History Main / WeaponOfChoice

* WeaponSpecialization: A character's preferred weapon makes them stand out or tells you something about them.

* WeaponSpecialization: A character's preferred weapon makes them stand out.

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[[quoteright:350:[[WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2003 https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/labeled_tmnt2_sm_9164.png]]]]

->''"Don't be shocked by the tone of my voice\\
Check out my new weapon – my Weapon of Choice."''
-->-- '''Bootsy Collins'''' vocal from '''Music/FatboySlim''''s "Weapon of Choice"

This is similar to PersonalityPowers, but with weapons. Basically, in various works of fiction, characters tend to possess weapons that are either a direct reflection of their personality or the traits commonly deemed to their character type.

This is why you don't see ogres with rapiers or ninjas with clubs. The martial arts allow this trope to survive as PastimesProvePersonality.

* '''[[AnchorsAway Anchors]]''': A favored weapon for sailors and pirates. These come in two flavors: either swung from a chain, or used as a heavy bludgeoning weapon with a cool shape. SuperStrength is required if they're of realistic weight.
* '''[[AttackAnimal Animals and Monsters]]''': Used by TheBeastmaster and the NatureHero, this includes both real and fictional animals as well as other beings with similar intelligence that can't really be classified as animals (like a BlobMonster or an {{Elemental|Embodiment}}). [[AngryGuardDog Dogs]], [[CatsAreMean cats]], [[FeatheredFiend birds]], [[ReptilesAreAbhorrent snakes]] and [[ManiacMonkeys monkeys]] seem to be the most common animals used as weapons. [[AnimalStereotypes The user's personality might also be reflected on their animal of choice]]. Good guys tend to train their animals through traditional, non-violent methods whereas bad guys usually use some sort of MindControlDevice, spell or just plain ol' abuse. Scary animals and monsters are generally used by villains, who may also sport whips. In some cases, [[TheBrute brutes]] and [[AxCrazy madmen]] would [[GrievousHarmWithABody club the others with animals]].
* '''[[BladeBelowTheShoulder Arm-attached Blades]]''': For assassins and other stealthy killers, or just AxCrazy types, who prefer to have a weapon that's always ready for use, instead of wasting time drawing a handgun, knife or whatever. Most of the time, those are retractable, usually through the power of thought. Robots are also popularly equipped with those, and can justify the retractability much better.
* '''[[AnAxeToGrind Axes]]''': {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s tend to get axes. The most prominent [[Main/TropeCodifier Trope Codifiers]] for this are probably [[Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium Tolkien's]] [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarves]], one of the most prominent fictional examples of the proud warrior race, and historical [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge Vikings]], notably the [[CadreOfForeignBodyguards Varangian Guard]] who ae reliably depicted as wielding the 'Daneaxe'. (Tolkein took substantial inspiration from Vikings in writing his dwarves, of course.) A favorite of the AxCrazy alongside with knives. Also a favourite of the big guy who doesn't have a club or hammer (see below), in which case it will be a simple, enormous, two-handed, double-bitted affair. TheBerserker (who could be seen as the intersection between the preceding tropes) often favors axes, often combining AnAxeToGrind with DualWielding. It also tends to find its way into the hands of [[NatureHero Rangers or other wilderness 'hunter' or woodsman]] style characters, who use a hatchet both as a weapon and to chop wood. Or [[Webcomic/AxeCop policemen]].
* '''[[BatterUp Baseball Bats]]'''/'''[[PipePain Lead Pipes]]''' -- The preferred weapons of street fighters and urban brawlers from [[{{Gangsterland}} bad neighborhoods]], especially in the US. (Cricket bats may also be used, but this is more likely to be played for laughs or be [[NerfArm ineffectual]], unless of course the setting is the UK or Australia). Is often something of a throwback to the image of a big angry guy with a club coming towards you. Also tends to be the weapon of choice when someone is caught in a surprise emergency (such as an armed burglary or a ZombieApocalypse) and has to grab the closest thing to them they can use as a weapon. Thus it can suggest either brutal, simple, unsophisticated violence or the desperation of someone clutching one in a time of crisis.
* '''[[BlowGun Blowguns]]''': Usually a weapon of choice of tribesmen, though ninjas have also been known to use them.
* '''[[BadWithTheBone Bones]]''': If there's an absolute need to give zombies or skeletons any sort of weapon, then it's only natural that they would use the harder, non-rotten parts of their bodies ([[BottomlessMagazines and they will never run out of them]]). If the bones in question are used as a melee weapon, then it will always be a StockFemurBone, with smaller bones being [[BallisticBone thrown as projectiles]]. Assuming there's no undead involved, bone clubs can still show up as weapons for tribal warriors or cavemen, in which case they tend to come from larger animals like dinosaurs.
* '''[[BattleBoomerang Boomerangs]]''': This iconic Australian weapon seems to be favored by primitive characters, probably because of its aboriginal origins and the fact that Australia is often seen as an overall [[LandDownUnder wild place]]. Characters that use boomerangs also tend to be tricky, taking advantage of the boomerang's trademark ability to return after being thrown in order to hit someone from behind. Some particularly skilled boomerang users can even pull off some [[PrecisionGuidedBoomerang impossibly complex trajectories]]. For this reason, boomerangs also have a slight association with MindOverMatter - a telekinetic user [[JustifiedTrope justifies]] the ability to perform impossible trick shots.
** '''[[RingsOfDeath Chakrams and other ring-shaped weapons]]''': Those tend to be razor-sharp and can be used either as a projectile ([[BoomerangComeback sometimes with boomerang-like returning physics]]) or for melee. Most often used by flashy and/or exotic assassins, who essentially treat those things as portable buzzsaws that can be used at both close and long range.
* '''[[ArcherArchetype Bows]]''': Characters with composed personalities are archers. This again has roots in Tolkien, where the elves typically were depicted as being able to stay composed even in extreme duress. If the archer is a NatureHero, they're more likely to be a ForestRanger. TheChick is just as likely to get a bow since archery has been a popular feminine sport since the Middle Ages. This lets [[GuysSmashGirlsShoot girls fight]] without getting [[WouldntHitAGirl too close to the action.]] The Sniper Rifle and other firearms can be modern day equivalents although [[TheStraightAndArrowPath Bows can still be seen.]]
** '''[[AutomaticCrossbows Crossbows]]''': A favored weapon of a HunterOfMonsters, particularly [[VampireHunter vampire]] and [[DemonSlaying demon hunters]]. As opposed to their more classical counterparts, crossbows are not as strongly associated with elves and composed personalities and they exude a kind of professional air that ordinary bows don't; this might have something to do with the way they're used, [[FantasyGunControl being the closest you'll get to guns in most medieval settings]], and how they're much easier to conceal due to the smaller size. In addition, unlike bows, they tend to free up a hand, for some sort of melee weapon. Regardless, anyone who totes one of these babies around is most likely going to be some variety of badass. Occasionally, due to their ease of use compared to a standard bow, you may also see a noble using one of these. Also the favored ranged weapon of [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarves]], being more metallic and technological than bows. In Chinese and Chinese-influenced fiction, crossbows are instead associated with TheSmartGuy, and specifically with the [[ArchetypalCharacter Archetypal Smart Guy]] Zhuge Liang (who [[UrbanLegend allegedly]] invented AutomaticCrossbows).
* '''[[ChainPain Chains]]''': You know you're dealing with a bad enough dude(tte) when they start swinging around chains at you. Bonus points if the chains are also [[ChainedByFashion part of the character's outfit]], possibly indicating a past as a prisoner or slave. Extra bonus points if they're a BadassBiker too.
* '''{{Chainsaw|Good}}s''': Chainsaws are a very intimidating weapon usually only wielded by those who are ''truly'' AxCrazy. But certain heroes have also made use of them, particularly [[ZombieApocalypseHero those who fight zombies]], demons and other nasties - if you're fighting something frightful, sometimes you need a weapon that roars and bites back.
* '''[[ArsenalAttire Clothes and accessories]]''': For practical fighters who always have their weapons ready (because they're literally wearing them). Often a PoweredArmor.
** '''[[ClothingCombat Actual cloth]]''': Expect the character to be TheFashionista or some sort of exotic dancer that utilizes large pieces of cloth in their performance routine.
** '''[[CombatHaircomb Haircombs]]''': For female assassins and spies, especially those who frequently hang out in social gatherings, hiding the weapon in plain sight as a cute accessory.
** '''[[WeaponizedHeadgear Hats and Helmets]]''': Usually comes in three variations: [[UseYourHead headbutting]] helmets, thrown boomerang hats or a headpiece with a gun equipped. The first one is going to be used by a brutish character (bringing the particular imagery of a bull) while the second one by a stylish killer a la [[Franchise/JamesBond Oddjob]]. The third is in the domain of the GadgeteerGenius.
* '''[[CarryABigStick Clubs]][=/=][[DropTheHammer Hammers]]''': [[BoisterousBruiser Big and brash]] characters, like a giant SmashMook or TheBigGuy, just need the bluntest weapon they can muster: A giant club, mallet, or mace. [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarves]] tend to like hammers, too; probably because they like forging so much. Size for size, hammers are heavier, slower, and harder hitting than axes. Smaller, more manageable versions are sometimes favored by paladins and priests; ''Dungeons and Dragons'' popularized this to the point where virtually all fantasy clergy are depicted with blunt weapons. Very large, possibly comically oversized warhammers are also favored by a number of CuteBruiser types in roleplaying video games. If a hammer is a mundane utility hammer, then the wielder is almost always AxCrazy. [[SavageSpikedWeapons Spiked maceheads are also very common for more violent characters to emphasize their brutality]].
* '''[[HooksAndCrooks Curved Weapons]]''': Hooks, sickles and other such things tend to belong to [[PsychoForHire psychos for hire]] and similar characters. The same is true for weapons that are notably serrated.
* '''[[ThisIsADrill Drills]]''': Similar to the above, though with some different connotations. A drill's ability to bore through obstacles may reflect [[{{Determinator}} its wielder's determination]], or may be something altogether more Freudian. Also makes an effective terror weapon for the same reasons, or due to invoking memories of the dentist's chair. There are two types of them. Triangular drill is often used by strong brutes while utility drills are used by AxCrazy people. A staple of the SuperRobotGenre, in which it is often the domain of HotBlooded or BoisterousBruiser heroes. The mechs may sometimes have a drill ''as'' an appendage, or convert an appendage between a drill and a hand.
* '''[[ElementalWeapon Elemental Weapons]]''': Combines this with ElementalPowers. A FlamingSword, for example, will normally be wielded by a HotBlooded, [[HeroesPreferSwords heroic]] character.
** '''PoisonedWeapons''': Almost exclusively used by villains and {{Combat Pragmatist}}s as it tends to be considered a form of cheating. Weapons most likely to be poisoned are daggers and arrows, and they might even have [[PoisonIsCorrosive corrosive properties]] too.
** '''[[AcidAttack Acid]]''': Acid users have two characterisations; they can either be a GuileHero or a CombatPragmatist who uses acid to outsmart their opponents by strategically using it to dissolve structures, robots, and armour. If the user is a villain (human or otherwise), then they sadistically use acid [[HollywoodAcid to disfigure people, dissolve their victim alive]] or [[DisposingOfABody they use acid to cover up their crimes]]. Acid is mainly used as a projectile weapon; for humans, acid comes in the [[ThrowDownTheBomblet form of bombs or breakable vials]]. For non-humans, it's a biological attack that either [[Franchise/{{Alien}} comes from their blood]] or [[ZombiePukeAttack comes out as puke]].
* '''[[CombatHandFan Fans]]''': A favorite of graceful warriors such as [[{{Ambadassador}} courtiers]] and [[LadyOfWar onna-bugeisha]] in Japanese settings. Usually bladed or iron banded.
** '''[[PaperFanOfDoom Paper Fans]]''': Rarely a character's WeaponOfChoice, as they're principally used in slapstick, not combat. When they are, they're frequently used by TheIdiotFromOsaka, or for UnprovokedPervertPayback. However, [[NerfArm they may be used to fight, anyway.]]
* '''[[BareFistedMonk Fists]]''': Any person, [[HeroesFightBarehanded sometimes the hero]], who carries no weapon when everybody around him is carrying one is either cocky enough to ''believe'' that he doesn't need a weapon, or highly-skilled enough to ''know'' that he doesn't need a weapon. The two are generally completely opposite in characterization, with the cocky version generally being a braggart and a bit of an ass, and the other being contemplative and spiritual to the point of being a MartialPacifist or a WarriorTherapist. Or they're just a TechnicalPacifist, this might even include [[{{Superhero}} superheroes]] with a [[ThouShallNotKill no-kill policy]]. Bonus points if they have SuperStrength. Be warned, however, that the latter level of expertise may also contain the ArrogantKungFuGuy, who really ''is'' as good as he brags about. However, some others...
** '''[[PowerFist Gauntlets and Such]]''' ...compromise with practicality. Though some have [[RedRightHand little choice in the matter]]. Alternatively, a weapon for massive [[TheBigGuy bruisers]], in which case they're another kind of '''[[DropTheHammer Hammer]]''' and signify a direct, brute-force attitude.
** '''[[WolverineClaws Claws]]''': Those refer to gloves equipped with sharp, metal claws. This one appears to be a favorite of {{Fragile Speedster}}s of all kinds as well as more [[CombatPragmatist pragmatic]] martial artists.
** '''[[ArmedLegs Greaves]]''': These are fighters from a martial tradition (almost exclusively Asian) who are nonetheless using "greaves," the metal shin guards worn by European knights. Such fighters use their feet as their primary attack options: what would be the point of wearing metal boots if you intended to punch someone? Technically, gauntlets and greaves are armor, not weapons... But [[CombatPragmatist since when has that stopped anyone]]?
** '''{{Natural Weapon}}s''': Some characters have something better than fists. Claws, tails, talons, and so forth. These weapons imply a character is feral and savage, almost more animal than man... after all, if they weren't, they'd pick up a weapon and kill each other like civilized people.
* '''[[EpicFlail Flails and other chain weapons]]''': Halfway between a whip and a bludgeon, a big spiked ball on a chain can make for an intimidating weapon. As such, they tend to be wielded by equally intimidating [[TheBrute brutes]] and other scary characters. Flails tend to be wielded by the fearless and/or the particularly skilled, because a mistake can easily see the weapon hurting the wielder. Many more varieties of chain weapons exist in the east; [[FightingWithChucks nunchaku]], kusari-gama, multi-sectional staves and the like. These are wielded by showy martial artists demonstrating their prowess, evil martial artists hoping to confuse the nice guy with a scary foreign weapon, or by HighlyVisibleNinja who should know better.
** '''[[KillerYoYo Yo-yos]]''': The quirkier and often more accurate/precise cousin to the Flail, created by adding a [[SpectacularSpinning spin]] to the weapon, bonus points if the yo-yo deploys a [[ChainsawGood saw blade or other cutting device]] mid-trajectory. Yo-yos frequently have the benefit in fiction of always returning to the user, regardless of the trajectory it took. Yo-yos are often wielded as a more unique alternative to the traditional Flail, or as an ImprovisedWeapon in the hands of a child (i.e. Ness from Earthbound).
** '''[[FightingWithChucks Nunchucks/Nunchaku]]''': A sign of a martial arts expert, especially the BruceLeeClone. For some reason, it is also associated with {{Ninja}}, despite being a weapon that's very ill-suited for the quick, stealthy kills that shinobi would want to pull off.
* '''[[ImpossiblyCoolWeapon Fundamentally Absurd Weapons]]''': Often a game will have a weapon that makes the aforementioned anchors look simple and logical. These objects almost always appeal to the RuleOfCool, and are ridiculously overpowered. [[InfinityPlusOneSword Napalm Chainsaw-Nunchuck-Missile-shooting Double Gunswords]], anyone?
* '''Gadgets:''' Often the domain of the GadgeteerGenius, TheSmartGuy, and the ScienceHero. Characters who rely on gizmos and technology tend to be smart and are usually young, rarely exceeding middle aged. Bonus points if these gadgets are HomemadeInventions. May manifest as a ShoePhone if in the hands of spies.
* '''[[TheGunslinger Guns]]''': [[FantasyGunControl In a setting where guns are rare]], they will be mostly the province of TheSmartGuy. Works that paint such weapons as dishonorable, such as many old style martial arts movies, will often give them to the bad guys. In settings where they are more common, they take the place of swords, with the largest going to the hero and [[RareGuns the most distinctive]] going to the badass. In any case, the protagonists are invariably [[ImprobableAimingSkills impossibly good shots]], while the {{Mooks}} [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy suck]]. When guns aren't so rare, the type of gun often is a shorthand for the type of user, leading to GoodGunsBadGuns in the West. The big list of GunsAndGunplayTropes details more ways how the heat a character packs tells the audience who they are.
** '''{{Handguns}}''': The trusty handgun is a favorite of [[TheGunslinger Gunslingers]] of all stripes. If the setting is one in which everyone uses firearms, TheHero and the BigBad are the most likely to use these. Any badass who uses a pistol will double up for some kickass GunsAkimbo. Unless it's a Western, or the character needs their other hand for something.
*** '''[[HandCannon Hand Cannons]]''': High recoil big frame handguns chambered for magnum pistol or rifle cartridges, Hand Cannons are much more powerful than ordinary pistols and the weapon of choice for ''Film/DirtyHarry'' type characters.
*** '''[[RevolversAreJustBetter Revolvers]]''': The favored weapon of {{Cowboy}}s, typically found in a [[TheWildWest Wild West]] setting.
** '''[[ShotgunsAreJustBetter Shotguns]]''': [[ShortRangeShotgun They're close enough to punch]], but you'd rather blow a hole right through them. The AntiHero, TheDragon, and the ZombieApocalypseHero will invariably carry around a 12-gauge (often of the [[SawedOffShotgun sawed-off variety]]).
** '''[[SniperRifle Rifles]]''': Death from a distance. A favorite of the ColdSniper and other people looking to reach out and score a [[BoomHeadshot head shot]]. More badass [[ElitesAreMoreGlamorous elite types]] such as Special Forces or [[ItsRainingMen Paratroopers]] might have a shortened [[AceCustom carbine]] with a collapsible or folding stock and [[GunAccessories a few choice optics and accessories]].
** '''[[MoreDakka Automatics]]''': If it's not a war movie, then any sort of automatic weapon will be carried by the {{Mooks}}, due to their ubiquitousness and lack of [[RuleOfCool style]]. (Semi-automatics will be the standard if technology is up to it, and will usually have [[BottomlessMagazines impossibly large magazines]].) The exceptions are Uzis and other sub-machine guns, which may be given to the badass (especially if they're [[GunsAkimbo dual-wielded]]), and the...
** '''[[GatlingGood Gatling Gun]]''': A huge minigun is the favorite weapon of TheBigGuy, as well as some particularly intimidating [[TheDragon Dragons]].
** '''[[{{BFG}} Explosives and other Big Weapons]]''': Any sort of oversized gun, including rocket and {{Grenade Launcher}}s, may find similar use in the hands of TheBigGuy.
** '''[[FireBreathingWeapon Flamethrowers]]''': Are a favorite of the PyroManiac.
** '''RayGun''': Also known as "blasters", those guns that fire rays, light, waves and other shiny stuff are a common element of ScienceFiction works (especially those set in outer space, where the bright plasma contrasts well with the mostly black background), effectively replacing traditional, gunpowder-based guns. In contemporary settings where they are more uncommon, one can find them in the hands of dangerous, superintelligent characters such as [[MadScientist mad scientists]] or [[AlienInvasion hostile alien invaders]].
** '''[[MagneticWeapons Railguns]]''': Railguns, Coilguns and any forms of Mass Drivers are normally the weapon of choice when you want a compromise between Sci-Fi and Bullets, firing a high velocity, non-laser projectile in a suitably futuristic style.
* '''Knives''': Generally, knife-wielders come in three flavors. There's the PsychoKnifeNut, an AxCrazy character who loves to stab people to death. They may love knives for their ability to either kill quickly and viciously, or slowly and painfully depending on how they're used; alternatively, it could simply be the fact that most people have several sharp knives in their kitchen, making them a very easily accessible murder weapon once their SanitySlippage reaches that point. Knives are also [[DeviousDaggers the favorite weapon of sneaky and deceitful characters]] such as thieves, assassins, spies, and {{ninja}}. Their small size makes them easy to conceal, and thus an ideal weapon for stabbing someone InTheBack. It also makes them lightweight, letting their wielder move around agilely and unencumbered both in and out of combat. Lastly, there's the rugged survivalist, likely the nicest and most honorable of the bunch, who loves their knife not just as a weapon, but as a versatile tool: they'll use their blade to cut away plants, carve wood, skin animals, prepare meals, and much more. That said, some overlap probably exists between all three categories. A recurring pattern is for knife-wielders to be {{Combat Pragmatist}}s who use sneaky and underhanded moves to compensate for their weapon's short reach; in gaming, the character will likely be a FragileSpeedster, StealthExpert, and/or CriticalHitClass.
** '''[[KukrisAreKool Kukris]]''': Despite being fundamentally similar to machetes in many ways, they're more often seen in the hands of more straightforwardly heroic characters like the AdventurerArchaeologist or modern incarnations of the ForestRanger. Also [[UsefulNotes/NepaliWithNastyKnives Gurkhas]], obviously, and characters in [[UsefulNotes/AussiesWithArtillery the Australian Army]], who issue them as standard for jungle warfare.
** '''[[MacheteMayhem Machetes]]''': The machete and related blades are used by characters who live wild, or have wild, untamed natures, calling back to its use in the wilderness. Usually used by an AntiHero, or an AxCrazy psycho killer. However, they can be used by anyone in a jungle setting, when used as a tool.
** '''{{Sai|Guy}}''': Used by ninja or characters who are ninja-like. Often treated like exotic daggers despite being more of a disarming tool. They do look very cool though, which is why characters that wield them tend to be badass.
** '''[[SinisterSwitchblade Switchblades]]''': Folding blades, especially ones that open with a flick of a button, are wielded by petty crooks. The short and relatively fragile nature of the knives also make it likely that the wielder is going after someone unarmed or held up by said wielder's "associates."
** '''[[KnifeThrowingAct Throwing Knives]]''': If a character specializes in throwing knives, he's probably either very flashy (a la the circus knife thrower) or extremely subtle, with weapons hidden all over his body.
* '''{{Magic Wand}}s''': Not so much a weapon for "beating them over the head" but rather "[[SquishyWizard blow them up with a bigger fireball]]." More of a favorite with wizards, witches and such than the staff, but they often [[MagicStaff combine them]] for the best of both worlds. Not necessarily always a wand, this covers any object used for spellcasting.
** '''{{Spell Book}}s''': Wizards who carry spell books tend to [[TheSmartGuy look intellectual and scholarly]]. They can range from dorky apprentices who are still getting used to basic spells to older, wise wizards who probably write their own books (usually, the larger and thicker the book is, the better). Also, a common BigBad tool. ThrowTheBookAtThem is a rare tactic, but can still show up if the RuleOfFunny is in play.
* '''[[PowerfulPick Pickaxes]]''': Used exclusively by miners and other people that work in a digging business (like farmers). Despite the presence of the word "axe", they tend to be wielded more like hammers thanks to their shape and weight.
* '''[[TorchesAndPitchforks Pitchforks]]''': The official weapon of the unruly mob, this is normally used by a farmer or small-town folk defending his home. Shotguns and hunting rifles can also fill this niche in a modern setting. You may also see some [[BigRedDevil traditionalist]] [[OurDemonsAreDifferent infernals]] wielding pitchforks to prod the damned with.
* '''[[BladeOnAStick Polearms]]''': Usually, a polearm - such as a poleaxe, spear, halberd, or any other weapon that's a long stick with something sharp and metal on one end - is the province of hapless {{Mooks}}: city guardsman, honor guard, and so on. Anyone who needs something long to cross over a portal to prevent someone from entering will use a polearm. When not in the hands of mooks, they are the weapon of choice for calm collected individuals, while plain spears are also standard issue for the NobleSavage. Occasionally an RPG will have a powerful weapon that happens to be a halberd (probably the best polearm design ever conceived, as [[SwissArmyWeapon it is an axe, a spear, and a staff]] all in one weapon) or spear (the most basic and thus most well known polearm), but you're damned if you're gonna find ''any'' ancestral bec-de-corbins in any medieval-flavored fantasy novel ''anywhere''.
** '''[[ProngsOfPoseidon Trident]]''': The weapon of sea gods like Poseidon, Proteus and Nereus and merpeople is now the weapon of anyone associated with the sea or water. Not entirely contrived, as the trident was originally a fishing spear, hence its pairing with a fishing net in the hands of a ''retiarius'' (a type of Roman gladiator).
** '''[[JoustingLance Knight Lances]]''': Often given to characters with such a theme. Since most people who see lances undoubtedly think of its use in jousting as a knightly sport weapon, the lance might be used to indicate a chivalric personality or aristocratic position. Since the lance was a cavalry weapon, and cavalry tended historically to be something of an elite, trained fighting class in every army, you will rarely see it in the hands of the common man.
** '''[[NaginatasAreFeminine Naginatas]]''' are used primarily by elegant [[LadyOfWar Ladies of War]], given their historical use by the wives of samurai.
* '''[[LawmanBaton Police Batons]]''': For guards and policemen.
* '''[[KnowsTheRopes Ropes]]''': Popular with cowboys, who use lasso not only to restrain cattle, but outlaws and other troublemakers. Sailors and pirates may also occasionally employ lots of rope, often to climb the rigging or to swing onto an enemy ship.
* '''[[ShearMenace Scissors]]''': If a pair of scissors is being used as a weapon, then expect it to be of the big, gardening variety. Anything smaller won't be taken seriously unless the user is a tailor or hairdresser, in which case they will demonstrate the scissors equivalent of ImplausibleFencingPowers. They can also be a pretty frightening ImprovisedWeapon in a life or death situation, particularly when used to stab. Also [[RockPaperScissors super-effective]] against PaperPeople, but not so much against {{Rock Monster}}s.
* '''[[SinisterScythe Scythes]]''': Especially for villains and goths despite being very [[AwesomeButImpractical impractical to actually fight with]]. Associated with [[TheGrimReaper death]], or [[{{Necromancer}} those who command it]]. It should be noted that a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_scythe scythes can be made into an effective weapon]] by reattaching the blade so it extends upright from the pole. Alternatively the Chinese had a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagger-axe workable version]] even before that. These more effective designs are rarely seen in fiction. Oddly enough, rarely if ever used by farmers, who prefer Slings and Pitchforks.
* '''[[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe Shields]]''': Surprisingly rare for major fictional characters. Usually meant to be used alongside another one-handed weapon (such as the good ol' [[KnightlySwordAndShield sword and board]]), but many characters will use ''only'' a shield, usually as a TechnicalPacifist or [[PersonalityPowers matching their personality]] as either defensive and fragile, or protective of others. Or simply as an [[ImprobableWeaponUser Improbable Weapon]]. Shields are almost always near-indestructible, magical or made of {{Unobtainium}}. Some characters (like ComicBook/CaptainAmerica) can actually [[ThrowingYourShieldAlwaysWorks throw them]].
* '''[[DruidicSickle Sickles]]''': Pagan clergy and the occasional farmer.
* '''[[SufferTheSlings Slings]]''': They're usually associated with peasants, children, {{halfling}}s and primitive tribesman. Rarely an effective weapon in fiction, they are more likely to distract than cause real damage, [[Literature/TheBible David and Goliath]] aside. Historically, however, slings were very powerful weapons, more devastating and long-ranged than the bow, which was not well developed in some areas of the Ancient World.
* '''[[BratsWithSlingshots Slingshots]]''': Seen as a kid's toy (and for good reason, since slingshots are generally weak and difficult to aim, making them impractical for battle), these are generally in the hands of a mischievous child who wants to annoy rather than harm. If used by adults, it's because they're either improvising or something of an oddball.
* '''[[SimpleStaff Staves/Staffs]]''': Favored weapon of either the TechnicalPacifist or martial artists, who wish to disable enemies non-lethally. Those trying for historical accuracy may have them appear in the hands of RobinHood and his merry men, or other persons legally or practically barred from possession of edged weapons for their close-range fighting needs.
** '''[[BoomStick GunStaffs]]''', for when you need the ability to beat things over the head and shoot people in a single package. [[MagicStaff Wizard's staves]] count here but it can also be a technological gizmo that shoots electricity, for defensive characters who DO want to use deadly force.
** '''[[MagicStaff Magic Staffs]]''': Magic variants favoured by wizards and other wise characters that rely on talents other than brute force to deal with conflict still sensibly bring at least a staff for protection. This covers the WhiteMagicianGirl and the BlackMagicianGirl, both of whom typically use them. In the former's case, they'll typically be called Staves, while in the latter's case, they'll be Rods/Wands.
** '''[[TelescopingStaff Telescoping Staff]]''', the version exclusive to melee combat. This kind of staff allows for easy storage due to its ability to be made compact, better for catching opponents off guard with a weapon of that size.
** '''[[BattleBaton Batons]]''': Utilized by cheerleaders as a sort of mini-staff. Can sometimes act as a boomerang for some reason.
* '''[[ImprobableWeaponUser Strange Weapons]]''': If a character is just [[ImprovisedWeapon improvising]] and ordinarily goes unarmed, he's probably the UnluckyEverydude who just got caught in a fight (like most of the characters Jackie Chan plays). If someone regularly goes around with a weapon like this, they're not totally connected to reality -- either TheDitz or the {{Cloudcuckoolander}}, or they're so badass they can kill people without needing "regular" weapons. Or they have a need to go armed in portions of society that do not take kindly to the presence of actual weapons, and have adapted accordingly.
** '''[[GrievousHarmWithABody Dead Bodies]]''': As long as they can be lifted, dead bodies can be used as [[GrievousHarmWithABody makeshift clubs]], or a [[{{Necromancer}} personal]] [[TheUndead army]].
** '''[[FryingPanOfDoom Frying Pans]]''': Favored by traditional wives and chefs, this one is a staple of {{Slapstick}}. Also a common [[JokeItem Joke Weapon]] in Main/VideoGames, and thus gets to be wielded by {{Cloudcuckoolander}}s.
** '''[[RollingPinOfDoom Rolling Pin]]''': Essentially the same as the frying pan above. The ApronMatron will use this to hit her HenpeckedHusband on the head to keep him in line.
** '''[[EdibleBludgeon Food]]''': Completing the holy trifecta of kitchen-based weaponry, we have food itself. Common wielders are usually the same as the ones that use frying pans and the rolling pins mentioned above plus [[BigEater hungry]] {{Fat Bastard}}s who may eat their own weapon after bludgeoning you to death with it. A [[{{Foodfight}} food fight]] will definitely include this. Food that is commonly used as weapons include [[BaguetteBeatdown baguettes]] (in which case, expect the user to be a frenchman), [[PieInTheFace pies]] (clowns), [[ShamuFu fish]], frozen meat and fruit.
** '''[[GrievousBottleyHarm Bottles]]''': The official weapon of drunk {{Bar Brawl}}ers. Usually, the bottle will be broken in half so that the wielder may use the upper half as a stabbing weapon, but the entire bottle being used as a kind of glass club also works.
** '''[[ChairmanOfTheBrawl Chairs]]''': The ''other'' official weapon of drunk {{Bar Brawl}}ers. This one is also commonly used by thugs and {{Heel}} wrestlers, in particular the folding, metal kind.
** '''[[CrowbarCombatant Crowbars]]''': The preferred weapon of urban survivalists, especially zombie hunters and [[VideoGame/HalfLife physicists]], and others who appreciate its dual use as both an improvised weapon and useful prying tool.
** '''[[ShovelStrike Shovels]]''': May be used by farmers, construction workers, [[VideoGame/ShovelKnight knights]] and the creepy gravedigger at the local cemetery. Also useful for psychopathic murderers as shovels can be used for beating people into unconsciousness before burying their bodies somewhere ([[BuriedAlive alive]] or not).
** '''[[WrenchWhack Wrenches]]''': For inventors, mechanics, scientists and other people that like messing with machinery.
** '''[[ParasolOfPain Parasols]]''': Be careful of cute ladies, older gentlemen or grannies carrying those. It might have a concealed gun or blade, and this is assuming they don't just outright whack you over the head with it. [[ParasolParachute Useful for gliding as well]].
** '''[[ShoeSlap Shoes]]''': The weapon of choice for many a woman or mother from or in Mexico. Chanclas ("sandal" or "flip-flop" in Spanish) are the most popular kind of shoe used for this purpose. Can be used to point as someone in a threatening, protective, or aggressive manner, to shove in someone's face, or to throw at them. It is customary for the one at the receiving end of the shoe throwing to fetch the shoe for the one who threw the shoe. In some cultures, the use of a shoe as a weapon is meant to be extremely insulting to the person it is used against because shoes are considered to be dirty.
** '''[[BroomstickQuarterstaff Mops and broomsticks]]''': Used by specifically grumpy janitors and housewives. Witches may also use enchanted ones that act like glorified magic wands. (Only brooms though. Any witch with a mop is likely going to be made fun of).
** '''Microphones''': Usually reflects users that have larger than life personalities and are fixated on being the center of attention, akin to a rockstar or entertainer. Non-magic users often use these as clubbing weapons or piercing weapons if they are attached to the microphone stand. These users can be [[WouldYouLikeToHearHowTheyDied sadistic]] as [[BreakThemByTalking they want to torment others]], or they want to send a message to other would-be victims.
* '''[[CoolSword Swords]]''': Will probably be considered the "default" weapon in any setting where guns aren't commonplace (and in a few where they are). [[HeroesPreferSwords The heroic lead]] usually winds up wielding the iconic knightly sword in the west. The katana often takes its place in the east. Meanwhile, the big two-handed blades, if they're not in the hands of the hero, usually go to TheBigGuy.
** '''[[RoyalRapier Rapier]]''': Rapiers and short-swords typically go to swashbucklers and foppish men. Also quite common for women, [[RealityIsUnrealistic being commonly perceived as light]], easily manoeuvrable blades.
** '''[[KatanasAreJustBetter Katanas]]''': If both katanas and western swords are present, the katana will either be in the hands of a badass (if KatanasAreJustBetter) or an {{Otaku}} who isn't as badass as they think they are (if not).
** '''[[SinisterScimitar Scimitars, Sabers and other curved swords]]''': In Arabian or Pirate settings, this kind of sword is considered the "default" weapon and may be used by good and bad guys alike. Outside of those settings, however, it's almost always used by scary, intimidating characters or armies, following the logic of curved weapons detailed above.
** '''[[{{BFS}} Big Freaking Sword]]''': Typically found in the hands of large intimidating characters, like giants or [[SmashMook brutish types]]. A common subversion is to have them appear in the hands of someone who doesn't look like they could even pick it up as a hint that this person is much stronger than they look. In a JRPG, however, a sword with its own zip code is more likely to belong to TheHero without necessarily having any explanation.
** '''DualWielding''': Almost always appears in the hands of roguish characters.
** '''SwordCane''': Used by the CulturedBadass and any older swordsman who wishes to lull enemies into a false sense of superiority.
** '''{{Sheath|Strike}}es''': {{Technical Pacifist}}s that don't look forward to shedding blood may use their sword's sheathes as their main form of combat, drawing their actual blades when they find themselves with no choice. Some may also {{Dual Wield|ing}} their sword and sheath, using the latter as a defensive or support tool.
** '''LaserBlade''': A sword used in a sci-fi setting. Has far more cutting power than traditional swords, sometimes with the ability to deflect lasers and bullets.
* '''[[StaticStunGun Tasers]]''': Favored weapons of cops and security guards, though can frequently seen being carried by civilians. They are especially efficient for those who have little in the way of combat skill, allowing the [[ShockAndAwe electric shock]] to disable a potential enemy. TruthInTelevision at play as tasers are a very common self-defense weapon in real life that people can carry in bags. Police may often carry the [[LawmanBaton baton]] version which gives a longer reach as well as the potential to bludgeon with melee force if the electric function fails.
* '''[[DualTonfas Tonfas]]''': Used by martial artists and law enforcement from less modern times, since the LawmanBaton has more or less replaced it in the latter's case. Still, a showy enough cop can still be found wielding those babies in occasion.
* '''[[ThrowDownTheBomblet Thrown Explosives and Incendiaries]]''': Grenades and the like are usually associated with those with poor impulse control (in plain English, people ''who really like explosions''). They may or may not also be {{Mad Bomber}}s. They may also be associated with controlled and logical people, as a juxtaposition. This weapon most often occurs in more technologically advanced settings like UrbanFantasy or ScienceFiction.
* '''[[WhipItGood Whips]]''': Whips tend to be found in the hands of cowboys, swashbuckling characters, certain [[Franchise/{{Castlevania}} vampire slayers]], [[Franchise/IndianaJones archaeologists]], [[Comicbook/{{Catwoman}} female villains with a thing for tight leather]] and a dominatrix streak, brutal slave drivers, [[TortureTechnician torturers]]... and [[Franchise/AceAttorney prosecutors]].
** '''{{Whip Sword}}s''': For when regular whips just don't [[{{Pun}} cut]] it anymore. Mostly used by particularly commanding {{Action Girl}}s, combining the cool factor of the sword with the dominatrix aspect of the whip.

