[[FinalFantasyXI http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/WoC.png]]
[[caption-width:329:Pick your poison.]]

-->''Don't be shocked by the tone of my voice''\\
''Check out my new weapon -- WeaponOfChoice''\\
--FatboySlim, ''"Weapon of Choice"''

This is similar to PersonalityPowers, but with weapons. Basically, in various works of fiction, characters tend to possess weapons that are either a direct reflection of their personality or the traits commonly deemed to their character type.

This is frequently used to depict a character as having a similar personality type to another famous character who used the same weapon. This is also basically why you don't see ogres with rapiers or ninjas with clubs. The martial arts allow this trope to survive as PastimesProvePersonality.

This trope is named after the Fatboy Slim song, mostly because it had [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMZwZiU0kKs&feature=related a cool video featuring Christopher Walken.]] However, before the song, Star Wars action figures would list a character's "Weapon of choice" on their bios.

* '''[[CoolSword Sword]]''': [[HeroesPreferSwords The heroic lead]] usually winds up wielding the iconic broadsword in the west. The katana often takes its place in the east. If both katanas and broadswords are present, the katana will invariably be in the hands of the {{Badass}}, because KatanasAreJustBetter. Rapiers and smallswords typically go to swashbucklers and foppish characters, while the big two-handed blades, if they're not in the hands of the hero, usually go to TheBigGuy. If they're trying ''way'' too hard to be cool, they'll use [[DualWielding two]] swords, or a [[{{BFS}} single really big one]].
* '''[[AnAxeToGrind Axes]]''': {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s tend to get axes. This probably is due to the fact that [[LordOfTheRings Tolkien's]] [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarves]], one of the most prominent examples of the proud warrior race, favored axes. A favorite of the AxCrazy. Also a favourite of the big guy who doesn't have a club (see below), in which case it will be a simple enormous, double-edged job. TheBerserker (who could be seen as the intersection between the preceding tropes) often favors an axe. Also favored by woodsmen due to having to chop wood constantly, and living in log cabins.
* '''[[DropTheHammer Clubs/Hammers]]''': [[BoisterousBruiser Big and brash]] characters, like a giant [[TheOgre ogre]] or TheBigGuy, just need the bluntest weapon they can muster: A giant club, mallet, or mace. [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarves]] tend to like hammers, too; probably because they like forging so much. Size for size, hammers are heavier, slower, and harder hitting than axes. Smaller, more manageable versions are sometimes favored by paladins and priests or monks who [[TechnicalPacifist frown upon shedding blood, but have less compunction about causing concussions and breaking bones]]. ''DungeonsAndDragons'' popularised the image of warrior priests fighting with maces and clubs in the modern day, though the priests would fight with other weapons more often, back in the day. (This is because the wounds caused by maces would still spill plenty of blood and gore, and most western priests had no restriction against shedding blood, so they would just use whatever they knew best.)
* '''[[SimpleStaff Staves]]''': Wizards and other wise characters that rely on talents other than brute force to deal with conflict still sensibly bring at least a staff for protection. This covers the StaffChick and the BlackMagicianGirl, both of whom typically use them. Again, a favorite of monks and also martial artists who aren't monks. There is some overlap with the "improvised/strange weapon" category, as it includes innocent-looking canes and "sports equipment" such as bowling pins and [[RanmaOneHalf hula hoops]].
** '''[[BoomStick Staves that shoot stuff]]''', for when you need the ability to beat things over the head and shoot people in a single package..
* '''[[BareFistedMonk Fists]]''': Any person who carries no weapon when everybody around him is carrying one is either cocky enough to ''believe'' that he doesn't need a weapon, or highly-skilled enough to ''know'' that he doesn't need a weapon. The two are generally completely opposite in characterization, with the cocky version generally being a braggart and a bit of an ass, and the other being contemplative and spiritual to the point of being a MartialPacifist or a WarriorTherapist. Or they're just a TechnicalPacifist. Be warned, however, that the latter level of expertise may also contain the ArrogantKungFuGuy, who really ''is'' as good as he brags about. However, some others...
** '''[[PowerFist Gauntlets and Such]]''' ...compromise with practicality. Though some have [[RedRightHand little choice in the matter]].
** '''[[ArmedLegs Greaves]]''' These are fighters from a martial tradition (almost exclusively Asian) who are nonetheless using "greaves," the metal shin guards worn by European knights. Such fighters use their feet as their primary attack options: what would be the point of wearing metal boots if you intended to punch someone? Technically, gauntlets and greaves are armor, not weapons... But [[CombatPragmatist since when has that stopped anyone]]?
* '''[[EpicFlail Flails and other chain weapons]]''': Halfway between a whip and a bludgeon, a big spiked ball on a chain can make for an intimidating weapon. As such, they tend to be wielded by equally intimidating [[TheBrute brutes]] and other scary characters. Many more varieties of chain weapons exist in the east; nunchaku, kusari-gama, multi-sectional staves and the like. These are wielded by showy martial artists demonstrating their prowess, evil martial artists hoping to confuse the nice guy with a scary foreign weapon, or by HighlyVisibleNinja who should know better.
* '''[[ImprobableWeaponUser Strange weapons]]''': If a character is just [[ImprovisedWeapon improvising]] and ordinarily goes unarmed, he's probably the UnluckyEverydude who just got caught in a fight (like most of the characters Jackie Chan plays). If someone regularly goes around with a weapon like this, they're not totally connected to reality -- either TheDitz or the {{Cloudcuckoolander}}. This category may include such sports equipment that does not fall under ''Staves'', above, such as baseballs, hockey pucks, and the like.
* '''[[StraightArrow Bows]]''': Characters with composed personalities are archers. This again has roots in Tolkien, where the elves typically were depicted as being able to stay composed even in extreme duress. The Sniper Rifle is the modern day equivalent although Bows can still be seen.
** This does not apply to gimmick archer superheroes who tend to be impulsive as a reflection of their ability to pull dozens of different superpowers out of their backpack at a moment's notice.
* '''[[TheGunslinger Guns]]''': In a setting where guns are rare, they will be mostly the province of TheSmartGuy. In settings where they are more common, they take the place of swords, with the [[CompensatingForSomething largest going to the hero]] and [[RareGuns the most distinctive]] going to the {{Badass}}. In any case, the protagonists are invariably [[ImprobableAimingSkills impossibly good shots]], while the {{Mooks}} [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy suck]].
** '''[[{{Handguns}} Pistols]]''': The trusty pistol is a favorite of [[TheGunslinger Gunslingers]] of all stripes. If the setting is one in which everyone uses firearms, TheHero and the BigBad are the most likely to use these. A BadassLongcoat, of course, will walk around with the katana of pistols, the [[RevolversAreJustBetter revolver (especially the Magnum ones)]].
** '''[[SawedOffShotgun Shotguns]]''': For pure stopping power, there's no better. The BadAss AntiHero, TheDragon, and the ZombieApocalypse survivor will invariably carry around a 12-gauge (particularly of the sawed-off variety).
** '''[[SniperRifle Rifles]]''': Death from a distance. A favorite of the ColdSniper and other people looking to reach out and score a [[BoomHeadshot head shot]].
** '''[[MoreDakka Automatics]]''': If it's not a war movie, then any sort of automatic weapon will be carried by the {{Mooks}}, due to their ubiquitiness and lack of [[RuleOfCool style]]. The exceptions are Uzis and other sub-machine guns, which may be given to the BadAss (especially if they're [[GunsAkimbo dual-wielded]]), and the...
