Summary
Certain weapons have transcended their virtual boundaries in video games to become iconic symbols of gaming history. These weapons are more than mere destruction tools; they have left an indelible mark on players and pop culture, from swords that have vanquished evil for generations to futuristic blasters that have redefined sci-fi warfare.
Explore themost iconic video game weaponsand delve into the stories and significance behind these legendary armaments. From the BFG9000’s earth-shattering power in the world ofDoomto the Master Sword’s timeless quest inThe Legend of Zeldaseries, each weapon has a unique tale to tell. Venture through gaming history and pay homage to the weapons that have become symbols of skill, courage, and the enduring spirit of gaming.
Updated June 19, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:There are many video games with amazing weapons that are a blast to use, to the point where the look and impact of these weapons become quite legendary in their own right. In fact, some of these weapons have become facets of pop culture that a lot of people recognize.
Some of the best video game weapons do a great job of communicating the power and effectiveness they hold in no time, letting players grow attached to the armaments they use to show enemies who’s boss across a bevy of fun video games.
The new iteration of theGod of Wareveryone knew and loved was a blast to experience, with Kratos trying to be a good father while doing justice to Faye’s legacy. His loving Giant wife gave him a valuable gift in the form of the Leviathan Axe, which is a frost-imbued weapon that hits for serious damage.
This weapon takes a while to get used to but becomes an enduring facet of Kratos' arsenal in no time. It cleaves enemies with ease and freezes them to hit for major damage, with the functionality of this weapon further enhanced inRagnarok. Players love using this weapon along with the Blades of Chaos, causing devastating damage and leaving enemies floundering to survive in no time.
The Gravity Gun was pretty much a flex from Valve who wanted to show just how ahead of its timeHalf-Life 2was when this amazing FPS launched. The physics present in this title was amazing to behold and still blows many minds to this day. To ensure that players realized just how amazing this system was, they were allowed to toy around with a weapon that let them manipulate objects in the environment for both combat and puzzles.
With an iconic design coupled with some fun gameplay implementations, it’s easy to see why the Gravity Gun made such a strong impression in the minds of most fans. Even after all the innovations that have happened in the gaming industry since then, the sheer joy players experience while using this iconic weapon is unmatched.
This nuclear device is a treat forFalloutfans who love what this series brings to the table. Ever since the first entry, the ludicrous nature of the post-apocalypse coupled with a gritty aesthetic is a huge reason why players love this franchise to bits. With theFalloutTV adaptation making waves, it’s easy to see why interest in this IP is higher than ever before.
When players get their hands on the iconic Fat Man, they have no idea what’s in store for them. This weapon uses the rare mini-nuke ammunition to unleash small atomic blasts that obliterate everything in sight, including the player if they happen to be within the general radius of said explosion. It’s a ridiculous weapon that has become iconic in the eyes ofFalloutfans, and for good reason.
The energy sword’s design is unmistakablyHalo, and its unique appearance sets it apart as one of the most memorable weapons in the franchise. Its status as a one-hit kill in standard situations and its swift attack make it a formidable choice on the battlefield, filling opponents with fear as they try to keep their distance. Despite its range limitations, players have found creative ways to close the gap and usethe Energy Swordto rack up kills, making it a fan-favorite choice for those who relish a more stealthy and predatory play style.
Beyond its gameplay effectiveness, the Energy Sword also holds sentimental value for fans due to its association with the beloved character, the Arbiter. Its return inHalo 2and availability to both Master Chief and the Arbiter solidified its popularity, becoming a symbol of the franchise’s rich lore and universe. As a result, the Energy Sword has become an iconic and legendary weapon in video games, leaving a lasting impact on players and contributing to the allure and mystique of theHaloseries.
The Rebellion carries significant lore within the game Beyond its gameplay significance. It holds emotional and symbolic importance as a keepsake from Dante’s heroic father, the legendary Dark Knight Sparda. Rebellion played a crucial role in unlocking Dante’s demonic potential and granting him the awe-inspiring Devil Trigger ability, making it a pivotal element in the protagonist’s journey.
