Best Shortswords In Baldur’s Gate 3

Shortswords in Baldur’s Gate 3 are one-handed melee weapons that deal Piercing damage and can also be dual-wielded. Characters must have Martial Proficiency in order to use Shortswords but can use either their Strength or Dexterity Modifier, whichever is highest.

RELATED: Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Rapiers, Ranked

All Shortswords have the Flourish and Piercing Strike actions, which can be situationally useful, but the very best Shortswords have unique effects, actions, or spells attached to them. There are plenty of Shortswords for players to find in Baldur’s Gate 3, but some are better than others.

6 Slicing Shortsword

The Slicing Shortsword is a solid option for the mid-game, and characters who can consistently attack with Advantage will get the most out of it by making their enemies bleed. When enemies bleed in BG3, they take 2 Slashing damage at the start of every turn and have Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws.

Once players have reached Moonrise Towers in Act 2, they can purchase the Slicing Shortsword from the merchant Lann Tarv, who can be found on the first floor surrounded by pilgrims.

5 Fleshrender

Fleshrender is a Rare Shortsword with solid Piercing damage, but against bosses who rely on healing, the Part the Flesh action makes this a must-have weapon for characters with no spells to prevent healing.

RELATED: Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Scimitars, Ranked

The only downside to Fleshrender is that players must wait until Act 3 to acquire it, and even then, they must become an Unholy Assassin by accepting Bhaal before it can be sold by Echo of Abazigal in the Murder Tribunal.

4 Render Of Mind And Body

The extra 1d8 Psychic damage that Render of Mind and Body can provide when players attack with Advantage is extremely strong and matches the base damage of the Shortsword. If they are able to consistently attack with Advantage, this Shortsword quickly becomes one of the best.

However, this particular weapon will only be sold by Lann Tarv in Moonrise towers if players are able to convince Disciple Z’rell to give them additional help in their hunt for Ketheric’s Relic.

3 Knife Of The Undermountain King

Despite its name, the Knife of the Undermountain King is a Shortsword and is one of the best in the game. Not only does it make scoring a Critical Hit easier, but it also gives the wielder another chance after rolling 2 damage or less. Incredibly, this effect is applied to any attacks, not just those performed by it.

As a Very Rare weapon, the Knife of the Undermountain King deals great base damage, but unlike other Very Rare items, it can be found in Act 1 at the Githyanki Creche Y’llek, where it is sold by A’jak’nir Jeera.

2 Sword Of Life Stealing

The Sword of Life Stealing is a fairly standard Shortsword; however, whenever players land a Critical Hit, it becomes overpowered, as the wielder not only deals extra Necrotic damage but also gains temporary HP.

RELATED: Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Halberds, Ranked

Thankfully the Sword of Life Stealing is fairly easy to get hold of; players can simply purchase it from Dammon the blacksmith at the Last Light Inn in Act 2 of the game.

1 Crimson Mischief

As a Legendary Shortsword, Crimson Mischief is one of the best melee weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 and can deal extraordinary damage under certain circumstances. If players attack with Advantage against low health enemies they can deal 1d4 + 7 extra Piercing damage on top of the sword’s fantastic base damage.

Crimson Mischief is also a fantastic option as an off-hand weapon as it will deal extra damage. To get their hands on this weapon, players will need to kill Orin in Act 3, as this is her blade.