The Dread Axe is the first Phantom Edge you’ll get in Phantom Blade Zero, picked up in the opening chapter Against the Flow in Weeping Creek Valley. Classified as a Destructive Phantom Edge, this heavy greataxe hits very hard with 309 base Damage and 208 Guard Break, particularly good for cracking open shielded targets and cleaving through armored opponents. Aside from being an offensive tool, Dread Axe is also used as exploration utility to break the walls that block paths throughout the map.
How to Get the Dread Axe in Phantom Blade Zero
You can obtain the Dread Axe by defeating Peng Meng, the Axemaster, a main story boss encountered near the Outpost in the Weeping Creek Valley region.
To find Peng Meng, advance the main campaign until you reach the Outpost. Head past the checkpoint shrine, move up the plank stairs, and step through the gateway. You will enter a wide, foggy marsh clearing where the giant boss will be waiting. Beating Peng Meng down rewards you with the Dread Axe Phantom Edge and “The Four Axes” Case Files.
Dread Axe Skills and Combat Mechanics
The Dread Axe consumes Remnant Sparks, which are replenished whenever you rest at a Bell checkpoint.
- Crushing Cleave (Active Skill): Hold the Phantom Edge key (R2 by default) to charge the axe through two different stages, then release for a heavy downward slam. The higher the charge stage, the more damage it deals to break enemy guard meters. Uses 1 Remnant Spark.
- Iron Chain Breaker (Exploration Passive): Once added to your inventory, the Dread Axe passively grants the ability to break iron chains binding sealed gates and walls. You don’t even need the axe equipped in your active Phantom Edge slot to destroy the chained barriers; simply approach a chained door, and an interaction prompt will appear so you can bust it open.
All Dread Axe Phantom Edge Upgrades
You can upgrade the Dread Axe at any Blacksmith by investing Phantom Edge materials found throughout the campaign. Leveling the axe increases its raw damage output and unlocks tier-specific passives.
| Level | Skill | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Crushing Cleave (Active) | Hold R2 to charge the attack, up to 2 stages. Release R2 to unleash a crushing cleave. Higher charge stages deal more damage. Consumes 1 Remnant Spark. |
| Passive | Iron Chain Breaker (Exploration) | Once obtained, Dread Axe can break iron chains blocking the path, even when not equipped. |
| Level 5 | Full-Power Charge | Double tap R2 to consume 1 additional Remnant Spark and immediately perform a fully charged strike. |
| Level 10 | Armored Resilience Lv. 1 | Slightly reduces damage taken while charging. |
| Level 15 | Rushing Axe | Press R2 after dodging or while sprinting to charge the attack while running. |
| Level 20 | Armored Resilience Lv. 2 | Moderately reduces damage taken while charging. |
| Level 25 | Crushing Force | Releasing a fully charged attack while running unleashes a more powerful leaping cleave. |
| Level 30 | Armored Resilience Lv. 3 | Greatly reduces damage taken while charging. |
| Soul Temper | Rapid Charge (Permanent) | Unlocked via Myst in Pengzhen using a Blood Oath Dagger; increases charge speed by 30%. |
Soul Tempering Skill and Reforge
After you reach Chapter 4 and unlock Myst in Pengzhen, you can perform Soul Tempering on the Dread Axe. Upgrading the axe via Myst requires a Blood Oath Dagger and Remnant Dust. Soul Tempering gives you Rapid Charge, which speeds up the cleave’s charge time by 30%, though keep in mind the Tempering feature is permanent and cannot be reversed.
If you decide to switch your build to a different Phantom Edge, you do not have to worry about wasted resources. Visit the Blacksmith and use a Reforge Talisman on the Dread Axe to reset its weapon level back to base and refund all invested upgrade materials back to your bag.
