Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
In Valor Mortis, the Saber is the most sensible first weapon to upgrade for a balanced early build: it offers melee damage and can block as well as parry. Choose the Rapier instead if you want to focus on parries and weak points. Weapon upgrades require Blade Materials or Firearm Parts at James’s Iron Bench, which a guide places in the Abandoned Church after the General Lothaire rematch and meeting James there.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saber | A balanced early melee build | Can block as well as parry; Method.gg recommends Pursuit at level five | November 2026 |
| Rapier | Parry and weak-point play | Method.gg suggests Parrying Impact in place of Headshot Damage | November 2026 |
| Pistol and Blunderbuss | Adding ranged options to a melee build | Method.gg recommends upgrading both available firearms | November 2026 |
| Claymore | Players who prefer heavy, high-damage attacks | Games.gg describes it as a heavy weapon; no comparative damage figures are supplied | November 2026 |
Which weapon should you upgrade first?
For a general-purpose early build, start with the Saber. Method.gg’s October 14, 2026 beginner build favors it over the Rapier for better melee damage and its ability to block as well as parry; Games.gg also presents it as a versatile starting weapon. That combination makes the Saber a practical default when you want to deal melee damage without committing entirely to a parry-focused style.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →This is a recommendation, not a universal ranking backed by official weapon statistics. The sources available for this guide do not provide a reliable numerical damage comparison, so there is no supported basis for claiming that the Saber is objectively stronger for every player. A weapon that fits your preferred combat rhythm may serve you better than one chosen from a supposed tier list.
Put the Rapier first if your plan is to make parries and weak-point attacks central to your combat. The Saber’s ability to block as well as parry gives it a more flexible defensive role; the Rapier is the more focused choice for a player pursuing that parry-and-weak-point approach. Pick based on the kind of encounters you want to solve, not on an unsupported claim that one weapon wins every matchup.
Popular on Amazon
- 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
- 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
- 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
- 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
- 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.
A practical early upgrade order
- Saber: Make this the first material-funded melee upgrade if you want a flexible foundation.
- Your firearms: Once you can upgrade them, consider improving both available firearms rather than treating ranged weapons as an afterthought. Method.gg’s beginner recommendations include both.
- Your preferred weapon branch: At level five, Method.gg recommends Pursuit for the Saber. If you are building around the Rapier instead, invest in the weapon that supports that style rather than trying to follow the Saber recommendation.
- Other melee options: Consider the Claymore when its heavy, high-damage role matches your preferences. The available guides do not establish that it should replace the Saber as the default first upgrade.
The order after the first upgrade is deliberately flexible. The sources identify useful roles and build recommendations, but they do not publish enough comparable damage or resource data to prescribe one optimal sequence for every player. Your next choice should reflect what your build is missing: more reliable melee defense, a parry-focused approach, ranged options, or a heavier attack style.
When should you choose the Rapier instead?
Choose the Rapier first when you want your combat plan to revolve around parrying and striking weak points. Games.gg characterizes it as a parry- and weak-point weapon, while Method.gg’s suggested setup adjusts attributes toward parrying rather than headshot damage. Together, those recommendations make the Rapier a coherent alternative for a player who is deliberately building around precision and timing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
There is a trade-off: this is a more specialized direction than choosing the Saber as a flexible starting point. If you do not want every encounter to depend on parry-oriented play, the Saber’s block-and-parry options make it the safer default. That is a practical distinction between roles, not proof that the Rapier does less damage or that the Saber is always easier; the cited sources do not support either numerical comparison.
For players drawn to demanding parry combat, a TechRadar review offers relevant context without establishing an upgrade ranking. Reviewer Rhys Wood wrote that “The fact I kept getting beat up but wanted to keep coming back to nail a parry combo shows where the strengths of Valor Mortis lie” in the publication’s October 2026 review of Valor Mortis. That observation captures why a parry-focused build may be rewarding, but it is not a reason to assume every player should prioritize the Rapier.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Should you upgrade attributes or weapons first?
These are separate decisions. Weapon upgrades use materials at a bench; attribute investment develops your character’s capabilities. Improving one does not mean you have made the other choice, so decide how to spend materials and how to shape your build as related but distinct parts of progression.
Plan to develop Endurance early alongside survivability and melee damage. Games.gg places Endurance first because it fuels nearly every combat action. Method.gg’s beginner build likewise assigns substantial investment to Health, Endurance, Blocking, and Melee Damage. Those are guide recommendations rather than official rules, but they give a balanced framework: support the actions you rely on while also improving your ability to survive and deal melee damage.
If your plan is Rapier-centered, Method.gg recommends trading Headshot Damage for Parrying Impact in its beginner attribute setup. Treat that as a build-specific adjustment, not a blanket instruction for all characters. The Saber-focused recommendation and a Rapier-focused attribute spread answer different questions: one is about which weapon to strengthen; the other is about which character attributes suit a chosen playstyle.
How do weapon upgrades at James’s Iron Bench work?
According to AllThingsHow’s upgrade guide, James’s Iron Bench is in the Abandoned Church and becomes available after you rematch General Lothaire and meet James there. The guide describes weapon leveling as a way to increase damage and unlock Enhancements. It identifies Blade Materials for melee weapons and Firearm Parts for firearms; it describes these as material costs, not Catalyst costs.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Reach the unlock: Complete the General Lothaire rematch and meet James, following the progression described in AllThingsHow’s Iron Bench guide.
