For those wondering why the guide has not been updated in quite a long while, I can answer why. Quite frankly, I'm burnt on Mabinogi. As it stands, this guide will not be updated until I get interested in the game again, which if Nexon does it right, might be around the time when Divine/Holy Knight hits. I have not quit, but I need to take a break from Mabi for a while.

Introduction

One of the great things about being a melee human player is that there is a great selection of swords. However, that means there might be some confusion as to what sword to choose. Does one go for a powerful, slow hitter, or does one go the DPS route and go for something fast? Does one want to get a weapon that is high balance versus one that has higher minmax while sacrificing balance?

This is where the Mabinogi Wiki and this guide come in, as an aid to help the player choose what sword is best for his/her character. This guide is not meant to replace the wiki for information, but rather supplement it (at best). While I think the Wiki is a great resource, one thing I do miss is a player opinion section (similar to that of World of Tanks' wiki, which has a player opinion section for each tank).



There are reasons why I chose to write this guide, mainly these:
- I'm bored.
- I have seen players choose swords wrongly because of what was on the wiki (eg, choosing Battle Swords over Gladii)
- I would like to give my side of the game, with what I have played with.


My main is Euras; I play on the Mari server. She is a total level 33## human melee character, and I started her in G10. I do have other characters that I plan to use for testing out Elf and Giant weapons, as to further flesh out this guide. As of now though, I am concentrating on Euras, and as such, any weapon tested will be with that character.


Mabinogiworld's extensive Wiki on Mabinogi.[wiki.mabinogiworld.com]


That is the goal, but right now I want to get swords done first. Partly because I collect the things and also because there are so many of them compared to blunt weapons. As it stands, it looks like this:
1H->2H->Rapiers->Scythes->Giant/Elf Swords->shields*->Possibly other weapons?

*Maybe done earlier if by request


Yes, but I need all the help I can get with this.


No. There is a good guide on Alchemy already and someone who is more versed in the other skillsets mentioned could write a better guide than me.


No. I would love to but I do not have the patience to make a good spirit weapon. There might be remarks about them in the guide; this is from my own observation, not my usage. Plus, there is a guide on spirit weapons anyway.


Swords themselves are not outclassed, and for many people beginning to mid game they are indispensible. Sure, a high level player might use an upgraded lance or knuckles, but that doesn't stop swords from being excellent weapons. Plus, they are still very usable, even in late game areas, such as hardmode and elite shadow missions and hard dungeons.


One, for my own amusement, and two, because someone will ask about a particular weapon. Sure, the Battle Short Sword isn't the greatest sword, but it wouldn't hurt to have my take on it.


Eventually. It depends on the requests, but I am typically not a shield user. The only shield that I own at the moment is a Dragon Shield.


Eventually, but the content needs to go up first. I might put up essential images (flowcharts and such) up first, simply because of the information they contain. Images depciting swords can be found on the wiki.


No, I do not hate Elves or Giants. The reason is because my main is a human and that platform is the most accessible for any weapon. On top of that, my giant and elf alts are not that strong, and while I am aware there is only one elf-only sword, my elf isn't the greatest. That being said, they will not be left out.


This all depends on context. The Battle Sword, for instance, is a terrific late game weapon but for beginners it's absolutely terrible due to its low balance. From seeing other high level players using melee, lances are generally favored, though that does not mean swords are crap. By the same token, there is no best "be all to end all" weapon in the game. Ditto for "best sword." Sure, a Focused Rainbow Beam has some of the highest numbers in the game, but it cannot be enchanted or upgraded, plus there is the high repair cost. This applies for skillsets as well. Some can argue Puppetry is the best skillset in terms of crowd control, or Alchemy is the best in terms of diversity, or Fighter (and Gunner) is best for DPS, but they too have their own weaknesses, such as Fighters being made for 1 on 1 combat; their lack of multiaggro control can be crippling (as one example). So short answer, no, there is no "best weapon" or "best sword." It all depends on context.


With the exception of the Legendary weapons, Fomor Weapons are by and large the same as their normal counterparts, with some exceptions:

• They have slightly better stats (equivalent to a mid-grade player made weapon);
  
• They are bought at the Commerce Imps stationed outside each town in Uladh using Ducats;
  
• They can only be repaired by the Commerce Fomors stationed outside, again, using Ducats;
  
• None of them can be special upgraded.

The only exceptions to this rule are the Knuckles, which are repairable anywhere and can be special upgraded.

Legendary weapons will be discussed in the guide but since I do not have the money to buy (or maintain) them, I will only give some general thoughts about them.


If it is a weapon that is:

• A sword
  
• Usable on my main character and
  
• Not horribly expensive and
  
• Obtainable in the game

Then yes, I will discuss it time permitting. As stated, Giant and Elf weapons will be done but further down the road. Hand puppets (not marionettes) I will probably not discuss because they're more for decorative use than anything. Other swords, such as "food swords" might be discussed provided I can find them at a good price.


Again, this all depends on context. The Short Sword might be considered bad because of its low stock stats and mediocre upgrades, while the Liberty Saber might be considered bad because of its rarity and crippling maintenance costs. In the end, this will be different from player to player.


This is for another guide I may write in the future, but to keep it short, raise your DEX to around 200-250 or so and then raise your strength. Upgrades, Enchants, and Reforges can also help raise minimum damage.


For contributing, see the Help Wanted section below for more detail. If you wish to just send info, note me on Mabi or use the comment section at the bottom of the page. Help is definitely great.

Disclaimer (again)

This guide is also my opinion and my experience with the game; your online experience may vary. In depth information is found on the Wiki.

From time to time I will be updating the guide with any information pertinent to it. However, I cannot add all the information at once as I might miss it or (more likely) I just plain don't know about any of it. This is where you, the guide readers, come into play. To help, please note me on Mabinogi with your name, and Steam name so I can add you and discuss what is there to add. Posts will be added below for what there is to help.

My contact info:
IGN: Euras
Server: Mari

Note; I don't play the other three servers. If you play on any of the other three, note me using the comments section below with your IGN and server so I can contact you.

Help Wanted: April 5, 2014

• Need help on the following section(s):
  
• - Enchants and enchanting
  
• - Gachapon items
  
• - Giant/Elf swords (not other weapons!)
  
• Need help for the following
  
• - General upkeep of guide

Help wanted: February 23, 2014.

• Need help to add the following section(s):
  
• - Enchants and enchanting
  
• - Recent Gachapon items
  
• Need help for the following:
  
• - General upkeep on the guide

- April 5, 2014
Updated Help Wanted section

- February 23, 2014
Section on Upgrading added
Help Wanted section added
Acknowledgments section added

- February 22, 2014
Masamune section is finished
New Gacha weapons being added
Section on Reforges added

- February 19, 2014
Polishing up pages.
Fleshing out Glossary.
Masamune section being added.

- February 17, 2014
Polishing the existing pages.
Added info about the Sword of Elsinore
Continuously fleshing out glossary.

- February 17, 2014
Fleshing out FAQ
Added explanation of game steps (beginning game, etc)
Two Handers mostly finished
Rapiers finished
Scythes added
Started a Glossary

- February 16, 2014 (afternoon)
Two handers started, adding misc. 1 handers.
FAQ continuously being fleshed out.

- Feburary 16, 2014
Guide is created, most one handers are listed as well as NPC two handers.

To do:
- Make flowchart.
- Adding in images (if necessary)
- Enchant section: will be done after all swords are completed. The more help I get on this section the better as I am not well versed on enchants.
- Add Giant and Elf weapons
- Add Rapiers This is added.
- Add Scythes This is added
- Possibly expand this to other weapons, starting with melee (blunt weapons, axes, lances)

Throughout the guide, you will probably see terms such as "Beginning game," "End game," and similar. These are markers, so to speak, where to judge the character and/or weapon he or she is using.

In a more standard RPG, such as Maplestory, weapon obtaining and using is linear with what level the player is. A beginning or low level player would probaby use a weapon typically found in low level areas. By contrast, a player going after high level mobs would probably be using a very high level weapon, which might be hard to obtain.

Mabinogi is special in the sense that it is not linear, with any character being able to equip any weapon at any level.* Therefore, it is harder to judge what is beginning game, late game, or similar. For the purpose of this guide, I am going to be using four terms.

Beginning game: Pretty self explanitory. An example would be any player who has just installed the game. It could also mean a player who has maybe completed Generation 1, but is working on Generation 2 and part of Generation 9, and is around total level 150 or so.

Mid game: The player has been playing the game for some while and has made some progress in the game and into his or her preferred skillset but is not fully capable of doing hard missions (hardmode dungeons and shadow missions, for example). Example: the player has completed G1, G2, and G9 but is working on G10, and might have a silver-rated talent in his or her primary skillset.

Late game: The player has been playing the game for a long while, is sufficiently high levelled, and has made tremendous progress in the game. Example: the player has completed most generations, has a very high primary talent rank (be it Wise or even Master), might be a Grandmaster, and is able to hold his or her own in difficult missions (such as Lord Missions or Peaca Intermediate or Abyss Dungeon runs).

