Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII weapons

Choosing a weapon.

In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning has a variety of weapons in her arsenal, listed below. She can wield different types of weapons, but despite some unique characteristics described below, they all effectively perform the same in battle. The gunblades function like regular swords and do not fire projectiles.

Weapons can be upgraded from the second playthrough onwards after defeating the final boss. Weapons can be upgraded at forges for a small fee and various materials. Most materials can either be bought at Adventuring Essentials or obtained from defeated enemies, although the best materials are only available as enemy drops.

It is not possible to upgrade weapons such that all of their statistics achieve their theoretical maximum values, because each weapon can only be upgraded a set number of times. Upgrading a weapon the first time earns the Novice Swordsmith achievement. Upgrading a weapon thirty times earns the Expert Swordsmith achievement.

One can also downgrade weapons. This will not refund all of the materials used to upgrade them, but will "refund" the number of upgrades.

Swords

Crimson Blitz's artwork.

The gunblade icon is reused as the icon for swords. There are several subtypes of swords: gunblades, swords, katana, axes, and sickles. Obtaining the ultimate equipment earns the Crimson Rebirth achievement.

Long swords provide a modest boost to both strength and magic. All long swords come with +X ATB speed. Heavy blades provide a big boost to strength at the expense of magic. Bewitched blades provide a big boost to magic at the expense of strength. Katanas provide the greatest boost to strength, but do not boost magic and have a -X ATB speed penalty and are equipped with the Hard Hitter auto ability, which increases the likelihood of interrupting an enemy.

