Beyond the Longsword: 10 Underrated Fantasy Weapons and How to Use Them
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Walk into any tavern in a fantasy RPG, and what do you see? A fighter polishing a broadsword, a ranger stringing a longbow, and a barbarian sharpening a great axe.
Classics are classics for a reason, but sometimes the "standard adventurer kit" feels a little… standard.
Whether you are a Game Master looking to give a villain a unique signature style, or a player wanting to break the mold of the typical warrior, the history of warfare is packed with strange, brutal, and beautiful weapons that get overlooked.
Here are 10 underrated fantasy weapons and how to make them shine in your next session.
1. The Khopesh (The Sickle-Sword)
What it is: Originating from ancient Egypt, this weapon is a hybrid between an axe and a sword, featuring a distinct C-shaped curve. Why it’s cool: It looks sinister and exotic compared to a straight European blade. How to use it:
- In Combat: The curve isn't just for show; it’s designed to hook around enemy shields or trip opponents. Give a character with a Khopesh a bonus to Disarm or Trip maneuvers.
- Story Flavor: Use this for guards of an ancient, desert-dwelling empire or a cult that values "reaping" their enemies.
2. The Net (Retiarius Style)
What it is: A weighted throwing net. Simple, cheap, effective. Why it’s cool: It changes combat from "I hit you" to "I control you." How to use it:
- In Combat: A net is the ultimate support weapon. A character who restrains a boss monster with a net gives the rogue Advantage on their attacks. It creates high-tension moments—can the monster break free before the Paladin strikes?
- Story Flavor: Perfect for bounty hunters who need targets alive, or gladiators who fight for the spectacle.
3. The Macuahuitl (The Obsidian Chainsaw)
What it is: An Aztec wooden club embedded with razor-sharp obsidian blades. Why it’s cool: It is historically renowned for being sharp enough to decapitate horses. It has a brutal, jagged aesthetic. How to use it:
- In Combat: Treat this as a high-damage weapon that is fragile. Perhaps on a "Critical Fail," the obsidian shatters, but on a "Critical Hit," it causes bleed damage.
- Story Flavor: Ideal for settings where metal is rare (like Dark Sun) or for druidic warriors who refuse to use processed steel.
4. The War Fan (Tessen)
What it is: A folding fan with iron spokes, sometimes with sharpened edges. Why it’s cool: It is the ultimate "hidden in plain sight" weapon. It screams elegance and deception. How to use it:
- In Combat: Use it as a defensive tool that grants a +1 to AC (Armor Class) when open, or use it to distract enemies.
- Story Flavor: Give this to a high-society bard or a spy at a royal ball. The players won't know they are in danger until the fans snap open.
5. The Meteor Hammer
What it is: A heavy weight attached to a long chain or rope. Why it’s cool: It’s visually dynamic—constantly spinning and flowing like water until it strikes. How to use it:
- In Combat: Give this weapon Reach. It allows a monk or fighter to control a wide area of the battlefield. Describe the sound—the low hum of the spinning weight—to build tension.
- Story Flavor: Great for a Monk or a chaotic fighter. It implies a fighting style that is rhythmic and dance-like.
6. The Sling (Not the Slingshot)
What it is: A simple loop of leather used to hurl stones or lead bullets at lethal speeds. Why it’s cool: David didn’t kill Goliath with a toy; slings hit with the force of a .44 magnum. They are silent, ammunition is free (rocks), and they are easy to conceal. How to use it:
- In Combat: The perfect weapon for a Halfling underdog. It should have a longer range than thrown daggers and be completely silent for stealth missions.
- Story Flavor: The weapon of the common folk. A peasant uprising armed with slings can be terrifyingly effective against armored knights.
7. The Katar (Punching Dagger)
What it is: A broad dagger with an H-shaped horizontal grip, allowing the wielder to punch the blade into the target. Why it’s cool: It translates the force of a punch directly into a stab. It feels aggressive and visceral. How to use it:
- In Combat: These are perfect for dual-wielding. In game mechanics, you might allow them to pierce heavy armor better than a standard dagger because of the punching force behind them.
- Story Flavor: A signature weapon for an assassin guild or a brawler who prefers fists but needs piercing power.
8. The Atlatl (Spear Thrower)
What it is: A lever used to launch a spear or dart with much greater force and distance than the human arm alone. Why it’s cool: It turns a short-range javelin toss into a long-range artillery shot. How to use it:
- In Combat: Give a strength-based character the ability to hit enemies from massive distances without needing a bow.
- Story Flavor: Excellent for huntsmen, rangers in prehistoric settings, or lizardfolk warriors. It shows a mastery of physics and leverage.
9. The Zweihänder (Greatsword... but bigger)
What it is: A massive two-handed sword, often with a second grip above the guard (the ricasso) wrapped in leather. Why it’s cool: It wasn’t just for slashing; it was used to control space and break pike formations. How to use it:
- In Combat: Unlike the standard Greatsword, describe the player using the unsharpened part of the blade to block, or "half-swording" (grabbing the blade) to drive the point into armor gaps.
- Story Flavor: The weapon of a veteran mercenary. It implies the user fights outnumbered and needs to keep enemies at bay.
10. The Chakram
What it is: A sharp, circular throwing disc. Why it’s cool: It’s synonymous with fantasy acrobatics (thanks, Xena). It’s elegant and deadly. How to use it:
- In Combat: A slashing ranged weapon. For magical flavor, create a "Returning Chakram" so the player doesn't run out of ammo.
- Story Flavor: Use this for a mystic warrior order or a chaotic neutral rogue who treats combat as a performance.
Your World, Your Armory
Switching a Goblin’s rusty scimitar for a Meteor Hammer or giving your Ranger an Atlatl instead of a bow instantly makes an encounter more memorable. It forces players to adapt their tactics and adds a layer of culture and depth to your world.