In For the King, a turn-based RPG blending tabletop strategy and roguelike elements, every decision matters. The game is well known for its difficulty and unforgiving randomness. One of the mechanics that often surprises new players and frustrates experienced ones is the concept of breakable weapons. Unlike many RPGs where weapons are indestructible, in For the King, weapons can and do break, often at the worst possible moments. Understanding how breakable weapons work, how to manage them, and how to plan around this feature is essential for survival and success in your adventure through Fahrul.
What Are Breakable Weapons?
Understanding Weapon Durability
Breakable weapons in For the King refer to any weapon that has a chance of being destroyed during combat. This mechanic is tied to the game’s core system of risk and randomness. Each time you attack using a weapon, particularly melee weapons, there is a chance that the weapon will break if the attack fails under certain conditions. This chance increases depending on the weapon type and whether the weapon is fragile or cursed.
Weapons breaking can leave a character without any means to attack until another weapon is equipped or they flee and rearm. Because of this, breakable weapons force players to think ahead, carry backups, and make tactical choices with each move in battle.
How Weapons Break in Combat
Failing a Roll Can Shatter Your Weapon
In For the King, combat operates on a system of dice rolls, which are shown as slots during an attack. A full successful attack lands when all or most slots succeed. However, if all attack slots fail known as a fumble there is a high risk that the weapon will break. This is especially true if the weapon has the Breakable trait or is labeled Fragile.
Certain enemy attacks can also cause your weapon to break or be unequipped temporarily. These enemy abilities usually target players wielding specific types of weapons, like two-handed or magic staves, so it’s important to know what you’re up against.
Common Breakable Weapon Types
Fragile Weapons to Watch Out For
While not all weapons are breakable, some are more likely to break due to their traits. Here are common types that players should be cautious with:
- Glass Weapons These weapons deal heavy damage but are almost guaranteed to break on a fumble.
- Bone Weapons Usually found early in the game or in crypts, bone-based weapons are strong but brittle.
- Magical Wands and Staves Some magical weapons are prone to breaking if used improperly or against enemies with magic resistance.
- Crafted Weapons Occasionally, weapons created from crafting recipes are marked fragile, especially if made from rare but delicate materials.
Players should examine a weapon’s description carefully before equipping it, especially if it has keywords like breakable, fragile, or glass. These indicators usually mean the weapon is powerful but risky to use in prolonged fights.
Strategies for Managing Breakable Weapons
Carry Backup Weapons
One of the most reliable strategies in For the King is to always carry at least one extra weapon. Ideally, keep a backup that uses a different attack stat (such as Strength versus Intelligence) in case your main character gets cursed or their weapon breaks. Switching weapons mid-battle takes a turn, so plan accordingly.
Use Support Items
There are items in the game that can reduce your chance of fumbling or increase your success in dice rolls. Focus herbs, for example, allow you to guarantee success in attack rolls. Using focus when wielding a breakable weapon is a good way to avoid the risk of it breaking.
Equip Sturdier Gear
As you progress, look for weapons without the fragile trait. Even if they deal slightly less damage, their reliability often makes them more valuable in the long run. Certain legendary or high-tier weapons come with durability built-in, allowing you to fight without fear of unexpected destruction.
Classes and Weapon Compatibility
Know Your Class Strengths
Different classes in For the King are suited for different weapon types. Understanding which classes are better with breakable weapons helps mitigate risk:
- Blacksmith Excellent with heavy weapons, and has a naturally high Strength stat, which helps avoid fumbles.
- Scholar Often uses magical weapons, but is fragile; avoid fragile staves unless you can guarantee safe usage.
- Hunter Best with ranged weapons, which are less prone to breaking.
- Busker This flexible class often wields musical instruments, some of which are breakable but have special effects worth the risk.
Choose weapons that align with your class’s strongest attributes to reduce the likelihood of fumbles that result in breakage.
When to Risk a Breakable Weapon
High Risk, High Reward Situations
Sometimes, it’s worth using a breakable weapon. For example, if you’re facing a boss and need to deal a massive blow quickly, a glass sword might be exactly what you need just make sure to use focus or take advantage of buffs before the attack. Timing is everything.
Another good time to use fragile weapons is when you’re close to a town or haven where you can easily replace equipment. In these situations, the potential reward outweighs the risk of the weapon breaking.
What to Do If Your Weapon Breaks
Emergency Options
If your weapon breaks mid-fight, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Switch to a backup weapon If you prepared in advance, use your spare weapon on the next turn.
- Use consumables Bombs, God’s Beard, or any utility item can buy you a turn while you reequip.
- Swap roles Let your allies take the offensive while the affected character supports or heals.
- Retreat Sometimes it’s wiser to flee and regroup than to push forward with no offense.
Planning for these emergencies is crucial, especially on higher difficulties or during Ironman runs.
Embrace the Chaos
Breakable weapons in For the King add a layer of strategic depth and tension that sets the game apart from more traditional RPGs. While they can be frustrating, they also create memorable moments those times you land a killing blow just before your weapon shatters, or when a risky gamble with a glass blade pays off. Learning to work with this mechanic instead of against it will help you survive longer, fight smarter, and adapt more flexibly to the game’s many challenges. Prepare well, play smart, and always carry a backup because in For the King, you never know when your favorite sword might break in two.