** '''[[GatlingGood Gatling Gun]]''': A huge minigun is the favorite weapon of TheBigGuy, as well as some particularly intimidating [[TheDragon Dragons]].
** '''[[{{BFG}} Explosives and other Big Weapons]]''': Any sort of oversized gun, including rocket and grenade launchers, may find similar use in the hands of TheBigGuy.
** '''[[KillItWithFire Flamethrowers]]''': Are a favourite of [[PyroManiac lunatics]].
* '''[[SinisterScythe Scythes]]''': Especially for villains and goths despite being very [[AwesomeButImpractical impractical to actually fight with]]. Associated with [[TheGrimReaper death]]. It should be noted that a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_scythe scythes can be made into an effective weapon]] by reattaching the blade so it extends upright from the pole. Alternatively the Chinese had a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagger-axe workable version]] even before that. These more effective designs are rarely seen in fiction. Oddly enough, rarely if ever used by farmers, who prefer...
* '''[[TorchesAndPitchforks Pitchforks]]''': The official weapon of the unruly mob, this is normally used by a farmer or small-town folk defending his home. Shotguns and hunting rifles can also fill this niche in a modern setting.
* '''[[BladeOnAStick Polearms]]''': Usually, a polearm - such as a poleaxe, spear, halberd, or any other weapon that's a long stick with something sharp and metal on one end - is the province of hapless {{Mooks}}: city guardsman, honor guard, SpearCarrier and so on. Anyone who needs something long to cross over a portal to prevent someone from entering will use a polearm. When not in the hands of mooks, they are the weapon of choice for calm collected individuals. Occasionally an RPG will have a powerful weapon that happens to be a halberd (probably the best polearm design ever conceived, as it can stab, slash, thump, and ''trip'') or spear (as it has all sorts of cool connotations of being "ancient"), but you're damned if you're gonna find ''any'' ancestral bec-de-corbins in any medieval-flavored fantasy novel ''anywhere''.
** See [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0136.html here]] for a lovely little summary of medieval polearms, straight from the weapon tables in the first edition of AD&D. That, and the obligatory ''MontyPython'' joke.
*** [[http://www.irregularwebcomic.net/543.html Here]] as well.
** One particular Japanese polearm, the naginata, is often found in the hands of a [[FarEast Far Eastern]] {{Lady of War}}. This has [[TruthInTelevision historical precedent]], as women of the nobility and samurai caste in medieval Japan were typically trained to use the naginata for defense of themselves and their households.
*** Also has been seen in the hands of late 19th/Early 20th century school girls again with [[TruthInTelevision historical precedent]] it was required learning for girls in the Meiji era and encouraged/required up until World War II. Naginatadou is still considered a woman's sport by some.
* '''[[ProngsOfPoseidon Trident]]''': The weapon of sea gods like Poseidon, Proteus and Nereus and merpeople is now the weapon of anyone associated with the sea or water. Not entirely contrived, as the trident was originally a fishing spear, hence its pairing with a fishing net in the hands of a ''retiarius'' (a type of Roman Gladiator).
* '''[[AnchorsAway Anchors]]''': A favored weapon for sailors and pirates. These come in two flavors: either swung from a chain, or used as a heavy bludgeoning weapon with a cool shape.
* '''[[WhipItGood Whips]]''': Whips tend to be found in the hands of cowboys, swashbuckling characters, certain [[{{Castlevania}} vampire slayers]], [[IndianaJones archaeologists]], female villains with a thing for [[{{Stripperiffic}} tight leather]] and a dominatrix streak, brutal slave drivers, [[TortureTechnician torturers]], and [[{{AceAttorney}} Prosecutors]]
* '''Curved Weapons''': Hooks, sickles and other such things tend to belong to [[PsychoForHire psychos for hire]] and similar characters. The same is true for weapons that are notably serrated.
* '''[[KnifeNut Knives]]''': Ninjas and assassins go for the lightest and smallest tools. Even most AxCrazy characters prefer using knives -- though their knives will usually be broader and longer, such as chef knives or machetes. A knife wielder is usually [[TheCombatPragmatist swift, fierce and pragmatic, going for a quick kill instead of a lenghty battle.]] If a character specializes in throwing knives, he's probably either very flashy (a la the circus knife thrower) or extremely subtle, with weapons hidden all over his body.
* '''[[ChainsawGood Chainsaws]]''': Chainsaws are a very intimidating weapon usually only wielded by those who are ''truly'' AxCrazy. But certain heroes have also made use of them, particularly those who fight zombies, demons and other nasties.
* '''{{Magic Wand}}s''' -- Not so much a weapon for "beating them over the head" but rather "blow them up with a bigger fireball." More of a favorite with wizards, witches and such than staves, but they often combine them for the best of both worlds. Not necessarily always a wand, this covers any object used for spellcasting.
* '''[[BatterUp Baseball Bats]]'''/'''Lead Pipes''' -- The preferred weapons of street fighters and urban brawlers from [[{{Gangsterland}} bad neighborhoods]], especially in the US. (Cricket bats may also be used, but this is more likely to be played for laughs or be [[NerfArm ineffectual]], unless of course the setting is the UK or Australia). Is often something of a throwback to the image of a big angry guy with a club coming towards you. Also tends to be the weapon of choice when someone is caught in a surprise emergency and has to grab the closest thing to them they can use as a weapon. Thus it can suggest either brutal, simple, unsophisticated violence or the desperation of someone clutching one in a time of crises.
* '''[[BratsWithSlingshots Slingshots]]''': Seen as a kid's toy (and for good reason, since slingshots are generally weak and difficult to aim, making them impractical for battle), these are generally in the hands of a mischievous child who wants to annoy rather than harm. If used by adults, it's because they're either improvising or something of an oddball.
* '''[[ImpossiblyCoolWeapon Fundamentally Absurd Weapon]]s''': Often a game will have a weapon that makes the aforementioned scythes look simple and logical. These objects almost always appeal to the {{Rule of Cool}}, and are ridiculously overpowered. [[InfinityPlusOneSword Napalm Chainsaw-Nunchuck-Missile-shooting Double Gunswords]], anyone?
* '''[[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe Shields]]''': Surprisingly rare for major fictional characters. Usually meant to be used alongside another one-handed weapon (such as the good ol' sword and board), but many characters will use ''only'' a shield, usually as a TechnicalPacifist or [[PersonalityPowers matching their personality]] as either defensive and fragile, or protective of others. Or simply as an [[ImprobableWeaponUser Improbable Weapon]]. Shields are almost always near-indestructible, magical or made of {{Unobtainium}}.

Of course, any ''true'' Troper's Weapon of Choice would have to be a [[{{BFG}} Big Freakin']] [[GatlingGood Gatling]] [[SawedOffShotgun Shotgun]] that can be [[DualWielding Dual Wielded]] with a [[BifurcatedWeapon Detachable]] [[ChainsawGood Chain-Bladed]] [[LaserBlade Laser]] [[KatanasAreJustBetter Katana]]. Anything else just pales in comparison, save for the [[TengenToppaGurrenLagann Giga Drill Breaker]]. For non-weapon examples, see TellMeHowYouFight.

----
[[foldercontrol]]

!!Examples

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' has this with each of the main characters having a specific 'device'.
** Nanoha has her magic staff, Raising Heart.
** Fate and her scythe/bardiche/bfs, named Bardiche.
* Haruko Haruhara of ''{{FLCL}}'' uses an unusual item as a club: a midnight blue, left-handed Rickenbacker bass guitar model 4001S with a pull-start engine.
