List of weapons with reduced specials
It is a common misconception that weapons with a 9-star rarity or lower are reduced (i.e. their specials have lower activation rates and steal/drain less HP/TP/EXP from their targets), and that those with 10-star rarities or higher are unreduced with some exceptions.
The actual rule is that weapons in weapon groups 02, 03, 04, 05, 08, and 09 are eligible to have reduced specials. These weapon group numbers correspond to the groups listed below.
Reduction is applied to any special that is not a sacrificial or elemental damage special. The hardcoded specials on Vjaya, Izmaela, and Two Kamui are not reduced.
Melee weapons
Swords
Swords have a special reduction rate of 50%.
Daggers
Daggers have a special reduction rate of 50%.
Partisans
Partisans have a special reduction rate of 50%.
Slicers
Slicers have a special reduction rate of 67%.
Ranged weapons
Mechguns
Mechguns have a special reduction rate of 67%.
Shots
Shots have a special reduction rate of 67%.