Best Combat Items in 99 Nights in the Forest (2026)

Best Combat Items in 99 Nights in the Forest (2026)

Whether you are clearing the Cultist Stronghold, hunting Polar Bears, or surviving alien invasions, having the right weapon equipped makes everything easier. This guide ranks the best weapons and armor in the game using verified damage values from the wiki.

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S-Tier Weapons

Morningstar

Damage: 70 | Swing Speed: 1 second | Source: Gold Chest only

The Morningstar is the best melee weapon accessible without entering alien invasion events. At 70 base damage with a 1-second swing, it deals 70 DPS against single targets. More importantly, each hit fills an explosion bar — when the bar fills, the Morningstar detonates for AoE damage hitting all nearby enemies. Against Cultist groups this makes it incredibly efficient.

Where to find it: Gold Chests, which spawn near the Cultist Stronghold and in higher-tier areas. Not guaranteed per chest, but worth looking for.

Best with: Brawler class (+30% melee damage), Assassin class (carries it alongside the Katana for different ranges).

Obsidiron Hammer

Damage: 70 | Swing Speed: 1 second | Source: Obsidiron Chest (Meteor event)

Statistically identical to the Morningstar — same 70 damage, same 1-second swing, same explosion bar mechanic. The difference is how you get it: the Obsidiron Chest is a craftable chest requiring the Astrophysics badge workflow (craft at Meteor Anvil, place, open). If you can complete that chain, the Obsidiron Hammer is as good as a Morningstar.

Tactical Shotgun

Source: Ruby Chest | Starting ammo: 43 (3 loaded, 40 reserve)

Exact damage per shot is not documented in the wiki, but the Tactical Shotgun is widely regarded as the best gun in the game. Its 43-round ammo pool means you can sustain fire through entire Cultist waves. Found only in the Ruby Chest inside the Cultist Stronghold — another reason to clear it every run.

Laser Cannon

Damage: 70–87.5 (AoE) | Source: UFOs, Alien Chests, Cyborg class starter

AoE ranged damage at 70–87.5 per shot is exceptional for late-game alien invasion events. The Cyborg class starts with one, so if you have 600 Diamonds this is immediately available. Against the Alien Mothership, the Laser Cannon's AoE makes it the single best weapon available.

A-Tier Weapons

Laser Sword

Damage: 25–232.539 | Source: Broken UFOs, Mothership, Alien Chests

The Laser Sword has the widest damage range in the game — the upper end of 232 damage is staggering. It comes from alien-tier sources, so you will not see it until mid-to-late game alien events. When you do have one, it is the most powerful melee weapon in the game. Found in the Alien Chest alongside the Laser Cannon and Alien Armor.

Rifle

Damage: 60–90 | Ammo: 6 per reload | Source: Iron Chests, Legendary Chests, Gunsmith Shed, Pelt Trader 3rd trade

The Rifle is the best standard-tier gun and your workhorse from Day 5 through mid-game. At 60–90 damage per shot with a 6-round reload, it can down a Wolf (75 HP) in one shot and a Bear (350 HP) in 4–6 shots. The Ranger class (70 Diamonds) starts with one plus 18 ammo and gets a 10% ammo refund per shot at Level 2.

Rifle Ammo comes in boxes of 6 — stock up whenever you find it.

Ice Sword

Damage: 35–45.556 | Source: Ice Chests (Snow Biome)

The best weapon in the Snow Biome and a significant upgrade over the Spear for melee combat. The Snow Biome also rewards you with the Ice Axe for tree chopping. If you are doing a Snow Biome run, prioritize finding the Ice Chest.

Revolver

Damage: 25–37.5 | Source: Common/Good/Iron Chests, Armory, Ranger class

The best early-game gun. A Revolver on Day 1 from a Common Chest can save your life against the first Wolf encounter. Damage falls off in mid-game compared to the Rifle but it is a reliable backup weapon.

B-Tier Weapons

Spear

Damage: 25–32.54 | Source: Common, Good, Iron Chests (Levels 1–4)

The most accessible melee weapon. Found in nearly every chest tier. Better than punching but outclassed quickly. Good for the first 5 days before you find something better.

Scythe

Damage: 60–78 | Source: Vampire Chest (Hedge Maze), Thanksgiving Table

High damage for a melee weapon and the Vampire class's starter weapon. The Hedge Maze is a Halloween event location, making this seasonal. When available, it is an A-tier weapon held back only by limited availability.

Kunai

Damage: 35 | Source: Ruby Chests, Assassin class; 5% chest spawn rate at L1, 10% at L3

Fast-throwing ranged weapon. The Assassin class is built around it. 35 damage per throw is respectable, and the throw rate makes it competitive in sustained fights. Excellent for kiting Bears at a distance.

Armor Ranked

Healing Items

Medkit — heals approximately 100 HP. Found in Gold Chests, Legendary Chests, Vine Chests. Medic class starts with one at Level 3. Use before entering boss fights.

Bandage — heals approximately 40 HP. Found in Common/Good Chests, craftable at the Anvil (2× Bunny Foot + 2× Wolf Pelt). Essential for every inventory. The Medic class revives teammates 5× faster using Bandages at Level 1.

Combat Priority by Stage