Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3is split into three Acts, and most of the absolute best weapons are naturally found in the later stages of the game. For players currently in Act 1, however, there are plenty of great options and even a few standout weapons that remain strong all game long.
No matter what build players are going for, they should be able to find a variety of weapon types, from one-handed ortwo-handed melee weaponsto crossbows and longbows. On top of all the relevant stats and effects, it is also important that players know where to find the best weapons in Act 1 ofBG3.
Updated June 11, 2025, by Joe Grantham:Even in Act 1 alone, there is no shortage of weapons, including some surprisingly good options. With every playthrough and build being different, this list has been updated to include even more examples of great early-game weapons for Baldur’s Gate 3. Thus, no matter what path players take and whatever their class, there should be strong options waiting for them around every corner.
1d4 + 1 Bludgeoning + 1d4 Radiant
Light:This object has an aura of light.
There aren’t many Light Hammers inBaldur’s Gate 3, but out of them all, theShining Staver-of-Skullsis easily the best, thanks to its bonus Radiant damage. The party will also have an easier time seeing in the dark thanks to the light provided. As with other Light Hammers, this weapon only requires Simple Weapon Proficiency, is held in one hand, and has the Concussive Smash action to hopefully daze enemies.
To acquire the wonderfully named Shining Staver-of-Skulls, players will need to make their way through the Underdark until they reach a boat sailing to the Grymforge. They will be able to purchase the hammer from Corsair Greymon, along with other goods. He can later be found at the Duergar encampment if players miss this first opportunity.
1d6 + 1 (One-Handed) or 1d8+1 (Two-Handed) Bludgeoning
There are a handful of good Staffs in Act 1 ofBaldur’s Gate 3, and one of the best options isMelf’s First Staff. The main boon of this magical Quarterstaff is the +1 bonus to Spell Attack rolls, as it makes spells more likely to hit, something that can be frustrating in the early game. Once per Long Rest, players will also be able to cast Melf’s Acid Arrow for free. This is an AOE spell that deals damage immediately and on the next turn.
Players will need to progress through a fair bit of Act 1, however, as this Staff can only be bought from Blurg, a hobgoblin at the Ebonlake Grotto. This location, also known as the Myconid Colony, can be found in the Underdark, along with many other secrets.
Mace
1d6 Bludgeoning + 1d6 Necrotic
Willing Whip:Grants Resistance to Necrotic damage, and deals an additional 1d6 Necrotic damage to everyone nearby, including the wielder.
Loviatar’s Scourgeis one of the lesser-known Act 1 weapons inBaldur’s Gate 3, but if players know where to get it, it can be obtained very early on, helping the party through most of the early game.This Macedeals lots of Necrotic damage, but is best utilized by those with high health or healing, as it will damage them slightly, even though they will be resistant.
At the Shattered Sanctum where the goblins and other members of The Absolute are camped, players might stumble across an interesting interaction with Abdirak, a servant of the Maiden of Pain, Loviatar. As the Mace belongs to him, he must die in order for it to be taken.
Shortbow
1d6 + 1 Piercing
Blood-Curdling Emission:On hit, possibly inflict Frightened. Gain a 1d4 bonus to attack and damage rolls against Frightened Targets.
Toward the end of Act 1, there is an incredibly strong Shortbow called Bow of the Banshee that doesn’t get enough attention. Beyond its fairly typical damage, the bow has a chance to Frighten targets, which is great in itself. However, they will then be more likely to hit Frightened targets and deal more damage to them. This can be great alongside other ways of inflicting the condition.
To get their hands on this bow, players will need to make their way to the Grymforge. On the boat to this location, there is a Duergar called Corsair Greymon, who can be convinced to sell the bow or be killed for it. He will also appear at the Duergar encampment in the Grymforge if left alone on the boat.
1d10 + 1 Slashing (Two-Handed)
If players are looking for some of the best weapons and thebest armor in Act 1 ofBaldur’s Gate 3, then they should make their way to the Adamantine Forge in the Underdark. Here, they are able to craft a number of items using molds and Mithral Ore, both found in the surrounding area.
