Bastion/Weapons

Weapons in Bastion are collected by the Kid as he progresses through the game's story. They can be swapped in the Arsenal, which can be found in some of the game's stages and can be built in the Bastion. Each weapon has corresponding Secret Skills, special attacks which can also be swapped in the Arsenal and are used in battle via Black Tonics. Weapons can be upgraded in the Forge, allowing them to reach their full potential. It is recommended that weapons be upgraded at least a few times before attempting each weapon's challenges at their respective Proving Grounds. Separate challenges that can be done at any time can also be accessed at the Bastion's Memorial once it is built and as each weapon is unlocked.

Upgrade materials can be obtained for each weapon as follows: Each weapon can be upgraded three times initially. Two more upgrade opportunities are added after the Forge is upgraded with a Shard. Below is a list of weapons that can be used throughout the game, and the upgrades associated with them. While certain upgrades may be recommended here over others, the combination of upgrades used should ultimately depend on your play style.
 * Three materials can be found throughout the game's story stages, and can also be bought in the Lost and Found after it is built in the Bastion if they have been missed.
 * One material can be obtained by earning third in that weapon's Proving Grounds.
 * One material can be obtained by earning second in another weapon's Proving Grounds.

Cael Hammer
The Cael Hammer is the Kid's first weapon, allowing him to swing at nearby enemies with powerful strikes. While it lacks in speed and reach, it makes up for it in strength. Upgrades can increase the damage done with each swing, making this trusty hammer even more powerful. The Hammer can be used while moving or when stationary, but there is an important distinction between these two methods of attack; stationary attacks, in the form of overhead and uppercut swings, are much more powerful and have a greater area of effect than mobile attacks. Thus, it is recommended that the Hammer be used in conjunction with the Bullhead Shield, as this allows you to block or counter enemy attacks and return with a powerful attack of your own.

The Hammer can be upgraded using Something Heavy. It is recommended that you maximize the damage output of the Hammer, but more defensive abilities (such as the ability to stun enemies and the addition of a focus attack that charges with the use of the Bullhead Shield) can also prove helpful.

Fang Repeater
The Fang Repeater is the first ranged weapon that the Kid encounters. It focuses on speed rather than strength, boasting a rapid rate of fire that allows the Kid to strike before his enemies. Its weakness lies in its lack of mobility, as the Kid is unable to move while firing this weapon. Thus, it is recommended that you prioritize movement while the weapon reloads, as is emphasized in its Proving Grounds. It will reload automatically after the Kid empties a magazine.

The Fang Repeater can be upgraded using Something Nasty. Upgrades allow the weapon to increase its capacity before reloading and increase its damage output, making it a more efficient weapon. Speedier reloads are also an option, though the Repeater's reloads are short to begin with.

Breaker's Bow
The Breaker's Bow is the second ranged weapon picked up by the Kid, and differs largely from the Fang Repeater, as it prioritizes power over speed. The strength of the Bow's arrows increase as they are drawn, making this weapon ideal for long distance attacks. Despite its low rate of fire, the Breaker's Bow is capable of penetrating multiple targets at once if the Kid manages to line them up, and the effect of these attacks only increases if the Kid manages to fire a Power Shot (for which the arrow must be released as soon as the Kid flashes). Therefore, despite its lack of speed, the Breaker's Bow's strength and range make it a reliable weapon nonetheless.

The Breaker's Bow can be upgraded with Something Stringy. Upgrades can make up for the weapon's weaknesses by increasing draw strength, and improve its strengths by increasing its damage output. The ability for the arrows to knockback and stun enemies can also assist in keeping enemies at a distance.

War Machete
The War Machete is the second melee weapon picked up by the Kid, and differs greatly from the Cael Hammer in that it prioritizes speed over strength. Its reach is also shorter than the Hammer, but it makes up for this with the addition of a ranged attack; the Kid can throw the sword in order to deal greater damage across distances. The damage done by throws is amplified if the Kid manages to perform a Power Shot, as with other ranged weapons. Thus, the War Machete is able to function as both a short and long range weapon, with the former function providing rapid speed and the latter providing greater power.

The War Machete can be upgraded with Something Sharp. Upgrades allow greater rate of fire for throws, increase in critical hit chances and damage, and attacks that both cripple enemies and deal damage over time. Because of the low strength of the War Machete, increasing its damage output should be a high priority, especially when taking on its Proving Grounds.

Scrap Musket
The Scrap Musket is similar in function to a shotgun in that it lacks range but has a wide spread, and is especially effective when in close proximity with groups of enemies. This sets it apart from other ranged weapons, which prioritize speed and/or range. Consider using the Scrap Musket frequently in Score Attack Mode, as its ability to defeat crowds of enemies simultaneously should assist in maintaining a high score multiplier. However, when using the Scrap Musket, it is recommended that you accompany it with a weapon that has the capability to deal greater damage from a distance, as the Scrap Musket is particularly weak in this area unless you remedy this with the appropriate upgrades.

