Katana Zero is a neon-soaked, time-bending action-platformer that’s as stylish as it is brutal. At its core lies Zero, a samurai assassin wielding a katana that carves through enemies with surgical precision. But the real spice comes after you roll the credits: the game’s five unlockable swords, each with unique flair and gameplay twists.
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If you’re hunting for the Katana Zero sword guide to unlock every blade and dominate the battlefield, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide dives deep into how to unlock each sword, their stats, gameplay applications, and tips for wielding them like writes. Whether you’re chasing the Prism Sword for its rainbow flair or the Savant Knife for speedrunning glory, we’ve got you covered. Let’s slice into it!
Note: This guide contains spoilers for Katana Zero’s story and post-game content. You’ll need to complete the main campaign to access these swords, so finish the game first if you haven’t already.
Unlocking the Government Labs: Your Gateway to New Swords
Once you’ve conquered Katana Zero’s main story, a new area unlocks in the level select menu: the Government Labs. This secretive zone is your ticket to the game’s five unlockable swords, but it’s not as simple as strolling in and grabbing them. The Labs feature a locked door (likely reserved for future DLC) and five sealed vaults, each housing a unique weapon. To open these vaults, you’ll need to hunt down specific keys hidden across the game’s levels. This Katana Zero sword guide will walk you through finding each key and unlocking every blade, starting with the easiest and working up to the toughest.
Prism Sword: A Colorful Twist on the Classic Katana
Let’s kick things off with the Prism Sword, the easiest sword to unlock and a great starting point for players diving into the post-game. To get the Prism Sword, you’ll need the Prism Key, which is tucked away in the game’s very first level, Factory. Here’s how to snag it: after Zero drops to the lower section of the rooftops, resist the urge to charge forward. Instead, backtrack to the body of the enemy you just dispatched. Loot the corpse, and voilà, the Prism Key is yours. Head back to the Government Labs, use the key on the leftmost vault, and the Prism Sword will be added to your arsenal.
So, what’s the deal with the Prism Sword? It’s essentially a reskin of the standard katana, with identical range and attack speed. The difference lies in its visual flair: every enemy you slice sprays blood in random rainbow colors, and your slash animations shimmer with a prismatic glow. It’s purely cosmetic, but it’s a blast for players who love the katana’s balanced feel and want a bit of pizzazz. If you’re wondering how to unlock Prism Sword in Katana Zero for that vibrant aesthetic, this is your answer. While it doesn’t change gameplay, it’s a fun option for casual runs or screenshot-worthy moments.
Sword of Masters: A Zelda-Inspired Powerhouse
Next up is the Sword of Masters, a nod to The Legend of Zelda that packs a punch. To unlock it, you’ll need the Master Key, hidden in the Murderer Hotel level. This one’s trickier, as it involves a bit of ingenuity. During the level, you’ll encounter Josh Rose, who typically leaps off a balcony after a brief chat, taking the key with him.
To get the Master Key, grab a throwable object (like a statue) before entering his room. As soon as the door opens, hurl the object at Josh to take him out instantly. Loot his body, and the Master Key is yours. Return to the Government Labs, unlock the second vault, and claim the Sword of Masters.
The Sword of Masters trades a slightly shorter range and marginally slower attack speed for a game-changing ability: every swing fires an energy ball that acts like a thrown object. This projectile has a two-second cooldown, signaled by Zero pulsing blue and a distinct sound cue. The energy ball more than compensates for the reduced range, letting you hit enemies from a distance. The attack speed difference is barely noticeable, making this one of the best Katana Zero swords for versatility. Whether you’re clearing rooms or tackling bosses, the Sword of Masters is a top-tier choice. For players searching for a Katana Zero Master Key guide, this method ensures you’ll wield this iconic blade in no time.