Name	Properties	Acquirement	Cost	Image
Crimson Blitz	Strength: +130 Magic: +130 ATB Speed: +5	Initial	—
	A sword bestowed upon the savior. Its blade was ruined by Lumina and its integrity and strength lost.
Ultima Weapon	Strength: +2500 Magic: +2500 ATB Speed: +15 Arsenal of One+	Reward: Complete Four Trials in God's Sanctum on Final Day. Replaces Crimson Blitz.	—
	The sword of the savior, awoken from her sleep with ultimate power, that brims with Serah's unfulfilled wishes.
Liberator	Strength: +280 Magic: +280 ATB Speed: +5	Gift: Hope Day 2 Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Research Camp Forge, Ruffian Forge	4,900
	A well-balanced long sword that raises both Magic and Strength. Rank: Basic
Salvation	Strength: +480 Magic: +480 ATB Speed: +5	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Research Camp Forge, Ruffian Forge	72,000
	A well-balanced long sword that raises both Magic and Strength. Rank: Average
Stigma	Strength:+950 Magic:+950 ATB Speed: +10	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 10+), Final Day Forge	360,000
	A well-balanced long sword that raises both Magic and Strength. Rank: Superior
Immortal Order	Strength: +1450 Magic: +1450 ATB Speed: +10	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode)	680,000
	A well-balanced long sword that raises both Magic and Strength. Rank: Ultimate
Scramasax	Strength: +170 Magic: +70	Initial Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge	900
	A blade made for killing, designed for physical attackers. Rank: Basic
Macuahuitl	Strength: +380 Magic: +140	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge	4,900
	A blade made for killing, designed for physical attackers. Rank: Average
Godendag	Strength: +650 Magic: +240	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge	72,000
	A blade made for killing, designed for physical attackers. Rank: Good
Morgenstern	Strength: +1300 Magic: +350	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 10+), Final Day Forge	360,000
	A blade made for killing, designed for physical attackers. Rank: Superior
Szczerbiec	Strength: +2000 Magic: +500	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode)	680,000
	A blade made for killing, designed for physical attackers. Rank: Ultimate
Devil's Daughter	Strength: +70 Magic: +170	Gift: Hope Day 1 Buy: Jagd Village Forge	900
	A bewitched blade made for magic attacks, forged from steel. Rank: Basic
Satanic Sister	Strength: +140 Magic: +380	Buy: Jagd Village Forge	4,900
	A bewitched blade made for magic attacks, forged from steel. Rank: Average
Succubus Claw	Strength: +240 Magic: +650	Buy: Jagd Village Forge	72,000
	A bewitched blade made for magic attacks, forged from steel. Rank: Good
Hades' Pride	Strength: +350 Magic: +1300	Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 10+), Final Day Forge	360,000
	A bewitched blade made for magic attacks, forged from steel. Rank: Superior
Izanami	Strength: +500 Magic: +2000	Buy: Jagd Village Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode)	680,000
	A bewitched blade made for magic attacks, forged from steel. Rank: Ultimate
Hyperion	Strength: +200 Magic: +200 Maximum HP: +500	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 6+)	4,000
	A great sword that can be used for defending as well as attacking. It increases the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Basic
Asterion	Strength: +300 Magic: +300 Maximum HP: +1000	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 6+)	45,000
	A great sword that can be used for defending as well as attacking. It increases the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Average
Pygmalion	Strength: +400 Magic: +400 Maximum HP: +1500	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 10+)	88,000
	A great sword that can be used for defending as well as attacking. It increases the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Good
Deucalion	Strength: +650 Magic: +650 Maximum HP: +2000	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Hard Mode)	196,000
	A great sword that can be used for defending as well as attacking. It increases the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Superior
Endymion	Strength: +900 Magic: +900 Maximum HP: +3000	Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Hard Mode)	420,000
	A great sword that can be used for defending as well as attacking. It increases the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Ultimate
Kikuichimonji	Strength: +530 Magic: 0 ATB Speed: -15 Hard Hitter Lv. 1	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 6+)	9,200
	A long sword forged for relentless physical attacks, and nothing else. Rank: Basic
Kusanagi	Strength: +800 Magic: 0 ATB Speed: -15 Hard Hitter Lv. 1	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 6+)	85,000
	A long sword forged for relentless physical attacks, and nothing else. Rank: Average
Demon Knife	Strength: +1050 Magic: 0 ATB Speed: -15 Hard Hitter Lv. 1	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 10+)	220,000
	A long sword forged for relentless physical attacks, and nothing else. Rank: Good
Masamune	Strength: +1700 Magic: 0 ATB Speed: -15 Hard Hitter Lv. 2	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Hard Mode), Final Day Forge	450,000
	A long sword forged for relentless physical attacks, and nothing else. Rank: Superior
Heaven's Cloud	Strength: +2600 Magic: 0 ATB Speed: -15 Hard Hitter Lv. 2	Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode)	800,000
	A long sword forged for relentless physical attacks, and nothing else. Rank: Ultimate
Lominsan Cutlass	Strength: +420 Magic: +420 ATB Speed: +5	Reward: "Roadworks III" quest	—
	A saber used in the marine city-state Limsa Lominsa in Eorzea.
Ul'dahn Blade	Strength: +500 Magic: +180	Reward: "Roadworks I" quest	—
	A sabre used in the mercantile city-state of Ul'Dah in Eorzea.
Gridanian Sword	Strength: +180 Magic: +500	Reward: "Roadworks II" quest	—
	A sabre used in the agricultural city-state of Gridania in Eorzea.
Brittle Bone	Strength: +400 Magic: +400 Deprotect Chaser	Drop: Skeleton	—
	A weapon seized from a hungry Skeleton filled with Chaos.
Bonecracker	Strength: +550 Magic: +550 Deprotect Chaser	Drop: Skeleton Ω	—
	A weapon seized from a Last one, the very last of all living Skeletons.
Sickle of the Faithful	Strength: +260 Magic: +260 Maximum HP: +500 Protect Thief	Drop: Fanatic	—
	A weapon seized from one of Etro's followers.
Battleaxe of the Believer	Strength: +260 Magic: +260 Stagger Power: +12% Brave Thief	Find: Luxerion Den of Shadows (alcove on bottom level)	—
	An axe filled with ill-will and possessed by the resentment of those killed by the Children of Etro.
Blazefire Saber	Strength: +250 Magic: +250 ATB Speed: +15 Arsenal of One	Requires Final Fantasy XIII import	—
	A regulation sword used by Sanctum forces in official capacities. Excellent soldiers are given priority when these precious blades are being distributed.
Overture	Strength: +280 Magic: +280 Maximum HP: +500 Arsenal of One	Requires Final Fantasy XIII-2 import	—
	A blade forged for the knight who would watch over Valhalla in the goddess Etro's place.
Brotherhood	Strength: +330 Magic: +100	DLC	—
	A weapon that was held by a dream; a dream that had been made real and then lost again to pay for Spira's peace.
Survivor's Axe	Strength: +300 Magic: +150 Sole Survivor Survival Instinct	DLC	—
	The snow axe of an explorer that kept her alive throughout countless adventures in dangerous labyrinths.
Thirteen Nights	Strength: +280 Magic: +140 ATB Speed Strong Finale +15%	DLC	—
	A longsword like the lightning which illuminates the dark nights of autumn.
Cloud Veil	Strength: +280 Magic: +140 ATB Speed: +5% Strong Finale +15%	DLC	—
	A beautiful longsword decorated with designs that bring to mind the drifting clouds of the Pure Land.
Cruel Grace	Strength: +280 Magic: +140 ATB Speed Strong Finale +15%	DLC	—
	A magnificent and terrible longsword, the master of all weapons.
Excalibur	Strength: +280 Magic: +280 Precise HP Restore +1%	DLC	—
	The sword of god, which denies evil and returns it to nothingness.

