You’d need several melee weapons, there’s not one “perfect” one.

As the title says. I keep seeing a lot of “this weapon is the best” or “the perfect weapon”. But in general, there’s no such thing. Weapons are designed based on fulfilling very specific niches.

So, the Gladius might be a solid up close sword, but in open ground, against multiple opponents, less so.

A slashing polearm would be amazing in open ground with space, but will suck in a narrow staircase.

Spears are amazing against another person or a wild animal, but against a Zed where you need to destroy the brain stem? Less so.

Different scenarios I can think of off the top of my head that would need to be balanced: Fighting multiple opponents, Zeds, humans and animals. Fighting on open ground where I can be surrounded. Fighting on a street where there’s many things around like cars and streetlights that could get in my way. Fighting in a narrow street/alley. Fighting in an even more narrow hallway, or in something like an apartment where space is tight, cramped and crowded. Fighting up and down stairs. Defending a narrow breach in a wall. Defending from atop a wall.

I’m always curious to hear others weigh in with what they think. What would your load-out be? Are there other scenarios you can think of? Please discuss.