Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (2024)

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (1)

By Joe Grantham

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Baldur's Gate 3

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Baldur's Gate 3: Best Rapiers, Ranked
Baldur's Gate 3: Best Scimitars, Ranked
Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Halberds, Ranked
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Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (5)

Highlights

  • Greatswords in Baldur's Gate 3 require martial weapon proficiency and deal slashing damage with additional damage from the Strength modifier.
  • Each Greatsword comes with three actions: Pommel Strike, Lacerate, and Cleave, but some have unique effects and abilities.
  • Notable Greatswords in the game include the Soulbreaker Greatsword, Silver Sword of the Astral Plane, and Balduran's Giantslayer.

Greatswords are two-handed melee weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 that require the wielder to have martial weapon proficiency. They deal slashing damage and use the Strength modifier for extra damage.

Related

Baldur's Gate 3: Hardest Bosses In The Game

Baldur's Gate 3 has some scarily challenging boss fights. For these threats, players should be prepared and have their tactics honed.

Every Greatsword comes with three actions: Pommel Strike, Lacerate, and Cleave. However, the best among them also have their own unique effects and abilities. Some of the best BG3 Greatswords also happen to be ranked among the best melee weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 as a whole. For players who want to wield this class of formidable weapons, these are the best choices available in the game.

Updated August 1, 2024, by Joe Goodwin: After picking up multiple Game of the Year awards, Baldur's Gate 3 continues to grow in popularity, meaning even more players are jumping into this colossal RPG. Greatswords are naturally among the most popular weapons for new players and veterans alike, and so this list has been updated to include even more of BG3's best greatswords. As many of the best weapons can normally only be picked up in Act 3, there are now more examples from the earlier stages of the game to help players craft their greatsword builds sooner. The Weapon Enchantment stat has also been stressed as this bonus makes Attack Rolls bigger meaning attacks are more likely to hit. After all, there's no point in having the most damage if every swing is a miss.

Basic Actions Of All Greatswords In Baldur's Gate 3

  • Pommel Strike: Make a non-lethal attack to possibly Daze the target. Afflicted enemies have Disadvantage on Wisdom Saving Throws, can't use Reactions, and lose the Dexterity bonus to their AC (Once per Short Rest and Bonus Action).
  • Lacerate: Slash at a target's vitals to make them Bleed. Afflicted enemies take 2 Slashing damage at the start of each turn and have Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws (Once per Short Rest).
  • Cleave: Swing the sword in a large arc, hitting up to 3 enemies. Each enemy will take half the damage the weapon normally deals (Once per Short Rest).

11 Githyanki Greatsword (Psionic)

Base Damage: 3~13 or 4~17 For Githyanki

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (7)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing

+1

Uncommon

  • Githborn Psionic Weapon: When wielded by a Githyanki this weapon deals an additional 1d4 Psychic damage.
  • Location: Looted from Sarth Baretha in the Mountain Pass, Act 1.

For most characters who aren't of the Githyanki race, the Githyanki Greatsword (Psionic) is no better than the Greatsword +1 despite being harder to acquire in Act 1. Nevertheless, the Weapon Enchantment of +1 should never be overlooked for making successful attacks more likely. In the hands of Githaynaki, this bonus combined with the extra 1d4 Psychic damage makes for a solid weapon to end the first Act with.

In terms of getting both hands on the Githyanki Greatsword (Psionic), players will need to take the Mountain Pass route which is used to reach Act 2. This route is taken from The Risen Road, and players should be looking for a Githyanki by the name of Sarth Baretha. They are the owner of this sword.

10 Greatsword +1

Base Damage: 3~13

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (8)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing

+1

Uncommon

N/A

  • Location: Bought from Grat at the Goblin Camp and other traders, Act 1.

There isn't anything too special about the Greatsword +1, but due to the high base damage of all Greatswords in BG3, it is still a great option for the early game. The +1 aspect of the weapon means that it not only deals +1 extra damage, but unbeknownst to many, it also receives a +1 bonus to Attack Rolls, meaning players are more likely to hit their target.

The Greatsword +1 is also very easy to acquire, with many merchants selling it while the player is at a low level in Act 1. However, Grat the Trader can always be relied upon to have it in stock. He can be found at the Goblin Camp, very early on in Act 1.

9 Soulbreaker Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13 Or 4~17 For Githyanki

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (9)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing + 1d4 Psychic (conditional)

+1

Rare

  • Githborn Psionic Weapon: When wielded by a Githyanki this weapon deals an additional 1d4 Psychic damage.
  • Seldom Caught Unawares: Gain a +2 bonus to Initiative Rolls.
  • Location: Belongs to a Githyanki warrior at Creche Y'llek, Act 1.

