The names of fictional fantasy weapons can be as diverse and imaginative as the weapons themselves. However, some common conventions emerge across different fantasy settings, which often reflect their history, properties, and cultural significance.

Descriptive Names:

• Function: Names that directly describe the weapon’s function are straightforward and clear. Examples include “Dragonslayer” (a sword meant to slay dragons), “Widowmaker” (a weapon known for its lethality), or “Stormbreaker” (an axe associated with powerful storms).
• Material: Names that highlight the material from which the weapon is forged can hint at its strength or magical properties. Examples include “Moonsilver Dagger,” “Dragonscale Armor,” or “Hardstone Axe.”

Evocative Names:

• Mythology and Legend: Many fantasy weapons draw inspiration from myths and legends. Names referencing deities, creatures, or historical figures can add an air of grandeur and history. Examples include “Mjolnir” (Thor’s hammer in Norse mythology) or “Excalibur” (King Arthur’s legendary sword).
• Languages: Utilizing fictional or real-world languages, especially those with strong connotations, can create a sense of mystery or cultural significance.
• Metaphor and Symbolism: Names that use metaphors or symbolism can hint at the weapon’s special properties or the personality of its wielder. Examples include “Sunfire” (a weapon associated with fire or a fiery warrior), “Whisperwind” (a weapon known for its silent strikes or a stealthy user), or “Heartcleaver” (a weapon known for its emotional impact or a ruthless wielder).

Considerations for Naming:

• Length: Fantasy weapon names can range from short and impactful (“Sting” from The Lord of the Rings) to long and descriptive (“Heartsbane, Devourer of Souls”). The length should be appropriate for the desired effect.
• Pronunciation: Awkward or difficult-to-pronounce names can detract from the weapon’s mystique. Aim for names that are both evocative and easy to say.
• Origin Story: The best weapon names often have a story behind them. Consider how the weapon was created, its past wielders, or any significant events in its history to inspire a fitting name.
• Humor: In some cases, humorous names can be used for comedic effect (“The Rusty Spoon”) or to create a sense of irony (“Peacebringer”).

Name Examples for Weapons

• Kingbreaker
• Talon
• Cold Night
• Axe of Talas
• Big Bonker
• Quick Death

In game worlds names can provide players quick insight into weapon function or mechanic, such as Knife of Thunder or Volcano Hammer for weapons that deal a particular type of damage.

Weapons must be made or forged. Consider where this occurs in your world. Some forges or craftsmen may be able to create different caliber of weapons and fictional worlds often feature advanced forging techniques known only to a few or that has been lost through time. If magical weapons exist, consider how these are made.

Depending on the era of the fictional world, most fantasy weapons will be crafted from wood, stone, bronze, iron, or steel. However, fantasy weapons are also often forged from fantastical substances, imbuing them with unique properties and enhancing their deadliness or magical prowess. Often these fictional materials are rare and possess qualities unlike anything else found within the fictional setting.

Example Weapon Materials

• Rare Metal
• Rare Stone
• Crystal
• Bone, Teeth, Scale, or Claws

In addition to regular, mundane weapons, fantasy worlds often feature weapons with magical properties. Perhaps they can cut through any material, perhaps they give the bearer the ability to fly, or perhaps they corrupt the heart of anyone who uses them. Weapons that channel fire, lightning, or a deathly cold are common. Worldbuilders incorporating magic into their fictional settings should consider the intersection of magic and weaponry.

Common Magical Properties for Weapons

• Fire
• Ice
• Thunder
• Shadow
• Corrupting
• Poison (may be magic or not)

Magical Sentience

Magical weapons may have a will of their own, or may only allow certain types of people to wield them.

If your world has magic weapons, do not forget to consider how their presence may change battle tactics, defensive structures, or fighting styles.

For game worlds, magic types may be used in combination with creature types to make weapons either more or less effective.

It is common in fantasy worlds for there to be lost or legendary weapons. These can provide opportunities for quests in narrative and game worlds, or can serve as a simple way to add a bit of folklore into a world. Consider the legendary heroes of your world. What kinds of weapons did they wield and where are those weapons now? What would it take to reclaim such a weapon? Or is such a quest just a fool’s errand?

Lost and legendary weapons may be one avenue to help age a world.

Some weapons may be status symbols, representing a rank or class. A wielder of a particular kind of weapon may be from a unique group, or the wielder may be considered the true leader of an organization or state. Weapons may also be used in outside of warfare, in ceremonies or rituals.

For game worlds, weapons pose an opportunity for player advancement. Often characters begin with basic weapons, and then work slowly obtain ‘better’ tools. Different weapons may provide different strategies or gameplay. For game worlds with a player-versus-player component, a balance in weapons should be considered.