Skip to content

What are the 4 best weapons?

KloroxKlorox Member Posts: 927
edited May 2013 in Archive (General Discussion)
In BGEE, what are the four best weapons?

I'm looking to create a power-party, and I want to plan out my proficiencies accordingly.

TIA


BTW, here's an early guess (based on limited BGEE play, and memories of TotSC from years ago):

Mace (Stupefier is amazing, like a mini- Celestial Fury)
Great sword (+2, free action)
Long sword (+2, +1 Cold)
War hammer (+2, +1 electricity)

Edit: that Poison Dagger is nasty. Hammer might get booted.
«1

Comments

  • KidCarnivalKidCarnival Member Posts: 3,747
    World's Edge, 2H sword +3
    Staff of Striking, Quarterstaff +3
    Dead Shot +2 (long bow)

    I wouldn't go entirely without ranged weapons - there's a long bow +2, short bow +2 and the crossbow of speed to consider.
    Staff is the best weapon to backstab, and I wouldn't dismiss blunt damage. If you replace the hammer with a dagger, you have no blunt weapon. Not a good idea.
  • DonovanDonovan Member Posts: 6
    War Hammer ;
    Because blunt weapon win the game...
  • CaptRoryCaptRory Member Posts: 1,660
    Before the Staff of Striking there's the +3 Staff you can buy in Ulgoth's Beard. And you can get that as soon as you can afford it, no insane questing except getting there alive at level 2 hehehe. So Quarterstaff is a strong competitor.
  • KloroxKlorox Member Posts: 927
    KidCarnival said:

    World's Edge, 2H sword +3
    Staff of Striking, Quarterstaff +3
    Dead Shot +2 (long bow)

    I wouldn't go entirely without ranged weapons - there's a long bow +2, short bow +2 and the crossbow of speed to consider.
    Staff is the best weapon to backstab, and I wouldn't dismiss blunt damage. If you replace the hammer with a dagger, you have no blunt weapon. Not a good idea.

    The Stupefier is blunt, but if blunt is that important, I can always have two people go for it.
    Donovan said:

    War Hammer ;
    Because blunt weapon win the game...

  • KloroxKlorox Member Posts: 927
    KidCarnival said:

    World's Edge, 2H sword +3
    Staff of Striking, Quarterstaff +3
    Dead Shot +2 (long bow)

    I wouldn't go entirely without ranged weapons - there's a long bow +2, short bow +2 and the crossbow of speed to consider.
    Staff is the best weapon to backstab, and I wouldn't dismiss blunt damage. If you replace the hammer with a dagger, you have no blunt weapon. Not a good idea.

    I'm not a big fan of backstabbing, but I was planning on missile weapons for everybody. The boomerang throwing axe pairs well with one of the guys using a shield, and whoever uses a Greatsword will get a Bow.
  • JuliusBorisovJuliusBorisov Member, Administrator, Moderator, Developer Posts: 22,754
    edited May 2013
    The best weapon of any type is +3. But I think it's hard to top the Spider's Bane. Free Action on a fighter or even on a fighter/mage (were're talking about power, right - than this cha is a must) means more web spam, which is already one of the best spells you can utilize.

    Looking at another options I'd choose Ashideena - because of the crushing damage it can hit heavily and it's electrical damage hit's everything in the game (it even by-passes the stoneskin that can be helpful in SCS). Also, it has a low Speed Factor of 2 - it's a very quick weapon. The Stupifier mace is better used when in the second hand.

    The Varscona is my favourite also. A low Speed Factor of 3. +1 cold damage is very useful. This sword is very easy to get and early in the game.

    And of course Dead Shot +2 (Longbow of Marksmanship) Thac0 +3, Damage +2 - a ranged weapon is a must in BG1 and this bow is probably the best. By the way i understand there're two Dead Shot bows in the BG:EE game - one in the Bandit camp and another I got when pickpocketed the ghost knight that is standing on the right in the Firewine Ruins (these knights don't become hostile if you fail to pickpocket any of them no matter how many times you try).
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,675
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • ajwzajwz Member Posts: 4,122
    Stupifier is best
    2nd is poison dagger
    Then weapons which do + ele damage, like varscona, warhammer +2 +1 lightning, etc
    Then spiders bane is pretty good, i'd say
  • KloroxKlorox Member Posts: 927
    bengoshi said:

    The best weapon of any type is +3. But I think it's hard to top the Spider's Bane. Free Action on a fighter or even on a fighter/mage (were're talking about power, right - than this cha is a must) means more web spam, which is already one of the best spells you can utilize.

