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There comes a time when you're watching a sci-fi horror show like Stranger Things where you think to yourself, 'If I were in that situation, what kind of weapon would I use?' One of the most exciting parts about Netflix's hit show is seeing how the characters arm themselves with whatever they can. And because this is a show about kids who love playing D&D, what better way to celebrate Stranger Things before season 5 drops later this month than taking a look back on the melee weapons used on the show, and ranking them on their damage dice?

And what are damage dice? In Dungeons & Dragons, when a character attacks an enemy with a weapon, and the attack "hits" (or clears a separate dice roll according to the opponent's Armor Class), the damage of the weapon's attack is decided in a damage roll. The exact amount of damage done is decided by the damage dice. 

To be clear, there are tons of firearms used on the show, along with throwables like Molotov cocktails. To protect my own sanity, I didn't rank the firearms used on the show because there are so many, nor did I include the flamethrowers. Additionally, I used the D&D 2014 Player's Handbook for my ranking. Without much further ado, here's the ranking. 

Not surprisingly, the axe that Steve uses in season 4 is the most effective melee weapon on Stranger Things. Unlike Joyce's axe from season 1, Steve's has two sharp edges that make it more of a greataxe weapon. And while it ultimately isn't what puts Vecna down, you can't say that Steve didn't show up prepared to fight. 

As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:

• How to watch Stranger Things in chronological or release order
• Getting to know the Stranger Things season 5 cast
• There needs to be more death in Stranger Things, says co-star Gaten Matarazzo
• The Stranger Things time jump between season 4 and 5 has been confirmed by Netflix - and it raises some serious questions
• "They land the plane," David Harbour describes the Stranger Things finale, which he calls its "best episode"