Weapons have always been an essential part of classic anime battles. From swords with supernatural powers and divine axes to cursed blades, each weapon possesses unique abilities that give its wielder a decisive edge. Even as magical powers and supernatural abilities become more common, melee weapons remain crucial for delivering thrilling, direct confrontations.
Here are the 5 strongest melee weapons in anime history, ranked based on their power, special abilities, and impact within their stories.
5. Dragon Slayer, Berserk
The Dragon Slayer is synonymous with Guts in Berserk. Originally, it was just a massive iron slab forged solely to slay dragons, so heavy that almost no one could wield it.
Yet, in Guts’ hands, the Dragon Slayer became one of the most fearsome swords on the continent. It can crush armor, tear through Apostle monsters, and slice through enemy ranks with a single swing.
After countless battles with supernatural beings, the sword absorbed the grudges of those it defeated, reaching a state where it can even harm the God Hand. Though it lacks flashy techniques, the Dragon Slayer perfectly embodies Guts’ brutal fighting style.
4. Kubikiribocho, Naruto
Naruto doesn’t feature many standout weapons, but Kubikiribocho, the Executioner’s Blade, is a notable exception. Its most unique trait is self-regeneration. Even when chipped or broken, it can fully restore itself by absorbing the iron in an opponent’s blood.
This ability makes it nearly indestructible. Combined with its massive size and weight, every swing delivers devastating cutting power, making Kubikiribocho one of the most formidable weapons in the ninja world.
3. Yoru, One Piece
In One Piece, power often revolves around Devil Fruits and Haki, but top-tier swords still hold a special place. Yoru is a Black Sword from the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords, wielded by Dracule Mihawk, the world’s strongest swordsman.
With its massive size and cross-shaped design, Mihawk rarely draws Yoru against weaker foes. A single slash from this sword can cut a warship in half, split massive icebergs, or destroy colossal structures.
Remarkably, most of these feats were accomplished without Mihawk fully unleashing his Haki, cementing Yoru as the pinnacle of swordsmanship in the One Piece world.
2. Rhitta, The Seven Deadly Sins
Rhitta is Escanor’s Sacred Treasure in The Seven Deadly Sins, closely tied to his famous Sunshine power. More than just a giant axe, Rhitta can absorb excess energy from Escanor during the day and unleash it as devastating attacks.
This makes Rhitta not just a support weapon but an extension of Escanor’s power. Even at night, when Escanor’s strength wanes, the energy stored in Rhitta allows him to deliver dangerously powerful strikes.
1. Nozarashi, Bleach
Topping the list is Nozarashi, the Zanpakuto of Zaraki Kenpachi in Bleach.
For a long time, Kenpachi fought using his unreleased sword and still defeated countless powerful foes. It wasn’t until his battle with Unohana that he truly awakened Nozarashi.
In its Shikai state, Nozarashi takes the form of a massive cleaver with a simple philosophy: anything it touches can be cut. Its power was proven when Kenpachi used it to shatter a giant meteor heading for Soul Society and even tear through space itself during his fight with the formidable Sternritter.
Image credit: CBR