For non-weapon examples, see TellMeHowYouFight. Contrast ChoiceOfTwoWeapons and WalkingArmory. See also AdaptationalWeaponSwap and GoodWeaponEvilWeapon. See WeaponJr for when someone's shown with a kid version of the weapon before they've chosen it. For an entire culture or race's Weapon Of Choice, see NationalWeapon and FantasticRaceWeaponAffinity.

SignatureInstrument is the musical instrument version of this trope, and the two can overlap into InstrumentOfMurder or InstrumentalWeapon. Compare also SignatureDevice.

----
!!Examples:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* From ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'':
** Guts, as TheHero, wields [[HeroesPreferSwords a greatsword]], which he later upgrades to a {{BFS}} that is often compared to a "heap of raw iron," which is actually a {{subversion}}, since that implies a lack of subtlety and skill, whereas Guts is actually a master swordsman. At one point he refuses an enchanted axe, saying that his {{BFS}} is what he's used to.
** Griffith, who is WickedCultured and {{Bishonen}} as you like, wields an elegant [[RoyalRapier rapier]].
** Casca wields a smallish longsword whose size (if not style) bears a resemblance to Griffith's rapier; she has a serious case of hero-worship for Griffith. The weapon's light weight makes it perfect for her SheFu fighting style.
** Judeau, TheSmartGuy and sneaky one, favors throwing knives and a shortsword.
** Pippin, the BigGuy, wields a [[DropTheHammer warhammer]].
** Serpico, the bastard son of a nobleman and nearly as {{Bishonen}} as Griffith, wields first a [[RoyalRapier rapier]] and then an enchanted fan/sword.
** Isidro, the small, sneaky TagalongKid, [[DualWielding dual-wields]] first two knives and then a knife and an enchanted dagger with the power of fire.
** Schierke, the group's caster, focuses her magic through a SimpleStaff.
* In ''Manga/BlackButler'', the shinigami have a fondness for peculiar weapons that would fit in better in a garden instead of on the battlefield. There are 5 named shinigami whose weapons have been show; there's William T. Spears who wields Pruning Shears, [[spoiler:Grell Sutcliff wields a chainsaw]], Ronald Knox has a lawnmower, Eric Slingby has a normal saw, and Alan Humphries who has a Japanese Style Garden Slasher.
* ''Manga/{{Blame}}'''s AntiHero [[{{Determinator}} Killy]] has the [[WaveMotionGun Gravitational Beam Emitter]], which he [[WhenAllYouHaveIsAHammer uses in response to pretty much any kind of problem.]]
%%* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'' is full of both this and PersonalityPowers. ''Every single weapon'' used in the series is supposed to be a reflection of the owner's personality. Granted, this doesn't follow the normal guidelines at all, but it's still there.
%%* Many characters from ''Anime/BloodPlus'': Each of the Schiff uses a different kind of weapon, many of them [[{{BFS}} fairly oversized]]. Saya wields a [[KatanasAreJustBetter specially designed katana]] [[spoiler: later reforged with a crystal from George]], David uses a {{revolver|sAreJustBetter}}, Kai wields [[TragicKeepsake his father's handgun]] with [[AbnormalAmmo explosive ammo]], [[ManOfWealthAndTaste Solomon]] chooses to transform his hand into a simple and functional [[BladeBelowTheShoulder blade]]..... the list goes on. The weapons represent either their personalities or their history and emotions. Or both.
%%* Yui Lan of ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'' is nearly always seen dual-wielding what look like mecha-sized carbines with bayonets. And her little sister was introduced in a scene where she used two kukris and excessive amount of {{gorn}}.
* In ''Franchise/GhostInTheShell'', Togusa, the only member of Section 9 who does not have any cybernetic implants and prefers to rely on good old-fashioned police work, carries a Mateba autorevolver (incorrectly transliterated as Matever) which the rest of the unit thinks is somewhat of an anachronism, much like he is in the franchise's setting.
%%* ''Manga/Golgo13'' generally uses an M-16. They're easy to find (so he can acquire one on site), easy to have modified, and cheap enough to dispose of if necessary (whereas specialized sniper rifles tend to be expensive and hard to get on short notice). In addition, this gives him a close-combat weapon if circumstances go sour. He has, however, used other guns as needed. Notably, Golgo tends to upgrade to the latest model of M-16 five to ten years after their release. Fans speculate he waits for their reliability to be proven before switching preferences.
%%* ''LightNovel/LoveChunibyoAndOtherDelusions' has make-believe "weapons" to be replaced with classification-defying supernatural tools of destruction when things go delusion-mode
%%** Touka and her soup ladle of doom.
%%** Rikka herself prefers ParasolOfPain.
%%** Sanae ties little bags at the ends of her long twin-tails to make improvised [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolas bolas]]. It sees some use–with impressive technique–versus Shinka (and, effectively, Sanae herself) outside delusion battles.
* ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' has this with each of the main characters having a specific "device".
** Nanoha has her magic staff, Raising Heart. (Still called ''[[SpellMyNameWithAnS Raging]]'' Heart by many. For good reason.) As the power of Nanoha's weapon improves, it increasingly comes to resemble a spear -- which coincides with her increasingly sneaky and tactical[[note]]As in: "tactical nuke."[[/note]] fighting style.
** The Wolkenritter align to this trope perfectly. Leader Signum wields a longsword, the wizardly Shamal thinks with portals using magic rings (wand-equivalents), and CuteBruiser Vita has a hammer. That also turns into a rocket. And has a giant hammer/drill mode.
* ''Series/MadanSenkiRyukendo'' shows this trope in both showing the Madan Warriors' personalities through the weapons, and by giving [[NonHumanSidekick the weapons themselves personalities]]. Kenji/Ryukendo, the title IdiotHero, uses a sword. The sword itself, [=GekiRyuKen=] is equally heroic, but a Trickster Mentor. Fudou/Ryugunou and his blaster, [=GouRyuGun=], calculate their strategies, making Fudou the intelligent balance to Kenji's {{Determinator}}. Koichi/Ryujinou is an interesting case. His [=ZanRyuJin=] becomes an axe and a bow. Koichi himself is powerful and dangerous, but does know how to fight controlled. [=ZanRyuJin=] itself is a wiseguy, only on good terms with his partner.
* In the ''Anime/MyHime''/''Anime/MyOtome'' universe, this is quite evident on the elements used by the main characters. The stoic loner Natsuki uses pistols or other guns, elegant Shizuru uses a naginata or a similar polearm, somewhat crazy Nao uses claws or wires, the {{Determinator}} Haruka uses a mace or a ball and chain if she has an element of her own but the original lead Mai has odd bangles/anklets with magatama beads. This is solved in ''Mai-Otome'' where new lead Arika has a double-bladed sword.
* Shu from ''Anime/NowAndThenHereAndThere'' favors a simple wooden stick, reflecting his generally peaceable mindset. He doesn't want anyone to die and rejects knives and guns when they're offered to him or forced on him.
%%* Roronoa Zoro from ''Manga/OnePiece'' always uses 3 katanas; Usopp has his slingshot and Nami her Clima Tact.
* The powers and weapons of a MagicalGirl in ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'' tend to be extensions of their personalities and aspirations:
** Madoka uses a bow and arrow. Of the five magical girls in the series she is TheChick, the most reluctant to take up the MagicalGirl mantle as well as the smallest physically. [[spoiler:She still uses the bow and arrow in earlier timelines before Homura's wish and [[GroundhogDayLoop subsequent timelines]] made her more timid, though more as a fantasy-equivalent FriendlySniper.]]
** Sayaka uses a cutlass for close-quarters hack-and-slash, befitting of both TheCape and the {{Swashbuckler}} archtypes she seeks to emulate as an "Ally of Justice".
** Mami chiefly uses single-use flintlock muskets, each elegantly adorned and etched in their woodwork. Her [[FinishingMove ultimate]] Tiro Finale is essentially a huge gun about five times her size that delivers a world of pain to its target. She really likes to be the cool sempai to those she takes under her care (she is the oldest of the five), and is definitely TheBigGirl of the group ([[BoobsOfSteel if her chest wasn't a giveaway]]).
*** Mami also has use of ribbons - the [[VideoGame/PuellaMagiMadokaMagicaPortable PSP game]] explains that this was her original weapon and that she [[ChoiceOfTwoWeapons adopted her rifled muskets to deal with distant targets]]. Contray to [[WhipItGood the usual image]] such a weapon might invoke, she is not TheVamp, as she chiefly uses the ribbons to simply restrain her targets (though it ''could'' explain [[spoiler:her TragicFlaw of loneliness.]])
** Kyouko uses a spear twice as tall as she is which can be broken into segments attached by chains. A very practical weapon to use for large masses of enemies, for a very practical outlook held by the wielder when it comes to one's wish. The manga further characterizes her spear with a cross-guard at the head - [[UsefulNotes/JapaneseChristian an intentional detail to her background]].
** Homura's magically granted "weapon" is non combative, a small buckler shield that grants her unlimited storage space and controls her special ability. Therefore, she must rely on non-magical weapons from outside sources, like homemade pipe bombs, pistols and shotguns [[spoiler:stolen from the {{Yakuza}}]], up to heavy machine guns and rocket launchers [[spoiler: and ''actual rocket artillery'' stolen from [[UsefulNotes/KaijuDefenseForce the JSDF]]]]. It works quite well as a reflection of her very stoic, no-frills, no-nonsense attitude as well as her singular drive to accomplish her goal [[spoiler: of defeating Walpurgistnacht and stopping Madoka from contracting and becoming a world-destroying Witch]] [[IDidWhatIHadToDo by any means necessary]].
*** [[spoiler:Early timelines showed a [[CuteClumsyGirl much-clumsier Moemura]] start out with a golf club.]]
*** Homura uses a bow and arrow at the very end of the series, [[spoiler:something she inherited from Madoka after the latter AscendedToAHigherPlaneOfExistence and rewrote the universe]]. It still fits her personality, though, this time as a ColdSniper [[spoiler: in contrast to Madoka]].
%%* ''Manga/Reborn2004'':
%%** Many of the groups of seven consists of characters who each use a Weapon Of Choice. For example:
%%*** Tsuna's sole weapon is his [[PowerFist X-Gloves]].
%%*** Gokudera generally uses [[MadBomber dynamite]]. [[spoiler: And, briefly, [[EnergyBow a bow]].]]
%%*** Yamamoto believes that KatanasAreJustBetter.
%%*** Ryohei and, well, [[RedBoxingGloves his fists]].
%%*** Hibari and his DualTonfas.
%%*** Mukuro and Chrome and their ProngsOfPoseidon.
* In ''Yoroiden Samurai Troopers'', (''Anime/RoninWarriors'' in US), this trope partially applies to the heroes. The main hero has dual wield katanas that also connect into a single double-sided sword, TheSmartGuy is an archer, and the one whose powers come from water has a trident. The other two of the FiveManBand are anomalies: the weapon of the quiet, mature Sage is a huge greatsword, while big eating, hot tempered BigGuy Kento uses a sectioned staff.
* In ''Manga/ShuumatsuNoWalkureRecordOfRagnarok'', when a [[{{Valkyries}} Valkyrie]] becomes a human's [[EmpathicWeapon Volund]], they take the form of whatever said human's preferred weapon is.
** Randgriz, Lü Bu's Volund, takes the form of a [[BladeOnAStick polearm]], allowing Lü Bu to use his most powerful attack, Sky Eater, without fear of breaking his weapon.
** Reginleif, Adam's Volund, takes the form of a [[PowerFist knuckle duster]].
** Hrist, Sasaki Kojiro's Volund, takes the form of a [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]], which, thanks to Hrist's own special ability, can be [[BifurcatedWeapon split into two katanas]] if broken.
** Hlökk, Jack the Ripper's Volund, takes the form of a [[ShearMenace giant pair of scissors]]. [[spoiler:Except that's actually a lie, and Jack's Volund is actually a [[BagOfHolding pouch on his hip that can produce any weapon]]. ''Except'' that's a lie too, and Jack's ''real'' Volund is actually his [[TrickedOutGloves gloves]], which, thanks to Hlökk's own special ability, allows Jack to turn ''[[TheMagicTouch anything he touches]]'' into a divine weapon]].
** Þrúðr, Raiden Tameemon's Volund, takes the form of some [[PowerTattoo body tattoos]], allowing Raiden to regulate his immense strength and muscle mass and not have to worry about being crushed by his own muscles.
%%* The characters in ''Manga/SoulEater'' fight in partners, one as a weapon and one as a wielder. Maka uses a [[SinisterScythe scythe]], Kid uses two pistols, and Black* Star usually uses either a {{katana|sAreJustBetter}} or a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama kusarigama]].
* ''VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}}'''s protagonist Tohno Shiki only ever uses his knife, which has the symbols for '7 Nights' carved into it. [[spoiler:The actual meaning of the characters is 'Nanaya,' it is an heirloom from his true family of demon-slaying assassins that was passed down to him.]]
* ''Anime/UruseiYatsura'': Shinobu the super-strong lesser {{yandere}} is known for her use of heavy school desks as bludgeons and projectile weapons. Even in environments where there are no school desks such as Mendou's yard.
* Manga/ZatchBell: If a demon/mamodo's power doesn't focus on [[ElementalPowers an element]], it's likely to focus on this instead.
** Buzarai's spells all focus on [[AnAxeToGrind axes]].
** BareFistedMonk: Danny's only spell is [[HealingFactor self-recovery]], leaving him to rely on his natural demonic brawn in battle. Wonrei's spells awakened through training in kung fu with his partner, and the two meld perfectly. Ted is tough to start with, but his spells focus on amplifying his speed, strength, and stamina, each one more than the last.
** Demolt's spells focus on metal armor, mainly focusing on BladeBelowTheShoulder.
** Rops, as his name implies, uses [[ChainPain ropes]]. His strongest spell adds [[AnchorsAway anchors]].
** Arth's CoolSword is the focus of his spells, but even without them, it saps the enemy's stamina with every strike.
** Tia's spells focus on endurance, so she has several variations of [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shielding spells]].
** NaturalWeapon: Rodeux's spells focus on his wings, Rein is a hulking beast, Elzador and Ashuron are super-powerful dragons by default...
** Tsao-Lon carries a SimpleStaff and uses it to great effect.
** ThisIsADrill: Vincent Bari's spells are officially Vortex-based, but it becomes this when the spiral is inward rather than outward.
** WolverineClaws: Kolulu's alter-ego's spells focus around claws and fists.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comic Books]]
* [[Franchise/{{Batman}} The current and former Robins]] all have a favored weapon:
** Dick Grayson, formerly the first ComicBook/{{Robin}} and currently ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}, prefers using [[DualWielding two sticks]] in the Escrima martial arts style.
** Jason Todd, formerly the [[LegacyCharacter second Robin]] and the current ComicBook/RedHood, prefers [[GunsAkimbo dual-wielding pistols]], showing just how far he's come from [[DoesntLikeGuns Batman's]] tutelage.
** Tim Drake formerly the third [[ComicBook/RobinSeries Robin]] and current Comicbook/RedRobin who is TheSmartGuy of the Batfamily expected to surpass Batman as the World's Greatest Detective, prefers to use a bo staff, often the [[TelescopingStaff telescoping staff]] Shiva gave him.
** The Batfamily's PluckyGirl Stephanie Brown, formerly the fourth Robin and currently Spoiler, was becoming very fond of specialized Batarangs during her time as [[ComicBook/Batgirl2009 Batgirl]] and, post-Flashpoint, has a clear preference for [[FightingWithChucks nunchaku]], though post-Flashpoint has also erased her history including her time as a Robin.
** Damian Wayne, the fifth Robin, has a thing for [[KatanasAreJustBetter katanas]], befitting his past as an assassin and that he's more of a BloodKnight than other Robins.
* ''When ComicBook/CaptainAmerica throws his [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe mighty shield]], all those who chose to oppose the shield must yield!'' (Although he used an [[CoolGuns/{{Handguns}} M1911A1]] from time to time.) His use of a defensive item as a weapon is appropriate for a character who takes up arms to defend freedom.
%%* Bullseye from ''ComicBook/{{Daredevil}}'' can use almost anything as a weapon, but his weapon of choice is usually an Ace of Spades playing card.
%%* The Green Lantern Ring to those that can wield them.
* When [[BoisterousBruiser Guy Gardner]] goes [[BloodKnight Red]] he tends to be associated with [[ChainsawGood chainsaws]].
* ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}}, who may or may not be [[Creator/MarvelComics Marvel's]] expy of [[Creator/DCComics DC's]] ComicBook/GreenArrow, is likewise a hotshot archer whose real weapon isn't the bow so much as the bag of tricks he fires from it. He's shown to have the same accuracy hand-throwing his arsenal of arrowheads or firing them from improvised launchers. As Ronin, he shifts his weapon to a katana.
** In the Ultimate Universe, he's even shown using his ''fingernails'', but then that version of the character is borderline AxCrazy and a former black ops. As of Volume Three, he started showing a preference for guns.
* The ComicBook/{{Huntress}} uses a crossbow as her signature weapon, although she has also been known to use knives, [[CombatPragmatist staves, boomerangs, guns, brass knuckles, etc.]] Not incidentally, at least with the Helena Bertinelli version of the character, the crossbow allows for sniping from concealment while also being extremely quiet, making it an ideal choice for an assassin.
* Whiplash/Blacklash, an ComicBook/IronMan foe best known as the partial basis for Whiplash in ''Film/IronMan2'', engineered his own electric whips and used them to wreck things up... until he was accidentally killed by his old enemy. He could also turn his whips into nunchucks. Anyway, since his death, a BDSM-loving couple adopted both the Whiplash and Blacklash identities, then his daughter stepped into the role, a version inspired by the movie character debuted, and the original's been seen in action again, too.
* Meanwhile [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], his [[ComicBook/TheAvengers fellow Avenger]], sticks true to his mythological roots and wields Mjolnir, his [[DropTheHammer hammer of thunder]].
* Subverted in Creator/GregRucka's ''ComicBook/QueenAndCountry''. Secret agent Tara Chace is issued a gun for a mission; her contact comments, "Your file says you're a P99 girl," to which she replies, "I'm more of a stay-at-home-and-fancy-a-cuppa girl." As the series handles guns and gunplay very realistically, weapons are rarely issued, and when they are, it's usually a sign that Something Bad will happen.
%%* The Saint Of Killers, in ComicBook/{{Preacher}}, [[GunsAkimbo dual-wields]] a pair of Walker Colt {{revolvers|AreJustBetter}}. Never mind the fact that he's an unkillable OneManArmy in a [[BadassLongcoat duster coat]], these things were forged ''by Satan himself'' from the sword of the world-weary Angel Of Death; their hammers will never fall on empty chambers, they never miss, and no wound they give will ever be less than fatal. Oh, and he's a supernatural quick-draw artist, too; "I saw a blur, and then shooting. I didn't see no draw." After [[spoiler: surviving a ''nuke'' - in the midst of the inferno, he calmly spits and growls "Not enough Gun"]], he wraps up the series by [[spoiler: ''killing God'']]. I will call your badass and raise you to infinity.
%%* In ''ComicBook/TheRocketeer'', the Rocketeer's Weapon of Choice is a Mauser C96 Broomhandle pistol. It's normally seen as a "bad" gun, being used by the Nazis and all, but it got a new status as a "good gun" thanks to the Rocketeer.
* ''Franchise/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'':
** Leonardo, [[HeroesPreferSwords the heroic leader, uses swords]] ([[EveryJapaneseSwordIsAKatana a ninja-to style katana]])
** Raphael, the pragmatic [[TheLancer Loose Cannon]] who's just a little bit crazy at times, uses [[SaiGuy sais]].
** Donatello, [[TheSmartGuy the intellectual]], uses a [[SimpleStaff (bo) staff]].
** And Michaelangelo, being the cool party guy, uses the coolest ninja weapon of the '80s: [[FightingWithChucks nunchaku]]. A flashback has him practicing with a ''manriki-gusari'' and complaining that he'd prefer using his "'chucks".
** The supporting cast gives another example: Casey Jones, the badass street-fighting vigilante armed with [[BatterUp a variety of sports equipment: baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks]]... he even produced a cricket bat in the first movie, prompting Raphael to mock him.
--->'''Raphael:''' ''Cricket?'' Nobody understands cricket! You gotta know what a ''crumpet'' is to understand cricket!\\
'''Casey:''' I'll teach you! ''[wham]'' See? Six runs.
*** The role of the weapons also becomes clear in the 2012 series episode "Pulverizer Returns!" when Splinter orders the turtles to switch weapons. [[ButtMonkey Michelangelo]] lampshades the trope when [[TheLeader Leonardo]] is making a plan of attack:
--->'''Leonardo:''' All right. We'll follow up on his lead and then bust the poor guy out of [[FacelessGoons the Foot]]. \\
'''Michelangelo:''' Excuse me! I’m the sword guy. I make the decisions here.
*** Later, whilst preparing for battle, it's discussed again:
--->'''Michelangelo:''' As the one with the swords, I say RETREAT! \\
'''Leonardo''' Having the swords doesn't make you leader.
%%* Although [[ComicBook/{{Venom}} Agent Venom]] is good with a variety of guns, semi-automatic pistols are his favorite.
* In ''ComicBook/TheLegendOfWonderWoman2016'' Diana's mother and aunts are each [[LadyOfWar Ladies of War]] who each prefer a different weapon. The sisters and their signature weapons are [[HeroesPreferSwords Hippolyta]] -- the most heroic surviving sister -- uses a [[CoolSword sword]], [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Antiope]] -- who is the most muscular and violent -- a mace, [[MagicKnight Menalippe]] -- a timid magic user -- a [[SimpleStaff staff]], Penthesiliea -- a long dead war hero -- a [[BladeOnAStick spear]], and Glauce uses [[DualWielding dual]] knives. [[Franchise/WonderWoman Diana]] of course prefers a lasso for the non-lethal applications, turning down more practical weapons even before she receives the Lasso of Truth.
* ''ComicBook/AtomicRobo'': While Tesladyne as a whole has the trusty LightningGun, Robo himself tends to favour revolvers (or, if caught without one, [[CarFu cars]]). His mentor in the ''action'' side of Action Science, Jack Tarot, practiced Zen marksmanship, and Robo uses the revolver Jack gave him until it's rendered no longer fit for use by massive damage, at which point he upgrades to an anti-materiel version with ''highly'' explosive bullets. It fits him surprisingly well: since he's TheAgeless and the entire world has changed tremendously it makes sense that he sticks with a classic, familiar kind of gun; since it was the weapon of his mentor it shows that he still carries things he picked up from friends that are now long dead; and, of course, he actually ''did'' become a cowboy for a while, although that wasn't until ''after'' he'd been using the things for most of a century. (As for the cars, he fights a lot of really big robots and monsters and usually whatever weapon he's using is the first thing to break.)
* Imperial Knights have a signature lightsaber hilt style in ''ComicBook/StarWarsLegacy'' that is standardized, unlike individual Jedi blades. They symbolize their service as a unit to the Fel Empire and Emperor.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Works]]
* Taken to extreme lengths in the ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' fic, ''[[http://parrot.moments-lost.org/earchive/viewstory.php?sid=3370 I Am What I Am]]''. Prior to the climactic battle, Xander forges custom magic weapons for every member of the group except Willow (at her request). Each weapon's name, type, and special powers are explicitly designed to complement their personality and fighting style, particularly because the weapons' powers will only function for their intended wielder.
** Buffy gets a short sword named "Companion" that enhances her secondary Slayer powers (prophetic dreams, sensing vampires, etc.), and provides a mental link to Faith.
** The free-spirited Faith gets a pair of tomahawks -- "Tommy" and "Tammy" -- that come back to her when thrown, and provide a mental link to Buffy.
** Cordelia gets a greatsword named "Subtlety" that grants her minor healing powers, doubles as a lie detector, and is actually very light when in her hands.
** The straitlaced Kendra gets a katana named "Honor's Grace" that allows her to stop time for a few seconds every time she draws it.
** Angel gets a short sword, "Solitude", similar to Buffy's that can burst into flame, and will burn him up if he loses his soul.
** Giles receives a rapier, "Wisdom" that enhances his casting abilities.
** The ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''-loving, spellcasting Jonathan gets a staff, "Backbone", that enhances his spells and can heal others.
** Jenny gets a pair of daggers -- "Twilight" and "Dusk" -- that enable her to turn invisible.
** Oz's weapon was originally a bastard sword named "Cool Sword" with frost powers. However, it spontaneously transformed into a pair of ComicBook/{{Wolverine}}-esque claws that gave him some measure of control over his werewolf.
* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'' has several:
** Steve wields a shield, underlining his nature as a protector first and foremost, and his creativity. Carol also ends up wielding one (appropriately, since she's [[spoiler: his great-granddaughter]]), also emphasising her protective nature (and stubbornness), though she uses it as more of a hammer or an axe, emphasising her nature as a brawler - and since it's [[spoiler: a MorphWeapon that can turn into a suit]] also able to absorb energy and release it, it demonstrates her flexibility and evens things up when she's out of her depth.
** Thor wields Mjolnir, naturally.
** Clint's an archer, with the typical rogue and ranger (and sniper) associations, fighting from a distance, though he's fine with guns if needs be.
** Natasha favours guns when she needs them, though she'll also [[BareFistedMonk go hand to hand]], as she prefers tying people in knots at close-quarters and turning their strength against them.
** Loki usually uses knives, which fit his predilection for invisibility, teleportation, and assassination.
** Harry, as TheHero, uses a sword. Unusually, it's modelled close to a ''[[CoolSword shashka]]'' the cavalry sabre of the Russian Cossacks. Lightweight, fast, and razor-sharp, it also serves a means of [[SpellBlade channelling his magic]] - and thus, a FlamingSword.
* ''Fanfic/DungeonKeeperAmi'' usually explains the choice of weapons of their characters:
** The titular character initially used no weapon at all, but had to learn to use a shortsword to have a chance win a HopelessBossFight. This skill came in handy later on, as she wielded a giant sword with a giant magical hand instead of fighting herself.
** [[BigRedDevil Horned Reapers]] use [[SinisterScythe Sinister Scythes]], which fit their status as AwesomeButImpractical minions.
** [[IronLady Cathy]] uses swords and frequently acts as TheLeader of Mercury's troops, though she admits to have training with polearms and blunt weapons as well.
** [[LovableRogue Jered]] likes to deceive and trick his opponents, while attacking them with throwing daggers.
** [[DumbMuscle Boris]] uses a giant axe, mirroring his AxCrazy tendencies and brutish ways.
** [[KnightInShiningArmor Baron Leopold]] uses a sword as a symbol of his noble status, but is not afraid to use improvised weapons, his bare fists and even his teeth.
** [[ThoseTwoGuys Eline and Venna]] use their crossbows with deadly accuracy. Being dark elves, they serve as a foil to normal elves, [[TheStraightAndArrowPath who use simple bows]].
* ''Fanfic/CodeGeassPaladinsOfVoltron'': The forms the Bayards take in this story are:
** HeroesPreferSwords[=/=]KatanasAreJustBetter: A katana with a European hilt for Suzaku
** WolverineClaws: a clawed gauntlet for Kallen
** TheStraightAndArrowPath: A bow for Shirley
** SinisterScythe[=/=]EpicFlail: A kusarigama for Milly
** CoolGuns: A rifle for Rivalz
** A Katar-like blade for Rai
** Lelouch, being the Black Paladin, doesn't have one since the Black Bayard is currently in Zarkon's possession. He instead relies upon his Geass, [[ShockAndAwe which has gained a new trick]]. [[spoiler: He later gains a MorphWeapon in the form of a Blade of Marmora Knife inherited from his grandmother.]]
%%* In the virtual series spin-off to ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', Fanfic/SlayerAcademy, several of the Slayer Characters have signature weapons
%%** Sophia: The Scythe from season 7 of ''Buffy'' and {{Fray}}
%%** Skye: Sharpened Sai Daggers
%%** Alita: Nunchucks
%%** Erika: Staff
%%** Reiko: Bladed Fans
%%* In the ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible'' fanfic "[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2349386/12/REUNION Reunion]]", Ron Stoppable, during a temporary split from Kim, reclaimed the Lotus Blade and operated as a solo hero named Ronin. In the sequel, "[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2418921/1/UNION Union]]'', it's revealed that the Lotus Blade is one of five powerful magic weapons, and the most powerful of the five, as it can take on the appearance and properties of the other four.
* In Fanfic/TheWizardInTheShadows, Harry favors his wand and an elvish long knife and kicks all kinds of ass whilst being the DarkerAndEdgier {{Lancer}} to Aragorn. Then he gets the Sword of Gryffindor and becomes more of a straight up hero with anti heroic tendencies.
%%** Emrys favours a Rohirric cavalry sword. [[DualWielding Then he gets another]], and vast amounts of asskicking occur.
* ''Fanfic/ThousandShinji'': Asuka -the blood-thirsty proud warrior- wields an chain-axe and Rei -the mentally unstable anti-hero- uses a giant machete. Subverting the trope, Shinji uses a staff, despite of being TheLeader and an AntiHero.
* ''FanFic/YourPrinceIsInAnotherCastle'': Each girl employs one suited to their class. Cerea and Miia are the only two who overlap with swords, but even then it's a bastard sword for the lamia and a mighty two-handed great sword for the centaur.
* ''Fanfic/SeventhEndmostVision'': [[BareFistedMonk Tifa]] is the only character to maintain her canon weapon choice, being gloves (unusually, we also learn the name of her first equipment, the Scrap Knuckles, made out of junk she found before the story.) Cloud now uses the [[DramaticIrony Masamune]], which was [[WreckedWeapon broken]] at some point prior to him getting it. [[spoiler: He got it from Kisaragi Godo after saving his life.]] Rufus still uses his [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter shotgun]], but here, it's also his [[ArmCannon left arm]]; he lost his arm during his coup attempt against his father, and replaced it with his shotgun. Barret explicitly has both hands, meaning whatever his weapon is, it can't be his canon one. [[spoiler: Lucrecia appears to favor dual katanas, fitting since she's also filling the role of Weiss the Immaculate.]]
* In ''FanFic/ToHellAndBackArrowverse'', the three main leads are familiar with using several different weapons, though they still have their preferences.
** [[Series/{{Arrow}} Oliver's]] is, of course, a bow and arrows.
** [[Series/TheFlash2014 Barry]] prefers knives, thanks to their versatility and how easy they are to draw on quick notice. He's particularly fond of throwing them, with contributed to his alias of 'the Lightning' even before he gained his powers.
** [[Series/Supergirl2015 Kara]] is a swordswoman, and Barry handcrafted a straight sword with a Kryptonite blade for her to use after they learned there might be other Kryptonians on-planet.
* In ''Fanfic/TheNewAdventuresOfInvaderZim'', Dib's new friends Steve and Viera eventually settle on blasters and a [[PlayingWithFire fire-spewing]] amulet as their go-to weapons, respectfully. A RunningGag through much of Season 1 is Dib complaining that he lacks his own unique weapon; by the seasonal climax he's solved this problem, having constructed a pair of plasma-channeling gauntlets for himself.
** Nyx, Zim's new minion introduced in Season 2, has a [[GatlingGood plasma minigun]] that she [[ICallItVera refers to]] as "[[Film/Scarface1983 My Little Friend]]". Though she's also [[MadBomber fond]] of explosives as well.
* In ''Fanfic/HalloweenUnspectacular'', recurring character [[AuthorAvatar E350's]] go-to weapon is the Anti-Magic Tommy Gun. This weapon represents both his interest in history (Thompson submachine guns were used quite a lot during the early 1900's, largely by crime syndicates, and are sought out by collectors today for their historical significance) and the [[SeenItAll general weirdness]] he tends to get caught up in (the "Anti-Magic" part).
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
* As indicated by the name "SlasherMovie", horror villains tend to prefer bladed weapons, such as kitchen knives ([[Franchise/{{Halloween}} Michael Myers]], [[Film/{{Psycho}} Norman Bates]]), [[MacheteMayhem machetes]] ([[Franchise/FridayThe13th Jason Voorhees]]), hunting knives ([[Film/{{Scream}} Ghostface]]) and a glove with attached knives ([[Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet Freddy Krueger]]).
%%* ''[[Film/TwentyEightDaysLater 28 Days Later]]''. Selena has a machete, befitting her badass status, Jim has at first a plastic bag full of cans of soda and later a baseball bat and (on another occasion) a tire iron. The soldiers have rifles.
* An amusing example in ''Film/BillAndTedsExcellentAdventure'': When Genghis Khan finds himself in a shopping mall, his first stop is the sporting goods store where he swaps his signature club for a baseball bat. (He also dons the armor of the modern brute, a football helmet and shoulder pads.)
* [[Film/DirtyHarry Harry Callahan]] is famous for using [[HandCannon a .44 Magnum revolver]], and is responsible for [[RevolversAreJustBetter popularizing the revolver]] as the Weapon Of Choice for badasses everywhere. The size of the weapon reflects his lack of subtlety.
%%* ''Film/{{Equilibrium}}'': Grammaton Clerics use a modified Beretta 92F in the course of their duties, the barrels producing a cross-shaped muzzle flash when fired.
%%** The shotgun-like weapon used by some guards is likewise a modified Walther [=WA2000=], which is odd since the weapon's a sniper rifle.
%%*** The scopeless [=WA2000=] was only used in the [[KickTheDog dog killing scene]]. Most of the time the {{Mooks}} use either the Beretta AR-70 or the Heckler & Koch G36.
%%* Ash from ''Franchise/EvilDead'' has his boomstick and chainsaw combo, although he kind of abandons the chainsaw for a metal hand in the middle of ''Film/ArmyOfDarkness''.
%%* Particularly prominent in ''Film/GIJoeRetaliation'' are Firefly's tiny robotic bombs, which fly and have glowing tails, just like actual fireflies.
* The Immortals from ''{{Film/Highlander}}'' have swords, given the only way they can be killed is through [[OffWithHisHead decapitation]]. Connor [=McLeod=] in particular wields a dragonhead katana given to him by his mentor Ramírez.
* Franchise/IndianaJones' has both his [[WhipItGood whip]] and a [[https://indianajones.fandom.com/wiki/Indy%27s_pistol revolver]]. However, he most frequently [[GoodOldFisticuffs uses his fists]].
%%* ''Film/IronMan2'' features Whiplash (a CompositeCharacter of Whiplash/Blacklash and Crimson Dynamo from the comics) who dual wields energy whips that pack enough of a wallop to tear apart a racecar on the track.
%%** For the record, Whiplash and Blacklash are the same guy - he changed his supervillain name and got a new costume at one point.
* Film/JamesBond has the Walther PPK pistol, introduced in his first movie, ''Film/DrNo'', where he is given to replace the Beretta 418 which is his preferred gun in [[Literature/JamesBond the original books]]. 007 has wielded other Walther pistols too, such as the P99 between ''Film/TomorrowNeverDies'' and ''Film/CasinoRoyale2006'', and the P5 in ''Film/{{Octopussy}}''.
%%*** ProductPlacement. Walther were trying to market the P5 to civilian agencies and asked for it to be used rather than the classic PPK, but the script wasn't changed to reflect the different gun.
%%** Of course, in ''Film/{{Moonraker}}'' the only time he uses his PPK is for the opening gunbarrel sequence, having swapped it (apparently) for a wrist dart gun.
%%** And, in ''Film/LiveAndLetDie'' his Walther is mangled by Tee Hee and he uses a magnum revolver for the final fight.
%%** Some of Bond's villains have their own weapons. Oddjob used a bowler-hat with a steel brim that behaved like a chakram. Rosa Klebb had knives concealed in the toes of her shoes. Tee Hee Johnson (from ''Live and Let Die'') had a metal pincer for a right hand. And of course, Francisco Scaramanga is Film/TheManWithTheGoldenGun.
%%** [[ActionGirl Melina Havelock]] uses a crossbow in ''Film/ForYourEyesOnly''.
%%* ''Film/RepoTheGeneticOpera'' has a few. The Henchgirls wield shotguns, Rotti has an elegant antique pistol, Luigi has his very large knife, and the Repo Men have a whole bunch of upsized surgical instruments, including scalpels and bone saws.
* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
** A Jedi or Sith's [[LaserBlade lightsaber]], which is "not so clumsy nor random as a blaster; an ElegantWeaponForAMoreCivilizedAge." These are subdivided further by [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience color of the focusing crystal]].
*** Blue are for Guardian Jedi, who actively hunt down evil.
*** Green are for Consular Jedi, who prefer to teach, heal, or make peace.
*** Yellow are for the Sentinel Jedi, who are halfway between the two and rely on intellect and physical skills.
*** [[RedRightHand Red are for Sith]], [[AlwaysChaoticEvil who are evil]].
*** And purple for [[Creator/SamuelLJackson bad motherfuckers]].
*** White is pretty much non-aligned, but generally good.
** Han Solo, as a rogue, has a DL-44 heavy blaster pistol, as in his own words, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
** Chewbacca has his bowcaster, a laser crossbow that makes a subversion of the HunterOfMonsters case. In this case, it's the monster wielding!
* ''Film/TheTexasChainsawMassacre'' lets you know right there in the name what Leatherface's [[ChainsawGood favorite weapon]] is. He does use other weapons throughout the series, most notably a [[DropTheHammer sledgehammer]] (with which he actually kills more people than with the chainsaw in [[Film/TheTexasChainSawMassacre1974 the first film]]!), but the chainsaw is so iconic that it inspired one half of the HockeyMaskAndChainsaw trope.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]
%%* ''Literature/BattleCircle'' trilogy by Creator/PiersAnthony: The main culture is based on {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s; and the society is based around ritual combat in the titular Circle, with warriors typically specializing in one of seven common weapons (although a few less common ones show up occasionally). All men are known by their signature weapons, which they use as a title, eg. Var the Sword, Kal the Club. A few rare individuals are proficient with more than one, which they add to their title.
%%** The main characters the trilogy are Sol of All Weapons, who is unique in his mastery of combat, and Sos the Rope (actually a long steel cable), who choses an unusual signature weapon after being forbidden to use the common ones.
