NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... is known for its rich story, a phenomenal cast of characters, and its superb world-building. However, what rarely gets dragged into the spotlight are the weapons in the game.
With the added Weapon Stories and updated combat system in ver.1.22, NieR is drawing much-needed attention to its weapons. NieR Replicant has thirty-four weapons, each distributed across three types: One-Handed, Two-Handed, and Spears. Many of the weapons will be obtained via exploration or quests, while others will have to get purchased from vendors with Gold. Weapons can also be upgraded, making some weapons shine more than others that may be better in their base stats.
34 Nameless Blade
The Nameless Blade is the first weapon players will use after the intro sequence in NieR Replicant. Unfortunately, this blade isn't all that powerful and will likely get replaced as soon as possible.
When upgraded to its maximum potential, the Nameless Blade only outputs 204 damage, which is the lowest out of every other weapon in the game.
33 Nirvana Dagger
Located on the second floor of the Lost Shrine, players will likely obtain their second weapon in NieR Replicant, the Nirvana Dagger.
Unfortunately, the Nirvana Dagger isn't a significant weapon in the long run. When upgraded fully, the Nirvana Dagger offers 213 damage, making it the second weakest weapon in the game, just ahead of the Nameless Blade.
32 Moonrise
Moonrise is a one-handed sword that is unfortunately not much of an upgrade over the past two weapons listed.
Although the Moonrise is more powerful than both the Nameless Weapon and the Nirvana Dagger, it remains the third weakest weapon in NieR Replicant. Moonrise, when fully upgraded, only offers 217 max damage.
31 Rebirth
Rebirth is one of the better low-level weapons for the early game, but it is still relatively weak.
At max level, Rebirth reaches 221 damage. It is much better than anything listed before it but is not an endgame weapon by any means.
30 Lily-Leaf Sword
The Lily-Leaf Sword is one of the more significant leaps in terms of weapon power the player can have in the early going of NieR Replicant. The player can purchase the sword from the Village Blacksmith for 2,400 Gold.
At its max level, the Lily-Leaf Sword will deal 250 damage and 60% Magic Power. The Lily-Leaf Sword is one of the best early-game investments the player can make, so long as they don't expect it to dominate the entire game.
29 Blade of Treachery
Although the Blade of Treachery isn't much of an improvement over the Lily-Leaf Sword, it will be an excellent replacement.
When fully upgraded, the Blade of Treachery offers 255 damage and is a heavy-weight powerhouse in early-game situations. This blade won't last the entire game but will certainly do its job and do it well until retired for something else.
28 Faith
Faith is a one-handed sword that players will get good use of, especially if they missed others.
When maxed out, Faith deals 266 damage and offers 50% Magic Power. However, what makes this blade great - especially in the early game - is its lightweight. Even when fully upgraded, the Faith only reaches moderate weight, allowing for the wielder to get many hits in.
27 Iron Pipe
The Iron Pipe is a decent one-handed weapon that unfortunately gets held back how the player obtains it. The player will automatically receive the Iron Pipe whenever they finish Route B. However, by then, players will already have a breadth of other weapons that are significantly more powerful than the pipe.
When leveled up completely, the Iron Pipe will deal 266 damage. However, in its favor, the Iron Pipe will never change from being lightweight. Meaning it is one of the few light weapons that can output that kind of damage. Still, the Iron Pipe isn't an overall great weapon.
26 Earth Wyrm's Claw
The Earth Wyrm's Claw is one of the first examples of a weapon that benefits significantly from upgrading it.
Upgrading the Earth Wyrm's Claw the entire way will gradually decrease its weight from very heavy to moderate and make its damage shoot up to 271. Additionally, the Earth Wyrm's Claw also offers 60% Magic Power when fully upgraded. This claw is one of the better mid-tier weapons in NieR Replicant and should get looked into in the early goings.
25 Ancient Overlord
The Ancient Overlord is one of the best mid-tier weapons in NieR Replicant due to its weight and damage output.