End game: The player has been playing the game for a long while and has completed almost every generation, has mastered several skillsets, probably holds a Grandmaster talent rank in either his or her primary or even secondary skillset, and is incredibly high levelled. This player is able to run Lord Missions, difficult dungeons and elite level Shadow Missions.

Mind you, everything here is a gradient, and for some, these four steps will be at different intervals. Context is key here, but hopefully, these explanations will help the guide.




*Obviously there are some exceptions, namely race restricted weapons and Demonic weapons.

One Handed Swords in Mabinogi are as such, probably the most basic weapon in the game. Equip it, and smack an enemy until it dies. These swords are played best with something equipped in both equipment slots, usually a shield, or if you are a Human player, the option to use another sword.

The One Handed Sword range is quite vast, ranging from the basic Short Sword to powerful endgame weapons such as the Demonic Death Knight Sword and Caladbolg. In addition, all swords can be dual wielded (as human) unless marked. Keep this in mind before purchasing a sword that cannot be dual wielded.

Stats and upgrade paths can be found on Mabinogiworld's Mabinogi Wiki.

Dagger
- Pros:

• Incredible attack speed.
  
• Crit rate is really good, especially from an NPC weapon.
  
• Very high balance.
  
• Very cheap
  
• Can be special upgraded (!)

- Cons:

• Upgrade paths consume quite a few durability points, making upgraded Daggers very situational.
  
• Lower durability points at base.
  
• Mediorcre minimum and maximum damage when stock

Thoughts:
This is my recommended weapon for lower level players who do not have much money. With its high attack rate, satisfying crit rate, and generous balance, this weapon suits many players. Make no mistake, you will not replace a Fighter in terms of DPS, but this isn't to say Daggers do not have high DPS. Upgrade paths though can hurt durability, bringing them down from 8 to a meager 3 points, making them very situational weapons, though there are some upgrade paths that favor durability over minmax or crit. Just be sure to take care of them, and they will last you for quite a while.

Short Sword
- Pros:

• Cheap
  
• Easily obtainable

- Cons:

• Low damage output.
  
• Mediocre NPC resell value.
  
• Max Damage upgrade path sacrifices durability by half.
  
• Outclassed by the cheaper dagger.

Thoughts:
This sword, while enticing for new players, is pointless, especially these days where new accounts get better "practice weapons" out of the box. Smithed (meaning, player-made) examples might have better stats, but can be pricey (for what they are) and better swords can be gotten for the same amount. The only benifit to this sword is that it might be a good "back-up" or emergency sword, if your main one(s) somehow is broken. Aside from that, there is no reason to use this sword if you have better options.

Notes: Violent enchanted Short Swords are good for burning the enchants off. This enchant is good for 2 handers, as it has incredible max att

Wooden Blade
- Pros:

• Dirt cheap, in terms of cost and maintenance.
  
• Upgrades brings the sword on par with the stock Gladius.
  
• Upgrades do not cost any durability, and are very cheap.
  
• Perfect for mating the Goddess prefix enchant and Obsidian or Caliburn suffix enchants.

- Cons:

• Upgrades bring the sword on par with the stock Gladius, making this sword rather redundant.
  
• Rather uninspiring when stock.

Thoughts:
The Wooden Blade is good for what it is; a weapon that is cheap to buy and maintain. Upgrades can make the sword powerful, though that power is equivalent to a stock Gladius, which goes for about the same price as the max damage upgrade for this sword. That said, this sword is perfect for mating Goddess and Obsidian or Caliburn enchants, due to the sword's low repair cost and the fact that those enchants raise repair cost. Aside from that, the sword is nothing special.

Notes: Currently, there is a bug that makes this sword unobtainable from NPCs. This will hopefully be fixed in the near future. There is also a Trainee Wooden Blade, featuring higher stats (on par with a Gladius) with similar maintenance costs. That weapon was only available from a limited-time Gachapon and Event (both from 2011).


Long Sword
- Pros:

• Affordable.
  
• Lots of upgrade paths.
  
• Sold at most NPCs.
  
• Upgrade paths can give decent max damage and critical.

- Cons:

• High durability wear.
  
• Upgrades can bring down max durability.
  
• Best damage paths (be them max attack or crit) require higher dexterity.

Thoughs:
Never mind the name - the Long Sword here is nothing more than a short sword with a slimmer blade - this particular sword is mediocre compared to other short swords in the game as of now. MinMax and Crit are better with the Fluted Short Sword while the Battle Short Sword offers better balance (which is important for low dexterity players). With its low durability as well, it would be wiser to get smithed examples, if they could be found. In short, like the basic Short Sword, this is best as a reserve weapon.

Fluted Short Sword
- Pros:

• Most NPCs sell them.
  
• High crit rate.
  
• Artisan upgrade can bring in a bunch of Strength, making this one of the more powerful one-handers.
  
• High crit upgrade path retains durability.

- Cons:

• Low balance.
  
• Artisan is completely random, and one might have to spend real life money for Artisan Removal Kits to get a decent roll.

Thoughts:
While not seen as much today, these swords are perfect for lower level players who have decent enough Dexterity. The Artisan upgrade can boost the sword's max attack to 71, making it on par of the Gladius and Broadsword in terms of power, and with a higher attack speed, means it has higher DPS. That said, Artisans are completely random, and the Strength roll is not always guaranteed. Other upgrade paths do raise the Max Damage though up as well (up to 50 in one path). Recommended if you have the DEX (Dexterity) to use this sword effectively.

Notes: The Feather Sword is essentially a reskinned Fluted Short Sword without the Artisan upgrade. Upgrade paths might be different though, as I have not tried upgrading my Feather Swords.

Battle Short Sword
- Pros:

• High minimum attack
  
• Good balance
  
• Affordable

- Cons:

• Lower Maximum compared to the Fluted Short Sword
  
• Lower Critical as well
  
• Lower Durability

Thoughts:
One can surmise that this sword is outclassed by the Fluted Short Sword. And well, it is; with the Fluted Short boasting better crit, max damage, and durability. However, this sword has higher balance compared to the Fluted Short, making it a better option for those with less DEX. It is also cheaper, costing 300 less gold than the Fluted (though the Fluted sells for 2070 gold at Elen). Best if the player has low dexterity, otherwise, this sword has not much to write home about.

Ba-stard Sword
- Pros:

• Found at most NPCs.
  
• Good for reliable damage.
  
• Looks cool

- Cons:

• All upgrade paths reduce Durability
  
• Some upgrade paths require coupons, which are from shadow missions which are a pain to get into since they require making wine.
  
• Pricey to maintain.

Thoughts:
The Wiki states it best: The Ba-stard Sword (dash used to get the name through) was made for balance and reliable, high damage. However, its critical hit rate will always be low in comparison to other swords' potentials. Depending on the upgrade sequence, balance may not even be important due to the small gap between the minimum and maximum damage. Similar to the Gladius but less diverse, the Ba-stard Sword is made for very high max or min but low to no critical. Recommended along with the Gladius for people who want slow but powerful dualing swords.

That being said, I personally think the Gladius is better for the fact that upgrades on this sword can bring it down by half (the Bastard Sword starts with 10 and ends with 5). Still, it's a decent weapon.

This is Part 2 of the One Handed Sword guide.

Battle Sword
- Pros:

• High max damage, especially with artisan upgrades.
  
• Decent critical.
  
• Highest Max Damage upgrade path retains all durability.
  
• Can be special upgraded

- Cons:

• Laughibly low balance.
  
• Repair costs can be expensive.
  
• Most upgrades require special coupons, which are a pain to get.

Thoughts:
This weapon looks deceptively good for newer players, with its narrow damage range and good stock max attack. However, do not be fooled; this is not a beginner weapon. This is due to its low balance, making it very unwieldy for players that do not have at least 200 DEX. However, if you have the DEX, and the money and/or patience, these are really good mid to late game weapons.

Gladius
- Pros:

• High max damage and balance.
  
• Decent durability when stock from NPC; player made ones often have more.
  
• Easily found at most NPCs
  
• Can be special upgraded.

- Cons:

• Damage isn't the highest as the Battle Sword's
  
• Absolutely no crit.
  
• A good number of upgrades can reduce durability.
  
• Outclassed by other weapons by late game.

Thoughts:
The general weapon of choice for most beginner and lower leveled players, the Gladius is good for those that do not have the DEX to use the Battle Sword, with its high min and max damage and generous balance, with minmax being further aided with special upgrading. However, this weapon starts losing its effectiveness by late game, where other swords and weapons (Lances, Falcatas, Beholders, War Swords, and even Battle Swords) start being more favored. That said, the Gladius is great for mid game, and can be good reserve weapons for late game.

Notes: The Royal Crystal Wing Sword appears to share similar stats, without the special upgrading. This sword is only available from a Gachapon, and as such, is very rare.

