Crimson Desert offers an interesting approach to weapon use: soon after starting the game, you’ll quickly notice that many of the weapons available at the very beginning have similar stats and effects. Even weapon upgrades often provide similar bonuses, regardless of whether you choose the starting sword, spear, or axe.
The game encourages using your favorite weapons, but there are several options available early on that already possess additional abilities that would otherwise require enchanting later in the game. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best weapons available early on.
Legionary gladius
While not necessarily better than other early examples, the Legionary Gladius is unique and can be upgraded like any other if you prefer short swords.
To find it, head north of Castle Hernand to the large bridge you crossed at the very beginning of Chapter 1. Then, walk along the top of the cliffs at the foot of Three Saints’ Falls (marked on your map). To the right of the falls, you’ll find a statue hiding a small puzzle : light both candles in the statue’s hands, and a nearby gate will open, revealing a chest containing the Legionnaire’s Gladius.
Warspike’s Spear
Another early-tier weapon that doesn’t have much in the way of additional stats, but is a great secondary weapon with a long attack range and a strong combo.
To find it, head directly east of the town of Hernand to the river that skirts a small plot of land. There’s a shrine on the Nas River—a small wooden structure containing valuable items. To the right of this structure, you’ll find a spear, which you can pick up without risking being accused of theft.
Hwando
Although it’s a secondary weapon to your main one-handed sword, the Hwando is an incredibly powerful two-handed sword available early on in the city of Hernand. All it requires is a common key (and possibly a Thief’s Mask , which can be purchased from a vendor at the underground shop southwest of the city, between the Nas River Shrine and Makrut Ranch).
You’ll find Hwando in the Lioncrest Estate in the north of town. This location is great for finding valuable items, solving puzzles, observing skills, and much more. To obtain the sword, look for the small stone house west of the main mansion.
All entrances to the mansion are guarded, and you will be pushed back if you try to enter, but the guards will not notice if you climb up the wall, open a window, and sneak inside.
Once in the estate, go up to the second floor and use the key to open the weapons room. Inside, you’ll find numerous weapon crates and a glowing chest that can be opened without a mask to obtain the Hwando. Even at level 1, the sword’s base damage is higher than other two-handed swords, and it’s already enhanced with Abyssal gear, which increases critical chance, damage, and the ability to restore stamina when striking.
Sword of the Lord
One of the best upgraded swords early on. To obtain it, you need to progress through the main storyline and defeat the Chapter 2 boss , Kylog Hornsplitter. The fight will be challenging: the boss’s sword can unleash powerful energy waves in all directions.
The good news: killing the boss will reward you with the “Overlord’s Sword,” which has the same ability. This effect is activated automatically by certain attacks, including the four-hit light combo and the quick strike after a dodge.
Shield of Conviction
A strong shield that can be found in Hernand, but you will have to ride a horse to get it .
The route leads north from Hernand, into the Kalfada subregion. You can reach it via the road northwest of Hernand Castle, passing through Haunted Hill (look for the sign on the map), or through Rocca’s Hill (another sign on the map), then turning left and going past Hook Rapids to Deepfog Basin.
In Kalfada, find the small town to the left of the large castle and head north to find the Church of Kalfada. Climb the bell tower and ring the bell (this will reveal a map of the region). Just below the bell tower is an open window. Make your way inside the tower to find a chest containing a shield.
The shield is quite massive, so it doesn’t increase movement speed, but it is already improved: it has high defense and additional abilities that increase damage reduction and reduce stamina consumption when blocking.
