Running out of darts means nothing when you have a Nerf Sword or Axe to continue the fight. In fact, a battle with these rubbery foam weapons alone can be a whole lot more fun than hiding behind a couch and taking aim with a blaster.
Whether it’s pretending to be a medieval knight, mimicking the moves of a ninja, or surviving the zombie apocalypse, there is Nerf melee weapon that can help enhance the experience.
We have compiled the best Nerf swords and melee weapons ever made, some other new brand alternatives, and tips on where to buy them.
Here are Best Nerf Swords and Melee Weapons in 2023
- Nerf N-Force Vendetta Double Sword
- Nerf N-Force Marauder
- Nerf N-Force Warlock Axe
- Nerf Zombie Strikeblade
- Nerf N-Force Battlemaster Mace
- Nerf Dungeons & Dragons Xenk’s Sword
- Nerf Dungeons & Dragons Holga’s Greataxe
- Nerf Zombie Strike Foam Machete
- Nerf Zombie Strike Z Bat
- Nerf Fortnite Harvesting Tools
10 Best Nerf Swords and Melee Weapons
1. Nerf N-Force Vendetta Double Sword
The Nerf Vendetta Double Sword is a ton of fun to play with because it can be snapped apart or together quickly. Use one in each hand or connect them to forge the double-sided “Mega-blade”.
Separating or joining the foam blades is easy with its good-quality locking mechanism.
To lock the foam blades you just have to shove them together and twist. Pulling them apart simply requires pushing the button and twisting first.
The foam does have a skeletal interior plastic that helps it stay straight but allows the tip to bend for safety.
Though it is a relatively simple design, this double sword is one of the most unique melee weapons Nerf has produced.
Specs:
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Length: Single Sword – 26.8 inches, Megablade – 54 inches
- Release Date: 2011
- Original Retail Price: $20
Reasons to Buy:
- 3 Weapons in one
- Vintage Nerf Item
Reasons to Avoid:
- Discontinued
Where To Buy The Nerf Vendetta
This sword is discontinued but is occasionally in stock at Amazon. Otherwise, you can find it new or used on eBay.
2. Nerf N-Force Marauder
The N-Force Marauder is one of the most iconic swords that Nerf has made because of its design and length. It is one of the longer foam swords you will find and will give a reach advantage in a foam blade-on-blade fight.
There are two versions of the Marauder, the original black one and a crimson red one that was released later.
These seem to be the most sturdy of all the N-Force swords and will handle a good amount of abuse.
Specs:
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Length: 36 inches
- Release Date: 2010
- Original Retail Price: $18
Reasons to Buy:
- Relatively sturdy
- Longest Nerf brand sword
Reasons to Avoid:
- Hard to find
Where To Buy The Nerf Marauder
You may be able to find the red version on Amazon, but eBay is probably the option for both.
3. Nerf N-Force Warlock Axe
If you prefer something other than a sword, the N-Force Nerf Warlock is a double-sided axe that is pretty sturdy.
You don’t really have a quick jab option, but rather just blocks and swings. However, you can hook a sword with the lower portion of the blade and use it to push it away.
An axe is great for play, but if you are playing a Nerf game where points are scored by touches, a sword is better.
Wielding it with one hand also might be a bit tougher but the Warlock is still a great choice for its awesome looks alone.
Specs:
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Length: 30 inches
- Release Date: 2010
- Original Retail Price: $20
Reasons to Buy:
- Only Nerf brand Axe
- Durable
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not as easy to use one-handed
Where To Buy The Nerf Warlock Axe
Like most of the other N-Force weapons, eBay will be the place to find it.
4. Nerf N-Force Zombie Strikeblade
Silently dispose of those pesky Zombies with a rubbery foam weapon that won’t draw as much attention.
The N-Force Zombie Stikeblade looks awesome, but it isn’t totally unique, it’s the Nerf Vantage sword with a green color theme.
I do feel like this is the better version, especially as a fan of the Nerf Zombie Strike blasters.