Broadsword
- Pros:

• High critical
  
• High damage, though not as high as the Battle Sword
  
• Often smithed by players
  
• Can be special upgraded

- Cons:

• Most upgrades reduce durability
  
• Lower balance than Gladius
  
• Player made examples are higher in price than NPC variants

Thoughts:
Along with the Gladius and Battle Sword, the Broadsword is a good choice for mid game playing. With its crit percentage, and with certain enchants, the Broadsword can be made into a good "crit sword." However, the durability is lower on the Broadsword than the Gladius. Otherwise, a good weapon for players.

War Sword
- Pros:

• Very high attack: can reach up to 90 max with one upgrade path (and those are not high grade variants).
  
• Maintenance is cheap
  
• High balance
  
• Good starting durability

- Cons:

• Very little crit
  
• All upgrades reduce durability.
  
• Not sold by any NPCs.
  
• Only method of manufacture is Synthesis; otherwise only obtainable from certain Gachapons.
  
• Can be pricey.
  
• Not available for special upgrade, reducing the effectiveness of this weapon by end game

Thoughts:
The War Sword is one of the best swords for max damage; basic ones can go up to 90 with the right upgrades. It is also very friendly for those that have lower DEX. The flip side of this is that the swords are pricey; they are only either from Synthesis or from certain Gachapons. And like most one handers, they lose their effectiveness by late to end game, especially this one since it sadly cannot be special upgraded. I do think they are worth the money though.

Falcata
- Pros:

• Great stock stats
  
• Can have tremedous attack
  
• Good crit as well
  
• Decent balance
  
• Highest Max Damage upgrade does not need any special coupons
  
• Can be special upgraded

- Cons:

• Very rare; this is a possible a possible drop from Peaca Intermediate monsters (Ghasts, and the Master Lich boss), Manual for smithing is only from Alby Advanced Hardmode, and Gachapon examples are quite rare.
  
• Expensive upgrades.
  
• Durability of stock examples fluctuate greatly from examples found.

Thoughts:
The Falcata is the quentessential end game weapon. Boasting high damage, decent balance, and decent crit, this weapon is a must for those who are doing hardmode shadow missions, advanced and hardmode level dungeons, and just general fighting. The downside of this weapon is its rarity, with examples costing around 400,000 gold. Smithed examples and high grade Gachapon variants can be even higher, as the former have to be smithed with a Master talent Blacksmith only (on top of the manual being rare), and the latter are simply rare. Concerning its durability, this sword fluctuates greatly on it, mainly because of how rare it is, and the fact it was given out in several Gachapons and events. Keep this in mind and remember to calculate Durability when upgrading. But if you can afford a pair of them, you won't be disappointed.

Beholder's Sword
- Pros:

• Fast speed means good DPS.
  
• One of the more potent one handed swords, and at one point was the 3rd most damaging.
  
• Decent maintenance costs.
  
• Durability is not lost on upgrading

- Cons:

• Hard to come by, and as such, are expensive.
  
• No critical.
  
• Durability isn't the greatest
  
• Cannot be special upgraded

Thoughts:
For those who like fast swords, this is the sword for you. Having very high max damage and fast speed, it is great for those who are used to weapons like Daggers. However, they are rare, and that means either spamming dragon raids or buying at a high price. Its durability isn't the greatest either, though its upgrades don't reduce durability either, which helps the lifespan of the sword. Overall, a good weapon to have lying around.

This is Part 3 of the One Handed Sword guide, and will focus on the Asian One Handed Swords. As of now, there are five distinctively Asian one-handers in the game: the Muramasa, Wakizashi, Tanto, Yoshimitsu, and Liberty Saber; the Scimitar does count as one as well, but as of now is not included in the guide. So far, I have only used the Liberty Saber and Wakizashi; the others I will make general remarks about them, but will not go in depth.

Wakizashi:
-Pros:

• Looks
  
• Uses less stamina than other swords

-Cons:

• Stats are on par with the stock Gladius at best.
  
• Pathetic splash angle
  
• Max damage upgrade halves durability, and crit upgrade only pushes up crit percentage at 28%

Thoughts:
This is a dressup sword and nothing more. While the max damage upgrade path keeps it on par with that of the Gladius, it is trumped by the Gladius when it comes to other things, such as Durability and Balance. That being said, it does look cool dual wielding them, but these are not built for arduous missions.

Liberty Saber:
- Pros:

• Great stock stats
  
• Only sword in the game that gives a defense boost
  
• Can be special upgraded
  
• Good NPC resell value
  
• Good as a spirit weapon

- Cons:

• Lackluster crit
  
• Horrendous maintenance costs prevent use of this sword for normal play (unless enchanted; see note below).
  
• Only available from Gachapon, and was recently taken out of the main Gachapon, leaving the swords scarce

Thoughts:
On paper, this looks like a great sword to use. The stock stats are excellent, and is the only sword (as of writing) that gives a defense boost, something that hasn't been seen elsewhere. It also shines well as a spirit weapon, though normal upgrades on this are just as good, and has the option to be special upgraded. However, where this weapon falls is its repair cost. At 90 percent, it would cost 1095 gold to repair, and at a 98% repair shop, would cost a whopping 25,571 gold to repair per point. Ultimately, this means the only purpose of this sword is for a spirit weapon, but with swords being rarer and rarer to find, they are going to wind up as white elephants. With that all said, I do not recommend using this sword; sure, the attack stats might be great, but unless you have at least 5 million gold, there are far better options out there.

Notes: There might be one or two thing that saves this sword from outright unusability, and those things are specific enchants that decrease repair cost. Specifically, the prefix enchant Engineer's and the suffix enchant Camellia Tree, which reduce repair cost by 50% and 22% respectively. This isn't to say the weapon will be cheap to fix; an Engineer's Liberty Saber will cost (at 95%) 5027 gold to repair (from 10,053) and an Engineer's Camellia Tree Liberty Saber will cost 2815 gold to repair at 95%.

Be warned that while Engineer's is enchant enabled rank regardless, it is a rank 9 enchant. Camellia Tree requires a rank 9 suffix already on the sword as it is not enchant enabled, and it is rank 8 and only obtainable from burning it off of a Camellia Tree enchanted Blacksmith Hammer, which has a chance of obtaining at Longa Mysterious dungeon.

Muramasa:
I have not tried this weapon much. From the looks of it, it's a restyled Wakizashi with more acceptable stats. Thus, no opinion on it.

Tanto:
In game this seems to be a Japanese Dagger. I have not used it, so I have no opinion on it. Though there are some people who have them and used them with good success.

Yoshimitsu:
I'm guessing this is similar to the Muramasa in the sense that this is the spiffy version of the Tanto. Again, I have no opinion on it.

This is for those who like fast swords. While the Dagger and Beholder's Sword are already covered, there are several other swords that need to be brought up. In general, these (more often than not) trade full power for DPS, though recently this has become an exception rather than the norm. This section will cover weapons like the respectable Dirk to the infamous Beam Sword.

Dirk:
-Pros:

• Good stock stats.
  
• Upgraded variants can have excellent max damage or crit.
  
• Can be special upgraded.

-Cons:

• Hard to find; they drop either from the Mammoth raid boss, Synthesis, or Gachapons
  
• Loses durability with upgrades
  
• Upgrades are max damage or crit.

Thoughts:
This is basically a stronger Dagger. So those who are used to daggers would probably love Dirks. Gachapon variants are typically stronger. However, they are rare and pricey, and as far as Max Damage goes, Beholder's Swords might be a better choice.

Noble's Sword:
Pros:

• Good looks
  
• Decent stock stats

Cons:

• Rare; they cannot be smithed or synthesized and with the exception of Gachapons (which have since been retired), they drop only from the Mammoth raid boss.
  
• Upgraded variants are decent but are outshown by the Beholder's Sword.

Thoughts:
Not much to say here. Personally, I like them, but they do not have the same power as the Beholder's Sword. Good to have just for the sake of having them, but aside from that, they are nothing special.

Beam Sword:
-Pros:

• Looks awesome.
  
• Custom hit sounds - basically that of a Lightsaber
  
• First Generation Focused Rainbow Beam Swords are absurdly powerful, clocking in at 180 max attack.
  
• Good crit rate
  
• 1st Gen Focused Rainbow Beam Swords are still available with the Adventure Seal merchants.

-Cons:

• Cannot be upgraded or enchanted
  
• Low balance
  
• Expensive as hell to maintain, similar to the Liberty Saber
  
• "Adequate" versions are somewhat cheaper to maintain, and while still good, aren't worth using compared to a special upgraded Falcata.

Thoughts:
Rather than breaking down all the Beam Swords, I might as well generalize them. First and foremost, there are 5 variants (White, Green, Blue, Red, and Rainbow in terms of least->most powerful), with 3 grades each (being Adequate/Bargain, normal, and Focused). This in total, makes for 15 different Beam Swords, and personally this does not warrant giving them each their own section.

Adequate Beam Swords, while good, are (in my opinion) not worth it compared to a special upgraded Falcata or Battle Sword due to repair costs. Focused swords however, especially the Rainbow variants, are incredibly powerful, and dual wielding them (or using a Focused Rainbow paired with the Sword of Elsinore) can let you mow down almost any enemy you come into contact with.

