Summary
From Shortswords and Morningstars to Rapier and Maces, there are a multitude of one-handed weapons inBaldur’s Gate 3, and this isn’t even considering all the Versatile weapons that can be wielded in one hand or two. The advantage of one-handed weapons that typically deal less damage, is that they can be used alongsideBG3’sbest shieldsfor added protection, or some of them can instead be duel-wielded.
As with any weapons, more complex one-handed options such as Flails require Martial Proficiency, whereas easier-to-wield weapons such as Clubs and Handaxes only need Simple Proficiency. When it comes to thebest one-handed weapons inBG3, these not only have great damage, but also unique effects that can change the course of a fight.
Updated July 11, 2025, by Joe Grantham:When players are looking for one-handed weapons, it is typically because they plan on wielding their weapon alongside a shield, staff, or another dual-wielded weapon. Therefore, it only feels fitting to also present players with Versatile weapons, which can be held in one hand or two. These weapons deal slightly less damage with one hand, but are nonetheless potent, and often complement a shield.
1d8 + 2 Slashing + 1d4 Psychic (One-Handed)
Very Rare
Interplanar Slayer:This weapon grants a +1d4 bonus to Damage and Attack Rolls against githyanki, aberrations, fiends, and elementals.Wrathful Smite (Lvl 1 Spell):Adds 1d6 Psychic damage to a weapon attack and possibly frightens targets.
AsLongswords inBG3are classed as versatile weapons, players can use them in one hand, alongside a shield or secondary weapon. Arguably the best Longsword isVoss' Silver Sword, which belongs to the high-ranked Githyanki warrior Kith’rak Voss. What makes it so good, is the 1d4 bonus to Damage and Attack Rolls against certain enemies such as elementals.
Players can also perform Wrathful Smite for additional damage and to hopefully frighten enemies, with Smites usually only available to Paladins. To obtain the weapon, players will need to take it from Kith’rak Voss. Unfortunately, he does not stick to one location even in Act 3. His locations include Sharess' Caress, the Lower City Sewers, and the Upper City later on.
1d4 + 2 Piercing
Legendary
Improved Critical:The number needed to roll a Critical Hit while attacking is reduced by 1. This effect can stack.Exploit Weakness:Creatures hit with this weapon receive Vulnerability to Piercing Damage.True Strike Riposte:When a creature misses with a melee attack, the wielder may retaliate and gain True Strike. Armor Class +1
Daggers can be great one-handed weapons, especially when wielded in the off-hand alongside something else. Thebest dagger inBaldur’s Gate 3is arguably theBlade of the First Blood, as it has numerous effects that make it deadly, and even enhances follow-up attacks with a main weapon. As it can make enemies vulnerable to Piercing damage, it’s best to choose a main weapon that pierces.
The chance to retaliate against enemies who miss is also one of the strongest features, as players end up dealing damage when it isn’t even their turn. To obtain the Blade of the First Blood, players will need to kill Orin as part of the main story. The fight versus her happens in Act 3 in Bhaal’s Temple.
1d6 + 2 Slashing
Scimitars inBaldur’s Gate 3aren’t known for being the best, but theJusticiar’s Scimitaris one of the exceptions. It is particularly strong for those who have other means of consistently attacking with Advantage, as this enables the wielder to Blind foes. The Shadowsoaked Strike action is also great for when big hits are needed and has the added bonus of keeping the wielder hidden. It is also refreshed with Short Rests.
To get hold of the Justiciar’s Scimitar, players will need to talk to the rats in the Gauntlet of Shar during Act 2 and follow them to the bottom of a colossal statue in the image of Shar. They will then need to defeat the rats and Lyrthindor who spawns when the last of them is felled. The Scimitar can be looted from Lyrthindor.
1d6 + 3 Piercing + 1d6 Thunder
Nyrulnais easily one of thebest Versatile weapons inBaldur’s Gate 3, but as its strength lies more in passives and abilities rather than raw damage, it is arguably best used in one hand alongside a shield. One of the standout features of this Trident is the fact that when thrown it explodes and crucially returns. The fact that it deals Thunder damage too is a plus seeing as few enemies have resistance to Thunder.
The tricky thing with Nyrulna, however, is obtaining it, as players must first steal the Djinni Ring from Akabi at the Circus of the Last Days. This ring will allow them to win Akabi’s jackpot, whereupon they will be teleported to the jungle where Nyrulna waits inside a DC 20 locked chest. This all takes place at the start of Act 3.
1d8 + 2 Piercing + 1d4 Radiant
The Sacred Star is thebest Morningstar inBaldur’s Gate 3, and as such, it is also one of the best one-handed options to go alongside a shield. It has good damage, an action that can Blind and deal bonus damage, as well as the ability to turn Undead creatures around, rendering them useless.
While players will need to wait until Act 3 to obtain The Sacred Star, it is easy to find as it is simply purchased from Vicar Humbletoes in the Strormshore Tabernacle.
1d6 + 2 Piercing + 1d4 Necrotic
Crimson Mischiefis easily one of thebest melee weapons inBaldur’s Gate 3, and on top of its high base damage, players deal plenty of bonus damage in certain situations. For example, if they attack a low-health enemy with Advantage, they will deal 1d4 + 7 Piercing damage respectively, and both of these effects work on their own too.
To get hold of this deadly Shortsword, players will have to kill Orin in Act 3 of the game, as Crimson Mischief belongs to her. It might be late into the game, but its power will certainly be felt across the final act.
1d8 + 3 Piercing + 1d4 Necrotic
Duellist’s Prerogativeis a fantastic Rapier with high base Piercing and Necrotic damage, with the ability to deal further Necrotic damage. Furthermore, if players keep their off-hand empty, they will gain additional benefits such as easier crits, an extra reaction per turn, and the ability to attack again as a bonus action.
To acquire Duellist’s Prerogative, players will first need to complete the Save Mayrina quest in Act 1, as this unlocks the Save Vanra quest in Act 3 which rewards players with the Rapier. This quest can be initiated by speaking to Lora in the Lower City.
1d6 + 3 Bludgeoning + 1d8 Radiant
Healing Incense Aura:The wielder and nearby allies regain 1d4hit points at the start of the wielder’s turn for 10 turns. Once per Long Rest.
Devotee’s Maceis the perfect weapon to complete aCleric build; in fact, it can only be procured by members of this class. On top of its outstanding damage, this Mace comes equipped with a healing aura that will make all allies thankful for its presence.
At Cleric level 10, a character will gain access toDivine Intervention, which is a one-time-use action with a few options. One of these options, Arm Thy Servant, creates the Devotee’s Mace.
1d6 + 3 Bludgeoning
While it might not have the best damage,The Blood of Lathanderhas some truly astounding effects that make it one ofBG3’sbest one-handed weapons. Sunbeam, for example, is one of the best spells and can wipe out waves of enemies at once. Perhaps even more useful, however, is the automatic healing for the wielder and their allies when the wielder drops to 0 HP.
The astounding thing aboutthis Maceis that it can be obtained at the end of Act 1, making it a viable option for most of the game. It is found inside Creche Y’llek as part of the Find the Blood of Lathander quest.
