99 Nights in the Forest Melee Weapons Tier List (March 2026)
Surviving 99 nights in this terrifying Roblox wilderness demands more than just luck – it requires the right melee weapon to fend off cultists, wolves, and other forest threats. After extensive testing and analyzing every melee weapon’s performance against different enemies, I’ve compiled the definitive tier list that’ll transform your survival strategy from desperate scrambling to confident domination.
Whether you’re clutching the default Old Axe or hunting for the legendary Morning Star, understanding each weapon’s true potential means the difference between thriving and becoming another forest casualty. This comprehensive guide breaks down damage stats, acquisition methods, and combat strategies for every melee weapon currently available in 2026.
99 Nights in the Forest Melee Weapons Tier List (March 2026)
| Tier | Weapons | Why This Tier? |
|---|---|---|
| S | Morning Star (Mace) | Highest damage output, kills wolves in 2 hits |
| A | Spear, Katana | Excellent range and efficiency, 2-hit rabbit kills |
| B | Strong Axe | Solid mid-tier choice, balanced stats |
| C | Good Axe | Better than default, still underwhelming |
| D | Old Axe, Chainsaw | Replace immediately, poor combat performance |
All Melee Weapons in 99 Nights in the Forest – Detailed Analysis
S-Tier: The Ultimate Survivor’s Choice
Morning Star (Mace)
- Damage: Highest in game
- Hits to Kill: Rabbit (1), Wolf (2), Alpha Wolf (2)
- Attack Speed: Slow
- How to Obtain: Gold Chests only
- Rarity: Very Rare
The Morning Star reigns supreme as the undisputed king of melee combat. Despite its slower swing speed, the raw damage output makes every hit count. I’ve cleared entire cultist waves with this beast, and watching wolves drop in just two swings never gets old. The only downside? Finding one requires serious chest-hunting dedication.
A-Tier: The Reliable Workhorses
Spear
- Damage: High
- Hits to Kill: Rabbit (2), Wolf (4)
- Attack Speed: Fast
- How to Obtain: Common/Uncommon Chests, Pelt Trader
- Rarity: Common
My personal favorite for beginners and veterans alike. The Spear’s extended reach keeps you safely outside enemy attack range while dealing respectable damage. Its availability makes it the perfect upgrade from starter weapons, and I always recommend grabbing one ASAP.
Katana
- Damage: High (identical to Spear)
- Hits to Kill: Rabbit (2), Wolf (4)
- Attack Speed: Fast
- How to Obtain: Assassin Class exclusive
- Rarity: Class-locked
Functionally identical to the Spear but with style points. The Katana comes standard with the 500-Diamond Assassin class, making it a premium option. While it doesn’t outperform the Spear statistically, the unique animations and class synergies justify its A-tier placement.
B-Tier: The Dependable Middle Ground
Strong Axe
- Damage: Medium-High
- Hits to Kill: Rabbit (3), Wolf (4)
- Attack Speed: Medium
- How to Obtain: Chests, Pelt Trader
- Tree Chopping: 1 hit (normal), 35 hits (large)
The Strong Axe strikes a perfect balance between combat effectiveness and resource gathering. While not exceptional in battle, its dual-purpose nature makes it valuable throughout your survival journey. I often keep one as backup even after finding better combat weapons.
C-Tier: The Temporary Solutions
Good Axe
- Damage: Low-Medium
- Hits to Kill: Rabbit (4), Wolf (6)
- Attack Speed: Medium
- How to Obtain: Chests, Pelt Trader, Lumberjack starting weapon
- Tree Chopping: 5 hits (normal), cannot chop large trees
A marginal upgrade from the Old Axe that still leaves much to be desired. Lumberjack players start with this, giving them a slight early-game advantage. Replace it as soon as possible – those extra swings against wolves add up quickly when you’re surrounded.