However, all swords share some traits: they have low balance, making them less than ideal for lower DEX players, and more importantly, they are very expensive to maintain, with the Focused Rainbow's 98% repair cost at around 22K gold per point. In addition, they cannot be enchanted or upgraded. I guess this helps balancing things out a bit, as if they were to be upgraded or enchanted, they would be game breaking, and the high damage it produces does justify the repair cost (unlike the Liberty Saber). In short, if you want some of the highest damage in the game, these swords are the ones to go for. If you have the green of course.

This part of the guide covers swords that really don't fit anywhere else. This isn't to say the swords are bad, but they do not fit because they could be rare, irrepairable, or expensive.

Machete:
-Pros:

• Stupdily high max attack
  
• Makes for excellent spirit weapons
  
• Great for sword-and-shield combat
  
• Found from Gargoyles in Tir Na Nog

-Cons:

• Cannot be dual wielded, making sword-and-shield combat the only wise option
  
• Low durability
  
• Repair rate can drain your gold reserves if you are not careful

Thoughts:
One of the older weapons in the game, the Machete makes for a fun time when it drops from a Gargoyle. Though, there are limitations. The Machete cannot be dualwielded, and its durability can range from a pitiful 1 to 3, which is the highest I have seen. On top of that, repairs are incredibly expensive. Spirit weapons made from Machetes though can wreck enemies like no other though, so this weapon can live on with some use.

Hooked Cutlass:
-Pros:

• They look impressive, especially when dual wielding
  
• Good crit
  
• Good stock stats

-Cons:

• Cannot be upgraded

Thoughts:
These are great for beginner to mid game players, but that's about it. No upgrades mean the weapon is unfortunately held down in power output. If you can find them at a reasonable price, then it might be worth picking them up.

Hamlet's Sword
-Pros:

• Excellent attack range
  
• 50% crit
  
• One of the few swords that has base injury rate
  
• Has a unique drawing/idle pose with it out
  
• Thin blade might appeal to some

-Cons:

• Cannot be dual wielded
  
• Dinky looking blade
  
• Pose might annoy some
  
• Cannot be upgraded
  
• Repair rate can get high
  
• Giants cannot use this weapon (restricted to Human and Elf only)
  
• Gachapon only weapon

Thoughts:
A person I knew described tihs weapon as a "Fomor Tickler," and judging by how it looks in the game, one can see why. The blade on it is super thin, and the pose that it has might make the user look a bit haughty. That being said, the stats backup the looks, putting it on par with Machetes and War Swords. However, this weapon (like the aformentioned Machete) cannot be dual wielded. On top of that, this weapon cannot be used by Giants. What this all boils down to is this: with its stats one has a great weapon for Humans and Elves for sword-and-shield play. This is the sword Hamlet uses in G13.

Caladbolg:
General thoughts: I have not used this sword due to the fact that it is incredibly expensive. However, its attack does look nice, and is the only sword that produces a Thunder (as in the intermediate magic skill) effect whenever it strikes a target. With the higher rank of Thunder, the more effective the effect. This weapon is a limited edition weapon from the Commerce Trade Imp, and can only be bought in Ducats; 40 million dookies for the sword (though players can still buy them from other players with normal gold).

Notes: This is the sword used by the Python Knight in G11, though that sword does not have the Thunder effect.

Obsidian Sword:
General thoughts: It's a reskinned Short Sword. An incredibly rare reskinned Short Sword, but that's what it is. Good to have to say you're a Mabinogi OG but that's about it.

Crystal Sword:
General thoughts: The game outright tells you that it's a decorative item. Though with that said, upgrades can boost the durability from 13 to a healthy 23. Damagewise though it is left to be desired.

Viseo's Bronze Mirror Blades
General thoughts: These look badass as hell. They're ring blades, how cool is that? Upgrades give them plenty of max damage, putting them with Dirks. However, from the looks of it, they cannot be special upgraded.

Demonic Death Knight Sword
General thoughts: Like all Demonic weapons, this requires the user to be Master talent in what the sword is based in (in this case, close combat), though it does not have to be the active talent. The sword can be special upgraded, but its repair cost is steep, and does not have the same output of the beam sword.

Green Onion
General thoughts: Basically reskinned Beam Swords that can be enchanted from Hatsune Miku-event only enchants. For more info about them, check the Wiki. Aside from that, no opinion.

Venom Sword
General thoughts: This sword is unique as it has a damage over time effect due to it being posioned. Aside from that, what you have is essentially an upgraded Battle Sword or War Sword with a different model and the poison effect. This weapon can be found at the Commerce Imps for 6 million Ducats, but can also be sold by players, though traditionally they have been quite expensive. Can be dual wielded for great effect. This was the sword used by Laertes in G13 in an attempt to kill Hamlet.

Laertes' Sword
General thoughts: This is basically the same as the Venom Sword without the poison Damge over Time and with a special "en-garde" attack pose. Does have inferior stats compared to the Venom Sword, but still seems to be a capable weapon. However, it is not available from the Commerce Imp and was only from a Gachapon that has since been retired, making this sword rare. This was the sword used by Laertes in G13 prior to it being posioned.

Sword of Elsinore:
General thoughts: This is more or less supposed to be the reward for completing G13. It's also one of the most powerful weapons in the game, topping up at 190 max damage. However, this sword is more or less a status symbol for the following reasons. One, the player needs to equip special fireproof Rosemary Gloves in order to pull out the sword successfully from its stump in Avon AND to actually use it. Two, when it rains in Mabi (and it does rain), its stats are halved (though single attack skills don't seem to receive this penalty). And three, it cannot be stored in Special Inventory nor can it be destroyed or dropped. The latter may or may not be a bug, but it is bound to the character, making this weapon more trouble than it is really worth. Also, its repair costs are high, much like a Beam Sword's (and like the Beam Swords, it cannot be enchanted). Conclusion: it's a status symbol.

While One Handed Swords are used for faster attack, Two Handed Swords are great for power. Lots, and lots of power, with some swords' max attack reaching the triple digits. However, there are several things to keep in mind:

• Elves cannot use Two Handers (with the exception of the Brionac)
  
• Giants can use shields with them (as for Giants they are one handed weapons), but cannot dual wield them.
  
• Repair rates are going to be more than their one handed counterparts. Keep this in mind when purchasing a two handed sword.

These are weapons typically found at NPCs. As of now (and probably for the future of the game), there are two two-handed swords in the game sold by NPCs, and are listed below.


Two Handed Sword:
- Pros:

• Found at NPCs
  
• Can be dropped by enemies in Shadow Missions
  
• Good balance
  
• Plenty of upgrade paths
  
• Good base stats

- Cons:

• Surprisingly high repair costs
  
• Zero crit
  
• Upgrades leave it with so-so max damage
  
• Most upgrades reduce durability

Thoughts:
To differentiate the category from this sword, for the sake of discussion this sword will be known as the Standard Two Handed Sword. As it is, the Standard is what it says on the tin; a simple two-handed sword. Its base stats are quite good, though most upgrade paths only raise it partially (only one goes up to 72 max, which is good but not great). This is probably the sword that most human players will start out with for a two-hander. As such, it isn't bad, and for those who might be cash strapped for other swords, this is good to fall back on.

Notes: There is a variant of this sword called the Taillteann Two-Handed Sword. This sword is available in all black (with a random colored grip), attack range 35-77, 20% critical, and 10 durability. It is obtainable after completing G9 and doing the G9 subquests. Personally, I think this sword is great for lower players, but it cannot be upgraded (think of it as already upgraded), and might be a challenge to get if you're high levelled. Otherwise, it makes for a good midgame sword, comparable to an upgraded Dragon Blade.

Claymore:
- Pros:

• Good base stats
  
• Fully upgraded variants can hit 90 max attack

- Cons:

• Low balance
  
• Lower durability with some upgrades
  
• 5% stock crit
  
• High repair cost, especially for an NPC weapon

Thoughts:
Between this and the Standard 2H, the Claymore is really the better choice. For one thing, it actually has crit (even though it's a small amount), and the upgrades do give it quite a bit of power. The downside is this; while it's plenty powerful for an NPC weapon, compared to a Dustin Silver Knight Sword or Dragon Blade it is inferior. But it does perform better than the Standard 2H, that is, if you have the DEX.

I am using this term for swords that have similar stats and traits as the NPC two-handers but otherwise are different. This could range from being unobtainable at NPCs, to upgrade paths giving much higher stats, to having the option of being special upgraded. They are also great for beginning to mid game play, though will start to lose effectiveness at end game; there is one exception to that though, which is the Dustin Silver Knight Sword.