One of these options is theAdamantine Longsword, which is not only great for destroying objects such as cracked walls, but also for facing off against enemies with a resistance to Slashing damage.
1d4 + 1 Piercing
Silences targets on hit.
Other than arguably being the most beautifuldagger inBG3, theSussur Daggermight not appear to be that strong. After all, its damage isn’t anything to write home about, and it only has one effect. This effect, however, of silencing a target, can be incredibly powerful. Any spellcaster will become instantly useless, and as this dagger can be dual-wielded in the off-hand, players can then follow up on vulnerable targets with a stronger main-hand attack.
The Sussur Dagger is not simply obtained, however, as it must be crafted in the Blacksmith’s Forge within the Blighted Village. Here players will be able to start a quest known as Finish the Masterwork Weapon, which will lead them in the right direction. In the Underdark, they will be tasked withfinding Sussur Tree Bark, the key ingredient for crafting the Dagger, or theSussur Greatsword, another good option.
1d10 + 1 Piercing
If players are looking for the best Crossbow in Act 1, then there are a few Heavy Crossbows that all deal the same damage with +1 Weapon Enchantments. However, the easiest to acquire early on, and arguably the best thanks to its abilities, isGandrel’s Aspiration.
When facing off against Monstrosity creatures, such as Worgs, Harpies, the Phase Spider, or even Doppelgangers, the wielder of Gandrel’s Aspiration will attack with Advantage, making misses less likely. Against Undead, of which there are plenty in Act 2, players can also use the Sacred Munitions Bonus Action to Turn them away. To get the Crossbow, simply find Gandrel the Gur monster hunter in the Sunlit Wetlands/Putrid Bog, and kill him. This is the region where Auntie Ethel lives.
1d6 + 2 Piercing
The Githyanki Creche is home to many of the best weapons for Act 1 ofBaldur’s Gate 3, and theKnife of the Undermountain Kingis one such example.This Shortsword, not only has a Weapon Enchantment +2, making attacks more likely to hit, but it also has passives that build upon it.
Attacks against Obscured targets will be almost guaranteed to hit, while rolling a low 2 for damage can be improved on with another role. Scoring crits is also easier with the Knife of the Undermountain King, granting it a high ceiling. The easiest way to obtain this sword is to purchase it from A’jak’nir Jeera, although it can also be stolen from her.
Pike
Invisible Weapon:This weapon is Invisible while equipped. It has Advantage on Attack Rolls, but loses this property for 2 rounds after missing. Rolls of 19 also crit.
There aren’t manyPikes inBaldur’s Gate 3, nor are they considered that great, but theUnseen Menacebreaks this trend. Attacking with Advantage, this Pike has a higher chance of hitting, as two dice are rolled instead of one.
In addition to this, when rolling a 19 as well as a 20, the Unseen Menace will crit for more damage. While its base damage isn’t anything to boast about, it is nevertheless solid for Act 1 and parts of Act 2. It is also a relatively easy weapon to acquire as it can be bought at the Githyanki Creche from the Quartermaster A’jak’nir Jeera.
Weapon Skills
Quarterstaff
1d6 + 1 Bludgeoning (One-Handed) or 1d8 + 1 Bludgeoning (Two-Handed) + 1d4 Cold
Mourning Frostis easily one of the best staffs for the early game inBaldur’s Gate 3, especially for any build centered around dealing Cold damage. Not only will it deal extra Cold damage in melee or when using spells, but there is also a chance to Chill targets, making them vulnerable to further Cold damage.
Unfortunately, Mourning Frost also happens to be one of thehardest weapons to get hold of inBG3, as players must first locate its three components from around the Underdark. All are carried by Drow mages, with the Icy Helve found to the west of the Selunite Outpost, Icy Metal found in the Myconid Colony, and Icy Crystal found near the Sussur Tree.