%%** Nearly all warriors are also proficient with bow-and-arrow; but these are used exclusively for hunting. They are not considered acceptable for the Circle, which is exclusively hand-to-hand ritual combat.
* ''Literature/BlueValentine'': While Nicki Valentine carries her late grandfather’s ivory handled straight razor primarily as a sort of symbolic totem of protection, she can also put it to vicious use in a scrape.
* ''Literature/BurtonAndSwinburneSeries'': Sir Richard Burton favours a SwordCane as befitting a weapon for someone who's a master swordsman and of at least upper middle class status. Burton especially likes using one sword cane in particular. This is a cane with a panther head top, which has a custom-made blade to give it unusually good balance. Besides its high quality, Burton favours it as a trophy from a defeated foe (as an explorer and scholar, he is a devoted CollectorOfTheStrange).
* ''Literature/AClockworkOrange'': Alex uses his cut-throat razor.
* ''Franchise/TheDarkTower'':
** Badass [[Literature/TheGunslinger Roland]] uses a pair of finely-wrought six-shooters, passed down from father to son for generations and said to have been made from the melted-down metal of [[Myth/ArthurianLegend Excalibur]]. Appears to be the in-universe equivalent of HeroesPreferSwords.
** In the back story, Roland's constantly joking best friend Cuthbert prefers a slingshot to a gun. In a possible subversion, the quiet, intelligent, and psychic Alain gets to use a machine gun at one point, and enjoys it very much.
** Earlier in the backstory, young Roland gains the edge of surprise when he [[TookALevelInBadass earns his ascent to gunslinger status]] in a CurbStompBattle against his [[TrainingFromHell sensei]] [[DrillSergeantNasty Cort]], by choosing [[NobleBirdOfPrey David the hawk]] as his [[FeatheredFiend weapon]]. He compares himself to David-- a mindless killing machine, "God's gunslinger," but the creative choice of weapon also shows that despite Roland's straightforward nature, he has the ability to be a GuileHero when necessary.
* ''Literature/DeathToTheFrench'': The Baker Rifle. The Rifle along with the green uniform is a highly visible weapon and symbol that separates a Rifleman from the common soldier armed with muskets.
* ''Literature/DonQuixote'': The legendary knight errant wannabe/Misadventurer/Badass uses his lance the most out of his three weapons. He also carries a sword and a shield, of course, but his lance features the most in his most famous adventures, especially the legendary battle with the windmills.
* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'':
** Thomas the White Court vampire regularly uses both a saber and a SawedOffShotgun (though not at the same time), and has begun to use kukris (curved knives used by gurkhas) [[DualWielding alongside his saber.]]
** The three [[spoiler: (two, currently)]] Knights of the Cross also have their own signature weapons, each carrying one of the nails from the Crucifixion: Amoracchius, a broadsword that is [[spoiler: Excalibur]]; Fidelacchius [[spoiler: (Kusanagi),]], a katana (possibly a shirasaya, as it's been described as having a cane-like sheath) [[spoiler: and now has the form of a lightsaber based on the new Knight's faith in the ideals of Star Wars]]; and Esperacchius [[spoiler: Durendal]], a saber. Throughout the years, the latter two have been periodically reforged as different types of swords to better suit their wielders.
* ''Literature/TheEmpiriumTrilogy'': Each element is closely associated with a particular weapon or armory: windsingers have arrows, sunspinners have swords, earthshakers use staffs, etc. Most elementals tend to create their castings in the shape of those weapons, though alternative castings can be made.
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Obviously wands are the weapon of choice for the wizarding world, but there are two specifics ones that stand out: The Elder Wand, which is the weapon of choice for Antioch Peverell, [[spoiler: Gregorovitch, Gellert Grindelwald, Albus Dumbledore, and Lord Voldemort]]; and Harry's holly and phoenix feather wand, which [[spoiler: he actually mourns when it is broken]].
* ''Literature/TheHungerGames'': Having a preferred weapon- and even moreso proving yourself competent with it- can make or break Tributes during [[DeadlyGame the games themselves]], since the Gamemakers will make sure such weapons are available in the arena. These weapons are usually- but not always- related to a character's story: protagonist Katniss Everdeen is an accomplished huntress, and thus prefers the bow and arrow; hailing from the logging District, Johanna Mason wielded axes; and swimmer/fisherman Finnick Odair was highly skilled with a trident and net combination.
** Other Tributes with preferred and/or signature weapons include: Betee (wire and electrical current); Cato (sword); Clove (throwing knives); Rue (slingshot).
* ''Literature/JakubWedrowycz'': The closest thing the title character has to a Weapon Of Choice is a steel brake cable made into a small lasso. He mostly uses it to catch homeless dogs and cats for eating, but it comes in handy against supernatural threats as well, as [[http://fabrykaslow.com.pl/imgs_upload/Image/ksiazki/Bestsellery/Pilipiuk_Zagadka-v2.jpg featured on the cover of one of the books.]]
* ''Kull the Conqueror'': Proud barbarian warrior Kull uses a battle axe as his main weapon. After he becomes king, his advisors make several attempts to civilize him, including training him in swordsmanship. He never quite takes to it, and goes back to his axe, showing he's truly a barbarian at heart.
* ''Literature/TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe'': The Pevensie siblings each have their own signature weapons, gifted to them by Father Christmas.
** Peter, the leader by virtue of being [[PromotionToParent the first-born]] and therefore TheHero, is given a sword and shield.
** Susan, the mature, no-nonsense type, is given a bow and arrows.
** Lucy, the youngest and not yet old enough to fight, is entrusted with the universal MagicAntidote and given a small dagger -- just in case.
** Edmund wasn't present to receive a gift from Father Christmas[[note]]a musical stage version gives Edmund a mace[[/note]]. A traitor and non-combatant at the time, he doesn't merit one.
*** The [[Film/TheChroniclesOfNarnia films]] show Edmund as very much a CombatPragmatist when he steals a Telmarine falchion and crossbow, and proceeds to kick all kinds of ass.
* ''Literature/{{Matilda}}'': One memorable scene shows Matilda playing a prank on her family using her neighbor’s talking parrot. When the bird - hidden away from sight - spookily intones, the family mistakes the voice for a burglar and arm themselves for conflict: Mr. Wormwood takes up a golf club; Mrs. Wormwood grabs a fireplace poker; Michael seizes a table lamp; and Matilda (to go along with the charade) brandishes a knife.
* ''Literature/MissionEarth'': Creator/LRonHubbard's series had the protagonist Jettero Heller (distinct from the antagonist narrator, Soltan Gris). Mr. Heller was a champion "bullet-ball" player back home, and discovered that he could throw Earth "base-balls" with up to lethal speed. He also discovered that baseball cleats make for a deadly surprise against opponents, since no one in these parts expects a cleat-wearer to kick with them.
** ... proving that L. Ron either never played baseball as a kid or managed to grow up around the damndest well-behaved kids in the country.
* In ''Literature/{{Mistborn}}'', obsidian daggers are the titular magic users' weapon of choice, since the widespread use of MagnetismManipulation makes metal weapons a liability and obsidian is too brittle to make longer weapons out of. Given the CrapsackWorld of the series, even the most positive of the protagonists bare some decidedly antiheroic qualities, though the most monstrous of the bunch usually have AnAxeToGrind instead.
* The title character of ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'' wields ''Anaklusmos''[=/=]Riptide, a shortsword that can disguise itself as a pen and is enchanted so that if he ever loses it it will reappear in his pocket.
* ''Literature/ThePhantomOfTheOpera'': The title character's Weapon Of Choice is the Punjab lasso that he uses to strangle people.
* ''Literature/ProtectorOfTheSmall'': Kel is an exception to this trope: While she is the Hero, she uses a naginata (though she usually calls it a glaive for convenience) instead of the hero's traditional sword.
* ''Literature/RangersApprentice'': the main characters all have a preferred weapon.
** Halt and Will both favor longbows. Though that's partially because they're the signature weapon of the rangers, it's also reflective of the training and commitment required by the organization. A bow takes a long time to master, just like espionage, stealth, and social manipulation, all things rangers are meant to do. It also reflects how they're not confrontational people, preferring to shape situations to the point that even if conflict breaks out, they can decimate opponents without putting themselves in danger.
** Horace prefers a simple one-handed sword and a buckler shield. The combo is pragmatic and effective, just like Horace. Ironically, it's the shield that gets more mention, fitting for someone whose main drive is to protect others.
** Evelyn/Cassandra uses a sling. As a hunting tool as much as a weapon, its the only weapon she was able to sneak around and master while in the palace, showing how set she is on making sure she's not just a frilly, useless princess.
** Alyss has a dagger. It's not balanced for throwing and is only meant as a weapon of last resort, for good reason. Alyss prefers negotiation and manipulation, and if a fight's broken out she's already failed.
* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'':
** Reynard favors a rapier called Cut-Throat as his primary (right-handed) weapon, and wields a parrying dagger with his left. After he [[spoiler: loses his left hand]], he fights with a BladeBelowTheShoulder called Left-Hand.
** Isengrim wields his AbsurdlySharpBlade, Right-Hand.
** Hirsent wields a sword called Harrower. She thinks it's ridiculous that the weapon has a name.
** Tiecelin, being an ArcherArchetype, uses a bow, one of the only unnamed weapons of the protagonists in the series.
** Tybalt strongly favors throwing daggers, but he also wields a sword named Catspaw.
** Bruin, the team's [[TheBigGuy Big Guy]], wields an axe named Mauler.
** Grymbart is one of the few characters that fights with a sword ''and'' shield.
** Ghul, a Glyconese, is deadly with his pair of short swords. The Myrmidons of Glycon favor the same weapon pairing, implying that Ghul might have been a Myrmidon in training at some point.
** Rukenaw fights with a morning star called The Fairlimb, a nickname she shares with her weapon because of her shapely legs.
** Celia Corvino, and her henchman, the Baron Dendra, both favor poison.
** Stormbringer, the Demon King, wielded a "soul-crushing" blade called Thunderclap, which went on to become a part of the royal regalia of the kingdom of Aquilia.
** The Arcasians and Luxians seem to favor pikes, crossbows, and cavalry armed with lances when going to war, while their Calvarian adversaries wield javelins, sword and shield, and field superior archers as well as artillery.
* ''Literature/{{Sharpe}}'': The titular protagonist, a tough-as-nails British Army rifleman turned officer after he saved the life of UsefulNotes/TheDukeOfWellington in India, also uses a Baker Rifle, but also uses a 1796 heavy cavalry sabre for fighting in close quarters. He prefers, and is much more skilled with, the rifle. Not only is the pairing very effective in combat as the cavalry sword is able to power through lighter officer swords and the rifle has more range and accuracy than either a musket or a pistol, but they serve as a reminder of the character's humble beginnings and where he is now. Sgt. Harper, Sharpe's second-in-command, uses a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nock_gun Nock gun]], [[RareGuns a seven-barrelled smoothbore developed in limited numbers by the Royal Navy]]; the gun has understandably immense firepower, ''especially'' at close range and with it, ridiculous recoil (in real life the British found the gun was CoolButInefficient as it was very heavy, very slow to reload and it would even often injure the operator by breaking or dislocating their shoulder; Harper never experiences this issue).
* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'':
** Swords are among the most common weapons wielded, especially by traditionally "heroic" characters:
*** Two of the most straightforwardly heroic characters, Ned Stark and Jon Snow, wield [[HeroesPreferSwords swords]] named [[AncestralWeapon Ice]] and Longclaw respectively. [[HeroicBastard Jon's]] is even a [[{{Pun}} bastard sword]].
*** Brienne of Tarth, another heroic character, also receives her a signature sword, called Oathkeeper to reflect her loyal and steadfast nature, [[spoiler: from Jaime Lannister, who is reputed to lack these traits]].
*** Arya Stark wields Needle, a light fencing blade suitable to her small stature and stealthy nature.
*** Ser Barristan Selmy - one of the most morally upstanding characters - eventually discards his sword in favor of an epic staff, befitting his transition from general badass to OldSoldier.
** Several of the "Sand Snakes" (bastard daughters of Prince Oberyn Martell) have signature weapons:
*** Obara, the eldest and most overtly martial, wields a spear, shield, and whip.
*** Nymeria, the most intelligent of the sisters, can wield multiple daggers with great skill.
*** Tyene, the most cunning and deceptive, favors poisons, which she can deliver in a variety of subtle ways.
*** Elia, named after Oberyn's deceased sister, is a skilled jouster and favors a lance as her primary weapon.
*** Dorea, although too young for combat, enjoys using a morningstar mace to knock fruit off of trees.
** Tyrion Lannister, a "little person", favors an axe in battle, a subtle gag as he otherwise has very little in common with [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Tolkienesque dwarves]].
** King Robert Baratheon's signature weapon is a giant two-handed [[DropTheHammer warhammer]], befitting his status as the BigGuy.
** King Joffrey of the Houses Baratheon and Lannister, the First of His Name, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, [[TemptingFate long may he reign]], favors a crossbow, which is maligned in-universe as the weapon of weaklings and cowards.
* ''Literature/StarTrekKlingonEmpire'': Of the various Klingon weapons established in canon, Davok uses the qutluch, the signature dagger of an assassin. He throws it with fantastic accuracy even in close-quarters combat. He claims that he took it off an assassin who tried to use it on him. His leader Wol finds this claim to be dubious, but has no trouble believing that Davok would piss someone off enough to have them put a hit on him.
* ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'':
** Mara favored a purple lightsaber although she lost it and used Anakin Skywalker’s for a time before making her own new one.
** Lumiya favored a light whip. It’s a lightsaber variation that’s handled like a physical whip. Mara spoke of using it on occasion and they’re quite difficult to master.
** Despite Sith usually using red crystals, Leia used a red saber with a natural red crystal for a time.
** Jaina used a purple blade like Mara’s older blade.
* ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'': Swords are considered upper-class weapons, meaning that [[TheHero Kaladin]], who is lower-class, uses a spear as his Weapon Of Choice (toying in a minor but noticable ways with genre conventions). Heroic ''and'' villainous aristocratic characters use swords all the time as a status symbol, with the magical Shardblades being the most prized. AntiVillain assassin Szeth also has a shardblade, which both makes him even more badass than he would be otherwise and, since he comes from an extremely pacifist society, using the most deadly weapon of all marks him as a disgraced outcast. [[spoiler: Syl, Kaladin's BondCreature eventually gains the ability to become a Shardblade, but it turns out that living Shardblades, wielded by a Radiant are {{Morph Weapon}}s, so she mostly takes the form of a Shardspear.]]
* ''Literature/TimeScout'': Each character tends to have one or more preferred weapons.
** Aversion: Sven loves all weapons.
** Anne has a pair of delightful little [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webley_Revolver Royal Irish Constabulary Webleys.]]
** Skeeter pines for the recurve bows of his youth, but he'll use a gun. In the Arena, he [[GuileHero tricks them]] into giving him a lariat and a trident, those being what he was trained with and what was closest to the spears of his youth respectively.
** Jack the Ripper prefers an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jambiya Arabian jambiya]] for the ceremonial taking of heads.
** Kynan Rhys Gower prefers his longbow or a war maul. But when their superiority is demonstrated in the face of an angry Cape buffalo, he asks, "You show gun?"
* [[Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium Tolkien's Legendarium]]: Broadly speaking, Men (and hobbits) prefer swords, Elves bows, and Dwarves axes. Maces and clubs [[GoodWeaponEvilWeapon seem to be the province of evil characters]], as well as the curved swords wielded by orcs. This is not an ironclad rule, however, and exceptions do exist throughout [[Creator/JRRTolkien Tolkien’s]] works.
** ''Literature/TheHobbit'':
*** On their journey to the Lonely Mountain, the Company of Thorin Okenshield stumbled upon a troll hoard. Thorin himself found an ancient Elvish sword among the hoard - later revealed by Elrond to be the famous Orcrist, or “goblin-cleaver”. Thorin carried it with him the length of his journey and was entombed with it at the end.
** ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'':
*** Gandalf: A wizard, he wields a [[MagicWand Staff]], natch, but pairs it with a broadsword (Glamdring), establishing him as a more down-to-earth wizard-of-the-people than Saruman in his ivory tower.
*** Aragorn: [[HeroesPreferSwords Broadsword]] (first the unnamed ranger's sword, and then [[ReforgedBlade Andúril]] post-Rivendell), fittingly for a heroic archetype (although not TheHero; he's the former TropeNamer for SupportingLeader).
*** Boromir also wields a sword.
*** Legolas: A longbow, fittingly as he's the calm, stoic, "zen" one.
*** Gimli: An axe -- the most boisterous, fight-happy one. Something of a template for fantasy dwarves.
*** Sam, Merry. Pippin: Short sword (they are hobbits, after all).
*** Frodo: The short sword "Sting" [[AncestralWeapon which was passed down to him from Bilbo]]. Lacking any real training, he avoids fighting if possible -- one of Sting's main uses is that it glows blue when orcs are near.
** ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'':
*** The three original clans of Elves each had associated/preferred weapons: The Vanyar favored spears; the Noldor swords; and the Teleri bows and arrows.
*** The ancient Elven city of Gondolin was protected by a series of seven gates, and the soldiers guarding each gate sometimes had specified weaponry: The Gate of Bronze (the third gate) was guarded by soldiers who carried red-bladed axes; The Gate of Silver (the fifth gate) was guarded by 200 archers; The Gate of Gold (the sixth gate) was guarded by 300 archers.
* ''Literature/WarOfTheDreaming'': The heroes' weapons mostly correspond to this, although they don't have the classical lineup...
** Galen: [[BladeOnAStick Carries a spear]] at first, later gets a cool bow that doubles as a HealingShiv.
** [[DropTheHammer Peter]]: an EmpathicWeapon that responds to voice commands and can do a variety of nifty tricks, like fly down a hall and out a window to hit attackers sneaking up from behind.
** [[TheChick Wendy]]: gets a MagicWand.
** [[MysteriousProtector Pendrake]]: [[TheGunslinger A brace of .45s]], in keeping with his classic-noir persona.
* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'':
** [[BecauseDestinySaysSo Hero]] Rand, being TheHero, uses [[HeroesPreferSwords a crystal sword]] that conveniently jacks up his magic powers to an insane degree -- [[spoiler: sometimes literally]], for which reason he generally prefers more modest swords made from unbreakable steel or summoned fire.
** Mat started off with a bow as his Weapon Of Choice. This lasted for about half of the first book, before he switched to using a [[ArtifactOfDoom cursed dagger]] until [[spoiler: it gets stolen at the beginning of book 2]]. He uses a staff for book three, then uses knives for book 4, and ''then'' switches to the naginata for the rest of the series (though he does still get plenty of mileage out of those knives...). He also acquires a good Two Rivers bow stave from an unsuspecting quarter staff salesman who didn't realise the quality of the wood or its purpose. He, like Perrin and Rand, also has skill with a bow and sling. All but Rand use their bows when the situation is best suited for it. Mat avoids combat the best he can, but is always drawn to it by fate which gives him a reputation of a great general (which he is) and unstoppable in battle, but that was not his choice.
** [[TheBigGuy Former blacksmith Perrin]] uses a is torn between his symbolically-potent axe and hammer, [[spoiler: eventually abandoning the former so as to use a tool from his more innocent past to kill people in more disfiguring ways]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Series/AgentsOfSHIELD'': After [[RunningGag talking about it for a while]], [[TheBigGuy Mack]] constructs a shotgun with an axe built into the barrel -- allowing him to do severe damage from a distance and then get in close to deliver a finishing blow -- in the Season 3 finale. From that point forward, it becomes his default weapon in most situations.
* ''Series/{{Angel}}'': Follows this trope closely, particularly with [[TheSmartGuy smart guy]] Wesley in the [[TookALevelInBadass later seasons]]. While the other characters stick with more traditional fantasy weapons like axes and swords, he starts bringing along shotguns, dual pistols, and a healthy dose of GunFu. Unfortunately, it [[ImmuneToBullets doesn't often help]].
** Gunn also carries his Hubcap-Axe until Season 4.
* ''Series/{{Arrow}}''
** Oliver Queen and his EvilCounterpart Malcolm Merlyn both use bows and arrows.
** John Diggle uses a Glock Pistol.
** Sara Lance/The Canary uses a SimpleStaff, while her sister and successor Laurel Lance used tonfa.
** Slade Wilson/Deathstroke always has at least one sword on hand at all times.
** The Huntress makes use of small crossbows.
** Both versions of Count Vertigo weaponized [[FantasticDrug Vertigo]]. The Count used a double-needle syringe, while Werner Zytle uses throwing darts.
** Prometheus uses shuriken [[spoiler:forged from Oliver's discarded arrowheads]].
* ''Series/BlueBloods'': In keeping with his CowboyCop attitude, Danny Reagan carries a noticeably different, silver pistol rather than the black Glocks used by the rest of the NYPD cast (other than Frank's ancient [[RevolversAreJustBetter Fitz Special]]). [[http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Blue_Bloods_-_Season_1 IMFDB identifies it as a Smith & Wesson 5946,]] a pragmatic choice by the props department considering that the weapon, though not standard issue, is still allowed by NYPD regs in real life.
* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'':
** Buffy has her Slayer Scythe during the last few episodes of Season 7, right up to the end of [[ComicBook/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Season 8]]. She and every other Slayer within spitting distance.
** The rest of the time, of course, she has her wooden stakes, especially earlier in the show when she fought vampires more often. She also has her crossbow for them.
* Alpha in ''{{Series/Dollhouse}}'' favored a steak knife for cutting people up, after using bonsai clips the first time he got someone.
* ''Series/{{Firefly}}'': Follows the trope with Western-inspired (of course) weapons. Mal, TheHero has a gun based on a six-shooter and an old-fashioned mentality to go with it. Zoe carries a custom 1892 Winchester rifle (and, unusually, a bulletproof vest, befitting a consummate professional who's ready for trouble). Jayne, the other badass, has an assortment but favours an assault rifle he [[ICallItVera calls Vera]]and a BIG knife. Inara, the mysterious woman, uses a futuristic bow (she also holds a stolen laser pistol, but it doesn't work; when she then pulls one that she claims ''does'', it is of course an ornate, delicate and high-tech looking one). The rest of the crew make do with pistols and shotguns of varying accuracy. Though notably Wash uses a Mateba auto-revolver which considering their scarcity and quirky design fits his character quite well.
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'':
** Swords
*** The SwordsAreHeroic trope is on full view, as they are wielded by many morally-driven characters (Ned Stark, Jon Snow, Arya Stark, Robb Stark, Stannis Baratheon, and Brienne of Tarth). As such a ubiquitous weapon, however, they are also wielded by less "heroic" characters (Jaime Lannister, Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, Gregor and Sandor Clegane, amongst others).
*** Joffrey owns ornate swords, often with pretentious names (Lion's Tooth, Hearteater, Widow's Wail), but displays no real ability to use them and prefers to kill helpless victims with a crossbow (much less skill and training involved).
** Axes
*** Tyrion perfers to wield axes, which suit his short stature.
*** Yara and the other Ironborn also use axes, alluding to their Viking-esque culture.
** BoisterousBruiser Robert Baratheon favoured a warhammer, a weapon also favored by his unacknowledged bastard son Gendry (years of working as a blacksmith made him highly proficient, even with no formal combat training).
** Like many Dornishmen, Oberyn Martell favours a spear as his weapon, as does his eldest daughter Obara.
** In the North, some sigils are taken from or inspired by their respective House's preferred weapon. The Flaying knife for House Bolton, PowerFist for House Glover, and AnAxeToGrind for House Cerwyn.
* ''{{Series/Highlander}}'': Duncan has a dragonhead katana similar to Connor's in the movie (but not the same one). On rare occasions, he had a broadsword instead, though (and in one specific episode, he used his father's claymore). Methos had a medieval Ivanhoe broadsword and Richie a rapier until just before his death. Each immortal basically had a signature weapon. In many cases, the chosen weapon was a bit of insight to the period the character grew up in or an important event in their past.
* ''Radio/TheLoneRanger'': In the TV version as well as others, the title character always shoots silver bullets. Though it's really too soft for bullets, it symbolized justice by law and his vow to shoot to wound, not kill.
* ''Series/TheMysticKnightsOfTirNaNog'':
** Rohan, the Knight of Fire and TheHero, uses a sword.
** Deirdre, the Knight of Air and TheChick, uses a crossbow.
** Ivar, the Knight of Water and TheBigGuy/[[TheLancer Lancer]], uses a trident.
** Angus, the Knight of Earth and TheSmartGuy, uses a mace, probably just because it's round, and they had to show boulders shooting out of it.
** Garrett, the SixthRanger with serious ego issues, uses an ax.
* ''Franchise/SuperSentai''/''Franchise/PowerRangers'': You can expect almost every team to have character-specific weapons in addition to smaller guns / swords (or guns that turn into swords), and in most cases the personal weapons will combine to form a blaster for the FinishingMove. Listing every example could be a page in itself.
** ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'': In the original lineup, Jason the Red Ranger (TheHero) used a sword, Zack the Black Ranger (TheLancer) used an axe, Trini the Yellow Ranger (ActionGirl) used twin daggers, Billy the Blue Ranger (TheSmartGuy) used a [[DoubleWeapon lance that could split in two]], and Kimberly the Pink Ranger (TheChick) used a bow. When Tommy the Green Ranger first appeared, he also used a sword, but he changed to a dagger that could summon his [[HumongousMecha Dragonzord]] after his HeelFaceTurn. All of them except Tommy had blasters as backup... because Tommy's dagger could fire energy blasts and lightning.
** ''Series/KyukyuSentaiGoGoV''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'' and ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersTimeForce'' are notable exceptions. While the {{Sixth Ranger}}s of these series have their own personal weapons, the core five Rangers have uniform weapons.
* ''Series/{{Sharpe}}'': Richard Sharpe uses his Baker rifle to devastating effects. He also carries a 1798 pattern cavalry sword, which is essentially a sharpened club with a knuckleduster attached.
* ''Series/StargateAtlantis'': The P90 personal defense weapon is basically the signature weapon of this series and ''Series/StargateSG1'', carried by most [[HumansByAnyOtherName tau'ri]] from the SGC.
** In the early seasons of SG-1, Teal'c usually used the Goa'uld staff weapon, as did Bra'tac who's absolutely badass with it. After many seasons of CharacterDevelopment, Teal'c finally switched over to DualWielding P90s.
** Ronon Dex instead carries a [[HandCannon Traveler energy pistol]] (plus gunplay), a [[{{BFS}} Satedan ceremonial sword]] and a shitload of knives.
* ''Franchise/StarTrek'': Despite living in a universe with [[SlowLaser lasers]], Klingon [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy warriors]] prefer the ancient ''bat'leth'' (a curved, two-handed sword) as a true test of combat prowess.
** ''Series/StarTrekPicard'': In the Franchise/TrekVerse, it's unexpected for a person from a spacefaring civilization to depend almost exclusively on a sword when energy weapons are the norm, but in Elnor's case, he's an old-school Romulan WarriorMonk who upholds the Qowat Milat customs and lifestyle of a bygone era when his species was a ProudWarriorRace. His preference for the tan qalanq over conventional {{Ray Gun}}s reflects that he's noble, forthright, courageous and a [[MasterSwordsman total badass]] -- anyone who dares to challenge Elnor in combat should NeverBringAGunToAKnifeFight because GunsAreWorthless when he can DodgeTheBullet.
* ''Series/TheWalkingDead'': Many characters wield weapons that say a lot about them:
** Rick uses a very large, nickel-plated Colt Python, showing that he's an idealist (nickel-plated = shining armor) field leader (pistols demonstrate leader, but the size implies he actually uses it. Very much contrasted to Shane's Mossberg 590. [[spoiler: He stops using it when he starts going crazy, but uses it again when he starts getting his act back together.]]
** Dale always has a scoped Remington 700 VLS in his hands, fitting since he is both the lookout, and the one who spends his time watching the others.
** Daryl uses a crossbow, representing his simple, country-folk nature.
** Michonne uses a katana, demonstrating her foreign nature.
** Merle’s bayonet hand symbolizes the fact that he himself has become little more than a tool for the Governor. Notably, he loses the bayonet at the same time he is betrayed by the Governor and reunited with his MoralityPet Daryl.
** Morally-conflicted GentleGiant Tyreese uses a hammer, which can be used both to destroy and to create.
** Carol’s snub-nosed pistol is small, unassuming, and easily concealed, much like its owner. Also, it’s a revolver, just like Rick’s gun, but in a tinier package that is no less deadly.
** After the deaths of those closest to her, Sasha begins using a silenced sniper rifle, which is fitting for a person who has become detached, [[ColdSniper cold]] and quiet.
** Morgan Jones wields a SimpleStaff, which reflects his newfound sturdiness and opposition to spilling blood.
** The Wolves use various primitive weapons: knives, machetes, axes, spears, and sickles. This highlights their primal savagery and brings to mind a composite of various barbarian archetypes such as HornyVikings, TheHashshashin, and [[{{Pirate}} Pirates]].
** Negan uses his barbed-wire covered baseball bat "Lucille", which allows him to kill up close and as painfully as possible.
* ''Series/{{Xena|WarriorPrincess}}'': She has her [[http://miroirdarc.com/xwp/s1/callisto/callisto_dArc_PDVD_391.jpg Chakram]] (a weapon originally associated with the Sikhs). In Season 5, she swapped her older chakram for a [[http://images.wikia.com/hercxena/images/b/b4/Legacy_chakram.jpg new model]] that resembled a [[UsefulNotes/{{Taoism}} yin-yang]], and could split into two hand-held bladed weapons.
** Gabrielle also had her Sais starting in season 5 and lasting until the end of the series, and her (less exclusive) staff in Seasons 1-3.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music]]
* Many musicians have a preferred brand or downright singular instrument, which becomes an IconicItem for fans. One such case is Music/BrianMay and his homemade guitar, the Red Special. To such an extent that, when appearing at a concert celebrating the Fender Stratocaster, he still played the Red Special.
* Music/TendonLevey and the oversized, blood-stained honey dipper ("The Bloodydipper") which receives numerous mentions throughout his work and appears on a couple of his album covers.
* Music/{{Eminem}}'s Slim Shady character will kill you with anything, but since ''Music/TheMarshallMathersLP'' he's most associated with a Husqvana chainsaw. Chainsaw sound effects are used to introduce him in songs, he's performed with a HockeyMaskAndChainsaw on stage, and chainsaws grace many of his album covers.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Pro Wrestling]]
* Wrestling/TripleH has been using a sledgehammer as his weapon of choice since May of 1999, when he used it to bash in a casket with Wrestling/TheRock inside. He does very noticeably use his fist to cover the head of the hammer since a real hit with the hammer would likely knock out some teeth.
* Wrestling/MickFoley's barbed wire baseball bat, Barbie.
* Wrestling/JohnCena, the Wrestling/JunkyardDog, Hercules, Wrestling/{{Ivan|Koloff}} & Wrestling/NikitaKoloff and other wrestlers used to use chains.
* Wrestling/StanHansen and other cowboy wrestlers used to bring a bullrope to the ring, often with a cowbell attached to it.
* Larry Zbyszko had a set of nunchucks during his martial arts phase in the 1980's.
** During a feud with Zbyszko, Wrestling/NickBockwinkel began bringing a whip to the ring to combat his nunchucks.
* The "Singapore Cane" was the preferred weapon of many ECW wrestlers, most notably [[Wrestling/JimFullington The Sandman]].
* Wrestling/JimCornette was famous for his loaded tennis racket.
* Wrestling/JimmyHart would clobber opponents from behind with his bullhorn - when he wasn't verbally taunting them through it.
%%* JJ Dillon would regularly take off one of his shoes and use it as a weapon, or give it to one of the Four Horsemen.
* Wrestling/TheMoondogs used to bring large bones to the ring to use on opponents.
* The Wrestling/BigBossman regularly used a night stick, including at least once having a "Night Stick On A Pole Match".
* For a while, Wrestling/TheBeautifulPeople used to have a pink night stick they called "The Ugly Stick".
* After adopting his Crow persona, Wrestling/{{Sting}} regularly used a black baseball bat, sometimes using more than one.
%%* Anyone who wins a Money In The Bank briefcase is known to use it as a weapon before cashing it in.
%%* Wrestling/RobVanDam works the classic wrestling folding chair into several of his trademark moves, namely the Van Daminator and Van Terminator.
%%* The Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) concept was based around the favoured wrestling-weaponry of the 3 teams involved in its inception. WWE had Wrestling/TheDudleyBoys powerbombing people through tables[[note]]Eventually, [[{{Flanderization}} flanderizing]] them into only being about tables and catchphrases[[/note]]. [[Wrestling/MattHardy The]] [[Wrestling/JeffHardy Hardyz]] were experts with ladders. Wrestling/{{Edge}} and Wrestling/{{Christian}} would do a double-team chairshot they called the [[PunnyName "Con-Chair-To"]].
[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Roleplay]]
%%* ''Roleplay/RubyQuest''; One of the fanarts featured Ace with some sort of {{MacGyver|ing}}'d cane/hook/spear thing, which actually made it into the game. The main characters have weapons of choice themselves: Ruby has a [[IncrediblyLamePun mean left hook]], while Tom prefers a crowbar, which was later swapped for a [[ImprovisedWeapon BLUDGEONY CANESHOVEL]].
%%[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
%%* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' 3rd edition's feats allow players to specialize in particular weapons to a greater or lesser degree. This is usually done by Fighters, since their bonus feats are more or less designed for it.
%%** There is also the Weapon Master PrestigeClass, which requires the character to choose one type of weapon to focus on before they can take the class.
%%** And 4th Edition's Fighters has a different spin, first one chooses feats that work for a specific weapon, then powers that lend themselves to different weapons.
%%* The Weapon Master advantage in ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' lets the character use a particular weapon or class of weapons well beyond what a normal human can even attempt.
* TabletopGame/{{Hunter The Vigil}} actually uses this as a game mechanic. Hunters can become attached a particular weapon, giving themselves a firm grasp on their mental state and let's them focus on the task at hand.
%%* In ''TabletopGame/RocketAge'' the Martian Warpriests of the Order of the Hamaxe use their custom-made hamaxes, a weapon that has both an axe blade and a hammer on the head. Of course, there are far more examples.
%%* Although the Fighting Style merits in the core ''TabletopGame/NewWorldOfDarkness'' book mostly focus on martial arts, quite a few in the supplementary material center around a specific type of weapon (examples include knife-fighting, sword-and-shield, and [[{{BFS}} heavy swords]]).
* In ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' each class has proficiency in a few weapons related to their nature and playstyle.
** Fighters have the largest selection of proficient weapons, demonstrating their skill with all manner of weapons. What weapons a particular fighter specializes in will tell you about his fighting style.
** Arcane casters like wizards and sorcerers are proficient in only the simplest weapons. As magic users, they shouldn't be fighting with weapons at all and their meager weapon choices reflect this.
** Clerics gain a weapon proficiency based on the god they follow, making their weapon choice an extension of their faith.
** Rogues get knives, bows, and other weapons that are easy to conceal and meant to inflict precise wounds, much like how rogues themselves are best when making tactical attacks on unaware or vulnerable enemies.
** Monks use either bare hands, staves or specialized monk weapons. Being ascetic {{Warrior Monk}}s, they don't need weapons, and those they do use either emphasize their ascetism or the exoticism of their style.
** Brawlers specialize in fists and in the "close" weapon group, which are mostly punch enhancers with a couple of exotic clubs thrown in, as well as ShieldBash attacks. They're a GoodOldFisticuffs version of the Monk, and trade exotica for simple hitting power.
** Gunslingers rely on all kinds of firearms and have the technical skill to maintain them, but they're not just defined as gunmen. They're also defined by grit and daring, performing GunFu tricks with dangerous and often explosive weapons.
** Alchemists' special weapon is the bomb, and stereotypical alchemists are nutty and reckless {{Mad Scientist}}s.
* The various armies of ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' utilize different types and styles of weaponry in accordance with their culture and personalities. Even the designs of the same types of weapon vary in this way (for example, the spears used by High Elves are thin, elegant, leaf-bladed things with gentle, flowing curves, while their Dark Elf cousins use equally slender but jagged and spiked spears. Human spears tend to be a lot thicker and cruder, and Orc spears thicker and cruder still).
