Best Rapiers in Baldur’s Gate 3

Key Takeaways

• To maximize the damage dealt with Rapiers in Baldur’s Gate 3, characters need Martial Weapon Proficiency.
• Finesse allows characters to use their Strength or Dexterity for damage, choosing the higher stat.
• Rapiers have special attacks like Piercing Strike and Weakening Strike, with unique magical effects available via top-tier weapons.

Rapiers are one-handed melee weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3, and characters must have Martial Weapon Proficiency to get the most out of them. They deal Piercing damage and, thanks to Finesse, the character’s Strength or Dexterity can be used as the damage modifier, whichever stat is highest.

All Rapiers, at the very least, have three special attacks, namely, Piercing Strike, Weakening Strike, and Flourish. Flourish in particular is great as it can be used as a Bonus Action to finish tantalizingly low health targets off and can also knock opponents off balance. The best Rapiers in Baldur’s Gate 3 naturally deal the most damage but also have unique and often magical effects that can turn the tides of a fight.

Updated on November 15, 2024, by Joe Grantham: Game of the Year winner Baldur’s Gate 3 is now available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and as even more players throw themselves into the colossal D&D adventure, having all the stats and effects of relevant weapons becomes even more important. Accordingly, this list has been updated to include all the Rapiers in BG3, allowing players to more easily find the best one-handed weapon for piercing foes, no matter which stage of the game they are at. While the best Rapiers are naturally found in Act 3, there are still some great options that can be picked up earlier in the game.

Basic Actions Of All Rapiers In Baldur’s Gate 3

• Piercing Strike: Stab an enemy to possibly inflict Gaping Wounds. Afflicted enemies take 2 extra Piercing damage from attacks. (Once per Short Rest.)
• Weakening Strike: Target an enemy’s hands and possibly inflict Weak Grip. Afflicted enemies have Disadvantages on Attack Rolls and Strength Saving Rolls. (Once per Short Rest.)
• Flourish: Feint an attack to possibly throw an opponent Off Balance. Afflicted enemies have a Disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity Ability Checks, and users have Advantage on Attack Rolls against them. (Once per Short Rest.)

10 Pactbound Rapier (Not An Item)

Base Damage: 1~8

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

The Pactbound Rapier is different from the other weapons on this list as it is not an obtainable item, but rather the product of a spell. It is available via the Pact of the Blade spell to Level 3 Warlocks in BG3. By casting the Rapier version of this spell, players will summon the Rapier with multiple benefits.

First of all, the weapon cannot be disarmed or dropped, which is great against certain enemies who employ these tactics. Additionally, as Warlocks will put plenty of points into Charisma for their spells, the fact that this weapon uses Charisma for attacks is a huge boon. With other Rapiers, Warlocks would deal less damage due to having low Strength and Dexterity. Dealing magical damage rather than physical damage will also help against some enemies.

9 Rapier

Base Damage: 1~8

• Location: Bought from traders and found on enemies (Act 1).

Outside of the early stages of Baldur’s Gate 3, the standard Rapier doesn’t really have much use, as its basic damage will quickly hinder players. However, if players are roleplaying as a character who has a great disdain for magic, it is the only non-magical Rapier, thus giving it a potential use.

The Rapier can be found in multiple locations in Act 1, with some merchants selling it when players are at low levels and plenty of enemies dropping it as loot. Though it may not be the most noteworthy rapier available in the game, it still has its uses.

8 Rapier +1

Base Damage: 2~9

• Location: Bought from Traders at the Emerald Grove or Shattered Sanctum (Act 1).

There isn’t too much to get excited about when it comes to the Rapier +1 in BG3, although the +1 Weapon Enchantment should never be overlooked as it not only provides extra damage but also adds 1 to Attack Rolls, which means that attacks are more likely to hit.

The Rapier +1 can be purchased for a very reasonable price from Roah Moonglow at the Shattered Sanctum or from Dammon the Infernal Mechanic at the Emerald Grove. Those relying on the more ordinary Rapier should highly consider switching to this weapon when they get the chance.

7 Rupturing Blade

Base Damage: 2~9

• Location: Bought at the Zhentarim Hideout (Act 1).

The Rupturing Blade Rapier is an interesting weapon due to the Searing Blood action that players can take with it. This action is for those who like playing on the edge, as it not only deals extra damage to the target but also causes the wielder to take damage. Other than that, there is nothing special about the blade, which only has the most basic stats of the standard Rapier.

