During the game it is possible to equip nine different types of weapons, each with its own characteristics:
SWORDS
They are short-range weapons (you can only hit enemies in a position adjacent to yours) and generally use only one hand. They contain skills that require EP and some short range spell that usally allow you to hit one or more nearby enemies, or to heal yourself slightly.
AXES
Similar to swords, both in use and in the skills contained. They are particularly effective if you attack the enemy from a higher position.
SPEARS
These weapons are more powerful than swords and axes, but both hands are always required. They are short-range weapons. They contain skills that require EP and some short range spell that usually allow you to extend your range or perform particularly powerful attacks.
BOWS
Bows are long-range weapons. Their range and attack power increase if you are in a higher position than the enemy. It is therefore better to use them together with armor that guarantees good mobility. They may contain magical skills of modest power or that grant magical power to arrows. Both hands are required.
THROWING WEAPONS
Very similar to bows and exactly what is described for them applies.
MAGICAL STAVES
Magic staves have a low attack value, but contain powerful long range spells, which once learned allow you to hit multiple enemies at once from a distance, or heal multiple characters at once. These spells consume a lot of MP, so they should absolutely be used in combination with a Mage Robe.
DAGGERS
Daggers are short-range weapons of rather limited power. They are only effective when attacking from behind. However, they can contain useful skills, such as opening chests or finding treasures in the ground. They can contain also some short range spell.
SHIELDS
Shields are not a real weapon. However, a character equipped with a shield has a higher chance of repelling an enemy attack, reaching 50% if he is attacked right on the side where he is holding the shield. They usually contain healing skills or to increase your defense. Shields also increase your HP.
SPECIAL WEAPONS
These weapons cannot be purchased in stores. You must necessarily find them in the battlefields, in chests or on the ground. However, they are always short-range weapons. The skills they can contain are the most disparate, some of which are extremely useful.