When talking best loadouts it comes down to fighting style. Here’s the primary weapons I use, more detail on full loadout below. Bullhead Shield, Cael Hammer, Fang Repeater, Dueling Pistols and Brusher’s Pike.

Is it truly important to have loadouts like what I list? No, you probably want or use something different than me. But the ones below are generally what I use and give the best results.

1. Bullhead Shield Loadout

No damage here

As has been mentioned before, I love this shield and I generally have it as my primary option plus a secondary, usually the hammer or dueling pistols. In addition are the various Spirits I use to complement the loadout like Lunkhead Liqueur, Mender’s Mead, Cinderbrick Stout.

The loadout listed generally works for most enemies depending on fighting style. Certain things such as the Spirits may change from what I listed above depending on your fighting style, other parts stay the same.

Loadout details 

• Bullhead Shield
• Secondary weapon usually Cael Hammer or Dueling Pistols
• Lunkhead Liqueur, Mender’s Mead, or Cinderbrick Stout

What Bullhead Shield Loadout excels in: 

• Defense
• Offense
• Lunkhead liqueur- +100% Damage When Counter-Blocking with the Bullhead Shield
• Mender Mead- Gain Some Health by Counter-Blocking with the Bullhead Shield
• Cinderbrick Stout- +33% Speed While Defending

2. Cael Hammer Loadout

Bring it on!

Getting into the Cael hammer loadout is pretty basic. Mix this with the Bullhead shield or Breaker’s bow. Then add either the Whale Ale or Stabsinthe Spirits

This loadout does have the option of using the shield or bow which could also change the spirits accordingly. Still, keeping to the loadout and spirits this one works quite well if you were going through some easier areas.

Cal Hammer loadout details 

• Cael Hammer
• Bullhead Shield or Breaker’s Bow
• Whale Ale or Stabsinthe

What Cael Hammer loadout excels in: 

• Offense due to hammer secret skill
• Range if using bow, defense if using shield
• Whale ale- +25% Damage Using Secret Skills
• Stabsinthe- Automatically Retaliate When Injured

3. Fang Repeater Loadout

Don't mess with me, I have bolts!

With the Fang Repeater I prefer using the Scrap Musket as the secondary and either Squirt cider or Lifewine just for an extra boost.

The fang repeater loadout focuses more on distance and keeping enemies at bay. When using the spirits listed you get an extra boost of health or be able to survive defeat.

• Fang Repeater loadout details 
• Fang Repeater
• Scrap Musket
• Squirt Cider or Lifewine

What Fang Repeater loadout excels in:

• Range
• Damage
• Squirt Cider- +10 Max Health
• Lifewine- Survive an Attack that Would Have Brought Defeat

4. Dueling Pistols Loadout

If I'd only been quicker

Now, this loadout is specifically meant to deal ranged damage and general mayhem. It uses the pistols, Flaming Bellows, and Fetching Fizz.

It checks all the boxes for my playing style though I change the Spirit from time to time depending on what area I am going to next.

Dueling Pistols Loadout details 

• Dueling Pistols
• Flaming Bellows
• Fetching Fizz

What Dueling Pistols loadout name excels in: 

• Offense
• Ranged attack
• Major damage with secret skills
• Fetching Fizz- Absorb stray fragments from downed enemies

5. Brusher’s Pike Loadout

Gonna get you before you get me!

In this loadout the Brusher’s pike, secondary Fang Repeater or War Machete, and Bull Brandy or Cham-Pain are my preferences.

Brusher’s Pike loadout is no joke. Range from the pike or Fang Repeater, close combat with the machete, then the Spirits have damage resistance or cause damage.

Brusher’s Pike loadout details 

• Brusher’s Pike
• Fang Repeater or War Machete
• Bull Brandy or Cham-Pain

What Brusher’s Pike loadout excels in: 

• Ranged attack
• Close combat
• Bull Brandy- 15% damage resistance
• Cham-Pain- +25 damage and -1 chance to carry on if defeated

Check these links out for game loadouts and more!

• [Top 5] Bastion Weapon Combos
• [Top 10] Bastion Best Gear In The Game
• [Top 5] Bastion Best Weapons (Early To Late Game)