Swords

 are the most basic weapon in the game, and are extremely diverse, being able to combat a wide range of enemies. (Note that the following swords may or may not have the right number of damage, thank you.)

Broadsword
The Broadsword is the most basic type of weapon. On average, Broadswords deal more damage to monsters than a shortsword per strike, but cost one more bar to make (than the shortsword) and have a slower attack speed. They swing in a wide arc over the players head, allowing you to easily fight off flying enemies and jumping Zombies or Slimes. Their long hit time also makes them particularly effective against worm enemies, as they are able to hit these many times on each pass.

The best Prefix for all swords are 'Legendary'

Shortsword
The Shortsword is faster than the Broadsword, but not as strong. They attack through rapid stabs at the front of the player, making them extremely efficient at killing enemies that walk or stand still such as slimes, but inhibiting their usage against Demon Eyes and other airborne enemies. The Shortsword, however, also has the added benefit of being able to damage every monster in a "stack" per swing. Shortswords are crafted using 7 bars of their respective ore at an Iron Anvil. However, the range of materials they can be made of is very limited. It is advised that you don't create any of the Shortswords, as you start with one already and it should be immediately replaced with a broadsword. The Shortswords are only recommended if you are slime hunting, and there are no other reasons to bear or create one. The Shortsword is rather a waste of resources as, early in the game, iron, silver, and gold are uncommon to a starting player and can be spent on other, more useful items. There are currently eight known versions of the Shortsword:

Unique Swords
Unique Swords include those with unique names outside the typical naming system, but also special abilities. Light's Bane is the exception in being ordinary in comparison to the other unique swords. Unique swords, with the exception of the Blade of Grass and the Breaker Blade, emit a small amount of light comparable to a torch ember upon being swung. All of the unique swords follow the Broadsword style of attacking (arc swing rather than a stab). Many of these are also exceptionally long.

Note: While attacking with The Horseman's Blade, Excalibur or Blade of Grass, the player may not change the direction they are facing.