At just under 32 inches long, the Stirikeblade is about the average length for a Nerf sword.
Overall, this is a great choice because its material is good quality and durable.
Specs:
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Length: 31 13/16 inches
- Release Date: 2014
- Original Retail Price: $13
Reasons to Buy:
- Durable
- Zombie theme
Reasons to Avoid:
- Hard to find new
Where To Buy The Nerf Strikeblade
It was a steal new at the original price but is now quite a bit harder to find. This is one that is worth tracking down on eBay. It is still listed on Amazon but rarely if ever in stock there.
5. Nerf N-Force Battlemaster Mace
One of the most intimidating Nerf melee weapons is the N-Force Battlemaster Mace.
It is the same length as the Warlock axe but has pointed tips that can still allow for jab play.
The Battlemaster is just slightly shorter than the swords but perfect for that person who wants to role-play the bad guy.
With three high-quality foam blades, the mace is a very unique toy that will surely strike fear into the hearts of your enemies.
Specs:
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Length: 30 inches
- Release Date: 2010
- Original Retail Price: $20
Reasons to Buy:
- Unique Nerf melee toy
- Great feel, and quality material
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly heavier than other choices
Where To Buy The Nerf Battlemaster
This is discontinued like most of the rest. Amazon is worth checking, but eBay is likely where you’ll get one.
6. Nerf Dungeons & Dragons Xenk’s Sword
The Nerf D&D Xenk’s Sword is the newest sword addition you can add to your foam armory. It is based on Xenk the Paladin’s Daggersword from the movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
This sword is a shorter blade measuring 26 inches from hilt to tip but is also lightweight at about 140 grams. It is a sturdy agile choice for combat but also could make a nice display piece.
One feature that is important to note is that the whole hilt is plastic. This isn’t ideal for younger kids that might get a little wild in the heat of combat.
Specs:
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Length: 26 inches
- Blade Width: 2 inches
- Release Date: 2023
- Original Retail Price: $17
Reasons to Buy:
- Newer and fair priced
- D&D Prop Item
Reasons to Avoid:
- The hilt is plastic, not foam
Where To Buy The Xenx’s Foam Sword
This toy word is widely available brand new at major stores such as Amazon or Walmart.
7. Nerf Dungeons & Dragons Holga’s Greataxe
If you prefer the axe, the Holga’s Nerf D&D Greataxe is another new option for close-quarters foam war. It is based on Holga the Barbarian’s Greataxe from the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie.
This Greataxe is a bit shorter than old Nerf axes at about 26 inches long, and weighs in at about 230g. It has a nice color theme and is a welcome sight to those waiting for more Nerf melee weapons.
Like Xenk’s foam sword, this has some harder plastic on it. Both the handle and the very top middle are plastic. That is something that should just be kept in mind before you get wild in battle.
Specs:
-
Length: 26 inches
- Release Date: 2023
- Original Retail Price: $23
Reasons to Buy:
- Newer and fair priced
- D&D Prop Item
Reasons to Avoid:
- The handle and top point are plastic
Where To Buy Holga’s Foam Axe
This axe is still new and found at so can be easily found at many major retailers
8. Nerf Zombie Strike Foam Machete
Check out the Zombie Strike foam machete if you are looking for a backup melee weapon that can easily be hidden for a surprise attack.
The price might not be quite as fair with this one because it is only 2o inches long, but it has more detailed painting than others.
The blade is a little flimsy but it will hold up with normal play. It also includes a slim rope for hanging on your person, or for storage.
Specs:
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Length: About 20 inches
- Release Date: 2013
- Original Retail Price: $15
Reasons to Buy:
- Cool Zombie-themed paint job
- Easy to conceal
Reasons to Avoid:
- Shorter than swords
Where To Buy The Nerf Machete
There is a great chance you can find the machete Amazon, but eBay is worth scouting for a deal.
