Swords in video games have a special appeal because they are rich in lore within the story of the game series, and they are used to represent emotional connections between characters. Most fantasy RPGs feature swords because they are essentially a genre convention at this point, making them not only expected but a part of fantasy RPGs.
The character connotations of swords also mean that they tend to show up in genres you’d least expect, like science fiction. However, these other genres will find a way through the inherent logic of the video game world to justify the use of swords instead of more “modern” weapons.
Plus, they’re just plain awesome. All of these factors make video game swords a great gift for the gamer in your life, or, if you’re a concerned gamer, a cool collectible you can buy to treat yourself.
1. Star Wars: Darth Vader’s Lightsaber
Lightsabers in general are easily one of the most iconic swords in the medium. Almost every Star Wars game includes a lightsaber, whether it’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or the 2019 hit Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
In the galaxy far, far away, lightsabers are said to be plasma blade weapons that use kyber crystals to power them. The heat generated by this process makes the lightsaber extremely sharp and can cut through almost anything.
Of course, the most popular lightsaber in Star Wars games is no other than Darth Vader’s lightsaber, which he built after turning to the dark side and abandoning Anakin’s lightsaber.
2. Final Fantasy VII: Cloud’s Buster Sword
Cloud’s Buster Sword is famous for two things: it comes from a very popular franchise, and it’s ridiculous size. The Buster Sword is an oversized broadsword that serves as Cloud’s signature sword in both promotional art and in-game. The sword has a well-rounded set of properties that help Cloud adapt to a variety of situations in the game.
Word in fan circles is that the Buster Sword was inspired by the Dragon Slayer Sword from Berserk, but this remains unconfirmed.
3. Final Fantasy 7: Sephiroth’s Authentic Blade
The Buster Sword is designed as an oversized broadsword, while the Masamune is designed as an oversized katana and is wielded by Sephiroth, a product of the Shinra military’s Soldier Program and the main antagonist of the Final Fantasy series.
The size of the Masamune is modeled after the Odachi, a two-handed samurai sword used to fight cavalry troops during feudal Japan. Due to its massive size and weight, Sephiroth is able to wield it one-handed, which easily conveys his strength and power.
4. The Witcher 3: Ciri’s Silver Sword (Zirael)
In the world of Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher, one of the only effective ways to fight monsters is with a silver sword, which makes it an absolute must-have for all wizards in the game, even dimension-hopping Ciri.
Zirael is a silver sword with an upturned hilt, made by the goblins nearly two centuries before the events of the main series. Its name translates to “Swallow” in the Old Tongue, the same meaning as Ciri’s name.
5. The Witcher 3: Geralt’s Silver Sword
Just like Ciri, Geralt carries a silver sword and his steel sword, the former of which he uses to fight against vampires and ghouls. There isn’t much lore associated with this sword, as it’s really just a tool in the game and doesn’t have much lore. In fact, when we start the game in White Orchard, Geralt already has it.
It bears some visual similarities to Ciri’s sword, particularly the forward-curving hilt that rises up on either side of the blade. This helps you differentiate it from the Steel Sword while playing the game, as the Steel Sword has a straight, cross-shaped guard.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Master Sword
As the most iconic sword in gaming history, Link’s Master Sword appears in every Zelda game, including the latest, Breath of the Wild. This straight-bladed sword with a winged crossguard symbolizes the sacred goddess of Hyrule and Link’s destiny, to be the hero who saves the land no matter which incarnation he embarks on his journey.
7. Assassin’s Creed: The Sword of Altaïr
The Sword of Altaïr from the first Assassin’s Creed is another sword legend from the gaming world. This sword was used by Altaïr long before the existence of a historically recorded saber. Whether this is another nod to the Assassin’s sci-fi origins or an oversight is unclear, but it still provides a lot of visual immersion to the game.
8. Devil May Cry: Vergil’s Yamato Katana
Vergil’s Yamato Katana is another big name in gaming. The sword, and the sword fighting style used with it, has been emulated by games made by a generation of developers who grew up on the Devil May Cry series. A notable example of this is the similarity between Vergil’s attacks and the attack patterns of characters created by Genji Impact developer MiHoYo.
In the game, the Yamato Katana is a sword that can cut through space and create portals, giving the impression that the sword never leaves its scabbard. It was once the sword of the legendary Dark Knight Sparta, and is now used by Vergil to paralyze and chop up his enemies.
9. Devil May Cry: Dante’s Rebellious Blade
Dante’s Rebellious Blade is the counterpart to Vergil’s Yamato Katana, and was given to them by their father Sparda. Like the Yamato Katana, this sword is imbued with the great power that Sparda bequeathed to the two brothers.
10. Kingdom Hearts: Sora’s Keyblade
Kingdom Hearts’ Keyblades have been a part of the series since the beginning, and are to Sora what the Master Sword is to Link. These mystical weapons connect Sora to the worlds he’s traveled to before, while also allowing him to unlock higher levels of power.
11. Elden Circle: Ratan’s Starshatter
Ratan’s Starcrusher is one of the better weapons you can get in Elden Circle. It’s available to purchase after defeating Ratan in the game. But before that, it’s first and foremost a dragon slayer-sized greatsword that can overwhelm enemies. While there isn’t a lot of lore about the sword itself in Elden Circle, just looking at the sword will tell you that if your Faded character is able to wield it, then they will have inhuman strength.
12. Dark Soul: Artorias Greatsword
Before Elden Ring, FromSoft launched the Dark Souls series, paving the way for the Souls-like subgenre that is now as filled with impractical broadswords as it is with terrifying enemies, and the Artorias Greatsword is no exception. The sword is said to have been forged from the soul of Artorias’s pet wolf, Sif, who guarded his grave even after his death.