Baldur’s Gate 3 players will find the Rupturing Blade in the Zhentarim Hideout, which is one of the secret areas that players often miss in Act 1. However, this weapon will only be available for purchase if players have completed the Find the Missing Shipment quest.

6 Rapier +2

Base Damage: 3~10

• Location: Bought from Traders at higher levels.

The Rapier +2 is a very standard weapon with no additional effects, but its base Piercing damage of 1d8 + 2 means it can still compete with the other top Rapiers. As it is a non-magical weapon, it could be the perfect option for players looking to role-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 if they wish to play as a character who has a disdain for sorcery.

Finding the Rapier +2 is fairly easy as it is sold by various merchants, although players will need to wait till the later stages of the game when they are at a high enough level for it to appear.

5 Sword Of Screams

Base Damage: 2~12

• Location: Looted from Nere at the Grymforge (Act 1).

Sword Of Screams is a Rapier with high potential because, if players get lucky and roll well for both the Piercing and Psychic damage, it can deal a surprising amount of damage. Having two different damage types is also useful in general, as different enemies might have resistance to one of these.

Players who choose to get to Act 2 in BG3 by going through the Underdark will be able to first pick up the Sword of Screams if they choose to kill Nere in the Grymforge. Upon doing so, the weapon can be looted from his body.

4 Harmonic Dueller

Base Damage: 2~9

• Location: Bought from Entharl Danthelon, Wyrm’s Crossing (Act 3).

Players looking for great Bard builds in Baldur’s Gate 3 should definitely consider finding the merchant Entharl Danthelon at Wyrm’s Crossing just before they reach the city of Baldur’s Gate, as he sells a Rapier perfect for musicians.

The Mellow Harmony weapon skill for the Harmonic Dueller Rapier allows Bards or other characters who can perform to use their high Charisma for extra damage. Acquired during the latter portion of Baldur’s Gate 3, this Rapier can serve as a worthy addition to the player’s arsenal if they have been relying on this weapon type thus far.

3 Infernal Rapier

Base Damage: 3~10

• Location: Reward for Wyll’s companion quest, Act 2.

Wyll, with his high sense of honor and duty, is easily one of the best characters and strongest companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, and if players want a weapon that is described as his “soul summarised in steel,” then the aptly named Infernal Rapier is available to those who complete his companion quest, The Blade of Frontiers, and ask for a reward.

This Rapier has very high base damage and is great for spellcasters thanks to its weapon skills. The Planar Ally: Cambion spell that is unlocked, allows a Fiend to be summoned by the player for support in combat. Having access to a free Level 6 spell is something that should not be overlooked, especially one that can last an entire fight if players keep their Cambion alive.

2 Pelorsun Blade

Base Damage: 3~13

• Location: Found inside a hidden casket in Cazador’s Dungeon (Act 3).

If players are ever facing off against vast swathes of undead enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3, then the Pelorsun Blade is the best Rapier for the job. The only exception to this is the Legendary Duellist’s Prerogative, which is superior in every situation, even if players are against the undead.

Otherwise, the Pelorsun Blade is great because it gives the wielder Advantage against the Undead, which means two dice will be rolled instead of one, and the highest outcome will be used. Understanding core concepts such as this is crucial for becoming a pro at BG3‘s combat. The extra Radiant damage is also hugely beneficial. Those hoping to acquire the impressive Pelorsun Blade can do so via a Rosewood Casket in Cazador’s Dungeon. This is a location in Act 3 that ties in heavily to Astarion’s storyline.

1 Duellist’s Prerogative

Base Damage: 5~15

• Location: Reward for the Save Vanra quest (Act 3).

Duellist’s Prerogative is not only by far the best Rapier in Baldur’s Gate 3, but it’s also one of the best melee weapons in the entire game. It has incredible base Piercing damage, as well as bonus Necrotic damage. To get the most out of the weapon, players should not attempt to duel wield it with another weapon, even with the best Scimitars, as activating Elegant Duellist is crucial to success. As a Legendary weapon, the Weapon Enchantment +3 is always one of the best stats to look at, as attacks are significantly more likely to hit.

The Legendary Duellist’s Prerogative comes with a few other skills, a spell, and a unique weapon action, making it an extremely overpowered pickup. To get their hands on this Rapier, players simply need to complete the ‘Save Vanra’ quest in Act 3. This quest can be initiated by speaking to Lora in the Lower City, but only if players saved Mayrina in the first act. Lora is found in the Basilisk Gate Barracks.