Shadow Hearts: Covenant set itself apart from the rest with its dark style and creative narrative that would throw the player into the heart of Europe during the First Great War. It was a setting much unlike the fantasy worlds JRPGs usually take place on. Unique as it is, SH: Covenant still respects some of JRPG’s most sacred institutions. Chief among them is the classic need for great weapons that each character can use throughout the game, ranging from world-destroying relics to total joke equipment. But what are the best weapons in Shadow Hearts: Covenant? How do you get them? Worry not, for I’ve come up with my own rankings to answer all your questions.
10. Leather Whip – Veronica
Veronica’s only weapon is really the only one she needs, considering she’s all about that kinky lifestyle. It’s made from boar hide and according to its in-game description, it’s “a favorite of those with a taste for domination, humiliation and the turning of pain into pleasure.” Really gets the old noggin joggin, huh? Her whole character is built around S&M and this is just the icing on the cake. Gotta leave it to JRPGs to turn fetishes into weapons.
9. Frozen Tuna – Joachim
The Frozen Tuna isn’t actually Joachim’s most powerful weapon, but it’s positively ridiculous even among the vampire’s wide selection of absurd items. And that makes it great in my eyes. Its description takes it to the next level, framing the Tuna as a fish of means who’s chosen cryogenic stasis to wait for science to find a cure for an unnamed disease it suffers from. Pure, undiluted Japanese creativity. If this iron-willed creature of the sea interests you just buy it from a merchant in Petrograd.
8. Golden Angel – Anastasia
There’s something about using Fabergé eggs as your go-to weapon that’s just wonderfully silly. Anastasia’s last and most powerful weapon is this golden ovoid made from “cursed gold and enchanted stones”. Put simply, it’s a magical egg. The only way to get it is by collecting five Silver Angel tokens and handing them over to Edgar, the Royal Family’s watchmaker in Petrograd. Incidentally, he’s the same guy who made Anastasia’s camera. Talk about brand loyalty.
7. Beast Medal – Blanca
While most of Blanca’s weapons are actually different tools for sharpening his teeth and claws, and generally keeping himself in ideal fighting form. This one is a little different. As its in-game description explains, it’s supposed to grant him dominion over all other beasts. In practice it’s just his most powerful weapon. This trophy for being at the apex of the animal food chain is obtained after finishing the last of the Wolf Bouts and defeating… Wolfman, an old man in a fursuit that doesn’t even resemble a wolf. Just what is going on in this game?
6. Mumeiro – Kurando
The harmonixer samurai’s last weapon is a blade of legend, supposed to hold the soul of a blind wolf that became a sword to aid a villager who was ambushed one dark night. You can obtain it while clearing the Dog Shrine dungeon just before he gets his second fusion, Jutendouji. The entirety of the Dog Shrine serves as one big power-up sequence for Kurando.
5. Chimera Claw – Yuri
Though Yuri’s category of weapons is generally referred to as “gloves”, most of them are actually claws… including these. They’re the strongest weapon available to him in the regular version of the game and they’re said to be infused with enough power to destroy a planet by calling forth the might of Tyr, the Norse god of war. These winged claws can be acquired by completing all of Roger’s requests at Wales once you’ve finished the Neam Ruins side-quest.
4. Nemesis Fan – Lucia
Most of Lucia’s fans are named after Greek and Roman gods like Hades and Jupiter until she gets this one, named after the comet that extinguished the dinosaurs. Keeping with this cosmic theme, the design features what looks like an eclipse on a starry sky. There are two ways to obtain the Nemesis Fan. The first is by completing the item-trade quest in Paris. You’re given this weapon at the very end by Malkovich, a German spy making a cameo from the first game. She also leaves behind the Dating Outfit, Karin’s very distracting alternate costume. Alternatively if that quest is somehow ended early you can buy it in the Cathedral District Shop for the high price of 500.000.
3. Durandal – Karin
This sword of legend is said to have belonged to the legendary French hero Roland, and to his master Charlemagne before him. Now it’s Karin’s most powerful weapon. Why a mythical French sword looks like a katana is anyone’s guess. After completing every quest in the Fort of Regrets, Karin receives it from her grandma who has finally found peace in knowing that her grand-daughter is in good company. Karin remarks that the sword used to belong to her grandfather. Just who was that man and why did he have this? So many questions, so little time.
2. Nautilus – Joachim
Carrying the name of the studio that made the game, this ship sailed the sea of stars until finding itself in Joachim’s possession. It’s explained in the game that it has weapons powerful enough to destroy the world. Yes, the entire world. But don’t worry, Joachim has the crew under control. You can get it after beating the Neam Ruins by completing a quest from the ghost of a Professor in the Fort of Regrets that’ll have you running back and forth between the fort and the beach in Cannes. Near the end the Nautilus will appear on the shore for you to acquire.
1. Panda/Kappa – Yuri
The top spot in my comprehensive list goes to a Panda and Kappa puppet duo only present in the game’s Director’s Cut. They’re vastly more powerful than the Chimera Claw, not to mention very silly and much more fun to use. They’re obtained after clearing the Sea of Woods a dungeon only available in the Director’s Cut of the game. So if you truly want to run with the strongest possible item you’ll want to pick up that version, but it was only released in Japan so you might need to look for a patch online.
