Crowbar♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Hatchet

[Axeface]

I'm seeing a lot of conflicting information, so i'll ask here - is the Knife or Hatchet better in melee? What I think the answer is is that the Hatchet is actually the better melee weapon, but it's damage degrades if you use it? Also, I think the Knife does more damage on backstabs than the hatchet, but less in melee?

Oh, and the Crowbar can be used (shovel too), anyone the details about it?

Thanks

[Papa Murphy's]

Well, the hatchet is the most damaging melee in the game. However, the knife has a quicker animation and is more silently when attacking with when the hatchet is a bit slower. Also, the only way how the hatchet degrades is by use of chopping furniture, the crowbar by prying doors open, and the shovel by shoveling rubble. When it comes to backstabs, the hatchet does more, the only advantages the knife has is that it is a more quiet and quicker weapon. The shovel and crowbar, I never really used much in combat because I usually make a knife on day 3, 4, or 5. The only information I have about the crowbar and shovel, is that the shovel does more damage than the crowbar. The order of best to worst melee weapons in damage are Hatchet, Knife, Shovel, Crowbar, and bare hands. In my opinion, the hatchet is a better weapon but if you are going for a backstab or an attack with it, make sure to have a hiding spot to use.

[guts' theme (Cut & Looped)]

use da knife for backstabs with a sneak/tough character, always ♥♥♥♥♥ them ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ up

[Basic]

I never bother with the knife, but then getting the hatchet is always my first priority - As soon as you can get 5 weapon parts, you get the hatchet which creates enough wood (from your shelter) to block all the holes in your defences.

A knife if a waste of 3 weapon parts in the early game (and unnecessary mid-late game as you find can find firearms as soon as you kill someone).

Worth noting that once I've got firearms, I never take one with me scavenging... Any location with bandits/looters/soldiers you can kill without remorse, you can always stealth kill the first. Because of this, I sometimes take bullets (when I'm likely to get a rifle) but never a firearm as it saves on backpack space bringing it home again

[Kory]

If you look at the wiki certain characters are more skilled with weapons so in the case of Roman he can one hit kill with the lower weapons, but most need the knife-hatchet to get them

[Volt]

In order of strength it's Hatchet > knife > crowbar > fists, not taking any special skills in mind. At least in my experience this seems to be the case. Rule of thumb is to generally never go into melee with your fists though, it seems misses and low-damage REALLY nail you hard with that option.

Personally I suggest a hatchet, but if a knife is your only weapon, go for it. Aim for backstabs when possible though, melee in this game is rarely in your favor.