* ''{{Bleach}}'' is full of both this and PersonalityPowers. ''Every single weapon'' used in the series is supposed to be a reflection of the owner's personality. Granted, this doesn't follow the normal guidelines at all, but it's still there.
* ''MadanSenkiRyukendo'' shows this trope in both showing the Madan Warrior's personalities through the weapons, and by giving [[NonHumanSidekick the weapons themselves personalities]]. Kenji/Ryukendo, the title IdiotHero, uses a sword. The sword itself, GekiRyuKen is equally heroic, but a Trickster Mentor. Fudou/Ryugunou and his blaster, [=GouRyuGun=], calculate their strategies, making Fudou the intelligent balance to Kenji's {{Determinator}}. Koichi/Ryujinou is an interesting case. His [=ZanRyuJin=] becomes an axe and a bow. Koichi himself is powerful and dangerous, but does know how to fight controlled. [=ZanRyuJin=] itself is a wiseguy, only on good terms with his partner.
* In ''Yoroiden Samurai Troopers'', (''RoninWarriors'' in US), this trope partially applies to the heroes. The main hero has dual wield katanas that also connect into a single double-sided sword, TheSmartGuy is an archer, and the one whose powers come from water has a trident. The other two of the FiveManBand are anomalies: the weapon of the quiet, mature Sage is a huge greatsword, while big eating, hot tempered BigGuy Kento uses a sectioned staff.
* ''UruseiYatsura'': Shinobu the super-strong lesser {{yandere}} is known for her use of heavy school desks as bludgeons and projectile weapons. Even in environments where there are no school desks such as Mendou's yard.
* ''{{Tsukihime}}'''s protagonist Tohno Shiki only ever uses his knife, which has the symbols for '7 Nights' carved into it ([[spoiler:the actual meaning of the characters is 'Nanaya,' it is an heirloom from his true family of demon-slaying assassins that was passed down to him.]]).
* In the ''{{Mai-HiME}}''/''{{Mai-Otome}}'' universe, this is quite evident on the elements used by the main characters. The stoic loner Natsuki uses pistols or other guns, elegant Shizuru uses a naginata or a similar polearm, somewhat crazy Nao uses claws or wires, the {{Determinator}} Haruka uses a mace or a ball and chain if she has an element of her own but the original lead Mai has odd bangles/anklets with magatama beads. This is solved in the sequel where new lead Arika has a double-bladed sword.
* The Servants of ''[[FateStayNight Fate/Stay Night]]'' generally use the weapons according to their Class (Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, Berserker) but there are occasional exceptions; Rider generally fights without her mount, only revealing it as an EleventhHourSuperpower. Archer uses twin dao (Chinese falchions) despite having a literal endless {{Field of Blades}} at his disposal.
** It might be argued that they are symbolic of his deep inner conflict over (and bitter acceptance of) the gap between ideal and reality, though...
** Archer says flat out that he isn't one. He just happens to be good at it.
* Many late 1980s Anime involving female juvenile delinquents equipped them with toys as weapons. Notable examples include:
** ''SukebanDeka'' -- a yo-yo used to very deadly effect
** ''KimagureOrangeRoad'' -- TallDarkAndBishoujo Madoka used guitar picks as shuriken. A rival used a cup-and-ball game as a flail.
** ''PrincessNine'' -- Second Baseman Seira used thrown pool balls as her weapon of choice.
* The characters in ''SoulEater'' fight in partners, one as a weapon and one as a wielder. Maka uses a scythe, Kid uses two pistols, and Black*Star usually uses either a [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]] or a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama kusarigama]].
*Roronoa Zoro from {{One Piece}} always uses 3 katana, Usopp has his slingshot and Nami her Clima Tact.
* When push comes to shove, the ''[[HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi Higurashi]]'' gang almost always uses their iconic weapons. Keiichi has his (Satoshi's?) [[BatterUp metal bat]], Shion has a [[StunGuns taser]], Rika uses a [[ImprobableWeaponUser broom]], Satoko relies on her traps, and of course [[AxCrazy Cleaver Girl]]
** What's Mion's signature weapon? A hammer and nails?
*** In fact, Mion [[spoiler: never uses those. That was Shion and Mion]] generally uses hand to hand combat when push comes to shove. Oh, and she has a water (or airsoft) gun.
[[/folder]]


[[folder:Comics]]
* Subverted in Greg Rucka's ''Queen And Country''. Secret agent Tara Chace is issued a gun for a mission; her contact comments, "Your file says you're a P99 girl," to which she replies, "I'm more of a stay-at-home-and-fancy-a-cuppa girl." As the series handles guns and gunplay very realistically, weapons are rarely issued, and when they are, it's usually a sign that Something Bad will happen.
* ''TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'':
** Leonardo, the heroic leader, uses swords (ninjato, to be specific).
*** Although he [[DidNotDoTheResearch generally refers to them]] [[EveryJapaneseSwordIsAKatana as katana]].
** Raphael, the pragmatic [[TheLancer Loose Cannon]] who's just a little bit crazy at times, uses knives (sais).
** Donatello, the intellectual, uses a (bo) staff.
** And Michaelangelo, being the cool party guy, uses the coolest ninja weapon of the '80s: nunchaku.
*** The supporting cast gives another example: Casey Jones, the {{Badass}} street-fighting vigilante armed with a variety of sports equipment: baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks... he even produced a cricket bat in the movie, prompting Raphael to mock him.
---->'''Raphael:''' ''Cricket?'' Nobody understands cricket! You gotta know what a ''crumpet'' is to understand cricket!\\
'''Casey:''' 'I'll teach you! *wham* See? Six runs.'
* ''When CaptainAmerica throws his [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe mighty shield]], all those who chose to oppose the shield must yield!''
** Meanwhile [[TheMightyThor Thor]], his [[TheAvengers fellow Avenger]], sticks true to his mythological roots and wields Mjolnir, his [[DropTheHammer hammer of thunder]].
* The GreenLanternRing.
* [[{{Batman}} And Batarangs]].
** [[{{Sidekick}} Robin]] has been known to use a staff, and at one point [[DuelWielding two sticks]] in the Escrima martial arts style.
* Hawkeye, who may or may not be [[MarvelComics Marvel's]] expy of [[TheDCU Green Arrow]], is likewise a hotshot archer whose real weapon isn't the bow so much as the bag of tricks he fires from it. He's shown to have the same accuracy hand-throwing his arsenal of arrowheads or firing them from improvised launchers.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Works]]
* Taken to extreme lengths in the ''BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' fic, ''[[http://parrot.moments-lost.org/earchive/viewstory.php?sid=3370 I Am What I Am]]''. Prior to the climactic battle, Xander forges custom magic weapons for every member of the group except Willow (at her request). Each weapon's name, type, and special powers are explicitly designed to complement their personality and fighting style, particularly because the weapons' powers will only function for their intended wielder.
** Buffy gets a short sword named "Companion" that enhances her secondary Slayer powers (prophetic dreams, sensing vampires, etc.), and provides a mental link to Faith.
** The free-spirited Faith gets a pair of tomahawks -- "Tommy" and "Tammy" -- that come back to her when thrown, and provide a mental link to Buffy.
** Cordelia gets a greatsword named "Subtlety" that grants her minor healing powers, doubles as a lie detector, and is actually very light when in her hands.
** The straitlaced Kendra gets a katana named "Honor's Grace" that allows her to stop time for a few seconds every time she draws it.
** Angel gets a short sword, "Solitude", similar to Buffy's that can burst into flame, and will burn him up if he loses his soul.
