The Most Iconic Weapons in Fantasy Game History

28 November 2025

There’s something inherently exciting about wielding a legendary weapon in a fantasy game. These aren’t your average swords or run-of-the-mill axes—these are the glittering, glowing, ridiculously overpowered tools of destruction that could save the world (or occasionally destroy it, depending on your alignment). Let’s dive into some of the most iconic weapons in fantasy game history that have left an indelible mark on our hearts and trigger fingers.

What Makes a Weapon "Iconic"?

Before we start geeking out over individual weapons, let’s get one thing straight: not all weapons are created equal. A good fantasy weapon doesn’t just deal heaps of damage (though that certainly helps). It’s got to have that “it factor.” Maybe it’s tied to a gripping backstory, a jaw-dropping visual design, or a unique gameplay mechanic that leaves players thinking, "Whoa, I’ve never seen that before!" Whatever the case, these weapons aren’t just tools—they’re legends in their own right.

1. The Master Sword (The Legend of Zelda Series)

Let’s kick things off with a classic. If fantasy weapons were celebrities, the Master Sword would be an A-lister. This glowing blade has been Link’s trusty companion across countless adventures, always ready to banish evil and save Hyrule.

What makes the Master Sword so special? For starters, it’s imbued with divine energy, which means it’s basically the Excalibur of the gaming world. Only the "chosen one" (a.k.a. you) can wield it, and pulling it from its pedestal is always a moment of pure gamer bliss. Plus, it looks awesome with its sleek blue hilt and glowing blade. Pro tip: If you see Ganon, keep this bad boy close.

2. The Buster Sword (Final Fantasy VII)

Let’s be honest—this weapon is as over-the-top as it gets. When a sword is bigger than the person holding it, you know it’s going to make an impression. The Buster Sword, wielded by brooding mercenary Cloud Strife, has become one of the most recognizable symbols not just in Final Fantasy, but in gaming as a whole.

Sure, lugging it around must be an absolute nightmare (seriously, who needs THAT much steel?), but its design is unforgettable, balancing simplicity with sheer absurdity. And when you see Cloud pull off a Limit Break with this thing? Chef's kiss.

3. Mjolnir (Halo Series)

Wait, wait—before you say, “Isn’t this a hammer from Norse mythology?” let me clarify. Yes, it’s named after Thor’s hammer, but we’re talking about the Halo version here. Mjolnir isn’t actually a weapon you swing around; it’s the armor that turns Master Chief into a one-SPARTAN army. Think of it as the Iron Man suit but way cooler because…aliens.

Okay, I’m technically cheating because this is armor, but let’s be real—without Mjolnir, Master Chief would’ve been toast in his first Covenant firefight. So, I’m awarding it honorary weapon status. Who’s going to stop me, Cortana?

4. The Blades of Chaos (God of War Series)

Few weapons scream "badass" like the Blades of Chaos. First of all, they’re on fire. Second, they’re chained to Kratos’s wrists, which means you’re basically a walking blender of death. Want to take out a dozen enemies in one spin? Done. Need a weapon that doubles as a grappling hook? These have you covered.

But what really makes the Blades iconic is the emotional weight they carry (and, no, I’m not just talking about how heavy they look). They’re a constant reminder of Kratos’s tragic past, which makes them more than just instruments of destruction—they’re a symbol of his eternal struggle. Deep, right?

5. Keyblade (Kingdom Hearts Series)

Ah, the Keyblade—a weapon that looks like it belongs in a toolbox but somehow opens the doors between worlds. Don’t let its quirky design fool you; the Keyblade is ridiculously powerful. It can slay Heartless, unlock any lock, and even restore entire worlds—pretty handy for a piece of hardware that looks like Mickey Mouse designed it.

What makes the Keyblade truly special is its connection to the wielder’s heart. Only those with a pure heart (or sometimes a really conflicted one) can wield it. So, if you’ve ever held a Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts, congrats—you’re officially awesome. Or, ya know, Sora is.

6. Frostmourne (World of Warcraft)

If weapons had alignment charts, Frostmourne would be pure Chaotic Evil. This cursed blade isn’t just a sword; it’s a soul-stealer. Wielded by Arthas Menethil, Frostmourne consumed its master and turned him into the infamous Lich King. Talk about a weapon with a dark side.

What makes Frostmourne so iconic is its chilling design (pun intended). With jagged edges and glowing runes, it screams “bad news” from ten miles away. And let’s face it, anything that eats souls is not something you want to encounter in a dark alley—or a raid boss fight.

7. The Energy Sword (Halo Series)

Let’s take a quick detour into the sci-fi side of fantasy gaming for this one. The Energy Sword from the Halo series is the epitome of elegance and lethality. With its sleek design and glowing plasma blades, it’s the kind of weapon that makes you go, "Yeah, I want one of those."

The Energy Sword is infamous among Halo players for its one-hit-kill potential, making it both a blessing and a curse depending on which end of the blade you're on. Getting taken out by a cloaked Elite wielding this thing? Devastating. But being the one to wield it? Pure satisfaction.

8. The Moonlight Greatsword (Dark Souls Series)

Few weapons have as much mystique as the Moonlight Greatsword. This magical blade has appeared in nearly every game from developer FromSoftware, making it a staple for fans of the Soulsborne series.

With its translucent, glowing blade and devastating magical attacks, the Moonlight Greatsword is perfect for players who want to dish out massive damage while looking like a spectral warrior. But be warned: earning this weapon in most games usually involves defeating a ridiculously tough boss. Your patience will be tested, but trust me—it’s worth it.

9. Portal Gun (Portal Series)

Okay, hear me out. The Portal Gun may not be a "typical" weapon—it doesn’t shoot fireballs or cause explosions—but it’s still one of the most iconic tools in gaming. With the ability to create portals on walls, it turns the laws of physics on their head (and makes for some absolutely hilarious gameplay moments).

Plus, it’s tied to one of gaming’s snarkiest AIs, GLaDOS. The Portal Gun proves that sometimes, the best weapons don’t destroy your enemies—they outsmart them.

10. Dragon Slayer (Berserk and Video Game Adaptations)

This absurdly massive sword makes the Buster Sword look like a pocketknife. Wielded by Guts in the Berserk manga and its video game adaptations, the Dragon Slayer is less of a weapon and more of a blunt-force trauma device.

Its sheer size and weight make it an absolute nightmare to anyone in its path, but what makes it iconic is its history. Like the Blades of Chaos, the Dragon Slayer carries the weight of its wielder’s struggles, making it a literal and metaphorical heavy hitter.

Honorable Mentions

- Chainsaw Lancer (Gears of War): Because why just shoot your enemies when you can saw them in half?
- Ebony & Ivory (Devil May Cry): Dante’s iconic dual pistols deserve a shout-out for their style points alone.
- Biggoron’s Sword (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time): For when the Master Sword just isn’t big enough.
- Gatling Gun Crossbow (Van Helsing): Because nothing says "fantasy weapon" like combining medieval and modern tech.

Why Do We Love These Weapons?

At the end of the day, the weapons we remember aren’t just the ones that dealt the most damage. They’re the ones that made us feel something. Whether it’s nostalgia, awe, or adrenaline, iconic weapons leave a lasting impression because they’re more than just tools—they’re characters in their own right.

So, the next time you’re dual-wielding enchanted battle axes or firing a plasma rifle, take a second to appreciate the artistry behind that weapon. After all, it’s not just what you’re holding—it’s the stories and memories tied to it.