D-Tier: The “Replace Immediately” Category
Old Axe
- Damage: Very Low
- Hits to Kill: Rabbit (5), Wolf (8)
- Attack Speed: Slow
- How to Obtain: Default starting weapon
- Tree Chopping: 13 hits (normal), cannot chop large trees
Everyone’s unfortunate starting companion. The Old Axe’s abysmal damage and sluggish speed make every encounter a risk. Your first priority should always be finding literally any other weapon.
Chainsaw
- Damage: Low
- Hits to Kill: Variable (rapid hits)
- Attack Speed: Very Fast
- How to Obtain: Ruby Chests only
- Tree Chopping: 2 hits (normal), 25 hits (large)
Paradoxically, this rare Ruby Chest weapon performs terribly in combat. While its tree-cutting efficiency is unmatched, the minimal damage and point-blank range requirement make it a death sentence against groups. Save it for lumberjacking, not fighting.
How to Get the Best Melee Weapons in 99 Nights in the Forest?
Chest Hunting Strategy
Understanding chest tiers dramatically improves your weapon acquisition odds:
- Common Chests: Old Axe, Good Axe, Spear
- Uncommon Chests: Good Axe, Spear, Strong Axe
- Rare Chests: Strong Axe, occasionally Morning Star
- Gold Chests: Morning Star (best chance)
- Ruby Chests: Chainsaw, Tactical Shotgun
Pro tip: Gold Chests spawn in fixed locations but require exploration. Check watchtowers, abandoned structures, and cultist strongholds (added in the April update).
Pelt Trader Exchanges
The wandering Pelt Trader offers guaranteed weapons for specific pelts:
- Rabbit Pelt: Good Axe
- Wolf Pelt: Spear or Strong Axe
- Bear Pelt: Strong Axe or better items
- Deer Pelt: Premium items (save for ranged weapons)
I always stockpile Wolf Pelts early – trading for a Spear beats chest RNG every time.
Class-Specific Options
Certain classes start with superior weapons:
- Assassin (500 Diamonds): Katana + 120 Kunai
- Lumberjack (150 Diamonds): Good Axe
- Brawler (New Class): Enhanced melee damage perks
Combat 2026 Strategies for Each Weapon Tier
S-Tier Combat (Morning Star)
- Strategy: Tank and spank – the damage justifies aggressive play
- Positioning: Get close, time your swings
- Best Against: Alpha Wolves, Cultist groups
- Weakness: Slow recovery between swings
A-Tier Combat (Spear/Katana)
- Strategy: Hit-and-run tactics utilizing superior reach
- Positioning: Maintain maximum weapon distance
- Best Against: Everything – versatile and reliable
- Weakness: Multiple fast enemies can overwhelm
B-Tier Combat (Strong Axe)
- Strategy: Careful positioning, avoid extended fights
- Positioning: Circle-strafe enemies
- Best Against: Isolated targets, resource gathering
- Weakness: Prolonged encounters drain resources
C/D-Tier Survival Tips
- Strategy: Avoid combat, focus on upgrading ASAP
- Positioning: Use terrain, campfire safety zones
- Best Against: Nothing – seriously, just run
- Priority: Find chests, trade pelts, get better weapons
Advanced Melee Combat Tips (March 2026)
Animation Canceling
Discovered through extensive testing: jumping immediately after a swing cancels recovery animation on most weapons. This technique transforms even mid-tier weapons into viable options.
Terrain Advantage
- High Ground: Increases effective reach
- Doorways: Funnel enemies for easier crowd control
- Campfire Proximity: Emergency retreat option
- Water: Slows enemies, easier kiting
Weapon Synergies with Classes
- Assassin + Katana: Movement speed bonuses enhance hit-and-run
- Ranger + Spear: Backup for ammo conservation
- Medic + Morning Star: Tank potential with self-healing
- Cook + Any: Food buffs offset slower weapons
2026 Meta Analysis & Recent Changes
The Strongholds update (April 7) introduced repeatable cultist raids with increased Gold Chest spawn rates. This shifted the meta toward Morning Star accessibility – dedicated farmers can now reliably obtain S-tier weapons.