** Giles receives a rapier, "Wisdom" that enhances his casting abilities.
** The ''[[DungeonsAndDragons D&D]]''-loving, spellcasting Jonathan gets a staff, "Backbone", that enhances his spells and can heal others.
** Jenny gets a pair of daggers -- "Twilight" and "Dusk" -- that enable her to turn invisible.
** Oz's weapon was originally a bastard sword named "Cool Sword" with frost powers. However, it spontaneously transformed into a pair of [[XMen Wolverine]]-esque claws that gave him some measure of control over his werewolf.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films]]
* Um... [[NightmareOnElmStreet Freddy Krueger's glove, with knives for fingers]]. It's [[BetterThanItSounds scarier than it sounds]].
* JamesBond and his Walther PPK have gone gun-in-hand ever since ''DrNo'', when it replaced his Beretta 418. Although it got swapped in ''TomorrowNeverDies'' for the P99, it seems to be making a comeback in ''QuantumOfSolace''.
** Also, he used a Walther P5 in ''{{Octopussy}}'', but nothing was made of that.
*** ProductPlacement. Walther were trying to market the P5 to civilian agencies and asked for it to be used rather than the classic PPK, but the script wasn't changed to reflect the different gun.
** Of course, in ''{{Moonraker}}'' the only time he uses his PPK is for the opening gunbarrel sequence, having swapped it (apparently) for a wrist dart gun.
*** And, in ''{{LiveAndLetDie}}'' he swaps his Walther for a magnum revolver for the final fight.
** Some of Bond's villains have their own weapons. Oddjob used a bowler-hat with a steel brim that behaved like a chakram. Rosa Klebb had knives concealed in the toes of her shoes. Tee Hee Johnson(from LiveAndLetDie) had a metal pincer for a right hand. And of course, Francisco Scaramanga is TheManWithTheGoldenGun
* [[DirtyHarry Harry Callahan]] is famous for using [[RevolversAreJustBetter a .44 Magnum revolver.]] Despite it's reputation, it's not the most powerful handgun in the world (that honor would go to the [[strike:Smith & Wesson Model 500, which shoots .50 caliber bullets]] Pfiefer Zeliska Model 2, which fires .600NE bullets. These bullets are designed to kill a charging elephant in a single shot. NE stands for Nitro Express, which refers to [[strike:the extra chemicals mixed in with the gunpowder, making the powder explode with twice the normal amount of force]] the bullets being considered high velocity compared to their contemporaries a hundred years ago.
* ''[[RepoTheGeneticOpera Repo! The Genetic Opera]]'' has a few. The Henchgirls wield shotguns, Rotti has an elegant antique pistol, Luigi has his very large knife, and the Repo Men have a whole bunch of upsized surgical instruments, including scalpels and bone saws.
* ''[[TwentyEightDaysLater 28 Days Later]]''. Selena has a machete, befitting her badass status, Jim has at first a plastic bag full of cans of soda and later, IIRC, a baseball bat and (on another occasion) a tire iron. The soldiers have rifles.
* No mention of IndianaJones and his whip?
* Or a Jedi's (or Sith's) Lightsaber?
** These are subdivided further by [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience color of the focusing crystal]].
*** Blue are for Guardian Jedi, who actively hunt down evil.
*** Green are for Consular Jedi, who prefer to teach, heal, or make peace.
*** Red are for Sith, who are evil.
*** And Purple for SAMUEL L. JACKSON!
* [[{{Equilibrium}} Grammaton Clerics]] use a modified Beretta 92F in the course of their duties, the barrels producing a cross-shaped muzzle flash when fired.
** The shotgun-like weapon used by some guards is likewise a modified Walther WA2000, which is odd since the weapon's a sniper rifle.
* RobinHood and his bow.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]
* CSLewis's ''[[{{Narnia}} The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe]]'':
** Peter, leader by virtue of being [[PromotionToParent the first-born]] and therefore TheHero, is given a sword.
** Susan, the mature, no-nonsense type, is given a bow and arrows.
** Lucy, the youngest and not yet old enough to fight, is entrusted with the universal MagicAntidote and given a small dagger -- just in case.
** Edmund wasn't there at the time, so he didn't get a present from Santa -- which is a pretty good point to remember. A musical stage version gives Edmund a mace.
*** The films show Edmumd as very much TheCombatPragmatist Where he steal a Telmarine crossbow and proceeds to kick all kinds of ass.
* ''TheDarkTower'': Badass Roland uses a pair of finely-wrought six-shooters, passed down from father to son for generations and said to have been made from the melted-down metal of [[KingArthur Excalibur]].
** In the back story, Roland's constantly joking best friend Cuthbert preferred a slingshot to a gun. Jamie used a bow and arrow, though he only appeared in one scene in the entire series and didn't really do anything. In a possible subversion, the quiet, intelligent, and psychic Alain got to use a machine gun at one point, and enjoyed it very much.
* ''TheWheelOfTime'':
** [[BecauseDestinySaysSo Hero]] Rand uses a crystal sword that conveniently jacks up his magic powers to an insane degree -- [[spoiler: sometimes literally]], for which reason he generally prefers more modest swords made from unbreakable steel or summoned fire.
*** While Rand does use a sword throughout the series, he never uses the crystal sword Callandor in physical combat, instead keeping it surrounded by wards in the Stone of Tear when he isn't using it for wielding the Power. For the stabbity, he uses his father's sword, and later, [[spoiler: after it is destroyed, he uses the sword that had belonged to the king of Cairhien.]] When he's caught unarmed, he generates a FlamingSword with the Power. He does use a smaller angreal to increase his power, rather than Callandor. Callandor lacks any safeguards against the taint of the One Power, which made is dangerous to use [[spoiler: before the cleansing of the One Power]] (the taint would be magnified as the power was).
*** Callandor also lacks safeguards against drawing too much of the One Power. An overly ambitious feat [[DeadlyUpgrade risks killing yourself and anyone nearby]].
** Mat started off with a bow as his Weapon Of Choice. This lasted for about half of the first book, before he switched to using a [[ArtifactOfDoom cursed dagger]] until [[spoiler: it gets stolen at the beginning of book 2]]. He uses a staff for book three, then uses knives for book 4, and ''then'' switches to the naginata for the rest of the series (though he does still get plenty of mileage out of those knives...). He also aquires a good Two Rivers bow stave from an unsuspecting quarter staff salesman who didn't realise the quality of the wood or its purpose. He, like Perrin and Rand, also has skill with a bow and sling. All but Rand use their bows when the situation is best suited for it. Mat avoids combat the best he can, but is always drawn to it by fate which gives him a reputation of a great general (which he is) and unstopable in battle, but that was not his choice.
** [[TheBigGuy Former blacksmith Perrin]] uses a somewhat symbolic axe and hammer, [[spoiler: eventually abandoning the former so as to use a tool from his more innocent past to kill people in more disfiguring ways]]. He also, like almost all Two Rivers males, is a good shot with a longbow. His skill impresses almost everyone except other Two Rivers bowmen.
* ''Kull the Conqueror'': Proud barbarian warrior Kull uses a battle axe as his main weapon. After he becomes king, his advisors make several attempts to civilize him, including training him in swordsmanship. He never quite takes to it, and goes back to his axe, showing he's truly a barbarian at heart.
* L. Ron Hubbard's ''Mission Earth'' series had the protagonist Jettero Heller (distinct from the antagonist narrator, Soltan Gris). Mr. Heller was a champion "bullet-ball" player back home, and discovered that he could throw Earth "base-balls" with up to lethal speed. He also discovered that baseball cleats make for a deadly surprise against opponents, since no one in these parts expects a cleat-wearer to kick with them.
