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Polearms

Polearms — Kenshi Skills & Stats reference image

The polearm fights the battle a step before it reaches you. Reach is its whole philosophy — and reach wins crowds.

What It Does

The Polearms skill governs long weapons with exceptional reach, letting you strike enemies before they close and hit several in a line.

Hidden Effects

Polearms are outstanding against large creatures and in formation fighting, but their long reach is penalised heavily indoors and in tight spaces.

How XP Works

Trains through combat with a polearm equipped.

Best Training Methods

Fight in open ground against groups and large beasts where reach and multi-hit pay off — Beak Things and animal hunts suit polearms well.

Common Mistakes

Bringing a polearm into a building. The indoor penalty is severe — switch to a shorter weapon for ruin interiors.

Wanderer's Note

“Beak Things are fast. The only safe response to one is a head start.”

Polearms
Type
Weapon
Strength
Reach, anti-creature
Weakness
Indoor penalty
Best for
Open-field combat