Axesare often the weapon of choice for melee fighters likeBarbariansand Fighters in Baldur’s Gate 3. With many Handaxes, Battleaxes, and Greataxes to choose from, there is no shortage of these kinds of weapons. Each requires a different type of proficiency, but all are deadly when used right.
The best axes in the game have special effects, from spells to extra damage. While traversing through Faerun, you’ll come across too many axes to keep track of. Keep an eye out for the ones on this list for the best options in your playthrough.
10Halberd Of Vigilance
Halberds are two-handed melee weapons that provide Extra Reach. The Halberd of Vigilance is the best of this axe type in the game. The very rare weapon +2 weapon is great because it improves your Perception Checks and Reactions. In addition, it deals Extra Force Damage.
Found in Moonrise Towers, it’s a great axe choice for Act Two, particularly for a Barbarian or Fighter.
How to get this axe:
9Exterminator’s Axe
The Exterminator’s Axe is an uncommon Greataxe found in Act One. The two-handed axe deals out extra Fire damage to plants, insects, and small creatures, which includes the Myconids you find in the Underdark.
While the Myconids are peaceful unless provoked, you may go up against them in your playthrough if you’re going for an evil playthrough or aligning with opposing characters. If you choose that route, this weapon is a must-have for your melee fighters.
8Defender Greataxe
If you want a weapon that will increase yourArmor Class, the Defender Greataxe is the way to go in Act Two. As the name suggests, the weapon strengthens your defenses. The rare +2 weapon can increase your AC or Saving Throw bonus by one when you make the first attack of the round.
Available at the Last Light In, this weapon can be the determining factor of whether you go down in battle or not.
7Thermodynamo Axe
The Thermodynamo Axe grants Heat to the wielder for two turns whenever you harm an enemy with the weapon. Heat is a more complicated mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3, but it essentially helps you deal out additional Fire Damage to enemies the longer you maintain the condition.
Bought at Last Light Inn, this battleaxe is super useful to Barbarians or Fighters who specialize in close combat. Karlach, in particular, can make great use of this weapon.
6Witchbreaker
Having Advantage can make or break a fight in Baldur’s Gate 3. Witchbreaker is a battleaxe granting the wielder Advantage against concentrating enemies, meaning two dice are rolled instead of one, giving you a greater chance of succeeding your rolls.
In addition, this uncommon axe has a chance of inflicting Silence on targeted foes. This particular weapon is great for taking down rival spellcasters during Act One.
To get this axe, take the Mountain Pass at the end of Act One rather than the Underdark.
Certain weapons give you an advantage over undead, like The Undead Bane. This greataxe deals extra Slashing damage to fiends and zombies, destroying unnatural evil. It also adds your Proficiency bonus to the damage roll and allows you to inflict Bane on the targeted undead.
The uncommon weapon is a must during certain battles in Act Three. Mix in thenecromancyspells in your party, and you will be unstoppable against skeletons, vampires, and other ghoulish enemies.
4Blooded Greataxe
The Blooded Greataxe is another great weapon choice for a Barbarian. The rare weapon deals additional Slashing damage when the wielder has less than half of their Hit Points left, making your Barbarian explode with stronger rage when nearing death.
Fighters can also benefit from this weapon, as they charge into close combat and often take a lot of hits. It’s rare to find such a powerful weapon in Act One, so it’s a must-have for early-game combat.
3Vicious Battleaxe
Any weapon found in the Murder Tribunal is bound to be powerful. The Vicious Battleaxe is no different, inflicting higher damage on a Critical Hit. The +2 weapon can quickly finish off a lower-level target in one turn.
To find this weapon, however, you must take a vow to becomeBhaal’sUnholy Assassin, which is not a choice some players want to make for their playthrough. This axe is best for an evil or morally grey run, rather than a heroic one.
2Sethan
As one of the more overlooked weapons of the game, Sethan isn’t as well-known as other axes on this list. The +2 greataxe grants you the ability to cast Spiritual Greataxe, giving you an extra turn during combat to deal damage.
Additionally, you can cast Reduce, changing your enemies into a smaller, more manageable size. This easily-missed axe can only be attained by passing a Persuasion check if a particular party member is on good terms with the trader.
If Shadowheart is in your party as a Selunite, Ferg will not want to trade with you. Consider leaving her at camp if you want the chance to acquire Sethan.
1Hellfire Greataxe
The best axe in Baldur’s Gate 3 by far is the Hellfire Greataxe. As one of the strongest melee weapons in the entire game, it can do some serious harm. It dishes out extra Fire Damage and gives the wielder Heat after every successful hit.
The Hellflame Cleave action can be cast as a Cantrip, flooding the targeted area with hellfire and burning enemies in your path. Your Barbarian will thank you for this very rare weapon.