Greatswords

Greatswords consist exclusively of enemy-dropped weapons and DLC. Physical attack animations with greatswords are slightly slower than with regular swords.

Name	Properties	Acquirement	Image
Death Herald	Strength: +260 Magic: +360 Maximum HP: +1000 Revenge Guard	Drop: Anubys
	A weapon seized from a wild Anubys that spawned from Chaos.
Executioner's Axe	Strength: +580 Magic: +700 Maximum HP: +1500 Revenge Guard	Drop: Set
	A weapon seized from a ferocious Set that spawned from Chaos.
Demon's Mace	Strength: +380 Magic: +320 Hard Hitter Lv.1	Drop: Cyclops
	A weapon seized from a Cyclops that lumbered out of the Chaos.
Destroyer	Strength: +750 Magic: +520 Hard Hitter Lv. 2	Drop: Cyclops Ω
	A weapon seized from a Last One, the very last of all living Cyclops.
Shard Blade	Strength: +500 Magic: +500 Auto Regen (15 secs)	Drop: Reaver
	A weapon seized from a wild Reaver that roamed the lands.
Flesh Render	Strength: +900 Magic: +900 Auto Regen (15 secs)	Drop: Reaver Ω
	A weapon seized from a Last One, the very last of all living Reavers.
Chaos's Revenge	Strength: +600 Magic: +600 Quick Stagger 75%	Drop: Caius Ballad
	The cursed sword wielded by Caius, the blade is home to Bahamut's evil eye.
Buster Sword	Strength: +360 Magic: 0 Stagger Power: +12%	DLC: Preorder
	A sword far heavier than any sword has rights to be, yet a true 1st Class will wield it with ease.

Staves

Staves (excluding DLC-exclusive staves) have a -15 ATB speed penalty and -40% decrease in stagger power. To compensate, they cast magic much faster and are equipped with the Strong Finale +X% auto ability, which increases the damage of finales by X%. Staves are best used for fighting styles which heavily rely on casting spells, as when Lightning is equipped with a staff her spellcasting animation changes to the swiftest of all.