The Furniture Update (July 11) added the Tool Workshop for crafting rare items, though melee weapons remain uncraftable. Focus your materials on defensive structures instead.
Weapon Upgrade Priority Guide
- Days 1-5: Replace Old Axe immediately
- Days 6-15: Secure Spear or Strong Axe minimum
- Days 16-30: Hunt Gold Chests for Morning Star
- Days 31+: Maintain weapon, focus on base defense
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hoarding the Wrong Pelts
Many players save Rabbit Pelts thinking they’re valuable – they’re not. Trade them early for Good Axes if desperate, but prioritize Wolf Pelt collection for Spear trades.
Ignoring Chest Locations
Random wandering wastes precious daylight. Learn fixed chest spawns and create efficient routes. The new Stronghold locations guarantee chest spawns post-raid.
Overvaluing the Chainsaw
Despite coming from Ruby Chests, the Chainsaw disappoints in combat. Keep it for resource gathering only – your survival depends on combat effectiveness, not tree-chopping speed.
Neglecting Weapon Range
New players often fight too close with Spears or too far with axes. Practice optimal engagement distances in safe areas before night falls.
FAQ’s
Which melee weapon should I prioritize as a beginner?
The Spear offers the best combination of availability, damage, and safety through its extended reach. Trade Wolf Pelts to the Pelt Trader for guaranteed acquisition rather than relying on chest RNG.
Is the Chainsaw really that bad for combat?
Yes, despite its Ruby Chest rarity, the Chainsaw’s minimal damage and point-blank range make it unsuitable for fighting. Its extremely fast attack speed can’t compensate for needing 15+ hits to kill basic enemies.
Can I craft melee weapons at higher Crafting Bench levels?
No, melee weapons cannot be crafted at any bench level. You must find them in chests, trade with the Pelt Trader, or start with class-specific weapons. The Tool Workshop added in July doesn’t change this.
What’s the difference between Katana and Spear besides appearance?
Functionally, they’re identical in damage, range, and speed. The Katana’s only distinctions are its Assassin class exclusivity and unique swing animations. Choose based on class availability, not performance.
Should I keep multiple melee weapons?
Generally no – inventory space is precious. Keep your best combat weapon and possibly a Strong Axe for efficient tree farming. Multiple combat weapons offer no advantage since you can’t dual-wield.
Do melee weapons degrade or break?
No, weapons in 99 Nights in the Forest have unlimited durability. Once you find a Morning Star or Spear, it’s yours forever (unless you die and drop it).
Which animals should I hunt with each weapon tier?
- S-Tier: Hunt everything aggressively, including Bears
- A-Tier: All animals efficiently, avoid large groups
- B-Tier: Focus on Rabbits and isolated Wolves
- C/D-Tier: Only Rabbits when absolutely necessary
How do weapon hitboxes actually work?
Each weapon has a cone-shaped hitbox extending from your character. The Spear/Katana have the longest reach, while Chainsaw barely extends beyond your model. Morning Star sits between them with a wider arc.
Final Thoughts
Mastering melee combat in 99 Nights in the Forest starts with understanding weapon tiers but extends far beyond simple rankings. The “best” weapon often depends on your playstyle, class choice, and current survival situation. While the Morning Star dominates raw damage charts, a skillfully wielded Spear can carry you through all 99 nights.
Remember: weapon acquisition is RNG-based, so adapt your strategy to what you find. That Gold Chest might contain your dream Morning Star, or you might trade pelts for a reliable Spear on Day 3. Either way, knowing each weapon’s strengths and limitations empowers you to make the best of any situation.
Stay alert, keep your weapon ready, and may your chests always contain S-tier loot. See you in the forest, survivors!
Want more 99 Nights in the Forest content? Check out our complete crafting guide for essential survival items, or browse our Roblox tier lists for more game rankings and strategies.