Master Your Origin: The Ultimate Guide To Starting Weapons Deepwoken Players Need To Know
Choosing your starting weapons Deepwoken offers is perhaps the most critical decision you will make before even stepping foot into the Vibrating Fires or the Trial of One. In a game where perma-death is a constant threat and every parry counts, your initial gear defines your early-game survivability.
Whether you are a new player looking to survive your first encounter with a Megalodaunt or a veteran planning a specific Min-Max build, understanding the nuances of the starter roster is essential. The right choice doesn't just change your damage; it changes your swing speed, posture damage, and range, which are the pillars of the Deepwoken combat system.
Currently, the community is seeing a shift in the meta as players rediscover the efficiency of certain heavy and medium options for faster power leveling. This guide explores everything you need to know about selecting and mastering your initial arsenal to ensure you don't end up in the Depths prematurely.
Which Starting Weapons Deepwoken Choice is Best for Your Playstyle?
When you first create your character, the game presents you with a choice that feels permanent. While you can eventually find and equip almost any weapon, your starting weapons Deepwoken selection dictates your initial Attribute points and your effectiveness in the first few levels of progression.
Most players find themselves torn between the high speed of Light Weapons, the balanced nature of Medium Weapons, and the raw crushing power of Heavy Weapons. Each category requires a different mental approach to combat. If you prefer a "death by a thousand cuts" style, Light is your go-to. If you want to dominate the Posture bar of your enemies, Heavy is the undisputed king.
Understanding these archetypes is the first step toward mastering the unforgiving seas of the Erean Shore. Let's break down the primary categories and why your choice matters for your long-term progression.
The Light Weapon Category: Speed and Precision
For those who value agility and high-frequency attacks, the starting weapons Deepwoken provides in the Light category are unparalleled. These weapons focus on M1 speed (primary attacks) and quick recovery, allowing you to punish whiffs more effectively than any other class.
The Stiletto (Dagger)
The Stiletto is the quintessential Light Weapon. It offers the fastest swing speed in the game, making it incredibly difficult for inexperienced players or NPCs to parry consistently. The trade-off is its short range. You must be comfortable fighting in "breath-to-breath" proximity to your opponent.
The Cestus (Fist)
Fist combat is a fan favorite for those who want a unique aesthetic. Choosing the Cestus as your starting weapons Deepwoken option provides a decent balance of speed and surprise. While its range is even shorter than the dagger, the critical attacks associated with fist styles are often highly disruptive in PvP scenarios.
The Scout's Rapier
The Rapier sits in a unique spot. It provides more range than the Stiletto while maintaining the poking potential that Light Weapon users crave. It is an excellent tool for those who want to play a "spacing" game, keeping enemies at the tip of the blade while maintaining high mobility.
The Medium Weapon Category: The Balanced Standard
Medium weapons are often considered the "standard" experience. If you are unsure which starting weapons Deepwoken path to take, the Medium category is the safest and most versatile choice for the current Deepwoken meta.
The Training Sword
Don't let the name fool you. The Training Sword (or the Iron Sword variant) is a powerhouse of reliability. It features a predictable swing rhythm, which is actually a benefit when you are learning the game's parry timings. It has respectable Posture damage, meaning you can break an opponent's guard if they rely too heavily on blocking.
The Battleaxe (Medium Variant)
The Medium Battleaxe offers a bit more "oomph" than the sword. It is slightly slower but deals more damage per hit. This is the preferred choice for players who want to transition into dual-wielding or specific hybrid builds later in the game.
The Spear
The Spear is widely regarded as one of the best starting weapons Deepwoken options for PvE. Its long reach allows you to "cheese" certain monster AI by hitting them from outside their effective range. In the early levels at Erisia, being able to poke a bandit without getting hit in return is an invaluable advantage.
The Heavy Weapon Category: Raw Power and Posture Breaking
If you believe that the best defense is a crushing offense, the Heavy starting weapons Deepwoken roster is designed for you. These weapons are slow, heavy, and require precise timing, but a single successful hit can turn the tide of a duel.
The Training Battleaxe (Heavy)
Heavy axes are the kings of Posture damage. In Deepwoken, when an enemy's posture bar fills up, they are "guard broken," leaving them vulnerable to a massive critical hit. The Heavy Battleaxe is designed to reach that guard-break state as quickly as possible.
