Highlights
- Kingdom Hearts offers a variety of unique Keyblades, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses for players to discover.
- Players can unlock powerful Keyblades by completing specific tasks or defeating challenging opponents throughout the game.
- Each Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts serves a specific purpose, catering to different playstyles and preferences for combat strategies.
Kingdom Hearts has many strong points. Being an action-based game, however, one of its strongest points is naturally its hack-and-slash style combat. In Kingdom Hearts 1, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and their various Disney companions battle the forces of darkness with a slew of powerful skills and stylish combos.
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Sora's weapon of choice, the Keyblade, comes in a variety of forms depending on the equipped keychain. Each one, gained at various points in Kingdom Hearts, comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While the first game in the series had fewer weapon options than subsequent titles, some still proved to be immensely powerful.
Updated on June 15, 2024, by Justin Flynn: In Kingdom Hearts, players gain control of an unusual weapon known as the Keyblade, and with most of series' entries now available on Steam, even more gamers can try their hand at being a Keyblade wielder. In Kingdom Hearts 1, Sora gains access to a variety of different Keyblades throughout his journey. Some are naturally unlocked while progressing the story, but others require a little more effort on the player's part. No matter how hard they are to get, each Keyblade comes with its own positives and negatives, with some being significantly better than others.
18 Kingdom Key
A Default Weapon That Can Be Replaced The Moment The Next Keyblade Is Unlocked
- Strength: +3
- MP: +0
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Approach Riku on the night that Heartless swarm the island.
Serving as Sora's default weapon in Kingdom Hearts 1, the Kingdom Key is one that is destined to be replaced the moment something else becomes available. Boasting a semi-decent +3 Strength, it proves to be especially useful during the early segments of the game, but that's mainly because it's the player's only option until they reach and complete Tarzan's Deep Jungle World.
Considering how this is the first Keyblade Sora gains access to, it makes sense why it doesn't offer the best stats. For those hoping to acquire the Unchanging Armor trophy/achievement, however, this weapon must remain equipped from the moment it is unlocked until the final boss of Kingdom Hearts 1 has been defeated. Aside from that, players can feel free to replace it the moment they acquire the Jungle King.
17 Jungle King
Offers A Useful Strength Boost That Players Can Rely On During The Early Game
- Strength: +5
- MP: +0
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Seal the Keyhole in Deep Jungle
The Jungle King will be the second Keyblade players unlock during their Kingdom Hearts 1 playthrough. As such, it offers slightly more Strength than the Kingdom Key to reward gamers for the progress they have made. Unlocked after sealing the Keyhole in Deep Jungle, the Jungle King serves as a great weapon for Sora to rely on until he reaches Agrabah and unlocks the Three Wishes Keyblade.
One downside to the Jungle King is that it lessens the likelihood of Sora dealing critical hits. Though this may sound like a pretty significant drawback, the weapon's +5 Strength is more than able to make up the difference.
16 Three Wishes
A Good Early Game Weapon That Increases Sora's Chance Of Dealing Critical Hits
- Strength: +6
- MP: +1
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Seal the Keyhole in Agrabah
Sora obtains the Three Wishes Keyblade after he defeats Genie Jafar in Agrabah. It's the third Keyblade he obtains on his quest to find Kairi, so its stats are understandably low. That said, it is the best Keyblade available at this point in the game.
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The Three Wishes Keyblade has a 20% chance to deal a critical hit, just like the Kingdom Key. However, it is superior to Sora's default weapon thanks to its +6 Strength. It's a great Keyblade to obtain during th game, but it's destined to be replaced eventually.
15 Wishing Star
A Handy Tool That Always Deals Critical Finishers
- Strength: +5
- MP: +0
- Length: Short
- How to Unlock: Found inside a chest in Gepetto's House.
The Wishing Star Keyblade can be found in a chest in Geppetto's House after completing the story in Monstro. Unlike most Keyblades in Kingdom Hearts 1, obtaining this one is completely optional, but it can be a big help for later worlds.
Though its +5 Strength seems like a downgrade at first, the Wishing Star Keyblade is always guaranteed to deal a powerful critical attack during its finishers. This ability makes it an extremely helpful weapon to own, especially when Sora is struggling to deal damage to his opponents.
14 One-Winged Angel
A Relatively Strong Weapon That Sacrifices A Lot Of MP
- Strength: +8
- MP: -2
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Complete the Platinum Match in Olympus Coliseum
To obtain the One-Winged Angel Keyblade, Sora must enter the Platinum Match at the Olympus Coliseum and defeat Final Fantasy 7's Sephiroth. Since obtaining it requires Sora to defeat one of the game's most challenging super bosses, most players will assume the One-Winged Angel to be the best Keyblade in all of Kingdom Hearts 1, but sadly, it falls slightly short of the mark.