    Looking at another options I'd choose Ashideena - because of the crushing damage it can hit heavily and it's electrical damage hit's everything in the game (it even by-passes the stoneskin that can be helpful in SCS). Also, it has a low Speed Factor of 2 - it's a very quick weapon. The Stupifier mace is better used when in the second hand.

    The Varscona is my favourite also. A low Speed Factor of 3. +1 cold damage is very useful. This sword is very easy to get and early in the game.

    And of course Dead Shot +2 (Longbow of Marksmanship) Thac0 +3, Damage +2 - a ranged weapon is a must in BG1 and this bow is probably the best. By the way i understand there're two Dead Shot bows in the BG:EE game - one in the Bandit camp and another I got when pickpocketed the ghost knight that is standing on the right in the Firewine Ruins (these knights don't become hostile if you fail to pickpocket any of them no matter how many times you try).

    Thanks to everybody who's responded.

    I just have to point out that the Stupefier is wasted in the off-hand, IMHO.

    Off-hand weapons only attack once in a round, even if you have 5 pips in it. Therefore, off-hand weapons are better when used for the bonuses they grant, not for an extra attack. I don't think there are any weapons like this in BG1, and I don't plan on dual wielding with anybody.

    The reason for using the Stupefier is that you want it to stun the enemy, not for its massive damage (and there are more Damaging weapons out there). Therefore, you want to attack with it as often as possible. It's best used with a warrior who has at least 2 pips in Mace proficiency.
  • DexterDexter Member Posts: 253
    Albruin is also a good weapon, only +1 THAC0 but 2D4+3 damage plus immunity to poison and detect invisibility 1/day is sweet. And iirc it works on greater werewolves.
  • KidCarnivalKidCarnival Member Posts: 3,747
    Stupifier is used best with another weapon in the main hand. Ashideena + Stupifier is a nice combo. And while the Dagger of Venom is nice with the poison, it's also still a dagger. It's certainly one of the top 4 weapons for a backstabbing thief, but otherwise I wouldn't put it on a top weapons list. Power-wise, it's a better choice to make a Blackguard PC and poison Spider's Bane or World's Edge.

    The Firewine Ghosts can be killed by a Blackguard for not only a second Dead Shot, but also a Plate of the Dark, 4 charm protection helms and... some other stuff that pales a bit in comparison. For a power party, I'd highly recommend a Blackguard and killing them for the armor alone.
  • DjimmyDjimmy Member Posts: 749
    Stupifier
    Darts of Stunning
    Longbow of Marksmanship(with Arrows of Biting or Arrows of Piercing)
    Spider Bane

  • Awong124Awong124 Member Posts: 2,642
    KidCarnival said:

    The Firewine Ghosts can be killed by a Blackguard for not only a second Dead Shot, but also a Plate of the Dark, 4 charm protection helms and... some other stuff that pales a bit in comparison. For a power party, I'd highly recommend a Blackguard and killing them for the armor alone.

    @KidCarnival What is so special about the Blackguard that only that class can kill those ghosts?
  • EudaemoniumEudaemonium Member Posts: 3,199
    @Awong124: They can only be killed by poison damage, which means you need a Blackguard or an Assassin to hurt them, and obviously Blackguards have better to-hit chance. I believe they can save against the Dagger of Venom, so those two classes are the best option.
  • KloroxKlorox Member Posts: 927
    KidCarnival said:

    Stupifier is used best with another weapon in the main hand. Ashideena + Stupifier is a nice combo. And while the Dagger of Venom is nice with the poison, it's also still a dagger. It's certainly one of the top 4 weapons for a backstabbing thief, but otherwise I wouldn't put it on a top weapons list. Power-wise, it's a better choice to make a Blackguard PC and poison Spider's Bane or World's Edge.

    The Firewine Ghosts can be killed by a Blackguard for not only a second Dead Shot, but also a Plate of the Dark, 4 charm protection helms and... some other stuff that pales a bit in comparison. For a power party, I'd highly recommend a Blackguard and killing them for the armor alone.

