Summary
As far asKingdom Heartsgames go, the third numbered entry makes for an impressive hack-and-slash experience.Kingdom Hearts 3delivers not only visually but also in terms of stylish combat mechanics. From Shotlocks to Flowmotion commands, Sora can unleash a multitude of flashy combos that can knock down even the toughest enemies.
Of course, his weapon of choice makes a comeback in a big way. This time around, every Keyblade can undergo upgrades and Formchanges, giving each one its own utility at every point in the game. Despite the reduced number of Keyblades available, each one proves useful in its own way. However, this doesn’t stop some from outshining others.
Updated on Jul 25, 2025, by Justin Flynn:Setting Sora on yet another dangerous adventure, Kingdom Hearts 3 ensures that players have access to reliable weapons that will help them see the Keybearer’s journey through to the end. Including system-exclusives and DLC, there are 22 Keyblades available for gamers to make use of, but some are simply better than others. For both newcomers and longtime fans looking to get the most out of Sora’s go-to weapon, here is a ranking of thebest Keyblades in Kingdom Hearts 3.
22Kingdom Key
Sora’s Default Weapon
The Kingdom Key isSora’s most iconic Keyblade, but it will usually be unequipped fairly quickly after something better is unlocked. When activated, its Formchange, Second Form, permits Sora the opportunity to perform some of his more iconicKingdom Hearts 2abilities.
Boasting a somewhat disappointing4 Strengthand3 Magic, the Kingdom Key is far from a reliable means of vanquishing Sora’s foes. However, it can be useful for those who wish to collect the treasure dropped by Sora’s enemies thanks to its Treasure Magnet ability. As his default weapon,Sora will have access to the Kingdom Key from the beginning of the game.
21Midnight Blue
A Fun Early-Game Option For Fans Of Blizzard Magic
The Midnight Blue Keyblade is a PlayStation Store-exclusive weaponthat pays homage to Mickey’s Star Seeker. Though it boasts a similar color scheme, the weapon embraces more blue hues than purple ones, allowing it to stand out fromthe Disney mascot’s weapon of choice.
Offering4 Strengthand4 Magicin its base form, the Midnight Blue Keyblade proves to be an easily-replaceable weapon once players have progressed past Olympus and unlocked better options. That said, those fond of Blizzard magic inKingdom Hearts 3are likely to appreciate the Blizzard Boost bonus that the Keyblade provides. On top of that, the weapon also gives Sora a chance to cast Blizzaza if he uses Blizzard magic while filling up the situation gauge.
20Phantom Green
A Fun Early-Game Option For Fans Of Thunder Magic
The Phantom Green Keyblade is basically an Xbox-themed tribute to Mickey’s Star Seeker Keyblade, boasting the same shape while embracing a black and green color swap. Initially available as a pre-order bonus,this unique weapon can now be purchased from the Microsoft Store.
Offering4 Strengthand4 Magic, the Phantom Green won’t be a permanent fixture in Sora’s weapon loadout, but it can be a real asset at the beginning of the game for those who enjoy the AoE capabilities of the Thunder spell. At its base level, this Keyblade offers an increase to the damage dealt by Thunder-based attacks. On top of that, it also allows Sora to use Thundaza if he utilizes Thunder magic while charging the situation gauge.
19Advent Red
A Fun But Replaceable Option For Magic-Users
The Advent Red Keyblade is a Nintendo Switch-exclusive Keyblade. It has a red, blue, and black color palette, reminiscent of the console on which it is available, and its shape is the same as that of Mickey’s Star Cluster Keyblade, which he receives shortly afterhis visit to the Dark Worldat the beginning of the game.
For those who enjoy using magic inKingdom Hearts 3, the Advent Red Keyblade can provide a great deal of fun during the early hours of the game. Its Magic Roulette ability gives Sora a chance to cast a -za spell whenever he fills the situation gauge. On top of that, the MP Converter ability that comes with it transforms regular MP orbs into large ones, allowing Sora to recharge his MP gauge more quickly if he collects them. Without upgrades, the Advent Red Keyblade provides4 Strengthand4 Magic, resulting in it only really being useful during the opening hours of the game.
