How many weapons does Phantom Blade Zero have
The official numbers are not identical. The PlayStation Blog post from August 17, 2026 mentions "more than 30 main weapons, plus 25 secondary weapons known as Phantom Edges". Steam and the PlayStation store say "over 30" primary weapons and "more than 20" Phantom Edges. Director Soulframe Liang spoke in interviews about 30 main weapons and "about 20" secondary ones.
The honest summary: more than 30 main weapons and 20-25 Phantom Edges, around 50-55 in total. We will only learn the exact count in the game.
Main weapons vs Phantom Edges
| Main weapons | Phantom Edges | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | your core fighting style | secondary weapon, strong but limited |
| How many you carry | 2 | 2 |
| Where from | mostly bosses | mostly bosses |
| Other uses | combat only | also exploration (they open areas that were sealed off) |
Main weapons are your bread and butter: swords, twin blades, heavy blunt weapons. According to the PlayStation Blog, Phantom Edges include ranged options and summons (support in battle). Game Rant describes them as powerful weapons usable in combat and exploration, letting you return to earlier areas and giving the game a "Metroidvania-lite" quality.
Director Liang explained it as locks and keys: different weapons solve different problems (for example, the axe breaks shields easily, though it is not mandatory).
The full loadout: what you carry at once
According to Liang (RPG Site, December 19, 2025), a full build is:
- 2 main weapons,
- 2 Phantom Edges,
- 2 potions,
- 2 accessories.
You pick your setup for a given boss or elite enemy. If you get stuck, you can swap weapons and accessories. There are no character classes (Game Rant): you are always Soul, and your style comes from your weapons.
Known weapons from reliable sources
There is no official full list. Below are the weapons that appeared in the official State of Play descriptions or in press accounts of the game.
| Weapon (EN) | Type | How we know |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Snake Sword | main weapon, flexible whip-sword | State of Play description (Wccftech) |
| White Serpent and Crimson Viper | main weapon, twin blades, one can be flung out at range | State of Play description, trailers |
| Drunken Sword | main weapon, "drunken" style | Wccftech (State of Play description); Liang mentions a "Drunken Blade" from the second level |
| Jagged Steel | main weapon, serrated sword with bleed | Game Rant: reward for the boss Jagged Steel, the Frenzied Brute |
| Tiger Cannon | Phantom Edge, cannon | State of Play description (Wccftech) |
| Dread Axe | Phantom Edge, heavy axe | CGMagazine and TheSixthAxis: reward for the boss Peng Meng, the Axe Master |
The launch trailer (October 21, 2026) also showed a parasol-blade thrown like a saw, two blades that turn into a raven, and a two-handed sword that creates a fire vortex. The names of those weapons were not given.
Liang also mentioned a "challenge weapon": the wooden sword from Soul's childhood, which in theory you can use to finish the entire game.
Names read from showcases (may change)
The names below come from the fan site kungfupunk.com, which read menus frame by frame from the State of Play. It is an unofficial source, so names may change in the release version:
- main: Sanguine (Soul's starting long sword), Sanguine Twin, Sanguine Reach, Seamless Death, Outlaw's Warblade (the press writes "Outlaw War Blade"),
- Phantom Edges: Bashpole (from the boss Wan Jun "Coppermaul", per the 2025 demo), Flaming Mane, Night Owl.
The site collected about 22 names in total, which is roughly half of the weapons. We will learn the rest after launch.
How to get weapons
Mainly by defeating bosses. Liang told 4Gamer that you get every weapon from a boss, and that there are at least 50 bosses (see the bosses list). Game Rant confirms this from its own session: each major boss it defeated gave its weapon. Steam says weapons are wrested from the hands of fallen foes.
Some weapons are optional. Liang added that weapons from late bosses can be more of a collectible on a first playthrough because little game is left, but at least the last 10 give a new experience in New Game Plus or the 66 Days mode.
Upgrades and the Reforging Talisman
Every weapon, including each Phantom Edge, has its own upgrade system. There is no single character level (more in skills and progression), but there are weapon levels.
- According to Liang's GamerSky post, weapon levels go up to 1-30, and the same weapon at level 1 and level 30 can call for a completely different tactic.
- Game Rant: every five levels a weapon gains a new ability.
- Upgrades unlock new forms and techniques, not just bigger numbers.
- The Reforging Talisman resets a weapon's level and refunds all invested materials, which you can spend on another weapon right away. Experimenting is not punished, although resources on the map are finite.
We cover the basics of fighting in the combat system article.
Edition bonuses and pre-order rewards
No edition sells weapons. The Digital Deluxe Edition ($69.99 on Steam, standard $59.99) adds the Wulin Legend and Blood-Steel Form outfits, a digital artbook and a soundtrack.
Pre-ordering (both editions) gives the Treasure Basin accessory (+10% Remnant Dust drop rate) and the Legacy outfit. The PlayStation Blog notes that both items can also be earned in-game. Edition details: editions and physical copy.
What is the best weapon
There is no tier list yet and we will not guess one: the game is not out. Liang admitted that 30 weapons cannot be perfectly balanced, so he gives players different options in different places. We will add an update with recommendations after launch on October 29, 2026.
FAQ
How many weapons are in Phantom Blade Zero?
More than 30 main weapons and 20-25 Phantom Edges (around 50-55 in total). Sources differ on the exact numbers.
What are Phantom Edges?
They are secondary weapons, strong but limited, and some work at range. They help with exploration and open areas that were sealed off earlier.
How many weapons can I equip at once?
2 main weapons and 2 Phantom Edges, plus 2 potions and 2 accessories.
What is the best weapon?
Unknown before launch. The director says weapons will not be perfectly balanced, and the right pick depends on the boss and your playstyle.
Can I undo weapon upgrades?
Yes, with the Reforging Talisman: it refunds all materials.
