Summary
It’s par for the course for video games to trickle armory improvements through the progression of a title. However, players will come across the occasional instances where the first weapon they are handed can end up being one that’s worth sticking with.
From bows with reusable ammunition and stealth capabilities to pseudo-game-breaking pistols, video games are proof that bigger doesn’t always equate to better. These games offer starting equipment that’s worth using right up until the end of the game. Even if players find bigger and better things along the way, it’s worth keeping these early-game weapons in their arsenals.
While theAssassin’s Creedseries has been a staple of the open-world video game landscape for nearly 20 years, a remarkable number of the franchise’s core elements can be traced back to Ubisoft’s inaugural title. 2007’sAssassin’s Creedintroduced players to the Templars, the Order of Assassins, and the showpiece weapon of the Hidden Blade.
Although Altair had his ring finger removed to fitthe Order of Assassins' signature weapon, the payoff that players receive when utilizing its deadly power is worth it. It can kill most enemies with a single blow, and can deal fatal damage upon successful counters. With this blade,Assassin’s Creedoffers players an effective edge to dispatch enemies early on while also providing a host of swords and daggers for to play with as well.
Even with a vast arsenal of creative firepower, from crossbows to grenade launchers,the wrench will always be iconic toBioshock. In addition to its faded red iconography, the wrench’s reliability and versatility make it a stable choice from the player’s first steps within Rapture to their last.
Working in partnership withBioshock’s various tonics and Plasmid abilities, the wrench’s ‘one-two punch’ effectiveness against even the most dangerous enemies in the game is insurmountable. Bolstered by a player’s use of stealth, and buffs afforded by diligent use of the camera item, the Wrench is not only a core symbol ofBioshock,but a dangerous weapon in the right hands.
The incredible versatility and customizability of the Service Weaponis a tactile aspect ofControl’s gameplay loop. Yet, the initial ‘Grip’ configuration of this Object of Power can potentially see a player throughout the entirety of the game’s12-hour runtime.
While it can be altered into further configurations that excel at close-quarters engagements, or even charge up a deadly bolt, the Service Weapon shows arguably the most utility in its ‘Grip’ style. It effectively places damage downfield, and can still be upgraded and modified in the same manner as later configurations. Players can combat even the most defensive Hiss forces by fully utilizing this form.
5Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy - The Lightsaber
A Deadly, Defensive Laser Sword That Bests All Other Options
It could be argued that all anyStar Warsfan wants to do in a video game set in a galaxy far, far away is to get their hands on a lightsaber. As such, it makes sense that in Raven Software’sStar Wars: Jedi Knighttitles, even though players can unleash a whole arsenal of blasters on the enemy, the iconic laser sword is often the player’s best bet.
While blasters are an understandable choice for ranged combat in theJedi Knightgames, the fact that later lightsaber users can send even the most explosive projectiles back at the player is a glaring flaw. As such, with the access andvaried styles availablefor lightsaber combat, the destructive and defensive capabilities of players when wielding one is unparalleled.
Despitea successful careerwielding her classic dual handguns, when the adventures of Lara Croft were rebooted with the release of 2013’sTomb Raider,they were effectively replaced by the versatility afforded by the bow and arrow. A unique trait of Square Enix’s ‘Survivor Trilogy’ ofTomb Raidertitles, the bow allowed players to deal a deadly amount of damage. It also allowed them to retrieve ammunition and employ a stealth-like approach if they wished.
Upgradable from a makeshift longbow inTomb Raider’s opening hours to a modern compound bow, Lara uses the bow not only as a lethal weapon, but an aide to exploration and puzzle-solving. Following Lara in all three of her most contemporary mainline installments, the bow can be ditched for a range of explosive firearms, but little can compete with its versatility and lethality throughout the titles.
Despite being one of the video game industry’s most iconic firearms,Dead Space’s Plasma Cutter is not a purpose-built weapon at all. Rather, it is a transformed piece of mining machinery. However, what the sci-fi weapon loses in technical prowess it gains in raw lethality.
The weapon lends its projectile-throwing focus and changeable direction of orientation to killing the series' spindly-limbed Necromorphs. The Plasma Cutter itself is narrative and mechanical genius. Its ability to fire a ‘bolt’ of ionized plasma may not be as flashy asthe traditional firearms the franchise bestows to players; however, its versatility, upgradability, and iconic status are tantamount to its pole position.
The concept of denoting a player’s Pokemon pals as weapons is somewhat arguable, but as the only way of engaging in combat withinPokemon Red and Blueversions, they are effectively just that. As such, with their high base stats and effective type coverage, the starters ofPokemon’s original titles are some of the most powerful pocket monsters in the entire game.
Plenty of players feelunderstandable nostalgia and attachmenttowards their choice of Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur. But beyond that, the fact that many players can blaze through the titles' many challenges wielding the power of only their single starter pick. This is proof enough that their power is second to none.
It may not come loaded, but the M6D Magnumbestowed to the Master Chief on the dawn of his inaugural adventureon Installation 04 is arguably more powerful than even the most destructive capabilities of the UNSC or the Covenant. Firing bombastic 40mm SAPHE rounds at the enemy, the stopping power afforded to the player with the Magnum can rip through enemy infantry and armor alike.
With minimal bullet spread, a 2x scope, and the ability to kill unshielded enemies with one shot to the head, the Magnum as it appears inHalo: Combat Evolvedis incredibly powerful. WhileHalo’sAssault Rifle or Battle Rifle may hold the place of the Master Chief’s poster weapon, the Magnum sidearm is never far behind.
