Starfield: 8 Best Melee Weapons

Melee are handheld-bladed weapons that enable direct engagement with foes in close-quarters combat. These weapons possess distinct attributes such as damage, mass, value, and mod slots, all of which influence their effectiveness and customization. These melee weapons in Starfield also boast unique effects or bonuses, setting them apart from the rest.

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Key Takeaways

• Choose a melee weapon that matches your character’s skills, perks, traits, and the enemies and environment you encounter.
• Compare each melee weapon’s stats, effects, and availability to see which offers the best performance and customization for your needs and goals.
• Experiment with different melee weapons and see how they feel and work in combat, using different attacks, combos, and mods against different types of enemies and in different locations.
• While choosing a melee weapon, remember the enemies and environment you encounter.

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Weapon	Damage	Mass	Value	Mod Slots	Special Effects
Va’Ruun Painblade	62	1.4	200	7	Physical and energy damage
Wakizashi	51	1.35	150	7	Bonus damage to robots or cyborgs
UC Naval Cutlass	39	1.4	100	8	Bonus damage to pirates or rebels
Osmium dagger	28	0.34	125	7	+34% more damage against aleins
Tanto	26	0.45	125	7	Bonus damage to aliens or mutants
Barrow Knife	22	0.34	75	6	Ignores some enemy armor or resistance
Rescue Axe	17	1.4	35	6	Good for breaking armor or shields
Combat Knife	16	0.36	25	6	Versatile with easy carry

In this article, we will unveil the best melee weapons in Starfield, rated based on their statistics, special effects, and availability. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to employ them effectively and where to locate these formidable tools within the game world.

Combat Knife

The Combat Knife, a fundamental melee weapon, is available early in the game. Sporting a decent damage rating of 16 and a lightweight design with a mass of 0.36, it’s easy to wield. Furthermore, its six mod slots allow for attribute enhancement or the addition of unique effects. The Combat Knife is a versatile weapon, suitable for stealthy assassinations, swift slashes, or even thrown attacks.

Best Use

To maximize the Combat Knife’s effectiveness, target critical areas like the head or neck for increased damage and the possibility of instant kills.

How to find it?

The Combat Knife can be found in various in-game locations, including military bases, space stations, and abandoned ships. It’s also available for purchase from vendors or as loot from defeated foes. This versatile weapon is accessible to all, requiring no specialized skills or perks.

Rescue Axe

The Rescue Axe, a robust tool, doubles as a formidable weapon. With a higher damage output of 17 and a mass of 1.4, it’s slower but packs a punch. Boasting six mod slots, it offers room for customization. This weapon excels at breaking through enemy armor and shields or delivering devastating power attacks.

Best Use

To wield the rescue axe effectively, aim for weak points in your enemies’ armor or shields, such as joints or gaps, to bypass their defenses and maximize damage. You can also utilize it as a versatile tool for unlocking doors and containers or cutting through obstacles. However, be mindful that executing a power attack drains your stamina, leaving you momentarily vulnerable.

How to find it?

Search for the Rescue Axe in emergency stations, fire departments, or mining sites. You can also procure it from vendors or loot it from adversaries. This uncommon weapon demands strength and endurance for proficient use.

Barrow Knife

The Barrow Knife, a rare melee weapon, can only be obtained by completing a quest. It boasts an impressive damage rating of 22 and a lightweight mass of 0.34, making it one of the most potent and maneuverable melee weapons.

Six mod slots provide opportunities for customization. The Barrow Knife’s unique feature lies in its ability to bypass some enemy armor or resistance, making it highly effective against formidable foes.

Best Use

To wield the Barrow Knife effectively, target vital areas for maximum damage and the potential for instant kills. Additionally, it can serve as a ceremonial weapon for rituals or to unlock ancient secrets and treasures. A stabbing attack can be executed by pressing the attack button while sprinting, but ensure accuracy to avoid counterattacks.

How to find it?

Uncover the Barrow Knife in a Settled Systems, revealed by following a mysterious prophecy and fulfilling specific conditions. Alternatively, you can purchase it from a legendary vendor or loot it from mythical adversaries. Utilizing the barrow knife requires courage and faith.

Osmium Dagger –  Hazardous

This blade is made of osmium, the densest and one of the hardest metals known. It has a bluish-gray tint and a shiny appearance. The Osmium Dagger is heavy, durable, and can pierce through most armor and materials. Moreover, it is also scarce and expensive, as osmium is scarce and difficult to work with.

