Original Moonlighter · weapon guide

Moonlighter Best Weapon Classes Compared

The Moonlighter best weapon depends on the range and attack rhythm that fit your playstyle. Sword & Shield is balanced, Big Sword hits wide and hard, Bow fights at range, Spear controls a long line and Gloves trade reach for speed.

Compare five weapon types Choose your weapon

Easy all-rounderSword & Shield

Only ranged typeBow

Longest straight reachSpear

Fastest attacksGloves

Five weapon types

Moonlighter weapon strengths and trade-offs

Each type changes the distance and timing of a fight. Use the same upgrade tier when comparing them so the moveset—not a level advantage—drives the choice.

Weapon type

Main strength

Trade-off

Sword & Shield

A balanced close-range weapon with a shield on its secondary action

Short reach; blocking helps when you are still learning enemy timing

Big Sword

Wide swings and high damage cover groups and make good use of clear openings

Slow attacks commit you for longer, so missed swings are easier to punish

Bow

The only ranged weapon type, useful for attacking while keeping distance

You still need room awareness so enemies do not close in from another direction

Spear

Long, straight reach keeps targets in front and can attack through some barriers

Its narrow line is less forgiving when enemies surround you

Gloves

The fastest weapon type, built for rapid attacks and constant pressure

The shortest reach forces you to stay close and dodge accurately

Choose by playstyle

How to choose the best Moonlighter weapon

Start with the range at which you make the fewest mistakes, then use your second weapon slot to cover the opposite situation.

Choose close-range safety

Use Sword & Shield when blocking helps you learn an encounter. Choose Gloves only when you are comfortable staying beside the enemy and dodging on time.

Choose a large opening

Use Big Sword when you can create enough time for its slower, wide swing and want one attack to cover more of the room.

Choose safer reach

Use Bow to attack from range. Use Spear when you prefer a long straight attack and can keep enemies lined up in front of you.

Use both weapon slots

Pair two different ranges instead of forcing one weapon into every room. Switch when the enemy formation makes your current moveset awkward.

Quick answers

Moonlighter weapon questions

What is the best weapon in Moonlighter?

There is no single best weapon for every player. Sword & Shield is the most forgiving all-round choice, Bow favors distance, Big Sword favors wide high-damage openings, Spear favors long straight reach and Gloves favor fast close-range pressure.

Which weapon is best for beginners?

Start with Sword & Shield if you want a balanced moveset and a defensive secondary action. If close range feels uncomfortable, try Bow or Spear and keep enemies at a more manageable distance.

Can you equip two weapons in Moonlighter?

Yes. Will has two weapon slots, so pair different strengths—for example, a close-range weapon for pressure and Bow or Spear for safer reach—and switch when the room changes.

How should Moonlighter weapons be compared?

Compare weapons at the same upgrade tier in a familiar room. Pay attention to reach, attack speed, recovery and whether the moveset lets you leave the enemy's counterattack safely.

Are DLC weapons included in this comparison?

No. These five classes cover the base game. Check the Between Dimensions guide separately when choosing equipment from the paid expansion.

References

Sources for Moonlighter weapon comparisons

Moonlighter Steam store page

Valve / Steam

official

Moonlighter weapons and armor guide

Steam Community

community

Choose the range and rhythm you can control, then use the second weapon slot to cover the rooms where that choice struggles.