The One-Winged Angel boasts an impressive +8 Strength, but its -2 Magic is a huge issue. If it was introduced earlier in the story, the player might have gotten some use out of it, but sadly, it will hold little benefit by the time it is unlocked. Though it may not be the best Keyblade in the game, it certainly is one of the coolest.
13 Crabclaw
A Satisfying Weapon For Those Who Mix Melee And Magic
- Strength: +6
- MP: +1
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Seal the Keyhole in Atlantica
For many, Atlantica is a low point in the Kingdom Hearts journey. It's confusing, annoying, and one of the more frustrating "water levels" found in an RPG. But those who stick around through the level and eventually lock the Atlantica Keyhole will be rewarded with the Crabclaw, a keyblade that's perfect for players who like a mixture of magic and physical attacking sprinkled throughout their combat.
The Crabclaw will raise players' max MP by one, strengthen their magical and summon spells, and also provide a decent boost to physical attacks. Those that sling spells while simultaneously getting up close and personal with their enemies will want to add this Keyblade to their collection.
12 Fairy Harp
A Powerful Weapon That's Let Down By Its Size
- Strength: +8
- MP: +1
- Length: Short
- How to Unlock: Seal the Keyhole in Neverland.
Though Sora wasn't able to rescue Kairi during his visit to Neverland, he did manage to obtain one of the most charming Keyblades in the series, the Fairy Harp. The Neverland Keyhole needs to be sealed for Sora to get the Fairy Harp. Though it can be challenging to do so, it's worth it in the long run thanks to the Keyblade's unique powers.
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The Fairy Harp may not have the best reach, but it makes up for this shortcoming with its impressive +8 Strength. It can deal critical hits and can even enhance Sora's magic and summon power. It's a very good Keyblade to get before journeying to Hollow Bastion, and it will likely become the player's primary weapon until they come across something better.
11 Lady Luck
A Good Option For Those Who Rely Heavily On Magic
- Strength: +7
- MP: +2
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Interact with the White Trinity in Wonderland's Lotus Forest.
The Lady Luck Keyblade shares its theme with the Queen of Hearts in Wonderland. As such, players can find it after activating the White Trinity in Wonderland's Lotus Forest. It has a decent amount of strength, but it shines even more as a magic-based weapon.
Since it raises MP by two gauges, Sora can cast even more magic without worrying about depleting it too quickly. Players should consider this weapon when entering a battle that requires a lot of spell use, such as the Phantom in Neverland.
10 Pumpkinhead
A Semi-Strong Keyblade With Great Reach
- Strength: +7
- MP: +0
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Seal the Keyhole in Halloween Town.
Many players will fondly remember their first trip to Halloween Town and the ensuing journey that has them battling against the dastardly Oogie Boogie with the help of Jack. Those that manage to make it through all of the pitfalls found in the area and successfully lock the Keyhole here will be rewarded with Pumpkinhead, a Keyblade with a sleek black design and a wrought-iron style.
The Pumpkinhead will make short work of enemies thanks to its ability to string together critical hits, as well as its impressively long reach that will keep players safe from harm while still allowing them to do some serious damage.
9 Metal Chocobo
A Lengthy Weapon That Sacrifices MP For Raw Power
- Strength: +9
- MP: -1
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Beat Cloud in the Hercules Cup at Olympus Coliseum
The Metal Chocobo serves as a direct reference to Final Fantasy 7. It closely resembles Cloud's Buster Sword, which explains why Sora obtains it after defeating Cloud in Olympus Coliseum's Hercules Cup. It has great power and reach, granting +9 to Sora's Strength. However, it also depletes Sora's MP by one bar and hardly ever deals critical hits.
This Keyblade is meant primarily for dealing raw physical damage with wide, hefty swings. Most of the combat in the first game focuses on this anyway, so it still makes for a useful weapon.
8 Olympia
An Ideal Choice For Those Who Like Dealing Crit Damage
- Strength: +10
- MP: +0
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Found in a chest in the Lobby after completing the Phil, Pegasus, and Hercules Cups in Olympus Coliseum.
Despite being one Strength point weaker than Metal Chocobo, Olympia has the potential to be much stronger. It has a thirty percent chance of dealing powerful critical hits when finishing a combo. Not only that, but it is also easier to counterattack with this weapon after blocking incoming attacks.
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This Keyblade becomes available after beating the Phil, Pegasus, and Hercules Cups in Olympus Coliseum. Overall, it is a solid choice with well-rounded stats.
7 Spellbinder
A Magic-Oriented Weapon That Enhances The Power Of Spells And Summons
- Strength: +4
- MP: +2
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Speak to Merlin in Traverse Town after unlocking the base version of every spell.
