Moonlighter 2: Which Starter Weapon Should You Choose?

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault asks you to make an important decision right at the start of a new game: choosing one of four base weapon types. While these are only starter versions, you’ll be locked into your initial choice for several dungeon runs before unlocking alternatives, making it a decision worth considering carefully.

Each weapon caters to a different playstyle, from balanced melee combat to high-risk, high-reward aggression. Below is a breakdown of all four starting weapons and which one is best for early progression.

Merchant’s Sword

The Merchant’s Sword is the most well-rounded option and is designed to be beginner-friendly. Its primary attack features a four-hit combo, with the final strike acting as a finisher that deals increased damage.

Its special ability is a spinning slash that hits enemies in a full circle around Will, making it useful when surrounded. If you activate the special after landing three basic attacks, it transforms into a stronger finisher instead, rewarding good combo timing.

Merchant’s Large Sword

The Large Sword trades speed for raw power. Its slower attack cadence can feel risky early on, but each hit deals significantly more damage than the other weapons. The primary attack consists of a three-hit combo that consumes sharpness with every swing.

The special attack is a quick thrust that deals less damage but restores sharpness. The sharpness meter is divided into chunks, and losing chunks reduces your overall damage output, so managing this resource is critical.

There are four weapon types available at the start of Moonlighter 2, and each supports a distinct combat style.

Merchant’s Spear

The Spear excels at long-range combat but lacks horizontal coverage, meaning positioning is crucial. Each primary attack creates Spearheads, with the fourth hit spawning three at once.

Using the Spear’s special ability recalls all active Spearheads back to you, damaging enemies caught in their path. This weapon rewards spatial awareness and enemy control rather than brute force.

Merchant’s Gauntlets

The Gauntlets offer the fastest attack speed of all four weapons. While individual hits deal lower damage, they rapidly build special meter. Once enough meter is generated, the special attack delivers a powerful blow.

Filling the meter completely activates Berserk mode, significantly increasing attack speed and knockback. This weapon is ideal for aggressive players who prefer constant pressure and quick reactions.

Which Weapon Should You Choose?

While the best choice ultimately depends on personal preference, the Merchant’s Large Sword stands out as the strongest option for early runs. The slower attack speed is manageable, and the high damage output makes clearing enemies faster and safer overall.

Additionally, you still have access to your ranged weapon, which helps cover moments where a slow melee swing would be risky. This makes the Large Sword especially effective while learning enemy patterns in early dungeons.

You can unlock the remaining base weapons by collecting materials from enemies in Kalina, the first dungeon area. Until then, choosing a strong early-game weapon can significantly smooth your progression.

For more Moonlighter 2 help, check out our guides on finding the Kalina Hidden Treasure , unlocking more potions , and expanding your inventory .