I currently have a problem designing a weapon type to be different more than the model, however, I have no idea how to approach this.

In my game, I have a weapon type, likes sword, axe, staff, mace, spear, knuckle, bow, xbow, etc... most are using same swing animation except spear, knuckle, bow, and xbow and hit sound effect are all different, while stats (damage, range, speed, damage type) being randomly assigned, also, all my attack only hit 1 target, never cleave through target.

Which create a problem that makes weapon type being the same, so I want to make each weapon type gives a different play style or, at least, something different than the others without forced that weapon type to specified roles (except melee or ranged), which may further create potential balance issues.

Most game I found either forced damage type, giving stats boost to specified weapon type or perks, however, I don't think it will go well with my game.

Any idea?

Interesting topic!

As far as MHO goes is there a chance you might be approaching the issue bottom up rather than top down?

What I'm thinking is that rather than adding several different stats which would give new dimensions to gameplay, some of which might fit some of which might not, would it not be helpful to turn the problem around?

That is, what kind of gameplay difference would you like to achieve? This would then directly transform into suitable division of weapon types/effects.

Few (completely random) examples:

1) "Geez, fighting multiple enemies are really tricky right now!" => Some weapons might have area effects to combar large enemy groups => area damage could be suitable stat for certain types

2) "Wouldnt it be fun if some enemies had really tough armour?" => Some weapon types should be better suited for combating these enemies => armour pierce might be good for some weapon types

3) "Man, these ranged enemies have knockback which makes them difficult to approach by the player!" => Some weapon types might help as gap closer => certain weapon types add forward momentum

Etc... etc... etc..

Bottom up could of-course be completely viable as well but in my own opinion I would try to look at the issue the other way around and let the gameplay you are after help chisel out which weapon affects you could add to the game

Well, just my few cents