** The iconic weapon of the Empire, which the majority of its footsoldiers use, is the versatile halberd, which fits with the Empire army being the most versatile in the game (interestingly most other armies only give halberds to elite units). They also use spearmen and swordsmen, especially from more rural provinces, and missile support comes from a mix of archers, crossbowmen and handgunners. Plus the Empire has large train of gunpowder artillery. There are also small numbers of young noblemen fighting on horseback with a brace of pistols, smaller numbers of engineers with experimental repeating handguns and plenty of classic armoured knights with couched lances or cavalry hammers. Their elite infantry use Zweihander-style greatswords, just like the German Landesknechts who form their major inspiration. Basically the Empire is defined by its use of a wide variety of real-world early modern European weaponry.
** Orcs and Goblins tend to use crude hacking swords and cleavers (called Choppas) that are little more than a sharp lump of metal on a stick, a well as equally crude spears and daggers. For missile fire they rely on crude bows, cobbled-together trebuchets and small bolt throwers. Savage Orc weapons are just as crude, but knapped out of flint and bone, rather than pig iron. Orcs are basically low-tech barbarians with little time for art or craftsmanship, and their weapons reflect this.
** Dwarfs, as peerless metalworkers, craftsmen and engineers, use sturdy, reliable and superlatively forged axes and hammers to fight with, paired with intricately carved round metal shields. They eschew swords, bows and wooden-hafted weapons as feeble, their preference for solid metal axes and hammers fitting with their blunt, no-nonsense demeanour. They also craft rifled handguns (or crossbows) and more technologically advanced war machines than the humans of the Empire, but being far more naturally conservative don't tend to go in for the same levels of steampunk insanity that Imperial engineers do. Their miners, as would be expected, use pickaxes.
** The High Elves, as a graceful, skilled and artistic race, use slender spears, longbows and elegant dueling swords as their primary weapons - all with leaf-shaped blades, intricate artistic flourishes and curved, flowing lines. Most are encrusted with carved gemstones, and many hung with ribbons. For war machines they use similarly elegant bolt throwers, the bow-piece shaped to resemble the outstretched wings of an eagle and with a repeating mechanism to fire a hail of small darts. Their elites fight with larger, two-handed weapons - greatswords for the Swordmasters of Hoeth, halberds for the Phoenix Guard and woodsman's axes for the White Lions - but these are also very slender examples of their kind, relying on perfect balance and swing rather than brute force for their effect (and the elves that use them are trained so superlatively that they can use them as dextrously as a human might use a regular sword). The Sisters of Avelorn use magical bows that fire arrows of searing blue flame, demonstrating that High Elves are the most magical of the races.
** The Dark Elves are a twisted, corrupted mirror of the High Elves, and use similar weapons but styled with ripping spikes and blades and jagged, discordant edges. Instead of bows they use repeating crossbows that fire a hail of barbed darts, and they supplement their armoury with vicious harpoons, hooked blades, whips and razor nets.
** The Wood Elves favor the longbow, and fight with it almost exclusively, though they do have some spearmen and sword-dancers as well. Wood Elf weapons are made from the wood of living trees, and just as intricately carved and crafted as those of their High Elf cousins, and in the same style - albeit with virtually no metal components, blades being made from obsidian, flint or at best beaten copper. Wood Elves are intimately connected to nature, and thus prefer simpler, less industrially-produced weaponry.
** The men of Bretonnia fight primarily as armoured knights, wearing a panoply of armor and using weapons drawn from the armouries of European knights from the 12th to 16th centuries - mainly lances and shields. Bretonnia, being a land of Arthurian chivalry and heroic adventure, could hardly be otherwise. Questing Knights, however, use greatswords instead of the lance, which they symbolically set aside to denote giving up their lands and duties in order to quest for the grail. The peasant men-at-arms in Bretonnia are a sorry lot, however, and use badly-kept spears, billhooks and halberds or wooden longbows, like much medieval peasant militia. The contrast with the wide range of weaponry used by the other human army in the game - the Empire - is quite deliberate, and emphasises the distinct cultures of the two nations - chivalric and knightly on the one hand, pragmatic and technological on the other.
** The Lizardmen use stone, gold and obsidian clubs and spears in Mayan, Aztec and Inca style, with javelins and blowpipes for missile support. Their gear is well-crafted and intricately detailed though, in contrast to the crude weapons of Orcs or Beastmen. They also have access to ancient techno-magical devices that shoot laser beams or break open reality -- the schizo tech juxtaposition of the lost technologies of the old ones and the barbarous state their lost children have descended into being a big part of the Lizardmen character and aesthetic.
** Ogres use crude clubs, hefty iron-banded bludgeons and pit-fighting fist spike gauntlets made of beaten iron. They also sometimes steal and re-purpose small cannons to fire a spray of debris (and larger cannons stolen from giants to spray cannonballs!). Ogres live in harsh, mountainous terrain, and know the value of self-sufficiency and scavenging (they're not too technologically capable either, but know a good idea when they see it). Pretty much everything they own is taken violently from others and repurposed.
** The Tomb Kings of Khemri use bronze spears, wooden bows and bronze Kopesh swords of various sizes and ride chariots, in keeping with their Bronze Age aesthetic. They also use sinister trebuchet catapults lashed together from bones, because when you're undead it's just something you have to do...
** The Vampire Counts themselves tend to use baroque medieval and early modern swords and daggers (when they're not fighting with bare claws and fangs), and their skeletal servants wield rusty, notched versions of the same, occasionally spears. Most zombies and ghouls fight with their bare hands, though zombies sometimes have the odd rusty knife or battered farm tool. Wraiths, however, wield gigantic reaping scythes, in keeping with their grim reaper imagery. The Vampire Counts army is more a magical force of nature than a proper military force, and decent equipment is rarely on their agenda - it's what you were buried with or nothing. They have no missile weapons at all.
** The Skaven, as chaotic scavenging rat-men, use thin, nasty-looking blades, spears and cleavers for the most part, usually notched and rusty and dull. They also have a variety of warpstone-powered mad science weapons such as warpfire throwers, ratling guns and glass globes of poisonous gas used as grenades. Clan Eshin, the oriental clan who fight as ninjas, use traditional ninja weapons, such as throwing stars, fighting claws and flat-bladed ninja swords. Clan Pestilens, the Plague Monks, use poison gas censers as makeshift flails!
** Warriors of Chaos generally use hefty axes, swords and hammers, as well as chain flails and large two-handed weapons. A fair number, especially those devoted to Khorne, use two weapons and eschew shields. They are no-nonsense born warriors and boisterous vikings, so close combat is what they're all about. They also have no traditional missile weapons beyond the odd throwing axe or throwing spear. Most of the weapons used by the Warriors of Chaos are forged by Chaos Dwarf smiths, and thus tend to be of high quality, and occasionally intricately detailed. Some of their heroes wield sentient weapons possessed by daemons.
** Beastmen tend to use the same kinds of hefty axes, cleavers and bludgeons as their Chaos Warrior fellows, though the scrawny, feeble Ungors use crude spears and shortbows instead to emphasise their sneakiness and lack of prowess.
** Most Daemons of Chaos, being otherworldly spirit-entities, do not use weapons beyond their natural claws, teeth and hooked appendages, but some use eldritch versions of swords and axes - classic weapons that inspire myths and archetypes, because daemons assume forms derived from myth and archetype when they manifest. The martial daemons of Khorne, in particular, use nasty-looking blood-dripping Hellblades, while the sensuous, seductive daemons of slaanesh sometimes use barbed whips and lashes.
%%* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'':
%%** Eldar favor advanced laser weaponry and blade-firing "shuriken catapults", along with long swords.
%%*** Eldar Aspect Warriors all specialize in a single type of weaponry, from the above shuriken catapults, to chainswords or powerswords, to powerful laser weapons, to microwave "melta" guns, to guns that fire streams of "razor floss" -- supersharp monomolecular wire.
%%*** Harlequins are close-combat specialists whose signature weapon is a narrow sharpened tube, similar to an oversized hypodermic needle, that punches through armor and shoots a jet of the aforementioned monomolecule wire inside their targets, effectively liquifying them inside their battlesuits/exoskeletons.
%%** Dark Eldar utilize similar weaponry to the Eldar, though firing antimatter instead of lasers and needle-like shards instead of discs.
%%** The standard weapon of the [[SuperSoldier Space Marines]] is a fully-automatic-armor-piercing-rocket-propelled-grenade-launcher. Their ''heavy'' weapons are quite varied. For close combat, theres the good old fashioned [[ChainsawGood chainsword]].
%%** Daemonhunters (the "Ordo Malleus") like [[DropTheHammer really big force hammers]].
%%** Orks don't usually have a preferred weapon of choice; rather, they prefer to ensure whatever they're carrying has either [[{{BFS}} "more choppy"]] or [[MoreDakka "more dakka."]] Or both.
%%** The Tau are in love with their plasma guns, as well as railguns and guided missiles.
%%** The humble Imperial Guardsman typically carries a simple, durable, and (for the setting) low-powered lasgun. However, the sheer variety of weapons available to the Imperial guard also means that any given squad can have everything from grenade launchers to bipod-mounted autocannons to handheld anti-tank fusion cannons.
%%** The Necrons have a distinct preference for weapons which strip apart their target layer by layer, but a few enjoy skinning you with their claws, then wearing your skin.
%%** The Witch Hunters KillItWithFire.
%%** The Tyranids prefer to jump on your face and eat you, though they're not above using [[LivingWeapon biological firearms]] grown using their particular brand of OrganicTechnology.
* TabletopGame/BattleTech doesn’t strictly stick to this, but there are factional tendencies, such as the Lyran Commonwealth/Alliance’s preferences for bigger guns like class 20 autocannons or regular or heavy gauss rifles, the Federated Suns preference for autocannons, or the Draconis Combine’s leaning toward the extremes of the light or heavy end of the scales when it comes to ‘Mechs.
[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Toys]]
%%* Toys/{{BIONICLE}} has frequently used this trope. It is also important to note that many of the weapons used by Toa characters are often not really used for combat, which is why they are referred to as "tools" rather than weapons. They are used as focuses for their elemental powers to make them easier to control.
%%** The HotBlooded leader Tahu initially used a flame-shaped sword which was later upgraded to a pair of extremely wide swords that were curved one one side and flame shaped on the other and could be combined together to form a lava surfboard and which later was replaced by a spinning three bladed weapon and a blaster which fired energy that he could shape with his mind, only to later switch back to his original flame-shaped sword. A similar flame-shaped sword was also used by Jaller when he became a toa and leader of his own team, though it later changed to a more normal looking sword. Another flame-shaped sword was used by Ackar, leader of the Glatorians.
%%** TheLancer Kopaka used a sword and a shield which he sometimes used as a sled. Later he gained an improved version of his shield and a double bladed weapon that could [[BifurcatedWeapon be split into two swords]] that also could be turned into a pair of skis. Later he switched over to a blaster with a small blade attached to it for aerial combat.
%%** Pohatu did not really have a weapon at all at first, but instead had extra armor on his feet that were good for kicking boulders at his enemies, and later gained a pair of claw like weapons useful for climbing that could also be combined into a ball. Later he gained a pair of helicopter blades and a shoulder mounted blaster for aerial combat.
%%** Gali stared out with a pair of hooks used for swimming and climbing and later a pair of axes, and after that a blaster that was excellent for sniping.
%%** Lewa used an ax but later switched over to a pair of modified katana that helped him with gliding, and later switched to just one sword and a blaster.
%%** Onua, who was most at home underground, used a pair of giant claws for digging and later switched over to a pair of chainsaw like tools also useful for digging but could also be worn on his feet where they would act like all terrain tank treads, and later switched to a shield and a blaster.
%%** The SixthRanger Takanuva used a staff that was based off of a staff he used to play sports before he became a Toa. After losing this he was given a three pronged lance and a blaster, but later switched back to a pair of staffs similar to his original one.
%%** The BigBad Makuta Teridax used CombatTentacles in his fist appearance and in his fight with Takanuva he used an evil version of Takanuva's staff (challenging him to a much more dangerous version of the sport the staffs were originally for).
%%** In an example of GoodWeaponEvilWeapon, the Barraki, a group of evil warlords mutated in sea monsters, used launchers that fired [[AbnormalAmmo squids as ammo]] while the characters who opposed them used either six barreled cannons that fired explosives or guns that fired gas bubbles toxic to water-breathers.
%%** Zaktan, leader of the Piraka, a group of false toa who all suffered CronicBackstabbingDisorder, used a weapon that had three blades on one end and a pair of pincers on the other. This weapon was actually part of his body, as it had been transformed with him when he became a swarm of microscopic creatures. Most of the members of the Piraka also used weapons that acted as one weapon on one end and a different one on the other.
%%** As a Toa, Vakama, who was far less HotBlooded and experienced than Tahu, used a disk launcher that doubled as a jetpack. When mutated into an animalistic form, he and the rest of his team all duel wielded claw like weapons that looked like mutated versions of their old weapons. After he and his team sacrificed their powers, each of them carried a unique staff weapon that marked them as the leaders of their respective villages. Vakama's had a welding tool on the end, Nokama's was a trident, Nuju's was an ice pick, Whenua had a drill, Onewa had a hammer, and Matau had a buzzsaw.
%%** Hewkii, who had been an athlete before he became a toa, and was famous for his aiming skills, by coincidence ended up with a MaskOfPower that made him an ImprobableWeaponUser with ImprobableAimingSkills when he first became a toa.
%%** Mata Nui, the BigGood of the series, after losing his original body, used a large sword and a living shield that was made from a beetle he became friends with and gave the [[EquipableAlly ability to turn into a shield.]]
%%** Malum, an extremely hot blooded Glatorian who was exiled for not ending a fight after his opponent had given up and became the alpha male of a pack of vorox, favored claws.
%%[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
%%* Mobius One from ''VideoGame/AceCombat'' is identified mainly with the F-22A Raptor, which is odd as said plane only is available in the penultimate mission of ''Shattered Skies'', not enough time to establish it as his signature plane (though the arcade mode of the fifth game makes up for it - initially the F-22A is its ''only'' available plane). There are other pilots who use exclusively one plane type, like Pixy's F-15C or PJ's F-16C.
%%** Many of the player characters and their allies are identified with the plane shown on the box-art of their respective game -- Su-35 for Scarface One (''VideoGame/AceCombat2''), F-14 for Blaze and his team (''VideoGame/AceCombat5TheUnsungWar''), F-15C for Cipher and Pixy (''VideoGame/AceCombatZeroTheBelkanWar''), and so on.
* ''[[VideoGame/AirForceDelta Air Force Delta Strike]]'' features Jamie, the oldest pilot in Delta Squadron. He only flies prop-fighters.
%%* Just about every playable character in ''VideoGame/AnarchyReigns'' has one, each with their own attributes, name and snappy description. [[RocketPoweredWeapon Rocket-powered]] [[DropTheHammer hammers]], [[ChainsawGood double chainsaws]], [[LaserBlade laser blades projected from each limb]], [[PlayingWithFire flaming]] [[TrickedOutGloves golden]] [[ExtremityExtremist boxing gloves]], you name it.
%%* In ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedI'', most of the focus is on Altaïr's swords, as they are continually upgraded throughout the plot; the second game and the two that come after it focus on Ezio's hidden blades, as he receives multiple upgrades that turn it into a SwissArmyWeapon (Hidden Gun, Poison Darts, Hookblade, etc.); and Connor from the third has a lot of focus on the Tomahawk, though dual wielding in general is his thing. Desmond himself prefers two small knives in combat, using Connor's fighting style. Edward Kenway from the fourth is shown with a lot of guns in his promotional shots, along with two large cutlasses.
%%* The protagonist of ''VideoGame/AvalonCode'' uses the Book of Prophecy as the core device; all weapons come from within it, from swords and hammers to bombs and guns. There's always the option to fight unarmed if the player so chooses [[spoiler:or during Chapter 6, after you LOSE the book.]]
%%* VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity: Lets see, we have a man named Hammer and another named Sickle.
%%* Booker Dewitt in ''VideoGame/BioShockInfinite'' uses a variety of weapons, but he's most often seen with the [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter China Broom]] and the Broadsider.
* The playable characters of ''VideoGame/BulletGirlsPhantasia'' all have a specific weapon type they favour, which they must use in their first of three weapon slots, and have unique, powerful versions of that double as NamedWeapons.
%%* ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'':
%%** All members of the Belmont family use the Vampire Killer whip.
%%** Alucard uses his namesake sword.
%%** RecurringBoss Death has a SinisterScythe.
* ''VideoGame/ChronoCross'' has tons of characters, and their weapons usually relate to the character's origins or class: protagonist Serge has the Swallow, a double-sided boat oar, because he's a fisherman; villain Lynx has a scythe; the thief Kid has knives; swords are used by both a knight (Glenn) and a pirate (Fargo); [[InstrumentOfMurder instruments]] for a musician (Nikki, guitar) and a mermaid (Irenes, harp); a hammer for a blacksmith (Zappa), etc
* ''VideoGame/ChronoTrigger'' has this as well. The hero, Crono, has his trusty katana (and starts, like all good swordsmen, with a bokken/wooden sword). Marle, instead of a staff, finds herself with a crossbow. Lucca, the mad genius, gets the guns of the game. The knightly Frog takes to Western weapons (oddly, the game's Masamune is this style and not a katana). Ayla, the primitive woman, gets her bare fists (cutscenes show her with a club). Robo uses robot parts. Finally, gothic and anti-hero [[spoiler:Magus]] gets... yes, the scythe.
%%* The [[AxCrazy Tall Man]] of ''VideoGame/ChzoMythos'' uses a giant metal spike with four extremely wide scythe-like blades installed on one of the ends. His preferred method of killing is ramming the bottom of the spike through the very top of the victim's skull. {{Squick}} indeed.
%%* In ''VideoGame/DawnOfWar 2'', you technically ''can'' train up and equip most of your squad mates either in melee or ranged combat, or to focus on heavy weapons or lighter and more mobile ones. Most of the time, however, their more [[MinMaxing effective traits and skills]] lend themselves to a certain weapon class or even a certain individual weapon, usually an [[DiscOneNuke incredibly powerful, named one you get as a mission reward, and then never ever ever swap out of, "special needs of the mission" be damned]].
%%** Gabriel Angelos is best known for wield a Daemon Hammer "Gods-plitter".
* ''VideoGame/Dota2'''s heroes use many types of weapons based on their main attributes. Strength heroes are melee weapon-users, Agility heroes are either bow or gun-users (some are melee), and Intelligence heroes use their staves. Weapons are also very popular as cosmetic items. Some examples:
%%** Radiant Strength:
%%*** Earthshaker use his enchanted totem.
%%*** Sven use a broadsword and throwing storm gauntlets.
%%*** Kunkka use Tidebringer sword.
%%*** Legion Commander use a halberd (or dual-wielding demonic swords).
%%*** Bristleback use his... flail thing.
%%*** Tusk use his fishing spear and metallic gauntlets (for his WALRUS PUNCH!).
%%*** Alchemist's ogre either use his bare hands or twin pair of swords in Chemical Rage, Beastmaster use his twin axes.
%%*** Elder Titan have its... telephone-shaped bludgeon weapon-thing.
%%*** Clockwerk with his bladed mace and hookshot.
%%*** Dragon Knight with his knight-standard sword and shield.
%%*** Timbersaw using... saw.
%%*** Tiny originally doesn't use any weapon, if he equips Aghanim's Scepter he will uproot a tree and using it as weapon.
%%*** Earth Spirit use a jade staff.
%%*** Centaur Warrunner use a huge axe.
%%*** Brewmaster use a flail-staff and booze keg of all things.
%%*** Huskar throwing burning spears.
%%** Radiant Agility:
%%*** Luna use her bouncing moon glaives
%%*** Mirana, Drow Ranger, and Windranger use bows
%%*** Anti-Mage use a pair of glaives
%%*** Juggernaut use his katana
%%*** Bounty Hunter use bladed tonfa, a dagger, and shuriken
%%*** Ursa use his claws
%%*** Lone Druid use his throwing dagger and paws
%%*** Riki with twin daggers
%%*** Naga Siren use twin swords.
%%*** Ember Spirit use twin flaming swords.
%%*** Templar Assassin use psionic daggers.
%%*** Troll Warlord use two axes, alternating beetween melee and ranged.
%%*** Phantom Lancers use their spear (not lance).
%%*** Sniper use a rifle with increasing attack range per patch.
%%*** Gyrocopter pwning everyone with rocket and missiles.
%%** Radiant Intelligence: most of the heroes are using their staff. Some peculiar ones are:
%%*** Ogre Magi that use a fiery club
%%*** Tinker that shooting everyone with laser.
%%*** Silencer use his glaive of wisdom (and shield for his ultimate).
%%*** Enchantrees use her impetus javelins.
%%** Dire Strength:
%%*** Pudge with meat cleaver and meat hook
%%*** Chaos Knight use his scythe-mace hybrid
%%*** Abaddon with mist sword
%%*** Tidehunter use anchor
%%*** Spirit Breaker with space flail
%%*** Doom with flaming sword
%%*** Axe using... axe
%%*** Lycan with his claws and fang
%%*** Slardar use trident
%%*** Wraith King use a broadsword
%%*** Magnus use a stone spear.
%%** Dire Agility:
%%*** Clinkz with fiery bow and arrows
%%*** Terrorblade use his spiky glaives
%%*** Spectre using spectral glaive and daggers
%%*** Slark with his dagger
%%*** Meepo use shovels
%%*** Razor use electric whip.
%%*** Faceless Void use his time-locking mace.
%%*** Phantom Assassin use a glaive and stifling daggers.
%%*** Medusa use a split-shot bow.
%%*** Bloodseeker use a pair of mounted blades.
%%** Dire Intelligence: most using their staves.
%%*** Necrophos have a scythe but only using it in his ultimate.
%%*** Queen of Pain throws dagger for attacks.
%%* ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' characters typically have different usable weapons that depend on their fighting style (staves are pretty much universal among magic-using characters and swords among knights and typically the protagonist as well). An unusual example from the fourth game is Torneko Taloon's use of abacuses (though he can use other weapons, such as swords).
%%** An abacus [[BladeOnAStick on a stick]], mind you, but given we're talking about a merchant here, such a device fits Taloon.
* ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors''. Simple one-handed swords are generally popular with the leaders of major factions and calm individuals while large polearms are fairly common with the tougher but not necessarily nuts enforcers. Women tend to get weapons that most men wouldn't dare carry. Lu Bu, the game's most feared character, tended to wield a halberd as if it were a one-handed sword. ''Dynasty Warriors 6'' however changed things up a bit, as before that everyone had more or less always used the same weapon.
* ''VideoGame/EarthBound1994'' has a variation where Ness, the hero, [[BatterUp uses a baseball bat]] (which could be [[JustifiedTrope excused]] by his wearing a baseball cap) or a KillerYoyo. However, Paula, the BlackMage, wields a frying pan, Jeff, the smart guy, uses guns, and Poo, the martial artist, uses either nothing or a sword. In general, the series gives baseball bats (or regular staves, in Lucas's case) to [[HeroesPreferSwords the character that would get a sword]] in most other games of its type and frying pans to [[SimpleStaff the character that would get a staff]].
* In ''VideoGame/Fallout4'', the weapon of choice for the Commonwealth Minutemen is, fittingly enough given their historical inspiration, the Laser Musket, a jury-rigged laser assembly from a standard Laser Rifle mounted on a wooden musket frame and "loaded" with a hand-crank. Despite the weapon's appearance eliciting "WhatAPieceOfJunk" remarks, it's deceptively powerful as it can be charged multiple times to produce a single very powerful shot.
* The ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series loves this:
** Though ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'''s characters could use every weapon, they were best with certain kinds:
*** Firion uses swords.
*** However, as of ''Dissidia'', he has been established as a weapon master, using all eight possible weapons (swords, axes, daggers, spears, shields, maces, bows and his bare hands), sometimes ''all at the same time''. He also knows magic, though it's less powerful than most everyone else who does.
*** Maria uses bows.
*** Guy uses axes.
*** Minwu uses staves.
*** Ricard uses lances.
*** Leila uses knives.
*** Josef uses bare fists.
*** Gordon uses spears.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'':
*** [[TheHero Cloud]] uses [[HeroesPreferSwords broadswords]]. [[{{BFS}} Ridiculously large ones]]. Before you make the joke... yes, he ''is'' compensating for something. Not ''that'', but crippling self-doubt. It also serves as a memorial for his best friend. As with everything ''FFVII'', this later became a stereotype for JRPG heroes in general.
*** [[WhiteMagicianGirl Aerith]], the StaffChick and the sole dedicated caster of the group, uses staves.
*** [[ActionGirl Tifa]] uses gloves/gauntlets to go with her brash, close combat fighting style.
*** [[ScaryBlackMan Barret]], TheBigGuy with a chip on his shoulder, uses a gatling gun grafted into his arm.
*** [[IntellectualAnimal Red XIII]] uses his claws, but he equips headdresses to power them up.
*** [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Cid]] uses polearms to reflect his abrasive and aloof personality.
*** [[ImprobableWeaponUser Caith Sith]] uses megaphones to represent his nature as a toy animal [[spoiler:that is used to remotely interact with the party unobtrusively]].
*** [[GenkiGirl Yuffie]] uses giant shurikens as the resident ninja, reflecting her rougish, aloof personality.
*** [[BadassLongcoat Vincent]] uses guns due to being a determined and stoic Turk, though his Limit Breaks use the various beasts implanted into him [[spoiler:by Hojo]].
*** [[BigBad Sephiroth]] carries the Masamune, an impractically long and cumbersome ''nodachi'' that matches his fighting skill and status.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'':
*** [[TheHero Squall]] and [[RivalTurnedEvil Seifer]] both use [[{{Vibroweapon}} gunblades]], a weapon explicitly stated to require [[ExoticWeaponSupremacy extreme skill]]. Fancy way of saying "TheHero and TheRival."
*** [[TheChick Rinoa]] uses "blaster edges", wrist-mounted projectile launchers.
*** [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Laguna]] uses an assault rifle.
*** [[HotLibrarian Quistis]] uses whips.
*** [[HotBlooded Zell]] uses his bare fists.
*** [[TheCutie Selphie]] uses giant nunchaku.
*** [[FriendlySniper Irvine]] uses rifles, which becomes a plot point. He's supposed to be a military sniper, but he really doesn't have the heart to kill in cold blood.
*** [[DeadpanSnarker Kiros]] uses katars.
*** [[TheBigGuy Ward]] uses a giant harpoon.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'':
*** [[TheHero Zidane]] uses twin daggers, as a fast-hitting thief.
*** [[WhiteMagicianGirl Garnet]] and [[SquishyWizard Vivi]] use staves, being magical types.
*** [[TheBigGuy Steiner]] uses swords.
*** [[ActionGirl Freya]] uses lances.
*** Quina's only schtick is being a BigEater, to the point where she uses dinner forks in battle.
*** [[BountyHunter Amarant]] uses claws.
*** [[TagalongKid Eiko]] uses flutes.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'':
%%*** [[TheHero Tidus]] uses short swords
*** [[WhiteMagicianGirl Yuna]] uses staves
%%*** [[BadassLongcoat Auron]] uses great katanas
*** [[TheLancer Wakka]] uses Blitzballs due to being a boisterous blitzball player.
%%*** [[BlackMagicianGirl Lulu]] uses dolls
*** [[TheStoic Kimahri]] uses polearms due to his dedication to his own honor as a Ronso.
%%*** [[FragileSpeedster Rikku]] uses bladed gauntlets
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'' every class has one or two weapons each they excel in.
*** Warriors use Axes and Great Axes
*** Black Mages use Staves
*** Red Mages use Swords
*** White Mages use Clubs[[note]]Maces, Wands, Rods and Hammers[[/note]]
*** Theives use Daggers
*** Monks use Hand to Hand weapons
*** Paladins use Swords and Shields
*** Dark Knights use Scythes
*** Beastmasters use Axes
*** Bards use Harps, Flutes and Songs.
*** Rangers use Bows, Crossbows and Guns
*** Samurai use Great Katanas
*** Ninja use Katana [[note]]Ninjato, Wakizashi, and Kunai[[/note]]
*** Dragoons use Polearms
*** Summoners(who prefer letting their summons do the work instead of themselves) use Staves and Clubs
*** Blue Mages use Swords
*** Corsairs use "Hexaguns"
*** Puppeteers use Hand to Hand
*** Dancers use Daggers
*** Scholars use Staves and Clubs
*** Geomancer use Clubs and Handbells
*** Rune Fencers use Greatswords
%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'', characters can wield any weapon depending on your choices in the licensing system, but at the beginning of the game every character uses a different weapon
%%*** Vaan uses short swords
%%*** [[TheHero Ashe]] uses long swords
%%*** [[TheMentor Basch]] also uses long sword
%%*** [[TheSmartGuy Balthier]] uses guns
%%*** [[TheStoic Fran]] uses bows
%%*** [[TheChick Penelo]] uses daggers
%%*** This also applies to the guest characters
%%*** [[ShelteredAristocrat Larsa]] uses long swords
%%*** [[KnightInSourArmor Vossler]] uses great swords
%%*** [[SkyPirate Reddas]] uses twin swords
%%*** And finally, [[SacrificialLamb Reks]] uses short swords
%%** Revenant Wings (the sequel) is mostly the same, except characters only have one type of weapon.
%%*** Penelo now uses staves.
%%*** Kytes (from Revenant Wings) uses staves as well.
%%*** Filo uses a [[ImprobableWeaponUser hoverboard]].
%%*** Lluyd uses spears and lances.
%%*** Ba'Gamnan (a GuestStarPartyMember) uses a [[ChainsawGood Chainsaw]].
%%*** Ashe now uses hand grenades for some reason.
%%*** Basch now uses greatswords.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'':
*** Lightning uses a gunblade that actively changes between sword and gun
*** Sazh wields dual-pistols
*** Snow is a fist fighter that uses emblems on his coat to augment his stats
*** Vanille uses rods that have hooks and wires built in for damaging foes.
*** Hope uses a hi-tech boomerang
*** Fang uses a double-ended spear that can segment into a three section staff.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII2''
*** Serah uses a bowsword that, like her sister's gunblade, switches between sword and bow, which is reflective of her nature as Lightning's little sister.
*** Noel uses a pair of swords that can combine into a spear.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'', the weapon you wield defines your class:
*** Archers use bows
*** Gladiators use swords
*** Lancers use spears
*** Marauders use axes
*** Pugilists use knuckles and claws.
*** Rogues use daggers.
*** Conjurers use wands and canes
*** Thaumaturges use scepters and staves
*** Arcanists use grimoires
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'':
*** Noctis, TheHero and the main PlayerCharacter, is capable of using almost every type of weapon in the game. In his spinoff and crossover appearance such as ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy2015'' and ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}} 7'', he favors [[HeroesPreferSwords short swords]], but also uses [[BladeOnAStick a spear]], [[{{BFS}} a large sword]], daggers, and [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe a shield]].
*** Gladiolus, TheBigGuy of the group, favors [[{{BFS}} big swords]], but is also well-versed in using [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shields]], as befitting a royal bodyguard.
*** Prompto, the [[{{Keet}} excitable]] [[CameraFiend shutterbug]], uses weapons that allow him to fight at range, such as {{Handguns}}, [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter shotguns]], and {{BFG}}s like the Auto Crossbow and Bioblaster.
*** Ignis, TheSmartGuy of the party, uses weapons that allow him to strike with speed and precision, such as daggers and [[BladeOnAStick spears]].
%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyType0''
%%*** Ace wields Tarot Cards
%%*** Deuce uses a Flute
%%*** Trey wields a bow and arrow
%%*** Cater uses a magic gun
%%*** Cinque wields a mace
%%*** Sice uses a scythe.
%%*** Seven uses a whip
%%*** Eight uses martial arts
%%*** Nine uses a spear
%%*** Jack uses a Katana
%%*** Queen uses a sword
%%*** King uses dual handguns
%%*** Rem uses dual daggers
%%*** Machina uses screw like swords
* Despite having four (or five to six depending on the game) types of melee weapons, ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' manages to do this; most axe fighters are obsessed with fighting in one way or another (and Kieran in ''Path of Radiance''/''Radiant Dawn'', who takes "Proud Warrior" to an extreme, is an Axe Knight), all but four (all but one of whom play second fiddle) of the lead characters use swords, and ALL thieves and assassins in the series use knives (at least in battle sprites). On the flip side only two archers in the series qualify for the listed personality and spear wielding units are just as competent as the other ones. It also subverts this slightly with weapons effective on certain types of foes (such as a large mallet being good on armored units) though.
** Also of note that there are two different classes that wield swords. First is Mercenary/[[HeroesPreferSwords Hero]] (the sprites in the GBA games were broadswords regardless of sword used), the other being Myrmidon/[[KatanasAreJustBetter Swordmaster]] (the sprites here used Eastern-style katanas). Swordmasters also generally get a specialized sword late game called the Wo Dao (which in the later games just is a Katana). Heroes are generally more manly and romantic-male-lead-ish when it comes to looks. While the majority of Swordmasters are females, or males that are [[{{Bishonen}} very pretty]], the animations for the Swordmaster attacks seem very graceful compared to the straight power of the Hero (graceful is badass). The [[RoyalRapier rapier]] weapon (appears in most games) is usually usable only by the games leading character (who is always royal, giving them a proper societal weapon). The exceptions are Lyndis (''Blazing Sword'') and Ike (''Path of Radiance'' and ''Radiant Dawn''). Lyndis has her own legendary katana, and Ike isn't actual royalty (and all his animations would fit way more with a Broadsword than a rapier).
** THE {{Mook}} class in most Fire Emblem games, the Soldier, is a spear-wielding infantry class. Meanwhile, the Knight is the player's primary spear-wielding class and they ARE generally portrayed as calm and collected, although exceptions do exist. Mounted classes and Archers still avert this trope.
* ''VideoGame/FridayThe13thTheGame'' has multiple versions of Jason Voorhees, each of which use a different weapon that is inspired by the movie they hail from:
** [[Film/FridayThe13thPart2 Part 2 Jason]] uses a [[PowerfulPick pickax]].
** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartIII Part 3 Jason]] uses an [[AnAxToGrind axe]].
** [[Film/FridayThe13thTheFinalChapter Part 4 Jason]] uses a [[PsychoKnifeNut pig splitter]].
** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVANewBeginning Part 5 Jason]] uses [[ShearMenace gardening shears]].
** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVIJasonLives Part 6 Jason]] uses a [[BladeOnAStick spear]] fashioned from a fence post that Tommy Jarvis used to pin him to the ground (and which subsequently conducted the lightning that revived him).
** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVIITheNewBlood Part 7 Jason]] uses his iconic [[MacheteMayhem machete]].
** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVIIIJasonTakesManhattan Part 8 Jason]] uses a [[AnAxToGrind fire axe]].
** [[Film/JasonGoesToHellTheFinalFriday Part 9 Jason]] uses a [[AnAxToGrind double-headed axe]].
** [[OriginalGeneration Savini Jason]] uses [[ProngsOfPoseidon the Devil's pitchfork]].
* In ''VideoGame/GranblueFantasy'' but with few exceptions, each class has two types of weapons they can equip as their main weapon. The primary exception is the Grappler line, who can only equip melee weapons. The Harpist line also greatly favors Harps over their secondary Daggers, because Harps are able to boost their abilities.
%%* [[VideoGame/HalfLife Gordon Freeman]] and his trusty [[CrowbarCombatant crowbar]]. Same applies to Adrian Shephard and his [[WrenchWhack pipe wrench]].
%%** From ''VideoGame/HalfLife2'', Gordon's Gravity Gun and [[BadassPreacher Father Grigori]] with his trusty double-barreled shotgun, Annabelle.
