Short answer
Swords are Coen's main conventional weapon family, with short swords, long swords, and great swords designed to feel and attack differently. Books unlock techniques and combat abilities, while passive perks support defensive counters, mobility, aggression, or pressure. Axes and other pickups also exist.
Key facts
- Short swords, long swords, and great swords are named weapon families
- Different sword types change attack feel and speed
- Books unlock techniques and combat abilities
- Passive perks support distinct sword styles
- Axes and other weapons can be picked up
Known weapon families
Rebel Wolves says the game contains mostly different sword types: short swords, long swords, and great swords. They are intended to feel different and affect how quickly Coen attacks. Axes and other weapons can also be picked up along the way.
Durandal is one early named option to consider, with its Cursed Chasm route below. Compare a weapon's reach, recovery, art, and upgrade state with your learned techniques before changing equipment.
| Family | How it plays | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Short sword | Fast sword family with its own techniques | Compare reach, recovery, art, and upgrade state |
| Long sword | Balanced sword family; includes Durandal | Compare comfort and learned techniques |
| Great sword | Slower sword family with different commitment | Compare stamina demand and crowd pressure |
| Axes / other pickups | Available beyond swords | Check whether the current build supports your chosen perks |
Techniques come from knowledge as well as levels
Official Swordmastery material says books found during the journey unlock new techniques and combat abilities. Launch-day guidance adds that Swordmastery Manuals can come from bandit or soldier camps and blade instructors, so exploration directly expands the moveset.
Passive perks then reinforce an approach: defense and counterattacks, mobility, aggression, or sustained pressure. The public Master of Arms achievement confirms an Ultimate Perk exists in the Swordmastery tree.
- Explore for books that teach techniques.
- Use passive perks to reinforce how you already like to fight.
- Test weapon feel before committing based on a headline tier.
- Keep the day/night split in mind when investing in a sword-centered route.
Use weapon feel and weapon arts before chasing a tier list
A faster weapon can fit reactive play, while a slower weapon may demand spacing and commitment. The useful comparison is not damage alone; it includes reach, recovery, ability access, enemy pressure, upgrade state, and whether the weapon remains comfortable in both forms.
Blue, purple, and orange weapons can carry weapon arts that operate on their own cooldown. Check that move before replacing an item based only on its headline number; the art may solve crowd control or burst without consuming an Activation Charge.
- 1
Try one representative sword from each family.
- 2
Compare windup, reach, recovery, and stamina feel against the same enemy type.
- 3
Check which learned techniques apply to the weapon.
- 4
Invest in the passive style that solves your real weaknesses.
Where to find the early legendary longsword Durandal
PC Gamer's launch guide identifies Durandal as a legendary longsword available early through the Cursed Chasm quest. The route begins at the broken bridge in northwest Briar Sloughs; descend on the east side of the ravine and clear the ghosts guarding the path.
Compare Durandal's art, reach, recovery, and upgrade state with the techniques you have unlocked. Choose it when those strengths fit your combat style and the route leaves time for your next priority.
Common questions
Are swords the only weapons?
No. Swords are the main named family, but the developers also mention axes and other weapons that can be picked up.
How do you unlock sword techniques?
Official material says finding books unlocks new techniques and combat abilities.
What is a strong early weapon?
Durandal is an early legendary longsword from the Cursed Chasm route near the broken bridge in northwest Briar Sloughs. Compare its weapon art and handling with your learned techniques before building around it.
