What Are Weapon Variants?
In Apocalypse, most weapons have multiple variants that go beyond simple visuals. For example, the Axe and Thundering Mace each have five common versions:
Basic Axe / Basic Thundering Mace
Hallowed Axe / Hallowed Mace
Arcanic Axe / Arcanic Mace
Pyroclastic Axe / Pyroclastic Mace
Eldritch Axe / Eldritch Mace
These variants typically have different appearances and subtle stat changes. The base “Basic” versions are the most common and easy to obtain, while the other variants often require crafting, event rewards, or in-game progression to unlock.
In general, most players treat these as a combination of visual upgrades and minor power improvements. The higher-tier variants (like Pyroclastic or Eldritch) usually have better stats, which can give an edge in PvP or high-level skirmishes.
How Do Variants Affect Gameplay?
The main impact of weapon variants is usually:
Damage Output: Higher-tier variants often increase base damage slightly or improve secondary effects like critical chance or attack speed.
Durability and Repair Costs: Advanced variants sometimes have better durability, meaning you can fight longer without repairs, though repair costs may be higher.
Rarity and Status: Carrying a rare variant signals experience to other players. In general, most experienced players tend to equip at least a Hallowed or Arcanic variant for mid-level PvP to show they are serious about combat.
However, it’s important to note that while stats improve, the gap between Basic and Eldritch isn’t game-breaking in most situations. Players new to Apocalypse should focus on learning combat mechanics before chasing the rarest weapon skins.
How Players Usually Obtain Variants
Weapon variants come from a few different sources:
Crafting: Many variants can be crafted using in-game materials. Players who focus on gathering and crafting often aim for Hallowed or Arcanic weapons first, since these are easier to obtain than Pyroclastic or Eldritch versions.
Drops from PvE or PvP: Some variants drop from bosses or event encounters. Most players treat these as “bonus upgrades” rather than main progression paths.
Purchasing or Trading: While the game doesn’t require real-money transactions for weapons, some players choose convenience options like buy Ashes of Creation gold for leveling on U4N to accelerate access to higher-tier variants. This allows them to unlock or craft better weapons faster, which can help during leveling or early PvP engagement.
In practice, most players start with Basic weapons, upgrade to Hallowed or Arcanic as they progress, and aim for Pyroclastic or Eldritch only when preparing for high-tier combat events.
Choosing Between Axes and Maces
Even within variants, your choice of weapon type matters:
Axes: Often deal higher single-target damage and can be useful for quick PvP skirmishes. Many players prefer Axes for leveling due to their slightly faster swing speed.
Thundering Maces: Tend to have more stagger or area-of-effect damage. In general, Maces are favored by players who expect to fight multiple opponents at once, especially in group PvP or node defense scenarios.
Most experienced players switch between variants and weapon types depending on the context. For instance, a player might carry a Pyroclastic Axe for duels and an Arcanic Thundering Mace for group fights.
Upgrading and Managing Your Weapons
Weapon variants don’t exist in isolation; they tie into the broader Apocalypse progression:
Level Requirements: Some variants are gated behind player level or faction progression. Most players plan upgrades around their current level to avoid out-leveling a weapon too quickly.
Repair and Maintenance: Higher-tier weapons require more resources to maintain. In general, it’s wise to keep at least one lower-tier variant as a backup for long farming or open-world exploration.
Stat Focus: Decide if you value raw damage, critical chance, or utility effects. Most players prioritize one primary stat to maximize efficiency rather than spreading points across multiple weapons.
By approaching weapon upgrades methodically, you avoid wasting resources while still gaining the advantage of more powerful variants.
Tips From Experienced Players
Don’t chase the rarest weapon too early: Basic and Hallowed variants are usually sufficient for leveling and most mid-level PvP encounters.
Plan for versatility: Carry at least two types of weapons so you can adapt to different combat situations.
Watch the market or community sources: Even if you don’t directly buy gold or items, observing how players acquire variants gives you insight into efficient progression.
Consider buy Ashes of Creation gold for leveling on U4N only if you need a faster route to higher-tier weapons for endgame events. Most players rely on in-game effort and crafting, but the option exists for convenience.
Weapon variants in Ashes of Creation Apocalypse add a layer of depth to combat and progression. From the Basic Axe to the Eldritch Thundering Mace, each variant has practical and visual differences that can impact your experience. Most players progress through variants gradually, focusing on Hallowed and Arcanic upgrades before attempting Pyroclastic or Eldritch versions. By understanding how these weapons work, planning upgrades carefully, and choosing the right type for your playstyle, you can stay effective in both PvP and PvE environments.
