Unleash the Power: Baldur's Gate 3's Ultimate Guide to Dominating with Shortswords
Discover the ultimate power of Shortswords in Baldur's Gate 3! Unleash your true potential with the top-ranked blades on your epic journey From the lethal Slicing Shortsword to the infamous Crimson Mischief, wield these formidable weapons and conquer any challenge that stands in your way
Highlights
Shortswords in Baldur's Gate 3 deal Piercing damage and can be dual-wielded, with the ability to use either Strength or Dexterity modifier.
Certain Shortswords possess distinct effects, actions, or spells that elevate their viability above others.
Throughout the game, players can discover diverse Shortswords, though the accessibility of certain weapons may vary based on the act and specific circumstances.
Shortswords in Baldur's Gate 3 are melee weapons that can be wielded with one hand and cause Piercing damage. They also have the capability to be dual-wielded. In order to use Shortswords, characters must possess Martial Proficiency and can utilize either their highest Strength or Dexterity Modifier.
While all Shortswords possess the Flourish and Piercing Strike abilities, which can prove advantageous in certain situations, the exceptional Shortswords offer additional effects, actions, or spells. In Baldur's Gate 3, there exists a wide variety of Shortswords for players to discover, but some surpass others in quality.
6 Slicing Shortsword
| Damage | Rarity | Weapon Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1d6 +1 Piercing | Rare | Deepflesh Slice: When the wielder attacks with Advantage, the attack inflicts Bleeding. |
The Slicing Shortsword is an excellent choice for players in the mid-game stage. Its effectiveness is maximized when used by characters who can consistently attack with Advantage, as it inflicts bleeding on their enemies. In Baldur's Gate 3, bleeding causes 2 points of Slashing damage to be inflicted at the beginning of each turn, while also imposing Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws.
5 Fleshrender
When players reach Act 2's Moonrise Towers, they have the opportunity to buy the Slicing Shortsword from Lann Tarv, the merchant on the first floor. Lann Tarv can be easily identified as he is surrounded by pilgrims.
| Damage | Rarity | Weapon Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1d6 +2 Piercing | Rare | Part the Flesh: Makes a strike that has a chance to prevent enemies from healing. |
Fleshrender is an exceptional Shortsword of Rarity, dealing significant Piercing damage. Its ability, Part the Flesh, becomes indispensable for characters lacking spells to counter healing when facing boss enemies dependent on it.
The drawback lies in the fact that obtaining Fleshrender is only possible in Act 3. Furthermore, players must embrace the role of an Unholy Assassin and accept Bhaal before the Echo of Abazigal in the Murder Tribunal will offer it for sale.
4 Render Of Mind And Body
| Damage | Rarity | Weapon Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1d6 +1 Piercing | Uncommon | Psychic Steel Virtuoso: When the wielder attacks with Advantage, they deal an additional 1~8 Psychic damage. |
The additional 1d8 Psychic damage offered by Render of Mind and Body when players attack with Advantage is exceptionally powerful and equals the base damage of the Shortsword. When players consistently achieve attacks with Advantage, this Shortsword rapidly ascends to the ranks of the top-tier weapons.
However, players will only have the opportunity to purchase this specific weapon from Lann Tarv in Moonrise towers if they successfully persuade Disciple Z'rell to provide them with extra assistance in their quest for Ketheric's Relic.
3 Knife Of The Undermountain King
| Damage | Rarity | Weapon Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1d6 + 2 Piercing | Very Rare |
|
The Knife of the Undermountain King, despite its name, is actually a Shortsword and is renowned as one of the top-tier weapons in the game. It not only increases the chances of landing a Critical Hit, but also grants the wielder an additional opportunity if they roll a 2 or less for damage. Remarkably, this bonus applies to any attacks made, not just those executed by this specific weapon.
As a weapon of Very Rare quality, the Knife of the Undermountain King inflicts significant base damage. What sets it apart from other Very Rare items is that it can be encountered in Act 1 at the Githyanki Creche Y'llek, where A'jak'nir Jeera offers it for sale.
2 Sword Of Life Stealing
| Damage | Rarity | Weapon Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1d6 +2 Piercing | Very Rare | Life Stealing Critical: On a Critical Hit, the target takes an extra 1-10 Necrotic damage as long as it isn't a construct or an undead. The wielder also gains 10 temporary hit points. |
The Sword of Life Stealing is an average Shortsword with a rather unremarkable design. However, when players successfully land a Critical Hit, it transforms into an unstoppable force, empowering the wielder to inflict additional Necrotic damage and granting them a temporary boost of HP.
Thankfully the Sword of Life Stealing is fairly easy to get hold of; players can simply purchase it from Dammon the blacksmith at the Last Light Inn in Act 2 of the game.
1 Crimson Mischief
| Damage | Rarity | Weapon Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1d6 + 2 Piercing + 1d4 Necrotic | Legendary |
|
Crimson Mischief, a Legendary Shortsword, is highly regarded as one of the top melee weapons in Baldur's Gate 3. It has the ability to inflict remarkable damage in specific circumstances. When players have the advantage and attack weak opponents, they can add an additional 1d4 + 7 Piercing damage to the already impressive base damage of the sword.
Additionally, Crimson Mischief proves to be an exceptional choice when used as an off-hand weapon, as it has the capability to cause extra damage. To obtain this weapon, players must defeat Orin in Act 3, as Crimson Mischief rightfully belongs to her.
Baldur's Gate 3
Platform(s) PC, Stadia, macOS, PS5Released August 3, 2023Developer(s) Larian StudiosGenre(s) RPG
