Want to experience the best of the combat in Crimson Desert, but don't want to look overwhelmed at the same time? Then finding the best one-handed sword in the game can be all the difference between struggling through a boss with a great sword and dominating every encounter with a one-handed weapon. Not sure which one to go for? No worries, here is a subjectively ranked list of the top 7 one-handed swords in Crimson Desert, along with where to find them.

7. Sword of The Lord

To kick off our list is the Sword of the Lord, the first legendary one-handed sword most players will possibly get their hands on. It comes with a max ATK of 30 and an Attack Speed of 2, with its real strength being its Wind Slash Abyss Craft, which lets out a ranged wind blade on charged attack and on the fourth hit of your light combo.

How to Get The Sword of The Lord

Defeat Kailok the Hornsplitter at the end of Chapter 2's main questline. The sword is awarded automatically as a story reward after the boss fight concludes, so it is impossible to miss as long as you progress through the main story.

6. Tauria Curved Sword

The Tauria Curved Sword is a guaranteed Chapter 5 reward and comes with max 34 ATK and the exclusive Crow's Pursuit Abyss Craft, which summons spectral ravens that chase down enemies. It's important to note that it is not the fastest one-handed sword in the game, so it would be better to pair it with a quicker off-hand option.

How to Get The Tauria Curved Sword

To get the Tauria Curved Sword in Crimson Desert, defeat the Crowcaller boss at the end of Chapter 5 main questline. Additionally, before attempting the fight, make sure you have activated the Skybridge inside the Spire of Soaring to unlock the Final Battleground.

5. Chillfallen Sword

The Chillfallen Sword is a sleek ice-white blade with a max ATK of 30, and what makes it actually good, though, is the attack speed of Lvl. 2. It also has three Abyss Craft slots, so you've got a lot of room to customize it how you want. And it even comes pre-socketed with Beastbane, Swift, and Destruction gems, so it's useful the moment you pick it up. The best part? You don't need to fight any boss or solve any puzzle to claim it, making it one of the most accessible high-value swords in the game.

How to Get The Chillfallen Sword

Fast travel to the Argent Peaks Abyss Nexus in the Skoghorn area of West Pailune. From the Nexus, ride your mount straight until you hit a rock cropping, then turn left and pass through the narrow mountain path to reach the large open snow field called Snowhaven Hearth. Continue to the far wall and interact with the Chillfallen Sword leaning against the wall near two skeletons.

4. Nazk Sword

The Nazk Sword is the premier choice for players who struggle with Spirit drain during extended fights. This blade comes with three pre-loaded Abyss Gear slots and the Spirit Transference ability, which siphons Spirit from nearby enemies on hit. It also comes with a max ATK of 34.

How to Get The Nazk Sword

Head to the Church of Delesyia inside the main city. Inside the cathedral, locate the two unlit candles near the altar and light both of them to trigger a mechanical sound. A hidden platform will descend, step onto it, and press the button to ride the elevator up to a concealed chamber. Open the treasure chest inside the said chamber to claim the Nazk sword.

3. Fated Shadow

The Fated Shadow is one of the most sought-after one-handed weapons in the whole of Crimson Desert, thanks to its having the Greysoul Howling Abyss Gear along with a max ATK of 34 and a Lvl 1 Attack Speed. The said Abyss Gear is unique because it allows the player to summon a phantom of Goyen to strike down enemies.

How to Get The Fated Shadow

The Fated Shadow one-handed weapon can be unlocked by defeating Goyen, located at the Nest of Valor in the Abyss. After defeating Goyen, look around for a staircase leading up to a hidden room, where you will find the Fated Shadow resting on a weapon stand waiting to be picked up.

2. Survivor's Solitude

Still in early-to-mid game? It's time that you picked up the Survivor's Solitude, which delivers a max ATK of 34 alongside three Abyss Gear slots already pre-occupied with Swift, Insight, and Destruction. Most players encounter it naturally during Chapter 4, but it's possible to grab it beforehand as well.

How to Get The Survivor's Solitude

To get the Survivor's Solitude, travel to Death's Grip Cavern, located northwest of Lake Kharonso. When you reach the waterfall at the cave entrance, execute the Stab Attack Dash from the blue skill tree to pierce through the waterfall and enter the chamber behind it, which hides the sword.

1. Red Needle

The Red Needle takes the top spot, and it isn't particularly close. This striking red katana-style blade offers a max ATK of 30 and a Critical Rate Lv. 2, plus three Abyss Gear slots for further customisation. The weapon is deadly because it delivers rapid attack chains without sacrificing any impact, meaning you can keep constant pressure on enemies while dealing consistent damage. It is also simply found without the need for any boss fights or questlines.

How to Get The Red Needle

Fast travel to the Blue Thicket Abyss Nexus on the northwestern edge of the small island east of Delesyia. Head east toward the Sanctum of Oblation on the mountain and enter through the alternate entrance marked by two blue lanterns on the outer wall. Inside, navigate the corridors until you find an unlit stone lantern. Interact with it to open the locked gate nearby, after which you will have to backtrack to the fork and take the other path, where you'll find a treasure chest holding the Red Needle.

Best One-Handed Swords in Crimson Desert Summary

Not sure which one-handed weapon would suit your build the best? Here's a list of every single one of them we have discussed so far, along with their max attack damage for reference:

Whether you are pushing through the early chapters or optimizing a crit build for late-game bosses, these seven one-handed swords represent the best options available throughout the game. The Red Needle leads the pack in raw stat value, while some of them offer a few of the most unique Abyss Gear seen in the whole game.

Still stuck swinging the wrong blade? Pick your preferred one-handed weapon, and start shredding bosses the way Crimson Desert was meant to be played.