In the world of anime, swords are rarely just weapons, they often reflect the wielder’s strength, pain, and destiny. While slender katanas or Nichirin blades catch the eye with their elegance, another class of weapon carves out its own legacy through sheer raw power and brutality: the greatsword.
Unlike the refined grace of Japanese swords, greatswords embody raw strength, where every swing hits like an earthquake. These massive weapons defy all physical laws of weight and size, yet they create some of the most unforgettable moments in anime history.
Here is a list of the 10 greatest greatswords ever seen on screen.
10. Buster Sword – Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children)
Originating from the iconic video game series, Cloud’s Buster Sword became a symbol when featured in the Advent Children anime. It is arguably the most recognizable oversized weapon in Japanese pop culture. Measuring about 1.5 to 1.8 meters long and over 30 cm wide, it features two circular holes on the blade used to attach it to Cloud’s back and to house Materia, the source of magic in the series. Passed down from Angeal to Zack and finally to Cloud, this sword carries the dreams and honor of true soldiers.
9. Purgatory Armor Sword – Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)
In her Purgatory Armor, Erza wields a pitch-black greatsword larger than her own body, featuring six spikes along its blade. This armor is considered one of her most devastating offensive sets. The sword maximizes attack power at the expense of defense, delivering destructive slashes that terrify opponents despite its vulnerability.
8. Dimension Sword – Kuwabara (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Starting as a simple spirit sword, Kuwabara upgrades it to the Dimension Sword, a massive energy blade capable of cutting through any matter, including dimensions themselves. Its power shines in the battle against Sensui, who, despite his strength, must dodge the sword due to its pure energy waves that can strike from great distances.
7. Samehada – Hoshigaki Kisame (Naruto)
Samehada is less a sword and more a living creature covered in shark-like scales. Instead of cutting, it tears opponents with its rough scales and absorbs their chakra. It can transfer absorbed energy to its wielder, healing wounds or boosting stamina. When fully charged, it grows sharp teeth and can morph into a massive steel whip.
6. Claymore – Clare (Claymore)
Named after the weapon itself, Clare and her fellow half-demon warriors wield two-handed greatswords nearly as tall as themselves. Each sword bears a unique symbol identifying its owner. Renowned for their incredible durability, these swords never break or dull and are crafted solely to slay Yoma monsters. For Clare, her sword is not just a weapon but also a grave marker should she fall.
5. Zangetsu (Shikai form) – Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
Among Bleach’s many unique swords, none is more recognizable than Ichigo’s Zangetsu. In its Shikai form, it resembles a giant cleaver without a hilt or sheath. Ichigo wields it using a cloth wrapped around the handle. This rough design highlights Ichigo’s raw, unrefined power. The broad blade serves both as an offensive weapon and a sturdy shield.
4. Tessaiga – Inuyasha (Inuyasha)
Tessaiga is a legendary greatsword forged from Inuyasha’s father’s fang. It possesses consciousness and often “communicates” to guide Inuyasha in battle. When transformed, it becomes a massive blade capable of slaying 100 demons with a single strike known as the Wind Scar. It can also absorb the abilities of defeated demons, symbolizing Inuyasha’s growth and compassion.
3. Demon-Slayer Sword – Asta (Black Clover)
This is Asta’s first and most iconic sword. Though it looks rusty and worn, this greatsword can nullify magic on contact, making it a true bane in a world filled with mages. Asta can manipulate the sword’s anti-magic to fly or enlarge it for long-range attacks, turning a heavy weapon into a highly versatile fighting tool.
2. Divine Axe Rhitta – Escanor (The Seven Deadly Sins)
Technically an axe, Rhitta earns its spot for its size and power. It absorbs the immense heat Escanor radiates during the day and releases it at will. With most of its weight concentrated in the head, only Escanor can lift it, making it a symbol of his overwhelming strength.
1. Dragon Slayer – Guts (Berserk)
When it comes to greatswords in anime, the first name that comes to mind is Guts’ Dragon Slayer. Described in the manga as more of a “giant slab of iron” than a sword, it stretches over 2 meters long and is so heavy no one else can wield it. Yet Guts swings it with terrifying speed, cleaving through armor, flesh, and giant demons alike. This sword is a testament to Guts’ fierce will to survive, a crude weapon with godlike destructive power.