Dragon Blade:
- Pros:

• Good looks
  
• Cheapest repair costs for any Two hander
  
• Good balance makes it great for lower DEX players
  
• Has a high Maximum once upgraded
  
• Decent critical
  
• Was offered in quite a few events (at a high rate), making them more common than usual

- Cons:

• So-so stock stats; roughly the same as the Claymore
  
• Not available for special upgrade
  
• Prices fluctuate greatly due to events and Gachapons giving them out
  
• Getting rarer and thus pricier
  
• Minmax and Crit are inferior to the Dustin Silver Knight Sword

Thoughts:
Originally a highly sought weapon due to its rarity as a prize from the Renes Egg Guarding minigame, this sword has now been made rather common due to the number of events and Gachapons giving them out. This isn't to say they are easy to find; as of writing, there is no event that gives them out, and thus are getting somewhat rarer, and thus more expensive. However, with Nexon's propensity to give them out like candy, the prices might go down again.

Gameplay wise, it has a lot to offer. While its stock stats are nothing remarkable, the sword becomes viable to use once fully upgraded. There are a few things to keep in mind though; it cannot be special upgraded, making it lose effectiveness come endgame. It also has less critical and minmax stats compared to the Dustin Silver Knight Sword, though that isn't to say it isn't high enough. Where it does fare well is with lower dexterity players, who cannot use a DSKS effectively. In short, it's a great midgame weapon, but that's about it.

Sword of the Goddess:
- Pros:

• Good stock stats
  
• Better repair costs than the NPC weapons
  
• Respectable Critical
  
• Looks great
  
• Shares same upgrade paths as the Standard Two Hander
  
• Warring enchanted variants have insane luck and strength

- Cons:

• Not that common (though Gachapons have been giving it out recently)
  
• Outclassed by the Highlander Claymore and DSKS, even with the Warring enchant
  
• Cannot be made into a spirit weapon
  
• Not special upgradable

Thoughts:
This sword is a quandry. The stats on it are good, and with the Warring enchant, one can upgrade the sword to have up to 127 max damage, or upgrade it for luck giving it (for me) 46% on the sword itself. But it's hard to find, cannot be special upgraded, and in short is outclassed by the Higlander Claymore and Dustin Silver Knight Sword. The only swords here that are worth using are Warring enchanted variants; otherwise, it is a glorified Standard 2H. It's a good mid game weapon though, and looks fantastic.

Notes: Was at one point called the Eldra's Sword Devoted to The Goddess and (rather awkwardly) Gloves of the Goddess. It also shares the same upgrade upgrade paths as the Standard Two Hander.

Dustin Silver Knight Sword
- Pros:

• Good stock stats
  
• Upgraded variants are incredibly powerful
  
• Can be special upgraded
  
• Maintenance costs are forgiving
  
• Easier to find than the Dragon Blade (can be smithed and be found in Shadow Missions)
  
• Gachapon variants have high durability and better stock stats
  
• Upgrades do not require special coupons

- Cons:

• Mediocre balance
  
• Is still a bit rare

Thoughts:
The Dustin Silver Knight Sword (or DSKS for short) is probably one of the most used weapons in the game, and one can see why. With good stock stats and upgrades that can push max damage into the triple digits, it makes for a great reliable weapon that can see use into endgame. In addition, unlike the previous two swords above, this sword can be Special Upgraded, either for crit or for minmax. There are some issues with it though. All upgrade paths but one reduce balance, and most upgrade paths reduce durability. However, with the abundance of Gachapon swords, which typically have higher stats including durability, one can make a full Max Damage DSKS and not worry about durability dropping. Along with the very generous maintenance costs, this sword is recommended for players really starting midgame.

This refers to any Two Handed sword that is usually rare, high damage, and high upkeep. Typically seen as end game weapons.

Dragon Slasher
- Pros:

• Excellent stock min and max attack
  
• Good balance
  
• Good critical

- Cons:

• Cannot be upgraded
  
• Obscene space hog
  
• Repair costs are higher than the DSKS or Dragon Blade
  
• Lower durability
  
• Mainly was available via Gachapons and now only available through Partner Special Gift Box and thus cannot be crafted or found normally
  
• Outclassed by upgradable swords

Thoughts:
While the stock stats on this sword look really good - and they are, they cannot be improved upon. Think of this sword as "pre-upgraded," and the stats reflect that. This is a more midgame weapon, and compared to the DSKS, Highlander Claymore, or Dragon Fang, it is outclassed. Even the Dragon Blade can hit harder with the right upgrades, though that might have less durability. The Dragon Slasher isn't bad by any means, but it is outclassed.

Highlander Claymore:
- Pros:

• Modern looks are a nice change
  
• Very high max damage when stock
  
• Good critical when fully upgraded
  
• Upgrades can push this weapon to 100 some max damage
  
• Surprisingly forgiving maintenance costs
  
• Does not need an Artisan upgrade for highest potential
  
• High durability allows for highest max damge upgrade without fear of single digit durability
  
• Can be special upgraded

- Cons:

• Less balance than DSKS, even worse when upgraded
  
• Some upgrades require special modification coupons
  
• Lackluster crit when stock
  
• Highest max damage upgrade path requires an Artisan upgrade, which might not always be good
  
• Not that common
  
• Sword might look plain to some
  
• DSKS is cheaper to upgrade and does not require special mod coupons, making that sword friendlier to lower level players

Thoughts:
This is seen by many as a true end game weapon. With its high max damage, good crit (when upgraded), and healthy durability, this weapon is good for high level players who want to take down big targets. Like the one handed Battle Sword though, it is not good for beginning players, with its unforgiving balance, which is even worse when fully upgraded. On top of that, some upgrades require special modification coupons, which are hard to obtain. However, if one can fully upgrade one of these swords, it is a beast of a weapon.

I will say this though after using it for a while. It is a damn good sword. It is best if you can find a Violent enchant and stick it on there; with a step 5 S type special upgrade, its attack stats are 40-150, making it probably the most powrful sword in my arsenal at the moment - and more so when I eventually slap the Untamed enchant on there. Red Special Upgrades are another idea, with crit smashes going obscenely high, so it might be wise to have both a Blue Upgraded sword as well as a Red Upgraded sword. Definitely recommended.

Dragon Fang:
- Pros:

• Excellent stock max damage
  
• Balance is retained throughout upgrades
  
• Very high max damage at full upgrade, might be the most powerful two hander in the game as of writing (barring Brionac).
  
• Different idle pose with it out.
  
• Great durability, doesn't lose any when upgraded
  
• Can be special upgraded

- Cons:

• It's a space hog, taking a 2x4 slot in inventory
  
• All upgrades require artisan upgrades
  
• Expensive to maintain
  
• Not that common anymore
  
• Balance is underwhelming
  
• Hilariously poor crit

Thoughts:
This is a Max Damage lover's dream come true. Put it this way, fully upgraded (without special upgrades), this weapon can achieve 120 max damage (with full Artisan). Having it special upgraded with Blue stones can send this weapon up even further, making this weapon one of the most powerful two handed swords in the game and puts it as one of the most powerful weapons in the game. However, because this is a Max Damage weapon, it is not a crit weapon. Stock, it has 20% crit, which isn't too bad, but the full Max Damage upgrade reduces it to a pitiful 6%.

The Dragon Fang also has a host of other issues. One of which is a logistical problem. It is a space hog, taking a 2x4 space in your inventory. Upgrades also require Artisan upgrades in the end, and to get the most out of the weapon you must have the best possible roll, which is not always possible. In addition, the balance on this weapon is crummy, though to be fair it is not lost when upgrading. Maintenance is also a pain, reaching into 5 figure numbers at 98%, though it isn't as bad as Beam Swords or the Liberty Saber. In short, this is a beast of a weapon if you put the time and money into it.

Glory Sword:
- Pros:

• High critical
  
• Higher balance than the Dragon Fang
  
• Good max damage
  
• Easier to obtain than the Dragon Fang
  
• Shares idle pose with Dragon Fang
  
• Looks can appeal to some
  
• Decent for Spirit weapons

- Cons:

• Damage isn't its strong suit
  
• Repair costs can be high
  
• Goofy looking model (to some)
  
• Space hog

Thoughts:
While the Dragon Fang might be made for max damage, this weapon is made for critical. As such, this weapon has lower max damage but can have up to 47% critical. It does have the same logistical issues as the Dragon Fang, but makes a good option for those who love Crit. In addition, it has higher balance, making it friendlier for lower dex players. Conclusion: this is the Critical weapon while the Dragon Fang is for Max Damage.

Brionac:
- Pros:

• 149 max damage might make it the most powerful two hander.
  
• Brionac Interface allows special commands while in Demigod
  
• Obtainable: It's the G11 final reward
  
• Can be put in the Personalized (Me) tab
  
• Can reduce enemy protection with every hit
  
• Shock rank can influence damage while Shocked.
  
• Elves can use this weapon

- Cons:

• Bound to the player
  
• Player must complete G11 for it to actually be usable (it is given to you in an unusable state)
  
• Requires AP rather than gold to repair the weapon
  
• Cannot be upgraded

Thoughts:
I might as well mention the Brionac here, because it really is an end game weapon. First and foremost is the attack, which has a set whopping 149. In addition, when in Demigod state, one can get access to the Brionac Interface when using this weapon; this allows the user to cast a more powerful Spear of Light, travel to Falias, repair the Brionac, or to train a skill. For more information on how this sword actually works, please refer to the Wiki.