Name	Properties	Acquirement	Cost	Image
Magician's Wand	Magic: +530 Stagger Power: -40% ATB Speed: -15 Strong Finale: +10%	Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 6+)	9,200
	A staff brimming with magic attack power which suits a magic predominant style. Rank: Basic
Astromancer's Scepter	Magic: +800 Stagger Power: -40% ATB Speed: -15 Strong Finale: +10%	Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 6+)	85,000
	A staff brimming with magic attack power which suits a magic predominant style. Rank: Average
Necromancer's Cane	Magic: +1050 Stagger Power: -40% ATB Speed: -15 Strong Finale: +10%	Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 10+)	220,000
	A staff brimming with magic attack power which suits a magic predominant style. Rank: Good
Asteria's Staff	Magic: +1700 Stagger Power: -40% ATB Speed: -15 Strong Finale: +15%	Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Hard Mode), Final Day Forge	450,000
	A staff brimming with magic attack power which suits a magic predominant style: Rank: Superior
Philosopher's Rod	Magic: +2600 Stagger Power: -40% ATB Speed: -15 Strong Finale: +20%	Buy: Jagd Village Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode)	800,000
	A staff brimming with magic attack power which suits a magic predominant style. Rank: Ultimate
Rising Sun	Strength: +180 Magic: +250 Stagger Power: -25% ATB Speed: +5 Sweet Spot	DLC	—
	The war fan of the one who led the way to victory in the battle that would decide the fate of the world.
Heavenly Fan	Strength: +180 Magic: +250 Stagger Power: -25% ATB Speed: +5 Sweet Spot	Reward: Complete demo (NA PS3 version only; option no longer available) DLC	—
	The war fan used by a great general, called the lord of the warring states, to direct his troops.
Summoner's Staff	Strength: +100 Magic: +330 Stagger Power: -25%	DLC	—
	The staff that helped support a summoner on her long pilgrimage to the temples of Spira.
Mog's Staff	Strength: +80 Magic: +330 Stagger Power: -25% Precise EP Restore Lv. 1	DLC	—
	A rather difficult staff to use, when considering the moogle's feelings.

Rapiers

Swift rapiers provide a modest boost in magic and little strength. They have increased ATB speed and are equipped with the Blindside auto ability, which bolsters the effects of certain attacks when hitting an enemy from behind. Cursed Rapiers provide a modest boost in magic and little strength. They are good for debuffing, as they are equipped with Status Ailment Damage +X% and Status Ailment Duration +X%.

Name	Properties	Acquirement	Cost	Image
Femme Fatale	Strength: +90 Magic: +220 Status Ailment Damage: +50% Status Ailment Duration: +20%	Reward: Yusnaan Main Quest 2-2 Buy: Ruffian Forge	4,000
	A rapier with a cursed tip, made to debilitate and debuff enemies. Rank: Basic
Delilah's Temptation	Strength: +140 Magic: +330 Status Ailment Damage +50% Status Ailment Duration +20%	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 8+)	45,000
	A rapier with a cursed tip, made to debilitate and debuff enemies. Rank: Average
Carmen's Dance	Strength: +190 Magic: +440 Status Ailment Damage +100% Status Ailment Duration +25%	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 10+)	88,000
	A rapier with a cursed tip, made to debilitate and debuff enemies. Rank: Good
Salome's Kiss	Strength: +300 Magic: +700 Status Ailment Damage +100% Status Ailment Duration +25%	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode)	196,000
	A rapier with a cursed tip, made to debilitate and debuff enemies. Rank: Superior
Morgan le Fay	Strength: +450 Magic: +1050 Status Ailment Damage +200% Status Ailment Duration +35%	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode)	420,000
	A rapier with a cursed tip, made to debilitate and debuff enemies. Rank: Ultimate
Brass Falcon	Strength: +60 Magic: +150 ATB Speed +20 Blindside	Buy: Research Camp (Day 6+)	6,800
	A rapier designed for swift, thrusting attacks. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Basic
Callais Hawk	Strength: +90 Magic: +220 ATB Speed +25 Blindside	Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+)	65,000
	A rapier designed for swift, thrusting attacks. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Average
Vulture	Strength: +130 Magic: +350 ATB Speed +30 Blindside	Buy: Research Camp (Day 10+)	126,000
	A rapier designed for swift, thrusting attacks. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Good
Nightingale	Strength: +200 Magic: +600 ATB Speed +35 Blindside	Buy: Research Camp (Hard Mode)	295,000
	A rapier designed for swift, thrusting attacks. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Superior
Vedfolnir	Strength: +350 Magic: +800 ATB Speed +40 Blindside	Buy: Research Camp (Hard Mode)	540,000
	A rapier designed for swift, thrusting attacks. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Ultimate