** ... proving that L. Ron either never played baseball as a kid, or managed to grow up around the damndest well-behaved kids in the country.
* In ''TheDresdenFiles'', Thomas the White Court vampire has begun to use kukris (curved knives used by gurkhas) as his signature weapons.
* [[CompleteMonster Alex]] from AClockworkOrange uses his cut-throat razor.
* In ''ThePhantomOfTheOpera'', the title character's WeaponOfChoice is the Punjab lasso that he uses to strangle people.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* ''TheMysticKnightsOfTirNaNog'':
** Rohan, TheHero, uses a sword.
** Deirdre, TheChick, uses a crossbow.
** Ivar, the Knight of Water, uses a trident.
** Garrett, the SixthRanger with serious ego issues, uses an ax.
** Angus, the Knight of Earth, uses a mace, probably just because it's round, and they had to show boulders shooting out of it.
* ''Mighty Morphin PowerRangers'': In the original lineup, Jason the Red Ranger (TheHero) used a sword, Zack the Black Ranger (TheLancer) used an axe, Trini the Yellow Ranger (ActionGirl) used twin daggers, Billy the Blue Ranger (TheSmartGuy) used a trident, and Kimberly the Pink Ranger (TheChick) used a bow. When Tommy the Green Ranger first appeared, he also used a sword, but he changed to a dagger that could summon his [[HumongousMecha Dragonzord]] after his HeelFaceTurn. All of them had blasters as backup.
* ''{{Firefly}}'' follows the trope with Western-inspired (of course) weapons. Mal has a gun based on a six-shooter; Zoe carries a custom 1892 Winchester rifle (and, unusually, a bulletproof vest). Jayne, the other badass, has an assortment but favours an assault rifle and a BIG knife. Inara, the mysterious woman, uses a futuristic bow (she also holds a stolen laser pistol, but it doesn't work). Shepherd Book, with his mysterious past, seems content with rifles--he's a TechnicalPacifist from his faith (although the Bible, while specific on ''killing'', is 'a mite fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps.') River, the MysteriousWaif, is pretty much a blender [[ImprovisedWeapon with anything.]] [[WaifFu And with nothing.]] The rest of the crew make do with pistols and shotguns of varying accuracy. Though notably Wash uses a Mateba auto-revolver which considering their scarcity and quirky design fits his character quite well. [[spoiler: When he dies this is the gun that River uses; as she is then shown piloting Serenity at the very end of the film one can't help but wonder if it's a little WhatDoYouMeanItsNotSymbolic.]]
* ''BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' subverts the trope: weapons are chosen strictly based on what will work against the MonsterOfTheWeek. Buffy carries a stake because vampires are the most common enemy she fights. She also makes heavy use of her fists, crossbows, and [[ImprovisedWeapon anything in reach]].
* ''{{Angel}}'' follows this trope more closely, particularly with [[TheSmartGuy smart guy]] Wesley in the [[TookALevelInBadass later seasons]]. While the other characters stick with more traditional fantasy weapons like axes and swords, he starts bringing along shotguns, dual pistols and a healthy dose of GunFu. Unfortunately, it [[ImmuneToBullets doesn't often help]].
** Gunn also carries his Hubcap-Axe until season 5.
* Xena of course has her chakram (a weapon originally associated with the Sikhs). In Season 5, she swapped her older chakram for a new model that resembled a [[UsefulNotes/Taoism yin-yang]], and could split into two hand-held bladed weapons.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* ''{{Warhammer 40000}}'':
** Eldar favour advanced laser weaponry and blade-firing "shuriken catapults", along with long swords.
*** Dark eldar have the same but firing [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotAwesome antimatter instead of laser]].
** The standard weapon of the [[SuperSoldier Space Marines]] is a fully-automatic-armour-piercing-rocket-propelled-grenade-launcher. Their ''heavy'' weapons are quite varied. For close combat, theres the good old fashioned [[ChainsawGood chainsword]].
** Daemonhunters (the "Ordo Malleus") like [[DropTheHammer really big force hammers]].
** Orks don't usually have a preferred weapon of choice; rather, they prefer to ensure whatever they're carrying has either [[{{BFS}} "more choppy"]] or [[MoreDakka "more dakka."]] Or both.
** The Tau are in love with their plasma guns, as well as railguns and guided missiles.
** The humble Imperial Guardsman typically carries a simple, durable, and (for the setting) low-powered lasgun. However, the sheer variety of weapons available to the Imperial guard also means that any given squad can have everything from grenade launchers to bipod-mounted autocannons to handheld anti-tank fusion cannons.
** The Necrons have a distinct preference for green lightning that can punch through even heavy armor, but a few enjoy skinning you with their claws, then wearing your skin.
** The Witch Hunters KillItWithFire.
** The Tyranids prefer to jump on your face and eat you.
* ''[[DungeonsAndDragons Dungeons & Dragons]]'' 3rd edition's feats allow players to specialise in particular weapons to a greater or lesser degree. This is usually done by Fighters, since their bonus feats are more or less designed for it.
** There is also the Weapon Master {{prestige class}}, which requires the character to choose one type of weapon to focus on before they can take the class.
** And 4th Edition's Fighters take this further, in addition to choosing feats to specialize in a given weapon, also have powers that lend themselves to different weapons. You can be an axe fighter, a sword-and-board fighter, a polearm fighter or various others, depending on the build you choose for your character.
* The Weapon Master advantage in ''{{GURPS}}'' lets the character use a particular weapon or class of weapons well beyond what a normal human can even attempt.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
* The [[AxCrazy Tall Man]] of ChzoMythos uses a giant metal spike with four extremely wide scythe-like blades installed on one of the ends. His preferred method of killing is ramming the bottom of the spike through the very top of the victim's skull. {{Squick}} indeed.
* ''{{Metal Gear Solid}} 3'' has main protagonist "Naked Snake" utilizing his trusty M1911/Knife combo, Ocelot's beginnings and shaping of his trademark revolvers, The Joy's badass accessory the Patriot, which is just an [[HeyIKnowThatGun XM16E1]] with the butt sawed off, and the barrel shortened, and attached with an infinite drum barrel magazine, Eva using the Mauser+ traditional shooting styles (Bandit shooting), The Fear's Crossbow, The Pain's Killer Bees, The End's Mosin Nagant (Customized for tranq rounds), The Fury's Flamesuit/jet pack, and Volgin's use of his power to fire bullets.
** Don't forget that Solid Snake's preferred weapon is a [[CoolGun SOCOM]] (a Heckler & Koch Mark 23 Mod 0 to be precise), and he passes his gun preference onto Raiden. Admittedly, it is an extremely good weapon and very likely someone ex-military would have.
*** ThisTroper also find the 1991/Knife combo and the SOCOM to be the most effiecnt guns in the games...
*** Raiden would later trade the SOCOM for a [[KatanasAreJustBetter High-Frequency Blade]] - probably better to highlight his more {{Bishounen}} qualities, and a way to start symbolically him from Snake (who admits that he's "no fan of blades").
**** Actually he still keeps a SOCOM in the holster on his right leg.
*** Vulcan Raven had the Mini-gun he ripped from a down F-16 to show he's an effin' giant.
*** 'Sniper' Wolf, anybody know what she uses?
* ''DynastyWarriors''. Simple one-handed swords are generally popular with the leaders of major factions and calm individuals while large polearms are fairly common with the more tough but not necessarily nuts enforcers. Women tend to get weapons that most men wouldn't dare carry. Lu Bu, the game's most feared character, tended to wield a halberd as if it were a one-handed sword. Dynasty Warriors 6 however changed things up a bit, as before that everyone had more or less always used the same weapon.
