Swords
Swords are the main weapons used by the player in Katana Zero. The player starts with a default Katana in the beginning of the game, but can unlock 5 others via achievements. The unlockable swords can be switched in and out in the Government Lab level, which is unlocked by searching The Psychiatrist's dead body in Bunker pt. 2 and then beating the game.
Katana
The katana is the default sword that the player starts with.
Prism Sword
Prism Sword is the first unlockable sword, and can be unlocked by completing the "Prism Key" achievement. The Prism Sword is functionally identical to the starting katana (besides a bug that lets you open doors 8 pixels further away), but enemies killed with the Prism Sword leave multicolored bloodstains (Enemies killed in other ways, such as throwable objects or explosions, will use the standard red blood color). The color is determined by the time at which the enemy was killed, as two enemies killed with the same slice will use the same blood color.
Sword of Masters
Sword of Masters is the second unlockable sword, and can be unlocked by completing the "Master Key" achievement. Sword of Masters is a reference to the "Master Sword" from the Legend of Zelda series, and functions similarly to the default katana, but has the added function of firing a single energy blast when the player swings. The energy blast is functionally identical to a thrown weapon, and takes a few seconds to charge between blasts. The player can still attack normally while the energy blast is recharging. The attack speed of the sword is slightly slower than that of the base katana.
Claymore Prototype
Claymore Prototype is the third unlockable sword, and can be unlocked by completing the "Prototype Key" achievement. Claymore Prototype has the largest range and width of any of the other swords, but also swings much slower. Claymore Prototype bypasses attacks made by Skinny Rickies, but can't go through the shield of the Shield enemy, and has the ability to reflect multiple projectiles with one swing, allowing the player to reflect shotgun blasts.
Phoenix Edge
Phoenix Edge is the fourth unlockable sword, and can be unlocked by completing the "Phoenix Key" achievement. The Phoenix edge has a slower swing speed and longer reach than the default katana, but not as much as Claymore Prototype. When swung, the Phoenix Edge shoots a small burst of flame in the direction the player is aiming, which can kill additional enemies and detonate oil barrels.
Savant Knife
Savant Knife is the final unlockable sword, and can be unlocked by completing the "Savant Key" achievement. The Savant Knife has the shortest reach and fastest swing speed out of all the swords, which allows for the player to more effectively reflect automatic fire from mounted guns and machinegunners. The increased swing speed of Savant Knife also allows the player to effectively float when repeatedly attacking mid-air.
Notes
- The unlocked swords are only used by Zero. Fifteen will use his katana in Dragon Tape.
- When Zero fights V and his guards after Mansion mission, Zero will use his default katana.