Best Use

Use the Osmium Dagger as a stealth weapon to sneak up on your enemies and stab them from behind or to perform quick assassinations in close quarters.

Upgrade the osmium dagger with weapon mods to improve its attributes or add new effects, such as increased damage, faster speed, longer reach, etc. The Osmium Dagger can also emit a foul odor or cause radiation poisoning, affecting your health or reputation.

How to find it?

You can find it in a crashed spaceship on the planet Terra, where you can find various alien weapons and technology.

UC Naval Cutlass – Loyalist’s Blade

The UC Naval Cutlass is an antique melee weapon representing the United Colonies’ faction in the game. It boasts a high damage rating of 39 and a moderate mass of 1.4, offering strength and resilience. With eight mod slots, it provides extensive customization possibilities. The UC Naval Cutlass delivers bonus damage against pirates or rebels, making it the weapon of choice for loyalists and bounty hunters.

Best Use

Target vulnerable body parts for increased damage and potential bleeding or critical hits to maximize the UC Naval Cutlass’s effectiveness. It also symbolizes authority or honor and can be employed for duels or leadership challenges. Execute a slash attack by pressing the attack button while moving sideways, ensuring balance and momentum.

How to find it?

Discover the UC Naval Cutlass at various locations in Settled Systems, including naval bases, museums, or historical sites. It’s also available for purchase from vendors or as loot from enemies affiliated with the United Colonies faction. Mastery of the UC Naval Cutlass requires a reputation and charisma.

Tanto – Alien Slayer

The Tanto is an exotic melee weapon originating from the planet Akari within the game. Boasting a high damage rating of 26 and a lightweight mass of 0.45, it is deadly and swift. Seven mod slots allow for attribute enhancements and new effects. The Tanto delivers bonus damage against aliens or mutants, making it a formidable choice as one of the best melee weapons in Starfield.

Best Use

To maximize the Tanto’s effectiveness, aim for critical areas for increased damage and potential blindness or suffocation. It excels as a stealth weapon for silent assassinations or ritualistic purposes.

How to find it?

Tanto can be found at various locations in Settled Systems, such as temples, shrines, or tombs. It’s also available for purchase from vendors or as loot from enemies affiliated with the Akari faction. Proficiency with the Tanto demands dexterity and wisdom.

Wakizashi – Mechanical Menace Slayer

The Wakizashi stands as another exotic melee weapon hailing from the planet Akari. With a remarkably high damage rating of 51 and a moderate mass of 1.35, it offers lethal and dependable performance. Seven mod slots provide ample room for customization. The Wakizashi delivers bonus damage against robots or cyborgs, making it a potent choice against mechanical adversaries.

Best Use

To maximize Wakizashi’s effectiveness, target vulnerable areas such as wires or circuits for increased damage and the potential for malfunctions or explosions. It can also serve as an honor weapon for duels, challenges, and self-defense.

How to find it?

 Wakizashi may be found in dojos, palaces, or fortresses of Settled Systems. It’s also available for purchase from vendors or as loot from enemies affiliated with the Akari faction. Proficiency with the Wakizashi requires strength and honor.

Va’Ruun Painblade – Cosmic Power

The Va’ruun Painblade is a curved blade that can inflict severe damage and cause bleeding to enemies. The Painblade is also capable of absorbing the life force of its victims, healing the wielder, and increasing their stamina.

It is a rare weapon that can only be obtained by completing a quest for the Va’ruun, a mysterious alien race that lives in the outer reaches of the galaxy. It is undoubtedly one of the best melee weapons in Starfield.

Best Use

The Va’ruun Painblade’s special effect is that it can drain the life force of its enemies, making it useful against tough or resilient foes. It can also heal you and boost your stamina, allowing you to fight longer and harder.

How to find it?

You can find the Va’ruun Painblade in a hidden vault on the planet Zalos, where the Va’ruun have their secret base. You can also get it from the Va’ruun leader, who will offer it to you as a reward for helping them against their enemies. The Va’ruun Painblade is an exotic weapon that requires some strength and charisma to use.

These are Starfield’s top 10 melee weapons, ready to slice and dice your enemies in close combat. Whether your preference lies in stealth, speed, power, or versatility, the game offers a melee weapon suited to your style. Remember to wield your melee weapons wisely and strategically, as they can expose you to damage from your adversaries. Happy hunting in the cosmos!

Whether your preference lies in stealth, speed, power, or versatility, the game offers a melee weapon suited to your style. If you want any help with your game, our guides might be able to help you.

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