History Main / ChoiceOfTwoWeapons

*** Swords of the era were expensive and made of bronze, which tended to bend very easily and could barely hold an edge. By the time the Romans were marching around the Med, working with iron had become commonplace.

* Subverted during the English Civil War. Musketeers were issued with swords to use if the enemy got too close but almost all preferred to use the gun as a club instead.
* Samurai used either a naginata (glaive), yumi-ya (bow), yari (spear) no-dachi (two-handed sword) or teppo (arquebus and later musket) on the battlefield as their primary weapon. If things got up close, they switched to the katana. If things were too close up even for a katana or the samurai dropped the back-up weapon, they had [[CrazyPrepared yet another weapon]] called the Wakizashi, which was basically a short-sword shaped like a katana.
** The wakizashi's signature use has long been ritual suicide, but it did originally enter the samurai kit as a back-up weapon.
** The original samurai were mounted archers, with everything else as back-up weaponry.

** Hugh carries two [[MixAndMatchWeapon trick weapons]] (Threaded Cane and Chikage) with him, plus a pistol. The pistol [[SwordAndGun may]] or [[TheMusketeer may not]] be used together with a trick weapon. He later gains the Simon's Bowblade -- a curved sword that can transform into a bow -- as another weapon, giving him the additional option of BowAndSwordInAccord.
** Kyril is once seen carrying the [[SerratedBladeOfPain Saw Cleaver]], the [[SpellBlade Holy Moonlight]] [[{{BFS}} Sword]], the Hunter's Pistol, the Hunter's Blunderbuss, and presumably a bandolier of throwing knives at the same time in the remastered version (though the sword is strapped to his horse's saddle), making him a combination of MultiMeleeMaster and MultiRangedMaster.

* In ''Franchise/StarWars'', General Grievous is skilled with lightsabers [[TheMusketeer as well as with his heavy blaster]], making him a rarity among lightsaber users for not eschewing other weapons entirely in favor of those sabers.

** Most of the combat-oriented classes have two different weapons they can equip, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. ''[=EOIII=]'' adds the ability to Subclass, making it possible to master ''more'' weapons (if that class has a 'Mastery' skill they can train in). It's up to the player whether any given guildmember focuses on one weapon profenciency over the other or learns how to wield ''both'' effectively.

* In the ''VideoGame/EtrianOdyssey'' series, most of the combat-oriented classes have two different weapons they can equip, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. ''[=EOIII=]'' adds the ability to Subclass, making it possible to master ''more'' weapons (if that class has a 'Mastery' skill they can train in). It's up to the player whether any given guildmember focuses on one weapon profenciency over the other or learns how to wield ''both'' effectively.
** ''Etrian Odyssey IV'' changes this up a bit. All characters can equip two weapons simultaneously upon unlocking Subclasses, though without the right skill, it's closer to this trope than DualWielding. Normally they'll still attack with only the "main" weapon, but switch to the "secondary" if they use a skill requiring that type of weapon.

* In ''Fanfic/TheTaintedGrimoire'', there is Cheney who as a Hunter uses both a hunting knife and a bow.

A great many characters [[WeaponOfChoice take one weapon and stick with it]]. This makes a lot of sense, seeing as you often need a lifetime of practice to be fully proficient with a weapon. Training with more than one would [[MasterOfNone just leave you weak in both areas.]] That said, some heroes decide that flexibility is better than specialisation, realising that however skilled they are in their current field, a sword is still going to lose to a bow at long range, so it's a good idea to have a bow in reserve. This makes them something of [[TheRedMage a Red Mage]] when it comes to fighting, as they can do two things at once, making them very flexible fighters.

