Heavy weapons in Kenshi are some of the most brutal melee weapons for your characters to master. Once they have gained the strength and skill to wield these behemoth weapons, they will become one of the deadliest and most feared warriors in the land.

It’s also important to note that not only will your character need the strength to wield one, but they will also be penalised for fighting indoors with one, as the long, cumbersome blades don’t go too well in a confined space. You can mitigate this by luring enemies outside or having a smaller sidearm to which you can force your character to switch.

Where to get them is a different matter altogether. They can be acquired from shops throughout the game at varying levels of quality, but some of the best ones need to be sought out. 

In this article, we’ll run through the heavy weapons. Their stats, strengths, weaknesses and where you can get your hands on them for your heavy characters.

The Plank

The plank. Called so for obvious reasons.

Despite its namesake, it is not a plank of wood. Instead, it is a giant sword shaped like a colossal steel plank. It is one of the heaviest weapons in the game and has massive blunt damage.

These can be purchased for up to standard quality at the Shek retainer in Squin and Admag. Possibly up to high quality, depending on the shop restock spawns. They can be found at a few other shops around the world, especially the Catun Scrapmasters, but for the most part, they are much more common within the Shek Kingdom. 

One of the easiest ways to get on is to recruit Ruka for free from one of the bars in Squin. She comes equipped with a low-grade plank but has a slim chance of it coming in standard quality. 

Plank Stats

All stats are listed as the highest quality version that can be acquired in the game.

• Cutting Damage - 1.4608
• Blunt Damage - 1.92
• Blood Loss - 100%
• Indoor Bonus/Penalty - -6
• Required Strength Level - 76.8

The Fragment Axe

The fragment axe. A sword that’s also an axe.

The stupidly heavy sword axe, or axe sword, whichever way you want to cut it, is an incredibly deadly weapon in the right hands. At the higher end of their quality, they are so heavy that it is impossible for unaugmented characters to wield them without penalties. 

To that end, you will need to have your characters with a maxed-out strength level and robotic limbs that will be able to take the weight of it. Whether you play as a skeleton or get your characters to lose their arms somehow is up to you.

These are primarily found within the Shek Kingdom but can be found in shops worldwide. They are mainly used by Shek Hundred Warriors, but, at least in the early game, you cannot take them on.

If you want to find the best one in the game, it is the Meitou quality fragment axe manufactured by Cross. A mysterious crafter from the ancient First Empire. The Meitou Fragment Axe is equipped by The Stone Golem. Leader of the Shek Kingdom and sitting on its royal seat in Admag.

You must take down Esta, The Stone Golem, to claim the best Fragment axe in the game. This will put you at odds with the Shek Kingdom and cause it to collapse. Changing the world state and dissolving the Shek into fragmented tribes.

Fragment Axe Stats

• Cutting Damage - 0.4725
• Blunt Damage - 2.70
• Blood Loss - 100%
• Indoor Bonus/Penalty - -6
• Required Strength Level - 108

The Bull Horn Axe

The unique Bull Horn Axe.

This one exists more as an honourable mention, although it is quite the adventure to find. It is the only Bull Horn Axe in the game, and the only way to get it is to defeat Ida, The Flying Bull and leader of Kral’s Chosen.

The axe was gifted to Ida by King Shagar, the former leader of the Shek Kingdom, for being a loyal warrior.

“For him, I fight a thousand men. For him, I die a thousand deaths.”

Although its stats aren’t much to be desired, it is an interesting trophy to acquire nonetheless, as it cannot be crafted. Only claimed.

The Bull Horn Axe Stats

• Cutting Damage - 0.1728
• Blunt Damage - 0.72
• Blood Loss - 100%
• Indoor Bonus/Penalty - -4
• Required Strength Level - 28.8

The Exile Plank

The Exile Plank.

When a Shek Guardian is defeated in battle, their weapons claimed, their horns cut, they wander the lands as shamed, exiled ghosts. At least, so the legends tell.

It would make some sense as the Meitou quality Exile Plank can only be found on the leader of the Gurillo Bandits. They’ve taken up residence in The Old Prison in the South Eastern Bonefields. Taking them on won’t be easy, but if you want this one-of-a-kind, unique plank. Then there is only one way to get it.

The Exile Plank Stats

• Cutting Damage - 1.76
• Blunt Damage - 2.40
• Blood Loss - 100%
• Indoor Bonus/Penalty - -6
• Required Strength Level - 96

Falling Sun

The Falling Sun.

The Falling Sun is the lightest of the heavy weapons and the only one favouring cutting damage over blunt damage. The weapon of choice for Skeletons as they require an incredible amount of strength and dexterity to use correctly.

A trained pair of hands can kill another character outright in a single hit. They will also do 50% bonus damage to Gorillos, Beak Things and Leviathans if you want to fight one in melee combat.

As it is lighter than the other heavy weapons, it requires less strength to use effectively and can be somewhat viable to train dexterity. 

The best one of these in the game will be an endgame challenge for you to run through. The only character who wields the Meitou quality Falling Sun is none other than Cat-Lon himself. He sits upon his forgotten throne in exile, deep within the ashlands. 

He is not to be trifled with and is practically considered Kenshi’s “final boss”. Take a strong crew with you, and pray for your safe return.

Falling Sun Stats

• Cutting Damage - 2.64
• Blunt Damage - 2
• Blood Loss - 100%
• Indoor Bonus/Penalty - -6
• Required Strength Level - 80

Conclusion

These are the heavy weapons of Kenshi, and you can find the very best, unique versions to make you a feared, revered warrior. As with all weapons in Kenshi, however, you can craft masterworks of your own. They will never live up to those manufactured by Cross, but they may come close.

You may also like:

• Kenshi Beginners Guide (25 Important Tips)
• [Top 10] Kenshi Best Base Locations (And Why They're Good)
• [Top 10] Kenshi Best Armour Shops And Why They're Great