Wakizashi

Lore & Background

In the world of GoldenEye 007, the Wakizashi is a traditional Japanese short sword that feels both out of place and perfectly at home in the multiplayer chaos. Unlike the game's firearms, it offers no ranged capability but compensates with a guaranteed one-hit kill upon contact. Its presence in the multiplayer armory adds a stealthy, high-risk option for players who prefer to ambush opponents rather than engage in firefights. The weapon's design is a simple, stylized blade with a curved edge and a wrapped hilt, rendered in the blocky polygons that defined the Nintendo 64 era. It is one of several melee weapons in the game, alongside the combat knife, and is often used in custom game modes or by players seeking a challenge. The Wakizashi's inclusion underscores GoldenEye 007's willingness to borrow from various cultures for its multiplayer sandbox. Despite its limited practical use in a game dominated by guns, the Wakizashi has become a memorable part of GoldenEye 007's multiplayer identity, often associated with frantic close-quarters encounters and surprise kills. It remains a fan favorite for its simplicity and lethality.

In Their Own Story

The Complex. Two teams, four players. I crouch behind a crate, the Wakizashi cold in my hand. My teammates are trading fire in the central corridor, but I wait. Footsteps echo—an enemy rounds the corner, unaware. I lunge. The blade connects with a satisfying thwack, and the kill feed flashes. One down. The others will never see me coming—until it's too late.

Reader's Guide

The Wakizashi is a melee weapon in GoldenEye 007's multiplayer mode. It is unlocked via cheat code or by completing specific in-game challenges. Once available, it can be selected from the weapon loadout screen before a match. In combat, the Wakizashi functions identically to other melee weapons: a single hit from any direction results in an instant kill. However, its short range means you must be directly next to your target to strike. This makes it most effective in tight spaces, such as the Facility's corridors or the Complex's tunnels, where ambushes are easier to execute. Unlike firearms, the Wakizashi cannot be used at a distance, so players must rely on stealth and positioning. It is best paired with a movement-focused strategy—using the game's strafing and corner-peeking mechanics to close the gap. The weapon is also useful in custom game modes where melee-only rules are enforced, offering a stylish alternative to the combat knife. Remember: the Wakizashi is a high-risk, high-reward choice; miss your strike, and you'll likely be gunned down before you can recover.

Did You Know?

• The Wakizashi is one of only two melee weapons in GoldenEye 007's multiplayer, alongside the combat knife.
• It can be unlocked using the cheat code 'WAKIZASHI' on the cheat menu, though the exact requirements vary by version.
• The weapon's model is a simple 3D polygon blade, typical of the Nintendo 64's graphical limitations.
• In the game's files, the Wakizashi is classified as a 'knife' type weapon, sharing its hit detection with the combat knife.