If you have never played Dungeons & Dragons (or D&D for short), I am honestly and truly excited for you. If you've never played it before, that means you get to discover it for the first time, and there is nothing more enjoyable than getting settled into a game of D&D. The first time you get a critical roll, the first time you indulge in role-playing your character, the first time you discover treasure, and the first time you defeat a foe with your group of adventurers are going to be some of the best moments of your life.
And: just wait till you get your first rare weapon. These can be anything from a mace to a longbow, but you can bet your behind that they will have magical perks. The only problem with these babies is that they are incredibly difficult to acquire (especially if you have a very stingy Dungeon Master). You could go through a whole campaign and never get one. That's where we come in.
Updated June 22, 2022, by Gabrielle Huston: No need to wait for the epic gear - it's just a D&D session away, if you listen to our valuable advice.
15 The Orcsplitter - Not Meant For Orcs
If you are playing as a Half-Orc or Orc in your D&D campaign, we have to admit that the Orcsplitter is not for you. Rather, it is meant to demolish Orcs. So if you have any Orc blood in you, you cannot attune to this weapon. It is a giant battleaxe meant for cleaving past the natural resistances Orcs possess. It negates an Orc's Relentless Endurance ability.
Where To Find It
You will likely find the Orcsplitter hidden away by Orcs who don't want its destructive power released or in the custody of those who loathe the Orcs.
14 The Nine Lives Stealer - Smites You With One Stroke
Many people have never found the Nine Lives Stealer but, if they do, they should use it every opportunity they get. Would you believe that this sword has the chance to fell an enemy with one swipe?
If you hit an enemy with a critical hit and their health is anywhere below 100, your enemy has to try a Constitution saving throw. If they fail that throw, they are slain instantly. Instantly. The Nine Lives Stealer just draws the life force out of them.
Where To Find It
This is an extremely rare weapon. Don't expect to find this sword anywhere but in the deepest of dungeons or the most dangerous of fortresses.
13 The Hammer Of Thunderbolts - Not What's Advertised
The Hammer of Thunderbolts is actually a maul. It also doesn't really provide thunderbolts.
Rather, it can unleash a stupendous thunderclap that can stun enemies within 30 feet of it. Plus, if the weapon is paired with a belt of giant strength and gauntlets of ogre power, it can be used as the Giant's Bane.
Where To Find It
As such, expect to find the Hammer of Thunderbolts hidden away in a giant's lair or in the home of a giant slayer. Just remember to have that belt and those gauntlets handy when you find it.
12 The Holy Avenger - Because Paladins Need A Sword For Themselves
Paladins make for great fighters with a heap of magical abilities at their disposal. As such, it makes sense that the ideal weapon for them would be known as the Holy Avenger. The Holy Avenger is a sword that can only be attuned by a paladin. It deals radiant damage to undead and fiends.
Where To Find It
Unless your Dungeon Master decides to hide it in a deviously arranged cave, you might find this weapon in a religious center paladins might frequent. A cleric's guild might keep it as well.
11 Drown - Your Enemies Will Never See It Coming
Not all legendary weapons in D&D have to be swords. Drown is a magical trident that you can use to attack your enemies and deal some extra cold damage. Or, conversely, you can use it to control water elementals, speak Aquan, or create a devastation orb of water.
Where To Find It
If your Dungeon Master takes you on an underwater adventure and you find some Aquan temples, explore those places thoroughly. Drown might be tucked away in some cavern.
10 The Scimtar Of Speed - A Speedy Scimitar Is The Best Scimitar
The Scimitar of Speed can give your character access to a flurry of blows. Not only can you use your regular action to attack with it, but you can also use your bonus action to slice at someone once again. And, if your character just so happens to have Extra Attack as one of their abilities, that means you will have three attacks at your disposal.
Where To Find It
This scimitar is not so rare a find as other weapons I have listed, but you can be sure your Dungeon Master won't just hand it over to you willy-nilly. You'll probably find it as a reward for a mini-boss, not the final boss of your campaign.
9 The Sword Of Sharpness - It's Sharp
While the name of this weapon might seem a tad simple, there is nothing simple about how this weapon works.
