Weapons Guide - Iron Sword & Hunter Bow
The two weapons of the Ember Quest game, how the anvil polish system upgrades them and which monsters each one is for.
Published September 23, 2026 · Last updated September 23, 2026
Quick Answer: Melee or Ranged?
Both, carried together. Melee weapons need no ammunition and shine in the ammo-scarce early game and against enemies that close distance. Firearms hit harder at range but every caliber must be looted, dropped or bought — the ammunition economy is the real decision. Carrying one of each is the community-standard loadout.
| Family | Ammo | Best At | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melee weapons | None | Close fights, ammo droughts, scavengers | Takes hits in return (wear armor) |
| Firearms | Caliber-matched rounds | Camps, warlords, anything shooting back | Ammo must be fed constantly |
The Ammunition Discipline
Guns with different stats and calibers means no universal bullet. Learn what your primary eats, stock that caliber from traders (rusted nuts), and replenish from the enemies using it against you. A gun without its caliber is a very expensive club.
- Melee for the daily grind — zero ammo cost, armor mitigates the return damage
- Ranged for camps, bosses and anything that shoots first
- Swap mid-fight: guns dry, steel does not
Honest Note on the Weapon Roster
Exact weapon names and stat tables are part of launch-week crowdsourcing. Confirmed by the official description: many different melee and ranged weapons, guns with different stats and calibers, and enemy drops matching their loadouts. Verified tables will be published here as they land.