Celestial Saga

Lances and swords are two of the most iconic weapons in medieval warfare. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but in a head-to-head confrontation, lances usually have the upper hand.

Lances have longer reach

The most obvious advantage of lances is their length. A typical lance could measure anywhere from 3 to 4 meters, while a sword was usually around 1 meter long. This means that a lance could strike an enemy from a distance, while a sword required close combat. A lance could also be used to keep a sword-wielder at bay, preventing them from closing the gap.

Lances have more impact

Another benefit of lances is their impact. A lance was designed to deliver a powerful thrust, often with the aid of a horse or a charge. A sword, on the other hand, relied on slashing or stabbing motions, which were less effective against armor. A lance could pierce through chain mail or plate armor, or knock an enemy off their feet. A sword could only dent or scratch the armor, or wound the exposed areas.

Lances have more versatility

A third advantage of lances is their versatility. A lance could be used in different ways, depending on the situation. A lance could be couched under the arm, held in one hand, or thrown as a projectile. A lance could also be used as a polearm, to sweep, hook, or push enemies. A sword, by contrast, had limited options. A sword could only be swung or stabbed, and was ineffective as a throwing weapon.