In actual use, this sword is really powerful. As stated, its massive max attack allows the user to mow down anything in his or her path, while reducing enemy protection. It's also a confirmed reward; everyone gets the Brionac (in a usable state) after completing G11 in full. That isn't to say the Brionac is a weapon to automatically use. Durability isn't the strongest on this sword, and while it can be repaired at 100%, it requires AP to repair rather than gold. It is also bound to the player, and cannot be disposed of, though it can be stored in the owner's bank. In conclusion, it is a must have sword, but it is very situational, and in practice, normal weapons would be a better choice to use.

These are for swords that do not fit anywhere in the previous two sections.

Leminia's Holy Moon Sword:
- Pros:

• Good stock stats
  
• High Balance
  
• Respectable Critical

- Cons:

• Looks tacky and like something He-Man would use
  
• Very rare; only available from Tara Donation and was also in a 2011 era Gachapon
  
• Not many upgrade paths, and only one retains full durability
  
• Not special upgradable
  
• Gachapon given variant has worse stats

Thoughts:
Well, if you're a half-naked Giant prince, this is the sword for you, but unfortunately this sword won't give you any superpowers. Joking aside, this is a good sword. The stock stats are quite good, and its upgrade paths certainly enhance the sword. Downsides; well, this sword can't be special upgraded, leaving it in the wake of the DSKS, and 2 out of the 3 upgrade paths can reduce durability. It's also quite rare; the only place to obtain it is from Tara Donation, and while it was offered in a Gachapon, that Gachapon has since ended. Conclusion: a good weapon if you can find it at a good price.

Katana:
- Pros:

• High stock max damage
  
• Decent upgraded max damage
  
• Decent critical
  
• Low repair costs
  
• Makes a decent spirit weapon
  
• Compact; takes a 1x4 slot (same as most one handed swords)

- Cons:

• Not that impressive looking
  
• Terrible minimum damage
  
• Crummy stock durability
  
• Rare
  
• Max Damage upgrade path leaves sword with 6 durability
  
• Outclassed by most two handers in the game

Thoughts:
Like the other Japanese swords, the Katana at this stage in the game is a dressup weapon. Sure, it would make a good spirit weapon, but unfortunately, the Highlander Claymore far and away trumps it in that stat (as it is more sustainable and hits a lot harder), and almost every other two-handed sword in the game trumps it everywhere else. The Katana does boast a high stock max damage but its minimum damage is a joke. Even as a dressup weapon it somewhat fails; the curved blade looks okay, but the sheath is very plain. In short, look elsewhere if you want a two hander.

Masamune:
- Pros:

• Slightly better looking scabbard than the Katana's
  
• Way better stock stats than the Katana's
  
• Doesn't take much room in inventory
  
• Much higher durability allowing more headroom for upgrades
  
• Impressive max damage path with the Masamune Gem Upgrade; 92 to 94 when fully upgraded

- Cons:

• Sword model is exactly the same as the Katana's
  
• All upgrade paths reduce durability
  
• Is not available for special upgrade
  
• Large damage gap can get annoying
  
• Inferior to the Dustin Silver Knight Sword (for output) and Dragon Blade (its nearest example)

Thoughts:
After testing it in several missions, I have come to a verdict with this sword. First off, unlike the Katana, it is usable. The high stock max damage also helps its case, enabling the sword to become somewhat effective in more difficult missions. The downsides: the damage range gets annoying. While I have been able to hit four figure numbers, I have seen 100s and 200s with it. I don't know if this means my STR or DEX are too low (without any gear I have 619 and 309 respectively), but it is what I have seen with the sword. My thoughts? For a more reliable weapon, go for a Dragon Blade or Dustin Silver Knight Sword.

Executioner's Sword:
General thoughts: I really haven't given this sword much thought as from looking at its stats, it seems to be outclassed by the DSKS and Highlander Claymore. That said, it does have upgrades that increase splash damage, and is one of the few weapons that has that option. It can also be special upgraded, though how it would compare to the HLC or DSKS I wouldn't know.

Demonic Death Penalty Blade:
- Pros:

• Very good stock min and max attack
  
• 40% critical at stock
  
• Decent balance
  
• Compact (takes a 1x4 slot)
  
• Even better critical when upgraded
  
• Black blade with scripting looks great (to some)

- Cons:

• Requries Close Combat Master talent to use
  
• Obscenely expensive repair costs
  
• Somewhat hard to find
  
• Reducing repair costs could reduce full damage output
  
• Dragon Fang still beats it on pure max damage when upgraded (120 for the DFang, 113 for the DP Blade, both with full Artisans)
  
• Some might find the overall appearance of the sword silly and unnecessarily grimdark

Thoughts:
I want to like this sword. It has high attack, nearly reaching that of the Dragon Fang, and can have incredible critical to boot. Stock, it has a lot going for; the minmax on it is terrific, and the balance is surprisingly good. However, it has stupidly expensive repair costs, and putting a cost reduction modifier like Engineer's means the Death Penalty Blade does not reach its full potential. To be quite honest, I think there are better options out there, but if you want the damage of the Dragon Fang and the crit of the Glory Sword in one package, this would be a good choice. If you can maintain it of course.

Tethra Sword:
General thoughts: Called simply Tethra in game because of its user, the Shadow Commander Tethra, this sword is one of those that is from the Commerce Imps. It is cheaper than the other 2H, the Tyrfing, and to be honest might be the better of the two in terms of usefulness. Its stats are that of an upgraded Dragon Fang, but where it stands out is that it bypasses the target's defense. However, due to the fact it is a Legendary Weapon, it can only be repaired by the Commerce Fomors using Ducats. In short, the sword is relegated to being a status symbol that may or may not be good against Ghasts. It does look awesome though.

Tyrfing:
General thoughts: Well, this is interesting. First, the stats: they're insanely high, and when the user is KO'ed and revived, it grants a whopping 95 min 130 max damage ON TOP of the already high 70 min 140 max damage it has stock. Therefore, the player's sword for ten minutes has 165-270 damage, which quite frankly, is obscene. That said, like the Tethra above it, it is a Legendary Weapon, which means you'll have to take it to the Commerce Fomors outside each town to repair the freaking thing. That, and it's expensive to maintain, costing 16k Ducats per point at the 98% repair (the Imps).

As for the model of the sword, it's a freaking hot mess. I know I might be exaggerating a bit when I say it looks like a cardboard cutout, but it really does. The blood red and skulls on it just make it look cheesy and like a cheap Halloween toy, not some kind of BFG9000 equivalent in Mabi. Though with that said, it might be the most powerful cardboard sword in the entire game, if not the only cardboard sword...

Cardboard Tube:
General thoughts: Okay, I lied about the Tyrfing being the only cardboard sword in the game. There is this thing, which was obtainable from a PAX convention in 2009. Its stats though are nothing special; it's a reskinned Claymore that cannot be repaired. That means it might actually be rarer than the Tyrfing. It's certainly a better looking model than the Tyrfing's, that's for sure. Right now, if one can find them, this thing is a status symbol. Though I haven't seen anyone fight with the Tyrfing either.

Black Dragon Knight's Giant Sword:
Not much to say about this one. Loads of damage, reaching into the 200s max, cannot be special upgraded (but why would it be?), cannot be enchanted or made into a spirit weapon. However, it can be reforged, and the Gacha it comes out has of being r1 enabled. My thoughts? It's rather silly as a weapon goes. Sure it has high damage, but because it's from a Gacha it feels almost a bit "Pay2Win" (rather than the Tyrfing which can be obtained with Ducats). That's just how I feel however.

Rapiers are a type of sword that are good for thrusting. As such, they work similar to two handers in that regard, though as far as I know they do not receive the Smash bonus that two handers have. There are a few key aspects about rapiers that one should consider before getting one:

• One cannot use a shield with a rapier as it acts like a two handed sword despite it being one handed.
  
• They cannot be upgraded.
  
• Most of them were Gachapon only.

Romeo's Rapier:
- Pros:

• High Min-Max
  
• High Critical
  
• High Durability
  
• Has a base injury rate

- Cons:

• Gachapon only
  
• Expensive
  
• Cannot be used by Giants

Thoughts:
This sword more or less can replace almost any upgraded sword, provided you can find it. Like all rapiers though, it does have issues, which are listed up top. On top of that, this was a Gachapon only weapon, making it very rare and expensive. That said, it behaves much like an upgraded two hander. Recommended if you can find one for a decent price and you are able to use it. Giants should look elsewhere; you can't use it.

Notes: The Stage Rapier looks to be a similar version to this rapier, with worse stats all around (on par with a Hooked Cutlass). This weapon is not in the game. The Romeo's Rapier is the sword used by Romeo in G14.

Royal Pumpkin Rapier:
General thoughs: Inferior to the Romeo's Rapier, though generally is decent. It is also still obtainable, though at 240 Adventure Seals there might be better options. Better to use an upgraded two hander though.