The Soulbreaker Greatsword is one of a few swords in Baldur's Gate 3 that are better in the hands of Githyanki characters. In this case, Githyanki deal an extra 1d4 Psychic damage, but any wielder, no matter their race, will gain the benefits of a higher Initiative, meaning they will take their turn earlier. Having high Initiative and high damage is a great combo as enemies can often be slain before they even get a turn.

However, players will have to kill a Githyanki warrior to get their hands on the Souldbreaker Greatsword, as it is Kith'rak Therezzyn's weapon. She can be found in the Captain's Quarters in Creche Y'llek, the Githyanki stronghold. Players who have previously reached Act 2 via the Underdark should consider heading through the Mountain Pass and exploring the Githyanki Creche on their next playthrough.

8 Sword Of Justice

Base Damage: 3~13

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (10)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing

+1

Uncommon

Tyr's Protection (Lvl 1 Spell): Surround a creature with a shimmering field of magic that increases its Armor Class by 2. Once per Short Rest as a Bonus Action.

  • Location: Belongs to Anders at the Toll House, Risen Road, Act 1.

The Sword of Justice is a fantastic greatsword for the early game with its Weapon Enchantment +1, which not only increases damage but also improves the odds of successfully landing attacks. The Tyr's Protection spell can be used at the start of each day to increase the AC of any ally by 2, making them harder to hit. If players forget to use it prior to the fight or the effect wears off for whatever reason, it can be used again mid-fight as a bonus action.

To acquire the Sword of Justice, players can either kill Karlach and receive it as a reward from Anders, or they can kill him in the Toll House on the Risen Road and take it for themselves. As this sword soon gets outshone by alternatives, and Karlach is one of the best characters in the game, the second option is usually preferable.

7 Jorgoral's Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (11)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing

+1

Rare

Colossal Onslaught: Channel mettlesome strength and strike all creatures in a line, dealing bonus Slashing damage equal to proficiency bonus. Once per Short Rest.

  • Location: Bought from Corsair Greymon, Grymforge, Act 1.

The Jorgoral's Greatsword has fairly standard damage but also comes equipped with a fun Action ability that has high potential. If multiple enemies are clumped up together, then players can hit them all at once with Colossal Onslaught, and players can use it a few times while adventuring thanks to the fact that it refreshes with each Short Rest.

To find Jorgoral's Greatsword, players must enter the Underdark and reach the Grymforge where it can be picked up from Corsair Greymon. Depending on the circumstances, players will either be able to loot the sword from him or purchase it for gold. While they are at the Grymforge, players should consider finding one of Act 1's hidden locations, the Adamantine Forge, where unique weapons and armor can be crafted.

6 Everburn Blade

Base Damage: 3~16

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (12)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 Slashing + 1d4 Fire

N/A

Uncommon

Ever Burning: The fire of this blade cannot be extinguished.

  • Location: Taken from Commander Zhalk on the Nautiloid, Prologue.

The Everburn Blade only has the base Slashing damage of 2d6, as opposed to other greatswords on this list that have +1, +2, and +3 bonuses. However, it does deal an extra 4 possible Fire damage, which can do wonders in the early game. Thanks to the Ever Burning passive, the fire will not be quenched either. The main downside to this weapon is that it has no Weapon Enchantment, meaning attacks are less likely to hit.

The main reason it is considered one of the most desirable greatswords in Baldur's Gate 3, is because the Everburn Blade can be obtained right at the start of the game by electing to kill Commander Zhalk on the Nautiloid instead of ignoring him. This is no easy feat though, so players will have to make use of some pro combat tips for BG3​​​​​. If players have the patience though, they will eventually be able to obtain the sword as there is a save just before the fight.

5 Svartlebee's Woundseeker

Base Damage: 3~13

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (13)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing

+1

Uncommon

  • Deepen the Wound: The wielder gains a +1d4 bonus to Attack Rolls with this weapon when attacking creatures that have already taken damage.
  • Location: Belongs to Gauntlet Yeva, Waukeen's Rest, Act 1.

In addition to having one of the best names in Baldur's Gate 3, Svartlebee's Woundseeker is a fantastic greatsword for the early game. While its damage is nothing to boast about, players will successfully land hits more often against foes who have already taken damage with a +1d4 to Attack Rolls. In fact, unless players are facing foes with incredibly high AC, there's almost no chance of missing wounded enemies.

Related

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Rapiers, Ranked

Rapiers are one of the many one-handed weapon options players have in Baldur's Gate 3, and these are the strongest in this archetype.

Svartlebee's Woundseeker can be found at Waukeen's Rest in Act 1, carried by Gauntlet Yeva. She can either be killed or commanded to drop her weapon with one of the most underrated spells in Baldur's Gate 3: Command. However, players trying to stay on the righteous path might just have to miss out on this one, as there are plenty of other top BG3 greatswords available.

