Which Starter Weapon Should You Choose In Moonlighter 2

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault presents four distinct weapon archetypes that define your combat approach from the very beginning. This initial selection carries significant weight since you’ll be committed to your chosen weapon for multiple dungeon runs before unlocking alternatives. Understanding each weapon’s mechanics and strategic applications ensures you don’t find yourself struggling with an incompatible playstyle during the crucial early hours.

The strategic depth of Moonlighter 2’s combat system means your weapon choice influences everything from enemy engagement patterns to resource farming efficiency. Each weapon features unique attack rhythms, special abilities, and combat philosophies that cater to different player preferences and skill levels.

There are four weapon types, and you can choose one of the base weapons at the start of Moonlighter 2.

The Merchant’s Sword represents the most versatile option, featuring a four-strike primary attack sequence where the final blow delivers enhanced finishing damage. This weapon excels at teaching fundamental combat flow while remaining effective throughout your adventure.

Your special ability unleashes a circular spinning attack that damages all nearby enemies. The true mastery comes from timing your special after three consecutive attacks, transforming it into a significantly more powerful finisher that can clear groups of weaker foes efficiently.

Pro Tip: Practice the three-attack-into-special combo against stationary targets to build muscle memory. Many players underestimate the positioning required to maximize the spinning attack’s effectiveness against mobile enemies.

The Merchant’s Large Sword trades attack speed for raw damage potential, featuring a deliberate three-hit primary pattern that consumes sharpness with each swing. This unique resource management system adds strategic depth to what might otherwise be a simple heavy weapon.

Your special ability delivers a quick jab that restores sharpness chunks while dealing minimal damage. The sharpness meter divides into segments, with each missing portion reducing your damage output proportionally. Mastering the rhythm between power attacks and sharpness restoration separates novice users from experts.

Common Mistake: Players often spam attacks without monitoring their sharpness level, resulting in dramatically reduced damage during critical moments. Always keep at least one sharpness chunk available for emergency situations.

The Merchant’s Spear provides exceptional reach but limited horizontal coverage, making it ideal for players who prefer maintaining distance from threats. Your primary attacks generate Spearheads, with the fourth strike in the sequence producing three projectiles simultaneously.

The special ability recalls all active Spearheads to your position, damaging any enemies they pass through. This creates opportunities for strategic trap placement and controlled area denial against approaching enemies.

Advanced Technique: Deploy Spearheads defensively around choke points, then recall them when enemies cluster together for maximum efficiency. This weapon rewards tactical thinking over reflexive combat.

The Merchant’s Gauntlets deliver the fastest attack speed among all weapon types, with primary strikes that build special meter rapidly despite their modest individual damage output.

Your special attack executes slower but deals massive damage, and when your meter reaches maximum capacity, it triggers Berserk mode. This enhanced state dramatically increases both attack velocity and knockback potential, allowing you to control the battlefield through sheer aggression.

Optimization Strategy: Focus on landing quick primary attack sequences to fill your special meter, then unleash the powered-up special against tougher enemies or crowded groups.

While personal preference plays a significant role in weapon selection, the Merchant’s Large Sword consistently proves most effective during early Moonlighter 2 runs. The substantial damage increase outweighs the slower attack rhythm, especially when complemented by your secondary firearm for quick interventions.

The remaining base weapons become accessible by collecting monster materials within Kalina, your initial explorable region. This progression system ensures your initial choice carries meaningful consequences while providing eventual access to all combat styles.

Strategic Insight: Consider your natural combat tendencies—if you frequently find yourself overwhelmed in close quarters, the Spear’s range might suit you better than the Gauntlets’ aggressive close-combat focus. Your weapon should feel like an extension of your playstyle rather than a constraint.

For deeper gameplay mastery, explore our Complete Guide to advanced combat techniques and dungeon strategies.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Which Starter Weapon Should You Choose In Moonlighter 2 Master Moonlighter 2's weapon selection with expert analysis, combat strategies, and optimization tips