Summary
Dungeons & Dragonsis a gaming universe with a vast library of powerful weapons, including a large selection of swords. Some are the subject of quests, appearing as either rewards or treasure, and the journey from a slightly rusty piece of metal to a reality-altering, legendary artifact is usually long and arduous but worth it.
The best weapon for a character will often depend on many factors, from class, to build, to play style. Players should carefully consider which aspects of a sword fit their unique build. On top of preexisting choices, the Dungeon Master might introduce a homebrewed weapon with some creative and overpowered skills.
Updated June 08, 2025 by Kristy Ambrose:It might be difficult to keep track of smaller accessories, like gear and weapons, with all the recent additions andchanges to the D&D universe. Skills, training, ability scores, and the choice of class and race determine what kind of sword the character can wield. These selections include the mightiest greatsword to even a humble shortsword, the family of finesse weapons like rapiers, or some with rare or even legendary, game-changing abilities.
14Scimitar Of Speed
The Player’s Handbook
TheScimitar of Speedis a great and versatile weapon and is somewhat easier to acquire than others on the list. It is a +2 Finesse weapon, meaning players can choose to use either Strength or Dexterity as their modifiers.
It is also Light, allowing players to wield up to two such weapons at the same time. The special feature of the sword is that it allows an additional attack using a bonus action. Many characters can utilize the sword to great effect,dishing out significant damageevery turn.
13Dawnbringer
Forgotten Realms: Out of the Abyss
The legendary Dawnbringer is one of the few sunblades that appears in the D&D universe. These are weapons with blades made of pure light as opposed to a physical blade made of steel, bone, or some other material. They do bonus damage against any undead targets, can be used as a torch in a dark place, and can only be used by characters of a Good moral alignment.
Paladins are often the ones that wield this sword, not only because it fits so perfectly with the aesthetic of the class but also because of the moral alignment. It’s also a longsword, so it can be a one or two-handed weapon depending on the character’s proficiencies and their Strength score.
12Sword Of The Planes
The Book of Many Things
This sword has recently been introduced in theBook of Many Thingsofficial supplement, which houses several new player options, items, and rules. Among them is this plane-tearing weapon, which can cut through enemies as easily as through the fabric of reality.
Aside from a nice +3 bonus, theSword of the Planesallows the caster to freely travel to any plane. As an action, characters can open rifts to other planes, and even specify exactly where on that plane they would wish to go.
11Sword Of Answering
Dungeon Master’s Guide
In theGreyhawksetting, there are only 9 such swords, each with a different look and personality. Every sword is connected to a particularD&Dalignment, although there are no requirements when it comes to attunement to the weapon.
TheSword of Answeringprovides a +3 bonus to attacks and also comes with a special Reaction. Characters can immediately attack anyone that damages them, and they make that attack with advantage. On top of that, any damage dealt this way completelyignores any resistance or immunities.
10The Dancing Sword
Player’s Handbook
It’s not exactly a dance, but more like a dramatic finishing move that the player can activate using a couple of Bonus Actions. The player can make this special attack four times before the sword automatically returns to their hand.
The sword comes in five different forms, so no matter the class, virtually any character can equip this sword. The Dungeon Master can introduce the Dancing Sword as a shortsword, greatsword, longsword, rapier, or scimitar.
9Luck Blade
TheLuck Bladeis in a league of its own, as it has one of the most powerful effects in the entire game attached to it. This sword gives the wielder a flat +1 bonus to any saving throws and allows them the use of the Luck feat once per day.
But the sword’s greatest feature is the ability to use Wish. The sword can hold up to 5 charges and loses this property once the charges are spent, but even a single Wish can send the entirecampaign in a completely new direction.
8Nine Lives Stealer
This sword with a chilling name can be incredibly powerful, especially given its lower rarity compared to other weapons. TheNine Lives Stealergives the wielder a +2 bonus to their attacks, but the most devastating part is closely related to the name of the weapon.
The sword has up to 9 charges of a special and devastating ability. Whenever the wielder lands a critical hit on a creature with 100 health or lower, the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. If they fail, the creature is immediately slain, and a single charge of the weapon is lost.
7Blackrazor
This sentient Greatsword is anabsolute menace on the battlefieldand comes with hefty bonuses and special effects. Starting with a +3 bonus to attacks, this chaotic neutral weapon gives the wielder great power and ofteninsiststhat they use it.
Blackrazorcan Devour Souls whenever it reduces a creature to 0 hitpoints. Upon doing so, the wielder also gains temporary hitpoints, equal to the slain creature’s max HP. On top of that, the wielder can also sense living creatures within 60 feet around them, and cannot be charmed or frightened.
6Moonblade
TheMoonbladeis one ofthe Elves’ most treasured possessions.Such a sword would only be passed down within a family, growing stronger with every new user. This longsword can evolve in such a way up to 7 times, gaining a new feature every time.
From attack bonuses, to spell storing, and even Vorpal properties, every version of this sword is unique but absolutely incredible. The sword refuses to serve anyone but its rightful master, and will actively hinder any evil wielder until they return it.
5Vorpal Sword
TheVorpal Swordhas always been the stuff of legend inD&D, and most who know what it does actively want to try it at least once. The sword is capable of immediately beheading almost any enemy and is feared by many characters and villains alike.
Whenever the wielder rolls a 20 for an attack, they immediately cut off one of the enemy’s heads. Not even saving rolls, unless the DM decides that certain circumstances would not allow it, such as size or Legendary Resistances.
