For most players, the Saw Cleaver is the safest all-around pick: it is available from the start, has modest stat requirements, and suits a wide range of situations. Ludwig’s Holy Blade is a strong, versatile choice for a Strength/Skill character; the Threaded Cane suits Skill-focused hunters who want reach; and the Whirligig Saw and Holy Moonlight Sword are compelling expansion options. There is no official best-weapon ranking, so the picks below prioritize build fit, moveset, access, and practical versatility.
How this ranking works
Bloodborne’s weapons reward different attributes and combat styles. A useful choice is not just the weapon with the highest listed damage: consider how its speed, reach, and transformed form fit your character and the situations you face. The Bloodborne Wiki recommends using two weapons that suit your stats and complement one another—for example, a quick close-range option alongside a slower weapon with more reach. Its weapon reference is community-maintained, so treat it as a secondary source for requirements and availability, not an official ranking. Bloodborne Wiki weapon reference.
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Bloodborne PS4 Game of the Year Edition | $34.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Bloodborne - Game Of The Year Edition [PS4]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rSUixk1XL._SL160_.jpg)
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Bloodborne - Game Of The Year Edition [PS4] | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Bloodborne - Game of the Year (PS4) | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Bloodborne (PS4) | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The order below is a practical recommendation, not an objective verdict. It favors broad usefulness and accessibility while noting when a weapon needs The Old Hunters expansion.
Best Bloodborne weapons, ranked
1. Saw Cleaver — best all-around starting weapon
The Saw Cleaver is the easiest recommendation for a new hunter who wants a flexible weapon without committing to a specialized build. Push Square describes it as an all-rounder, and it is one of the starting gifts. The Bloodborne Wiki lists requirements of 8 Strength and 7 Skill, making it accessible early. Its place at the top here reflects that combination of availability and broad utility, not a claim that it wins every matchup.
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#1 Best Overall
- Bloodborne Game of The Year
- If Bloodborne needs to be summed up, then the prevalent themes would be: exploring the fearsome unknown, intense life-and-death battles, and a familiar yet uniquely new online experience
- From the makers of the infamous Souls series, From Software's PS4 exclusive will attempt to take the tried and tested formula of giving players a sense of achievement to the next stage - especially when Miyazaki, the original creator of the Souls series is back at the helm
- What is promised is a harrowing experience like no other, and fans of tension, discovery, and straight up fun will sure to be excited to play Bloodborne
- If you have played the previous Souls games, then this one is a definite must buy
2. Ludwig’s Holy Blade — best versatile Strength/Skill choice
Ludwig’s Holy Blade is a strong candidate for hunters investing in both Strength and Skill. The 2023 tier list by Common Sense Gamer places it in S tier and describes it as versatile against mobs and bosses; that is one author’s assessment, not an official game ranking. The weapon reference lists requirements of 16 Strength and 12 Skill. It becomes available for purchase from the Bath Messenger after obtaining the Radiant Sword Hunter Badge, so it is not an immediate starting option.
3. Threaded Cane — best starting choice for Skill and reach
The Threaded Cane is a starting gift for players leaning toward Skill. Push Square highlights its extended reach, which can help a hunter maintain distance compared with a close-range approach. The weapon reference lists requirements of 7 Strength and 9 Skill. Choose it when its reach and Skill fit matter more to you than an all-rounder’s straightforwardness.
Rank #2
- Bloodborne - Game Of The Year Edition [PS4]
4. Hunter Axe — best starting pick for heavier, slower attacks
The Hunter Axe is the heavier, slower starting option in Push Square’s comparison. It may suit a player who prefers more deliberate attacks and reach over the Saw Cleaver’s all-rounder feel. Its listed requirements are 9 Strength and 8 Skill. These requirements tell you whether you can equip it, not how well it will perform for every build or encounter.
5. Whirligig Saw — best expansion pick for Strength/Skill investment
The Whirligig Saw is part of The Old Hunters and is found in Hunter’s Nightmare, so it is not an option for a base-game-only playthrough. The weapon reference lists requirements of 18 Strength and 12 Skill. Common Sense Gamer’s December 6, 2023 tier list puts it in S tier and praises the patterns available in both forms. That placement is an editorial opinion; consider the weapon if you have the expansion, meet its requirements, and enjoy its moveset.
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Rank #3
- A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.
- Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you'll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city's dark secrets.
- A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of PlayStation 4.
6. Holy Moonlight Sword — best expansion option for a mixed-stat build
The Holy Moonlight Sword is another The Old Hunters weapon associated with Ludwig in Hunter’s Nightmare. Its listed requirements are 16 Strength, 12 Skill, and 14 Arcane, so it asks for a broader stat commitment than the other picks here. Common Sense Gamer includes it in S tier and describes it as scaling with Strength, Skill, and Arcane. That is the tier-list author’s view, not a guarantee that it is best for every character.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compare the picks by build and access
| Weapon | Build fit and listed requirements | Combat tradeoff | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saw Cleaver | Broad early choice; 8 Strength, 7 Skill | All-rounder characterization from Push Square | Starting gift; base game |
| Ludwig’s Holy Blade | Strength/Skill; 16 Strength, 12 Skill | Tier-list author describes it as versatile against mobs and bosses | Buy from Bath Messenger after Radiant Sword Hunter Badge; base game |
| Threaded Cane | Skill-oriented; 7 Strength, 9 Skill | Extended form offers useful reach, per Push Square | Starting gift; base game |
| Hunter Axe | Heavier starting option; 9 Strength, 8 Skill | Stronger but slower, per Push Square | Starting gift; base game |
| Whirligig Saw | Strength/Skill; 18 Strength, 12 Skill | Tier-list author highlights patterns in both forms | Hunter’s Nightmare; The Old Hunters required |
| Holy Moonlight Sword | Strength/Skill/Arcane; 16 Strength, 12 Skill, 14 Arcane | Tier-list author describes scaling across all three attributes | Hunter’s Nightmare; The Old Hunters required |
Requirements and acquisition details are from the Bloodborne Wiki weapon reference. Combat characterizations are attributed above to Push Square’s 2018 starting-weapon guide and Common Sense Gamer’s December 6, 2023 tier list.
Rank #4
- A terrifying new world: journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner
- strategic action combat: armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you'll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city's dark secrets
- a new generation of action RPG: stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation 4 system
- ever-changing chalice dungeons to explore: use Holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.Subtitle
Which weapon should you use?
- Starting out or unsure: choose the Saw Cleaver for a flexible, immediately available option.
- Building Strength and Skill: consider Ludwig’s Holy Blade when it becomes available; the Whirligig Saw is an expansion alternative if you meet its requirements.
- Favoring Skill and distance: try the Threaded Cane.
- Wanting a heavier, slower starting style: choose the Hunter Axe.
- Investing in Arcane as well as Strength and Skill: consider the Holy Moonlight Sword, provided you own The Old Hunters.
There is no need to force one weapon to cover every situation. Pairing weapons with complementary roles can give you a quick option and a slower, longer-reaching one, while keeping both compatible with your attributes.
Quick Recap
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