Valheim

Weapon Guide: How to Use Each Weapon Type

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This is a guide on how to use each weapon type in Valheim. Read more to find out how to use each weapon type and what are their strengths and weaknesses!

Swords

Valheim Sword.jpg
Swords are the strongest weapons when it comes to DPS as they are the fastest and they have damage similar to Axes.

They have the highest raw DPS so simply attack quickly then roll out of the way to avoid attacks, or block if you have a shield equipped.

They have an alternate attack which is a stab with a long windup, but it deals more damage. Take note that while it does a stabbing motion, it is counted as slash damage.

Knives

Valheim Knife.jpg
Knives are quick and deals both slash and pierce damage. Best used for sneak attacks, but it can also perform decently since it has quick start. You can use it to quickly do a whole three hit combo and get out quickly.

The knife has a alternate attack wherein you jump forward and stab your opponent, which is useful to make distance while attacking after rolling away, but the bonus damage is not that sizable.

Axes

Valheim Axe.png

Axes are the most straightforward weapon as it has no alternate attack. Simply click it thrice to do a whole combo.

Spears

Valheim Spear.jpg
Spears have a difficult hitbox as they only hit a narrow line infront of them. They also have a short reach due to the way its held. Because they don't slash down or to the side, it's hard to aim the hit. You cannot hit enemies a bit below you so make sure you fight on even ground.

Spears have a secondary attack where you throw it, but you'll have to pick it up again and the danger of being unarmed means either you have a spare weapon with you or don't risk throwing the spear at all. The bonus damage is not that big so it doesn't seem worth it as well.

Maces

Valheim Mace.jpg

Maces, like swords, have a slower and more powerful alternate attack where they wind up for a long time, and swing the mace upwards. It deals much more damage than a regular hit.

Aside from that, they have the classic three hit combo though due to the slow startup, it might be hard to land the full combo. Use this against skeletons and the Bonemass.

Bows

Valheim Bow.jpg

Use bows from afar to pepper enemies. Make sure to hold the attack button until the circle is the smallest size and fire as in ensures that it has the straightest line and strongest damage.

Read more of our guide to bows down below!

Bow Tips: How to Aim the Bow

Hammers

Valheim Hammer.jpg

Hammers are unique in that they have an AoE damage, despite their slow startup. They can only do one large swing downwards, and then it will create a shockwave. Make sure to make space between you and opponents so you can have the startup time to attack in peace.

Use it to fight against crowds.

Atgeirs

Valheim Atgeir.jpg
Atgeirs have a similar problem to spears that it has a weird hitbox. It has a three hit combo, where you poke upper, lower and downward, so its more versatile than the spear at the very least. Also, it's reach is longer compared to spear, so use it at a distance.

It has a secondary attack where you spin the polearm in a circular motion, attacking all those around you, but take note this performs pierce damage, not slash damage. It's also weaker than doing a three hit combo so its only useful for keeping others away rather than killing mobs.

To find out which types of enemies you should use each weapon type for, check our guide down below!
Best Weapon Types

Valheim Related Guides

Beginner

Guide for Beginners: How to Get Started

Valheim Tips and Tricks

Beginner Guides
List of Controls Character Creation Guide
How to Emote Cooking Guide: How to Make Food
Comfort Level and Rested Explained Map Guide: How to Mark and Ping Locations
Skill Leveling Guide Best World Map Seeds
Controller Layout and Support How to Build Fire Indoors
Combat Guides
Combat Guide: How to Battle in Valehim How to Parry: Parry Force and Parry Bonus
How to Hunt Deer Bow Tips: How to Aim the Bow
List of Raids: How do Raids Work? All Damage Types and Effects
Best Forsaken Power Weapon Guide: How to Use Each Weapon Type
Crafting Guides
Crafting Guide: How Does Crafting Work? How to Repair your Tools and Gear
How to Build and Upgrade the Workbench How to Build and Upgrade the Forge
Recipe List
Advanced Game Mechanics
How to Use Cheats and Console Commands How to Get Max Comfort
Farming and Resources Guides
Taming Guide: How to Tame Animals Breeding Guide: How to Breed Boar and Animals
How to Plant Seeds and Grow Vegetables Wolf Taming: How to Tame And Breed Wolves
House Building Guide Fishing Guide: How to Fish
Adventuring Guides
Dungeons Guide: Locations and Types How to Sail
Haldor the Trader: Where to Find and What He Sells Buried Treasure: How to Find
How to Get Into Sunken Crypts
Tier Lists
Best Weapon Tier List Best Armor Tier List
Multiplayer Guides
How to Play Multiplayer How to Make a Personal Chest
PVP Guide: How to Turn on Friendly Fire How to Fix Incompatible Version Error
FAQs
Do Resources Respawn? What Happens When You Die?
How to Split Stacks to Take One Item How to Take the Best Screenshots
Should You Launch With Vulkan? Best Graphics Settings
Best Cheats to Use: How to Cheat Well Do Bosses Despawn? How Bosses Work
Do Items Despawn? How to Throw Away Items Mysterious Figures: The Grim Reaper and Thor
How to Find Maypoles How to Quick Transfer Items
How to Kick Players What's at the Edge of the World?
Does Valheim Have Endgame? Why is my Console Not Working?

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