4 Sussur Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (15)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 1 Slashing

+1

Rare

Silences targets on hit.

  • Location: Complete the "Finish The Masterwork Weapon" quest at the Blighted Village, Act 1.

If players have ever wanted a sword that silences enemies even if it doesn't kill them, the Sussur Greatsword is just for them. Naturally, this sword is particularly strong against spell casters, who rely on incantations to deal damage or provide buffs.

Related

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Scimitars, Ranked

Players who want to focus on scimitars in Baldur's Gate 3 should keep their eyes peeled for the following examples.

The best thing about the Sussur Greatsword is that it can be obtained fairly early on in the game during Act 1. Players can get their hands on it by doing the "Finish the Masterwork Weapon" quest in the Blighted Village. To start this mission, players will need to read Highcliff's Journal, which can be found in a house near the village's windmill.

3 Silver Sword Of The Astral Plane

Base Damage: 5~15 Or 6~21 For Githyanki

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (17)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 3 Slashing +1d6 Psychic (conditional)

+3

Legendary

  • Soulbreaker: Rend the enemy's body and soul, and possibly Stun them.
  • Githborn Psionic Weapon: When wielded by a Githyanki, this weapon deals an additional 1d6 Psychic Damage.
  • Githborn Psionic Resistance: A Githyanki holding this weapon has Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws, Resistance to Psychic Damage, and cannot be Charmed.
  • Location: Belongs to Kith'rak Voss, Act 3.

The Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is an extremely strong greatsword and can actually be considered the second-best. However, for this to be true, the wielder must be Githyanki. Two of the weapon's effects depend on this, allowing Githyanki to deal more damage and also gain defensive bonuses. Available to all is the Soulbreaker action, which deals extra Psychic damage and can stun enemies. As it can be used once after every Short Rest, it can be used a few times during a day of adventuring.

As this greatsword belongs to Kith'rak Voss, players must either kill him or show him the Orphic Hammer in Act 3 of the game. He can be found at Sharess' Caress on Wyrm's Crossing. As big decisions must be made to acquire the Orphic Hammer in the first place, the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is something that players must plan for.

2 Sword Of Chaos

Base Damage: 5~18

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (18)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 2 Slashing + 1d4 Necrotic Damage

+2

Very Rare

Chaos: On a hit, regain 1d6 hit points.

  • Location: Looted from Sarevok Anchev, Murder Tribunal, Act 3.

With high Slashing damage, bonus Necrotic damage, and a passive that will heal players with every hit, it is easy to see why the Sword of Chaos is one of the best greatswords in the game.

Related

Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Halberds, Ranked

Visually impressive, lethal, and effective, halberds are deadly weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 and trusty allies to those skilled enough to wield them.

However, players will need to wait until Act 3 to get their hands on the sword. It is looted from the legendary Bhaalspawn Sarevok Anchev, who can be found in the Murder Tribunal under Candulhallow's Tomb during two quests: Investigate the Murders and Impress the Murder Tribunal.

1 Balduran's Giantslayer

Base Damage: 5~15

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (20)

Damage

Ench.

Rarity

Weapon Skills

2d6 + 3 Slashing

+3

Legendary

  • Giantslayer: On a hit, double the damage from the user's Strength Modifier. This weapon grants the wielder Advantage on Attack Rolls against Large, Huge, or Gargantuan creatures.
  • Giant Form: Grow to a fearsome size. Weapons deal an additional 1d6 damage, and the user gains 27 Temporary Hit Points and Advantage on Strength Checks and Saving Throws.
  • Topple the Big Folk (Action): Deals damage equal to the user's Proficiency bonus. On a hit, creatures that are size Large or larger must succeed on a Strength save or fall prone.
  • Location: Looted from the dragon Ansur, Wyrmway, Act 3.

The Balduran's Giantslayer is the best greatsword in BG3 for a number of reasons. The Giantslayer effect makes this weapon perfect for strong characters going up against big opponents. The Giant Form action, however, is arguably even more overpowered. Not only does it last for 10 turns, but it can actually be used once per short rest, meaning players can remain giants in most fights.

Given the strength of this sword, players will have to wait till Act 3 to get their hands on it. They must prove themselves worthy by killing the dragon Ansur in the Wyrmway. This is one of the many hidden locations in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, as to reach this location, players will need to deal Lightning damage to two dragon head torches inside Wyrm's Rock prison.

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (21)
Baldur's Gate 3

RPG

Systems

Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (26) OpenCritic Reviews
Top Critic Rating:96/100 Critics Recommend:98%
Platform(s)
PC , macOS , PS5 , Xbox Series X

Released
August 3, 2023
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
  • Video Games
  • Baldur's Gate 3

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Baldur's Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked (2024)

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