The poleaxe in Chivalry 2 has sparked plenty of discussion across Reddit, especially within the community of players who appreciate a weapon that combines reach, versatility, and raw power. Whether you’re browsing tier list threads or deep-diving into class strategies, the poleaxe often comes up as a fan favorite for the Vanguard and Footman classes. As the game’s melee combat continues to evolve with each patch, players on Reddit actively share insights, clips, and build suggestions, making it one of the most talked-about weapons in the game’s current meta.
What Makes the Poleaxe Stand Out
The poleaxe in Chivalry 2 is a long-hafted weapon that deals both cutting and blunt damage, giving it flexibility in battle. It’s often praised on Reddit for being one of the most balanced weapons, suitable for a variety of combat situations from tight choke points to open-field skirmishes. Unlike some weapons that are great in one-on-one duels but suffer in crowd control, the poleaxe can hold its own in both scenarios.
Weapon Stats and Features
- Damage Type: Primarily slash and blunt
- Effective Range: High reach, great for spacing
- Attack Speed: Moderate but consistent
- Versatility: Effective against knights and foot soldiers alike
Players often highlight how well the poleaxe deals with heavily armored enemies due to its blunt attack capabilities. At the same time, its sweeping slashes can punish lighter, faster targets who get too close.
Reddit Community Opinions
On Reddit, discussions about the poleaxe often surface in threads related to best weapons, class meta, and combat techniques. The consensus is generally positive, though some users believe the poleaxe is underrated due to its subtlety compared to flashier weapons like the greatsword or dane axe.
Common Reddit Praise for the Poleaxe
- Best all-around weapon for Footman. Doesn’t feel clunky like some others.
- It punishes bad spacing really well. I love it in team fights.
- Poleaxe + Footman is a nightmare combo in skilled hands.
Players particularly appreciate the poleaxe’s ability to chain attacks effectively. The mix of overhead, stab, and horizontal swings gives it unpredictability in duels, and Reddit users often share strategies involving combo feints and footwork to dominate in one-on-one situations.
Class Synergy: Footman and Vanguard
The poleaxe is available to the Footman class, and some variations can be used with the Vanguard. The Footman benefits from the poleaxe’s reach, allowing them to play a semi-defensive role while supporting the frontlines. Meanwhile, Vanguards can use their mobility to close gaps quickly and unleash devastating poleaxe strikes.
Footman Build with Poleaxe
- Perk Suggestion: Bandage Kit for sustain and team healing
- Tactic: Stay mid-range, poke with overheads, and rotate flanks
- Playstyle: Controlled aggression with spacing and target switching
Vanguard Build with Poleaxe
- Perk Suggestion: Second Wind or Tenacity for durability
- Tactic: Dash in, pressure archers and isolated targets
- Playstyle: Aggressive and fast-paced, with quick disengagements
Reddit users frequently share gameplay clips demonstrating the poleaxe’s effectiveness in both solo duels and chaotic group fights. The weapon’s adaptability makes it an ideal choice for players who want to support teammates without sacrificing offensive power.
Tips from Reddit Veterans
Beyond raw stats, Reddit players often share advanced techniques for maximizing poleaxe effectiveness. These include timing feints, directional input mastery, and attack chaining. These tactics can make the poleaxe feel far more lethal than its base stats might suggest.
Top Reddit Strategies
- Chamber punish: Use poleaxe stabs to counter slow attacks
- Feint baiting: Mix stabs and overheads to trick opponents into parrying early
- Use range advantage: Keep distance and punish whiffs with heavy swings
- Maintain awareness: Sweep with slashes in tight spaces without hitting allies
Some users even suggest the poleaxe is secretly S-tier due to its hidden potential when used properly. The lack of flashy animations means enemies often underestimate the weapon, only to get overwhelmed by its consistent and punishing attacks.
Meta Role and Competitive Viability
While many players gravitate toward flashy, high-damage weapons, the poleaxe consistently performs well in competitive matches and ranked duels. On Reddit, competitive players point out that the weapon’s balance between speed, reach, and damage allows for fewer mistakes, making it ideal for consistent play in organized formats.
When to Use the Poleaxe
- When facing heavy armor builds (due to blunt damage)
- In mixed team fights for cleave potential
- When playing a support DPS role with Footman
Its ability to hit multiple targets and reposition quickly with effective swings allows poleaxe users to shift momentum in team fights. Competitive Reddit users often describe it as a ‘thinking man’s weapon’ not flashy, but brutally efficient in practiced hands.
Potential Downsides
No weapon is perfect, and Reddit threads also touch on the limitations of the poleaxe. Some players find it less satisfying than heavier or more brutal weapons, and its moderate speed may be punishing in high-intensity duels against faster opponents.
Common Complaints
- Doesn’t have the punch of a greatsword or hammer.
- Feels average until you really learn how to chain effectively.
- Can be outpaced by faster, lighter weapons in skilled hands.
Despite this, most agree that with proper timing and positioning, the poleaxe remains a competitive and reliable choice for players looking for well-rounded combat tools.
The Chivalry 2 poleaxe, as discussed across Reddit, earns praise for its flexibility, reach, and underrated strength in both solo and team settings. While it may not have the visual impact of some heavier weapons, its real value lies in consistency and adaptability. Reddit users continue to recommend it for Footman and Vanguard players who enjoy a calculated and methodical approach to combat. Whether you’re climbing the scoreboard or holding the line in large-scale battles, the poleaxe remains a staple weapon that deserves more attention from the broader Chivalry 2 community.