* For most of ''VideoGame/AHatInTime'', Hat Kid favors her trusty, adorable umbrella as her weapon. It's perfect for a platformer character for whom combat is secondary; in addition to beating enemies with it, upgrades allow her to [[ParasolParachute use it to avoid taking fall damage]] and/or use it as a GrapplingHookPistol. In short, it's a silly, light-hearted weapon for a silly, light-hearted girl that serves as much as a tool for exploration as combat. It's only in [[DarkerAndEdgier Nyakuza Metro]] that she gets an alternate weapon: the [[BatterUp baseball bat]] preferred by the [[{{Yakuza}} Nyakuza]]. (It can also use the aforementioned upgrades, though the fall damage prevention badge has Hat Kid [[RuleOfFunny flapping her arms]] to arrest her fall.) And even the bat soon ends up covered in cute stickers.
* The Biker from ''VideoGame/HotlineMiami'' is unable to pick up weaponry from the environment or off his dead enemies. Instead, he uses a meat cleaver (for melee attacks) and three throwing knives (for ranged attacks).
** Similar is the Bodyguard (whom Jacket fights in the final level), whose primary weapon is a katana and some throwing knives.
* The Smith Syndicate, also known as the ''VideoGame/{{Killer7}}'':
** Harman, the [[DisabilitySuperpower wheelchair-bound]] old man has a [[SniperRifle high-powered rifle]].
** Garcian, the second-in-command (or so it seems) and "cleaner" has a silenced pistol.
** Dan, TheLancer has a [[RevolversAreJustBetter revolver]], later upgrading to the [[HandCannon Demon Gun]].
** KAEDE, permanently blood-splattered [[TheChick Chick]] has a [[SniperPistol pistol with a scope]].
** Con, the young, [[BlindSeer blind]] FragileSpeedster has [[GunsAkimbo two rapid-fire pistols]].
** Coyote, the lockpicking rogue and ButtMonkey also has a revolver held GangstaStyle.
** MASK, TheBigGuy, MightyGlacier, and [[AuthorAppeal Luchador]], uses [[GunsAkimbo two]] [[{{BFG}} grenade launchers]].
** Kevin, mysterious albino has throwing knives.
* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'':
** HeroesPreferSwords; hence, all playable characters starting with Sora wield the Keyblade. Others include deuteragonist Riku—who also wields a wicked-looking short sword called the Soul Eater—and King Mickey.
** Donald Duck is Mickey's [[SquishyWizard Royal Court Magician]], using powerful spells that can be as explosive as his temper. His MagicWand also acts as a bludgeoning weapon.
** Goofy is [[MightyGlacier Captain of the Royal Knights]], but nevertheless isn't fond of violence; hence, his weapon is a [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shield]].
** Organization XIII:
*** Xemnas is the unfeeling leader of the Organization whose only memories of the heart are destructive emotions such as rage and hatred. He uses "[[LaserBlade Ethereal Blades]]," twin masses of HardLight used mainly for bludgeoning, as though emphasizing that nothing good can come from nothingness.
*** Xigbar is a trash-talking know-it-all who keeps a bird's eye view on everything that's going on. He uses "Arrowguns", which act like AutomaticCrossbows or a SniperRifle when combined together, picking off his opponents from whatever perspective suits him best with laser bullets.
*** Xaldin is a silver-tongued ManipulativeBastard. He wields six [[JoustingLance lances]]—half in his hands and half using his [[BlowYouAway wind magic]]—that strike with as much cutting precision as his words.
*** Vexen is the resident MadScientist whose abilities lie mainly in his mind and his [[AnIcePerson ice magic]]. He wields a large shield with prominent spikes along the top to guard against his opponents, allowing him to gauge their abilities at his leisure.
*** Lexaeus is the epitome of strong and silent, both his bulk and his [[DishingOutDirt earth magic]] being used in straightforward assault. The massive "Axesword" that he carries complements this: you know exactly what you're up against, and that won't make it any easier for you.
*** Zexion is a MasterOfIllusion who relies on mind games to avoid having to fight. But if it must come to straight-up combat, the fact that he channels his magic through [[ThrowTheBookAtThem a lexicon]] practically screams, "Don't judge a book by its cover."
*** Saïx is the second-in-command, the only one who seems [[TheStoic as unfeeling as Xemnas]]. The weapon he uses is called a Claymore, a two-handed sword, but his variants are more like flat maces with the spikes on the ends of them; like his stoically demonstrated knowledge of how to injure a heart, the strength it takes to wield it with only one hand emphasizes how much of a threat he really is.
*** Axel is the WildCard, an assassin whose true agenda is as unpredictable as the [[PlayingWithFire fire magic]] he commands. He wields a pair of [[RingsOfDeath wind-and-fire wheels (called chakrams in-game)]], representing how he could lash out in any direction. [[spoiler:Later, as Lea, he gets his own Keyblade.]]
*** Demyx is a lazy coward who would rather play his [[MusicalAssassin sitar]] than use it to fight. But push him to unleash his [[MakingASplash water magic]] and you'll find that he's nowhere close to a pushover.
*** Luxord is a gambler who makes a game out of fighting. His weapons are gigantic playing cards.
*** Marluxia is TheStarscream who sought to take over the Organization. He wields a SinisterScythe that references his ruthlessness as well as his [[PetalPower flower-based magic]].
*** Larxene is a sadist whose [[ShockAndAwe lightning]] strikes as quick as her temper. She wields eight [[PsychoKnifeNut kunai knives]] that she either throws or holds between her fingers like WolverineClaws to carve up her opponents.
*** Roxas is Sora's other half; hence, he carries the Keyblade.
*** Xion also uses a Keyblade, being [[spoiler:an imperfect clone of Sora made from his memories]].
* ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' has survivor AI picking weapons based mostly on preference. Francis uses shotguns, Louis and Bill use assault rifles, and Zoey uses sniper rifles. In ''VideoGame/Left4Dead2'', the same characters have their preferences changed due to using the same programming as the new characters. Bill still uses assault rifles, but now Zoey uses them too while Francis uses sniper rifles and Louis uses shotguns. For the new characters, Nick and Rochelle prefer assault rifles, Ellis uses sniper rifles, and Coach prefers shotguns. When human players are together with survivor bots, the AI will instead pick weapons based on what the players use, to avoid a full team using the same weapon.
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
** Link generally picks up all kinds of weapons and equipment that he can use to fight his enemies, but his default armament is almost always [[HeroesPreferSwords a sword and shield]] for close-in fighting and [[BowAndSwordInAccord a bow]] for range, fitting as he tends to sit somewhere between the [[KnightInShiningArmor European knight]] and [[ArcherArchetype elven archer]] archetypes.
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', Link uses a slingshot during the child portion of the game to symbolize his inexperience. As an adult it's swapped out for the bow. In sequel ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'' he's experienced enough to use the bow even as a child.
* In the first ''VideoGame/LEGORacers'' game, each boss racer favors a particular power up that often but not always fits with their character.
** Captain Redbeard prefers red bricks, especially the cannonball, as expected for a pirate.
** King Kahuna prefers blue bricks, usually first level shields and sometimes second level shields.
** Basil the Bat Lord uses them all dangerously well, but appears to ever so slightly prefer green bricks and the occasional lighting wand.
** Johnny Thunder prefers red bricks, particularly the grappling hook, fittingly for an adventurer.
** Baron Von Barron prefers blue bricks. Especially the third level shield.
** Gypsy Moth uses red bricks the most, usually devastating the racers with Rockets, but will often go with anything she can get.
** Rocket Racer only picks up green bricks unless you prevent him from getting any, which is when he'll use rockets instead. He prefers the infamous warp turbo boost. Good luck, you'll need it.
%%* ''VideoGame/LufiaCurseOfTheSinistrals'' gives each character a WeaponOfChoice. Maxim uses [[{{BFS}} swords]], Tia uses [[ExtendoBoxingGlove gloves]], Guy uses [[DropTheHammer hammers]]/[[AnAxeToGrind axes]], Selan uses [[RingsOfDeath disc blades]], and Artea uses [[EnergyWeapon wave energy guns]]. Dekar, being the world's strongest warrior, [[MultiMeleeMaster can use any type of weapon]].
%%* An in-universe example from ''Franchise/MassEffect''. Zaeed Massani has a rather unhealthy relationship with his M8 Avenger assault rifle, Jessie.
%%** Other characters are often depicted with particular weapons. Garrus and Legion get sniper rifles, Tali has a shotgun, and Shepard is oft depicted with a [[HandCannon very powerful handgun]], regardless of what weapons you actually have them equipped with in-game.
* As a game where you play as Killizerk the Bladelord, a Demon Lord infamous for their ability to smith and wield immortal-slaying Maglam weapons, it's fitting that almost all of the characters in ''VideoGame/MaglamLord'' specialize in one weapon type, fitting their personalities.
** As mentioned, Killizerk is the ''Blade''lord, so their preferred weapons are swords, axes, and spears. If it has a cutting edge, they can use it or forge it. It's mentioned that maglams ''could'' take the forms of bows and hammers but Killizerk can neither use nor forge either.
** As a wannabe-Hero, Darius [[SwordsAreHeroic wields swords]], especially since he's one of the last known living Heroes alongside his sister, Charme.
** Charme is also a Hero but a more defensive type, so she favors [[BladeOnAStick spears]], easy to use with shields and perfect for fending off enemies and keeping them at a distance, especially if you're defending someone else.
** MOAV is a RobotBuddy and an artificial weapon, his metal Ars Magica frame gives him even more brute strength than most of the cast, so he uses [[AnAxToGrind axes]] and has skills that allow him to tank attacks and keep trucking.
* Zero uses a katana and a wide array of weapons in ''VideoGame/MegaManX8'' to demonstrate his PersonOfMassDestruction legacy, and the cocky, sneaky Axl gets a pair of pistols. There are two notable subversions, with the pacifist X being equipped with a powerful buster cannon and a massive array of weapons and armor, and the BigBad Sigma using a sword in many of his boss fights -- which makes sense he ''used'' to be a good guy.
** There is also ''VideoGame/MegaManXCommandMission's'' Ferham, whose whip fits very well with her [[TheBaroness kinky overtones]].
* ''VideoGame/MetalGear'':
** Meryl Silverburgh in ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'' demonstrates how she's a HotBlooded youngster who wants to be a hero by picking up a [[HandCannon .50AE Desert Eagle]]. This is in contrast to Snake, who was left with the only slightly more reasonable .45 SOCOM pistol - demonstrating himself as a remorseful veteran who nevertheless is every bit the badass as Meryl thinks, no matter how much he tries to deny it. By ''VideoGame/{{Metal Gear Solid 4|GunsOfThePatriots}}'', Meryl's kept that Desert Eagle and uses it alongside a second one with [[SniperPistol a long barrel and a scope]], using them to demonstrate when trouble comes knocking that, no matter what trauma she went through on Shadow Moses, she's ended up every bit as badass as she dreamed of.
** Vulcan Raven had the M61 Vulcan he ripped from a downed F-16 to show he's an effin' giant.
** Revolver Ocelot favours revolvers as he styles himself as a modern cowboy, he even enjoys the dangerous process of reloading a revolver in the middle of a fight. The player knows something is up when he ditches his signature guns in the 4th game.
** In ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid2SonsOfLiberty'', Raiden receives the same SOCOM Snake had in the first game, some subtle {{foreshadowing}} as to how [[spoiler:not only is Raiden deliberately trying to be just like Snake, but the entire Plant chapter is a simulated exercise designed to ''make'' Raiden into a super soldier as capable as Snake.]] By the end when [[GainaxEnding everything is going completely off the rails]], he takes up a high-frequency blade to [[DivergentCharacterEvolution symbolically distance himself from Snake]], and while he still visibly has the SOCOM on him for ''[=MGS4=]'', he nevertheless makes almost-exclusive use of various bladed weapons throughout ''[=MGS4=]'' and ''VideoGame/{{Metal Gear Rising|Revengeance}}''.
** The bosses of ''Sons of Liberty'' had their own weapons of choice -- Fatman had his bombs (he's a MadBomber), Fortune had her gigantic railgun (which she could use without problem because [[BornLucky her luck allowed so]]), Vamp favored knives, and Solidus Snake had CombatTentacles and a P90 machine gun. These are in turn recycled into the ''[=MGS4=]'' Beauty and the Beast Unit: Raging Raven wields a grenade launcher, Crying Wolf had an attached railgun, Screaming Mantis shoots blades, and Laughing Octopus used both the tentacles and the gun.
** ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater'' goes the foreshadowing route again with several characters:
*** EVA uses a Chinese copy of the Mauser C96 pistol, and uses [[GangstaStyle a traditional Chinese technique to sweep an entire area]]; it turns out near the end [[spoiler:she's not actually support sent to assist Snake, but a Chinese agent sent in to steal the same thing Snake came for.]]
*** Ocelot, as a Major in the GRU, starts off with a Makarov pistol, but Snake suggests he switches to revolvers based on his shooting style. When he does so a week later, he's switched to the Single Action Army, one of the most distinctly-American firearms ever. [[spoiler:The whole time, he turns out to actually have been the CIA agent Snake was meant to meet, ADAM.]]
*** The Boss carries a heavily-modified and chopped-down M16, referred to as the "Patriot". Its base shows the Boss' origin as America's greatest hero; [[spoiler:its name gives away that she [[FakeDefector never actually defected]], being so fiercely patriotic that she was willing to die for her country, even for petty reasons.]]
%%** ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater'' has main protagonist "Naked Snake" utilizing his trusty M1911/Knife combo, Ocelot's beginnings and shaping of his trademark revolvers, The Joy's badass accessory the Patriot, which is just an [=XM16E1=] with the butt sawed off, and the barrel shortened, and attached with an infinite drum barrel magazine, Eva using the Mauser+ traditional shooting styles (Bandit shooting), The Fear's crossbows, The Pain's Killer Bees, The End's Mosin Nagant (customized for tranq rounds), The Fury's Flamesuit/jet pack, and Volgin's use of his power to fire bullets.
* Samus in the ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' franchise has a large arsenal of weapons, but all of it's integrated into her signature arm cannon. As a weapon that can constantly upgrade and expand its capabilities it reflects her versatility and willingness to adapt to the situation, while its chozo origins are indicative of her own past.
* In ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'', this is actually the closest thing there is to a class system. Each weapon handles very differently and it might take some time to figure out which one is your favourite, but most players have at least one:
** [[{{BFS}} Great Swords]] are for the MightyGlacier[=s=]. What they lack in speed or finess, they make up for in overwhelmingly destructive power, enhanced by charged attacks. Mastery of these weapons requires patience and a good grasp of spacing.
** [[KatanasAreJustBetter Long Swords]] will feel natural for players who prefer hack-n-slash games like ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'', being overall nimble, yet powerful, and capable of performing super attacks after building up a meter. They tend to be preferred for solo play, since it's all too easy to hit party members with its wide swings.
** [[KnightlySwordAndShield Sword and Shield]] is a JackOfAllStats weapon that is well-suited for beginners, but also favored by some veterans for its versatility. Although it doesn't excel in any one area like other weapons, it doesn't have any serious flaws, and it has the advantage of allowing wielders to use items even while brandished.
** [[DualWielding Dual Swords]] are small, quick, and capable of wracking up a ton of damage thanks to their lightning-fast combo attacks. Activating [[SuperMode Demon Mode]] increases their lethality further.
** [[DropTheHammer Hammers]] are short and slow, so if you whiff your attacks, you're opening yourself up to serious injury. Conversely, they are very powerful weapons that can easily stun enemies if you can hit them in the head.
** [[InstrumentOfMurder Hunting Horns]] are support-based weapons that resemble a long-handled hammer mixed with a bagpipe. Playing songs between attacks allows users to apply buffs to themselves and nearby teammates, making this an excellent choice for players who favor bard classes.
** [[JoustingLance Lances]] are the weapon of choice for tanks: while they are cumbersome and not as powerful as other weapon types, they have excellent reach and come with a shield that is very useful in protecting the user from damage while allowing them to attack at the same time.
** [[MixAndMatchWeapon Gunlances]] are similar to lances, but exchange its counterpart's defensive prowess for devastating attack power with special cartridges that set off explosions when striking.
** [[MorphWeapon Switch Axes]] are one of two weapon types with a StanceSystem. In [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] configuration, it has long reach for wailing on enemies while building up power that can be unleashed in [[{{BFS}} sword mode]] for quick, deadly slashes.
** [[MorphWeapon Charge Blades]] are the second StanceSystem weapon, playing like a mix of Switch Axe and Sword & Shield, providing good protection in sword mode while building up power to unleash elementally charged strikes in axe mode. It is an extremely versatile and powerful weapon, hampered only by [[DifficultButAwesome overwhelming complexity]].
** [[BladeOnAStick Insect Glaives]] are a [[MechanicallyUnusualClass Mechanically Unusual Weapon]], using a Kinsect companion to gather buffs from monsters in conjunction with a spear that can be used to pole vault off the ground and unleash deadly attacks from the air. Its aerial capabilities make it ideal for mounting and stunning monsters.
** [[CoolGuns Light Bowguns]] are a support-based long-ranged weapon that can be customized and outfitted with different types of ammo for almost any situation, along with traps to lay the hurt onto monsters. What it lacks in power, it makes up for in its light weight, allowing users to move with ease.
** [[{{BFG}} Heavy Bowguns]] are also customizable, but trade their light siblings' maneuverability and various ammo types with overwhelming explosive firepower.
** [[ArcherArchetype Bows]] strike a balance between Light and Heavy Bowguns, offering a decent mix of maneuverability, supportive capacity, and attack power at medium ranges. Its one glaring weakness is that it's a stamina hog, so caution must be taken lest users find themselves unable to dodge an oncoming attack.
* For ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'', Travis Touchdown's weapon of choice is his [[LaserBlade Beam Katana]] (and obvious [[Franchise/StarWars lightsaber]] {{Expy}}), a fitting weapon for an {{otaku}} obsessed with pop culture. The various bosses he faces have a variety of weapons, most of them [[ImprobableWeaponUser improbable]].
** Of Travis's beam katanas, the Blood Berry is the only one to appear in every game (and in ''VideoGame/TravisStrikesAgainNoMoreHeroes'' and ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroesIII'', his only weapon) and receives upgrades inbetween games. By the third game, the Blood Berry becomes a [[CompositeCharacter Composite Weapon]] containing elements of various past beam katanas.
%%** Death Metal has his Orange II, which is basically a [[{{BFS}} gigantic straight razor]].
%%** Dr. Peace, going with his Western theme, has a [[RevolversAreJustBetter golden revolver]].
%%** Shinobu sticks with an ordinary [[KatanasAreJustBetter Katana]]. But she's good with it. [[ThatOneBoss Really good.]]
%%** Destroyman has {{Power Fist}}s and... a ''[[EnergyWeapon laser codpiece]]''.
%%** Holly has grenades, [[MacrossMissileMassacre missiles launched from her artificial leg]], and a shovel, for both digging traps and whacking Travis.
%%** Letz Shake has an earthquake maker powered by a BrainInAJar. [[spoiler:Not that it does him much good.]]
%%** Harvey Volodarskii has a variety of magic tricks and wields [[DualWielding a pair of]] weapons that look like those long, thin lollipops.
%%** Speed Buster has a shopping cart that turns into a WaveMotionGun.
%%** Bad Girl has a [[BatterUp baseball bat]] and [[GrievousHarmWithABody throws gimps at you]].
%%** Dark Star has a [[BuffySpeak dragon beam katana thing]].
%%** [[spoiler:Jeane]] uses her [[BareFistedMonk bare fists]].
%%** [[spoiler:Henry]] also wields a [[LaserBlade Beam Katana]], which seems to be more of a claymore than a katana in general design.
%%* In ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes2TheDesperateStruggle'', Travis now has four types of Beam Katana to choose from: his basic weapon, a lighter but faster one, a longer but slower one, and DualWielding. His enemies, meanwhile...
%%** Skelter Helter uses a revolver with multiple cylinders put together.
%%** Nathan Copeland uses a boombox that turns into PowerArmor. His arena is also covered in machine guns.
%%** Charlie [=MacDonald=] and his cheerleaders form into a giant robot.
%%** Matt Helms, [[spoiler:who died in a fire set by his parents]], uses a flamethrower/axe and Molotov Cocktails.
%%** Cloe Walsh spits acid, breathes poison and has a [[MakeMeWannaShout sonic scream]].
%%** Kimmy Howell uses [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Darth Maul's double lightsaber]], and blows explosive bubbles from a recorder.
%%** [[spoiler:Dr. Letz Shake]] uses Letz Shake's earthquake machine to ''much'' better effect than previous.
%%** Million Gunman shoots money from a gold pistol.
%%** [[spoiler:New Destroyman]] uses lasers and electric blasts [[spoiler:as previously]].
%%** Ryuji uses a katana and a [[AnimalMotifs dragon summon]].
%%** Mimmy is effectively a miniature Gundum and fights appropriately.
%%** Margaret uses twin anti-material rifles.
%%** Captain Vladimir fires [[EnergyWeapon Frickin' Laser Beams]] from his spacesuit and calls on a KillSat.
%%** Alice Twilight/Moonlight has eight Beam Katanas attached to a set of waldoes.
%%** Jasper Batt, Jr. fights with a rocket car, and when it's destroyed, doses himself with Psycho Serum and fights with his bare hands. [[spoiler:He then overdoses and becomes a giant, shooting energy blasts from his mouth.]]
* Though their actual equipment is at the discretion of the players, the official art of ''VideoGame/OmegaLabyrinthLife'' show that the playable students each have a favoured type. Hinata prefers swords, Yukina tridents, and Mei scythes, for example.
%%* In the Mario RPG spin offs like ''VideoGame/PaperMario'', Mario's main and only weapon is a hammer, though he also uses his signature jump as an attack as well.
%%* Aya from the ''VideoGame/ParasiteEve'' series can use any kind of gun, but in official media and cut scenes, she's always holding a pistol.
* ''Franchise/{{Persona}}'':
** ''VideoGame/Persona2'':
*** In ''Innocent Sin'': Tatsuya goes with swords [[HeroesPreferSwords because they're there]] (okay because he's a silent protagonist but still). Eikichi is the kind of person to think an assault rifle disguised as a guitar case is ridiculously cool (and a practical disguise since he's a musician). Maya is not-so-secretly a ''huge'' dork who just loves how flashy she looks with dual pistols. Meanwhile, Lisa already practices martial arts thanks to her father, and Yukino had used razors and thrown blades once upon a time as a former delinquent in the original ''VideoGame/{{Persona 1}}''. [[spoiler:Elegant and highly-cultured Jun is not only fluent in Japanese flower language, but can fight by ''throwing flowers'' that are somehow as damaging as bullets and blades, possibly as a magical leftover of his time as the Joker.]]
*** In ''Eternal Punishment'': Maya is still dorky about her dual pistols. Katsuya only uses one pistol, because he's a ''professional'' police officer. Ulala is a hard-drinking [[TheLadette lad-ette]] who is already very practiced in boxing. Baofu is a mysterious extortionist who claims to be Taiwanese and can somehow use [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong qigong]] to throw coins and other small objects at ridiculously high (and lethal) speeds.
** The characters in ''VideoGame/Persona3'' openly state the reasons for their specific weapons, whenever it isn't obvious. [[TheHero The male protagonist]] can use anything in the original release and ''FES'', though he unsurprisingly [[HeroesPreferSwords defaults to a ]][[OneHandedZweihander one-handed sword]]. Gung-ho everyman [[LeeroyJenkins Junpei]] uses a two-handed sword that he holds like a baseball bat (which is to say, improperly). [[GuysSmashGirlsShoot Yukari]], a member of the Archery Club, uses a bow. Mitsuru, the rich girl, uses an "elegant" one-handed sword that she wields like a fencer. Akihiko, star boxer of the school and a bit of a BloodKnight, uses his fists. Aigis, a RobotGirl, uses attached guns of various types. Koromaru, [[TeamPet a highly intelligent dog]], uses a small knife held in his teeth, presumably to avoid actually biting the monsters. Ken, a WiseBeyondHisYears ten-year-old, uses a spear to even the playing field between him and larger enemies. Shinjiro, the tough dude with issues, uses an axe or mace. In ''FES'', Metis, [[MrExposition Miss Exposition]], also uses an axe, due to its power.
** In the UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable UpdatedRerelease of ''Persona 3'', the new Heroine wields [[BladeOnAStick naginatas]], presumably due to their historical association with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onna_bugeisha women and famous female samurai]] in Japan. The Hero, though, is now restricted to one-handed swords, and Mitsuru's weapons are specifically referred to as "rapiers."
** Although they don't state it outright like in ''3'', the heroes of ''VideoGame/Persona4'' use weapons that reflect their personalities. TheHero uses broadswords, symbolizing his leadership role. Yosuke tends to go to DualWielding whatever he can get his hands on, which shows his [[IJustWantToBeSpecial desire to be special,]] his goofiness given what he could wield (especially in ''Golden'') and also his versatility showing he is more talented than he appears; additionally, his ''best'' weapons are a pair of wrenches, symbolizing his reliability and desire to help. ActionGirl Chie has leg greaves to best utilize her powerful kicking prowess. YamatoNadeshiko Yukiko uses [[PaperFanOfDoom fans]], showing off her grace and power given her skill in Fire magic attacks. Delinquent Kanji relies on what the game classifies as shields but are really whatever blunt heavy objects he gets his hands on (including a desk and a folding chair). Teddie uses clawed gauntlets and usually fights in his bear outfit. Finally, Naoto uses a gun, which showcases her serious personality and efficiency, especially given the strict firearm rules of Japan.
** The heroes of ''VideoGame/Persona5'' [[TheMusketeer wield two weapons, one ranged and one melee,]] each reflecting their personality and circumstances: TheHero is a dual-faced trickster with a hammy PhantomThief persona who uses {{kni|feNut}}ves and {{handguns}}. Delinquent outcast Ryuji Sakamoto uses {{shotguns|AreJustBetter}} and blunt instruments such as [[PipePain lead pipes]]. Tough-minded HeroicSeductress Ann Takamaki uses {{whip|ItGood}}s and [[MoreDakka sub-machine guns]]. Morgana, a smart-alecky cat-like entity who looks like a Wild West-style Puss in Boots, uses curved swords and [[BratsWithSlingshots slingshots]]. Flamboyant painter Yusuke Kitagawa had a traditional Japanese upbringing and wields {{katanas|AreJustBetter}} and assault rifles. Straight-laced Makoto Niijima, who has self-defense training, comes from a long line of police officers, and loves action movies, uses [[PowerFist brass knuckles]] and {{revolvers|AreJustBetter}} in battle. Rebellious {{Ojou}} Haru Okumura opposes everything her father's corrupt fast-food corporation stands for, which makes her use of {{a|nAxeToGrind}}xes and {{grenade launcher}}s look like deliberate defiance of her refined upbringing. Lastly, Goro Akechi looks to be a straight-laced GreatDetective, but uses {{laser blade}}s and {{ray gun}}s which are stated to be based on "popular ''children's'' toys". Granted, this is likely to show off his belief in justice (especially given how his predecessor, Naoto also has her childish side), though in the animation, it was shown he played hero a lot as a child. [[spoiler:Also serves as evidence being a PsychopathicManchild when he reveals himself to be the murderer. On the other hand, in his true form, he uses {{serrated blade|OfPain}}s and UsefulNotes/{{silence|rs}}d pistols, showing off his abrasiveness and ruthlessness. When he returns to the party in ''Royal'', he continues to use the serrated blade (which appears to also be a toy laser blade) and switches the pistol out for an edgier black and red ray gun, highlighting his {{chuunibyou}} tendencies.]]
** The new girl Kasumi Yoshizawa introduced in ''[[UpdatedRerelease Royal]]'' continues this with her weapons to be an estoc (a type of rapier) and rifles, showing off her elegance and grace, evidence of her background as an accomplished gymnastics athlete. Additionally, it also shows off her admiration to Joker, especially compounded with how her thief attire is inspired by his own and choice of firearm, a lever-action rifle [[spoiler:is wielded by Joker's Ultimate Persona, Satanael.]]
** In the VideoGame/DynastyWarriors-styled sequel, ''VideoGame/Persona5Strikers'', we have two more newcomers. Sophia wields a pair of [[KillerYoYo Killer Yo-Yos]], referencing her childlike curiosity about everything as well as her versatility, while her ranged weapons are energy blasters straight out of science fiction, perfectly fitting for an AI. And Zenkichi wields a [[{{BFS}} greatsword]] and a pair of pistols, symbolizing how he's lost his JadeColoredGlasses and decided to take justice into his own hands once again.
* ''VideoGame/{{Planetside}}'': Each faction has one. The [[TheEmpire Terran Republic]] favours conventional gunpowder-based weapons and high explosives with a preference for MoreDakka and GatlingGood. The [[LaResistance New Conglomerate]] favours {{Magnetic Weapon}}s with a focus on ShotgunsAreJustBetter that's more than strictly sane (shotgun pistols for their rank-and-file, triple-barreled shotguns for their assault troops, ''nose-mounted shotgun cannons for their aircraft'', etc.). The [[MachineCult Vanu Sovereignty]] favour [[EnergyWeapon Frickin' Laser Beams]], {{Plasma Cannon}}s and other energy weapons.
* ''VideoGame/{{Pokemon}}'': Many Gym Leaders and several other characters usually have a signature Pokémon on their team, the one they are the most heavily associated with.
** Gen I:
*** Brock of the Pewter Gym has Onix as his signature Pokémon in the games. A massive snake of boulders that emphasizes the Rock-Type's straightforward yet effective power.
*** Misty of the Cerulean Gym's signature Pokémon is Starmie in the games. An enigmatic starfish, its tactical moves highlight the Water type's versatility and show that, like Misty herself, it's not to be taken lightly.
*** Lt. Surge of the Vermilion Gym has Raichu as his signature Pokémon in all of his incarnations. Surge favors overwhelming force, which burly Raichu shows off better than its speedier pre-evolution Pikachu.
*** Erika favors the Oddish family, particularly Vileplume. Quiet and unassuming like Erika herself, they can lash out with poison and energy-draining techniques at the slightest provocation.
*** Sabrina of the Saffron Gym is well-known for having Alakazam as her signature Pokémon. A stern-looking Psychic-type whose stoic face masks a wealth of unfathomable power, much like Sabrina herself.
** Gen II:
*** If you're talking about Whitney, you're talking about her Miltank. A cute Pokémon with no overt special techniques...that packs so much of a punch that if you let your guard down, you'll lose your whole team as fast as you can say "Rollout."
*** Completely averted with Jasmine. What part of 'quiet, demure young woman who's more concerned about a sick Pokémon than running the Gym' equates to a big, angry Steelix?
*** Clair runs the Dragon-type Gym. The fact that her ace Pokémon are Dragonair and [[SeahorsesAreDragons Kingdra]] seems to highlight that while she isn't someone to take lightly, she isn't a fully fledged dragon tamer like her cousin, Champion Lance.
*** The TrueFinalBoss, Pokémon Trainer Red, still has Pikachu as his strongest Pokémon, emphasizing his humble beginnings and just how far you can go without being fully developed.
** Gen III:
*** Brawly's Pokémon—both the sage Meditite and the sumo Makuhita—represent his mindset to have a proper flow in battle rather than AttackAttackAttack His techniques focus on decisive strikes and self-enhancement.
*** Flannery's Torkoal represents how she's a newly appointed Gym Leader who needs to take things at her own pace...and burns just as hot for it.
*** Norman's entire Gym represents the versatility of the Normal-type, and nothing shows that better than his ace, Slaking. It can only attack every other turn, but its stats are on par with Legendaries; underestimate it for its Ability and you'll get swatted down.
*** Tate and Liza, twin Psychics, use the meteorite Pokémon [[SolarAndLunar Solrock and Lunatone]].
*** Wallace, a flamboyant Water-type trainer and artist obsessed with elegance, has the beautiful Milotic as his ace.
** ''VideoGame/PokemonColosseum'' gives us a couple as well.
*** Miror B. uses sombrero-wearing pineapple ducks, properly known as Ludicolo. As rhythmic and flamboyant as he is and no less dangerous for it.
*** Venus, an idol and diva and one of the four Cipher Admins, has Milotic as her ace after Snagging her Shadow Pokémon.
** Gen IV:
*** Volkner is the strongest of the Sinnoh Gym Leaders, to the extent that he's gotten bored of opponents who can't put up a fight. His ace, the black-furred lightning lion Luxray, matches him perfectly.
** Gen VII:
*** For BigBad [[spoiler:Lusamine]], we have Bewear, very fittingly. They both seem cute and innocent, but are actually incredibly dangerous and give people unwanted love that hurts them.
* [[AIIsACrapshoot [=GLaDOS=]]] of the ''Videogame/{{Portal}}''-series is the sentient MasterComputer that runs Aperture Science. She's a violent, [[{{Pun}} toxic]] DeadpanSnarker, who killed her creators and spends her days performing tests on unwilling test subjects. Is it ''really'' that surprising that her favorite elimination method is flooding the room with [[DeadlyGas deadly neurotoxin]]?
-->'''[=GLaDOS=]:''' Good news. I just found out what that thing you just incinerated did. It was a [[RestrainingBolt Morality Core]] they installed when I flooded the Enrichment Centre with a deadly neurotoxin, to stop me from flooding the Enrichment Centre [[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment with a deadly neurotoxin]]. [[OhCrap So get comfortable while I warm up the neurotoxin emitters]]...
%%* In ''VideoGame/RedFactionGuerrilla'', the Alec Mason is never seen without his trusty [[WhenAllYouHaveIsAHammer sledgehammer]]. Ever. It's practically the game's CompanionCube.
%%* In general, the protagonists of any given ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' game will start with the "Samurai Edge", a highly-customized Beretta 92FS. Knives pop up frequently as well, most notably with the [[PressXToNotDie quick-time boss battle]] between Leon and Krauser in ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4''.
%%* Each gang in ''VideoGame/RiverCityRansom'' has different attitudes on weapons - some totally eschew them, some will actively seek out any dropped weapons, and all have certain weapons that they're much more likely to carry. The Frat Boys, for example, like to carry [[ChainPain lengths of chain with them]], while The Plague tend to carry the strongest weapon, the [[PipePain lead pipe]].
* In ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'', most of the girls (and the main characters) specialize in a specific weapon (which are often mirrored by their mecha):
** The Tokyo team:
*** Main protagonist Ogami {{Dual Wield|ing}}s katanas, as befitting a dutiful member of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
*** Franchise poster girl Sakura is a CountryMouse from a samurai family who uses (what else) a [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]].
*** Sumire, the {{Tsundere}} rich girl, is skilled in her family's Naginata school.
*** Maria, the Russian Revolutionary/ex-New York Mobster, carries a [[RevolversAreJustBetter 6 shot pistol]].
*** Kohran, the inventor, uses missiles and mini-attack robots.
*** GentleGiant Kanna simply uses karate. Her Koubu is outfitted with [[PowerFist Power Fists]] to complement her martial arts.
*** Reni, the German wünderkinden, uses a lance.
*** The exceptions are European aristocrats Iris and Orihime, neither of whom carry weapons on their person (Iris being far too gentle to, anyways). Iris's Koubu is built to harness her PsychicPowers, while Orihime's Koubu utilizes FingerGun BeamSpam.
** The theme continues to the Paris team:
*** Erica the clumsy [[NunsAreMikos nun]] uses an antique machine gun shaped like a cross.
*** Hanabi, the widowed YamatoNadeshiko, is an archer.
*** Glycine is a proud noble of Viking origin who uses a halberd.
*** While infamous (and rather violent) criminal Lobelia prefers to just use fire, her mecha comes with a set of WolverineClaws.
*** Upbeat and mature-for-her-age circus girl Coquelicot has a magic wand similar to what she uses on stage.
** [[VideoGame/SakuraWarsSoLongMyLove The New York Team]]:
*** Oogami's nephew and new player character, Shinjiro Taiga, is another dutiful IJN cadet who [[DualWielding dual wields]] katanas.
*** RetiredBadass Ratchet may be fairly mellow for someone who specializes in throwing knives, but ''Anime/SakuraWarsTheMovie'' shows that she used to be quite ruthless.
*** Texas [[SamuraiCowboy Samurai Cowgirl]] Gemini ([[spoiler:and her vengeful alter ego Geminine]]) wields a {{katana|sAreJustBetter}} (taking her samurai master's teachings quite seriously) and carries a revolver on her hip (but never actually uses it).
*** Famed lawyer (and former biker gang leader) Sagitta Weinberg([[DubNameChange Cheiron Archer]]) uses a chain (of justice).
*** The elegant and wealthy perfectionist Subaru uses [[ImprobableWeaponUser Japanese war fans]].
*** Diana, the FriendToAllLivingThings, uses robot birds and syringe-shaped water cannons.
*** Mexican bounty hunter Rika/[[DubNameChange Rosita]] has two revolvers.
** [[VideoGame/SakuraWars2019 The New Imperial Combat Revue]]
*** Like their predecessors before them, Seijuro Kamiyama and Sakura Amamiya use [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]]. Seijuro wields two in each hand like Ohgami, while Sakura only uses one like Sakura Shinguji.
*** Spunky ShrineMaiden Hatsuho Shinonomi uses a [[DropTheHammer gargantuan mallet]].
*** Ninja prodigy Azami Mochizuki uses a variety of ninja weaponry, including kunai and shuriken. Her mech is outfitted with a massive gauntlet that carries these implements, while her fighting style in her Mugen is primarily focused on hand-to-hand combat.
*** Aloof actress Anastasia Palma uses a combination of a [[TheGunslinger handgun]] and an [[ParasolOfPain umbrella]] which contains a HandCannon.
*** Scholar and mage Clarissa "Claris" Snowflake uses a SpellBook. Her mech has one too, appropriately scaled to boot. [[RuleOfCool Don't ask why, just roll with it.]]
*** The other Combat Revues featured in the game all specialize in using different weapon types. The Shanghai Combat Revue, being martial artists who moonlight as a high-end Chinese restaurant, forego weapons and use [[BareFistedMonk martial arts]]. The London Combat Revue, with their inspiration from Myth/ArthurianLegend, use [[HeroesPreferSwords swords]]. The disciplined and militaristic Berlin Combat Revue use firearms.
%%* ''VideoGame/SecretOfMana'' was one of the few Eastern RolePlayingGames that allowed players to decide what they wanted their weapon to be (although the main character was "encouraged" to use the sword).