For characters who use two different weapons at the same time, see GunsAkimbo, DualWielding, SwordAndFist, and SwordAndGun. Also see KnightlySwordAndShield, which similarly uses two pieces of equipment; only one is defensive. Contrast WeaponOfChoice. When a character uses one of the above as their primary weapon and any randomly acquired instrument as their secondary, compare ImprovisedWeapon. In video games, this trope is often implemented in form of a RealTimeWeaponChange. Take the trope to its LogicalExtreme, and you get WalkingArmory. Not to be confused with LimitedLoadout, which is more of a gameplay mechanic than a narrative one.

** ''Dynasty Warriors 7'' takes a page from ''Strikeforce'' in that all characters can equip almost any two weapons, with the only real limitation being that male characters cannot equip chain whips, and female characters cannot equip great swords. Characters do have their preferred weapons, however, and will be able to execute their unique EX attack if they have it equipped. ''8'' uses a similar system but removes the gender restrictions (and gives every one of the 77 characters a distinct WeaponOfChoice).

* [[NaziNobleman Baron Zemo]] on ''WesternAnimation/TheAvengersEarthsMightiestHeroes'' varies it up a little bit. His primary WeaponOfChoice is his [[MasterSwordsman longsword]], but he also usually carries a gun and (at least one) dagger. Which of these latter two he [[DualWielding Dual Wields]] alongside the sword varies depending on the situation.

Historically this was common. Knights rode into battle on horses with lances, several lances in fact, in case one broke, but you wouldn't catch them dead without their signature swords (later on this gave way to maces). Archers would wield swords if they could afford and use them, and daggers if they couldn't. Spearmen often had swords and daggers in reserve, but the absolute king of this trope in reality was the Vikings. A bow for long range, then a light throwing spear, followed by a long-handled axe, a shorter axe, and then the sword, a last desperate defence when fighting got really close.

* While there are other occasions in the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series where characters can wield more than one weapon, Noctis Lucis Caelum from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' takes this trope UpToEleven. The first trailer alone showed him wielding swords, spears, axes, multiple types of firearms, magic, and a primary weapon consisting of a falchion with an engine built into the hilt.

** [[TheHero Haseo]] is this trope [[UpToEleven times 2]], capable of wielding [[DualWielding Dual Swords]], Broadswords, [[SinisterScythe Scythes]], and [[spoiler: [[GunsAkimbo Dual Guns]]]] and switching between them at will.

** ''Dynasty Warriors 7'' takes a page from ''Strikeforce'' in that all characters can equip almost any two weapons, with the only real limitation being that male characters cannot equip chain whips, and female characters cannot equip great swords. Characters do have their preferred weapons, however, and will be able to execute their unique EX attack if they have it equipped. ''8'' uses a similar system but removes the gender restrictions (and gives [[LoadsAndLoadsofCharacters every one of the 77 characters]] a distinct WeaponOfChoice).

* Guts of ''{{Manga/Berserk}}'' fits BowAndSwordInAccord, using [[AutomaticCrossbows a repeating crossbow]] and [[KnifeNut a set of throwing knives]] along with his {{BFS}}. He deviates from the general profile by being heavily armored (since he's a mercenary who mainly favors melee) and also comes under TheMusketeer by having a ''fourth'' weapon (a [[ArmCannon gunpowder cannon built into]] [[ArtificialLimbs his prosthetic arm]]) as a nasty surprise for any demons who think they have him beat.

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* ''VideoGame/GodEaterBurst'' features a transforming weapon that switches from melee to firearm. The player has several choices for each slot, but must have exactly one of each before embarking on a mission.
* ''Franchise/MonsterHunter'' typically only allows one weapon at a time, but some of them have two modes. The Switch Axe transforms into a [[{{BFS}} greatsword]], the Bow conceals a blade for melee attacks, and the Lance can fire bullets.

* In the film version of ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'', Aragorn uses a sword and a bow (also a rarely-used dagger), Legolas a bow and dual short swords, Gimli a two-handed battleaxe and two one-handed, throwable war axes. [[EnforcedTrope Very convenient indeed when it comes to adapting it into a videogame where the gameplay must remain similar no matter which character is chosen]]. However, the trope applies to Aragorn only during the [[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheFellowshipOfTheRing first]] [[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheTwoTowers two]] films and three-quarters of the [[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheReturnOfTheKing third one]]. After he becomes King of Gondor again, he switches to his now-signature sword Narsil and full heavy armour for the FinalBattle.

