Bloody Beginners’ Blues? Saw Cleaver vs. Hunter Axe in Bloodborne: Which Starter Weapon Rules Yharnam?
So, you’ve entered Yharnam, huh? Welcome to Bloodborne, Hunter. You need a weapon. If you want to survive, choose wisely. You can rely on one of the starters: the Saw Cleaver or the Hunter Axe.
Early Bird Gets the Worm (or the Beast): Why Starter Weapons Matter
In Bloodborne’s beginning, you are still learning. You can’t jump into arcane arts or bloodtinge builds. That’s why the Hunter Axe is a solid starting weapon. It’s available from the start. It will help you through much of your first playthrough. Forget fancy canes; raw power matters. Think Strength builds and the Saw Cleaver for effectiveness during your early game.
The Saw Cleaver: Yharnam’s Iconic Jack-of-All-Trades
The Saw Cleaver is iconic. It transforms to offer different combat styles. Stat-wise, it’s a “quality” weapon. It’s good for Strength (C scaling) and Skill (D scaling). It leans more towards Strength. This versatility suits those unsure of their build.
You can attach Arcane gems to it, turning it into an Arcane weapon that scales with your Arcane stat. Adaptable, right? Here’s a secret: the Saw Cleaver is serrated when untricked. Why is this key? Serrated weapons deal a nice 20% bonus damage to “true” beasts. You can face werewolves, Scourge Beasts, and bosses like Vicar Amelia with gusto. Plus, you grab this weapon early; no need to hoard upgrade materials.
But is it objectively the best? Not necessarily. The term “best” is subjective, Hunter. However, the Saw Cleaver has an excellent moveset, fast speed, and strong DPS. You’ll likely stay in its untricked form. It excels at crowd control. Trust me when I say crowd control is always useful in the horrific streets of Yharnam.
The Hunter Axe: Strength and Reach for the Discerning Hunter
Let’s discuss the Hunter Axe. This weapon changes from a hand axe to a mighty halberd. It is one of the best weapons for Strength or “Quality” builds. It delivers massive damage and has fantastic reach after transformation. This reach keeps those pesky beasts away.
Saw Spear vs. Saw Cleaver: Sibling Rivalry in the Saw Family
Wait, did someone say “Saw”? The Saw Spear is in the running too! Some seasoned Hunters say the Saw Spear is actually better than the Saw Cleaver. Bold, right? You can find it within the first half-hour. Here’s the catch: the Cleaver has slightly higher base damage. The Saw Spear offers better Skill scaling. This means it’s excellent for Skill-focused builds. Plus, the Saw Cleaver does only Physical damage, while the Saw Spear adds Thrust and Blunt damage types, losing only a bit of base physical damage compared to the Cleaver.
Beyond the Starters: Glimpse into the Weapon Pantheon
Start weapon talk is cool, but what about the heavy hitters? If you want pure DPS, the Whirligig Saw dominates. It tears through foes like they are nothing. Then emerges the legendary Ludwig’s Holy Blade. It is considered one of the best weapons in Bloodborne. It scales well with both Strength and Skill. If you’re after a stylish Skill build, choose the Blades of Mercy or Rakuyo. They bring style and unique moves.
Have hordes of enemies? Use the Burial Blade. Its sweeping attacks excel at crowd control. For balanced 50/50 Strength/Skill weapons, consider Ludwig’s Holy Blade, Stake Driver, Saw Spear, and, of course, our trusty Saw Cleaver.
Scaling Secrets and Firearm Facts
You might ask about weapon scaling. The Saw Cleaver is great, but the Saw Spear might have better overall scaling. They are similar at a balanced 50/50 Strength/Skill. But at a high 99/99, the Spear pulls ahead slightly. Valuable info for min-maxers!
And don’t ignore firearms! The Hunter Blunderbuss is beginner-friendly, with wide spread and forgiving aim. The Hunter Pistol has more impact but requires precise aim. For Bloodtinge builds, the Evelyn shines, surpassing the Hunter Pistol in damage and speed. If you have a low Bloodtinge build, Ludwig’s Rifle is the top choice.
Build it and They Will Fall (Maybe): Quality Builds and Beyond
Saw Cleaver or Saw Spear – aim for a 25/25 split in Strength and Skill at first. Want more damage? Use a Beast Blood Pellet for serious beast slaying.
Final Thoughts: The Hunt is Yours to Choose
Ultimately, the “best” weapon in Bloodborne is the one that suits you. Weapons are not just tools but extensions of your Hunter’s style. The Saw Cleaver is iconic and powerful. However, explore and find what fits your style best. Yharnam is dangerous; choose wisely, Hunter. May good blood guide your path!