    Please explain to me why Stupefier is best in the off-hand, where its special ability will suffer a THAC0 penalty and won't get more than one attack per round.
  • SamuelVargSamuelVarg Member Posts: 598
    Dagger of Venom (for a sneaky thief)

    Spiders bane - two handed sword +2 with free action (for Minsc in Cloakwood)
    (More useful then the Worlds Edge. That extra +1 does not matter that much.

    Staff mace (for Jeheira with some godo armur and a big ass shield)

    Wand of fire (pretty much take care of most hard battles if you'r tired)





  • KidCarnivalKidCarnival Member Posts: 3,747
    Klorox said:


    Please explain to me why Stupefier is best in the off-hand, where its special ability will suffer a THAC0 penalty and won't get more than one attack per round.

    It's a chance to stun, other than that, it's not "most powerful. It's a nice extra, but nothing to spin a power party around. It's a chance to stun one target, but you would use AoE spells like Greater Malison, Sleep, Glitterdust once it becomes relevant, so Stupifier isn't such a central weapon. I don't know any situation where it would be a better choice to main hand Stupifier rather than a +3 weapon.

  • KidCarnivalKidCarnival Member Posts: 3,747
    Awong124 said:

    KidCarnival said:

    The Firewine Ghosts can be killed by a Blackguard for not only a second Dead Shot, but also a Plate of the Dark, 4 charm protection helms and... some other stuff that pales a bit in comparison. For a power party, I'd highly recommend a Blackguard and killing them for the armor alone.

    @KidCarnival What is so special about the Blackguard that only that class can kill those ghosts?
    I tested the ghost kills with Dorn, assassin PC with Dagger of Venom. The assassin hit maybe twice, and it takes ages to kill one ghost (Dorn had 2 x Poison Weapon, it's even slower before he gets the 2nd). Assassin/Dagger of Venom works in theory, but only if you have crazy patience. I threw all buffs I had on the two - Bless, Luck, Haste; but it didn't help the assassin. The ghosts never turn hostile, so you can't lower their saves vs poison or something. It's all about the Blackguard and how well he hits them. In my first attempt, it took 40 mins to kill 4 ghosts.
  • TressetTresset Member, Moderator Posts: 8,268
    Why does everyone like that warhammer so much? There are several better 1 handed blunt weapons than it in the game IMO. Here they are:

    Mace+2 (Kortan's Skullcrusher) and Flail+2 (Thresher)- slightly better damage
    Staff Mace- slightly more damage than mace+2 and flail+2
    Kiel's Mourningstar+3- Huge damage (makes berserk so it can be situational)
    Stupifyer- for the stun
  • CaptRoryCaptRory Member Posts: 1,660
    Using Warhammer sets you on the path to use the Hammer of Thunderbolts in BG2 like Flails put you on the path to using the Flail of the Ages.
  • EudaemoniumEudaemonium Member Posts: 3,199
    There's also the fact that Ashideena's +1 Lightning damage hits as a separate attack, which makes it reduce mirror images and pierce things like stoneskin.
  • GodGod Member Posts: 1,150
    Just flail things with a moose.
  • EudaemoniumEudaemonium Member Posts: 3,199
    And @God has spoken. So shall it be! Let the moose-flailing commence forthwith!
  • SouthpawSouthpaw Member Posts: 2,026
    Drizzt's swords (the best one needs you to be Good though)
    Stupifier Mace
    Spider's Bane 2h sword
    Albruin/Varscona long swords


    Honorary mention: Dagger of Venom +2 and Longtooth Dagger (1d6 dmg dagger)

    I actually liked to use Ashideena +2 hammer, but the meager damage it does (1d4+2+1, you serious?) gives me mixed feelings. Which means, without any str bonuses, you hit for 3-6+1 dmg...
  • LateralusLateralus Member Posts: 903
    edited May 2013
    Mortianna said:



    I think it's one of the best swords in the game. After giving Shar-Teel a proficiency point in bastard swords, I give her Albruin to dual-wield while she's wearing the Claw of Kazgaroth. The poison immunity takes care of the poison save penalty from the Claw, and the Claw doesn't reduce her CON to the point where she receives a HP penalty.