The Training Maul
The Maul is even slower than the axe but offers the highest impact. It is a "high risk, high reward" weapon. If you miss, you are left wide open for a counter-attack. However, if you land a hit, the stun frames are significant, often allowing you to dictate the pace of the rest of the fight.
How Attribute Scaling Impacts Your Starting Weapon Choice
Every one of the starting weapons Deepwoken offers scales with a specific primary attribute: Strength, Agility, or Fortitude, alongside the core weapon stats (Light, Medium, Heavy). This is where your build planning begins.
If you choose a Heavy weapon, you will naturally be putting points into Strength. This doesn't just increase your damage; it unlocks talents that allow you to carry more weight, break environmental objects, and perform physical feats.
On the other hand, Light weapons often synergize with Agility. High Agility unlocks talents like "Ghost" or "Vanishing Shadow," which enhance your ability to dodge and maneuver. Therefore, choosing your starting weapons Deepwoken isn't just about the blade in your hand—it’s about the talent tree you want to climb.
The Importance of Training Gear and Early Progression
In the early game, you will notice that your starting weapons Deepwoken are often labeled as "Training" gear. This is a deliberate design choice. Training weapons have lower base damage but are designed to help you gain Weapon Manual experience faster.
As you fight enemies and use your weapon, you earn "investment points." To level up your weapon stat, you must use the appropriate training item (like a Weight for Heavy, or a Sparring Doll for Medium). Your choice of starter weapon determines which of these training items you should prioritize buying from a Blacksmith or General Store early on.
Pro Tip: Do not rush to replace your training weapon with a "fancier" dropped weapon until you have reached a sufficient level in that weapon's attribute. The scaling bonuses on your starter gear are often more consistent for the first five Power levels.
Survival Tips: Mastering the Parry with Your Starter Weapon
No matter which of the starting weapons Deepwoken you choose, the core of the game is the Parry-Trade system.
Learn the Sound: Every weapon category has a distinct "clink" sound when parried.Watch the Wind-up: Heavy weapons have a long "tell." Light weapons are almost instantaneous.Don't Spam M1: This is the quickest way to get parried and punished. Whether you have a dagger or a hammer, deliberate swings always win over frantic clicking.
The starting weapons Deepwoken provides are all viable for reaching the mid-game, provided you master the timing of their specific animations. Spend time at the Isle of Vigils training with the instructor to get a feel for your chosen weapon’s swing delay before heading into the wild.
Transitioning from Starting Weapons to Mid-Game Gear
Eventually, you will outgrow your starting weapons Deepwoken. You might find a "Wrenched Devastator" or a "Sacrificial Dagger" in a chest at the Jaws or Lower Erisia.
When transitioning, always check the Attribute Requirements. There is nothing worse than finding a legendary weapon only to realize you spent your points in Agility when the weapon requires 50 Strength. This is why many players plan their starting weapons Deepwoken choice around their "Endgame" vision.
If you plan on using a specific Oath (like Starkindred or Oathless), research which weapon types complement that Oath’s abilities. Most Oaths have synergies that make certain starter paths much more efficient in the long run.
Staying Informed on the Evolving Meta
The world of Deepwoken is constantly changing with weekly updates and balance patches. A weapon that is considered "low tier" today might receive a swing speed buff or a posture damage increase tomorrow.
Keeping an eye on the community's findings regarding weapon range (reach) and frame data is vital. Many high-level players are currently experimenting with "unconventional" starters to see how they interact with new Mantras and Enchantments. Staying informed is the best way to ensure your build remains viable in both PvE and the high-stakes world of PvP.
Conclusion: Your First Step into the Deep
The starting weapons Deepwoken offers are more than just tools for combat; they are the foundation of your character's identity and survival strategy. Whether you choose the lightning-fast Stiletto, the reliable Training Sword, or the devastating Training Maul, your success depends on how well you learn the rhythms and limitations of your gear.
Take the time to practice, respect the difficulty of the game, and remember that every death is a lesson. By choosing a weapon that fits your natural playstyle and planning your attributes accordingly, you give yourself the best possible chance to conquer the trials ahead.
Explore the world, find what works for you, and stay focused on your progression. The seas are dangerous, but with the right blade in hand, you are ready to face whatever emerges from the Depths.