* The ''SoulCalibur'' series. Some are rather strange (see Necrid's fragment of a alternate universe).
* ''{{Earthbound}}'' has a variation where Ness, the hero, uses a baseball bat (which could be [[JustifiedTrope excused]] by his wearing a baseball cap) or a KillerYoyo. However, Paula, the StaffChick, wields a frying pan, Jeff, the smart guy, uses guns, and Poo, the martial artist, uses either nothing or a sword.
** They can also all use Slingshots, but that's generally not a good idea. Poo in particular is weakened by equipping them.
* ''ChronoTrigger'' has this as well. The hero, Crono, has his trusty katana (and starts, like all good swordsmen, with a bokken/wooden sword). Marle, instead of a staff, finds herself with a crossbow. Lucca, the mad genius, gets the guns of the game. The knightly Frog takes to Western weapons (oddly, the game's Masamune is this style and not a katana). Ayla, the primitive woman, gets her bare fists (cutscenes show her with a club). Robo uses robot parts. Finally, gothic and anti-hero Magus gets..yes, the scythe.
** The Masamune is only called that in the western releases of the game. Its original name (and the one used in the [[http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Retranslation.html retranslation]]) is Grandleon, which makes sense for a European-style broadsword. It was probably translated on the assumption that it had been given a European name for exotic flavour rather than simply because it's that kind of sword, and so the translators chose a name that would [[{{Woolseyism}} preserve this intention]] for the English version.
* Despite having four (or five to six depending on the game) types of melee weapons, ''FireEmblem'' manages to do this; most axe fighters are obsessed with fighting in one way or another (and Keiran in ''Path of Radiance''/''Radiant Dawn'', who takes "Proud Warrior" to an extreme is an Axe Knight), all but four (all but one of whom play second fiddle) of the lead characters use swords, and ALL thieves and assassins in the series use knives (at least in battle sprites). On the flip side only two archers in the series qualify for the listed personality and spear wielding units are just as competent as the other ones. It also subverts this slightly with weapons effective on certain types of foes (such as a large mallet being good on armored units) though.
** Also of note that there are two different classes that wield swords. First is Mercenary/Hero (the sprites in ''The Binding Blade''/''The Sacred Stones'' were broadswords regardless of sword used), the other being Myrmidon/Swordmaster (the sprites here used Eastern-style katanas). Swordmasters also generally get a specialized sword late game called the Wo Dao (which in the later games just is a Katana). Heroes are generally more manly and romantic-male-lead-ish when it comes to looks. While the majority of Swordmasters are females, or males that are [[{{Bishonen}} very pretty]]. The animations for the Swordmaster attacks seem very graceful compared to the straight power of the Hero (graceful is badass). The rapier weapon (appears in ''Shadow Dragons and the Blade of Light'' (as well as its remake, ''Shadow Dragon'')/''Mystery of the Emblem''/''The Binding Blade''/''Fire Emblem''/''The Sacred Stones'') is usable only by the games leading character (who is always royal, giving them a proper societal weapon). The exceptions are Lyndis (''Fire Emblem'') and Ike (''Path of Radiance'' and ''Radiant Dawn''). Lyndis has her own legendary katana, and Ike isn't actual royalty (and all his animations would fit way more with a Broadsword than a rapier).
* ''{{Wild ARMs 3}}'': sunny heroine gets [[GunsAkimbo pistols akimbo]] (with flowery holsters). Wise, composed, always suggests best course of action science guy has the sniper rifle. Impulsive ditz gets the sawed-off shotgun. Badass amnesiac loner gets machine gun and ammo bandoliers.
* The characters in ''Persona3'' openly state the reasons for their specific weapons, whenever it isn't obvious. The Hero can use anything. Junpei uses a two-handed sword that he holds like a baseball bat (which is to say, improperly). Yukari, a member of the Archery Club, uses a bow. Mitsuru, the rich girl, uses an "elegant" one-handed sword. Akihiko, star boxer of the school, uses his fists. Aigis, a RobotGirl, uses attached guns of various types. Koromaru, the team pet, uses a small knife held in his teeth, presumably to avoid actually biting the monsters. Ken, a shorter team member, uses a spear to even the playing field between him and larger enemies. Shinjiro, the dude with issues, uses an axe or mace. In FES, Metis, [[MrExposition Miss Exposition]], also uses an axe, due to its power.
* Although they don't state it outright like in 3, the heroes of ''Persona4'' use weapons that reflect their personality. TheHero uses swords, Kung-Fu loving ActionGirl Chie has leg greaves, YamatoNadeshiko Yukiko uses fans, delinquent Kanji just hits monsters with a heavy blunt object, be it a shield or a school desk, Teddie the 'bear' has claws, and Naoto has a gun since he [[spoiler:or rather, she,]] is a detective. Yosuke's dual knives are the only odd man out, but then again knowing him he might be DualWielding just for RuleOfCool.
* ''DragonQuest'' characters typically have different usable weapons that depend on their fighting style (staffs are pretty much universal among magic-using characters and swords among knights and typically the protagonist as well). An unusual example from the fourth game is Torneko Taloon's use of abacuses (though he can use other weapons, such as swords).
* [[TheLegendOfZelda Link]] generally picks up all kinds of weapons and equipment that he can use to fight his enemies, but his default armament is almost always a sword and shield, both of which get upgraded over the game (usually getting the [[CoolSword Master Sword]] somewhere along the line). His ranged weapons include a bow, boomering and bombs, and he's recently trained with a [[AutomaticCrossbows crossbow...]]
* ''TeamFortress2'' combines with trope with StandardFPSGuns and AnAdventurerIsYou, giving each class weapons that suit their playstyle and character. Each class will eventually be updated to have three alternate weapons.
** [[HuskyRusskie The Heavy]] has [[ICallItVera Sasha]], a [[{{BFG}} huge]] [[GatlingGood minigun]] as his iconic weapon, with a shotgun and [[GoodOldFisticuffs his bare fists]] for backup. His alternate weapons are Natascha, a minigun that slows enemies, the Sandvich which [[HyperactiveMetabolism heals damage]] and the [[FunWithAcronyms Killing Gloves of Boxing]].
** [[FragileSpeedster The Scout]] uses a [[SawnOffShotgun scattergun]], a pistol and a [[BatterUp metal baseball bat]]. His alternate weapons include a double-barrelled shotgun with massive kickback, 'Bonk' energy drink for brief invincibility and a bat used to hit stunning baseballs.
** [[DrillSergeantNasty The Soldier]]'s main weapon is a rocket launcher, which can be used to RocketJump, a shotgun and an entrenching tool. ([[ImprobableWeaponUser a shovel]])
*** Not actually all that improbable. "Sharpened entrenching tools", namely shovels with an edge, were a not-uncommon weapon used by soldiers in both World Wars and, I imagine, others.
** [[PyroManiac The Pyro]] obviously has a [[KillItWithFire flamethrower]], a shotgun and a [[AnAxeToGrind fire axe]], with the alternate weapons being a flamethrower that [[BackStab does more damage from behind]], a flare gun and an axe that does double against burning foes.
** [[GadgeteerGenius The Engineer]] uses a shotgun, pistol and a wrench, though he really contributes the most through his constructions.
