Disney andSquare Enix’s Kingdom Hearts begins with a decision: do you go with the shield, sword, or staff? This choice impacts Sora’s journey tremendously as it dictates which moves the youth acquires when he levels up. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does the Shield Give Sora in Kingdom Hearts?

Each weapon provides a different stat boostand ability progression path for our hero. For example, at level 6 with the shield, you’ll gain the combo ability Slapshot instead of the Sword’s Sliding Dash.

The Shield provides you with more defense at the beginning of the game and gives Sora more defensive abilities. At Level 15, you’ll gain the Guard ability, which is vital in key boss fights. Guard won’t be unlocked for the sword path until Level 24 and the Staff path is all the way back to Level 33. You’ll eventually get these essential abilities with each path, but you’ll unlock them earlier, depending on the weapon you choose.

Kingdom Hearts Shield

How to Find Coconuts in Kingdom Hearts

Kairi needs a lot for your upcoming trip in Kingdom Hearts, including coconuts.

Another important ability you’ll get earlier with the Shield path isLeaf Bracer. With this equipped, you’ll stay alive while casting Cure, even if you’re getting attacked by a heartless or a boss at that moment.

Where to find coconuts in Kingdom Hearts

What Does The Sword Provide Sora in Kingdom Hearts?

If you choose the Sword, you’ll get a strength boost at the beginning of the game. You’ll also get more offensive abilities. Sliding Dash at Level 6 is fantastic as it helps you combo attacks and reaches far-out heartless much easier.

Scan is also unlocked earlier than usual at Level 9. This tells you how much health your opponent has. Forbosses, it’s exceptionally useful, so you know how much longer you have to survive until the job is done.

The sword in Kingdom Hearts

The Staff in Kingdom Hearts is Arguably the Least Useful

If you often use magic more than offensive attacks, you may want to go with the Staff. In my opinion, this is the worst route. You gain more of a magical attack stat at the beginning of the game. However, a key ability Guard isn’t unlocked for you until Level 33. That’s wild!

In place of these useful abilities, you’ll get Treasure Magnet at Level 9 (which pulls in HP and MP orbs, treasures, etc).Additionally, MP Haste helps you rebuild the magic meter faster when you attack enemies. MP Rage, on the other side of that (unlocked at Level 42) gains MP when you get attacked.

Kingdom Hearts Staff

Which Weapon Should You Give Up?

If you drop a weapon, you’ll lose points based on their stat. For example, if you drop the sword, you’ll lose two strength stat points.Your choice should depend on your playstyle. If you prefer to use magic, drop the sword. If you like to attack with physical strikes, drop the staff. Don’t drop the shield as that decreases your defense, which can be tough to deal with, especially against bosses early on when you don’t have access to the Cure spell. Worlds likeDeep Junglecan be tough without a higher defense stat. I wonder if PC players on amouse and keyboardwould have a tougher time.

Best Keyblades In the Kingdom Hearts Series

Toss that Kingdom Key aside for one of these beauties!

Best KH Keyblades