In the world ofShadowrunwhere technology, magic, and fairy tales mix together in rather insane stories of corporate espionage and world-saving adventures, it makes sense for some players to feel as though guns and magic aren’t enough to protect their characters. After all, guns lose bullets, and magic costs mana, which is rather expensive. Thankfully, the right choice of melee weapon can allow players to compensate for their lack of firepower with a rather mean close-ranged offense.
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In fact, each gamein theShadowruntrilogyhas its own set of ever-reliable melee weapons to get the job done. With the right set of equipment, a close-ranged tank or melee powerhouse could obliterate enemy forces before they even get a chance to strike back.
Best Melee Weapons In Shadowrun Returns
Aside from the trusty Fist as a form of Unarmed Combat, there are rather few melee options in theShadowrun Returnstitle. Given the reliance on long-ranged weaponry, it’s often common to see both security and shadowrunners don assault rifles and shotguns. However, the right choice of Melee Weaponry in thisShadowruncould ensure the survival of rather squishy characters when enemies get close enough to them.
Hand-Forged Katana
Similar to thecyber-heavy world ofCyberpunk, it’s a rarity in theShadowrunworld to see people rely on sharp weapons to defend themselves. As such, seeing someone wield aHand-Forged Katanais not just a novelty but a sight to behold, especially when the said person knows how to use them.
Although lacking AP-damaging critical hits, the 5 Base Damage and the low AP cost for use make the Hand-Forged Katana a must-have for bulky tanks and spellcasters who want a reliable sidearm.
Axe
Despite the straightforward nature of theAxebeing, well, an axe, there’s still the part of the equation that this weapon is arguably one of the best Melee Weapons there are inShadowrun Returns.
While having a simplistic appearance, its 6 Base Damage and -10 AP Damage on a critical makes this a deadly weapon for melee juggernauts regardless oftheShadowrunRace. In the right hands, the Axe may be able to finish off opponents at close range or become an excellent deterrent to those who want to get up close and personal to the player.
Dragon Sword
Considering how the AP is a lifeline in the game with its ability to enable characters to move, it makes sense to want the likes of Melee Weapons to score a nifty critical in theShadowrungame. Such is the case especially for theDragon Sword, the best Melee Weapon in the game, as it possesses a -10 AP penalty on a critical.
Not only that, but its 6 Base Damage makes it a decent melee partner in case of emergencies. These perks on top of its ornate and pristine design, make it perfect for a futuristic soldier with a penchant for martial combat.
Best Melee Weapons In Shadowrun: Dragonfall
WithShadowrun: Dragonfallfirst starting as a DLC of the first game, it makes sense for this game to also carry the same arsenal of weapons as withShadowrun Returns. However, this time around, players can enjoy a more flexible option of weapons, asDragonfallincludes more powerful Melee Weapons for players who want to make that spell-slinging warrior in the cyberpunk world.
Dikoted Katana
With the adoption of swords as a staple Melee Weapon to carry by both security and shadowrunners alike, it makes sense for specialized katanas to be manufactured for expert users. Such a katana is theDikoted Katana, aweapon inShadowrun: Dragonfallthat underwent the special Dikote process to make it exceptionally deadlier.
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Much stronger than the Dragon Sword, the Dikoted Katana boasts 6 Base Damage, although no AP Damage penalty whenever hitting criticals. Regardless, this is a rather potent endgame melee weapon to possess in case of emergencies.
Centurion Laser Axe
While the axe in itself is a proficient cutting weapon,Shadowruntakes this a step further with theCenturion Laser Axe. In thisShadowruntitle, the Centurion Laser Axe boasts welding lasers on its cutting edge, adding a rather deadly efficiency with regards to its cutting prowess.
This also makes this particular axe one of the best melee weapons in the game, allowing it to boast 7 Base Damage. This axe is a rather competent companion at close range, allowing tanks and other close-range combatants to enjoy melee combat without worrying about enemies being able to take the upper hand due to the lack of damage consistency.
Ares Mono-Sword
If there’s a weapon inShadowrun: Dragonfallthat fits the epitome of being cyberpunk, this would probably be theAres Mono-Sword. As per theShadowrungame’s description, this sword has superfine monofilament wiring attached to the blade’s edges, allowing it to cut extremely deep and extremely fine even with continuous use.
Its Base 6 HP Damage might seem lackluster at first since it does fare lower than the Centurion Laser Axe. However, its -10 AP Damage on critical hits can vastly debilitate the enemy forces’ movement when targeted properly, making this a great way to maximizethe combat system unique toShadowrun.
Best Melee Weapons In Shadowrun: Hong Kong
WithShadowrun: Hong Kongset in the mysterious Hong Kong Free Enterprise Zone, it’s natural for its citizens to rely on both cybernetics and magic, as well as a dash of mysticism, to go about with their everyday lives. Thanks to the wonders of Qi Casting, players of thisShadowruntitle can enjoy Melee Weapons with more specialized effects to maximize their arsenal.
Ardent Phoenix (Flame Sword)
One of the first Qi-based swords to be introduced in theShadowrun: Hong KongRPG, theArdent Phoenix (Flame Sword)is one potent sword to be used particularlyby Adepts, one of theShadowrunClasses. Despite its rather minuscule 3 HP Base Damage, where the Ardent Phoenix shines is when scoring critical hits
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Instead of the typical AP Damage compared to other weapons, the Ardent Phoenix instead ignites the target for 5 to 7 HP Damage, giving it a characteristic flaming flair that players with a penchant for fire would be particularly enamored with. Players who have a knack for spellcasting may want to have Ardent Phoenix as a reliable close-ranged emergency weapon.
Blood Calls To Blood (Vampiric Dagger)
Despite the number of Unarmed Weapons introduced in theShadowrun: Hong KongRPG, it’s perhaps theBlood Calls To Blood (Vampiric Dagger)that holds the most benefits for players. At its core, this Vampiric Dagger will induce bleeding on impact.
Not only that but killing a target with this weapon in theShadowrunRPG will have the player healed for 5 HP per round across three rounds. It doesn’t help foes in the game that this weapon can also dish out AP Damage on critical hits, making this a rather convenient lifesteal weapon.
Distant Storms Foretold (Bolt Sword)
Said to be forged specifically to harry and disable targetsin the cyberpunk game,Distant Storms Foretold (Bolt Sword)is specifically catered to destroying the way enemies can move throughout combat inShadowrun: Hong Kong. Aside from its 5 HP Base Damage, Distant Storms Foretold can do a ton of hurt to the opponent’s AP on a critical hit.
Essentially, scoring a critical with Distant Storms Foretold will deal -1 AP as shock damage to opponents for two rounds, potentially ruining a tricky enemy’s combos throughout their turn. And even without criticals, the base damage alone of thisShadowrunRPG weapon may be enough for melee fighters to outlast tough foes with the right rotations.
Racing Fulmination (Lightning Sword)
Imbued with shamanistic magic, the energies placed withinRacing Fulminationmake it quite a nifty spellcasting partner for mage-warrior builds in thisShadowruncyberpunkgame. While it has the same 5 HP Base Damage as with Distant Storms Foretold, Racing Fulmination has the more powerful Qi Casting, and for a reason that makes it the best Melee Weapon in theShadowrun: Hong KongRPG.
When enemies die at the hands of Racing Fulmination, players gain +1 AP during their next turn, allowing them to perform more actions in combat. Should they face multiple enemies, a player would be able to outmaneuver opponents rather quickly and without hassle.
TheShadowrun TrilogyRemastered Edition arrived on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5 on June 26, 2025.
