Top 10 One-Handed Weapons Overall

The endgame weapon every player earns. If your One-Handed skill is higher than Two-Handed when you first pray at a Beliar shrine, the Claw manifests as a 1H weapon. At max stage 20 it hits 110 damage with a 50% chance for unblockable 100-point bonus damage. Each of the 20 upgrades costs 5 permanent HP (100 HP total). Full mechanics and the Fire Mage rune alternative in The Claw of Beliar Guide.

The strongest 1H weapon in the game. 160 damage, 140 STR, with a +10 damage bonus while equipped. Dragon Hunter exclusive: in Chapter 5, read the Almanac from the Monastery cellar for free or learn from Bennet for 10 LP. No smithing skill needed. Ingredients: 5 dragon blood vials, 4 ore nuggets, 1 raw steel. Only accessible on the Dragon Hunter path.

Paladin endgame 1H. 140 damage at only 100 STR - the lowest STR requirement for a top-tier 1H weapon. Path: buy the Raw 1H Ore Blade from Harad (2000 gold) in Chapter 3, then consecrate twice at the Innos shrine. First consecration (5000 gold, Chapter 3 after talking to Marduk) creates the Blessed Ore Blade (120 damage). Second consecration in Chapter 5 using Tears of Innos from the Monastery cellar upgrades to Wrath of Innos. Paladin path only.

Dragon Hunter mid-game 1H. 140 damage, 120 STR, +10 bonus. Available from Chapter 4 via Bennet for 6 LP (or Jan in Chapter 4), basic smithing required. Ingredients: 2 ore nuggets, 1 raw steel. Strong bridge weapon until the Chapter 5 Almanac unlocks the full Ore Dragon Slayer.

Best 1H weapon available to all guilds - literal Mondgesänge quote. 130 damage, 130 STR. Buyable from Orlan, Tandor and Garett in Chapter 1, also found at the top of the Pyramid in the north. Later from Rethon (Chapter 4) and Hakon. The go-to 1H for any non-Paladin, non-Dragon-Hunter build.

The top DEX-based 1H weapon. 130 damage but requires 110 Dexterity instead of Strength - unique among top-tier weapons. Carried by Skinner - kill him or knock him out to take it. Essential for Mercenary or rogue builds that invest DEX for bows/crossbows and want a strong melee option without doubling up on stats.

Universal 1H axe at 125 damage, 125 STR, 80 reach. Lootable behind the Black Troll in the Valley of Mines and in the Mountain Fortress (Valley). Buyable from Jora at the Khorinis marketplace in Chapter 1, from Rethon in Chapter 4, and Bennet in Chapter 6. Reliable pickup that carries you from early through mid-game.

Paladin stepping stone to Wrath of Innos. 120 damage, 100 STR. The first consecration of the Raw 1H Ore Blade (2000 gold at Harad Chapter 3) at the Innos shrine (5000 gold, after talking to Marduk). Use through Chapter 4 until you can upgrade to Wrath of Innos in Chapter 5 with the Tears of Innos. Paladin path only.

The most efficient DEX weapon in the game. 120 damage at just 60 Dexterity with a +10 damage bonus on equip. Found in Xardas' old tower in the Valley of Mines, or dropped by Cassia or Ramirez (Thieves' Guild). Purchasable from Martin at the harbour. Perfect early pickup for rogue/archer builds that don't want to invest heavily in STR or max DEX.

Late-game all-rounder. 120 damage, 110 STR, +8 bonus on equip. Carried by Tom (the Bandit Cave near the tavern, later at the tavern itself). Buyable from Bennet in Chapter 6. Also learnable from Harad for 10 LP if you're his apprentice and have already learned all his other swords. Solid late-game alternative to the Orc Slayer.