Unsheathing the Truth: Sword and Shield Scaling in New World
The Sword and Shield in New World is a classic weapon combination, often the first choice for players seeking to embody a tanking role. But how does this iconic duo function in the game’s complex stat system? The direct answer is this: The Sword and Shield primarily scale off of Strength, but Dexterity also contributes to its damage output, though at a lesser rate. This hybrid scaling makes it a unique option and opens up various build possibilities.
Understanding Strength and Dexterity’s Role
The scaling system in New World dictates how much damage a weapon deals based on your attribute points. While Strength is the main contributor to the Sword’s damage, Dexterity’s contribution should not be overlooked.
- Strength: Each point invested in Strength increases your melee damage. For the Sword and Shield, this directly translates to stronger light and heavy attacks, making it the cornerstone of a traditional tank or melee DPS build.
- Dexterity: Although it has less impact than Strength on the Sword’s damage, Dexterity does still affect it. This means a build with a balance of Strength and Dexterity can benefit from increased damage output.
The specific ratios of these contributions are a bit complex but know that Strength is the primary driver and Dexterity is a secondary source of damage enhancement.
The Tanking Power of the Sword and Shield
The appeal of the Sword and Shield extends beyond just raw damage. It’s the premier choice for tanking in New World, mainly due to its:
- High Damage Reduction: It boasts various abilities that significantly reduce incoming damage, crucial for surviving sustained attacks from powerful foes.
- Effective Taunting: Certain Sword skills can generate threat, ensuring that you draw enemy aggression and protect your teammates.
- Utility & Crowd Control: The weapon also comes with utility skills, including the ability to stun, slow or disrupt enemies, adding valuable crowd control to your arsenal.
Therefore, while the Sword and Shield does have damage scaling through both Strength and Dexterity, its primary function within a team is tanking.
Synergies and Build Choices
Understanding the Sword’s scaling allows you to pair it effectively with other weapons. While Strength is your priority, having some Dexterity isn’t wasted as it will still boost your secondary weapon options.
The Classic Strength Pairing: War Hammer
Many players pair the Sword and Shield with the War Hammer. Since both scale primarily with Strength, it allows for a very powerful melee build focused on damage and crowd control. The hammer provides powerful AoE damage and crowd-control options to complement the single-target focus of the sword and shield. This combination is especially popular in PvP, allowing players to dominate close-quarters combat.
The Dexterity Infusion: Spear
While less common, a Sword and Shield paired with the Spear can be an interesting choice. The Spear scales with Dexterity and Strength, giving the build synergy with the Sword and Shield’s scaling. The Spear offers more reach and damage, while still providing crowd-control options. This makes it a versatile secondary option for those who want a ranged melee option with the sword and shield.
Other Potential Pairings
Other combinations are viable, like using the hatchet for more damage output, and even utilizing the blunderbuss due to the shared strength scaling. How you pair your weapons depends on your preferences for play style and role within your team.
FAQs: Deep Dive into Sword and Shield Mechanics
To further enhance your understanding, here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Sword and Shield’s mechanics in New World:
H3 FAQ 1: Does the Shield contribute to damage output?
No, the shield itself does not directly contribute to damage. It’s the sword that is doing the damage and it scales through strength and dexterity with strength being the priority. The shield is mainly for defense and utility, providing mitigation and block.
H3 FAQ 2: Is Dexterity a viable main stat for a Sword and Shield user?
While Dexterity contributes to damage, Strength should be your primary stat. A build with high Dexterity can work, but it will not be optimized for the sword’s kit. Prioritize Strength for the highest melee damage and tank potential.
H3 FAQ 3: How does the Sword and Shield compare to other tanking weapons?
The Sword and Shield is often considered the premier tanking weapon due to its excellent damage mitigation and threat generation. Other weapons may have some tanking abilities, but none quite reach the effectiveness of the Sword and Shield as a dedicated tanking weapon.
H3 FAQ 4: Does Gear Score affect Sword and Shield scaling?
Yes, Gear Score directly affects the damage and defensive capabilities of your Sword and Shield. As you increase your Gear Score, so too will the damage and blocking power of your Sword and Shield.
H3 FAQ 5: How does Armor Type affect the performance of the Sword and Shield?
Heavy armor is the common pick for tanks that use sword and shield. Light armor can be useful for builds that also incorporate damage with some mobility, while medium armor is a balanced option. Your armor choice will depend on your specific build and play style.
H3 FAQ 6: What are the best gems to use on a Sword and Shield?
Gems that increase threat generation and mitigation are crucial for a tank. Specifically, gems that increase threat, or provide physical/elemental resistance, are popular for tank builds.
H3 FAQ 7: Which skills are most important for a tank build with the Sword and Shield?
Skills that generate threat, reduce damage, and provide crowd control are essential. Shield Bash, Shield Rush, and Defensive Stance are staples for any tanking build.
H3 FAQ 8: Can the Sword and Shield be used in a damage build?
Yes, while it’s primarily a tank weapon, the Sword and Shield can function in a damage role. However, its damage output will not rival that of weapons designed purely for DPS.
H3 FAQ 9: Does the Sword and Shield scale with Focus?
No, the Sword and Shield does not scale with Focus. Focus is the primary stat for healing and support, which is not what the Sword and Shield is designed for.
H3 FAQ 10: What is the optimal stat distribution for a Sword and Shield tank build?
For a dedicated tank, maximize Strength, then consider some Constitution for extra health. Avoid investing too heavily in Dexterity, Intelligence, or Focus, as they have less impact on your primary role.
H3 FAQ 11: How does the Sword and Shield perform in PvP?
The Sword and Shield is effective in PvP for its ability to control enemy movement, tank damage, and peel for teammates. However, a damage build sword and shield will typically not out-duel dedicated damage focused weapons.
H3 FAQ 12: Is the Sword and Shield viable for solo play?
Yes, but it can be slow for killing enemies on your own. While effective for surviving and holding out, it does lack raw single target damage.
H3 FAQ 13: Are there any legendary Sword and Shield combinations?
Yes, there are several unique and powerful legendary Swords and Shields in New World. Obtaining these items can significantly enhance your character’s tanking capabilities. Look for these while participating in end-game content.
H3 FAQ 14: How often is the Sword and Shield used in end-game content?
The Sword and Shield is a popular option in end-game PvE content, especially in expeditions. It’s essential for groups that need a dedicated tank to survive the challenging encounters, making it a staple in many groups.
H3 FAQ 15: What other resources can I use to learn more about the Sword and Shield?
Numerous guides and videos are available online. Experimentation and personal experience are also valuable ways to fully master this versatile weapon combination.
Conclusion
The Sword and Shield is a robust weapon in New World that scales primarily with Strength and secondarily with Dexterity. While its damage output is not its main strength, its damage reduction and crowd control capabilities make it the premier tanking weapon choice. Understanding this scaling and its role in a build will allow you to use it effectively in various combat scenarios. By considering the information and frequently asked questions detailed above, you will be well on your way to mastering the Sword and Shield and becoming an essential asset to any team.