Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best gaming gadgets
  • New Games 2026
  • Arc Raiders
  • Summer Game Fest 2026 schedule
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games

The most difficult weapons to unlock (and how to get them)

Features
By Lorenzo Veloria published 10 October 2014

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Just give up already

Whether I'm playing an FPS, full-blown MMO, RPG, or adventure game, there's always an awesome-looking, powerful weapon that I want, but can't have. Well, actually I can have it, but actually acquiring it takes so much freaking effort that fulfilling the requirements will break the very foundations of my soul. Maybe it's not that bad, but the process of getting these Holy Grail weapons can totally suck.

How much does it suck? A whole lot. There are weapons out there that force you to jump through so many fiery hoops it's ludicrous. What weapons, you ask? The ones that I put in this article. Take a look and join me in weeping as I detail the over-complicated methods to acquire some of gaming's most sought-after weapons.

Exotic weapons in Destiny

What are they? Exotic weapons are the cream of the crop. The best, most powerful weapons to be seen in Destiny so far. Not only do they look absolutely awesome and have racehorse-like names, they also feature special stats and abilities that make them ultra dangerous to anyone you put in front of it.

Latest Videos From
You may like
  • Best weapons and guns in Saros Best Saros weapons and guns
  • Arc Raiders Dolabra How to get the Legendary Dolabra in Arc Raiders
  • Arc Raiders bespoke Best Arc Raiders weapons and meta tier list (May 2026)

The insane requirements for unlocking them: Sure, there are some exotics that will just spring up from extremely rare random drops. But the only surefire way to get gats like Thorn or Bad Juju is to complete exotic weapon bounties, which are pretty hardcore. For example, Bad Juju's exotic bounty challenges you to do a ridiculously difficult Nightfall Strike, complete 25 strikes after that, buy an item from the weekend Tower visitor Xur, and kill a bunch of Guardians in the Crucible. Quite a monumental task. Then there's a gun that called the Vex Mythoclast, which requires you to complete the Vault of Glass raid on hard for a chance to get it. Good luck getting a group together to farm that.

Foam Finger in Dead Space 2

What is it? Dead Space 2's foam finger has to be one of the coolest "guns" you can unlock in a video game. What appears to be a typical red foam finger, the kind sportsball fans and Miley Cyrus can be seen waving around with abandon, is actually the most powerful weapon in the world of Dead Space 2. It can completely dismember anything instantly, using what seems to be psychic powers bestowed upon Isaac. The best part: every time you fire, Isaac exclaims, "pew, pew" and "bang, bang."

The insane requirements for unlocking it: This is a bit of a doozy. Running through dark halls with necromorphs hiding in corners and vents trying to eviscerate you isn't what I'd call the most relaxing experience. But in order to get the Finger, you have to crank the difficulty up to Hardcore. In addition to tougher enemies and even more limited resources, you only get three, count 'em, three saves. But if you conquer Hardcore's challenge, you're aptly awarded the Foam Finger. Though, you'll probably never want to touch the game again after that ordeal.

Additional knives in Battlefield 4

What are they? Come on. You don't know what knives are? They're sharp. They insta-kill anyone you touch in modern military shooters, and they are one of the best ways to rub an opponent's defeat in their face. In Battlefield, you get a dogtag with the player's name on it for goodness sake! But really, the best part of it is: killing an enemy with a knife gives them a perfect view of the stylized cutlery before it all goes black. Get an especially cool looking knife and your enemies will definitely have blade envy.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The insane requirements for unlocking it: You start off with a crummy, plain-looking knife, but to get the really fancy knives in Battlefield 4, you just have to rely on pure luck. As you kill enemies and gain experience in Battlefield 4's multiplayer, you earn Battlepacks, which contain random weapons, camoes, and sometimes knives. You can use real money to buy your way to a better stabbing device, or just play the game till the cows come home, but either way, you probably won't get the knife you want any time soon. Oh, and this same bait-and-switch tactic applies to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive as well.

