Summary
Shortswords inBaldur’s Gate 3are one-handed melee weapons that deal Piercing damage and can also be dual-wielded. Characters must have Martial Proficiency to use Shortswords but can use either their Strength or Dexterity Modifier, whichever is highest.
All Shortswords have the Flourish and Piercing Strike actions, which can be situationally useful, but the very best Shortswords have unique effects, actions, or spells attached to them. There are plenty of Shortswords for players to find inBaldur’s Gate 3, but some are better than others.
Updated June 10, 2025 by Joe Grantham:Game of the Year winner Baldur’s Gate 3 is now available on all platforms, and as even more players throw themselves into the colossal DnD-inspired adventure, having all the stats and effects of relevant weapons becomes even more important.
While Shortswords are far from the highest-damage weapons, they can be used alongsidethe best shields in BG3. Accordingly, this list has been updated to include even more Shortswords, especially those found in Acts 1 and 2, giving players more options for the entirety of their playthrough.
1d6 + 1 Piercing
Uncommon
Advantage on Stealth Checks
Despite being a decent weapon, theAssassin’s Shortsword’smain drawback is that it can only be acquired in Act 2, by which time players should have found much better alternatives. Naturally, the Advantage it grants on Stealth Checks is more useful for some playstyles and builds, while others would rarely make use of it.
To get their hands on theAssassin’s Shortsword, players simply need to head west of the House of Healing in Act 2. They can loot it from a skeleton here.
1d6 + 2 Piercing
Rare
N/A
Despite not having any unique effects, theShortsword +2is still a good option, as its Weapon Enchantment +2 not only means extra damage but also an increase in Attack Rolls. This makes attacks more likely to land, making it a more reliable weapon than swords with only a +1 bonus. Of course, anyBG3Shortsword with a +2 bonus that also has extra weapon skills or effects will be a better option.
There are a few ways to acquire the Shortsword +2. For example, at certain higher levels, it will be sold by various merchants. The sword can also be found in the basement of Peartree’s House, nearSorcerous Sundries in Act 3. There is plenty of other loot here, but players will need to be able to open a locked strongbox.
The Banefulis a niche Shortsword as it can only be used as a Bound weapon by Eldritch Knights (a fighter subclass) or as a Pact Weapon by Warlocks. The bonuses to damage and Attack Rolls are great in the early and mid-game, and enemies with the Bane debuff are a lot less scary.
To get their hands onThe Baneful, players will need to discoverone of Act 1’s many hidden locations, the Myconid Colony in the Underdark. Here it is sold by the trader Blurg.
1d6 Piercing
Deals an additional 1d8 Piercing to targets that still have all their hit points.
TheShortsword Of First Bloodis a severely underrated weapon for the early to mid-game as dealing an extra 1d8 to full-health enemies can be lethal when they don’t have high health pools at this stage. Of course, the lack of a Weapon Enchantment does hinder the sword from achieving much else, as its base damage is lower than many of its counterparts.
Players can find theShortsword of First Bloodin the later stages of Act 1 at the entrance of the Decrepit Villagein the Underdark. More specifically, it is found on the corpse of a Deep Gnome.
1d6 +1 Piercing
The aptly namedAmbusherShortsword is great for those who want to strike first in a fight, perhaps by using stealth. With a higher chance to have their turn first in combat, players can then make use of the extra Necrotic damage to enemies who haven’t had a turn yet.
The problem with theAmbusheris that even though it’s not ranked among the absolute best Shortswords inBG3, players still have to wait until Act 3 to purchase it from theDragonborntrader Exxvikyap. She can be found in the Rivington General store in Rivington, which is the first location in the game’s third Act.
Deepflesh Slice:When the wielder attacks with Advantage, the attack inflicts Bleeding.
TheSlicing Shortswordis a solid option for the mid-game, and characters who can consistently attack with Advantage will get the most out of it by making their enemies bleed. When enemies bleed inBG3, they take 2 Slashing damage at the start of every turn and have Disadvantage on Constitution Saving Throws.
Once players have reached Moonrise Towers in Act 2, they can purchase theSlicing Shortswordfrom the merchant Lann Tarv, who can be found on the first floor surrounded by pilgrims. Players who only go to Moonrise Towers to attack it will not have the option to purchase it.
1d6 +2 Piercing
Part the Flesh:Makes a strike that has a chance to prevent enemies from healing.
Fleshrenderis a Rare Shortsword with solid Piercing damage, but against bosses who rely on healing, the Part the Flesh action makes this a must-have weapon for characters with no spells to prevent healing.
The only downside toFleshrenderis thatplayers must wait until Act 3to acquire it, and even then, they must become an Unholy Assassin by accepting Bhaal. Only after they have pledged themselves can it be sold by Echo of Abazigal in the Murder Tribunal. Naturally, this is not a decision every player will want to make, unless they are doing a dark playthrough, perhaps withthe Dark Urge.
Psychic Steel Virtuoso:When the wielder attacks with Advantage, they deal an additional 1~8 Psychic damage.
The extra 1d8 Psychic damage thatRender of Mind and Bodycan provide when players attack with Advantage is extremely strong and matches the base damage of the Shortsword. If they can consistently attack with Advantage, this Shortsword quickly becomes one of the best.
However, this particular weapon will only be sold by Lann Tarv in Moonrise towers if players are able to convince Disciple Z’rell to give them additional help in theirhunt for Ketheric’s Relic.
Very Rare
Despite its name, theKnife of the Undermountain Kingis a Shortsword and is one of the best in the game. Not only does it make scoring a Critical Hit easier, but it also gives the wielder another chance after rolling 2 damage or less. Incredibly, this effect is applied to any attacks, not just those performed by it.
As a Very Rare weapon, theKnife of the Undermountain Kingdeals great base damage, but unlike otherVery Rare items, it can be found in Act 1 at the Githyanki Creche Y’llek, where it is sold by A’jak’nir Jeera.
Life Stealing Critical:On a Critical Hit, the target takes an extra 1-10 Necrotic damage as long as it isn’t a construct or an undead. The wielder also gains 10 temporary hit points.
TheSword of Life Stealingis a fairly standard Shortsword; however, whenever players land a Critical Hit, it becomes overpowered, as the wielder not only deals extra Necrotic damage but also gains temporary HP.
Thankfully, theSword of Life Stealingis fairly easy to get hold of; players can simply purchase it fromDammon the blacksmith at the Last Light Inn during Act 2of the game. The fact that this Shortsword can be accessed so early on makes it easily one of the best.