Savant Knife: The Speedrunner’s Dream
The Savant Knife is where things get spicy. Unlocking it requires the Savant Key, which is hands-down the hardest key to obtain in Katana Zero. You’ll need to navigate the Slaughterhouse level without waking Leon, the level’s overseer. This is a stealth challenge that tests your precision and patience. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for how to get Savant Key in Katana Zero:
- In the first room with a TV screen, you have a two-second window to cut the red cord connecting the TV. Fail, and Leon wakes up, forcing a restart.
- In the large room with conveyor belts and four ceiling cameras, roll-dodge through the cameras’ vision cones (shown as lines extending downward). Get spotted, and the screen lights up with Leon’s face, locking the doors. Pause and restart if you mess up.
- In the next room, repeat the roll-dodge maneuver to avoid more cameras. If the doors don’t lock and the screen stays off, you’re golden. Head to the table on the left, where the Savant Key awaits.
Use the key on the third vault in the Government Labs to unlock the Savant Knife. This weapon sacrifices range for blazing-fast attack speed, letting you swing nearly twice as fast as the standard katana. It’s a favorite for Katana Zero Savant Knife speedrun tips because it excels at deflecting bullets from machine guns or multiple enemies. Plus, spamming upward attacks mid-air lets Zero “hover” slightly, adding a unique mobility trick. The Savant Knife also boosts your roll-dodge distance, helping you close gaps despite its short range. For players chasing the Secret Hunter achievement in Katana Zero, this knife’s speed makes it a go-to for tough challenges.
Claymore Prototype: The Heavy Hitter
The Claymore Prototype is a beast of a sword, and unlocking it requires the Prototype Key from the Prison level. This key is tied to the level’s secondary objective, which varies based on a choice earlier in the game: whether you refused the psychiatrist’s medication. If you took the medicine, you must stealth through the entire level without killing anyone, a tough ask.
If you refused the medicine (unlocked by talking to DJ Electrohead in the previous level and asking the psychiatrist about the drug), you’ll get a call from the Masked Man ordering you to kill everyone. The kill-everyone path is easier, so I recommend refusing the medicine. Complete the objective, and when you return home, a package outside your house contains the Prototype Key. Use it on the fourth vault to unlock the Claymore Prototype.
The Claymore Prototype boasts the longest range of any sword but swings at a glacial pace, taking nearly twice as long as the katana to attack again. Don’t let the slow speed fool you, this sword has tricks up its sleeve. Each swing deflects multiple bullets, making it a powerhouse against shotgun-wielding enemies. It also one-shots Skinny Rickeys, enemies that normally require two hits with other swords. For players looking for a Katana Zero Claymore Prototype boss fight strategy, this sword’s range and bullet-deflection make it ideal for keeping distance and staying safe. It’s not the fastest, but its raw power makes it a standout.
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Phoenix Edge: A Fiery Finale
Rounding out the lineup is the Phoenix Edge, a sword that brings the heat. To unlock it, you’ll need the Phoenix Key from the Mansion level. Progress through the level until you reach a room with a thief in the top-left corner. Clear out all enemies but leave the thief alone. After a short wait, he’ll jump out the window, leaving behind a suitcase. Open it to find the Phoenix Key, then use it on the fifth vault in the Government Labs to claim the Phoenix Edge.
The Phoenix Edge has a slightly longer range than the katana but swings even slower than the Claymore Prototype, making it the slowest sword in the game. Its defining feature is a massive cone of fire that erupts with every swing, incinerating enemies in its path. This makes it a beast for clearing crowds, though the flames can’t deflect bullets (only the blade can), and shielded enemies are immune when attacked head-on. For players seeking a Katana Zero Phoenix Key walkthrough, this sword’s crowd-control potential is unmatched, but its slow speed demands careful timing.
Ranking the Katana Zero Swords: Which Is Best?
With all five swords unlocked, the question remains: which is the best Katana Zero sword? It depends on your playstyle, so let’s break it down:
- Prism Sword: Perfect for players who love the standard katana’s balance but want a colorful twist. It’s great for casual runs but lacks unique mechanics.