It can deal 4d6 slashing damage if you get a critical hit. Plus, if you roll another critical roll, you will be able to sever the limb of whatever you're attacking. (If whatever you're attacking has limbs, that is.) The Sword of Sharpness can also shed bright light with a simple Command word.
Where To Find It
A clever Dungeon Master might hide this sword in a cave so that your group can find out about its utility as a lantern.
8 The Greater Silver Sword - Great For Astral Attacks
The Greater Silver Sword, also known as the Githyanki Silver Sword, has the ability to attack astral beings. As you progress in your campaign, your character will face tougher and tougher opponents. Sooner or later, you will have to fight enemies who are not even made of flesh and blood. If and when you do, you'll be thankful to have a Greater Silver Sword at your disposal.
Where To Find It
This is a sacred weapon, and you will most likely find it near Githyanki settlements. (Here's hoping your Dungeon Master has Githyanki in their world.)
7 The Wave - One Of The Oldest Legendary Weapons In D&D
The Wave is another rare trident, but it is different from the Drown.
For one thing, this weapon heralds from the 1st edition of D&D, which grants it a higher status of rarity. For another, it is a sentient weapon. That means that it has a mind of its own. It only allows itself to be wielded by a character devoted to a sea god. (So if that's not you, too bad, so sad.)
Where To Find It
This weapon, like the Drown, can most likely be found in underwater temples or in other aquatic regions.
6 The Sun Blade - The Power Of The Sun At The Tip Of Your Blade
The Sun Blade is a rare weapon that may remind you of a lightsaber from Star Wars. However, this longsword has a blade of pure radiance instead of metal. It deals radiant damage instead of the usual slashing damage that a regular sword can unleash. It also functions as a pretty nifty torch in dark places.
Where To Find It
Some groups of adventurers have found the Sun Blade in churches for the sun god Pelor. Consider looking in such places if you want to find the Sun Blade for yourself.
5 The Ironfang - Don't Pick Your Teeth With It
Ironfang is a war pick. It looks like a fancy tool a miner could use to chip at stone walls. However, the Ironfang packs a bigger punch than a regular, old pick. This pick is immune to nearly any type of corrosion, so you don't have to worry about it rusting on you. It helps you shatter earth-related enemies and can help you find precious stones.
Where To Find It
You will most likely find this devastating weapon in the hands of an earth elemental. You will probably have to pry it from their fingers before you can use it.
4 Hazirawn - The Dark Greatsword
Sentient weapons are all the rage in D&D. Who doesn't want a weapon that can think for itself? It can deal necrotic damage with every swing of its mighty blade. It can also hold four spells: Detect Magic, Detect Good, Detect Evil, and Detect Thoughts.
Where To Find It
You can probably find it in the lands of the Netherese. With a name like Hazirawn, it has to be good.
3 Dwarven Thrower - The Mjolnir Warhammer For Dwarves
Despite its name of Dwarven Thrower, you don't actually throw dwarves with this mighty Warhammer. Instead, the Warhammer is thrown by a dwarf, and the really cool thing about it is that it comes back to the dwarf's hand. Hence, the name of Dwarven Thrower. It's like Kratos' axe, Leviathan, in God of War or Thor's hammer, Mjolnir.
Where To Find It
You can most likely find this formidable weapon in the home of a dwarf lord or in caverns that dwarves were excavating.
2 The Curse Of The Backbiting Spear
Backbiting weapons deal a lot of damage, which makes them a sought-after weapon. However, the Spear of Backbiting is a double-edged sword (though it is a spear). There is a curse upon it that causes it to harm its user unless it is bathed in blood every three days.
Where To Find It
As a result of the curse upon it, you'll probably find this spear somewhere with a lot of people with the Evil alignment - like a Barbarian camp.
1 You Cannot Go Wrong With A Luck Blade
A Luck Blade is a fantastic thing to own because it boosts your character, not just your character's attack stats. If you are holding it, you gain a bonus to saving throws as well as attack rolls and damage rolls. Plus, if you're unhappy with a roll, you can use its "luck" to re-roll the attack, ability check, or saving throw you wanted to succeed. It also holds the Wish spell, which can be used only so many times per day.
Where To Find It
These swords can be found in immense treasure holds, private keeps, or anywhere, really. It all depends on how generous your Dungeon Master is feeling.