- Go to the Abandoned Church: Find James’s Iron Bench there once it is available.
- Match the material to the weapon: Use Blade Materials for melee weapons and Firearm Parts for firearms.
- Choose the upgrade that supports your plan: Start with the Saber for a balanced melee build, or the Rapier if you are committing to parries and weak points. Consider the firearms as part of your overall build too.
- Review level-five branches when available: Method.gg lists weapon branch recommendations at level five. These choices are the guide writer’s advice, not developer-mandated upgrade paths.
The progression gate matters: if you cannot access the bench yet, that does not mean you missed an earlier upgrade screen or should spend a different material. The cited guide places access after the rematch and meeting James. The available material does not provide a complete price list, a full catalog of upgrade costs, or evidence that you can use another resource in place of the named materials.
Which level-five weapon branches does Method.gg recommend?
Method.gg’s beginner build recommends three level-five choices: Ruthlessness over Resourcefulness for the Pistol, Collateral Damage over Iron Shower for the Blunderbuss, and Pursuit over Careful Preparations for the Saber. These are that guide’s recommendations for its beginner setup, not official developer rules or proof that the alternatives are bad.
Use the recommendations as a starting point after deciding what each weapon contributes to your build. For example, the Saber recommendation belongs to the balanced melee setup; it should not be treated as a reason to abandon a Rapier-centered plan. The source material does not establish the effects of every branch in enough detail to make an independent, complete comparison here, so avoid choosing solely on an assumption that one option is universally superior.
Method.gg also recommends upgrading both available firearms and transmutations as part of its beginner recommendations. That is useful context for players thinking beyond a single melee weapon: your upgrade plan can include more than the weapon you use most often. However, it does not mean every player must spend resources on all branches immediately. Prioritize the weapons and systems that support your chosen approach, and keep the difference between weapon materials and character attributes clear.
Also popular on Amazon
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
Where does the Claymore fit?
The Claymore is an option for players who prefer a heavy, high-damage weapon, according to Games.gg. Its role is different from the Saber’s versatile starting role and the Rapier’s emphasis on parries and weak points, so it makes more sense as a preference-led choice than as a universal first upgrade.
If you already know you favor heavy attacks, it is reasonable to choose a build around that preference. But the cited guides do not provide a numerical comparison between the Claymore and other weapons, nor do they establish the point in progression when every player should upgrade it. The advice to start with Saber is therefore for a balanced early build; it is not a claim that a heavy weapon cannot be the right choice for someone with a different plan.
How do you pair upgrades with boss tactics?
Upgrade order is only one part of combat preparation. PC Gamer’s guide to the first General Lothaire boss encounter describes using fire damage over time and parrying during his first phase. This supports a broader approach: consider how weapons and abilities work together, rather than expecting a weapon upgrade alone to solve an encounter.
That boss guide does not establish a best weapon-upgrade order, and its advice should not be turned into a claim that one weapon is required for the fight. Use it as an example of combining damage-over-time effects with defensive timing, then choose a weapon that fits the way you intend to handle those mechanics. Read the PC Gamer guide to General Lothaire for the specific encounter advice.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
- 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
- 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
- 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
- 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.
What is the best upgrade plan for your playstyle?
Use this short decision check before spending weapon materials:
- You want a balanced start: Upgrade the Saber first. Its block-and-parry role and Method.gg’s recommendation make it a sensible default.
- You want parries and weak points to define your build: Put the Rapier first and consider Method.gg’s Parrying Impact attribute suggestion.
- You want options beyond melee: Include your available firearms in the plan; Method.gg recommends upgrading both, with separate level-five branch choices for the Pistol and Blunderbuss.
- You prefer a heavier weapon: Consider the Claymore for its heavy, high-damage role, without assuming the guides prove it is the strongest choice.
- You are not sure what you prefer yet: The Saber is the more flexible first recommendation. Keep character attributes such as Endurance separate from material-funded weapon levels as you decide.
There is no authoritative damage table or universal numerical tier list in the cited material. The best-supported answer is conditional: Saber for a balanced early build, Rapier for a deliberate parry-and-weak-point style, with firearms and the Claymore considered according to the role you want each to play.
Recommended Free Tools
How these options were compared
This order follows the dated recommendations and role descriptions in Method.gg’s October 14, 2026 beginner build and Games.gg’s beginner guide. The upgrade steps and resource distinction come from AllThingsHow’s Iron Bench guide. Because the cited sources do not provide official comparative weapon statistics or a complete resource-cost table, this is a playstyle-based recommendation rather than a numerical weapon ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does upgrading a weapon use Catalysts in Valor Mortis?
The cited Iron Bench guide identifies Blade Materials for melee weapons and Firearm Parts for firearms, not Catalysts. It does not provide a complete list of every upgrade resource elsewhere in the game, so this answer applies to the weapon upgrades described at James’s bench.
Can I access James’s Iron Bench before the General Lothaire rematch?
The available upgrade guide says the bench becomes available after the General Lothaire rematch and meeting James in the Abandoned Church. It does not document an earlier route to the bench.
Are Method.gg’s level-five branches official requirements?
No. They are recommendations from the guide writer’s beginner build, not developer rules. Treat them as a suggested starting point for that build rather than mandatory choices for every playstyle.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
