Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Greatswords, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• 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 November 15, 2024, by Joe Goodwin: After picking up multiple Game of the Year awards, Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to grow in popularity, meaning even more players are jumping into this 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 best greatswords. As many of the best weapons can normally only be picked up in Act 3, there are now more examples from the earlier stages of the game to help players craft their greatsword builds sooner. The Weapon Enchantment stat has also been stressed as this bonus makes Attack Rolls bigger meaning attacks are more likely to hit. After all, there’s no point in having the most damage if every swing is a miss.

Basic Actions Of All Greatswords In Baldur’s Gate 3

• Pommel Strike: Make a non-lethal attack to possibly Daze the target. Afflicted enemies have Disadvantage on Wisdom Saving Throws, can’t use Reactions, and lose the Dexterity bonus to their AC (Once per Short Rest and Bonus Action).
• Lacerate: Slash at a target’s vitals to make them Bleed. Afflicted enemies take 2 Slashing damage at the start of each turn and have Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws (Once per Short Rest).
• Cleave: Swing the sword in a large arc, hitting up to 3 enemies. Each enemy will take half the damage the weapon normally deals (Once per Short Rest).

12 Pactbound Greatsword

Base Damage: 2~12

• How to Obtain: Pact of the Blade spell, unlocked by Level 3 Warlocks.

The Pactbound Greatsword is not an item like the other swords on this list, as it is instead summoned by the Pact of the Blade spell, available to all Warlocks in BG3 after they reach Level 3. While it doesn’t deal impressive damage, it is preferable for Warlocks in the early game as it scales with their Charisma modifier, meaning their lack of Strength is not a problem.

Perhaps more importantly, either via race or Feats, they do not have to waste resources to become proficient with Greatswords to wield it. Another advantage is due to the magical binding, they cannot be disarmed. Lastly, the option to deal magical damage against enemies who may have resistance to physical forms of damage is always a good option to have.

11 Githyanki Greatsword (Psionic)

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

• Location: Looted from Sarth Baretha in the Mountain Pass, Act 1.

For most characters who aren’t of the Githyanki race, the Githyanki Greatsword (Psionic) is no better than the Greatsword +1 despite being harder to acquire in Act 1. Nevertheless, the Weapon Enchantment of +1 should never be overlooked for making successful attacks more likely. In the hands of Githaynaki, this bonus combined with the extra 1d4 Psychic damage makes for a solid weapon to end the first Act with.

In terms of getting both hands on the Githyanki Greatsword (Psionic), players will need to take the Mountain Pass route which is used to reach Act 2. This route is taken from The Risen Road, and players should be looking for a Githyanki by the name of Sarth Baretha. They are the owner of this sword.

10 Greatsword +1

Base Damage: 3~13

• Location: Bought from Grat at the Goblin Camp and other traders, Act 1.

There isn’t anything too special about the Greatsword +1, but due to the high base damage of all Greatswords in BG3, it is still a great option for the early game. The +1 aspect of the weapon means that it not only deals +1 extra damage, but unbeknownst to many, it also receives a +1 bonus to Attack Rolls, meaning players are more likely to hit their target.

The Greatsword +1 is also very easy to acquire, with many merchants selling it while the player is at a low level in Act 1. However, Grat the Trader can always be relied upon to have it in stock. He can be found at the Goblin Camp, very early on in Act 1.

9 Soulbreaker Greatsword

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

• Location: Belongs to a Githyanki warrior at Creche Y’llek, Act 1.

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. Having high Initiative and high damage is a great combo as enemies can often be slain before they even get a turn.

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. Players who have previously reached Act 2 via the Underdark should consider heading through the Mountain Pass and exploring the Githyanki Creche on their next playthrough.

8 Sword Of Justice

Base Damage: 3~13

• Location: Belongs to Anders at the Toll House, Risen Road, Act 1.

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 landing 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. If players forget to use it prior to the fight or the effect wears off for whatever reason, it can be used again mid-fight as a bonus action.

To acquire the Sword of Justice, players can either kill Karlach and receive it as a reward from Anders, or they can kill him in the Toll House on the Risen Road and take it for themselves. As this sword soon gets outshone by alternatives, and Karlach is one of the best characters in the game, the second option is usually preferable.

7 Jorgoral’s Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13

• Location: Bought from Corsair Greymon, Grymforge, Act 1.

The Jorgoral’s Greatsword has fairly standard damage but also comes equipped with a fun Action ability that has high potential. If multiple enemies are clumped up together, then players can hit them all at once with Colossal Onslaught, and players can use it a few times while adventuring thanks to the fact that it refreshes with each Short Rest.

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 for gold. While they are at the Grymforge, players should consider finding one of Act 1’s hidden locations, the Adamantine Forge, where unique weapons and armor can be crafted.

6 Everburn Blade

Base Damage: 3~16

• Location: Taken from Commander Zhalk on the Nautiloid, Prologue.

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, which can do wonders in the early game. Thanks to the Ever Burning passive, the fire will not be quenched either. The main downside to this weapon is that it has no Weapon Enchantment, meaning attacks are less likely to hit.

The main reason it is considered one of the most desirable greatswords in Baldur’s Gate 3, is because the Everburn Blade can be obtained right 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 some pro combat tips for BG3​​​​​. If players have the patience though, they will eventually be able to obtain the sword as there is a save just before the fight.

5 Svartlebee’s Woundseeker

Base Damage: 3~13

• Location: Belongs to Gauntlet Yeva, Waukeen’s Rest, Act 1.

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 land hits more often against foes who have already taken damage with a +1d4 to Attack Rolls. In fact, unless players are facing foes with incredibly high AC, there’s almost no chance of missing wounded enemies.

Svartlebee’s Woundseeker can be found at Waukeen’s Rest in Act 1, carried by Gauntlet Yeva. She can either be killed or commanded to drop her weapon with one of the most underrated spells in Baldur’s Gate 3: Command. However, players trying to stay on the righteous path might just have to miss out on this one, as there are plenty of other top BG3 greatswords available.

4 Sussur Greatsword

Base Damage: 3~13

• Location: Complete the “Finish The Masterwork Weapon” quest at the Blighted Village, Act 1.

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. To start this mission, players will need to read Highcliff’s Journal, which can be found in a house near the village’s windmill.

3 Silver Sword Of The Astral Plane

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

• Location: Belongs to Kith’rak Voss, Act 3.

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. Available to all is the Soulbreaker action, which deals extra Psychic damage and can stun enemies. As it can be used once after every Short Rest, it can be used a few times during a day of adventuring.

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. He can be found at Sharess’ Caress on Wyrm’s Crossing. As big decisions must be made to acquire the Orphic Hammer in the first place, the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is something that players must plan for.

2 Sword Of Chaos

Base Damage: 5~18

• Location: Looted from Sarevok Anchev, Murder Tribunal, Act 3.

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 in the Murder Tribunal under Candulhallow’s Tomb during two quests: Investigate the Murders and Impress the Murder Tribunal.

1 Balduran’s Giantslayer

Base Damage: 5~15

• Location: Looted from the dragon Ansur, Wyrmway, Act 3.

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. This is one of the many hidden locations in Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3, as to reach this location, players will need to deal Lightning damage to two dragon head torches inside Wyrm’s Rock prison.