%%* VideoGame/SeriousSam and his [[GatlingGood hand-held minigun]].
%%** Croteam themselves seem to have a thing for .45-caliber pistols, going out of their way to point it out as the cartridge Sam's various [[EmergencyWeapon infinite-ammo pistols]] fire.
* Everyone in the ''[[VideoGame/SoulSeries SoulCalibur]]'' series: swords, whips, axes, and even some rather strange weapons (see Necrid's fragment of an alternate universe).
* Crime boss Mr. X of ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage'' 1 & 2 uses a tommy-gun, which not only signifies his lack of fair play (he's the only one with a gun), but carries a certain connotation of organized crime, thanks to its popularity in gangster films.
%%* ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' combines with trope with StandardFPSGuns and AnAdventurerIsYou, giving each class weapons that suit their playstyle and character. Each class will eventually be updated to have three alternate weapons.
%%** [[HuskyRusskie The Heavy]] has [[ICallItVera Sasha]], a [[{{BFG}} huge]] [[GatlingGood minigun]] as his iconic weapon, with a shotgun and [[GoodOldFisticuffs his bare fists]] for backup. His alternate weapons are Natascha, a minigun that slows enemies, the Sandvich and Dalokohs brand chocolate bar which [[HyperactiveMetabolism heal damage]], and the [[FunWithAcronyms Killing Gloves of Boxing]].
%%** [[FragileSpeedster The Scout]] uses a [[SawnOffShotgun scattergun]], a pistol and a [[BatterUp metal baseball bat]]. His alternate weapons include a double-barrelled shotgun with massive kickback, 'Bonk' energy drink for brief invincibility, another soft drink that turns all damage taken and given up by 35% and a bat used to hit stunning baseballs. In another update he got a Fish, a bottle of milk, and another pepperbox pistol.
%%** [[DrillSergeantNasty The Soldier's]] main weapon is a rocket launcher, which can be used to RocketJump, a shotgun and an entrenching tool ([[ShovelStrike a shovel]]). His alternative weapons are a more accurate but less explosive rocket launcher, a bugle, flag and banner that makes everyone else on the team stronger or boots that prevent rocket jump damage instead of the shotgun, and a pickaxe that makes you stronger and faster the less health you have or a makeshift club made out of an axe handle and a large railway nail. He also gets a large, black boxy rocket launcher and a backpack radio that works like the buff banner.
%%** [[PyroManiac The Pyro]] obviously has a [[KillItWithFire flamethrower]], a shotgun and a [[AnAxeToGrind fire axe]], with the alternate weapons being a flamethrower that [[BackStab does more damage from behind]], a flare gun and an axe that does double against burning foes but half otherwise. [[AmbiguousGender S/he]] also gets a car battery combined with a powerjack and a flamer made out of gas station equipment, in addition to [[DropTheHammer a sledgehammer]] which is more effective against enemy buildings and can remove sappers from allied ones.
%%** [[GadgeteerGenius The Engineer]] uses one of two shotguns, a pistol or laser pointer for his sentry and one of three [[WrenchWhack wrenches]] or mechanical fist.
%%** [[MadBomber The Demoman]] uses a grenade launcher, a remotely detonated sticky bomb launcher, and a bottle of rum that breaks on a critical hit. Alternative weapons include a sticky launcher which can lay more bombs at once, a shield that grants less explosive damage, and a massive sword or axe used for cleaving skulls as well as sharing the Soldier's axe-handle-railway-spike.
%%** TheMedic has a nailgun-like Syringe Gun, the [[HealingShiv Healing Gun]] and a bone saw. The alternate weapons are basically the same with special abilities.
%%** [[LandDownUnder The Sniper]] has, obviously, a SniperRifle, a Mauser-style machine gun and a kukri. The alternates are a bow and arrow for the rifle, and either a jar full of piss or a shield that protects against a backstab in place of the machine gun, as well as another kukri made of wood that cuts up his enemies so they bleed. Other items include a tranquilizing rifle, an even bigger knife, and a shield worn on the back that resembles a croc.
%%** [[MagnificentBastard The Spy]] has a {{revolver|sAreJustBetter}}, a butterfly knife that does OneHitKill [[BackStab Back Stabs]], and a watch that doubles as a cloaking device. His alternates are a second revolver than can score a headshot (making him the only class other than the sniper that can), and two more watches: One will cloak the user and leave behind a fake corpse when you take damage, and another that allows you to stay cloaked indefinitely as long as you stop moving every so often. He also gets a [[BlingBlingBang pearl-handled revolver]] which restores cloak when it hits enemies, and another knife which disallows normal disguising in favor of instantly disguising as the person you backstab with it.
%%* Lara Croft from the ''Franchise/TombRaider'' series uses shotguns, uzis, grenade launchers, rifles, and revolvers, but she's always rendered as using dual pistols, including in the movies.
* In weapon-based missions in the 3D brawler ''VideoGame/UrbanReign'', both the enemy mooks and your helper character get weapons suited to their themes/personalities, so urban warriors tend to carry baseball bats and tire irons, the Yakuza-like gangsters use katanas, ex-military types use combat knives, and the corrupt mayor uses a handgun, etc. While every character can use every weapon, they have different movesets depending on their proficiency with it(only the soldiers get a throat-slit move with the knife, for example).
* ''VideoGame/TheWalkingDead'':
** In Season 2, Clem prefers to use a handgun against her enemies as she is still too small to go against both walkers and bandits in a straight up fight unless she gets the drop on them. In addition, firing a gun larger than a pistol will have the recoil knock her down. She continues to hold a handgun at all times in season 3, but by Season 4 she starts using a knife — likely due to ammunition becoming scarce. She ends up using a crossbow for most of the season.
** Lee seems to have a thing for [[AnAxeToGrind axes]]. He uses a fire axe through the later half of Episode 1. In Episode 2, set a few months later, he's shown to still be using it. In Episode 4, he uses a small hatchet.
** Carley is a crack shot with her Glock 17 in Season 1, saving her friends several times with it.
** Chuck exclusively used a shovel, except when he uses a gun to kill himself when he is surrounded by walkers.
** Michonne's iconic [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]] is replaced by a [[MacheteMayhem machete]] for her miniseries. As shown in the comic, this is because she left it with Ezekiel at the Kingdom.
** Javier likes to use a baseball bat, which is a callback to his professional baseball career.
** Conrad uses a pump-action shotgun throughout ''A New Frontier''. When he fires it off many times in the train tunnel, Tripp claims that "every walker in the damn county" would have heard it.
** Marlon in ''The Final Season'' always uses a crossbow, until he dies at the end of Episode 1. Clem uses it after this point.
** Violet carries around a butcher knife to fight off walkers and raiders alike.
** Louis carries around a chair leg with nails in it that he names "Chairles".
* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'':
** All of the Syndicates have unique primary, secondary, and melee weapons. Gain enough reputation with them and they'll allow you to buy them.
** Many warframes have specific weapons associated with them; this is more common for later 'frames, which are usually heavily advertised with all three.
** The Stalker has Dread (his bow), Despair (his knives), and Hate (his scythe). [[spoiler: After joining forces with Hunhow, he discards them in favor of [[{{BFS}} War]].]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Wild ARMs 3}}'': sunny heroine gets [[GunsAkimbo pistols akimbo]] (with flowery holsters). Wise, composed, always suggests best course of action science guy has the sniper rifle. Impulsive ditz gets the sawed-off shotgun. Badass amnesiac loner gets machine gun and ammo bandoliers.
* The core heroes in ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101'' each have different Unite Morphs associated with them and their personalities.
** Wonder-Red, the StraightMan and the [[TheLeader one in charge]], uses the [[PowerFist Unite Hand]].
** Wonder-Blue, the showoff-y [[TheLancer second-in-command]], uses the [[{{BFS}} Unite Sword]].
** Wonder-Green, the [[TheSmartGuy smart]] and [[DeadpanSnarker snarky]] middle schooler, uses the [[{{BFG}} Unite Gun]].
** Wonder-Pink, the [[TheChick only female in the core team]] and the closest the game has to a {{Dominatrix}}, uses the [[WhipItGood Unite Whip]].
** Wonder-Yellow, the [[TheBigGuy most physically built one]] who [[HuskyRusskie happens to be Russian]], uses the [[DropTheHammer Unite Hammer]].
** Wonder-White, the [[{{Koan}} introspective]] ([[IceCreamKoan or not]]) ninja, uses the [[WolverineClaws Unite Claw]].
** Wonder-Black, the GadgeteerGenius and [[TheQuietOne the most silent of the bunch]], uses the [[ThrowDownTheBomblet Unite Bomb]].
** Of course, this doesn't apply to just the main heroes. Some of the later characters fulfill the trope too:
** [[spoiler:Immorta, TheSixthRanger and mysterious FemmeFatale, uses the [[StatusEffects charm-inducing]] [[AutomaticCrossbow Unite Bowgun]].]]
** [[spoiler:Chewgi, honorable warrior and [[NumberTwo second-in-command to Prince Vorkken]], uses the [[BladeOnAStick Unify Naginata]].]]
** [[spoiler:Lawrence Nelson, the original HotBlooded Wonder-Red, used the [[ThisIsADrill Unite Drill]] back in his day.]]
** [[spoiler:Prince Vorkken, EvilCounterpart to Wonder-Red and RecurringBoss, uses the [[BattleBoomerang Unify Boomerang]].]]
** [[spoiler:Luka, when he finally becomes a member of the Wonderful 101, uses his [[GogglesDoSomethingUnusual goggles]] to shoot [[EnergyWeapon Frickin' Laser Beams]] as Unite Goggles.]]
%%* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'': Druids, due to their shapeshifting, usually fight with fists (paws) regardless of what weapon they have equipped. It's usually a twohanded weapon however. Rogues on the other hand tend to prefer daggers, depending on their chosen combat style. Hunters are the only class that focuses on ranged weapons, but the exact type is largely irrelevant.
%%** On a more defensive aspect, both Shamans and Paladins almost always use shields outside of their melee specialisation.
%%** Death Knights are explicitly called out as two-handed melee fighters, with the exception being Frost Dual-Wield builds. In both cases, the use of either one huge blade or frenzied dual-wielding suits their characterization as implacable death-dealers.
%%** Many character are well known for the weapons they wield. Thrall has his Doomhammer, Arthas has Frostmourne.
%%* In ''VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Dead Souls'', each playable character has a weapon unique to them for taking on the ZombieApocalypse.
%%** Shun Akiyama uses [[GunsAkimbo a pair of pistols]].
%%** Goro Majima uses an [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter automatic shotgun]].
%%** Ryuji Goda uses [[MoreDakka a machine gun]] [[ArmCannon concealed in his prosthetic left arm]].
%%** Kazuma Kiryu uses [[{{BFG}} an anti-material sniper rifle]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Visual Novels]]
%%* The Servants of ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' generally use the weapons according to their Class (Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, Berserker) but there are occasional exceptions; Rider generally fights without her mount, only revealing it as an EleventhHourSuperpower. Archer uses twin dao (Chinese falchions) despite having a literal endless FieldOfBlades at his disposal. It might be argued that they are symbolic of his deep inner conflict over (and bitter acceptance of) the gap between ideal and reality, though...
%%** Archer says flat out that he isn't one. He just happens to be good at it.
%%** The Archer-class in general seems to be a general catch-all for ranged weapon fighters rather than those who use a bow and arrow per se. LightNovel/FateZero Archer uses swords as well but launches them as a projectiles by default. FateApocrypha has King David [[Literature/TheBible (of David and Goliath fame)]] as Archer as well by virtue of his famous stunt with the sling.
* When push comes to shove, the ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'' gang almost always uses their iconic weapons:
** Keiichi has his [[BatterUp metal bat]]. It's actually Satoshi's leftover bat from when he used to play baseball. Keiichi uses the bat whenever he kills someone or whenever he just needs a weapon. [[spoiler:Satoshi also used it to kill his abusive aunt]].
** Shion has a [[StaticStunGun taser]] that she carries around. She uses it to stun her enemies.
** Rika uses a [[ImprobableWeaponUser broom]] in one arc to fight off [[spoiler:Rena]]. Otherwise, she has no weapons.
** Satoko is a prankster who figured out to use her traps for when she's in trouble.
** Rena has her cleaver/hatchet/axe. She found it in a junkyard and kept it for non-violent reasons, however she does use it as a weapon. When she uses it non-lethally, she hits with the dull side.
** Despite carrying an airsoft gun, Mion doesn't have use weapon. She generally uses hand-to-hand combat instead.
* Given that ''VisualNovel/MajikoiLoveMeSeriously'' is a game about [[ActionGirl martial artist girls]] attending a SchoolOfHardKnocks:
** Momoyo, the most overwhelmingly powerful character in the game, uses [[BareFistedMonk her fists]];
** Wanko, a speed-type fighter, uses [[BladeOnAStick a naginata]];
** Miyako, well-known for her [[NervesOfSteel nigh-unbreakable concentration]], is an Archer;
** Mayucchi, daughter of the current [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensei ''Kensei'' or Sword Saint]], wields [[KatanasAreJustBetter a katana]];
** Chris, the German {{Ojou}}, fights with [[RoyalRapier a rapier]];
** Azumi, resident NinjaMaid, makes use of a pair of tanto and countless throwing weapons;
** Kokoro, the local {{Ojou}}, is a national-level [[IKnowKarate judo practitioner]] who also happens to carry around a pair of steel fans.
%%** And many others.
%%* Madeleine of ''The Royal Trap'' favors twin daggers while her charge, Prince Oscar of Ocendawr, is decent with a sword.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Animation]]
* ''Machinima/RedVsBlue'': Being a series primarily filmed in the ''Halo'' franchise, there's several examples.
** Among [[DysfunctionJunction the Blood Gulch Crew]], most of the cast defaults to both [[BoringYetPractical the standard BR-55/85 Battle Rifle and Magnum pistol]] (as seen with [[OnlySaneMan Wash]], [[RidiculouslyHumanRobots Lopez]], [[ReallyGetsAround Sister]], and [[BrokenAce Carolina]] in the present day). However, there's a few specific examples for certain characters:
*** [[KnightInSourArmor Church]] likes to use the SniperRifle ([[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy which he can't hit the broadside of a barn with]]).
*** [[CasanovaWannabe Tucker]] has his [[Characters/HaloSangheili Elite]] [[LaserBlade energy sword]]. He also gets into the habit of using the Designated Marksman Rifle as his standard firearm as the series goes on.
*** [[CloudCuckoolander Caboose]] has his [[MoreDakka standard assault rifle]].
*** [[TheDandy Donut]] has [[ThrowDownTheBomblet plasma grenades]].
*** [[DrillSergeantNasty Sarge]] almost exclusively uses his [[ShortRangeShotgun shotgun]]. Given his BloodKnight tendencies, it makes sense that he likes to be up close and personal while killing people.
*** [[TVGenius Simmons]] has his [[StuffBlowingUp rocket launcher]]. Furthermore, when Red Team gets into the Chupathingy, Simmons will often take up the position of chaingunner.
*** [[LazyBum Grif]] has an interesting relationship with this trope. It's mostly averted, but he later tries to claim [[spoiler:the Meta's Brute Shot as his own after he steals it from the SuperSoldier]]. Later on, Grif loses [[spoiler:the "[[ICallItVera Grif Shot]]"]], and temporarily gets a [[EnergyWeapon suppressor]] during ''The Chorus Trilogy''. Generally, though, Grif serves as Red Team's default driver and is [[CarFu far more comfortable in combat when behind the wheel than not]].
*** [[WorstAid Doc]] has his [[PlasmaCannon plasma pistol]], which is commonly treated as a medical scanner/[=high-tech=] First Aid kit InUniverse.
*** [[DarkActionGirl Tex]] typically defaults to simply using [[BareFistedMonk her own fists]] in battle due to her SuperStrength instead of sticking to certain weapons.
*** Before the present day, Carolina ''really'' liked to use a GrapplingHookPistol in the fully animated sequences (since [[CanonForeigner it doesn't actually exist in the Halo games]]) during both ''The Project Freelancer Saga'' and ''The Chorus Trilogy'', [[spoiler:though Felix eventually destroys it in "Great Destroyers" with a StickyBomb]]. She also liked to use a [[DropTheHammer gravity hammer]] and two plasma rifles during the flashback sequences of ''The Project Freelancer Saga''.
** [[SerialKiller The Meta]] wields a Brute Shot, a combination GrenadeLauncher[=/=][[BayonetYa sword]] weapon taken from the Covenant and subsequently looted from a museum. Given his habit of stealing [=A.I.s=] and equipment to make himself more powerful, it's fitting that his weapon is stolen as well [[spoiler:by Grif after his death]].
** [[SuperSoldier The Agents of Project Freelancer]] also typically have their own unique arsenals - [[NiceGuy York]] has a shotgun, [[WalkingSpoiler Florida]]/[[spoiler:[[BewareTheSillyOnes Captain Butch Flowers]]]] has an assault rifle with an under-barreled grenade launcher, [[FriendlySniper North Dakota]] and [[EvilBrit Wyoming]] both have the sniper rifle, [[AlphaBitch South Dakota]] has an assault rifle, and lastly [[MasterOfIllusion C.T.]] uses [[GunsAkimbo two pistols]].
** Among the [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized "Resistance"]][=/=][[spoiler:[[PrivateMilitaryContractors Charon Security Forces]]]], [[TheLeader the Insurrection Leader]] likes to use [[AnAxeToGrind collapsible throwing axes]] ([[CanonForeigner which also doesn't exist in the Halo games]]), the red Demo Man has a shotgun, the sleeveless Insurrectionist has his bare fists, the Sniper has... well, a SniperRifle, [[TheSmurfettePrinciple "Girlie"]] has twin [[KukrisAreKool kukris]], [[MonsterClown "Chain Guy" and "Chain Girl"]] have [[GatlingGood twin miniguns]], and [[DentedIron Sharkface]] has a [[FireBreathingWeapon flamethrower]] (he later [[spoiler:upgrades to two smaller wrist-mounted ones in Season 13]])
** The [[spoiler:Charon Industries]] mercenaries on Chorus, [[ConsummateProfessional Locus]] and [[spoiler:[[FauxAffablyEvil Felix]]]], are a ColdSniper and knife-wielder respectively.
*** Speaking of Chorus, [[VestigialEmpire the Federal Army of Chorus]] all use the standard assault rifle while [[LaResistance the New Republic]] uses Designated Marksman Rifles.
* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'': Ruby Rose mentions that every weapon is an extension of the nature and personality of its wielder. However, only a few cases in the show have made the link between the wielder's choice and their personality explicit.
** Qrow fights with a giant sword that can transform into both a gun and a scythe. The weapon is therefore designed to deal death at both range and close-combat. Qrow is heavily associated with crows and the death and misfortune that crows are associated with. He was named "Qrow" because his Semblance brings bad luck to anyone he's near, making him the same harbinger of misfortune as a crow. His weapon is likewise designed to bring death and misfortune in multiple ways, and its strongest form is the scythe that is associated with death and the Grim Reaper. The fandom nicknamed the weapon "Harbinger", a name adopted into canon by the creators as soon as they found out about it.
** When Ren and Nora first meet, it's in Ren's home village where Nora is living as a starving, terrified street urchin. When the village is destroyed by a Grimm attack, Nora is soothed by Ren's Semblance, which also prevents the Grimm from finding them. Ren hands the frightened Nora a toy wooden hammer that is lying on the ground and tells her that, from now on, they will protect each other. Since that day, the two have been inseparable, to the point where Nora starts plotting on their first day in school to ensure that she and Ren make the same team as each other. Her weapon is a giant war-hammer, based on the toy war-hammer that Ren once gave her; it reflects her continued loyalty to Ren while allowing her to take full advantage of her Semblance, which makes her super-strong when hit by lightning.
** Ren is an orphan survivor of a Grimm attack that destroyed his entire village. The village's symbol was a lotus flower, which is his personal symbol. His green tunic mimics the style of green dress his mother was wearing when she died and he wears a streak of colour in his hair, just like his father -- although the pink colour reflects the eye colour he inherited off his mother. One of the last things he hears before his parents die is his father saying they need a Huntsman to deal with the threat they're facing. His weapon consists of green guns with strangely shaped, jagged blade attachments, and he's very keen on his school mission being to defend villages that are located outside the Kingdom. Flashbacks reveal that the last thing his father ever did was give him a knife and tell him to run. The knife is the exact shape of the blades on Ren's guns. Ren's entire motivation as a Huntsman, including his personal appearance and the colour and shape of his weapons, is designed to be a memorial to his lost parents, village and why they died.
** A katana and shotgun are devastating in close quarters and are almost always fatal on the first blow. Blush can fire Wilt out of its sheath, letting Adam attack even faster. Adam wants to destroy his enemies as swiftly as possible. He has no patience with the continued existence and dominance of humanity, and rejects any attempts to hold him back or slow him down from achieving his goal of destroying humanity's power structures and subjugating the race. [[spoiler:This impatience and urge to achieve results as fast as possible is exemplified by his confrontation with High Leader Sienna Khan; when she accuses him of having endangered the Faunus with his reckless assault on Beacon Academy, he murders her with Wilt to prevent her from halting his plans to assault Haven Academy next.]]
* ''WebAnimation/{{Shrapnel}}'': While [[BountyHunter Reznya]] isn’t picky about what she uses to kill someone with as long as it gets the job done, she tends to favor guns that fit with her no-nonsense, brutal style, like [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter shotguns]] and the [[{{BFG}} "BEDTIME STORY".]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]
%%* The titular Webcomic/AxeCop prefers to use a heavyset blade mounted on a polished wooden club. Pretty much everyone with the name "_______ Cop" has the blank filled in with the weapon - Flute Cop, Book Cop, Telescope Gun Cop...
%%* ''ComicBook/BuckGodotZapGunForHire''. As can be guessed if you're not too slow, the title character's weapon of choice is a [[RayGun zap gun]] -- [[ICallItVera nicknamed "Junior"]].
%%* In ''Webcomic/DubiousCompany'' both the [[AntiHero pirates]] and the [[AntiVillain Imperials]] have them.
%%** Walter: [[TheMusketeer cutlass and dragoon]], Tiren: [[SwordCane shikomizue umbrella]] if she [[GoodOldFisticuffs really]] needs it, Elly: [[AbnormalAmmo raccoon]] and an Archer, Sal: [[ImprovisedWeapon whatever]] she [[BornLucky finds]], Leeroy: [[DualWielding pair of daggers]]
%%** Izor: a [[TapOnTheHead sap]], Sue: [[{{BFS}} claymore]], Mary: moon wand that [[MagicalGirlWarrior transforms]] into a rapier, Gary: [[PlayingWithFire flaming]] katars, Marty: big freaking [[SummonToHand axes/swords/spears]].
* ''Webcomic/ExterminatusNow'' has each characters' Weapon Of Choice on the surprisingly-still-relevant cast page.
** Eastwood: "A Vladston & Norvstock .44 Magnum {{revolver|sAreJustBetter}}, with cylinder customised to feature seven chambers rather than the standard six." Yeah, he thinks he's Dirty Harry.
%%** Virus: "Bouchard Industries 9mm semiautomatic pistol, hollow point rounds filled with silver nitrate solution." He's the least trigger-happy with it.
%%** Lothar: "80mm plasma blaster, 3000 RPM circular saw, both incorporated into the bionic arm." [[AxCrazy Both used with enthusiasm.]]
%%** Rogue: [[strike:"A [[LaserBlade beam sword]] with blue colouration." What, no fancy description?]] "Ancient Tachyglossian Technology Void-Core Beam Weapon; Type-K Sword Model, Blue."
* In ''Webcomic/TheGreenEyedSniper'', both main characters have a weapon of choice. Shanti shoots a highly-precise sniper rifle, whereas Sekhmet prefers a powerful shotgun.
* In ''Webcomic/{{Harkovast}}'' a lot of the characters fit into this trope, such as the (usually) peaceful [[http://www.drunkduck.com/Harkovast/index.php?p=579536 Chen-Chen]] fighting unarmed and the giant [[http://www.drunkduck.com/Harkovast/index.php?p=473707 nameless]] wielding two long chains.
* In ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'', each of the main characters can allocate their STRIFE SPECIBUS, essentially selecting the type of weapon they can use.
** John Egbert, a computer geek and aspiring magician, uses the [[DroptheHammer hammerKind Abstractus]], which gives him access to such awesome implements as the [[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=002537 Pogo Hammer]], [[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=002957 Telescopic Sassacrusher]], the [[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=002968 WRINKLEFUCKER]], [[TimeMaster Fear No Anvil]], and [[InfinityPlusOneSword Warhammer of Zillyhoo]]. [[MagikarpPower Much like his personality, his hammers start out clumsy and impractical but quickly become ridiculously powerful]].
*** He also uses Bunnykind, but that was only to keep the bunny in a safer place than his Sylladex, too prone to ejecting its contents.
** Rose Lalonde, a [[DeadpanSnarker sarcastic]] writer, uses needleKind. (The hollow, aluminum knitting kind.) After some ItemCrafting, they now function as [[DualWielding dual-wielded]] {{Magic Wand}}s that are essentially {{BFG}}s powered by {{Eldritch Abomination}}s and are regarded as an ArtifactOfDoom.
** Dave Strider, a badass rapper and sword collector, uses bladeKind, personally favouring [[KatanasAreJustBetter his collection of katanas.]]
*** However, when Dave's katana breaks thanks to his trouncing at the hands of Bro, his Specibus was automatically changed to 1/2bladeKind, which now only allows him to use ''broken'' swords. That is, until he decides to ScrewDestiny and build a MorphWeapon that he keeps as a broken sword in storage.
** Jade Harley, the series' resident semi-prophetic, weird girl has the [[GirlsWithGuns Riflekind Abstractus,]] reflecting her distance from the rest of humanity.
** The {{Troll}}s also use this system.
*** Nepeta Leijon: WolverineClaws, referencing her love of cats and catlike mannerisms.
*** Gamzee Makara: [[CarryABigStick Juggling clubs]], fitting his status as a clown and Juggalo. Later [[ConfusionFu whatever he wants with the Jokerkind specibus]], fitting a member of the Bard class, who are known to be highly unpredictable in SBURB.
*** Equius Zahhak: GoodOldFisticuffs, befitting someone of immense [[SuddenlyShouting STRENGTH]], and [[WreckedWeapon half-bows]] (which are completely useless), referencing his desire to use more sophisticated tools [[BlessedWithSuck but being too strong and accidentally breaking them when he tries]].
*** Feferi Peixes: A [[DoubleWeapon Dual-Headed]] [[ProngsOfPoseidon Trident]], referencing her home beneath the waves.
** The Cherubim use the system as well:
*** Calliope uses a magic wand which can turn into a revolver pistol, the wand referencing her joyful fantasizing personality, while the revolver is a highly precise weapon with limited ammo, fitting someone who recognizes the occasional need for killing [[ReluctantWarrior but will do so only when necessary]].
*** Caliborn uses a pimp cane that turns into an assault rifle, the cane form referencing his predilection for sheer brute force (and the "pimp" aspect referencing his misogyny), while an assault rifle is a highly destructive weapon that is likely to kill things other than the intended target, fitting Caliborn's [[BloodKnight bloodthirst]] and complete lack of concern for others' well-being.
%%* Being based on ''Dungeons & Dragons'', ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' has each character wield an appropriate weapon for their class.
%%** Roy the Fighter uses a [[{{BFS}} Greatsword]], though he has used a greatclub for a time after his sword was broken.
%%** Haley the Rogue uses a longbow.
%%** Durkon the Cleric, being a [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarf]], of course uses a small hammer, along with a [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shield]].
%%** Belkar the Ranger (and later Barbarian too) uses [[DualWielding a pair]] of daggers.
%%** Vaarsivus the Wizard doesn't use a weapon, [[SquishyWizard being pathetic in melee]], instead using magic to fight.
%%*** In the board game, Vaarsivus has a staff, but in the flavor text comments "I do not recall this prop ever appearing in the comic."
%%*** In the comic itself, the "Explosive Runes" are V's signature ''spell'' and a RunningGag.
%%** Elan the [[SpoonyBard Bard]] uses a rapier.
%%*** Rich Burlew, the author, may have a fondness for this trope. There's a self-created class on the site based entirely around empowering a specific Weapon Of Choice with powers that greatly surpass the abilities of the character itself.
%%* ''Webcomic/RPGWorld'' has the main party's preferences
%%** [[MeaningfulName The Hero]] uses swords. [[HeroesPreferSwords (Duh)]]
%%** Cherry uses knives, and later upgrades to a crossbow.
%%** Diane uses a magic staves.
%%** Eikre uses daggers [[DualWielding (and now uses two at the same time)]].
%%** Reka uses [[ImprobableWeaponUser a wrench]].
%%** The Dragobo uses his fists.
%%** Rabble~Rouser uses ,(get ready) [[DanceBattler breakdancing skills]].
* The title character in ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' uses a (lately archaic, but still highly effective) Strohl Munitions BH-250 Plasma Cannon far more than any other weapon (except possibly himself, since he's nigh-unkillable), since it is effective as both a weapon and a form of transport, and because it can be used to threaten as well as kill (a half-pressed trigger results in an "ominous hum" sound and a glow emanating from the barrel). As one person so threatened put it, "I can see a glow at the end of the barrel, and I'm not feeling ready to walk towards the light."
* ''Webcomic/SweetHome'': Hyun has the electrified spear Dusik Hahn gave him.
** Wook has his own fists and, should the situation be truly dire, a standard pistol.
** Jayhun has a katana. [[spoiler: Wook starts using it after his death.]]
** Jisu uses a metal bat that is later enhanced by Dusik to have spikes.
** Dusik has some sort of firearm he designed himself which he says fires nails.
** Hyuk uses a fire extinguisher both as a melee weapon and to annoy the monsters.
** Eun uses a makeshift flamethrower from a lighter and a can of aerosol.
[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Web Videos]]
%%* ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'': Linkara and his magical gun.
%%* And on a semi-related note, WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic and his handgun (which has a tendency to show up at unusual times).
%%* ''WebVideo/YouCanPlayThis'': Yanki J wields a metal baseball bat -- with the ability to [[WebVideo/{{Kickassia}} return cannonball fire]].
%%[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'':
** Aang, the twelve-year-old peace loving monk, has his trademark staff/glider.
** Zuko, both the noble {{Determinator}} and selfish, troubled AntiVillain, gets not one but two broadswords, indicative of his two sides.
** Sokka, TheSmartGuy, has a PrecisionGuidedBoomerang (indicating he's odd, but effective).
** The creators have also admitted that they got the idea for giving the Gothy [[EmotionlessGirl Mai]] a [[BottomlessMagazines Bottomless Magazine]] of stillettos by picturing her sulking in her room, throwing things at the walls in boredom.
** Jet has hook swords, which in retrospect may well have been a hint towards the whole WellIntentionedExtremist role and Zuko's WorthyOpponent.
*** To illustrate their CharacterDevelopment, some characters have come to lose their weapons. For example, early on, when he was just the thick-headed male figure, Sokka retained a war club. Then of course, there's the symbolic ending of the season three premiere episode, in which Aang burns his staff. On the reverse, as a sure sign of his growing into a capable leader, Sokka has come to receive a straight sword.
*** [[spoiler:Then the GrandFinale has Sokka losing both of his weapons, and Aang never using his staff. This indicates that, indeed, it's all finally over.]]
** ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'' has Asami Sato, Team Avatar's only non-bender member, who uses an Equalist [[PowerPalms shock glove]] to deliver {{One Hit KO}}s.
%%* In ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'', the heroes' weapons are generated from their subconscious during their first virtualization.
%%** Ulrich, TheHero, starts with using one {{katana|sAreJustBetter}} ([[DualWielding and later two]]).
%%** Yumi, the Japanese [[TheLancer Lancer]], uses Tessen (sharp metal fans) that she can throw like {{Precision Guided Boomerang}}s.
%%** Odd ([[TheBigGuy who thinks the more monsters, the better]]) uses "[[ArmCannon Lazer Arrows]]".
%%** And William, the SixthRanger, uses a [[{{BFS}} Big Fragging Sword]].
%%** The exception is Aelita, TheChick, who started out with the ability just to change the landscape and create illusions, but got powerful [[EnergyBall energy blasts]] in Season 3 (a boyfriend who programs your attacks really pays off).
* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'': In ''Operation: S.P.A.N.K.E.N.S.T.I.E.N.'', Mushi Sanban is shown to be highly proficient at using crayons in a similar way to darts or knives (even spinning her entire body and throwing hundreds in a manner of seconds).
* ''WesternAnimation/HarleyQuinn2019'': Harley starts off with her iconic massive hammer, but when Joker [[RuleOfSymbolism blowns it up]] after she breaks up with him, she switches out to a baseball bat, which she decorates in the next episode.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHollow'': Akuma leader of a group of demon monks weapon is a magic branch called The Ishibo, a magic staff that can shoot fireballs and work as a lightsaber.
%%* WesternAnimation/KimPossible doesn't use weapons generally, but does get a lot of mileage out of her grappling gun. Ron at one point had his own signature weapon; the Lotus Blade, which could only be used by a master of the Mystic Monkey Power and had the ability to morph into other weapons (Ron used it as a sword, a staff and a shield during the episode). Ron-centric fanfics will generally have him reclaim the Lotus Blade at some point.
%%* All the warriors have at least one in ''WesternAnimation/KingArthurAndTheKnightsOfJustice'', but most have more then one.
* ''WesternAnimation/MightyDucksTheAnimatedSeries'':
** Wildwing, TheHero, has an [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe energy shield generator]] built into one of his gauntlets, fitting as he's the team's [[StoneWall goalie]] when on the ice.
** Duke L'Orange, TheLancer, uses a short [[LaserBlade laser sword]], which goes nicely with his GentlemanThief persona.
** Tanya, TheSmartGuy, has a number of gadgets build into her gauntlet, including a small [[ChainsawGood chainsaw]].
** [[TheBigGuy Grin]] and [[ActionGirl Mallory]] both prefer hand-to-hand combat.
%%** Nosedive... doesn't really have a special weapon, though he makes the most use of the pistols that all the characters have.
* All of the crystal gems in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' have a different magical weapon that they summon through their gems.
** Garnet, the hands-on leader, has [[PowerFist a pair of gauntlets]].
** Pearl, the elegant but neurotic LadyOfWar, gets [[BladeOnAStick a spear]] (plus a number of normal swords.)
** Amethyst, the fun-loving party animal, has [[WhipItGood a whip]].
** Steven, the FriendToAllLivingThings, has [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe a shield]]. Both were inherited from his mother, Rose Quartz.
** Jasper, a villainous Homeworld Gem, prefers to face her challenges head on and overpower them. Her "weapon" is a CoolHelmet she uses [[UseYourHead as a bludgeon]].
** It's also worth noting that when two gems [[FusionDance fuse]] they can use the weapons of their components or combine them into a new one, which ''also'' fits the new Gem's personality:
*** Opal, a [[TheStoic calm compromise between two opposites]], turns Pearl's spear and Amethyst's whip into the limbs and string of an EnergyBow.
*** Sugilite, the powerful but [[AxCrazy vicious]] giant, combines Garnet's gauntlets into a giant [[EpicFlail meteor hammer]] with Amethyst's whip as the chain.
*** Sardonyx, who is FunPersonified, turns Garnet's gauntlets into the oversized head of a [[DropTheHammer hammer]] with Pearl's spear as the wobbly handle.
*** Smoky Quartz, a confident and fun-loving PungeonMaster, wraps Amethyst's whip around Steven's shield to make a giant KillerYoYo.
*** Rainbow Quartz 2.0, who combines Pearl's elegance with Steven's fun to create a flamboyant personality, uses a [[ParasolOfPain magic parasol]].
*** Sunstone, a parody of '90s PSA mascots that combines Steven's love with Garnet's motherly authority is probably the strangest example, using a pair of TrickedOutGloves with suction cups on them.
*** Obsidian, the fusion of all the crystal gems, can combine all four weapons into a sword hilt, which is then dipped in lava to form a flaming {{BFS}}.
* From ''WesternAnimation/{{ThunderCats|1985}}'':
** Lion-O, TheHero, wields the [[EmpathicWeapon Sword of Omens]], with the [[MacGuffin Eye of Thundera]] in its hilt.
%%** Tygra, TheLancer of the crew, wields a mean bola whip.
** Panthro, TheBigGuy ''and'' TheSmartGuy, uses a pair of nunchaku with claws on the ends.
%%** Cheetara, TheChick, uses a staff that can extend according to her needs, much like Goku's staff from ''Manga/DragonBall''.
%%** And Wilykit and Wilykat use pellet-like bombs that can do all kinds of crazy stuff.
%%* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' has this more-so than most of the ''{{Transformers}}'' incarnations with most of the titular robots having some sort of unique Weapon Of Choice or superpower.
%%** Notably, TheHero Optimus Prime wields a [[RuleOfCool extendable, rocket-powered]] [[AnAxeToGrind battle axe]], though this has more to do with his alt-mode being a firetruck than saying anything about his personality.
[[/folder]]

