Dead Cells is all about fast-paced action, creative builds, and learning how to adapt to whatever the game throws at you. The weapon variety is outstanding, but not all weapons are created equal. Some will carry you through biomes and bosses effortlessly, while others might make you question your choices.
S-Tier (The Cream of the Crop)
These weapons are top-notch, excelling in both biomes and boss fights. They are powerful, versatile, and relatively easy to use, making them the go-to picks for most players.
- Boï Axe: This throwable axe is perfect for crowd control and boss fights. It inflicts a good chunk of damage, and its ability to stun enemies gives you precious breathing room.
- Alchemic Carbine: A solid ranged option that inflicts poison damage over time. It’s perfect for hit-and-run strategies, making tough enemies a lot more manageable.
- Giantkiller: As the name suggests, this sword is incredible against bosses, dealing massive damage to elites and bosses alike. It’s a bit slow, but if you can time it right, it’s an absolute menace.
- Hokuto’s Bow: A support weapon that boosts your other damage-dealing tools. Once you tag an enemy with Hokuto’s Bow, all your subsequent hits become much more devastating.
A-Tier (Reliable and Strong)
These weapons are still fantastic and can carry you through most of the game, but they might require a bit more finesse or situational use to reach their full potential.
- Frantic Sword: Great for aggressive playstyles. It increases damage when your health is low, which can be risky, but if you manage it well, it’s a powerhouse.
- Lightning Bolt: A risky but rewarding ranged weapon. You can deal massive damage, but overuse will hurt you. It shines when you’re careful about managing its self-damage mechanic.
- Spartan Sandals: Surprisingly good for pushing enemies into traps or off ledges, but can be tricky to master. Not a weapon for every situation, but it can shine in the right hands.
- Symmetrical Lance: High range and damage, but the slow speed makes it less suited for fast-paced fights. Still, it hits hard and covers a lot of ground.
B-Tier (Good, But Situational)
These weapons are decent and can work well depending on your build or playstyle. They’re not bad, but they don’t quite have the universal appeal of the higher-tier options.
- Spite Sword: Deals more damage when you’ve taken a hit recently, which can be a little too risky for most players. It rewards a high-risk, high-reward style, but it’s certainly not for everyone.
- Broadsword: Hits hard, but is so slow that you’re often left vulnerable. If you can time your swings right, it’s great, but it’s easy to get punished for missing.
- Throwing Knives: These are solid for inflicting bleed damage over time, but they don’t pack as much punch upfront. They pair well with brutality builds, but on their own, they feel a bit underwhelming.
- Balance Blade: A fast-attacker, but its damage is pretty average. It’s nice for quick hits, but you’ll struggle against tougher enemies without a lot of upgrades.
C-Tier (Underwhelming Options)
These weapons are generally outclassed by others. They may have niche uses, but they tend to struggle in most situations.
- Oiled Sword: It’s fine if you have a fire-based build, but on its own, it’s pretty lackluster. You have to rely on synergy with other items to make it useful, which isn’t always ideal.
- Impaler: While it deals extra damage to enemies against walls, this condition can be tough to meet consistently. It’s not bad, but there are far better alternatives.
- Greed Shield: Shields in Dead Cells are already a bit niche, and the Greed Shield’s gimmick of generating gold on parries doesn’t really help in combat. You’re better off with a shield that offers more direct utility.
D-Tier (Avoid Unless You’re Desperate)
These weapons just don’t hold up well in most situations. They’re either too weak or too impractical to justify using.
- Flint: This weapon is painfully slow, and while it does offer a decent amount of damage, it’s just not worth the risk of getting hit while winding up.
- Assassin’s Dagger: Deals critical hits from behind, but positioning yourself behind enemies is often more trouble than it’s worth, especially in fast-paced fights.
- Torch: Another weapon that relies heavily on specific synergies (like oil), but its damage is mediocre, and the setup isn’t always feasible.
Final Thoughts:
Dead Cells is all about experimentation, and while this tier list offers some insight into the general effectiveness of weapons, the game’s random nature means you’ll often need to adapt and use what you find. That said, sticking to the weapons in the higher tiers will make your runs a lot smoother!
Remember, even if a weapon isn’t in the S or A tier, it can still shine in the right build or with the right mutations. So, mix things up, practice with different weapons, and find what works best for your playstyle!