Duke's Rapier:
General thoughts: This is a possible reward for completing Peaca Abyss Dungeon. This means that is one of the rarest weapons in the game. It's also one of the most coveted, clocking in at 198 max damage and 50% critical. Because of its rarity there is little information about it.

While Scythes are not swords - they don't even have a mastery associated with them - there is nowhere else to describe them. Right now these might be considered the only Pole Arm type weapon, as there are no other types; Staffs might come close, but they are Mage specific weapons and thus will not be part of this guide.

Scythes feature the following:

• Can be wielded by any race
  
• Has custom animation
  
• R-type upgrades are of the one handed variant (for whatever reason)
  
• Able to be special upgraded
  
• Not able to be equipped with a shield (as they are two handed weapons)

Babaric Fox Scythe:
- Pros:

• Normal speed (compared to most two handers, which are very slow)
  
• Upgrades give it a decent max damage
  
• Decent durability when stock.
  
• Can be special upgraded

- Cons:

• Upgrade path reduces durability
  
• Upgrade path also reduces balance from 35% to 16%
  
• Upgrade path also kills crit
  
• Gachapon only item, making it rare
  
• Fox ornament ontop of scythe doesn't appeal to some
  
• Repair costs might be off putting.

Thoughts:
This scythe is usually seen as the cheaper option of the two. As such, it might be considered inferior to the Devil Slayer. And while the normal speed offers a bit more of a "DPS" style play than other two handers, it is not a fast weapon, and even with the option to be Special Upgraded, a DSKS might be better in the long run. That said, the custom animations and the overall appearance of the scythe does look good. I still think the DSKS is a better weapon.

Devil Slayer:
General thoughts: The Devil Slayer (previously known as the Crow Scythe) is seen as the superior of the two scythes. It does have better attack, but unfortunately, that's as much as I know about the scythe. The Devil Slayer is available from the Adventure Seal merchant, costing 180 Adventure Seals. My personal beef with it is the way it looks; the grimdark aesthetic looks goofy and clashes with the game, but that's just me. It's otherwise a good weapon.

Throughout the guide you will see mentions of upgrades. This is exactly what it says; the process of upgrading your item (be it a weapon, piece of armor or clothing, or any other equipment) to become more damaging, protective, etc. Upgrading is essential to keeping your character powerful and efficient, in addition to allow use of a particular item the user might have bonded to for longer.

What determines when an upgrade can be applied is proficiency, sometimes stylized as prof within the game by the playerbase. In short, this is a symbol of how long the item has been used. For weapons, this is how long the weapon has been used in combat, and in the case of melee weapons, how often the weapon has made contact with a target. Gaining proficiency is linked to your combat power. This dynamic is used to gauge your character versus certain targets. The higher your combat power, the higher level targets you have to fight.

Lowering combat power is tricky. The most obvious would be de-ranking skills, but to do this you would have to buy items from the Cash Shop and even then that will nerf the character in some form or fashion (provided the skills being deranked are not connected to the character's stats). The other method is to use Negative Combat Power gear. This gear takes the form of enchanted items, particularly any Raccoon Cub items (which decrease CP by 1000), Jackal or Marble items (-500 CP decrease), or Abysmal items (usually on shields, also -500 CP decrease). The enchant scrolls themselves are very rare and require a lot of bridging and hoping that the enchants do not destroy the item. Items already enchanted are thus very expensive due to their rarity and high demand.

There are several facets of upgrading that people should be aware of:

• Upgrading success rate is at 100%; no NPC will fail upgrading an item
  
• Conversely, most upgrades decrease durability
  
• Upgrades can be expensive for certain items
  
• Some upgrades can nerf certain stats (like Luck, Crit, Dex, etc)
  
• Some upgrades can require very high or 100% proficiency for application

Depending on your character, you might pick a particular Upgrade Path. These are upgrade lists on the Wiki that are shown to be the most effective for that particular weapon and what particular playstyle or character the weapon is being applied to. For instance, the Gladius has around12 different upgrade paths, showing that it is a flexible sword for players. Not all upgrade paths are on the Wiki; some weapons do not have them, and in which case it is up to the player to determine the best upgrade path for the weapon he or she is using. For the sake of less redudancy, I will not be listing any upgrade paths as most can be found on the Wiki and the others are down to player preference.

Gem Upgrades are upgrades that add either more stats or increase durability. These require gems of a certian size and 100% proficiency to be applied.


Introduced around G13-G14, this takes the level of upgrading even further. For melee weapons, this allowed for either higher min-max stat or for higher critical damage. Special Upgrading is done via the following:

• Complete the normal upgrade procedure on your weapon
  
• Apply a Gem Upgrade to your weapon
  
• Use the upgrade anvils in any city to upgrade the weapons.

Special Upgrading though has its own rules. Upgrading requires use of the upgrade anvils and also requires use of Upgrade Stones. For melee weapons, Blue stones (S type) increase minmax while Red (R type) increases Crit damage. In addition, using the anvil itself costs gold, and each use can drain money quickly. Upgrade Stones are tricky to find as well, as they are rare and players who do find them can sell them for quite a penny. Also, once a weapon is specially upgraded a certain way, it cannot be mixed with another type of special upgrade nor can it be changed. Keep this in mind when picking out the type of upgrade.

There are six steps for special upgrading. Step 0 (no Special Upgrade) to Step 1 is a 100% chance. 1 to 3 is 50% (step 3 adds a faint glow), and 3-6 is 45% (step 6 adds a strong glow). Keep in mind that upgrades can fail and if it does the weapon will be rolled back a step, though it does not lose any durability. WARNING: FROM STEP 5 TO 6 THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF LOSING THE ITEM ALTOGETHER, SO BE HIGHLY AWARE OF THE RISKS FOR SPECIAL UPGRADING FROM 5 TO 6. AND NO, THIS IS NOT A BUG[/i].

Special Upgrading is highly expensive, but also highly worth it. I recommend at least Special Upgrading one weapon; it gives the user tremendous satisfaction to see that glow show up on the weapon for the first time.

--->THIS SECTION IS A WORK IN PROGRESS<---

One of the more sure fire ways to make your weapon (or equipment in general) is to enchant it. Enchanting involves placing a modifier on the weapon to boost its output in many ways; it could be used to boost max damage, boost any stat, or even change the capabilities of the weapon, such as changing the attack speed. Do be aware some enchants can nerf or outright kill certain stats; some of those stats might not be of too much worry, but some can be, such as those that might reduce HP. However, if you want to get more out of your equipment, you enchant it.

Enchanting can be risky though. In addition to those enchants which can bring down stats, applying the enchant is based on RNG. Higher enchants have a possibility of outright destroying the equipment, let alone leaving it at a usable state if they fail, and lower level enchants can reduce durability in case of failure. Thus, if you are going to attempt applying a high ranked enchant, it is important to have a spare if not duplicate of the item you are trying to enchant. That way if you fail, you can use your spare.

Enchant steps are pretty straightforward. Ranks F to A can be applied at any time. Ranks 9 to 1 (currently the highest level enchants are rank 2) require bridge enchants for application. For example, if one is trying to apply a rank 7 enchant, there must be a rank 8 enchant already on the equipment before application. Ditto for rank 8, which requires 9, and rank 9, which requires A. That being said, some enchants are enabled "regardless of rank." This means those enchants do not require bridge enchants and thus can be applied straight on. In addition, some enchants personalize the equipment, binding it to that character, which means that equipment cannot be stored in pets but can be stored in the "me" tab. Depersonalization potions are available from the Cash Shop, though they are pricey.


Like everything else, durability is quite important when it comes to enchanting. Thus, it is important on what type of magic powder is being used for enchanting. As a rule of thumb, never enchant straight onto equipment without any sort of magic powder. In addition, using anything but the highest NPC grade powder is silly; stick with Elite. There is an exception though, and that is Ancient Magic Powder. This is much higher grade than Elite powder, but is rare as it is only found from Ancient title monsters and Gachapons. However, if you are planning on ranking anything higher than rank A, Ancient powder is almost a requirement.

Because of the sheer number of enchants available, right now I am not going to list all of them, but only mention the ones that I find most useful for swords and melee in general (and that pertain to melee). The ones that I tend to stick around for are thus:

Weapons (Safe):
- Fang: Any weapon (Prefix)
- Violent: 2H/Lance (Suffix)
- Untamed: 2H/Lance (Prefix)
- Fierce (rank A): 2H (Suffix)
- Fox (Prefix): 1H


Weapons (Risky):
- Lich (Prefix)
- Crocodile (Suffix)
- Penetrating (Suffix)
- Secret: Lance (Prefix)
- Spike: (Suffix)
- Necromancer (Prefix)
- Conqueror: 2H (Prefix)

Armor (Safe):
- Imp: Heavy Armor (Suffix)
- Pirate: Light Armor (Suffix)
- Strider: Boots (Prefix)
- Hawk: Boots (Suffix)
- Defensive: Heavy Armor (Prefix). Warning: Rank 9
- Expensive Looking: Light Armor (Prefix). Warning: Rank 9

Armor (Risky):
- Conceptual
- Avenger
- Pitch Black
- Burst Knight

Around G16, Nexon implimented one of the biggest game changes in Mabinogi. This was the addition of Reforges, which give a bonus stat upgrade (of any random type) or adds a special modifier to any item provided it can be reforged. These reforge kits originally were not well received; the most powerful reforge tools were bought straight from the cash shop, which caused players to say that it was just "buying power." However, they are here to stay, and reforges are one of the most sought after items in the game. Recently, there was an event that gave out these powerful reforges for free, though that event only has been run once and hasn't been seen since.

