One of Bloodborne's defining features is its weapons. Bolstering a sizable selection of melee weapons that often have the capability to transform into another form, there's no shortage of interesting tools for Hunters to use to dispatch Beasts. Out of all the choices, Ludwig's Holy Blade is the best option for players seeking the perfect balance between power and utility.
Bloodborne is a Soulslike game developed by the stars of the genre FromSoftware. Like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Bloodborne represented a break from the standard Dark Souls formula FromSoftware is best-known for. The title featured a more fast-paced approach, introducing readily available Blood Vials as a healing mechanic and a Rally system to reward aggressive play. Considered one of the best games the genre has to offer, Bloodborne is still regularly discussed by the Soulslike fans.
Taking on the horrors of Bloodborne's dark world will always be a challenge, but Hunters can make life a little easier with a reliable weapon. Despite options like the Saw Cleaver and the Kirkhammer being more iconic, Ludwig's Holy Blade presents an all-around solid pick. The transforming greatsword of the Healing Church offers great range, superior strength and even decent functionality with an Arcane build.
Ludwig's Holy Blade was originally thought to be the Holy Moonlight Sword synonymous with the Hunter Ludwig in Bloodborne's lore. After the release of the Old Hunters DLC, it was learned that Ludwig's Holy Blade is simply a replica of the legendary weapon. The game's lore implies that Ludwig wielded both this replica and the magical weapon it was inspired by. That said, it's also just as likely that Ludwig's Holy Blade was created by Hunters of the Healing Church who had never actually seen Ludwig's Holy Moonlight Sword. Instead, hearing of its incredible power and attempting to conceive an imitation to their best abilities.
In either case, Ludwig's Holy Blade became a favorite implement of the Healing Church alongside similar weapons like the Kirkhammer. Both weapons share a similar design, consisting of a longsword in its primary form with a back-slung attachment used for transformations. In the case of Ludwig's Holy Blade, transforming the weapon equips players with a massive greatsword. One of the most significant benefits of Ludwig's Holy Blade is the ability to switch from a fast-attacking primary form to a slow, powerhouse greatsword.
Good design doesn't carry Ludwig's Holy Blade on its own; the weapon has a few nasty tricks up its sleeve to keep Beasts at bay. Perhaps the most potent trick a Hunter equipped with the Holy Blade can rely on is a powerful overhead slam. When transformed into a greatsword, pressing L2 delivers a massive overhead slice. The vertical cut has a surprising reach and has the capability of hitting hard-to-reach weak points. The overhead attack also has great stagger potential, allowing Hunters a brief reprieve from advancing foes. The other attacks possible with the greatsword form are heavy-hitting and relentless, but often slower than the L2 slam.
Having a speedy one-handed longsword additionally serves players through their journeys, opening up a viable fast attack option for evasive foes and providing a vital open hand for a firearm. Firearms allow countering in Bloodborne, and regardless of how big or strong a weapon the Hunter comes equipped with, a mastery of countering trivializes many otherwise deadly encounters. Ludwig's Holy Blade lets players have the best of both worlds with a simple transformation.
Obtaining Ludwig's Holy Blade doesn't take too much effort, and many players will find themselves in a position to acquire the weapon naturally as they progress through Bloodborne's narrative. Once players have defeated the Blood-Starved Beast, they can collect the Radiant Sword Hunter Badge from the Healing Church Workshop. The Workshop is found by taking the right path out of Cathedral Ward and activating the lift. After heading up and fighting to the top of the tower, the Badge will be in a chest. Once obtained, Ludwig's Holy Blade can be purchased from the Bath Messengers in the Hunter's Dream for 20,000 Blood Echoes.
Ludwig's Holy Blade looks like one of the meanest weapons in Bloodborne, and the sword doesn't disappoint. The armament allows players to approach problems with surgical precision or bludgeoning force, synergizing with many popular character builds. The Holy Blade may not be the most iconic weapon Bloodborne offers, but it sure makes a compelling case for function over form.