    Very clever. And thanks to all for the interesting FW-Ghost information, I will certainly check that out.

    1. Icingdeath sounds cool, and it literally and figuratively is cool. I'd rather murder Drizz't with traps at low level and backstab my life away with this blade, than wait forever to sneak up behind somebody with a 6 foot pole that doesn't even have a murderous title! It's extremely fast (SF 2), powerful (+3 to hit and damage), punishing (1d8 slashing), versatile (single and dual wield styles), and it provide the greatest defensive attribute by far. 50% fire resistance. Wielding this blade with a Ring of Fire Resistance, makes for 90% fire resistance. That means, that you can sneak into the middle of any group of enemies, murder the most powerful foe, draw aggression away from your party, and smile while arrows and fireball spells finish the job.

    2. The Stupifyer is a great addition to the game, and the fact that there is no saving throw means that for all intents and purposes, it has a 25% chance of instantly killing anything it hits. It's a terrific X-factor weapon for many a cleric, spicing up that classes melee combat prowess very nicely. Many of the best weapons take until most parties are maxed out, making them all a lot less useful than the ones you can get early on, and that remain effective throughout the game. If it were at +2 or +3, it would have to be pried from Sarevok's cold dead hand. Add to the fact that it has the coolest visual and audio effects in the game, and you can't go wrong.

    3. The Staff of Striking is the most powerful blunt weapon in the game, although I am fairly certain that blunt weapons are being overhyped in this thread. A +9 to damage, in the hands of a capable rogue, would yield damage results that require screen shots to be believed. The fact that it takes charges when used, rests at the bottom of the games most deadly dungeon crawl, and well...is a staff. Makes it a lot less desirable to me. I love backstabbing, it is perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the entire game, but it irks me that staves are used for backstabbing. I can't wrap my imagination around it! Despite my dislike for staves, the power of this weapon cannot be denied.

    4. Spidersbane can be acquired fairly early on, and it is a must have for every party. It consistently deals out high damage while maintaining impressive reach. Few things can escape the wrath of this blade, and it's true power lies with it's ability to grant freedom of movement to the wielder. This instantly makes low level spells such as Web and Grease far more interesting. The only thing that can retire this weapon is a +3 two-handed sword and a Ring of Freedom.

  • GodGod Member Posts: 1,150
    Lateralus said:

    [...] staves are used for backstabbing. I can't wrap my imagination around it!

    Uh, backstabbing is indeed not the most fortunate word here...
    Imagine somebody sneaks up on you and then all of a sudden bashes you on the back of your head with one very big heavy stick (meaning a thick iron-clad 9ft long stick swung with enough force to smash stone). Unless he somehow fails to aim at your occipital bone, you drop dead right where you stand.
    Though, it has to be noted, if you actually poke somebody in the back, it can be nearly as effective. Sneaking up on somebody for the sole purpose of crushing their spine with a huge stick is, nonetheless, a rather weird idea.
  • KloroxKlorox Member Posts: 927
    In 3E, backstabbing was changed to sneak attack, which is a much more accurate description of what the thief is doing.
  • NifftNifft Member Posts: 1,065
    Eudaemonium said:

    @Awong124: They can only be killed by poison damage, which means you need a Blackguard or an Assassin to hurt them, and obviously Blackguards have better to-hit chance. I believe they can save against the Dagger of Venom, so those two classes are the best option.

    Is that a long-standing bug, or is it intentional that the ghosts can be killed by poison?
    Eudaemonium said:

    There's also the fact that Ashideena's +1 Lightning damage hits as a separate attack, which makes it reduce mirror images and pierce things like stoneskin.

    That's really interesting. Is it intentional? (Do the other elemental damage weapons behave the same way?)
Sign In or Register to comment.

2024 Overhaul Games, a division of Beamdog. © 2024 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Baldur's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons, D&D, Forgotten Realms, Baldur's Gate, Wizards of the Coast and their logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the U.S.A. and other countries, and are used with permission. Hasbro and its logo are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. and are used with permission. © 1998 BioWare Corp. All Rights Reserved. BioWare, the BioWare Infinity Engine and the BioWare logo are trademarks of Bioware Corp. Black Isle Studios and the Black Isle Studios logo are trademarks of Interplay Entertainment Corp. Atari and the Atari logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.