Spears

Spears (excluding DLC-exclusive spears) provide a great boost to stagger power and have relatively great offenses. Most spears convert the ability Beat Down into Jump, which has increased damage and stagger power.

Name	Properties	Acquirement	Cost	Image
Wyvern Lance	Strength: +220 Magic: +120 Stagger Power: +15% Jump	Buy: Ruffian Forge	4,000
	A heavy spear with the force to stagger enemies, making their defenses crumble. Rank: Basic
Seagod's Spear	Strength: +330 Magic: 200 Stagger Power: +16% Jump	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 8+)	45,000
	A heavy spear with the force to stagger enemies, making their defenses crumble. Rank: Average
Demon Claw	Strength: +440 Magic: +260 Stagger Power: +18% Jump	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 10+)	88,000
	A heavy spear with the force to stagger enemies, making their defenses crumble. Rank: Good
Ramuh's Horn	Strength: +700 Magic: +400 Stagger Power: +20% Jump	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode)	196,000
	A heavy spear with the force to stagger enemies, making their defenses crumble. Rank: Superior
Hades' Fang	Strength: +1050 Magic: +600 Stagger Power: +22% Jump	Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode)	420,000
	A heavy spear with the force to stagger enemies, making their defenses crumble. Rank: Ultimate
Shadow Hunter	Strength: +270 Magic: +270 Stagger Power: +5% Jump	Drop: Noel Kreiss (Day 1-7)	—
	A javelin that the Shadow Hunter uses to stamp out evil where he finds it.
Endless Paradox	Strength: +400 Magic: +400 Stagger Power: +5% Jump	Drop: Noel Kreiss+ (Day 8+)	—
	A pair of cursed lances, born of the nightmares that haunt Noel as he seeks to take all the blame for the world's fate upon himself. Endless Paradox takes its appearance from the spear form of In Paradisum, one of Noel's ultimate weapons in Final Fantasy XIII-2. When attacking it spawns the same black feathers that In Paradisum does.
Bladed Lance	Strength: +680 Magic: +680 Stagger Power: +15% Overclocking Manual Jump	Reward: "Last One Standing" sidequest	—
	Fang's favorite weapon, nicked and scarred thanks to the wild fighting style of Gran Pulse.
Treasure Hold	Strength: +240 Magic: +200 ATB Speed: +5 Multiple Targets +20%	DLC	—
	The cross-shaped pike of a warrior priest of unparalleled skill, forged in devotion to the gods.
Jikishinkage	Strength: +240 Magic: +200 ATB Speed: +5 Multiple Targets +20%	DLC	—
	The naginata of a princess praised in songs for defending her nation and driving off would-be invaders.

Dual-Blades

All dual-blades provide relatively equal offenses to other weapons, but also feature -X% strength and -X% stagger power. To compensate, most single-target physical attacks will hit twice. Many dual-blades come equipped with Precise HP Restore +X%, which restores HP whenever the player times a hit perfectly.

