combat any way you can but your Wand is at the core of fights. Players who invest in spells will be rewarded with Lord Voldemort’s iconic killing spell, the Avada Kedavra. It can snatch the soul out of any creature it hits but in-game, you have to wear your opponents down first.
It’s not true-to-the-books but it does balance fights, so enemies have a winning chance too. On the bright side, you can explore Hogsmeade at your leisure in Hogwarts Legacy. Besides that, you can also learn potions that will increase the potency of your spells. That way, you can take full advantage of your Wand’s unique powers.
#4: Symbiote in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The Symbiote, otherwise known as Venom, is a new suit that Peter gains in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The in-game weapon increases his speed, power, agility, durability, and affinity for violence. So, thugs that were tough before are pawns to Peter now because he doesn’t hold back in fights anymore. Our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man usually knocks out enemies with as little force as possible. Now, though, he doesn’t mind breaking bones.
On the flip side, there’s a downside to all that power. Peter’s mental health is being corroded and influenced by his Symbiote. So, this relationship is more parasitic than friendly and he’s forced to remove the suit. However, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Symbiote in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
#5: The Golden Lie in Lies of P
Lies of P is an incredible tale about Pinocchio, the boy whose nose extends when he lies. It’s an impressive spin on the decades-old story that sees P wield his lies as in-game weapons on the frontlines. The best example is the Golden Lie, which is a broken-off branch, representing the nose of P. To acquire this weapon, you must lie throughout the campaign and should have acquired the Portrait of a Boy after killing the Eldest of the Black Rabbit Brotherhood.
#6: Chai’s Guitar in Hi-Fi Rush
Chai’s Guitar is the player’s main weapon throughout the events of Hi-Fi Rush and that’s because of its high durability. It can cut through concrete and steel with absolute ease so your enemies should watch out. Besides that, Chai can also stab enemies with the in-game weapon and then throw them around with the sharp headstock.
Our Final Say: The Everburn Blade Is Fantastic
For melee lovers, the Everburn Blade is a great early-game weapon from the beginning of Baldur’s Gate 3 to the end of its campaign. Being able to cut enemies and still inflict the burn status is a cheat that you’ll enjoy exploiting. The Everburn Blade is also capable of inflicting bleed status, depending on how it’s used. Besides that, the blade’s incredible reach means you can pommel up to three enemies at once.