Scarab gun in Halo 2

What is it? The Scarab gun is a super secret, ultra-hidden Covenant weapon that you can find in Halo 2. Once you have it in your hands, your enemies will kneel before you in fear. Well, not really, but you can totally blast any and all Covenant aliens to smithereens with ease using the Scarab. But be careful: you can vaporize yourself just as easily.

The insane requirements for unlocking it: Whoever figured out how to get to the Scarab gun was one crafty mofo. In the Metropolis level (the one with the huge bridge you drive across), you have to bait a Banshee into following you down a lengthy tunnel (full of enemies and allies that could blow the Banshee up at any moment, mind you) until you reach a checkpoint at the end. Fly the Banshee through the checkpoint yourself and it will blow up, so there's no easy way out. Once you get through you can fly up and get the Scarab gun, but, holy cow, is that tunnel a nightmare.

You may like
  • Best weapons and guns in Saros Best Saros weapons and guns
  • Arc Raiders Dolabra How to get the Legendary Dolabra in Arc Raiders
  • Arc Raiders bespoke Best Arc Raiders weapons and meta tier list (May 2026)

Ice Arrows in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

What are they? Ocarina of Time's Ice Arrows are among the few optional items in the Legend of Zelda series. You don't use them to defeat a boss. You don't need them to solve any major puzzles. They really don't need to be used against any specific evil minion. The Ice Arrows are just in the game to look cool. And just for the gratification of freezing your enemies in giant ice blocks, the game sure puts you through a lot.

The insane requirements for unlocking them: In Gerudo valley, the thieves living there have set-up an Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade-style trial of deathtraps called the Gerudo Training Grounds. It's an elaborate maze of rolling stone boulders, illusionary walls, and bottomless pits you must navigate in order to obtain nine keys to get to the arrows. Suffice to say, it's pretty easy to get lost and stuck. And it's all for a weapon you don't need.

Handcannon in Resident Evil 4

What is it? There are few more coveted weapons in the Resident Evil games than this handheld, high-caliber, zombie brain disintegrator. In Resident Evil 4, there's nothing more satisfying than stopping a chainsaw-wielding madman with a single blast to his noggin, or watching El Gigante topple at the power of a .50 caliber round. It's glorious!

The insane requirements for unlocking it: In exchange for the wondrous handcannon, you're going to have to put in a lot of work. The game's Mercenary's mode, is an extra challenge mode that lets you play as five Resident Evil characters--such as Leon, Wesker, and even Hunk--through Las Plagas-infested, timed stages. To get the handcannon, all you have to do is complete every stage with the highest possible rating...with every character...which is totally insane.

Ultimate weapons in FFX

What are they? In RPGs, getting the most powerful weapons can mean the difference between an easy victory and a crushing defeat. In Final Fantasy X, powering up your party's weapons ensures you'll completely devastate any enemy that stands in your way. Unfortunately, charging each weapon to its maximum potential is an extremely grueling task.

The insane requirements for unlocking them: Each character's weapon can be charged to its maximum potential at the Celestial Mirror, but in order to do that, you'll have to gather materials and do challenges for NPCs. None of them are a cake walk. Getting Titus' Caladbolg has you beat the Chocobo trainer at what he does best--ride Chocobos. Yuna's Nirvana has you capture nine fiends for the monster arena master. Then there's Rikku's Godhand, which tasks you to follow a very specific sequence of events in which one mistake will royally screw you. Not the most forgiving group of sidequests, to be sure.

Thunderfury in World of Warcraft

What is it? Thunderfury is legendary sword wielded by the elemental prince of air, named Thunderaan (I know, not the most clever of names), and is basically one of the most difficult weapons to obtain in WoW. Today, it's a bit easier to get the one-handed sword, since a level 90 character can easily defeat the former 40-man boss alone, but even so, it takes much, much more than one boss battle to get this bad boy.

The insane requirements for unlocking it: Essentially, Thunderaan has been imprisoned, and anyone who wants to get Thunderfury will need to accept a quest chain to obtain the pieces of the prison, reinforce a Vessel of Rebirth with WoW's version of unobtainium, set the elemental god free, and then kill it. Sounds simple, but it's not. Just collecting the materials for the process can take weeks to accomplish. But, once it's complete and you get the sword in your hands, you've got one hell of a conversation piece.