Name	Properties	Acquirement	Cost	Image
Double Saber	Strength: +150 Magic: +120 Stagger Power: -55% Precise HP Restore +1% Strength -50%	Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+)	6,800
	A double-bladed weapon to be wielded by the skilled. How much damage it does will depend on the timing of its stroke. Rank: Basic
Black Gantry	Strength: +220 Magic: +180 Stagger Power: -55% Precise HP Restore +1% Strength -50%	Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+)	65,000
	A double-bladed weapon to be wielded by the skilled. How much damage it does will depend on the timing of its stroke. Rank: Average
Godly Gambrel	Strength: +350 Magic: +270 Stagger Power: -55% Precise HP Restore +1% Strength -50%	Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 10+)	126,000
	A double-bladed weapon to be wielded by the skilled. How much damage it does will depend on the timing of its stroke. Rank: Good
Tower Blade	Strength: +600 Magic: +450 Stagger Power: -55% Precise HP Restore +2% Strength -50%	Buy: Research Camp Forge (Hard Mode)	295,000
	A double-bladed weapon to be wielded by the skilled. How much damage it does will depend on the timing of its stroke. Rank: Superior
Heaven's Bridge	Strength: +800 Magic: +700 Stagger Power: -55% Precise HP Restore +2% Strength -50%	Buy: Research Camp Forge (Hard Mode)	540,000
	A double-bladed weapon to be wielded by the skilled. How much damage it does will depend on the timing of its stroke. Rank: Ultimate
Gagnrad	Strength: +500 Magic: +500 Stagger Power: -90% ATB Speed: +25 Strength -50%	Reward: "To Live in Chaos" sidequest	—
	A weapon that holds within it the spirit of the Eidolon Odin and which is called the decider of victory.
Double Deity	Strength: +1000 Magic: +1500 Stagger Power: -90% Overclocking Manual Strength -50%	Drop: Bhunivelze, Bhunivelze+	—
	A weapon of war for the god of light who is the font of both Pulse's violent tyranny and Lindzei's dark cunning.
Guard Stick	Strength: 250 Magic: 250 Stagger Power: -55% Guard Defense: 50 Strength: -50%	DLC	—
	A rod brimming with holy prayers, that once belonged to a maiden who wished to put a stop to evil.
Crocea Mors	Strength: +800 Magic: +800 Stagger Power: -75% Maximum HP -95% Strength -35%	DLC	—
	A weapon of the devil, its blade cloaked in swirls of an evil miasma.

Other appearances

Dissidia Final Fantasy NT

Crimson Blitz.

Excalibur.

Femme Fatale.

Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia

Chaos's Revenge.

Pictlogica Final Fantasy

Chaos's Revenge Rank 5 icon.

Chaos's Revenge Rank 7 icon.

Devil's Daughter.

Macuahuitl.

Chaos's Revenge Rank 6 icon.

Crimson Blitz.

Kikuichimonji.

Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade

Femme Fatale (SR).

Scramasax (SR).

Magician's Wand (SR+).

Bladed Lance (SSR).

Liberator (SSR).

Bladed Lance (SSR+).

Liberator (SSR+).

Crimson Blitz (UR).

L'Cie Bardiche (UR).

Ramuh's Horn (UR).

Chaos's Revenge (UR+).

L'Cie Bardiche (UR+).

Chaos's Revenge (UUR).

L'Cie Bardiche (UUR+).

Mog's Staff (CR).

Immortal Order (CR+).

Magician's Wand (SR).

Femme Fatale (SR+).

Scramasax (SR+).

Brittle Bone (SSR).

Salvation (SSR).

Brittle Bone (SSR+)

Salvation (SSR+).

Immortal Order (UR).

Philosopher's Rod (UR).

Shadow Hunter (UR).

Immortal Order (UR+).

Magician's Wand.

Crimson Blitz (UUR+).

L'Cie Bardiche (CR).

Ultima Weapon (CR).

Final Fantasy Record Keeper

Brass Falcon.

Hyperion.

Stigma.

Femme Fatale.

Liberator.

Mobius Final Fantasy

Chaos's Revenge.