Players who find themselves using magic and summons often will definitely want to pursue Spellbinder as early as possible. The Keyblade is rewarded by Merlin after Sora has learned all seven level-one magic spells.
Players will know they've unlocked the spells after Sora playfully remarks that his magic is getting as good as Donald's, which will lead to Goofy suggesting he speak to Merlin. Merlin can be found in Traverse Town in the Magician's Study. The Spellbinder will raise a player's MP by 2 and offers a significant boost to the power of any magical spells or summon abilities.
6 Oathkeeper
A Reliable Weapon To Use Before Unlocking Oblivion
- Strength: +9
- MP: +1
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Speak to Kairi in Traverse Town's Secret Waterway after the first visit to Hollow Bastion.
After rescuing Kairi from Hollow Bastion, Sora and his friends return to Traverse Town. There, Kairi gives Sora her lucky charm and makes him promise to return it. This charm becomes Oathkeeper, a powerful Keyblade in its own right.
This brilliant weapon represents the strength of Sora's bond with Kairi. It raises MP by 1 gauge and boosts the power of magic and summons. It also has a very high chance of landing critical hits, giving it great offensive potential.
5 Divine Rose
A Staggeringly Powerful Yet Disappointingly Small Keyblade
- Strength: +13
- MP: +0
- Length: Short
- How to Unlock: Speak to Belle in the Hollow Bastion Library during the second vist.
While a Beauty and the Beast world doesn't exist in the first game, two of its characters make an appearance. These are, of course, Belle and Beast, both of whom show up in Hollow Bastion.
After returning to seal Hollow Bastion's Keyhole, Sora can find Belle in the library. Upon talking with her, the protagonist will obtain the Divine Rose Keyblade. It has a shorter reach than most other weapons; however, its speed, power, and critical hit capabilities more than make up for that.
4 Lionheart
A Strong Tool That Boosts Magic And Summon Power
- Strength: +10
- MP: +1
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Beat Leon and Cloud during the Hades Cup in Olympus Coliseum.
The Lionheart is another Keyblade that can be obtained in Olympus Coliseum. This time, Sora and the others must face Leon and Cloud simultaneously. Both are powerful opponents, but this Keyblade is well worth the struggle.
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Its attack power equals Metal Chocobo, and its reach is just as great. It also raises MP by one and boosts magic and summon power. Essentially, it is a longer, stronger Oathkeeper. If players don't mind the drop in critical hit chances, they should definitely look to equip this once they get their hands on it.
3 Diamond Dust
The Best Weapon For Magic-Users
- Strength: +3
- MP: +3
- Length: Medium
- How to Unlock: Complete the Gold Match in Olympus Coliseum.
The Diamond Dust Keyblade, introduced in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, is arguably the best Keyblade available for magic-users. Like the Lionheart Keyblade, it enhances Sora's magic and summon power, but it does so much more effectively. To obtain it, Sora must conquer the Gold Match in Olympus Coliseum.
Though its stats are quite low considering the effort it takes to unlock, equipping it grants Sora three additional MP slots. These slots can be a great help for Kingdom Hearts 1's more challenging battles, so the player should make use of this weapon when the time calls for it. Defeating the Phantom in Neverland requires Sora to cast spells constantly; the Diamond Dust will allow him to cast more.
2 Oblivion
An Incredibly Strong Weapon That Sacrifices MP
- Strength: +11
- MP: -1
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Found in a chest in Hollow Bastion's Grand Hall.
While the Oathkeeper Keyblade represents Kairi, as well as light, the Oblivion Keyblade represents Riku and darkness. The two often pair together, most notably when carried by Roxas. This Keyblade lies in a chest found outside Hollow Bastion's Keyhole in the Grand Hall.
It isn't obtainable until the second visit to Hollow Bastion, but it instantly proves itself to be a powerful weapon. It focuses everything into physical attack power, granting Sora +11 Strength and powerful critical hits. It also reduces MP by 1, but players geared toward pure offense probably won't mind.
1 Ultima Weapon
The Most Poweful Keyblade In The Game
- Strength: +14
- MP: +2
- Length: Long
- How to Unlock: Item Synthesis
With a name like "Ultima Weapon," this Keyblade was bound to be the most powerful in the game. Not only does it have the highest Strength stat at +14, but it also has incredible reach and speed. It raises Sora's MP by two gauges and deals hefty critical hits very often.
Unlike the other weapons, Sora will need to create this Keyblade in the Traverse Town Synthesis Shop. The ingredients can be hard to come by, so players should make sure to search the corners of every world to obtain this almighty weapon.
Kingdom Hearts
- Platform(s)
- PS2
- Released
- September 17, 2002
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
