So I spent like three weeks playing BG3 testing every damn greatsword in the game. Wanted to see if Balduran’s Giantslayer lives up to the hype or if others are better. Started a new playthrough just for this mess.
Phase 1: Grabbing the competition
First I cheesed my way to Act 3 early using the Mountain Pass shortcut. Snatched Balduran’s Giantslayer from that dragon dude’s treasure room – took three reloads to avoid getting crispy-fried. Then backtracked to collect the main contenders: Everburn Blade from the nautiloid crash, Silver Sword from githyanki patrol, and that funky Soulbreaker Greatsword from Moonrise Towers.
Phase 2: Testing against mobs
Made Lae’zel my guinea pig since she’s always complaining about weapons anyway. Set difficulty to Tactician for proper pain. Went to that goblin camp near Emerald Grove for target practice:
- Everburn Blade looked sick with fire effects but only added 1d4 fire dmg. Goblins died fast but so what?
- Soulbreaker had this fancy frighten effect but half the goblins passed saving throws. Total letdown.
- Silver Sword sliced through goblins like butter but felt fragile against armored foes.
Phase 3: Boss fight showdown
Took all four swords against Ketheric Thorm for the real test. Made separate saves before each attempt. Results made me laugh:
- Silver Sword chipped away slowly at his health bar like using a butter knife on concrete
- Everburn Blade’s fire damage got completely shrugged off – waste of a bonus action
- Soulbreaker couldn’t land frighten even with Advantage rolls
- Balduran’s Giantslayer went CLANG-CRIT-BOOM and took half his HP in two turns. That strength modifier doubling is absolutely broken!
The clincher
Thought maybe I got lucky? Tried against Cazador and Raphael too. Same damn pattern every time. Giantslayer’s +2 AC bonus saved my paladin’s ass more times than I can count when positioning got messy. Other swords either had flashy visuals or niche effects that barely triggered when it mattered.
Honestly expected Silver Sword to compete but nah. Giantslayer’s reliability against EVERY enemy type – squishy mobs, damage sponges, spellcasters – makes it stupidly OP. Only downside? Gotta wait till Act 3 to get it. Totally worth grinding for though. Case closed!