For non-weapon examples, see TellMeHowYouFight. Contrast ChoiceOfTwoWeapons and WalkingArmory. See also AdaptationalWeaponSwap and GoodWeaponEvilWeapon. See WeaponJr for when someone's shown with a weapon of choice before they've chosen it. For an entire culture or race's Weapon Of Choice, see NationalWeapon and FantasticRaceWeaponAffinity.

*** [[BadassLongcoat Vincent]] uses guns due to being a determined and stoic Turk, though his Limit Breaks use the various beasts implanted into him [[spoilers:by Hojo]].

* Crime boss Mr. X of ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage'' 1 & 2 uses a tommy-gun, which not only signifies his lack of fair play(he's the only one with a gun), but carries a certain connotation of organized crime, thanks to its popularity in gangster films.

* ''Series/{{Firefly}}'': Follows the trope with Western-inspired (of course) weapons. Mal, TheHero has a gun based on a six-shooter and an old-fashioned mentality to go with it. Zoe carries a custom 1892 Winchester rifle (and, unusually, a bulletproof vest, befitting a consummate professional who's ready for trouble). Jayne, the other badass, has an assortment but favours an assault rifle and a BIG knife. Inara, the mysterious woman, uses a futuristic bow (she also holds a stolen laser pistol, but it doesn't work; when she then pulls one that she claims ''does'', it is of course an ornate, delicate and high-tech looking one). The rest of the crew make do with pistols and shotguns of varying accuracy. Though notably Wash uses a Mateba auto-revolver which considering their scarcity and quirky design fits his character quite well.

