The Relic First Guardian Weapons Tier List
Five families, twelve skill trees, zero duplicate legendaries — rank the feel, then upgrade the artifact you love.
Weapon choice in The Relic: First Guardian is a rhythm decision. Developers describe five weapon types with different range, speed, risk, impact, and emotional themes, backed by twelve exclusive skill trees. Hands-on coverage names families including Sword and Shield, Long Sword, Two-Handed Weapon, Dagger (dual), and Battle Staff. This tier list ranks those families for pre-launch planning and early-game clarity.
Remember: each physical weapon is unique. Finding a poison dagger versus a raw crit dagger is a build fork. Pair this page with the Relics tier list and builds guide.
Tier snapshot (archetypes)
| Tier | Families | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Sword and Shield; Dagger | Best learning + best pressure tools for Groggy-focused combat |
| A | Long Sword; Battle Staff | Flexible mid-range and cooldown-centric kits |
| B | Two-Handed | Huge payoffs, stricter timing windows |
Tiers assume competent play and will shift after patches on the updates page.
S-tier — Sword and Shield
The classroom of Arsiltus. Previews put writers on sword-and-board kits with classic attack, block, parry, and dodge options, plus cooldown magic such as flame projectiles. Because parries feed Groggy, a shield makes the game’s defensive thesis readable. Choose this if you want to master combat fundamentals before specializing.
Strengths: clearest parry feedback, stable spacing, strong into Branko-style bosses.
Weaknesses: may feel slower than pure aggression kits once you crave speed.
S-tier — Dagger (dual)
Fast weapons that create repeated openings. Ideal for players who already understand dodge timing and want to live in the enemy’s pocket. Poison or crit-leaning unique drops further specialize the fantasy. Excellent when a Brutal’s kit punishes turtling.
Strengths: tempo, multi-hit Groggy pressure, stylish hybrid potential.
Weaknesses: mistimed entries hurt; less forgiving than a shield for beginners.
A-tier — Long Sword
A middle path between board-and-sword stability and dagger frenzy. Useful when you want reach without full two-handed commitment. Skill-tree Focus-style leap attacks shown in previews fit this fantasy of mobile burst.
Strengths: adaptable strings, good generalist for exploration.
Weaknesses: can feel “neither” if your Relics do not pick a lane — fix that in Relics and builds.
A-tier — Battle Staff
Cooldown magic and spacing define the staff fantasy. In a game without a traditional mana bar, staff kits turn the battlefield into a rhythm of arts and repositioning. Strong for players who like elemental prep before Brutals.
Strengths: safe poke, elemental matchup play, unique combat identity.
Weaknesses: demands cooldown discipline; poor if you only mash melee habits.
B-tier — Two-Handed Weapon
Slow, decisive, high impact. Developers explicitly call out heavy weapons that wait for short windows. When those windows open — especially after a teammate-less solo Groggy — the payoff is enormous. Ranked B not because it is weak, but because the skill floor is higher for exploration trash packs and aggressive Brutals.
Strengths: chunk damage, satisfying boss punishes.
Weaknesses: whiff recovery, harder early learning curve.
Upgrading unique artifacts
Blacksmith upgrades consume coins and materials. Ancient Relic Energy fuels weapon skill trees — buffs and new attacks like Focus strikes. Do not abandon a unique mid-upgrade because a tier list favored another family this week. Investment compounds.
Matchup reminders
- Parry bosses → shield or any weapon you can confidently parry with (Brutals guide)
- Unblockable chargers → fast dodge kits (dagger) or staff spacing
- Exploration days → long sword generalists keep clears smooth (world guide)
How to use this list ethically
This is an unofficial fan resource. We do not invent damage spreadsheets. After launch, we will revise with patch context. Cross-check flashy claims against your own controls comfort.
Related pages
- Tier List Hub
- Relics Tier List
- Review for hands-on weapon impressions
- Official Links
Pick a family that matches how you like to win fights. Then make that family yours with Relics — not with envy for someone else’s unique blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
How many weapon types are in The Relic: First Guardian?
Five weapon types supported by twelve exclusive skill trees, according to official materials.
Can I switch weapons later?
Yes, but each piece is unique and upgrades are investments. Commit long enough to unlock meaningful skill-tree nodes.
What is the best beginner weapon?
Sword and Shield is the clearest way to learn parries and Groggy. See the [combat guide](/guides/combat-and-parry/).
Do magic staves use mana?
Skills are described as cooldown-based without a traditional resource bar — staff play still needs timing discipline.