Axes are a great tool, you can use them to chop wood, break down doors, and best of all, kill loads and loads of enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3. There are three types of Axes available to players in the game: Handaxes, Battleaxes, and Greataxes.
Handaxes are a type of Simple Melee Weapon, and most classes are proficient with them, except for magic users such as Druids and Wizards. Battleaxes and Greataxes are types of Martial melee weapons and can be used by classes such as Rangers, Barbarians, and Fighters, among others. With so many choices available, it can be hard to find the Axes that are truly worth wielding. That’s why we’ve created this list of the Top 5 Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Axes!
5. Comeback Handaxe
A “lucky” player can win this axe from Akabi’s Wheel of Wonder.
The Comeback Handaxe is an option for players to consider, provided they don’t mind self-inflicted damage. The weapon is available during Act Three and obtaining it requires a bit of luck. The axe can be thrown and will always return to its wielder, although it will come blade first.
What the Comeback Handaxe Excels at:
- Boomerang Axe: If you don’t mind taking damage, the ability to have this axe return to you automatically after throwing makes it a great contender for throwing-based builds.
- Versatile: Since it’s a one-handed axe, you can make use of a secondary weapon to supplement your damage output.
- Dippable: The axe can be dipped into surfaces such as fire and then thrown at enemies, meaning you’ll deal bonus damage, although remember it’ll come back to you!
Stats:
- Damage: 1d6 + 1
- Effects: Enchantment + 1
- Homing Weapon: A passive feature that allows the weapon to return to the wielder after throwing.
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Weight: 0.9kg
- Value: 1gp
Location:
The axe can be obtained during Act Three by visiting the Circus of Last Days and spinning Akabi’s Wheel of Wonder.
4. Witchbreaker
The perfect anti-magic tool, sold by your local Githyanki Crèche.
Coming next on our list, the Witchbreaker is an easily obtainable Battleaxe that specializes in dispatching witches and magic users. The Axe is sold by A'jak'nir Jeera at Crèche Y'llek in Act One of Baldur’s Gate 3. The abundance of magic users you’ll encounter on your adventures makes this axe a handy tool, even if you only use it sparingly.
What Witchbreaker Excels at:
- Witchbreaking: True to its name, this axe is at its best when slashing spell-casters, thanks to the passive ability that has a chance to Silence magic users.
- Early Access: Getting your hands on this weapon requires visiting the trader, A'jak'nir Jeera at the Githyanki Crèche Y'llek during Act One.
- Advantage Bonus: The axe grants its wielder an advantage on attack rolls against Concentrating enemies.
Stats:
- Damage: 1d8 + 1 (one-handed) or 1d10 + 1 (two-handed)
- Effects: Enchantement + 1
- Hush You!: A passive ability of the Witchbreaker that has the chance to Silence any spellcasters for two turns when they are attacked with this weapon.
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Weight: 1.8kg
- Value: 100
Location:
The Witchbreaker Battleaxe can be purchased from A’jak’nir Jeera during Act One by visiting the Githyanki Creche, located in the Rosymorn Monastery Trail region.
3. Vicious Battleaxe
Sold by Echo of Abazigal, your foes feel bitter sorrow at the mere sight of this axe
This axe is perfect for the player who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. The Vicious Battleaxe is one of the strongest possible options as it does additional damage on critical hits. Acquiring the weapon is easier said than done, however, and requires some serious leg (and knife work).
What Vicious Battleaxe Excels at:
- Damage Dealer: The Vicious Battleaxe offers an additional 7 damage to your target when you land a critical hit.
- Valuable: If you’ve already got your hands on a great weapon, this axe can be sold for a tidy 310 gold!
- Late Game Choice: Available during Act Three, the Vicious Battleaxe is a good option for taking on some of the toughest fights in the game.
Stats:
- Damage: 1d8 + 2 (one-handed) or 1d10 + 2 (two-handed)
- Effects: Enchantment +2
- Dolor Amarus: Passive feature that grants an extra 7 damage on every critical hit you make with the axe.
- Rarity: Rare
- Weight: 1.8kg
- Value: 310gp
Location:
Sold by Echo of Abazigal in the Murder Tribunal after you accept Bhaal and join as an Unholy Assassin. This can only be done during Act Three.
2. Defender Greataxe
The Defender Greataxe is for players who jump right into battle and hack their way through foes. Thanks to its special action, this Greataxe can grant the wielder a bonus to their armour class and gives a boost to saving throws. Perfect for those of us who love charging into fights head-on and swinging wildly!
What Defender Greataxe Excels at:
- Barbarian’s Friend: The passive feature lends itself well to melee-focused characters who specialize in tanking damage. Consider popping the blade into Karlach’s inventory!
- Easy to Obtain: This axe can be purchased easily from a trader in Act Two and hold its’ own across the game.
- Value: If you’re looking for some quick cash, you can always sell this axe for 380 gold.
Stats:
- Damage: 1d12 + 2 (two-handed)
- Effects: Enchantment + 2
- Defensive Attack: On your first attack of the round, you can reduce the weapon’s enchantment by 1 and gain a bonus to your armour class and saving throws.
- Rarity: Rare
- Weight: 3.15kg
- Value: 380gp
Location:
Can be bought from Quartermaster Talli at Last Light Inn during Act Two.
1. Hellfire Greataxe
The best axe in Baldur’s Gate 3 has to be the Hellfire Greataxe. This axe deals immense damage when paired with the right build or character (Karlach, we’re looking at you!). This fiery weapon will keep you alive, if slightly toasted, and your enemies burnt to a crisp throughout the rest of Act Three.
What the Hellfire Greataxe Excels at:
- Burn baby, burn: A special feature of the Axe is its use of the Heat ability. Karlach’s natural fire resistance makes her a great choice to wield the weapon.
- Damage: As an Act Three weapon, the Hellfire certainly won’t let you down when it comes to raw damage.
- Value: Alternatively, should you not want to deal with the Heat, you can always sell this axe for a whopping 960 gold!
Stats:
- Damage: 1d12 + 2 and 1d6 (Fire damage)
- Effects: Enchantment +2
- Thermodynamo: A passive feature that grants two turns of Heat whenever you deal damage.
- Heat: Take 1d4 Fire damage each turn but you can use Heat Convergence on your next attack to deal extra damage for every charge of Heat you have.
- Rarity: Very Rare
- Weight: 3.15kg
- Value: 960gp
Location:
Found inside of the Sorcerous Vault located underneath Sorcerous Sundries. Be sure to destroy the magical illusion door located within the “Silverhand” area of the Vault to find the axe behind it.