The Scrap Musket can be upgraded with Something Coarse. The upgrades chosen are dependent on whether you choose to prioritize range or spread, though it is recommended that spread be prioritized before attempting this weapon's Proving Grounds. In order to maximize the Musket's functionality for battle, try to balance out its spread and range when choosing upgrades.

Dueling Pistols
This ranged weapon comes as a pair, and boasts speed limited only by the player's trigger finger. Like the Fang Repeater, its high rate of fire makes up for its lack in strength when compared to other ranged weapons. Its speed is comparable only to the War Machete; when paired, these weapons ensure that the Kid is never caught off-guard by an enemy's speed. For a more balanced loadout, pair the Pistols with a more powerful weapon that may lack the speed granted by the Pistols.

The Dueling Pistols can be upgraded with Something Greasy. Focus on upgrading ammo capacity and damage output in order to make this a stronger weapon without losing speed.

Brusher's Pike
The Brusher's Pike is an incredibly useful melee weapon due to the range offered by its thrusts, a benefit best exhibited when it is first obtained before battling an Anklegator. While its thrusts aren't very quick, they pack a good punch, and their range allows the Kid to fight more defensively. If the range offered by the thrusts aren't enough, this spear-like weapon can also act as a javelin, allowing the Kid to throw it so that enemies can be reached across great distances (similar in function to the War Machete). As with other ranged weapons, Power Shots increase the damage done by throws.

The Brusher's Pike can be upgraded with Something Pointy. As you should have another ranged weapon in your loadout while the Brusher's Pike is equipped, it is recommended that you focus on upgrading its damage output to maximize its potential as a melee weapon with good range. Its ability to pierce armor, which can be found in the final upgrade tier, should be especially helpful against pesky armored enemies that the Kid is safest keeping his distance from, such as the frog-like Lunkhead.

Army Carbine
The Army Carbine is a ranged weapon focused on power. It fires only one shot at a time, similar to the Scrap Musket, but has a much greater range. It is similar to the Breaker's Bow in that a charged shot (particularly a Power Shot) grants greater accuracy and is thus more effective than a quick shot, though a quick shot can also be done to shoot away enemies that are close by. Its greatest weakness is its lack of speed, but this is a necessary trade-off for the power that it provides. It also has a heavy recoil, though this is hardly a factor in battle since the Army Carbine is best at shooting enemies from a long distance regardless.

The Army Carbine can be upgraded with Something Fancy. The most helpful upgrades allow you to increase its damage output, decrease the time needed to aim the weapon accurately, and pierce armor, though the latter can be swapped with bullets that cause area damage, ideal for taking on crowds.

Fire Bellows
The Fire Bellows is similar to a flamethrower, allowing the Kid to shoot armor-piercing flames at enemies that deal damage over time. This weapon is best used when dealing with crowds from close by, as it doesn't have much reach, making it function more as a melee weapon than a ranged weapon. Its damage output is also not very impressive without upgrades that allow it to reach a wider range and deal more damage over time. Thus, it is best used to deal with weaker enemies, such as Peckers, that tend to crowd the Kid.

The Fire Bellows can be upgraded with Something Foul. When used in conjunction with the Leechade Spirit, which allows the Kid to regain health with each strike, the lasting damage provided by the Fire Bellows can provide continuous health regeneration even after taking a defensive stance. For this strategy, the Napalm Reservoir and Industrial Furnace upgrades are recommended.

Galleon Mortar
The Galleon Mortar is an incredibly useful ranged weapon due to its high damage output, wide area of attack, and excellent range. It is especially helpful when taking on the Dreams (particularly the highly difficult Stranger's Dream) and Score Attack Mode, as it is capable of defeating many enemies simultaneously. Its only weakness is in dealing with enemies that are close to the Kid, as it takes time to aim the weapon and if bombs are fired close to the Kid's position, he will also take damage. However, these issues can easily be remedied with upgrades.

The Galleon Mortar can be upgraded with Something Burnt. All other upgrades aside, it is highly recommended that you pursue Stonewall Propellant, one of the final upgrades for the weapon. This ensures that no matter where the Kid fires from, he doesn't take damage from his own bombs. This becomes especially essential when using Idols, which make the game difficult enough without the Kid's own bombs hurting him.

Calamity Cannon
The Calamity Cannon is the final weapon obtained in the game, found in the penultimate stage. It was crafted by the Stranger, who takes pride in its incredibly high power and wide area of attack. However, its lack of a targeting system and its ability to harm the Kid when used against enemies at close range makes it a highly reckless choice despite its power. To make matters more difficult, it cannot be fired at will, only firing automatically after having aimed for a few seconds. Only consider using this weapon with upgrades that improve its function.

The Calamity Cannon can be upgraded with Something Wrong. The Tracking Processor, one of the two final upgrades that can be obtained, should make this weapon much easier to use, as the rockets track enemies after they have been fired. This is especially helpful if attempting to place first in this weapon's Proving Grounds.