* As of DC Rebirth ComicBook/{{Artemis}} uses a bow and sword in addition to an axe and magical lasso, combining BowAndSwordInAccord with MultiMeleeMaster.

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* In FanFic/TheTaintedGrimoire, there is Cheney who as a Hunter uses both a hunting knife and a bow.

* '''EmergencyWeapon:''' In more modern times, a first-person-shooter protagonist is likely to wield some kind of back-up melee weapon just in case the main blaster runs out of juice. The traditional example is a crowbar or some other ImprovisedWeapon. Professional soldiers usually carry knives. And of course, there are the futuristic weapons like [[Franchise/StarWars lightsabres]] and [[TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} chainswords.]] Desperate FPS protagonists may show [[GoodOldFisticuffs some rather startling boxing skills.]]

* Ranged units in the ''VideoGame/TotalWar'' series will either come under BowAndSwordInAccord or TheMusketeer, depending on whether they are archers or gunners. The weapons vary, low level archers use knives, wealthier ones may have swords.''

Historically this was common. Knights rode into battle on horses with lances, several lances in fact, in case one broke, but you wouldn't catch them dead without their signature swords. (Later on this gave way to maces.) Archers would wield swords if they could afford and use them, and daggers if they couldn't. Spearmen often had swords and daggers in reserve, but the absolute king of this trope in reality was the Vikings. A bow for long range, then a light throwing spear, followed by a long-handled axe, a shorter axe, and then the sword, a last desperate defence when fighting got really close.

Note that [[TruthInTelevision both in real-life and in fiction]], this trope needn't be limited to individuals. Vehicles, from airplanes to mecha to battleships, normally carry at least 2 varieties of heavy weapon. The most common arrangement in real-life is a heavier, longer-ranged one meant to act as the main damage dealer, which is supplemented by a [[CherryTapping weaker]] [[MoreDakka but quicker firing one]] for use against targets which aren't worth a shot from the main weapon (either because of limited ammo or because the pilot/crew can't afford to waste precious time loading and aiming another). Interestingly, this is often reversed in fiction, especially video games: the weaker, simpler to use rapidfire weapons is more likely to serve as the main mode of attack while the more powerful, homing or explosive one would be relegated to the role of a "special weapon" for those "special occasions". Examples include tanks carrying machineguns to supplement their cannons, fighter planes carrying chainguns to supplement their missiles, or a fictional starship carrying powerful torpedoes to supplement its lasers (a reverse example).

For characters who use two different weapons at the same time, see GunsAkimbo, DualWielding, SwordAndFist, and SwordAndGun. Also see KnightlySwordAndShield, which similarly uses two pieces of equipment; only one is defensive. Contrast WeaponOfChoice. When a character uses one of the above as their primary weapon and any randomly acquired instrument as their secondary, compare ImprovisedWeapon. In video games, this trope is often implemented in form of a RealTimeWeaponChange. Take the trope to its LogicalExtreme, and you get WalkingArmory.

* In the Film Version of The Lord of The Rings, Aragorn uses a sword and a bow (also a rarely-used dagger), Legolas a Bow and dual short swords, Gimli a two-handed battleaxe and two one-handed, throwable war axes. [[EnforcedTrope Very convenient indeed when it comes to adapting it into a videogame where the gameplay must remain similar no matter which character is chosen]]. However, the trope applies to Aragorn only during the first two films and three-quarters of the third one : After he becomes King of Gondor again, he switches to his now signature sword Narsil and full heavy armour for the FinalBattle.
* Later in Film/TheHobbit, Kili is the Dwarves' elite marksman, though he uses his sword very well.
* In Franchise/StarWars, General Grievous is skilled with lightsabers as well as with his heavy blaster. [[spoiler: Or so he thinks.]]

