Ultimate Guide To Starting Weapons In Deepwoken: Choosing Your First Path

Navigating the unforgiving world of Deepwoken requires more than just quick reflexes and a strong stomach for permadeath; it requires a fundamental understanding of your tools. Your choice of starting weapon is the first major decision you make, and it dictates the rhythm of every encounter you will face in the Etris or Vigil starting zones. In Deepwoken, combat is a dance of posture, parrying, and timing. The weapon you clutch in your hands as you step off the boat determines how much room for error you have and how quickly you can dismantle the posture of your enemies, whether they be fresh-spawned bandits or the terrifying creatures of the depths.

Unlike many other RPGs where starting gear is quickly discarded, your initial weapon choice in Deepwoken sets the trajectory for your entire "build." Because the game relies heavily on attribute scaling—such as Strength for Heavy weapons or Agility for Light weapons—picking a sword, an axe, or a dagger is a commitment to a specific playstyle. A player who masters the timing of a heavy battleaxe will play a fundamentally different game than one who thrives on the rapid-fire stabs of a dagger. Understanding the nuances of these weapons is the difference between surviving your first trial and losing a soul to the Depths before you've even leveled up.

The weight, swing speed, and reach of these weapons are meticulously balanced to ensure no single choice is "best," but rather "best for you." As a newcomer, you are faced with a learning curve that feels like a vertical wall. Your starting weapon is your primary climbing gear. This guide will break down the mechanics of the three primary starting options, helping you understand which one aligns with your personal combat philosophy and how to maximize their potential during the precarious early game.

The Sword: The Jack-of-All-Trades for New Explorers

The starting sword is the quintessential choice for many Deepwoken players, and for good reason. It occupies the "Medium" weapon category, which is widely considered the most balanced and forgiving archetype for beginners. The sword offers a moderate swing speed that allows you to react to enemy movements without being locked into long attack animations. Its reach is standard, providing enough distance to keep most humanoid enemies at bay while remaining close enough to follow up with a quick parry or a guard break.

One of the greatest advantages of the sword is its transparency in combat feedback. Because its animations are fluid and predictable, it is the perfect tool for learning the game's core mechanic: parrying. When you swing a sword, the window for an opponent to react is fair, and the recovery time—the period where you are vulnerable after a swing—is minimal. This makes the sword an excellent defensive weapon, as it allows you to transition from an offensive flurry back into a defensive posture almost instantly. For players who aren't yet sure if they want to focus on raw power or extreme speed, the sword provides a middle ground that excels in almost any situation.

Furthermore, the Medium weapon tree, which the starting sword leads into, features some of the most versatile mantras and talents in the game. By starting with the sword, you are positioning yourself to use iconic weapons later on, such as the Shattered Katana or the various officer blades. These weapons often scale with a mix of Medium Weaponry and other stats like Agility or Charisma, allowing for a diverse range of endgame builds. If you value consistency and want a reliable weapon that performs well against both players and NPCs, the sword is your most logical starting point.

The Battleaxe: Raw Power and Posture Pressure

If your philosophy in combat is to end the fight as quickly as possible through sheer overwhelming force, the Battleaxe is your weapon of choice. Categorized as a "Heavy" weapon, the battleaxe deals significantly more damage per hit than its counterparts. However, this power comes at a steep price: speed. Every swing of the battleaxe is a deliberate commitment. If you miss your timing, you leave yourself wide open to a counter-attack that could easily end your run. This weapon demands a high degree of "game sense" and an understanding of enemy patterns, as you cannot simply spam your attacks.

The true strength of the battleaxe lies in its ability to destroy an enemy's posture. In Deepwoken, breaking an opponent's posture leads to a "Guardbreak," leaving them momentarily stunned and vulnerable to a massive amount of damage. Heavy weapons excel at this, forcing enemies to rethink their defensive strategies. A single well-timed hit from a battleaxe can chunks through a bandit's posture bar, making it an ideal tool for PvE (Player vs. Environment) encounters where monsters often have high health pools but predictable attack patterns.

Choosing the battleaxe also sets you on the path of the "Heavy" build, which typically prioritizes Strength and Fortitude. This path is for players who don't mind being a bit slower if it means they can take a hit and dish out twice the punishment in return. As you progress, you’ll find that heavy weapons often have unique "hyper-armor" properties on certain moves, allowing you to power through enemy attacks without being staggered. While it is the most difficult starting weapon to master due to the punishing recovery times, it is arguably the most rewarding for those who enjoy the "behemoth" playstyle.

The Dagger: Blinding Speed and Agility

The Dagger is the representative of the "Light" weapon class and offers a playstyle that is the polar opposite of the battleaxe. It features the fastest swing speed in the game, allowing you to land multiple hits in the time it takes a heavy weapon user to swing once. The trade-off is its extremely short reach and lower damage per individual strike. To be successful with a dagger, you must be comfortable being in your opponent's face, dancing around their attacks with high Agility and using your speed to interrupt their slower animations.

