If like us, you're still getting to grips with the smash-hit survival game Valheim, you might be wondering which is better when you pit Sword vs Axe. We've put together a guide with all the most important bits on what weapon type is best for combat!

Valheim Sword Stats

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Currently, there are two different types of swords players can craft. The first is the Bronze Sword which can be crafted using wood, bronze, and leather scraps. The Bronze Sword can be crafted and repaired using the Forge. There are also four different quality types for the sword, each using up various crafting material quantities.

Bronze Sword Quality 1:

  • Durability = 200
  • Slash = 35
  • Parry Force = 20
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x2, Bronze x8, Leather Scraps x2
  • Forge Level 1

Bronze Sword Quality 2:

  • Durability = 250
  • Slash = 41
  • Parry Force = 25
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x1, Bronze x4, Leather Scraps x1
  • Forge Level 2

Bronze Sword Quality 3:

  • Durability = 300
  • Slash = 47
  • Parry Force = 30
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x2, Bronze x8, Leather Scraps x2
  • Forge Level 3

Bronze Sword Quality 4:

  • Durability = 350
  • Slash = 53
  • Parry Force = 35
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x3, Bronze x12, Leather Scraps x3
  • Forge Level 4

The second type of sword featured in Valheim is the Iron Sword. This can be crafted using wood, iron, and leather scraps. Like the Bronze Sword, the Iron Sword can be crafted and repaired using the Forge.

Iron Sword Quality 1: 

  • Durability = 200
  • Slash = 55
  • Parry Force = 20
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x2, Iron x20, Leather Scraps x3
  • Forge Level 1

Iron Sword Quality 2: 

  • Durability = 250
  • Slash = 61
  • Parry Force = 25
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x1, Iron x10, Leather Scraps x2
  • Forge Level 2

Iron Sword Quality 3:

  • Durability = 300
  • Slash = 67
  • Parry Force = 30
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x2, Iron x20, Leather Scraps x3
  • Forge Level 3

Iron Sword Quality 4:

  • Durability = 350
  • Slash = 73
  • Parry Force = 35
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x3, Iron x30, Leather Scraps x6
  • Forge Level 4

Valheim Axe Stats

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In total, there are five axes that can be crafted in Valheim. These include the Stone Axe, Flint Axe, Iron Axe, Black Metal Axe, and the Bronze Axe. For this guide though, we're only going to be looking at the stats of the Iron Axe, and the Black Metal Axe. These are the fourth and fifth axe type that become available to players and are able to rival the sword in terms of stats.

The first axe we're going to look at is the Iron Axe, which can be crafted using wood, iron, and leather scraps. Similar to the swords, the axes also have four different quality types.

Iron Axe Quality 1: 

  • Durability = 175
  • Slash = 55
  • Parry Force = 20
  • Crafting Recipe = Wood x4, Iron x20, Leather Scraps x2
  • Forge Level 2

Iron Axe Quality 2: 

  • Durability = 225
  • Slash = 60
  • Parry Force = 25
  • Crafting Recipe = Iron x10, Leather Scraps x1
  • Forge Level 3

Iron Axe Quality 3: 

  • Durability = 275
  • Slash = 65
  • Parry Force = 30
  • Crafting Recipe = Iron x20, Leather Scraps x2
  • Forge Level 4

Iron Axe Quality 4: 

  • Durability = 325
  • Slash = 70
  • Parry Force = 35
  • Crafting Recipe = Iron x30, Leather Scraps x3
  • Forge Level 5

The second axe we're going to take a look at is the Black Metal Axe, which can be crafted using fine wood, black metal bars, and linen thread.

Black Metal Axe Quality 1: 

  • Durability = 175
  • Slash = 95
  • Crafting Recipe = Fine Wood x6, Black Metal x20, Linen Thread x5
  • Forge Level 4

Black Metal Axe Quality 2: 

  • Durability = 225
  • Slash = 100
  • Crafting Recipe = Black Metal x10, Linen Thread x5
  • Forge Level 5

Black Metal Axe Quality 3: 

  • Durability = 275
  • Slash = 105
  • Crafting Recipe = Black Metal x20, Linen Thread x10
  • Forge Level 6

Black Metal Axe Quality 4: 

  • Durability = 325
  • Slash = 110
  • Crafting Recipe = Black Metal x30, Linen Thread x15
  • Forge Level 7

Which Is Best For Combat?

So who comes out on top in the Valheim sword vs axe debate? Well, in terms of the stats, the Black Metal Axe is capable of much higher slash than the Iron Sword. However, using the Black Metal Axe means forfeiting the ability to parry. If you choose to use a sword over an axe, this means you'll be able to make use of the special ability that can do increased damage and stun mobs by pressing the middle mouse button.

The axe offers dual functionality of not only being able to chop down trees but also deal damage to mobs. However, in terms of pure combat, we'd recommend a sword. Not only is the sword lighter and quicker to swing, but the special ability of stunning enemies and dealing high damage makes it a no brainer.

Make sure to check out our other Valheim guides!