The Most Popular Melee Weapon, Ranked

Choose the melee weapon you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 27, 2024 07:03
Historically, melee weapons have played a pivotal role in combat and personal defense. Over generations, different cultures and factions have developed their own unique designs, tailoring them to specific needs and fighting styles. These artifacts not only tell tales of past skirmishes and duels but also reflect the technological progression and artistic heritage of their times. Today, enthusiasts and historians alike continue to debate their merits, effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a broader understanding of which melee weapons stand out in the collective memory and cultural significance. Your votes help shape an ongoing discussion about history and preference, providing insights into what still resonates in the present day.

What Is the Most Popular Melee Weapon?

  1. 1
    23
    votes

    Mace

    A blunt weapon, a type of club or virge that uses a heavy head on the end of a handle to deliver powerful blows.
    • Origin: 12th century
    • Used By: Medieval knights
  2. 2
    20
    votes

    Spear

    A pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head.
    • Origin: Prehistoric Times
    • Used By: Various cultures worldwide
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Axe

    An implement that has been used for millennia to shape, split, and cut wood, to harvest timber, as a weapon, and as a ceremonial or heraldic symbol.
    • Origin: Prehistoric Times
    • Used By: Various cultures worldwide
  4. 5
    1
    votes

    Bow and Arrow

    A ranged weapon system consisting of an elastic launching device (bow) and long-shafted projectiles (arrows).
    • Origin: Prehistoric Times
    • Used By: Various cultures worldwide
  5. 6
    1
    votes

    Gladius

    The Roman short sword primarily used for stabbing during the late Roman Republic and into the Roman Empire.
    • Origin: Roman Republic
    • Used By: Roman Legionaries
  6. 7
    0
    votes

    Scimitar

    A backsword or sabre with a curved blade, originating in the Middle East.
    • Origin: Middle East
    • Used By: Cavalry
  7. 8
    0
    votes

    Longsword

    A type of European sword used during the late medieval and Renaissance periods.
    • Length: Approximately 90 to 110 cm
    • Used By: Knights
  8. 9
    0
    votes

    Rapier

    A slender, sharply pointed sword, best known for its use in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
    • Origin: Spain
    • Used By: Nobility
  9. 10
    0
    votes

    Dagger

    A knife with a very sharp point designed or capable of being used as a thrusting or stabbing weapon.
    • Origin: Prehistoric Times
    • Used By: Various cultures worldwide

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular melee weapon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or weapon is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3037 views
  • 75 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each weapon once every 24 hours. The rank of each weapon is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Melee Weapon

Mace
Rank #1 for the most popular melee weapon: Mace (Source)
Melee weapons have been essential tools and symbols throughout human history. People crafted these weapons for hunting, survival, and combat. They shaped societies, influenced cultures, and played roles in many historical events. These weapons come in various forms, each with unique features and uses.

The creation of melee weapons began in prehistoric times. Early humans used stones and sticks as basic tools and weapons. Over time, they learned to shape and sharpen these materials. This development led to more effective and specialized weapons. The discovery of metals marked a significant advancement. Metal weapons were stronger, more durable, and could be crafted into precise shapes.

Melee weapons were central to ancient civilizations. Warriors and soldiers relied on them in battles and conflicts. These weapons required skill and training to use effectively. They became symbols of power and status. Leaders and heroes often carried ornate versions to display their rank and prowess.

In medieval times, melee weapons evolved further. Blacksmiths and craftsmen improved techniques and designs. They created weapons with better balance, sharper edges, and greater durability. These advancements made them more effective in combat. Armies equipped their soldiers with a variety of weapons for different roles and strategies.

The design of melee weapons reflects their intended use. Some are meant for slashing, others for thrusting, and some for bludgeoning. The choice of weapon depends on factors like the opponent's armor, the combat environment, and the user's skill. Training and practice are crucial for mastering these weapons. Warriors spent years honing their skills to become proficient.

Melee weapons also hold cultural significance. They appear in myths, legends, and folklore. Many cultures have stories of great warriors and their legendary weapons. These tales often highlight the weapon's importance and the hero's skill. They serve as inspiration and carry moral lessons.

In modern times, melee weapons are less common in warfare. Firearms and other technologies have replaced them. However, they still hold value in certain contexts. Martial arts and combat sports often include training with these weapons. They help practitioners develop discipline, focus, and physical fitness.

Collectors and enthusiasts also appreciate melee weapons. They admire the craftsmanship and historical significance. Museums and private collections display these weapons as artifacts of human history. They offer a glimpse into the past and the evolution of technology and society.

Melee weapons continue to captivate people. They are featured in movies, books, and video games. These representations often draw from historical and cultural sources. They keep the legacy of these weapons alive in popular imagination.

In summary, melee weapons have a rich and varied history. They evolved from simple tools to sophisticated instruments of combat. They played crucial roles in shaping societies and cultures. While their practical use has diminished, their cultural and historical significance endures. They remain symbols of human ingenuity, skill, and resilience.

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