Summary
There are three types of Axes inBaldur’s Gate 3, these being Handaxes, Battleaxes, and Greataxes. While they all deal Slashing damage and share some other qualities, they are all rather different, with Greataxes and Battleaxes requiring Martial Proficiency from their wielder, while Handaxes only require Simple Proficiency.
Greataxes are also Two-Handed weapons as opposed to Handaxes, and Battleaxes can be used with one or two hands, depending on the player’s build preference.The best AxesinBaldur’s Gate 3also have unique effects that often help players deal more damage or provide other bonuses to them.
Updated June 17, 2025 by Joe Grantham:Unsurprisingly, Baldur’s Gate 3’s popularity continues to grow, and whether players are jumping into their first adventure or their tenth, having all the facts and stats of the best BG3 Axes is always good to have.
Although there are three kinds ofAxes in BG3, most of the Handaxes are relatively weak, especially in comparison to Greataxes, which do colossal amounts of damage. As such, this list has been updated to include even more Greataxes and a few more Battleaxes, especially those that can be picked up in the earlier stages of the game.
1d12 + 1 Slashing
Uncommon
While theVery Heavy Greataxeis mostly just a standardBG3Greataxe, once per Short Rest, the wielder is able to use a massive AOE attack that can take multiple enemies out at once. It should also be noted that the axe’s name is no lie, as it weighs nearly 3x as much as other Greataxes, coming in at 9kg/18lb. This can certainly be a drawback at times.
To get both of their hands on the Very Heavy Greataxe, players will need to loot it from a goblin leader by the name of Fezzerk. He is found tormenting a poor gnome at the windmill of the Blighted Village in Act 1, although if players spare him, he will be seen at Moonrise Towers in the second Act.
As soon as players realize that Small creatures include halflings, gnomes, and goblins, the Exterminator’s Axe becomes very strong, as it deals an extra 1d6 Fire damage to them, as well as Plants and Insects. If players know they are going against one of these enemy types, it’s certainly not a bad option to take into the fray.
To find the Exterminator’s Axe and start laying waste to all kinds of critters, players will first need to locate the Decrepit Village in the Underdark. This is an Act 1 location on the way to Act 2. Here, players will be able to loot the axe from the Duergar slaver, Gekh Coal.
Weapon Skills
Battleaxe
1d8 + 1 Slashing (One-Handed) or 1d10 + 1 Slashing (Two-Handed)
Rare
For any players creating a build around dealing Fire damage, theThermodynamo Axeis a great option to pick up, even as a backup weapon to use alongside spells. This is because the Battleaxe generates Heat, which can be used to deal bonus Fire damage on the next attack or spell.
Fittingly, theThermodynamo Axecan be purchased fromDammon the Infernal Mechanic, while he is at the Last Light Inn. Players will want to do so early before the inn is attacked, as Dammon’s safety is not guaranteed.
1d6 Slashing
Burned Alive:Deals an additional 1d4 Slashing to Burning targets.
When it comes to Handaxes inBaldur’s Gate 3, which are generally weaker than other axes, theDragon’s Graspis arguably the best in class. This is because, on top of the standard 1d6 Slashing damage of all Handaxes, this weapon can deal extra damage to targets who are already burning, making it great when paired withthe best fire spells inBG3.
As a Handaxe,Dragon’s Graspcan be dual-wielded and also thrown at enemies, but the best thing about it is that it can be bought very early on in the game from the merchant Arron in the Emerald Grove.
Against most enemies,TheUndead Baneis pretty much a standard weapon, but against Fiends and the Undead, it quickly becomes one of the best options. Not only does it deal extra damage against these creatures, but the Profane Scourge action is capable of destroying them in one clean strike.
The Undead BaneGreataxe can be found at the start of Act 3, wielded by the leader of the Gur, Ulma. She is located in the Gur Camp in Rivington.
1d12 + 2 Slashing
As its name implies, theDefender Greataxeis all about defense. At the start of combat, players have the option to sacrifice a small amount of damage and hit chance to improve their AC by 1 and have a better chance at surviving Saving Throws. While these defensive buffs aren’t anything to get too excited about, they will come in very handy in certain fights.
This is all on top of theDefender Greataxehaving fantastic base damage, which, in the hands of a character with a high Strength stat, can easily topple many foes. This versatile weapon can be found early on in Act 2 atthe Last Light Inn, where it is sold by Quartermaster Talli.
Battleaxe:Martial Proficiency, Versatile
Gaining AdvantageinBaldur’s Gate 3’stough combatcan be the difference between success, as two d20 dice are rolled instead of one, with the highest number being taken. Against concentrating enemies, wielders of theWitchbreakerBattleaxe will always have Advantage.
Thankfully, unlike some of the other top Axes inBG3, theWitchbreakercan be found at the end of Act 1 in Creche Y’llek, sold by A’jak’nir Jeera, a Githyanki quartermaster.
Relentless Revenge:When the wielder has 50% hit points or less, they deal an additional 1d6 Slashing damage.
TheBlooded Greataxeis a great addition tothe best Barbarian builds inBaldur’s Gate 3, as with their Reckless Attacks, Barbarians often end up with low health and thus would benefit from Relentless Revenge. Dealing an extra 1d6 damage on multiple turns can swing the tides of battle immensely.
To get the Blooded Greataxe, players can either purchase it from Dammon at the Emerald Grove or from Roah Moonglow at the Goblin Camp. The fact that such a great weapon is available so early should not be overlooked.
Very Rare
While the GreataxeSethandeals great damage by itself, its main strength lies in the Evocation SpellSethan: Spiritual Greataxe. By summoning a twin of Sethan, players will be able to deal more damage to foes and soak damage even when it isn’t their turn.
TheReduceSpell is also great for bringing down large and powerful enemies to amore manageable size. Both of these Spells can be used once per Long Rest.Sethancan be purchased from Ferg Drogher in Rivington during Act 3, but only if they can pass a Persuasion Check, which also relies on Shadowheart not being present or having embraced Shar.
1d8 + 2 Slashing (One-Handed) or 1d10 + 2 Slashing (Two-Handed)
Dolor Amarus:When you land a Critical hit with this weapon, it deals an additional 7 damage.
TheVicious Battleaxeis aptly named given its high damage and the fact that if players manage to roll a Critical Hit, they will deal an extra 7 damage, which could finish off a target completely.
However, to purchase theVicious Battleaxein the first place,players must not only reach Act 3, but they must accept Bhaal and become an Unholy Assassin. After this, it can be bought from Echo of Abazigal in the Murder Tribunal.