9. Nerf Zombie Strike Z Bat
From the movies, we all know a bat is a decent weapon when you have to get up close and personal with zombies.
The Zombie Strike Z Bat is a 15-inch-long foam bat that swings quickly and true. It may be short, but its design and length make it a super durable toy that will last.
You probably aren’t going to win a melee battle with this, but pairing a one-handed blaster like the Nerf Hammershot, or the Trailblazer, will guarantee a great adventure.
Specs:
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Length: 15 inches
- Release Date: 2014
- Original Retail Price: $15
Reasons to Buy:
- Zombie themed details
- Stout and sturdy
Reasons to Avoid:
- Short for melee battle
Where To Buy The Nerf Z Bat
Amazon is still the best choice for locating the Z Bat but there is an occasional listing on eBay.
10. Nerf Fortnite Harvesting Tools
Starting on the left, the Nerf Fortnite Rift Edge is a melee weapon designed after the harvesting tool of the same name in the video game.
On the right is the Axeroni, which is a large pizza cutter tool, also made after a tool in the Fornite video game.
The soft foam blades make for fun role-play or close battles, but the handles are made of harder material that should be used to strike with.
Either of these replica foam tools would make a great companion toy to one of the Fortnite Nerf blasters.
Specs:
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Length: Handles – 23 inches, Foam Blades – 11 inches
- Release Date: 2020
- Original Retail Price: $21.50
Reasons to Buy:
- Unique Nerf toy
- Great for Fortnite lovers
Reasons to Avoid:
- More for roleplay rather than play fights
Where To Buy The Nerf Rift Edge and Axeroni
Both of these Nerf melee toys are readily available on Amazon. If you are looking for a better price, you may find them new or used on eBay.
More Non-Nerf Foam Swords
Zelda Master Twilight Foam Sword
The Zelda Master Twilight Foam Sword is a highly rated and battle-tested favorite.
Whether you are a Zelda fan or not, I think most will agree that this is a pretty good-looking sword.
For some reason, the Amazon listing has it listed at 43 inches long, but it is actually 31.
Still, this one is perfect for a battle, a Halloween costume, or even a decorative piece.
Specs:
-
Length: 31 inches
- Original Retail Price: $23
Reasons to Buy:
- More available than other Nerf swords
- Great reviews on Amazon
Reasons to Avoid:
- Advertised as 43 but is 31 inches long
Hero’s Edge Foam Excalibur
The Hero’s Edge Excalibur is more of a plain or classic-looking 28-inch long sword.
It has a more realistic look with no logos, just a black handle with a metallic painted blade.
This is a bit harder than a typical Nerf sword, but not too hard to battle with.
As it is a bit less flexible it is still probably better as a prop toy.
Specs:
-
Length: 28 inches
- Original Retail Price: $23
Reasons to Buy:
- More available than Nerf brand swords
- Great for cosplay or used as a prop
Reasons to Avoid:
- A little shorter than average
Nerf Sword FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are Nerf Swords Discontinued?
Most Nerf swords like the N-Force have been discontinued. They just recently started making new foam melee weapons based on certain games like Fortnite and Dungeons & Dragons.
Why Did Nerf Discontinue Their Swords?
Nerf swords and melee weapons take up a lot of shelf space for retailers. Stores can fit several toy blasters in the space it takes to display one Nerf sword. It is also a natural cycle for toy makers to stop making older products so they have room for newer ones.
When Did Nerf Discontinue Their Swords?
Nerf’s N-Force series which included several foam weapons such as the Marauder, Vantage, and the Vendetta, was discontinued in 2011. You can still find them from resalers like eBay or Amazon.
Final Thoughts
As of now the lineup of Nerf swords and melee weapons is slowly fading with the stock dwindling and no new ones in sight.
If you are looking for some more decent options that are older and didn’t make the list, check out the complete N-Force series.
Hopefully, Nerf decides to reboot some of these older toys because though they are simple designs, they are a ton of fun.
Happy Nerfing!