Weapon Availability

[Kura]

My understanding is that weapon availability is much more random for IWD than in BG1/BG2, so I most likely cannot "expect" to see any specific weapon. For weapon proficiency point distribution does that just mean I should choose the weapon types I like and hope for the best or are there at least a few reliably acquired ones? I know there is one weapon where you can choose which type it is but other than that I'm not sure.

[Sysgen]

https://steamcommunity.com/app/321800/discussions/search/?q=weapon+availability&gidforum=620695877103368304&include_deleted=1

Maybe that helps.

[D'amarr from Darshiva]

It depends. Some magical loot (including weapons and armor) is distributed randomly in containers, so it differs from playthrough to playthrough.

However, other loot is hardcoded, and you can rely on that and find specific equipment in always the same places.

Also, you can look up in guides what magical weapons are available and ignore those weapon types that only cover very few/uninteresting weapons. The odds that you will find some of the better weapons aren't bad:
--> https://mikesrpgcenter.com/icewind/weapons.html
--> https://www.gamebanshee.com/icewinddale/weapons.php

Finally, since warriors gain enough proficiency points to invest into multiple weapons, as a last resort you can try the careful approach and not pump every point into a single weapon skill.

[nuther]

There are a lot of Axes, Long Swords and Morning Stars. There are some Two Handed Swords.

[Blinkybubs]

Are there any two handed axes/clubs/sceptres?

[philos3]

I believe there is a two handed ax or two. Haven't found any 2 handed clubs or maces.

[Blinkybubs]

What about halberds and spears? Spears are my favorite battlefield weapon irl. (think hema)

[Black Sheep Inc]

There's a couple spears and even a +5, but they are very rare.

[Sysgen]

Early on I've already come across a couple of enchanted halberds.

[philos3]

There are a fair number of magic spears. A couple of them have some nice attributes and are regular loot not a random drop. Conlan in Kuldahar sells one called "The Footman's Pike" IIRC. It is expensive but nice.
I have found magical halberds on random drops as well. Cannot swear to this but I "think" the game algorithms up the chances of finding one if a character already has a proficiency in that weapon.

[Kura]

So in essence I would approach it the same way as in BG1/BG2 with the guaranteed available weapons and just hope for good loot drops for the other good stuff. I suppose I can live with that. Shame I can only choose one Gloomfrost weapon though.

[[‡]=Storky=[‡]]

Originally posted by Black Sheep Inc:

There's a couple spears and even a +5, but they are very rare.

But they are guaranteed. Frost Salamander boss has +3 spear, and Fire Salamander boss drops +5 spear very early, just do not Desintegrate her (funny powerfull spell killing an enemy with loot)

[[‡]=Storky=[‡]]

Bastard Sword and Halberd looks the most unregular weapon types