Moreover, It is not just a sword but a representation of the game’s identity, and Dante himself would only be complete with it adorning his back. Rebellion has become a beloved constant throughout the series, solidifying it as one of the most memorable and legendary weapons in action games. Its iconic status is a testament to the enduring legacy and impact of theDevil May Cryseries on gaming.
Created by the goddess Hylia, Master Sword is said to be wieldable only by a hero with the purest of hearts, adding to its legendary status. Known by various names, such as The Blade of Evil’s Bane and the Sword that Seals the Darkness, the weapon has become synonymous with Link’s quest to combat the forces of Ganon and savethe Kingdom of Hyrule.
The sword’s presence in variousZeldagames, its association with Link’s heroic journey, and its embodiment of hope and salvation for Hyrule make it a beloved and iconic gaming weapon. Its enduring presence in the series since its debut in 1986 has solidified its iconic status. As players continue to wield this legendary blade, Master Sword remains an enduring symbol of courage and strength in video games.
Forged by the God of War, Ares, as a gift and reminder of Kratos' servitude, the Blades played a pivotal role in his rise to power. They allowed him to defeat the god and set in motion the events that led to his rise to become the God of War himself. The Blades' involvement in his transformation from a mortal to a god and their use in taking down divine beings cement their status as one of the bestvideo game weaponsever.
While the Leviathan Axe may emerge as another iconic weapon in the series, the original Blades of Chaos hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Their brutal appearance and role in shaping Kratos' destiny make them unforgettable symbols of theGod of Warseries. The Blades of Chaos will forever be remembered as a powerful and iconic weapon that defines Kratos and his epic journey.
Sora’s Kingdom Key, the most recognized Keyblade, was the first to appear in the series and intricately linked to his character. Beyond its combat functionality, the weapon’s role in unlocking and locking the Keyholes of different worlds adds depth to the game’s narrative and gameplay mechanics. This ability allows Sora and his friends to access new worlds while preventing the heartless from gaining access to the heart of those worlds.
The weapon is a fusion of Disney’s lightheartedness and Square Enix’s extravagant style, showcasing the perfect blend of elements that define theKingdom Heartsseries. It serves as an effective melee weapon and a tool for unlocking worlds but also channels magic, making it a jack of all trades and master of everything it does. Its unique and absurd appearance perfectly encapsulates the whimsical and imaginative nature of the game itself. Despite its seemingly ridiculous concept, the Keyblade works flawlessly in execution, making it a beloved and popular video game weapon.
The Hidden Blade, a symbol of the Brotherhood, is synonymous with theAssassin’s Creedseries and is favored by many protagonists. This retractable blade remains hidden on the wrist until its lethal purpose is revealed, making it ideal forstealthy assassinations. Despite the introduction of other weapons, the Hidden Blade remains a beloved and essential part of the game.
Since its debut in the original game in 2007, the Hidden Blade has been a constant feature in the series, except forAssassin’s Creed Odyssey. Over the years, it has evolved into upgraded versions that serve in stealth assassinations and combat situations. This iconic weapon has profoundly impacted gaming culture, defining the essence of theAssassin’s Creedfranchise.
The BFG9000 from theDoomseries is an iconic and beloved weapon among players. Standing for “Big F****** Gun,” it lives up to its name by taking up a significant portion of the screen when equipped. When fired, it releases a gigantic green orb of death that brings joy to the wielder and annihilates enemies in its path.
This powerful weapon is synonymous with the essence of the game, embodying the joy of destruction and the thrill of wiping out hordes of enemies. Its reputation as a “horrible hallway scouring weapon” that turns foes into puddles of gore adds to its legendary status, making it the holy grail ofDoomweapons that excites players and makes them feel like total badasses. The BFG9000 is atitan of FPS butchery, and its association with the series has solidified its place as an iconic and treasured gaming weapon.