** [[MadBomber The Demoman]] uses a grenade launcher, a remotely detonated sticky bomb launcher, and a bottle of rum that breaks on a critical hit.
** TheMedic has a nailgun-like Syringe Gun, the [[HealingShiv Healing Gun]] and a bone saw. The alternate weapons are basically the same with special abilities.
** [[LandDownUnder The Sniper]] has, obviously, a SniperRifle, an Uzi-style machine gun and a [[KnifeNut kukri]]. The alternates are a bow and arrow for the rifle, and either a jar full of piss or a shield that protects against a backstab in place of the machine gun.
** [[MagnificentBastard The Spy]] has a [[RevolversAreJustBetter revolver]], a butterfly knife that does OneHitKill [[BackStab Back Stabs]], and a watch that doubles as a cloaking device. His alternates are a second revolver than can score a headshot (making him the only class other than the sniper that can), and two watches: One will cloak the user and leave behind a fake corpse when you take damage, and another that allows you to stay cloaked indefinitely as long as you stop moving every so often.
* The protagonist of ''AvalonCode'' uses the Book of Prophecy as the core device; all weapons come from within it, from swords and hammers to bombs and guns. There's always the option to fight unarmed if the player so chooses [[spoiler:or during Chapter 6, after you LOSE the book.]]
* In general, the protagonists of any given ''ResidentEvil'' game will start with a knife and pistol and end the game by shooting the boss with a rocket launcher.
* Zero from ''MegaManX'' uses a katana and a wide array of weapons in X8 to demonstrate his PersonOfMassDestruction legacy, and the cocky, sneaky Axl gets a pair of pistols. There are two notable subversions, with the pacifist X being equipped with a powerful buster cannon and a massive array of weapons and armour, and the BigBad Sigma using a sword in many of his boss fights - which makes sense he ''used'' to be a good guy.
** There is also the minor villain Ferham, whose whip fits very well with her [[TheBaroness kinky overtones]].
* All members of ''{{Castlevania}}'''s Belmont family use a whip.
* The Smith Syndicate, also known as the ''{{Killer7}}'':
** Harman, the [[DisabilitySuperpower wheelchair-bound]] old man has a [[SniperRifle high-powered rifle]].
** Garcian, the second-in-command (or so it seems) and 'cleaner' has a silenced pistol.
** Dan, TheLancer and HeroicSociopath has a [[RevolversAreJustBetter revolver]], later upgrading to the [[HandCannon Demon Gun]].
** KAEDE, permanently blood-splattered [[TheChick Chick]] has a [[SniperPistol pistol with a scope]].
** Con, the young, [[BlindSeer blind]] FragileSpeedster has [[GunsAkimbo two rapid-fire pistols]].
** Coyote, the lockpicking rogue and ButtMonkey also has a revolver held GangstaStyle.
** MASK, TheBigGuy, MightyGlacier and [[AuthorAppeal Luchador]], uses [[GunsAkimbo two]] [[{{BFG}} grenade launchers]].
** Kevin, mysterious albino has [[KnifeNut throwing knives]].
* For NoMoreHeroes, Travis Touchdown's weapon of choice is his [[LaserBlade Beam Katana]]. The various bosses he faces have a variety of weapons, most of them [[ImprobableWeaponUser improbable]]:
** Death Metal has his Orange II, which is basically a [[{{BFS}} gigantic straight razor]].
** Dr. Peace, going with his Western theme, has a [[RevolversAreJustBetter golden revolver]].
** Shinobu sticks with an ordinary [[KatanasAreJustBetter Katana]]. But she's good with it. [[ThatOneBoss Really good.]]
** Destroyman has {{Power Fist}}s and... a ''[[FrickinLaserBeams laser codpiece]]''.
** Holly has grenades, [[MacrossMissileMassacre missiles launched from her artificial leg]], and a shovel, for both digging traps and whacking Travis.
** Letz Shake has an earthquake maker powered by a BrainInAJar. [[spoiler:Not that it does him much good.]]
** Harvey Volodarskii has a variety of magic tricks and wields [[DualWielding a pair of]] weapons that look like those long, thin lollipops.
** Speed Buster has a shopping cart that turns into a WaveMotionGun.
** Bad Girl has a [[BatterUp baseball bat]] and [[GrievousHarmWithABody throws gimps at you]].
** Dark Star has a [[BuffySpeak dragon beam katana thing]].
** [[spoiler:Jeane]] uses her [[BareFistedMonk bare fists]].
** [[spoiler:Henry]] also wields a [[LaserBlade Beam Katana]], which seems to be more of a claymore than a katana in general design.
* ''Sakura Wars'' Each one of the girls (and the main character) has their own weapon, and Mecham ColorCodedForYourConvenience.
** All the members of the Anti-Demon Squad that sealed away the evil before you used [[KatanasAreJustBetter Japanese swords]].
*** Oogami, the main protagonist [[DualWielding Dual Wields]] [[KatanasAreJustBetter Japanese swords]].
*** Sakura, the GirlNextDoor, uses a [[KatanasAreJustBetter Katana]].
*** Sumire, the {{Tsundere}} rich girl, is skilled in her family's Naginata school.
*** Maria, the Russian Revolutionary/ex-New York Mobster, carries a [[RevolversAreJustBetter 6 shot pistol]].
*** Kohran, the inventor, uses missiles and mini-attack robots.
*** Kanna the GentleGiant, uses karate.
*** Iris, the Mascot, uses telekenitic powers.
*** Orihime, the [[ButNotTooForeign half-Japanese/half-Italian]] aristocrat, uses homing lasers.
*** Reni, the [[WWIIMadeJapanAndGermanyJoinedAtTheHip German wünderkinden]] uses a lance.
** The theme continues to the Paris team.
*** Erica the [[NunsAreMikos nun]] GirlNextDoor uses an antique machine gun.
*** Lobelia, the LoveableRogue, controls flame but her mecha has bladed gauntlets.
*** Hanabi, the widowed YamatoNadeshiko is [[StraightArrow an archer]].
*** Glycine is a noble who, oddly enough, has a [[BladeOnAStick halberd]].
*** Coqulicot uses a magic wand (as in stage magic)
** And finally the New York Team:
*** Oogami's nephew and new player character, Taiga Shinjirou, [[DualWielding dual wields]] like his uncle.
*** RetiredBadass Ratchet pulls out her [[KnifeNut throwing knives]] when the occasion calls.
*** Gemini, a [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot samurai cowgirl]], wields a [[KatanasAreJustBetter Katana]] and carries a pistol on her hip (but it's for display only).
*** Sagitta Weinberg uses a chain.
*** Subaru uses [[ImprobableWeaponUser Japanese war fans]].
*** Diana, the FriendToAllLivingThings ues robot birds.
*** Rika has two pistols.
* Mobius One from ''AceCombat'' is identified mainly with the F-22A Raptor, which is odd as said plane only is available in the penultimate mission of ''Shattered Skies'', not enough time to establish it as his signature plane. There are other pilots who use exclusively one plane type, like Pixy's F-15C or PJ's F-16C.
* While most games in the series have weapons mostly interchangable, in FinalFantasyX, each character uses a specific type of weapon(some of them kind of odd choices). Tidus, TheHero, uses swords, Auron, TheObiwan, uses katana-ish weapons, Wakka, TheJerkass(for most of the game, anyway), uses Blitz Balls, kind of like a dodgeball that returns to its wielder when thrown, Lulu, the BlackMagicianGirl(not to mention MsFanservice), uses killer dolls, Rikku, TheThief, uses knives/knuckles(kind of both, actually), Yuna, TheHeroine, uses a staff, and Kimahri, TheStoic, uses a spear.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* ''ExterminatusNow'' has each characters' WeaponOfChoice on the surprisingly-still-relevant cast page.
