You’re running through the Constant, chasing down a Koalefant or maybe just trying not to get eaten by a random pack of Hounds, and you realize your spear is basically a toothpick. Most players immediately start dreaming of the Dark Sword or a Thulecite Club. They want the big numbers. But honestly? There’s this weird, elegant middle ground that people ignore because it feels too "fancy" for a survival game. I’m talking about the fencing sword Don't Starve players usually overlook in favor of raw, blunt force. It’s not just a decorative piece for your base.
It’s a tool. A specific, weirdly effective tool.
If you’ve spent any time in Don't Starve Together (DST), you know that combat isn't just about clicking until things die. It’s a dance. You hit, you kite, you cry when the lag spikes, and you hit again. The fencing sword fits into this rhythm in a way that feels different from the clunky swing of a Ham Bat. It’s lightweight. It’s fast. And while it doesn't have the highest DPS in the game, it fills a niche for players who value style and specific utility over just "unga bunga" smashing.
Why the Fencing Sword Don't Starve Meta is Misunderstood
Most people see the fencing sword as a "stage prop." Why? Because it’s literally crafted under the Refine Tab (or the Decorations tab depending on your mod setup, but officially it’s a craftable item tied to the Ewecus or specific event drops). It’s easy to dismiss it as a toy. In reality, it’s a legitimate weapon for the early-to-mid game, especially if you’re playing a character with high movement speed or if you’re trying to save your precious Gold and Flint for other tools.
Let’s get real about the stats. The fencing sword deals 27.2 damage.
Compare that to a standard Spear, which does 34. Yeah, the spear hits harder. But the fencing sword has a hidden vibe—it’s about the reach and the speed. It has a slightly different animation profile. It’s about the aesthetic of the "gentleman survivor." If you’re playing as Maxwell, carrying a fencing sword just feels right. It’s a flavor win, but it’s also a functional win if you’re dealing with low-health pests like Spiders or those annoying Grass Gekkos that just won't stay still.
I’ve seen streamers try to take on Deerclops with one. Don't do that. You’ll be there all night. But for clearing a spider den? It’s surprisingly snappy.
👉 See also: What Is the Most Valuable YuGiOh Card (The Answer Might Surprise You)
Crafting and the Cost of Style
To get your hands on a fencing sword Don't Starve requires, you’re usually looking at a recipe involving Gold Nuggets and Twigs. It’s cheap. That’s the secret. In the early days of a world, when you haven't found a consistent source of Meat for a Ham Bat and you’re saving your Silk for Birdcages, the fencing sword is a low-stakes investment. You aren't losing much by crafting it.
The Durability Factor
It has 150 uses. That’s actually pretty decent for something that looks like it would snap if you poked a Beefalo too hard.
- It’s a "safe" weapon for kiting training.
- It doesn't drain your Sanity like the Dark Sword.
- You can flex on your friends in a PVP setting (if you're brave enough).
People often ask if it’s worth the Gold. Gold is renewable! You can trade Pig King some trinkets or meat, and suddenly you have stacks of it. Using Gold for a sword feels luxurious, but in the economy of the Constant, it’s actually one of the most sustainable ways to arm yourself before you hit the ruins.
Is it Actually Good for Combat?
Kinda. Sorta. It depends on who you are.
If you’re playing Wigfrid, you shouldn't touch this. Your Battle Spear is objectively better in every measurable metric. But if you’re Wes? Or maybe a Willow player who just wants to poke things while they burn? The fencing sword offers a level of precision.
The reach is the thing people miss. In Don't Starve, "reach" is a bit of a nebulous term because the hitboxes are circles on a 2D plane projected in 3D, but there’s a distinct feel to the lunge. It feels longer than the Spear. This makes it a great "training wheels" weapon for learning how to kite Mobs. You can stay just a pixel further away. That pixel is often the difference between keeping your armor intact and having to craft a new Log Suit.
The Aesthetic of the Constant
We have to talk about the "Fashion Souls" aspect of DST. Survival isn't just about surviving; it’s about thriving with flair. Building a base that looks like a Victorian estate while you’re starving to death is a core part of the experience. The fencing sword is the ultimate accessory for the player who wants to look like a duelist.
When you pair it with the Tuxedo skin or the Regency attire, you aren't just a survivor. You’re a protagonist. Klei Entertainment knows this. They didn't add it just for the stats. They added it for the roleplayers. They added it because sometimes, stabbing a clockwork knight with a thin piece of gold-plated steel is funnier than hitting it with a ham leg.
Comparing the Alternatives
- The Spear: Reliable, boring, easy to craft.
- The Bat Bat: Heals you, but costs Wings and is honestly a pain to maintain.
- The Fencing Sword: Fast, stylish, makes a satisfying "clink" sound.
Honestly, the sound design alone makes it worth using once or twice. There’s a certain "thwip" that you don't get with other weapons.
✨ Don't miss: Getting Stuck on the NYT Connections Hints July 4 Puzzle? Here is How to Solve It
How to Maximize the Fencing Sword
If you’re determined to make the fencing sword Don't Starve your primary sidearm, you need to change your playstyle. You aren't a tank. You’re a fencer. This means focusing on "Alpha strikes"—the first hit.
Use it for:
- Finishing off Birds for morsels.
- Clearing out butterflies (it’s very satisfying).
- Dealing with single Hounds during a wave.
- Looking cool in screenshots.
Avoid using it for:
- Bosses. Please.
- Depth Worms.
- Anything with more than 500 HP.
It’s a specialized tool. Use it like one. If you treat it like a Spear, you’ll be disappointed by the damage. If you treat it like a high-speed, low-cost harassment tool, you’ll find it’s actually quite versatile.
Real World Usage: What the Pros Say
I chatted with a few veteran players on the Klei forums, and the consensus is split. The "efficiency" crowd hates it. They’ll tell you to rush the Ruins and get a Thulecite Club by day 10. But the "long-term" players? The ones who have 1000-day worlds? They love the variety.
One player, "MaxwellMain99," mentioned that they keep a chest of fencing swords near their decorative garden just for the "vibe." It’s about creating a world that feels lived in, not just optimized.
There's also a minor niche in the "No-Armor" challenge community. Because the fencing sword forces you to be more mindful of your positioning (since you can't just tank hits while dealing massive damage), it’s used as a way to sharpen your kiting skills. It’s like training with a weighted vest, but the opposite. You’re training with a lighter blade to make your movements more precise.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Session
If you want to try this out, don't wait until winter.
First, get your Science Machine up and running. Find a Gold vein in the Rockyland or trade with the Pig King. Craft the sword early. Use it as your primary "scouting" weapon while you’re mapping out the edges of the world. It’s lightweight and won't make you feel bad if you have to drop it to make room for a stack of Blue Mushrooms.
Next, practice your "lunge and retreat" on a single Spider. Notice the timing. It’s faster than you think. Once you get the rhythm down, you’ll find that switching back to a heavier weapon actually feels slow.
Finally, don't be afraid to use it as a gift. If you’re playing on a public server, handing a new player a fencing sword makes them feel like they’ve joined a secret society of survivors. It’s way cooler than giving them a half-broken axe.
The fencing sword isn't the "best" weapon in Don't Starve. It was never meant to be. But it is one of the most interesting, providing a blend of low-cost utility and high-tier aesthetic that makes the Constant feel a little less bleak and a little more refined.
Go craft one. Poke a Moleworm. Feel the speed. Just don't forget to bring a real weapon when the Giants show up.