There are three reforge kit types that people should know about:
- Basic Reforge Kits:
Called just "Reforge Kit" in game, these are NPC sold items that give a small boost of power for any random stat. They cost 5000 gold, and it is recommended that you reforge any item you have provided it can be reforged. The reason is this; the worst they can do is be useless; no reforge can bring down any stats or skills.

- Fine Refoge Kits:
These are cash shop items that can raise the bonus or modifier considerably. Conversely, they are pricey (if buying for gold) and even from cash shop they cost a pretty penny (around 1300 NX).

- Credne's Reforge Kits:
Named after a figure not seen in the game, these reforges are meant to add lines (number of modifiers or bonuses) to the item. These are the most expensive reforge kits, costing around 5000 NX.

In addition, there are levels of reforge. Level 3 is basic, and the biggest boost one can get is a +5 stat increase. Level 2 is a bigger increase, going up to a +10 increase. Level 1 is the biggest increase, ranging up to +20 stat increase and has a chance for special modifiers (charge without a shield for example).

Here is the caveat of Reforges. Any stat is random. For example, I could get a Firebolt damage increaser on a two handed sword. This does not help the two handed sword, but the reason it was applied is because I can cast Firebolt with the sword equipped; Firebolt, like the other two basic mage skills, do not require wands or staffs to cast (though they do increase their power).

This could include a bonus for a different race than what the player character is using (eg a Giant increase on the Brionac assigned to an Elf player). In addition, using a Fine Reforge will not guarantee a +15 to +20 stat increase nor does it mean the reforge level will increase. As an example, it is not uncommon to use a Fine Reforge and receive a +2 Giant transformation skill increase on a personalized 2H belonging to a Human player, nor is it uncommon to only get one line while using a Credne's Reforge. This is the gamble with reforging; you might get a really good increase, or you might get something completely useless for your character.

This glossary contains terms that are found in this guide and in the game. As such, the glossary will be kept mostly close-combat/lancer centric. This will be continuously updated if I use any more annoying abbreviations.

2H: Shorthand for a two handed sword. Similarly, 1H is short for a one handed sword.

Alexina: An NPC in Quilla Base Camp. Also refers to the Alexina game server.

Att: Attack. Synonymous with Damage, this refers to the output of the weapon. Can be stylized as ATT or DMG (for Damage).

Balance: A dynamic that influences how close the player is to hitting full max damage. The more balance, the higher chance of hitting full damage. See Mabinogiworld's Mabi-wiki for more information. Currently capped at 80%

Beginning game: A state the player is in at one particular point in the game. See explanation for more detail.

Blessing: A game dynamic where Holy Water is applied to an item to give it a protective "coating." Blessing an item reduces durability wear, grants a higher chance of the weapon being successfully repaired, and is used to "give itself up" when knocked out (rather than dropping the item completely). As stated, blessings can (and usually are) lost when knocked out, so be sure to have all equipped and any important items blessed at all times.

BR: Brazil, or shorthand for any Brazilian player. Sometimes used pejoratively.

Buff or Boost: Any skill that raises output of a particular character; sometimes given by other characters or by consumables (food). Could also mean in increase in output for a particular weapon or skill/skillset. Opposite of Nerf in that case.

Carp: Carpentry, a type of Life Skill that grants around 50 strength in total, making it ideal for melee players. Seen by many as incredibly tedious to do.

CP: Combat Power, a measure of how powerful your character is.

Dex: Dexterity. For warriors, this is important to keep Balance capped at 80% so you get the full effect of the weapon. Weapons that have low Balance require high dexterity to keep it capped. Can be stylized as DEX.

DB, DBlade: Dragon Blade

DF, DFang: Dragon Fang

DK, DK Sword: Most often DK refers to the Dark Knight Human transformation, but in this guide can refer to the Demonic Death Knight Sword.

DP, DP Blade: Demonic Death Penalty Blade

DPS: Damage per second; a measure of how much damage a player character can do in one second. Alternatively, DPM is how much a damage player can do in one minute.

DS, DSlasher: Dragon Slasher

DSKS, Disskiss, Dustin Sword: Dustin Silver Knight Sword

Enchant: Modifiers that can be applied onto a weapon (or other piece of equipment) to further increase its stats, or to give the player a bigger boost. Some enchants can reduce some stats, so keep this in mind when applying.

End game: A state the player is in at one particular point in the game. See explanation for more detail.

FH: Final Hit, a Human only skill that allows Human players to teleport and continuously attack an enemy.

Fomor, Fomorian: The "enemy race" of Mabinogi. Ranges from crazed wolves and bears augmented by the Fomors to goblins, imps, and humanoids (Succubi/Incubi, Shadow soldiers, etc). Led by the God Cichol. Recently came into peace with the Milletians and Tuatha.

G (number): Generation Number. Refers to a particular Generation. Saga Part 1 is technically not a Generation but is often refered to as G18 by players.

GoP: In game, this normally refers to the Ghost of Partholon shadow mission. Could also refer to the "secret" mission Guardian of Partholon.

HLC: Highlander Claymore. Not to be confused with HLB, which is the Highlander Long Bow.

HP: Health Points.

HW: Shorthand for Holy Water. Typically seen when people are buying and selling stacks of it.

KO: Knocked out. Players in this game technically do not die.

Late game: A state the player is in at one particular point in the game. See explanation for more detail.

Mabi: Short for Mabinogi, the game this guide is written for. Should be rather explanitory.

Mari: One of the main characters in G1. Could also refer to the Mari game server.

Mid game: A state the player is in at one particular point in the game. See explanation for more detail.

Milletian: The group of demi-God aliens that took over Mabinogi's game world Erinn for better or for worse. In short, the player characters though there are a few Milletian NPCs.

Mines: Can refer to either Barri Dungeon in Bangor or Hillwen Mines near Vales.

MP: Mana Points.

Nerf: Reducing the power or usefulness output of a skill or weapon in order to balance it within the game. May be necessary, but often seen as a pejorative term.

NPC: Non Player Character or Non Playable Character. Refers to any interactive character that cannot be fought against (like monsters or enemies) and are not controlled by other users (the players).

OP: Overpowered. Usually a pejorative term for anything seen as incredibly powerful, to the point of making the game less fun or breaking gameplay. Example: Alchemy Golems are incredibly OP, please nerf!

Pally: Paladin, one of the two Human transformation skills. The other is Dark Knight.

Personalization: Any sort of modifier (be it an enchant or upgrade) that binds an item (usually a weapon or piece of clothing) to the character. Items will be marked as belonging to that player (example: PlayerOne-only item). The Cash Shop sells depersonalization items that remove the personalization block, enabling them to be moved or traded. As of note, personalized items cannot be stored in pets (but can be stored in the bank).

Reforge: A modifier that can increase stats of a particular item. See section on reforges for more detail.

RP: Roleplay. Either it means the player is acting in character OR the player is taking control of a stock character for a particular mission or quest. Example: one of the beginning missions in G1 where the player assumes control of Tarlach.

Ruairi: One of the main characters in the game. Also refers to the Ruairi game server.

SCC: Refers to the Shadow Cast City shadow mission.

Shadow Bushin: The overseas/working name for the Doppelganger skill.

SP, Stam: Stamina Points.

STR: Strength. The primary influencer for damage, and is what warriors (and lancers) thrive on.

Tarlach: One of the main characters in the game. Also refers to the Tarlach game server.

Tuatha de Danaan: The inhabitants of Erinn, Mabinogi's game world. In other words, most of the NPCs. There are a few non-Tuatha NPCs however (mainly Fomors, Deities, Milletians, and certian animals).

UG, UG Stone: Upgrade Stone; used for Special Upgrading.

WM: The Windmill skill. Can also mean "whisper me" if the server managing the Friends List somehow goes down.

Zerk: The Berzerk skill. See Wiki for more info.

Special thanks for the following people and resources that have helped this guide come to life (in no particular order):

Mabinogiworld: For the Wiki and the wealth of information that has been posted there

Synth: For helping me with the guide for weapons, game dynamics, and overall review.

Loukato: For coming onboard and helping with Giant items.

Valus: For helping me propose and add sections that I would not have thought about as well as helping with Giant items.

Atachi: For being enthusiastic about the guide; it keeps me happy updating it

Aira: For clarification on the Brionac; thanks!

The readers of this guide: Thanks for reading