*** [[ActionGirl Tifa]] uses gloves/gauntlets.

*** [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Cid]] uses polearms.
*** [[ImprobableWeaponUser Caith Sith]] uses megaphones.
*** [[GenkiGirl Yuffie]] uses giant shurikens.
*** [[BadassLongcoat Vincent]] uses guns.

*** [[TheLancer Wakka]] uses Blitzballs

*** [[TheStoic Kimahri]] uses polearms.

*** Summoners use Staves and Clubs

*** Serah uses a bowsword that, like her sister's gunblade, switches between sword and bow.

%%** Though ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'''s characters could use every weapon, they were best with certain kinds:
%%*** Firion uses swords.
%%*** However, as of ''Dissidia'', he has been established as a weapon master, using all eight possible weapons (swords, axes, daggers, spears, shields, maces, bows and his bare hands), sometimes ''all at the same time''. He also knows magic, though it's less powerful than most everyone else who does.
%%*** Maria uses bows.
%%*** Guy uses axes.
%%*** Minwu uses staves.
%%*** Ricard uses lances.
%%*** Leila uses knives.
%%*** Josef uses bare fists.
%%*** Gordon uses spears.

%%*** [[ActionGirl Tifa]] uses gloves/gauntlets.

%%*** [[IntellectualAnimal Red XIII]] uses his claws, but his weapons are listed as headdresses.
%%*** [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Cid]] uses polearms.
%%*** [[ImprobableWeaponUser Caith Sith]] uses megaphones.
%%*** [[GenkiGirl Yuffie]] uses giant shurikens.
%%*** [[BadassLongcoat Vincent]] uses guns.

%%*** [[TheChick Rinoa]] uses "blaster edges", wrist-mounted projectile launchers.
%%*** [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Laguna]] uses an assault rifle.
%%*** [[HotLibrarian Quistis]] uses whips.
%%*** [[HotBlooded Zell]] uses his bare fists.
%%*** [[TheCutie Selphie]] uses giant nunchaku.

%%*** [[DeadpanSnarker Kiros]] uses katars.
%%*** [[TheBigGuy Ward]] uses a giant harpoon.

%%*** [[TheBigGuy Steiner]] uses swords.
%%*** [[ActionGirl Freya]] uses lances.

%%*** [[BountyHunter Amarant]] uses claws.
%%*** [[TagalongKid Eiko]] uses flutes.
%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'':

%%*** [[WhiteMagicianGirl Yuna]] uses staves

%%*** [[TheLancer Wakka]] uses Blitzballs

%%*** [[TheStoic Kimahri]] uses polearms.

%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'' every class has one or two weapons each they excel in.
%%*** Warriors use Axes and Great Axes
%%*** Black Mages use Staves
%%*** Red Mages use Swords
%%*** White Mages use Clubs[[note]]Maces, Wands, Rods and Hammers[[/note]]
%%*** Theives use Daggers
%%*** Monks use Hand to Hand weapons
%%*** Paladins use Swords and Shields
%%*** Dark Knights use Scythes
%%*** Beastmasters use Axes
%%*** Bards use Harps, Flutes and Songs.
%%*** Rangers use Bows, Crossbows and Guns
%%*** Samurai use Great Katanas
%%*** Ninja use Katana [[note]]Ninjato, Wakizashi, and Kunai[[/note]]
%%*** Dragoons use Polearms
%%*** Summoners use Staves and Clubs
%%*** Blue Mages use Swords
%%*** Corsairs use "Hexaguns"
%%*** Puppeteers use Hand to Hand
%%*** Dancers use Daggers
%%*** Scholars use Staves and Clubs
%%*** Geomancer use Clubs and Handbells
%%*** Rune Fencers use Greatswords

%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'':
%%*** Lightning uses a gunblade that actively changes between sword and gun
%%*** Sazh wields dual-pistols
%%*** Snow is a fist fighter that uses emblems on his coat to augment his stats
%%*** Vanille uses rods that have hooks and wires built in for damaging foes.
%%*** Hope uses a hi-tech boomerang
%%*** Fang uses a double-ended spear that can segment into a three section staff.
%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII2''
%%*** Serah uses a bowsword that, like her sister's gunblade, switches between sword and bow.
%%*** Noel uses a pair of swords that can combine into a spear.
%%** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'', the weapon you wield defines your class:
%%*** Archers use bows
%%*** Gladiators use swords
%%*** Lancers use spears
%%*** Marauders use axes
%%*** Pugilists use knuckles and claws.
%%*** Rogues use daggers.
%%*** Conjurers use wands and canes
%%*** Thaumaturges use scepters and staves
%%*** Arcanists use grimoires

* ''VideoGame/ChronoCross'' has LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters, and their weapons usually relate to the character's origins or class: protagonist Serge has the Swallow, a double-sided boat oar, because he's a fisherman; villain Lynx has a scythe; the thief Kid has knives; swords are used by both a knight (Glenn) and a pirate (Fargo); [[InstrumentOfMurder instruments]] for a musician (Nikki, guitar) and a mermaid (Irenes, harp); a hammer for a blacksmith (Zappa), etc

* ''VideoGame/{{Earthbound}}'' has a variation where Ness, the hero, [[BatterUp uses a baseball bat]] (which could be [[JustifiedTrope excused]] by his wearing a baseball cap) or a KillerYoyo. However, Paula, the BlackMage, wields a frying pan, Jeff, the smart guy, uses guns, and Poo, the martial artist, uses either nothing or a sword. In general, the series gives baseball bats (or regular staves, in Lucas's case) to [[HeroesPreferSwords the character that would get a sword]] in most other games of its type, and frying pans to [[SimpleStaff the character that would get a staff]].

* ''Literature/TheHungerGames'': Having a preferred weapon - and even moreso proving yourself competent with it - can make or break Tributes during [[DeadlyGame the games themselves]], since the Gamemakers will make sure such weapons are available in the arena. These weapons are usually - but not always - related to a character's story: protagonist Katniss Everdeen is an accomplished huntress, and thus prefers the bow and arrow; hailing from the logging District, Johanna Mason wielded axes; and swimmer/fisherman Finnick Odair was highly skilled with a trident and net combination.

* '''[[AnAxeToGrind Axes]]''': {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s tend to get axes. The most prominent TropeCodifiers for this are probably [[Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium Tolkien's]] [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarves]], one of the most prominent fictional examples of the proud warrior race, and historical [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge Vikings]], notably the [[CadreOfForeignBodyguards Varangian Guard]] who ae reliably depicted as wielding the 'Daneaxe'. (Tolkein took substantial inspiration from Vikings in writing his dwarves, of course.) A favorite of the AxCrazy alongside with knives. Also a favourite of the big guy who doesn't have a club or hammer (see below), in which case it will be a simple, enormous, two-handed, double-bitted affair. TheBerserker (who could be seen as the intersection between the preceding tropes) often favors axes, often combining AnAxeToGrind with DualWielding. It also tends to find its way into the hands of [[NatureHero Rangers or other wilderness 'hunter' or woodsman]] style characters, who use a hatchet both as a weapon and to chop wood. Or [[Webcomic/AxeCop policemen]].

* '''[[AnAxeToGrind Axes]]''': {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s tend to get axes. The most prominent TropeCodifiers for this are probably [[Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium Tolkien's]] [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarves]], one of the most prominent fictional examples of the proud warrior race, and historical [[TheVikingAge Vikings]], notably the [[CadreOfForeignBodyguards Varangian Guard]] who ae reliably depicted as wielding the 'Daneaxe'. (Tolkein took substantial inspiration from Vikings in writing his dwarves, of course.) A favorite of the AxCrazy alongside with knives. Also a favourite of the big guy who doesn't have a club or hammer (see below), in which case it will be a simple, enormous, two-handed, double-bitted affair. TheBerserker (who could be seen as the intersection between the preceding tropes) often favors axes, often combining AnAxeToGrind with DualWielding. It also tends to find its way into the hands of [[NatureHero Rangers or other wilderness 'hunter' or woodsman]] style characters, who use a hatchet both as a weapon and to chop wood. Or [[Webcomic/AxeCop policemen]].

%%** [[MagnificentBastard The Spy]] has a {{revolver|sAreJustBetter}}, a ButterflyKnife that does OneHitKill [[BackStab Back Stabs]], and a watch that doubles as a cloaking device. His alternates are a second revolver than can score a headshot (making him the only class other than the sniper that can), and two more watches: One will cloak the user and leave behind a fake corpse when you take damage, and another that allows you to stay cloaked indefinitely as long as you stop moving every so often. He also gets a [[BlingBlingBang pearl-handled revolver]] which restores cloak when it hits enemies, and another knife which disallows normal disguising in favor of instantly disguising as the person you backstab with it.

* '''Knives''': Pretty much exclusively used by sneaky types such as {{Ninja}}s, assassins, and thieves, likely thanks to being an easy-to-conceal weapon whose short reach makes it most effective when you have the agility or element of surprise to close the distance between you and your target. AxCrazy characters often prefer using knives -- though their blades will usually be broader and longer, such as kitchen knives, [[MacheteMayhem machetes]], or {{kukris|AreKool}}. A knife wielder is usually [[CombatPragmatist swift, fierce and pragmatic, going for a quick kill instead of a lengthy battle]]. Many knife-users like [[WolverineClaws attaching them to their hands like animal claws]]. Due to being often light and easy to handle, knives, daggers and such are often the favorite defense weapon for sexy-yet-deadly women like the FemmeFatale. In games, knives are associated with {{Fragile Speedster}}s, {{Critical Hit Class}}es, and {{Stealth Expert}}s, with most knife-wielding playable characters falling into at least one of these categories.

*** [[spoiler:Early timelines showed a [[CuteClumsyGirl much-clumsier]] [[FanNickname Moemura]] start out with a golf club.]]

* '''[[KnifeNut Knives]]''': Pretty much exclusively used by sneaky types such as {{Ninja}}s, assassins, and thieves, likely thanks to being an easy-to-conceal weapon whose short reach makes it most effective when you have the agility or element of surprise to close the distance between you and your target. AxCrazy characters often prefer using knives -- though their blades will usually be broader and longer, such as kitchen knives, [[MacheteMayhem machetes]], or {{kukris|AreKool}}. A knife wielder is usually [[CombatPragmatist swift, fierce and pragmatic, going for a quick kill instead of a lengthy battle]]. Many knife-users like [[WolverineClaws attaching them to their hands like animal claws]]. Due to being often light and easy to handle, knives, daggers and such are often the favorite defense weapon for sexy-yet-deadly women like the FemmeFatale. In games, knives are associated with {{Fragile Speedster}}s, {{Critical Hit Class}}es, and {{Stealth Expert}}s, with most knife-wielding playable characters falling into at least one of these categories.

* The ComicBook/{{Huntress}} uses a crossbow as her signature weapon, although she has also been known to use [[KnifeNut knives]], [[CombatPragmatist staves, boomerangs, guns, brass knuckles, etc.]] Not incidentally, at least with the Helena Bertinelli version of the character, the crossbow allows for sniping from concealment while also being extremely quiet, making it an ideal choice for an assassin.

* In ''ComicBook/TheLegendOfWonderWoman2016'' Diana's mother and aunts are each [[LadyOfWar Ladies of War]] who each prefer a different weapon. The sisters and their signature weapons are [[HeroesPreferSwords Hippolyta]] -- the most heroic surviving sister -- uses a [[CoolSword sword]], [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Antiope]] -- who is the most muscular and violent -- a mace, [[MagicKnight Menalippe]] -- a timid magic user -- a [[SimpleStaff staff]], Penthesiliea -- a long dead war hero -- a [[BladeOnAStick spear]], and Glauce uses [[DualWielding dual]] [[KnifeNut knives]]. [[Franchise/WonderWoman Diana]] of course prefers a lasso for the non-lethal applications, turning down more practical weapons even before she receives the Lasso of Truth.

** KnifeNut: A Katar-like blade for Rai

* In Fanfic/TheWizardInTheShadows, Harry favors his wand and an [[KnifeNut elvish long knife]] and kicks all kinds of ass whilst being the DarkerAndEdgier {{Lancer}} to Aragorn. Then he gets the Sword of Gryffindor and becomes more of a straight up hero with anti heroic tendencies.

** [[Series/TheFlash2014 Barry]] is a KnifeNut, thanks to their versatility and how easy they are to draw on quick notice. He's particularly fond of throwing them, with contributed to his alias of 'the Lightning' even before he gained his powers.

** Ronon Dex instead carries a [[HandCannon Traveler energy pistol]] (plus gunplay), a [[{{BFS}} Satedan ceremonial sword]] and a [[KnifeNut shitload of knives]].

%%* Although the Fighting Style merits in the core ''TabletopGame/NewWorldOfDarkness'' book mostly focus on martial arts, quite a few in the supplementary material center around a specific type of weapon (examples include [[KnifeNut knife-fighting]], sword-and-shield, and [[{{BFS}} heavy swords]]).

*** Noctis, TheHero and the main PlayerCharacter, is capable of using almost every type of weapon in the game. In his spinoff and crossover appearance such as ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy2015'' and ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}} 7'', he favors [[HeroesPreferSwords short swords]], but also uses [[BladeOnAStick a spear]], [[{{BFS}} a large sword]], [[KnifeNut daggers]], and [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe a shield]].

*** Ignis, TheSmartGuy of the party, uses weapons that allow him to strike with speed and precision, such as [[KnifeNut daggers]] and [[BladeOnAStick spears]].

** [[Film/FridayThe13thTheFinalChapter Part 4 Jason]] uses a [[KnifeNut pig splitter]].

** Kevin, mysterious albino has [[KnifeNut throwing knives]].

*** Larxene is a sadist whose [[ShockAndAwe lightning]] strikes as quick as her temper. She wields eight [[KnifeNut kunai knives]] that she either throws or holds between her fingers like WolverineClaws to carve up her opponents.

** The bosses of ''Sons of Liberty'' had their own weapons of choice -- Fatman had his bombs (he's a MadBomber), Fortune had her gigantic railgun (which she could use without problem because [[BornLucky her luck allowed so]]), Vamp was a KnifeNut and Solidus Snake had CombatTentacles and a P90 machine gun. These are in turn recycled into the ''[=MGS4=]'' Beauty and the Beast Unit: Raging Raven wields a grenade launcher, Crying Wolf had an attached railgun, Screaming Mantis shoots blades, and Laughing Octopus used both the tentacles and the gun.

*** RetiredBadass Ratchet may be fairly mellow for someone who specializes in [[KnifeNut throwing knives]], but ''Anime/SakuraWarsTheMovie'' shows that she used to be quite ruthless.

%%** [[LandDownUnder The Sniper]] has, obviously, a SniperRifle, a Mauser-style machine gun and a [[KnifeNut kukri]]. The alternates are a bow and arrow for the rifle, and either a jar full of piss or a shield that protects against a backstab in place of the machine gun, as well as another kukri made of wood that cuts up his enemies so they bleed. Other items include a tranquilizing rifle, an even bigger knife, and a shield worn on the back that resembles a croc.

** The [[spoiler:Charon Industries]] mercenaries on Chorus, [[ConsummateProfessional Locus]] and [[spoiler:[[FauxAffablyEvil Felix]]]], are a ColdSniper and KnifeNut respectively.

%%** Belkar the Ranger (and later Barbarian too) uses [[DualWielding a pair]] of [[KnifeNut daggers]].

* ''VideoGame/{{Earthbound}}'' has a variation where Ness, the hero, [[BatterUp uses a baseball bat]] (which could be [[JustifiedTrope excused]] by his wearing a baseball cap) or a KillerYoyo. However, Paula, the WhiteMage, wields a frying pan, Jeff, the smart guy, uses guns, and Poo, the martial artist, uses either nothing or a sword. In general, the series gives baseball bats (or regular staves, in Lucas's case) to [[HeroesPreferSwords the character that would get a sword]] in most other games of its type, and frying pans to [[SimpleStaff the character that would get a staff]].

** ''Series/KyukyuSentaiGoGoV''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersLightspeedRescue and ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersTimeForce'' are notable exceptions. While the {{Sixth Ranger}}s of these series have their own personal weapons, the core five Rangers have uniform weapons.

** ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'': In the original lineup, Jason the Red Ranger (TheHero) used a sword, Zack the Black Ranger (TheLancer) used an axe, Trini the Yellow Ranger (ActionGirl) used twin daggers, Billy the Blue Ranger (TheSmartGuy) used a [[DoubleWeapon lance that could split in two]], and Kimberly the Pink Ranger (TheChick) used a bow. When Tommy the Green Ranger first appeared, he also used a sword, but he changed to a dagger that could summon his [[HumongousMecha Dragonzord]] after his HeelFaceTurn. All of them except Tommy had blasters as backup... because Tommy's dagger could fire, both energy blasts, as well as lightning.

** ... proving that L. Ron either never played baseball as a kid, or managed to grow up around the damndest well-behaved kids in the country.