Originally posted by Nascarman:

the fire staff is the best weapon in the game. Demolishes everything, needs no ammo, deals more damage per shot than any other weapon in the game, and is like the only ranged aoe attack in the game. Literally mops the floor with every enemy except for deathsquitos, but the frost staff deals with those nicely.

I'd put the frostner as the best non-magic weapon though, as its a mountain tier weapon and yet its probably the most useful melee weapon for the plains and mistlands. The fire staff beats it out though, but if you hate eitr, then the frostner is the next best alternative