18Elemental Encoder
Increases The Drop Rate Of Items But Is Lacking In Power
The Elemental Encoder is essentially a recoloring of Mickey’s Star Cluster Keyblade.The Elemental Encoder is unlocked automatically for those playingKingdom Hearts 3via the Epic Games Store, and its black-and-white color palette helps it to stand out from its similar-looking counterparts.
Providing Sora with4 Strengthand4 Magic, this particular Keyblade doesn’t offer much in terms of stats, but its abilities can be pretty useful, especially during the early-game. Lucky Strike increases the drop rate of items when defeating enemies, and Magic Roulette allows Sora to make use of Grand Magic even when he has not filled the Grand Magic gauge.
A Good Option For Those Looking To Farm Rare Items During The Early-Game
Like the Elemental Encoder and Advent Red, the Dead of Night is also a recoloring of Mickey’s new Keyblade.The Dead of Night isavailable to those playingKingdom Hearts 3via Steam, and it is arguably one of the cooler-looking Keyblades available in the entire game.
Boasting a typical4 Strengthand4 Magic, this Keyblade quickly proves itself to be easily replaceable, but it does come with some unique abilities that can be quite useful. The Lucky Strike ability increases the chance of enemies dropping rare items, and Magic Roulette allows Sora to execute Grand Magic without filling the Grand Magic gauge.
16Dawn Till Dusk
Somewhat Weak But Grants Sora Access To A Powerful Fire Spell
The Dawn Till Dusk can be purchased from the Microsoft Store and the PlayStation Store. Like the Elemental Encoder, Advent Red, and Dead of Night, it is essentially another recoloring of Mickey’s new Keyblade, the Star Cluster, and though it is pretty to look at, it is a weapon that is destined to be replaced as players progress.
Offering a lackluster4 Strengthand4 Magic, the Dawn Till Dusk Keyblade is more-or-less on par with the Kingdom Key, butfans of Fire magicwill likely enjoy the abilities it comes with. Even at its base level, this Keyblade allows Sora to cast Firaza, a devastating AoE spell that can tear through groups of enemies with ease.
15Starlight
Allows Sora To Recover His MP More Quicky But Is Surprisingly Weak For When It’s Unlocked
The Starlight Keyblade is unlocked once Sora, Donald, and Goofy have defeated the Demon Tide in The Keyblade Graveyard. Most fans would expect a decent reward after vanquishing such a formidable opponent, but sadly, the Starlight Keyblade is one of the weakest weapons in the game.
With its4 Strengthand4 Magic, the Starlight Keyblade is only slightly better than the Kingdom Key, so there isn’t much point in equipping it at this point in the game. Its Formchange, Second From S, allows Sora toperform some classicKingdom Hearts 2moves, but the player would benefit more from prioritizing strength over nostalgia for the yet-to-come battles.
14Shooting Star
Provides Sora With A Fun Ranged Approach To Combat, But Better Options Are Available
Sora receives the Shooting Star Keyblade during his first visit to Little Chef’s Bistrot. Players who wish to prioritize Magic over Strength will find plenty of use for this Keyblade during the beginning of the game thanks to its5 Magicand3 Strength, but they will soon find themselves replacing it with something better.
It can be a big help during theToy StoryandTangledworlds, but as soon as Sora receives the Ever After Keyblade, the Shooting Star will quickly be forgotten. Though it’s one of the weaker weapons in the game, its Double Arrowguns and Magic Launcher Formchanges can be a great help when players wish to attack from a distance.
13Hero’s Origin
A Great Early-Game Option For Those Looking To Prioritize Defense
The Hero’s Origin Keyblade is obtained after Sora defeats the Titans in Olympus. Though it’s only the second Keyblade he unlocks, it can be extremely beneficial to have during most ofKingdom Hearts 3’s boss battles.
It only has5 Strengthand2 Magic, but it features one of the most reliable means of defense in the entire game. The Counter Shield Formchange allows Sora to block oncoming attacks and redirect them back at his enemies. If timed correctly, deflected attacks can deal a baffling amount of damage. The Grand Chef Keyblade offers a similar ability, but it takes much more effort to obtain. Until it’s unlocked, the player should make use of Hero’s Origin in its stead.
