Enshrouded offers many different combat styles to choose from. The game doesn’t lock you into one type; it’s very open and lets you specialize in a specific weapon later on. For a survival title, the system is quite deep and encourages experimentation. Especially early on, you can try what feels best and decide what you want to lean on later. But which weapons are there, exactly? And how do you keep and improve them? Let’s take a closer look at the weapon system so you know which options are worth investing in.
Enshrouded weapon types at a glance: melee, ranged, and magic
Broadly, Enshrouded divides weapons into melee, ranged, and magic. Within these categories you’ll find multiple subtypes that can significantly change how you attack, so it’s important to know the differences. The current level cap is 50, raised with the latest Update 7.
Every weapon also has specific stats that make it stronger or weaker. All weapons, regardless of type, have durability and can break if you don’t repair them regularly. You can turn durability off in the settings if you’d rather keep your weapons indefinitely.
Most weapons can also carry elemental strengths you can use to your advantage. Elements include poison, fire, ice, Shroud, and lightning. Not every weapon has elemental damage, but if it does, consider hanging on to it.
Enshrouded melee weapons: swords, axes, and hammers
Melee is straightforward: whichever weapon you use, closing in and dealing damage is your core plan. Still, pick the subtype that fits your style. Pay attention to slashing, piercing, and blunt damage; the more versatile the damage profile, the better.
Melee weapons currently include swords, axes, and hammers. Each can appear as one-handed or two-handed, so choose what suits your playstyle. One-handed weapons are lighter and quicker, and you can pair them with a shield to block. Two-handed weapons hit harder but swing slower. They can deal serious damage and are in high demand. Their animations also vary by type.
Enshrouded magic: wands, Overcharge, and mana
Magic is very strong in Enshrouded and is one of the best late-game combat options—if you can manage it well. Magic leans heavily on elemental damage, so always keep an eye on elements. Some weapons can even feature multiple elements at once. Spells consume mana, which you’ll need to replenish regularly.
Like melee, magic splits into two main categories. First, there are small wands you hold in hand to attack quickly. With the Overcharge ability you can charge them up to unleash stronger attacks. They don’t use mana, but their range and power are limited.
On the other side are large staves that don’t have innate elements but deal higher base damage. You’ll need corresponding spells to add elemental damage. To improve these, you must also have found the Alchemist NPC. Attacks with staves consume mana.
Enshrouded ranged: bows, arrows, and elemental damage
Ranged combat is perfect if you prefer to keep your distance. You’ll primarily fight with bows, but the different arrows you use matter even more. Bows vary in stats such as arrow velocity, stamina cost, and draw speed.
Bows really shine with the right arrows. Arrows can not only add bonus damage but also elemental damage. You’ll need the Hunter to craft most arrows, which lets you stay flexible and test different types.
Upgrading weapons in Enshrouded: enchantments and gems
Once you’ve found a weapon and combat style you like, you can push it further. Enshrouded currently offers two upgrade systems: enchantments and gems. Both provide different advantages to make your favorite weapon even stronger.
Enchantments in Enshrouded: blacksmith, runes, and legendary runes
To enchant, you first need to find the Blacksmith. Without them, you can’t upgrade weapons. You’ll also need runes—small coins you mainly find by defeating enemies in the Shroud. You can also earn them by dismantling weapons or looting chests. From 25 runes, you can craft a legendary rune for later enchantments.
Every weapon in Enshrouded has predefined enchantments it can roll. You can see these when you pick up the weapon. Some weapons can have up to five enchantments, while others have none—those are generally not worth investing in. Unlock enchantments in order once you have enough runes. Visit the Blacksmith and choose the corresponding upgrade.
Socketing gems: Gem Forges, Shroud Lairs, and Archaic Essence
Your second upgrade path involves gems. Most higher-tier weapons include a slot where you can socket a gem. You only obtain gems by defeating powerful enemies. There are more than twenty with different effects.
You can only socket gems at specific locations: Gem Forges. These are found exclusively in Shroud Lairs, so they’re geared toward stronger players. There are three Gem Forges per biome. You’ll also need Archaic Essence to perform these upgrades. Pay attention to forge tiers, as they differ as well. You can salvage gems for essence, upgrade them, or socket them into your weapons.
Conclusion: Find your Enshrouded combat style
Enshrouded blends survival elements with a deep RPG system. It’s no surprise there are many different weapons to fight with. Whether you prefer swords, bows, or staves, you have multiple combat techniques at your disposal. You can also enhance strong weapons, either through enchantments or with gems.
Team up with friends on one of our Enshrouded servers and try the different weapon types. Share your finds and upgrade them together later on.
