What is the Easiest Weapon to Use in Bloodborne?

For newcomers braving the gothic horrors of Bloodborne, the Saw Cleaver stands out as the easiest and most versatile weapon to learn. Its straightforward moveset, combined with its ability to transform between a short, quick saw and a longer, more damaging form, makes it incredibly adaptable to various combat situations. Its effectiveness early game, coupled with the abundance of physical damage Blood Gems, ensures a smooth and forgiving introduction to Bloodborne’s challenging gameplay.

Why the Saw Cleaver Reigns Supreme for Beginners

The Saw Cleaver offers several advantages that make it ideal for first-time players:

• Simple Moveset: The Saw Cleaver has an intuitive moveset that is easy to grasp. The untransformed mode offers fast, slashing attacks, perfect for dealing with quicker enemies or creating openings. The transformed mode provides greater range and stagger potential, making it effective against larger foes.

• Versatility: The ability to switch between short and long forms on the fly allows players to adapt to different enemy types and combat scenarios. This versatility reduces the need to rely on specific strategies or weapon combinations.

• Early Availability: The Saw Cleaver is one of the three starting weapons offered at the beginning of the game. This means you can immediately start familiarizing yourself with its moveset and incorporating it into your playstyle.

• Damage Output: The Saw Cleaver’s damage scales well with Strength and Skill, allowing for a balanced “quality” build that is forgiving for beginners unsure of their preferred playstyle. It provides consistent damage output throughout the game, especially when upgraded and infused with appropriate Blood Gems.

• Accessibility to Upgrade Materials: Blood Stones, the materials needed to upgrade weapons, are readily available throughout the early and mid-game areas, allowing you to keep your Saw Cleaver competitive as you progress.

Alternative Beginner-Friendly Options

While the Saw Cleaver is arguably the easiest weapon to use, the other starting weapons offer their own advantages and may appeal to different players:

• Saw Spear: Similar to the Saw Cleaver, the Saw Spear features a transformable saw form. However, it prioritizes thrusting attacks, offering greater range and crowd control. Its scaling favors Skill, making it a viable alternative for players who prefer a more agile playstyle.

• Hunter Axe: The Hunter Axe is a Strength-based weapon known for its powerful charged attacks and wide sweeping motions. While slower than the Saw Cleaver, its ability to stagger enemies and clear groups makes it effective in certain situations. It’s transformed L2 and charged R2 attacks are great for crowd control.

Advanced Considerations for the Saw Cleaver

Even though the Saw Cleaver is excellent for beginners, its potential extends far beyond the early game.

• Blood Gem Optimization: Experimenting with different Blood Gem combinations can significantly enhance the Saw Cleaver’s damage output and utility. Focusing on physical attack up gems will provide the most consistent benefit, but other gems can add elemental damage or status effects.

• Mastering the Transform Attacks: Learning to effectively use the Saw Cleaver’s transform attacks (R1 or L1 immediately after an attack) can create fluid and damaging combos. These transform attacks often have unique properties, such as increased range or stagger potential.

• Incorporating Firearms: Remember that firearms in Bloodborne are primarily used for parrying enemy attacks to set up visceral attacks, not for dealing direct damage. Learning to time your shots with enemy attacks is crucial for mastering the game’s combat system, regardless of your chosen weapon.

FAQs: Mastering Bloodborne Combat

1. What stats should I focus on leveling up for the Saw Cleaver?

Primarily focus on Strength and Skill, creating a “quality” build. Vitality is also crucial for survivability, and a small investment in Endurance will allow you to perform more attacks and dodges.

2. Is the Saw Cleaver viable throughout the entire game?

Yes! The Saw Cleaver remains effective throughout the entire game, especially when fully upgraded and equipped with appropriate Blood Gems. Its balanced damage and versatile moveset make it a reliable choice against a wide range of enemies and bosses.

3. What are the best Blood Gems for the Saw Cleaver?

Physical attack up gems are generally the best choice for the Saw Cleaver. Tempering Damp Blood Gems (triangle) can also give you great results. Look for gems that increase physical damage or add useful effects like increased stamina recovery.

4. Should I use the Saw Cleaver or the Saw Spear?

Both are excellent starting weapons. The Saw Cleaver is generally considered easier to learn due to its straightforward moveset. The Saw Spear favors Skill and offers better range and thrusting attacks. Experiment with both to see which one suits your playstyle better.

5. How important is upgrading my weapon in Bloodborne?

Upgrading your weapon is crucial for increasing its damage output and survivability. Prioritize upgrading your Saw Cleaver as you progress through the game.

6. How do I perform a Visceral Attack?

Parry an enemy attack with your firearm (press L2 just before the attack lands) or stagger them with a charged R2 attack. Then, approach the staggered enemy and press R1 to perform a Visceral Attack.

7. What is the best starting class for a Saw Cleaver build?

The “Milquetoast” origin is a good starting point as it offers a balanced stat distribution, suitable for a quality build that focuses on Strength and Skill.

8. Are there any weaknesses to the Saw Cleaver?

The Saw Cleaver doesn’t excel at any specific combat situation. It’s a versatile weapon, but it may lack the raw power of dedicated Strength weapons or the range of specialized Skill weapons.

9. What is the best strategy for fighting bosses with the Saw Cleaver?

Learn the boss’s attack patterns and use the Saw Cleaver’s quick attacks to create openings. Utilize transform attacks to deal extra damage or stagger the boss. Don’t be afraid to use your firearm to parry attacks and set up Visceral Attacks.

10. How does weapon scaling work in Bloodborne?

Weapon scaling refers to how much bonus damage a weapon receives based on your stats (Strength, Skill, Bloodtinge, and Arcane). Weapons with higher scaling in a particular stat will benefit more from investing points in that stat.

11. Should I use the pistol or blunderbuss?

The Hunter Blunderbuss is better for beginners for its wider spread and stagger ability but is only effective at close range. While the Hunter Pistol has a longer range and is more precise, it requires better timing and aim. Use the one that compliments your play style.

12. Where do I find Blood Stone Shards to upgrade my weapon?

Blood Stone Shards can be found throughout Central Yharnam and are often dropped by enemies. Explore thoroughly and break crates and barrels to find them.

13. What is the Hunter’s Dream?

The Hunter’s Dream is a safe haven where you can level up your character, repair and upgrade your weapons, and purchase items. You can access it by using a Lamp (checkpoint).

14. Is Bloodborne harder than Dark Souls?

Both games are challenging, but Bloodborne’s faster-paced combat and emphasis on aggressive play may make it feel more difficult for some players. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

15. How can I improve my Bloodborne skills?

Practice! The more you play, the better you will become at timing your dodges, parrying enemy attacks, and understanding enemy attack patterns. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and strategies. Consider connecting with other players through forums or online communities.

Understanding how to use your weapons in Games can be a great way to foster learning and understanding for the players involved, and to that end, be sure to explore more information on the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.