Summary
Days Gonecan be a brutal game for those who prefer to shoot their enemies from afar. Bullet supplies can only last so long. InDays Gone, all ofcivilization’s modern ranged effortsdevolve back to the Stone Age, where players will have to rely on their trusty big sticks. Thankfully,Days Gonehas a plethora of options available for melee weapons.
Melee weapons tend to be more reliable in a pinch and are easily repaired using scraps. Of course, scraps are alsoprecious inDays Gone,so players will want to ensure that they devote their metal refuse to the best melee weapons in the game. This is how the ten of the most effective ones fare, and why they deserve the player’s scrap.
Updated on July 30, 2025, by Jake Fillery: Players should seek the best melee weapons in Days Gone, presenting themselves with intense power that will assist in their survivability against the infected and endless hordes. Days Gone’s best melee weapons often come in a range of blunt and sharp items that can be scavenged or crafted through upgrades, providing Deacon with the necessary tools to get through the perils on the road ahead. Whilst Days Gone 2 seems unlikely, it’s always a fun idea to get back on the chopper and hit the road in Days Gone.
The Best Melee Skills
Days Gone offers a lot of player choice and customization when it comes to how Deacon grows as a survivor. Not only will gamers be able to snag (and craft) an array of powerful melee weapons, but they’ll also be able to unlock a variety of skills that can help improve just how well those weapons work against the hordes of freakers.
Here’s a look at some of the best melee skills that players can unlock to synergize with the weapons available on this list.
17Sledgehammer
2.5 Damage, 1.4 Durability
The sledgehammer is a staple of blunt weapons in video games for a few reasons. It’s a worthy tool that can get the job done, and it can turn bones into dust. That is if players are willing to be patient enough for the slow swing speed. The blunt-force trauma is definitely worth it, but its stats are painfully average.
The sledgehammer isn’t the best weapon in the world, but it’s a good tool to have as a backup. Players aren’t going to bonk every enemy they come across due to the low durability and damage, but it can be found just as commonly as gas canisters.
162x4
0.3 Damage, 9.3 Durability
Whilst there is nothing special about a measly plank of wood, it’s a weapon that proves that improvising is king when it comes to surviving the apocalypse. The 2x4 can be found pretty much anywhere in the freaker-infested ruins of civilization, which makes it a common spawn that can always be accessed to dish out some defensive strikes.
The weapon itself is fairly weak in damage output, but the durability certainly aids the weapon in holding its own. Players can gift their foes a plethora of strikes before they need to find a new weapon, which is more than likely going to be another 2x4.
15Wood Baseball Bat
Another common treasure found across the open world, the wood baseball bat will certainly provide a bounty of strikes and swings that will leave a mark or two. Whether it’s against zombified wolves or chasing freakers, the baseball bat has the durability to withstand some harsh and unrelenting enemies, even if its damage is rather weak.
The damage output and stopping power aren’t the stealers of the show, since they comes from the delightful durability that is almost at the maximum capacity. With this wooden baseball bat found almost anywhere, players will look good and feel good as they swing their way to victory.
14Fence Post
There isn’t much to say in terms of the impressiveness of the Fence Post. It looks as silly as it feels, and its low damage and stopping power make for a pretty pathetic attempt at a melee weapon. However, the fact that it has such high durability and that it can be found practically anywhere, makes it a fairly viable option to usewhen it comes to the in-game world.
Players might find more Fence Posts than they care to admit, and it’s a great weapon just for keeping freakers at bay, or for the violent types that just want to hit enemies repeatedly with a blunt object. By no means will the Fence Post be the best weapon inDays Gone, but it certainly deserves credit for being reliable and a common find amidst the carnage.
13Pickaxe
7.4 Damage, 1.4 Durability
The pickaxe is a bladed weapon, so it’s better than most wooden blunt sticks that players can findlying around inDays Gone. However, it breaks a little too fast, making it somewhat frustrating to use against large hordes or groups of freakers.
Against human enemies, it’s also not bad, especially if the player can get the jump on them and they have no ranged backup. Players can also come by the weapon frequently enough so they can replace it in case it breaks. It’s probably best to let this one break instead of repairing it with scraps, as it’s common enough that players will find a replacement.
12Ripper Club
0.3 Damage, 5 Durability
The Ripper Club doesn’t offer much-stopping power when it comes to stunning enemies that will otherwise bite a chunk of flesh, but that doesn’t stop the weapon from beinga mighty good timethanks to its high swing speed.
With this craftable weapon inDays Gonewithin the hands of the player, they will be able to embed nails into their enemies, causing a rather sharp pain with some great damage outputs. The only downside comes from the average durability, meaning the Ripper Axe might break faster than players would like.
11Hatchet
2.1 Damage, 5 Durability
Although players might think little of the small Hatchet, they shouldn’t judge it by its size. This melee weapon in particular has a quick swing speed that will help deter enemies, and keep those hordes of freakers away with each slash and swipe from the Hatchet.
Considering this is a weapon that can be found within the game, and no crafting is needed, the Hatchet is a desired weapon for those that are on the move, and like to do things safely and fast. The Hatchet should be reserved as a backup rather than a full offensive weapon.
10Fire Axe
9.1 Damage, 0.7 Durability
Since it’s a decent-looking weapon, the fire axe can easily become a favorite. It looks like a proper and intimidating tool, stylish enough for dishing out some quick deaths. The range is also respectable since the axe is quite long and the strikes with it feel weighty.
It does have one problem, which is its fragility. The fire axe can only last for a few swings before it needs some repairs, making it less than ideal for taking on several enemies at once. It’s not as common as the pickaxe nor as light or fast. Players might have to use it sparingly.
9Machete
6.3 Damage, 5 Durability
The machete is another cool-looking weapon that’s perfect for players who want to roam around killing creepers with style. It’s slightly more durable than the fire axe, making it handier in prolonged melee fights. The damage isn’t as high, but the machete has other strengths.
It compensates for the poorer range and the lower damage with its lightweight, meaning it swings faster. Several enemies charging the Deacon shouldn’t be a problem, as the machete can make quick work of them. However, repairs are required fairly often as well.
8Fence Post Axe
7.1 Damage, 9.3 Durability
Combining something as common as a Fence Post with an axe head will give players another unique melee weapon inDays Gone. Fence Posts are found everywhere since the name itself even implies how common it is. What house wouldn’t have a fence? By picking one of these up and combining it with some tools at a crafting station, players will have a lethal weapon on their hands.
The Fence Post Axe is sharp, embedding into enemies to cause a devastating blow. Its swing speed might be more reliable for the slower freakers out there, or even unsuspecting humans that won’t blast Deacon in the face with a shotgun. It’s one ofDays Gone’s best melee weapons for a reason.