* In Literature/GwendalavirUniverse, most fighters learn to be efficient with at least two weapons which almost always include the bow. Exceptions include Bjorn who sticks with his axe whenever he can, and Edwin who is a master of arms, and is ridiculously skilled whatever the weapon is.

** Fable 3 phases out crossbows completely, besides a few owned by poorer Npc's. The also add the hammer as the melee equivilent of the rifle. Of course, you can still be a MagicKnight also.

* In ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'', the player characters can carry two weapons at a time, in addition to some grenades plus one equipment/armor ability of his/her choice. From ''VideoGame/{{Halo 2}}'' onward, a Musketeer style approach was possible if you had an energy sword or gravity hammer. Too close for comfort? Take one of them out and continue the slaughter close-up. It's better than the butt of a gun.
* ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'', ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'' all feature two inventory slots for each hand. Typically this results in the player having two different weapon sets to switch between. ''{{Bloodborne}}'' does it one better by even having transforming weapons with two modes.

* ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' allows you to swap between a pistol [[GunsAkimbo (or two)]] and a larger weapon. ''VideoGame/Left4Dead2'' allows you to make this selection to be between a [[HandCannon larger pistol]] or a [[TheMusketeer melee weapon]] and a large gun instead.

** As does ''VideoGame/FirstEncounterAssaultRecon''.

** ''VideoGame/{{Fallout 3}}'' works in a different way: you can hotkey items from your inventory, but as the game is not turn-based there's no penalty for digging into your backpack in combat. It still uses the trope, though: you could place your skills to be specialized in two (or more) types of guns, or a gun and one of the other types of weapon. You're limited, however, by how much weight you can carry. Assuming you have good armor (read, heavy), you're not likely to be able to carry around too many different weapons unless you pump a lot of points into your strength rating and get a few different perks at level selection. VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas ups the ante with hardcore mode, where even ''ammunition'' has weight! So in that case, you're really hard-pressed to specialize!

** In the spinoff ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriors'', all characters have their weapon of choice, plus an aditional weapon that can be switched during the game (Bombs, Arrows, Boomerang, Hookshot or Hammer), though they are more suited to attack certian enemies during their special attacks to make them expose their weak spot than they are as actual weapons.

* In ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriors'', many characters possess more than one weapon moveset. However, they cannot freely switch between them during battle, so the weapon must be equipped before a mission.

* While there are other occasions in the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series where characters can wield more than one weapon, it would appear that Noctis Lucis Caelum from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' takes this trope UpToEleven. The first trailer showed him wielding swords, spears, axes, multiple types of firearms, magic, and a primary weapon consisting of a falchion with an engine built into the hilt.

* In ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'', Archer ([[spoiler: and by extension Shirou]]) laughs at your ChoiceOfTwoWeapons and raises you the ability to wield any weapon he has ever seen with [[InstantExpert nearly the same skill of the original user]], giving him the ability to wield spears as easily as swords as easily as bows [[OverlyLongGag as easily as axes as...]]

* ''Franchis/MonsterHunter'' typically only allows one weapon at a time, but some of them have two modes. The Switch Axe transforms into a [[{{BFS}} greatsword]], the Bow conceals a blade for melee attacks, and the Lance can fire bullets.

* Common practice in many current military units; where soldiers will carry at least two guns - e.g. a rifle and a handgun, with often with [[WalkingArmory a few other weapons as well]].

For characters who use two different weapons at the same time, see GunsAkimbo, DualWielding, SwordAndFist, and SwordAndGun. Contrast WeaponOfChoice. When a character uses one of the above as their primary weapon and any randomly acquired instrument as their secondary, compare ImprovisedWeapon. In video games, this trope is often implemented in form of a RealTimeWeaponChange. Take the trope to its LogicalExtreme, and you get WalkingArmory.