** Eastwood: "A Vladston & Norvstock .44 Magnum [[RevolversAreJustBetter revolver]], with cylinder customised to feature seven chambers rather than the standard six." Yeah, he thinks he's Dirty Harry.
** Virus: "Bouchard Industries 9mm semiautomatic pistol, hollow point rounds filled with silver nitrate solution." He's the least trigger-happy with it.
** Lothar: "80mm plasma blaster, 3000 RPM circular saw, both incorporated into the bionic arm." [[AxCrazy Both used with enthusiasm.]]
** Rogue: "A [[LaserBlade beam sword]] with blue colouration." What, no fancy description?
* Being based on ''Dungeons & Dragons'', ''{{The Order of the Stick}}'' has each character wield an appropriate weapon for their class.
** Roy the Fighter uses a [[{{BFS}} Greatsword]], though he has used a greatclub for a time after his sword was broken.
** Haley the Rogue uses a longbow.
** Durkon the Cleric, being a [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame dwarf]], of course uses a small hammer, along with a [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shield]].
** Belkar the Ranger (and later Barbarian too) uses [[DualWielding a pair]] of [[KnifeNut daggers]].
** Vaarsivus the Wizard doesn't use a weapon, [[SquishyWizard being pathetic in melee]], instead using magic to fight.
*** In the board game, Vaarsivus has a staff, but in the flavor text comments "I do not recall this prop ever appearing in the comic."
*** In the comic itself, the "Explosive Runes" are his signature spell and a RunningGag.
** Elan the [[SpoonyBard Bard]] uses a rapier.
*** Rich Burlew, the author, may have a fondness for this trope. There's a self-created class on the site based entirely around empowering a specific WeaponOfChoice with powers that greatly surpass the abilities of the character itself.
* In ''{{Homestuck}}'', each of the main characters can allocate their STRIFE SPECIBUS, essentially selecting the type of weapon they can use.
** John Egbert, a computer geek and aspiring magician, uses the [[DroptheHammer Hammerkind Abstractus]]. He hasn't been [[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=001990 very]] [[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=002293 effective]] yet.
** Rose Lalonde, a [[DeadpanSnarker sarcastic]] writer, uses Needlekind. (The knitting kind, not the [[AfraidofNeedles hypodermic kind.]]))
** Dave Strider, a {{Badass}} rapper and sword collector, uses Bladekind, using the swords from his room.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]
* The main characters in Team Kimba at the SuperHeroSchool Whateley Academy in the ''WhateleyUniverse'' largely fit this trope.
** Chaka, the cool martial arts expert who controls Ki, has become an amazing chain fighter (and show-off with it).
** Bladedancer, the Handmaiden of The Tao, has a mystical ancient Chinese sword.
** Fey, the powerful mage, has been given a magical scimitar.
** Generator, the tiny pseudo-deviser, has a linear induction pistol and what looks like a HelloKitty makeup compact. (It really, really isn't.)
** Tennyo has an antimatter light-saber-like "sword" that she generates herself.
** Lancer, the brick, sometimes carries a baseball bat: he has learned to extend his PK field over the bat, basically making it ''indestructible''. He also has a pair of paper swords: when he extends his PK field over them, they become WAY more dangerous than an unbreakable bat wielded by a superboy-type brick.
* ''RubyQuest''; One of the fanarts featured Ace with some sort of MacGyver'd cane/hook/spear thing, which actually made it into the game. The main characters have weapons of choice themselves: Ruby has a [[IncrediblyLamePun mean left hook]], while Tom prefers a crowbar, which was later swapped for a [[ImprovisedWeapon BLUDGEONY CANESHOVEL]].
* Even with the contents of their [[WallofWeapons Armory]] available to them, ''TheLonelyWinds'' tend to stick heavily to their own preferred weapons: Will using [[GunsAkimbo dual pistols,]] Jake with either paired sub-machineguns or his [[PoweredArmor armored exoskeleton,]] Marc a shotgun and a length of pipe, Hawk an assault rifle, and so on.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''AvatarTheLastAirbender'':
** Aang, the twelve-year-old peace loving monk, has his trademark staff/glider.
** Zuko, both the noble {{Determinator}} and selfish, troubled AntiVillain, gets not one but two broadswords, indicative of his two sides.
** Sokka, TheSmartGuy, has a PrecisionGuidedBoomerang (indicating he's odd, but effective).
** The creators have also admitted that they got the idea for giving the EmoTeen Mai a [[BottomlessMagazines Bottomless Magazine]] of stillettos by picturing her sulking in her room, throwing things at the walls in boredom.
** Jet had hook swords, which in retrospect may well have been a hint towards the whole WellIntentionedExtremist role and Zuko's WorthyOpponent.
*** To illustrate their CharacterDevelopment, some characters have come to lose their weapons. For example, early on, when he was just the thick-headed male figure, Sokka retained a war club. Then of course, there's the symbolic ending of the season three premiere episode, in which Aang burns his staff. On the reverse, as a sure sign of his growing into a capable leader, Sokka has come to receive a straight sword.
*** [[spoiler:Then the GrandFinale has Sokka losing both of his weapons, and Aang never using his staff. This indicates that, indeed, it's all finally over.]]
* In ''CodeLyoko'', the heroes' weapons are generated from their subconscious during their first virtualization.
** Ulrich, TheHero, starts with using one [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]] ([[DualWielding and later two]]).
** Yumi, the Japanese [[TheLancer Lancer]], uses Tessen (sharp metal fans).
** Odd ([[TheBigGuy who thinks the more monsters, the better]]) uses "[[ArmCannon Lazer Arrows]]".
** And William, the SixthRanger, uses a [[strike:zanbato]] [[strike:zweihander]] [[{{BFG}} Big Fragging Sword]].
** The exception is Aelita, TheChick, who started out with the ability just to change the landscape and create illusions, but got powerful [[EnergyBall energy blasts]] in Season 3 (a boyfriend who programs your attacks really pays off).
* From ''{{Thundercats}}'':
** Lion-O, TheHero, wields the [[EmpathicWeapon Sword of Omens]], with the [[MacGuffin Eye of Thundera]] in its hilt.
** Tygra, TheLancer of the crew, wields a mean bola whip.
** Panthro, TheBigGuy ''and'' TheSmartGuy, uses a pair of nunchaku with claws on the ends.
** Cheetara, TheChick, uses a staff that can extend according to her needs, much like Goku's staff from ''DragonBall''.
** And Wilykit and Wilykat use pellet-like bombs that can do all kinds of crazy stuff.
* ''TheMightyDucks'':
** Wildwing, TheHero, has an '[[IKnowMaddenKombat explosive puck]]' launcher (effectively a grenade launcher) build into one of his gauntlets (the other has an energy shield generator).
** Duke L'Orange, TheLancer, uses a short [[LaserBlade laser sword]].
** Tanya, TheSmartGuy, has a number of gadgets build into her gauntlet, including a small [[ChainsawGood chainsaw]].
** [[TheBigGuy Grin]] and [[ActionGirl Mallory]] both prefer hand-to-hand combat.
** Nosedive... doesn't really have a special weapon, though he makes the most use of the pistols that all the characters have.
* All the knights and warlords have at least one ''KingArthurAndTheKnightsOfJustice'', but most have more the one.
[[/folder]]
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