The Most Iconic Video Game Weapons of All Time

Video games are a magical place where designers’ dreams can become a reality. Thankfully for the rest of us, that means we’ve got to try out some of the coolest blades, busters, gadgets, and gizmos that have popped out of their brains and into the hands of our favorite heroes.

Join us as we celebrate those which have been burned into our brains as some of the most iconic video game weapons of all time.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/10-most-iconic-weapons-in-video-games”]

You can watch the video above, click through the gallery below, or scroll down for the full list!

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=the-most-iconic-video-game-weapons-ever&captions=true”]

10. Gravity Gun – Half-Life

Sure the early version of the Gravity gun is good for throwing saw blades and explosive containers at people, but later its power is improved tenfold. At the end of the game, you can rip video consoles off of walls, and grab Dark Energy orbs that instantly disintegrate anyone they touch. It’s power aside it’s easily one of the in-game moments that stick out in your mind and a weapon we’ll never forget.

9. Energy Sword – Halo

You may not have been able to wield the Energy Sword in the first game, but seeing the Elites activate them would make you step back and take notice. Finally getting to wield the sword in Halo 2 made you feel all-powerful as it would send you hurtling across the screen toward other players resulting in an instant kill, and of course, we all felt that surge of power when the blade snapped on. It’s look is clearly halo and stands out to this day as one of the most memorable Halo weapons ever.

8. Hidden Blade – Assassin’s Creed

The hidden, sliding blades assassins tuck along their wrists are carefully hidden for good reason. The better the blade is concealed, the easier it is for it to pop out and end a Templar’s life. Efficiency and effectiveness resulting in a quick, clean kill. The entire idea of the Assassin’s Creed series is conveyed easily by the visually striking hidden blade wielded in an assassin’s cloak. And a target will never see it coming.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/09/27/assassins-creed-odyssey-we-cant-stop-spartan-kicking-everything”]

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was the first AC game not to feature the Hidden Blade (at least not until it appeared in an expansion pack), but it did introduce the excellent Spartan Kick.

7. Scorpion’s Spear – Mortal Kombat

“Get over here!” It’s a haunting cry and accompanies something rather violent: Scorpion’s signature move, the spear attack. Seemingly from nowhere, a razor-sharp kunai attached to the end of a rope or a chain appears from Scorpion’s hand, flies across the screen, and viciously embeds itself into the chest of his opponent. Representing the stinger at the end of a scorpion’s tail, it’s emblematic of the Mortal Kombat series in so many ways: bloody, grisly, and uncompromising. It’s crude and cruel in equal measure, yet it’s also one of the first moves mastered in the game.

6. BFG-9000 – Doom

Mr. Dwane Johnson’s reaction to the BFG in the Doom movie will be recognized by anyone who has used this weapon – awe and deep respect.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/05/14/doom-obtaining-the-bfg-9000″]

Here’s a gun that turns everything in its path into goop. The BFG established exactly what we should expect when it comes to powerful in-game weaponry and it has yet to disappoint in any Doom game of the series.

5. Keyblade – Kingdom Hearts

The Keyblade may come in many forms, but Sora is most known for wielding the Kingdom Key. It was also the first to ever appear in the series. There are other, more powerful keys that you can collect, but the Keyblade is the iconic entry from the series that Sora wields with finesse.

4. The Mega-Buster – Mega Man

The Mega Buster has been attached to Mega Man’s left hand since the first game and has varied greatly in power since it made its premiere.

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=every-ign-mega-man-game-review-ever&captions=true”]

Originally it could only shoot tiny pellets, but by Mega Man 5 it had been upgraded to the Super Mega Buster which could hold a charge and be deployed at any enemy who dared peek out from cover.

3. Blades of Chaos – God of War

The Blades of Chaos will forever be known as Kratos’ unique weapon of choice. They were obtained during a moment of weakness when Kratos begged the God of War, Aries to spare his life. To answer his prayers the god seared these blades into his flesh and helped him defeat an army. The Leviathan Axe is more modern and incredibly cool, but the Blades of Chaos or any other blades Kratos holds are an unforgettable symbol of the series.

2. Buster Sword – Final Fantasy VII

Nearly six feet long and a foot across, the Buster Sword is more than just a giant, single-edged blade. It’s an iconic Final Fantasy weapon that immediately conjures images of Final Fantasy VII’s spiky-haired hero Cloud Strife. For Cloud, it symbolizes friendship and a promise to be Zack’s living legacy. In short, the Buster Sword is not just a huge chunk of metal that can cut down foes; it’s a memento passed on from hero to hero in the fight against evil.

1.  Master Sword

This beautiful sword is an icon to gamers everywhere, as well as an instantly recognizable item of central importance in the Zelda franchise. Sure, there have been plenty of great weapons and items in The Legend of Zelda series, but only the Master Sword has endured since the days of A Link to the Past. Each story since the Super Nintendo entry has been crafted around Link’s quest to obtain this legendary blade.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/03/16/spoilers-how-to-get-the-master-sword-in-zelda-breath-of-the-wild“]

In Ocarina of Time, the sword allows Link to travel through time, an integral mechanic that eventually helps leads to the defeat of Gannon. In Wind Waker, it is so powerful that when plunged into the Evil King’s forehead it causes him to turn into stone. And in Skyward Sword, the armament is used to seal away the power of evil forever, with the help if its sentient spirit, Fi. With such extensive lore, a wide array of abilities, and a personality all of its own, the Master Sword is our logical choice for the top spot on the list of most iconic gaming weapons.

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Those were our picks, but did we miss any? Would you have rather seen the crowbar from Half-Life on the list, or are you upset Gears of War’s Lancer (one of my favorites) didn’t make the cut? Let us know about it in the comments below!