- Sword of Masters: A top contender thanks to its energy ball projectile, which adds range and versatility without sacrificing much speed. Ideal for most situations.
- Savant Knife: The go-to for speedrunners and bullet-deflection pros. Its speed and mobility shine in high-pressure scenarios, but the short range takes practice.
- Claymore Prototype: A heavy-hitting option for players who prioritize range and power. It’s slow, but its bullet-deflection and one-shot potential are clutch.
- Phoenix Edge: The ultimate crowd-clearer, but its slow speed makes it situational. Best for levels with tight enemy groups.
For general use, the Sword of Masters takes the crown due to its balance and projectile utility. Speedrunners will gravitate toward the *S Scolls are Savant Knife for its Katana Zero swords ranked top-tier attack speed, while the Claymore Prototype and Phoenix Edge excel in specific scenarios. The Prism Sword is a fun wildcard for style points.
Gameplay Tips for Each Sword
Mastering these swords requires more than just unlocking them. Here are some Katana Zero sword combat guide tips to elevate your game:
- Prism Sword: Use it like the standard katana, focus on precise timing to deflect bullets and chain attacks. Its rainbow effects are purely visual, so stick to familiar strategies.
- Sword of Masters: Time your energy ball shots to hit distant enemies or clear groups before engaging up close. The cooldown is short, so don’t be afraid to spam it.
- Savant Knife: Lean into its speed by spamming attacks to deflect rapid-fire bullets or hover mid-air for tricky platforming. Practice roll-dodging to close gaps quickly.
- Claymore Prototype: Position yourself to maximize its range, especially against shotguns or Skinny Rickeys. Swing early to account for the slow speed.
- Phoenix Edge: Use the fire cone to wipe out clustered enemies, but switch to precise blade strikes for shielded foes or bullet deflection.
For Katana Zero Savant Knife speedrun tips, practice hovering by spamming upward attacks during jumps, it’s a game-changer for skipping tough sections. If you’re tackling the Secret Hunter achievement, the Savant Knife or Sword of Masters are your best bets due to their speed and versatility.
Achievements and Challenges: Sword-Specific Goals
Each sword ties into Katana Zero’s Secret Hunter achievement, which requires collecting all keys and unlocking every vault. Here’s how the swords align with specific challenges:
- Prism Key Achievement: The easiest, as the key is in the first level. Grab it early to start your collection.
- Master Key Achievement: Requires quick reflexes to kill Josh Rose. Practice your throw timing to nail this one.
- Savant Key Challenge: The toughest, demanding flawless stealth. Restart often and memorize camera patterns.
- Prototype Key: Choose the kill-everyone path for simplicity, but stealth players can flex their skills.
- Phoenix Key: Patience is key, let the thief do his thing, then claim your reward.
These challenges add replayability, pushing you to master every level. For a full Katana Zero Secret Hunter swords guide, focus on one key at a time to avoid burnout.
Why Katana Zero’s Swords Matter
The swords aren’t just shiny collectibles, they deepen Katana Zero’s already stellar gameplay. Each blade encourages a different approach, whether it’s the Savant Knife’s frenetic pace or the Phoenix Edge’s fiery chaos. They reward exploration and skill, turning the post-game into a treasure hunt that keeps you hooked. Plus, the Government Labs tease future content, hinting at Katana Zero’s untapped potential.
My Take on Katana Zero: A Gamer’s Verdict
As a gamer who’s sunk countless hours into Katana Zero, I can say it’s a masterpiece of style and substance. The pixel art drips with neon cool, the soundtrack slaps, and the time-manipulation mechanics make every fight feel like a choreographed dance. The swords add a layer of replayability that keeps the game fresh long after the credits roll. My personal favorite? The Savant Knife, there’s nothing like deflecting a hail of bullets while hovering mid-air like a ninja god. That said, the Sword of Masters is a close second for its all-around utility.
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