Nier: Replicant is a faithful yet significantly improved remake of the original Nier (known as Nier: Gestalt in the west). In addition to modern graphics and a more subdued soundtrack, Yoko Taro also seized the opportunity to update the game's combat system, making it more spectacular than ever.
RELATED: Awesome Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Nier Replicant
There are 38 weapons for players to find, including those added in the DLCs. Nier can only wield one-handed swords in the opening chapters; however, in the second half of the game he can add two-handed swords and spears to this arsenal. Finding as many weapons as possible allows players to experiment, and find out what best suits their playstyle. These are some of the game's best options.
10 Beastbain – The Perfect Starting Weapon
Players trying to unlock the weapons collector achievement will need complete sidequests. Some of these missions offer rare swords or spears as rewards, but for the most part players will need to embark on them to earn gold for buying new weapons from blacksmiths.
Beastbain can be purchased from the blacksmith in the starting village for 16,800 gold. This hefty initial investment is worth it for one of the strongest weapons players can find during the first half of the game. Players can purchase iron ore for upgrading this weapon from Gideon at the junk heap, for 1000 gold.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 313
- Magic Regain: 70%
- Weight: Heavy
9 Phoenix Dagger – A Short Sword With High Magic Regen
Weapons in Nier: Replicant are split into 6 different weight categories: very light, light, moderate, heavy, very heavy, and extra heavy. Weight determines how fast a sword or spear will swing, with heavier blades dealing more damage but taking longer to wind up.
The phoenix dagger is moderate weight, making it reasonably fast and easy to use against hordes of shades. This sword deals more damage than a fully upgraded Beastbain at level 3; however, its best feature is its high magic regain. This allows players to quickly recharge their spells in combat.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 346
- Magic Regain: 80%
- Weight: Moderate
8 The Devil Queen – A Solid Starting Spear
Upon starting the second half of the game, players will be able to equip two-handed swords and spears for the first time. Both of these weapon types have their advantages and drawbacks.
RELATED: Awesome Side Quests Hidden In Nier Replicant
Players receive the Devil Queen as a reward for completing The Damaged Map sidequest. This spear is far from the best, but it is significantly better than the player's starting spear, Transcience. The main benefit of the Devil Queen is how easy it is to upgrade, with many of the necessary materials available to buy from material shops.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 383
- Magic Regain: 50%
- Weight: Very Heavy
7 Kusanagi – A Light-Weight Two-Handed Sword
As well as Transcience, players will also receive the Kusanagi upon starting the second half of the game. While players will certainly find better weapons to replace it with soon, this two-handed sword is unique for its low weight.
The Kusanagi is the only light two-handed sword in the game, offering decent damage and the fastest attack speed of any weapon in its class. Unfortunately, its magic regain is relatively low, meaning many players will swap it out early for weapons that better complement their sorceries.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 659
- Magic Regain: 40%
- Weight: Light
6 Spear Of The Usurper – A Strong All-Purpose Spear
Spears deal less damage than two-handed swords, but are often much faster. When using spears, it is worth remembering that most of the attacks are thrusts, which are ineffective when surrounded by swarms of enemies. For dealing with hordes, players will want to use the large sweeping strike, which they can activate by pressing attack after a dodge.
The spear of the usurper can be purchased from the blacksmith at Seafront for 21,600 gold. This weapon is great for players struggling through the second half, as it trumps most early-game weapons before its first upgrade.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack power: 600
- Magic Regain: 70%
- Weight: Moderate
5 Virtuous Treaty – A Sword From The Future
If players download the free 4 Yorha DLC, they can unlock unique costumes and weapons from Nier: Automata. After downloading the expansion, fans need only reload their last save to enjoy the 9S costume as well as the virtuous weapon set.
RELATED: Ways Nier Replicant Is Different From Nier Automata
Virtuous Treaty, like the other items from its set, boasts incredibly high damage and rapid attack speed with one major drawback. Sadly, none of the virtuous weapons are capable of regenerating magic. Players won't be able to cast as many spells with this sword equipped. However, given their incredible attack power, they may not need to.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 999
- Magic Regain: 0%
- Weight: Very Light
4 Fool's Lament – A Powerful Sword From The DLC
While there are many differences between Nier: Replicant and its predecessor Nier: Gestalt, one thing both games have in common is the first DLC. This extra content, originally added in 2010, allows players to visit the World of Recycled Vessel. Here, they can discover diary excerpts written by the protagonist's mother (or his wife in Gestalt).
The fool's weapon set can also be found in this area. All three of the weapons from this set are very heavy, meaning players will have to adapt to the slow attack speed in order to use them. Fool's Lament is great for fans of two-handed swords, who will be used to the longer wind-up animations. It deals incredible damage, along with high magic regen.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 999
- Magic Regain: 80%
- Weight: Very Heavy
3 Beastlord – A Devastating Greatsword
As players level up their weapons, they will receive new excerpts from the weapon's story. These short passages of text reveal facts about the weapon's history as well as new details about the game's intriguing setting.
If players can adapt to the long wind-up animations, two-handed swords deal incredibly high damage and have sweeping attacks capable of hitting large groups of enemies. Beastlord never goes above heavy when upgraded, meaning it has a slightly faster attack speed than other greatswords in the game. This sword can be found in a crate near the entrance to the Lost Shrine during the second half of the game.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 715
- Magic Regain: 50%
- Weight: Heavy
2 Kaine's Sword – The Most Powerful One-Handed Sword
Kaine is an awesome character from Nier: Replicant, known not only for her excellent quotes but also for her awesome prowess in combat. Upon completing ending E, players can reload their previous save and find her signature serrated blade outside her shack at The Aerie.
This weapon is easily the best one-handed sword in Nier: Replicant, with the highest possible damage and magic regain of any weapon in the game. Its only drawback is its extra heavy weight category, making it slow but devastating when it hits its target.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 999
- Magic Regain: 100%
- Weight: Extra Heavy
1 Phoenix Spear – A Strong Spear With Fast Attacks
Excluding the weapons from the DLC, the phoenix set includes many of the best weapons in Nier: Replicant. The phoenix spear can be bought from the blacksmith in Facade for 32,400 gold, and is worth every penny.
This spear is not only capable of tearing through hordes of shades, but its high magic regain makes it very useful for sorcerers. What makes this weapon better than DLC items with higher damage is its moderate weight which makes it fast as well as devastating. Since it is a spear, this weapon works best against single large targets and is perfect for boss fights.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
- Attack Power: 721
- Magic Regain: 80%
- Weight: Moderate