Unlike most weapons in the game, the Ancient Overlord will remain "very light" whenever upgraded. Furthermore, the weapon will offer 283 damage when fully upgraded, making it a devastating weapon in the mid to early late game.
24 Beastbain
The Beastbain is one of the more powerful one-armed swords in NieR Replicant. Players can purchase the Beastbain from any Blacksmith for 16,800 Gold from the start of the game.
What makes the Beastbain good is if players were to save up and purchase it early on, it would sustain them through a large chunk of the game. In the early to mid goings of NieR Replicant, nothing will outpace the Beastbain's power. Additionally, when fully upgraded, the Beastbain deals 313 damage, which is a significant jump over anything else listed prior.
23 Labyrinth's Whisper
Although the Labyrinth's Whisper has the same damage output as the Beastbain and is slightly harder to obtain, it barely ranks higher than it, thanks to its heavy attacks.
The Labyrinth's Whisper is a Very Heavy one-handed weapon that deals 313 damage whenever it gets fully upgraded. Thanks to its unique design, wielders will be able to take on multiple targets with this weapon.
22 Phoenix Dagger
The Phoenix Dagger is one of the best one-handed weapons in NieR Replicant and can get purchased in Seafront for 31,200 Gold near the end of the game.
When fully upgraded, the Phoenix Dagger will output 346 damage and remains at Moderate weight no matter how many times you upgrade it. This dagger packs a heavy punch and can be swung multiple times in rapid succession.
21 Transience
When players start Route B, they will finally be able to use Spears and Two-Handed weapons, and both are seemingly better than most one-handed weapons in the game due to their high damage output and crazy combinations.
The Transience spear is better than any of the one-handed weapons from Route A and can stun-lock enemies in place with quick hits. When fully upgraded, the Transience deals 368 damage, making it dominate any weapon before it.
20 The Devil Queen
The Devil Queen a mighty spear that can carry players throughout the remainder of Route B if upgraded.
The Devil Queen is one of the better mid-tier spears in NieR Replicant and can deal 383 damage when fully upgraded.
19 Beastcurse
Right before the P-33 boss fight in the Hunk Heap, players can obtain the Beastcurse spear.
The Beastcurse is a heavy spear that will deal 399 damage when fully upgraded. The weight will remain Heavy when upgraded. Getting used to its slow attack speed can be tricky, but this spear can be deadly once mastered.
18 Fool's Embrace
The Fool's Embrace is the best one-handed weapon in NieR Replicant. However, even then, it falls short of many other weapons in the game.
Being able to reach 400 damage when fully upgraded makes the Fool's Embrace a more vital weapon than most others in the game. The Fool's Embrace is one of the few new weapons added via DLC and can only get obtained after completing Route A. However, if players only like one-handed weapons, the Fool's Embrace is the best of its class and should suffice for the rest of the playthrough.
17 Dragoon Lance
Found towards the end of Route A, within the Shadowlord's Castle, the Dragoon Lance looks to replace your current weapon.
In terms of overall power, the Dragoon Lance offers 442 damage when fully upgraded and 60% Magic Power in addition. If players enjoy using lances, the Dragoon Lance should satisfy them for the duration of Route A and beyond.
16 Labyrinth's Shout
Players will be rewarded with the Labyrinth's Shout upon completion of "The Damaged Map" sidequest.
Going through all the steps to complete the sidequest can take a lot of time, however, rest assured, it is worth it. The Labyrinth's Shout, when fully upgraded, will deal 460 damage. The spear is very heavy, so it can take some time to get used to, but it will be devastating in the right hands.
15 Spear Of The Usurper
Players can purchase the Spear of the Usurper in Seafront during Route B of NieR Replicant for 19,200 Gold.
If players can justify the purchase, the Spear of Usurper can be well worth it when fully upgraded. The spear will deal 600 damage when fully upgraded and has 70% Magic Power in addition. The Spear of the Usurper also doesn't get all that heavy, only jumping from Very Light to Moderate weight.