Weapons Guide - Iron Sword & Hunter Bow
Primary weapons in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, the anvil polish enhancement system, and target priorities.
Published October 15, 2026 · Last updated October 15, 2026
Quick Answer: Sword or Bow?
Equip both and switch dynamically. The Iron Sword / Vampire Blade dominates close-quarters brawls against Bloody Ghouls and grounded bosses. The Hunter Bow neutralizes aerial Gargoyle Sentinels and Medusa swarms with charged interrupts.
| Weapon | Style | Best Against | Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Sword | Melee, 3-hit combo | Bloody Ghoul, Medusa | Oil Flask / Frost Vial |
| Hunter Bow | Ranged, charged shot | Gargoyle Sentinel, adds | Frost Vial |
A charged arrow interrupts dive attacks from Gargoyle Sentinels, grounding them instantly for follow-up whip combos.
The Anvil Polish System
The blacksmith anvil grants +2 permanent weapon damage per polish, twice per weapon, for 50 gold. Applying all four polishes adds approximately 15% overall DPS across your arsenal. Apply these upgrades prior to challenging The Fallen or Medusa.
- Polish 1 (+2 damage) — 50g, ideal after your first Paris alley clears.
- Polish 2 (+4 total damage) — 50g, recommended prior to climbing Notre-Dame spire.
- Polish 3-4 (both weapons) — Recommended before descending into the Catacombs.