Best Sword Build
One-handed sword build with DEX focus and the Bronze Sword for versatile, high-DPS gameplay at launch. Covers stat allocation, weapon crafting, EX-MOD setup, and combat rotation for story progression and bosses.
Why This Build
Community consensus highlights 1H Sword for balance: shield for safety while learning, versatile skills, strong dash and jump attacks, and the Bronze Sword's unique mod that adds big bonus damage on jump and sprint attacks based on ATK. It enables stagger-locking bosses and high mobility DPS without needing perfect timing like rapiers or daggers.
Step-by-Step Build Setup
Start with the default 1H Sword + Shield (available immediately). Skip the tutorial on a new character if possible for better starter materials and loot.
Head straight to the first Smithy (in Town of Beginnings after the inn). Craft the Bronze Sword as soon as you have materials (smooth hide and basic mob drops). It has the key unique mod for jump and sprint damage spikes. Upgrade it immediately.
Allocate Growth Points at the Inn in this priority order:
Rough early spread: VIT 5-10, END 5-10, DEX heavy (most points), light STR/AGI if spare. Avoid spreading too thin because breakpoints matter. Re-spec options exist later but conserve points early.
Stick to 1H Sword type for synthesis. Combine duplicates at the Smithy to stack up to 4 EX-MODs. Recommended slots from community testing:
Equip the shield while learning. Unequip it for riskier speed runs once comfortable. Focus weapon proficiency by using the 1H Sword constantly to unlock better Sword Skills.
Core loop: Light attacks into jump heavies or sprint heavies (mod procs big damage + stagger). Use shield for guard and parry to create openings, then follow up with Iori partner skills.
Equip 3 Sword Skills. Prioritize versatile ones:
- Horizontal Arc / Slant for AoE mob clearing.
- Vorpal Strike or equivalent for single-target burst on bosses.
- Third slot: your choice based on encounter type (mob vs boss).
Bosses: Jump attack spam for stagger lock, mix in parries. Mobs: Dash in, AoE skill, repeat. Restore SP via hits and parries.
Key Decision Points
Shield or No Shield?
Keep it on for safety and learning (most recommend this). Drop it for pure offense once you are comfortable with parries and dodges. The damage tradeoff is noticeable but the risk increases.
Bronze Sword vs Alternatives?
Bronze wins early-to-mid game for its mod and mobility. Steel and other weapons have different uniques, but Bronze is the community consensus for launch DPS. Switch only if you find a weapon with a better mod synergy for your playstyle.
When to Switch Weapons?
Test others (Rapier for speed, Greatsword for burst) via proficiency grinding, but main 1H Sword for story progression. All weapon types are viable but 1H Sword is the safest and most forgiving for new players.
Stat Balance When Dying Often?
Always top up VIT and END before pure DPS if you are dying frequently. No damage matters if you are downed. Hit VIT breakpoints (multiples of 5) first, then return to DEX dumping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-spreading stats. No breakpoints means weak everywhere. Focus DEX with VIT and END support, do not try to level everything equally.
- Ignoring stamina management. Running out of SP incurs penalties that hurt badly. Watch your stamina bar and manage combo length.
- Not crafting or synthesizing early. Drops are okay but crafted weapons have better mods. Visit the Smithy as soon as you reach Town of Beginnings.
- Button-mashing without parries or dodges. Combat rewards timing. Learn to parry with the shield and dodge roll to avoid damage and create openings.
- Sticking to the tutorial weapon without upgrading. The starter weapon is weak. Craft the Bronze Sword and synthesize duplicates for EX-MODs immediately.
- Ignoring partner (Iori) synergy. Iori creates openings and adds damage. Coordinate your attacks with partner skills for maximum effect.