Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked

Highlights

• Greatswords in Baldur’s Gate 3 require martial weapon proficiency and deal slashing damage with additional damage from the Strength modifier.
• Each Greatsword comes with three actions: Pommel Strike, Lacerate, and Cleave, but some have unique effects and abilities.
• Notable Greatswords in the game include the Soulbreaker Greatsword, Silver Sword of the Astral Plane, and Balduran’s Giantslayer.

Greatswords are two-handed melee weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 that require the wielder to have martial weapon proficiency. They deal slashing damage and use the Strength modifier for extra damage.

Every Greatsword comes with three actions: Pommel Strike, Lacerate, and Cleave. However, the best among them also have their own unique effects and abilities. Some of the best BG3 Greatswords also happen to be ranked among the best melee weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 as a whole. For players who want to wield this class of formidable weapons, these are the best choices available in the game.

Updated January 14, 2024 by Joe Grantham: After picking up the Game of the Year award, Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to grow in popularity, meaning even more players are jumping into the colossal RPG. Greatswords are naturally among the most popular weapons for new players and veterans alike, and so this list has been updated to include even more of BG3’s greatswords. As many of the best weapons can only be picked up in Act 3, there are now more examples from the earlier stages of the game.

9 Soulbreaker Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13 Or 4~17 For Githyanki

The Soulbreaker Greatsword is one of a few swords in Baldur’s Gate 3 that are better in the hands of Githyanki characters. In this case, Githyanki deal an extra 1d4 Psychic damage, but any wielder, no matter their race, will gain the benefits of a higher Initiative, meaning they will take their turn earlier.

However, players will have to kill a Githyanki warrior to get their hands on the Souldbreaker Greatsword, as it is Kith’rak Therezzyn’s weapon. She can be found in the Captain’s Quarters in Creche Y’llek, the Githyanki stronghold.

8 Sword Of Justice

Base Damage: 3~13

The Sword of Justice is a fantastic greatsword for the early game with its Weapon Enchantment +1, which not only increases damage but also improves the odds of successfully hitting attacks. The Tyr’s Protection spell can be used at the start of each day to increase the AC of any ally by 2, making them harder to hit.

To acquire the Sword of Justice, players can either kill Karlach and receive it as a reward from Anders or kill him in the Toll House on the Risen Road and take it for themselves.

7 Jorgoral’s Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13

The Jorgoral’s Greatsword has fairly standard damage and also comes equipped with a fun Action ability that has a high potential. If multiple enemies are clumped up together, then players can hit them all at once with Colossal Onslaught.

To find Jorgoral’s Greatsword, players must enter the Underdark and reach the Grymforge where it can be picked up from Corsair Greymon. Depending on the circumstances, players will either be able to loot the sword from him or purchase it.

6 Svartlebee’s Woundseeker

Base Damage: 3~13

In addition to having one of the best names in Baldur’s Gate 3, Svartlebee’s Woundseeker is a fantastic Greatsword for the early game. While its damage is nothing to boast about, players will successfully hit more often against foes who have already taken damage with a +1d4 to Attack Rolls.

Svartlebee’s Woundseeker can be found at Waukeen’s Rest in Act 1 on Gauntlet Yeva. She can either be killed or commanded to drop her weapon with a spell.

5 Sussur Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13

If players have ever wanted a sword that silences enemies even if it doesn’t kill them, the Sussur Greatsword is just for them. Naturally, this sword is particularly strong against spell casters, who rely on incantations to deal damage or provide buffs.

The best thing about the Sussur Greatsword is that it can be obtained fairly early on in the game during Act 1. Players can get their hands on it by doing the Finish the Masterwork Weapon quest in the Blighted Village.

4 Everburn Blade

Base Damage: 3~16

The Everburn Blade only has the base Slashing damage of 2d6, as opposed to other Greatswords on this list that have +1, +2, and +3 bonuses. However, it does deal an extra 4 possible Fire damage. Thanks to the Ever Burning passive, the fire will not be quenched either.

Despite being one of the best Greatswords in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Everburn Blade can actually be obtained at the start of the game by electing to kill Commander Zhalk on the Nautiloid instead of ignoring him. This is no easy feat though, so players will have to make use of pro combat tips for BG3​​​​​​.

3 Silver Sword Of The Astral Plane

Base Damage: 5~15 Or 6~21 For Githyanki

The Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is an extremely strong Greatsword and can actually be considered the second-best. However, for this to be true the wielder must be Githyanki. Two of the weapon’s effects depend on this, allowing Githyanki to deal more damage and also gain defensive bonuses.

As this Greatsword belongs to Kith’rak Voss, players must either kill him or show him the Orphic Hammer in Act 3 of the game.

2 Sword Of Chaos

Base Damage: 5~18

With high Slashing damage, bonus Necrotic damage, and a passive that will heal players with every hit, it is easy to see why the Sword of Chaos is one of the best Greatswords in the game.

However, players will need to wait until Act 3 to get their hands on the sword. It is looted from the legendary Bhaalspawn Sarevok Anchev, who can be found under Candulhallow’s Tomb during two quests: Investigate the Murders and Impress the Murder Tribunal.

1 Balduran’s Giantslayer

Base Damage: 5~15

The Balduran’s Giantslayer is the best Greatsword in BG3 for a number of reasons. The Giantslayer effect makes this weapon perfect for strong characters going up against big opponents. The Giant Form action, however, is arguably even more overpowered. Not only does it last for 10 turns, but it can actually be used once per short rest, meaning players can remain giants in most fights.

Given the strength of this sword, players will have to wait till Act 3 to get their hands on it. They must prove themselves worthy by killing the dragon Ansur in the Wyrmway.