Daggers are particularly lethal in the hands of a player who understands "pressure." Because the attacks come so fast, it can be overwhelming for an opponent to find a window to counter-attack. In PvP (Player vs. Player) scenarios, a dagger user can be a nightmare to deal with, as they can quickly apply status effects like bleed or poison, which chip away at the opponent's health over time. The light weapon tree also grants access to some of the most mobile talents in the game, allowing you to vanish and reappear behind your enemies or dodge with increased invincibility frames.

However, the dagger is perhaps the least forgiving weapon for a true beginner. Its short range means you must be very close to your target, which increases the risk of being hit by wide-swinging attacks or AoE (Area of Effect) abilities. If you miss a parry while wielding a dagger, you often don't have the "weight" to mitigate the incoming posture damage, leading to a quick death. It is a high-skill ceiling weapon that rewards precision, fast fingers, and a deep understanding of movement. If you want to play as a rogue, assassin, or a high-speed duelist, the dagger is the only way to go.

Starting Weapons Statistical Comparison

To help you visualize the differences between these three archetypes, the following table breaks down their core attributes. Note that these values are representative of the base starting versions of the weapons.

Progression and Requirements: Building Your Character

Your starting weapon is just the beginning of your journey. In Deepwoken, your stats determine which weapons you can equip as you find them in chests or craft them. If you start with a sword but decide you want to switch to a massive greathammer later, you will need to invest points into the Heavy Weaponry attribute. Each level you gain allows you to put points into your weapon stats, which not only allows you to use better gear but also increases the damage you deal with that specific category.

Scaling is a vital concept to grasp. For example, if you choose the dagger, you should focus on the Light Weaponry stat, but you should also consider Agility. Many Light weapon talents require high Agility to unlock, providing you with better dashes and speed-based buffs. Conversely, if you choose the battleaxe, Strength is your best friend. Not only does it increase your raw damage, but it also allows you to carry heavier gear without suffering movement penalties. The sword, being the middle ground, often benefits from a "quality" build, where you might balance your weapon stats with a bit of everything to remain versatile.

It is also important to consider your "Mantra" selection in conjunction with your weapon. Mantras are the magical abilities in Deepwoken. Some mantras complement slow, heavy weapons by providing crowd control or defensive shields, while others enhance the speed of light weapons. When you pick your starting weapon, think about the "Attunement" (magic type) you chose at character creation. Flamecharmer often pairs well with the aggressive nature of daggers, while Thundercall can complement the precise strikes of a sword or the heavy impacts of an axe.

Pros and Cons of Each Starting Choice

The Sword (Medium)

• Pros: Very balanced and easy to learn; great for practicing parry timings; versatile endgame options.
• Cons: Does not excel in any one specific area; can feel "plain" compared to more specialized builds.

The Battleaxe (Heavy)

• Pros: Massive damage per hit; easily breaks enemy posture; high intimidation factor in PvP.
• Cons: Very slow and punishing if you miss; requires high Strength; difficult to use against fast enemies.

The Dagger (Light)

• Pros: Incredible speed; high pressure potential; pairs perfectly with Agility-based builds.
• Cons: Extremely short range; requires you to be very close to danger; low damage per hit makes fights last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I change my weapon type after the game starts? Yes, you can. While your starting weapon gives you a small boost in its respective stat, you are free to put your level-up points into any weapon category you wish. However, it is more efficient to stick to one category early on so you can reach the requirements for higher-tier weapons faster.

2. Which starting weapon is best for solo players? The Sword (Medium) is generally considered the best for solo players because of its versatility. It handles both groups of weak NPCs and single strong bosses relatively well without the extreme risks associated with the Battleaxe or Dagger.

3. Does my starting weapon affect my starting island? No, your starting weapon choice is independent of your starting location. Whether you choose Etris or the Isle of Vigils, you will have access to the same three starting weapon choices during the character creation process.

4. Is the Dagger bad for PvE? Not necessarily, but it is more challenging. Because many monsters in Deepwoken have large hitboxes and "unparryable" attacks, being close enough to use a dagger can be dangerous. However, the speed of the dagger allows you to get in quick hits during very small windows of opportunity.

5. How do I get better weapons after the starting one? You can find new weapons by defeating enemies, looting chests in ruins, or purchasing them from smiths in major cities. You will eventually find "rare" or "enchanted" versions of weapons that offer significant stat boosts and unique effects.

Master the Combat of the Depths

Choosing your starting weapon in Deepwoken is your first step into a larger, much more dangerous world. Whether you prefer the balanced reliability of the sword, the crushing power of the battleaxe, or the frantic speed of the dagger, mastery only comes through practice. Don't be afraid to lose a few characters while you find the rhythm that suits you best. Every death is a lesson, and every successful parry is a step toward becoming a legend in the world of Deepwoken. Pick your blade, hone your skills, and prepare to face whatever horrors await you in the shadows.

Ready to start your journey? Log into Deepwoken now, select your weapon, and see if you have what it takes to survive the trial!