How many did you pick up?

Okay, those were the game weapons I thought were entirely too tough to actually acquire in-game. Did you obtain any of these? Are there any weapons with ridiculous requirements that you made an effort to get. Let me know in the comments below.

For more amazing GamesRadar reads, check out Ludicrously lethal clothing in games and How to use technobabble to make your game awesome.

Lorenzo Veloria
Lorenzo Veloria
Social Links Navigation

Many years ago, Lorenzo Veloria was a Senior Editor here at GamesRadar+ helping to shape content strategy. Since then, Lorenzo has shifted his attention to Future Plc's broader video game portfolio, working as a Senior Brand Marketing Manager to oversee the development of advertising pitches and marketing strategies for the department. He might not have all that much time to write about games anymore, but he's still focused on making sure the latest and greatest end up in front of your eyes one way or another.

Read more
Best weapons and guns in Saros
Roguelike Games Best Saros weapons and guns
 
 
Arc Raiders Dolabra
Third Person Shooters How to get the Legendary Dolabra in Arc Raiders
 
 
Arc Raiders bespoke
Third Person Shooters Best Arc Raiders weapons and meta tier list (May 2026)
 
 
Pragmata Lunatic difficulty option on main menu featuring Hugh and Diana
Action Games How to unlock Lunatic difficulty in Pragmata
 
 
Marathon screenshots
FPS Games I've given up taking a second weapon into Marathon matches, and you should too
 
 
Pragmata Unknown Signal Big Cabin in Hidden Chamber
Action Games How to unlock Pragmata Unknown Signal and get all the rewards
 
 
Latest in Games
Shadow (Keanu Reeves) in Sonic 3
Live Action Movies Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps
 
 
Crimson Desert: Cliff Macduff looking out into the distance during the new game, Crimson Desert.
Open World Games Crimson Desert Kliff actor says video game acting wasn't treated as "proper acting" by peers
 
 
Subnautica 2
Survival Games Subnautica 2 devs are trying to push players towards non-violence in the sequel: "We feel strongly about it"
 
 
FPS Games Overwatch director agrees the game's 10th anniversary is underwhelming and promises celebrations throughout the year
 
 
Subnautica 2 character flies over ocean in single-seat aircraft
Survival Games Subnautica 2 dev knows "pirates are gonna do their thing," but prefers if people buy "and return it"
 
 
Forbidden Solitaire live action trailer wizard
Strategy Games "What is even happening": Dev reels over 1,000 Steam reviews sitting at 96% positive
 
 
Latest in Features
A destroyer from Marathon looking head-on, with a pale blue sky behind
FPS Games Killing Marathon would be self-sabotage for Sony
 
 
Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses in Normal
Action Movies Bob Odenkirk and John Wick creator's new movie isn't just an action flick – it also has a surprising amount of heart
 
 
Cities of Sigmar Cogfort box on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming If you miss weird old Warhammer, the new Cities of Sigmar models are for you
 
 
Image of a collection of Kojima game character merch on a light green GamesRadar+ background.
Toys & Collectibles This Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding merch is enough to unite all Hideo Kojima fans
 
 
Hand holding Scuf Omega PS5 controller
Gaming Controllers The Scuf Omega costs $220, but my favorite feature can be found in controllers at a fraction of that price
 
 
Grogu uses the Force in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies What to watch before The Mandalorian and Grogu: 4 Star Wars movies and 5 shows to prepare
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Grogu uses the Force in The Mandalorian and Grogu
    1
    What to watch before The Mandalorian and Grogu: 4 Star Wars movies and 5 shows to prepare
  2. 2
    Eiji Aonuma tried to "graduate" from Zelda after Wind Waker, but Shigeru Miyamoto said otherwise
  3. 3
    10 Games like World of Warcraft that'll take over your time next
  4. 4
    Sonic the Hedgehog 4 director calls it the "best Sonic movie yet" as filming officially wraps
  5. 5
    Crimson Desert Kliff actor says video game acting wasn't treated as "proper acting" by peers

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...