Daggers in Outward Definitive Edition offer a unique blend of high burst damage and quick attack speed, making them deadly in the right hands. Their true power comes from the skill Opportunist Stab, which deals six times more damage if the enemy is afflicted with Pain and Confusion. This guide ranks the top five daggers in the game based on their damage potential, utility, and unique abilities.

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5. Vampiric Dagger

Strengths:

• Life Leech: Heals 10% of damage dealt and 5% of Burnt Health.
• Physical Damage Focus: Scales well with armor that boosts physical damage.

Weaknesses:

• No elemental damage, making it less effective against heavily armored enemies.

Strategy Tip: Focus on boosting physical damage with armor like Zagus or Master Kazaite Armor for maximum healing efficiency.

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4. Manticore Dagger

Strengths:

• Extreme Poison: Effective against humans and Decay-weak enemies.
• Great for Caldera: Many enemies are weak to Decay.

Weaknesses:

• Struggles against enemies resistant to Decay.

Strategy Tip: Use in combination with a physical damage dagger for versatility.

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3. Zorn’s Glowstone Dagger

Strengths:

• Tunnel’s End Enchantment: Adds a lightning blast that deals 60% of base damage.
• Lightning Damage Focus: Effective against Decay-resistant enemies.

Weaknesses:

• Requires a New Sirocco enchant, making it harder to obtain.

Strategy Tip: Stack lightning damage or physical damage to maximize the lightning blast.

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2. Gilded Shiver of Tremontane

Strengths:

• Pure Ice Damage: Easy to buff with cool Boon and varnishes.
• Movement Debuffs: Inflicts Slow Down, Crippled, and Hampered.

Weaknesses:

• Hampered status is underwhelming as enemies can still attack.

Strategy Tip: Focus on enemies weak to Frost for maximum damage.

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1. Rondel Dagger

Strengths:

• Unsuspected Strength Enchantment: +150% physical damage.
• Reliable and Simple: No drawbacks, high damage.

Weaknesses:

• No elemental damage.

Strategy Tip: Use with Discipline Boon for massive burst damage.

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Conclusion

The versatility of daggers makes them a powerful offhand choice in Outward. While some, like the Manticore Dagger, excel at status effects, others, like the Rondel Dagger, focus purely on raw damage. Choosing the right dagger depends on your build, but mastering Opportunist Stab is key to unlocking their true potential.

Slash through your enemies with precision—embrace the power of daggers in Outward!