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Sidearms

Sidearms — Kenshi Weapons reference image

A sidearm is the weapon you carry for the fight you did not plan — cramped, sudden and close.

Class Overview

Sidearms are short, light blades — the smallest melee class. They are fast, easy to swing, and free of indoor penalties.

Damage & Penetration

Sidearms deal modest cutting damage with limited armour penetration. They are a supplementary weapon, not a primary one for most fighters.

Speed, Weight & Indoors

Very fast and light, with no indoor penalty — sidearms are excellent in ruins and tight rooms where longer weapons struggle.

Best & Worst Situations

Best for indoor fights, as a backup blade, and for fast lightly-built characters. Worst against heavy armour, where their weak penetration shows.

Quality Tiers

Sidearms scale to Meitou like other classes. A quality sidearm is a smart secondary for any polearm or heavy-weapon user who may have to fight indoors.

Wanderer's Note

“Toughness is trained by losing. Get downed where guards will save you, then heal and repeat.”

Sidearms
Type
Melee
Damage
Cutting
Speed
Very fast
Weight
Light
Indoors
Excellent