The early game in Crimson Desert can be challenging, especially before you have access to the full skill tree and high-level gear. Having the right weapon can make a significant difference in how smoothly your first hours go. Here are the top 5 weapons to acquire early in your journey through Pywel, ranked by overall effectiveness and accessibility.
These weapons are all obtainable within the first few hours of gameplay, either through story progression, exploration, or simple crafting. None of them require defeating difficult bosses or completing complex questlines, making them ideal targets for new players looking to establish a strong foundation.
| Rank | Weapon | Type | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greyhound's Legacy | Sword | Story reward (early) |
| 2 | Ironwood Greatsword | Greatsword | Crafted at first town |
| 3 | Hunter's Short Bow | Bow | Merchant purchase |
| 4 | Riversteel Blades | Dual Blades | Camp clearing reward |
| 5 | Warden's Bulwark | Shield | Side quest reward |
Best Early Game Weapons in Crimson Desert
The early game in Crimson Desert can be challenging, especially before you have access to the full skill tree and high-level gear. Having the right weapon can make a significant difference in how smoothly your first hours go. Here are the top 5 weapons to acquire early in your journey through Pywel, ranked by overall effectiveness and accessibility.
These weapons are all obtainable within the first few hours of gameplay, either through story progression, exploration, or simple crafting. None of them require defeating difficult bosses or completing complex questlines, making them ideal targets for new players looking to establish a strong foundation.
| Rank | Weapon | Type | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greyhound's Legacy | Sword | Story reward (early) |
| 2 | Ironwood Greatsword | Greatsword | Crafted at first town |
| 3 | Hunter's Short Bow | Bow | Merchant purchase |
| 4 | Riversteel Blades | Dual Blades | Camp clearing reward |
| 5 | Warden's Bulwark | Shield | Side quest reward |
Detailed Weapon Breakdown
1. Greyhound's Legacy (Sword) -- This is the first notable weapon you will acquire, obtained as a story reward early in the game. It is Kliff's personal sword, tied to the Greyhounds mercenary company. While not the most powerful weapon in the game, it provides solid damage for the early game and has a reliable moveset. Its balanced stats make it suitable for all combat situations, and it scales well with early skill investments. Keep this weapon upgraded as you progress -- it remains viable for a surprisingly long time.
2. Ironwood Greatsword (Greatsword) -- For players who prefer the Striker playstyle, the Ironwood Greatsword is the best early game option. It can be crafted at the blacksmith in the first major town using common materials gathered from the surrounding area. It deals significantly more damage per hit than standard swords, though its slower attack speed requires careful timing. The stagger potential of this weapon is excellent for breaking enemy guards and creating openings in combat.
3. Hunter's Short Bow (Bow) -- The Hunter's Short Bow is available for purchase from a merchant in the first region. It is an essential tool for players who want to engage enemies at range, pull individual enemies from groups, or kite difficult opponents. While its damage is modest, the ability to initiate combat on your terms is invaluable in the early game. Pair it with a melee weapon for a versatile loadout.
4. Riversteel Blades (Dual Blades) -- These dual blades are obtained as a reward for clearing a specific enemy camp in the first region. They offer fast attack speed and excellent critical hit potential, making them ideal for players who enjoy the Duelist playstyle. Their low per-hit damage is offset by the number of strikes you can land, and they excel at building combo momentum against staggered enemies.
5. Warden's Bulwark (Shield) -- Obtained through an early side quest, the Warden's Bulwark is the best early game shield for Vanguard players. It offers superior block stability and reduced stamina cost when blocking, making it easier to absorb heavy enemy attacks. For beginners learning the combat system, this shield provides a valuable safety net.
How to Upgrade Early Game Weapons
Acquiring good weapons is only half the battle -- upgrading them is equally important. Crimson Desert features a weapon upgrade system that allows you to improve your gear's stats using materials gathered throughout Pywel. Here is how to make the most of it in the early game:
Visit the blacksmith. Every major town has a blacksmith who can upgrade your weapons. Upgrades require crafting materials and in-game currency. In the early game, focus on upgrading your primary weapon first -- the one you use most often in combat.
Gather materials proactively. Upgrade materials are found by defeating enemies, mining ore deposits, and exploring the world. Make a habit of gathering materials as you explore, even if you do not need them immediately. Stockpiling materials ensures you can upgrade your weapons as soon as you reach a blacksmith.
Prioritize damage upgrades. In the early game, damage upgrades provide the most noticeable improvement to your combat effectiveness. Increasing your weapon's base damage lets you defeat enemies faster, reducing the time you spend in dangerous encounters and conserving stamina and healing items.
Do not over-invest in early weapons. While upgrading early weapons is helpful, be mindful that you will find better weapons as you progress. Do not spend rare materials on weapons you will replace soon. Focus on affordable upgrades that provide immediate benefits, and save rare materials for weapons you plan to use long-term.
Experiment with different weapon types. The early game is the best time to experiment. Try each weapon type to see which playstyle you enjoy most, then focus your upgrades on your preferred choice. The respec system means you can adjust your skills to match your weapon choice at any time.