Loading...
Loading...
Build Guide: Kliff - Version 35 vs Version 36
May 23, 2026, 03:45 PM
Added internal wikilinks
Jun 8, 2026, 09:48 PM
Removed duplicate in-body wikilinks
11Overview22Kliff is the most versatile of the three playable characters in Crimson Desert, with access to seven distinct weapon types and a suite of unique traversal abilities. Because the game has no class system, Kliff's combat identity is entirely determined by which weapons you choose to equip and how you combine them. Pearl Abyss has said they want players to "master Kliff as if he were a Street Fighter character," emphasizing that depth comes from learning the full moveset rather than picking a class from a menu.44This guide covers recommended weapons, armor, skills, Abyss Cores, and stat priorities for Kliff across early game, mid game, and endgame. Whether you prefer sword and shield, dual blades, greatswords, or a mix of everything, the information below will help you put together a strong build at every stage of progression.77Kliff is the most versatile of the three playable characters in Crimson Desert, with access to more weapon types than either Damiane or Oongka. Because the game has no class system, Kliff's combat identity is entirely shaped by your weapon choices, Abyss Cores, and skill tree investments. This guide covers three distinct, verified build paths: a defensive Sword and Shield setup for beginners, an aggressive Longsword combo build, and a high-damage Dual-Wield configuration. Each section includes specific gear, skills, and Abyss Core recommendations that have been confirmed by community testing.99Recommended Weapons1111Kliff's weapon progression follows a natural path through the main story. Each weapon listed below can be obtained at the point indicated and will serve you well until the next upgrade becomes available.1313Early Game Weapons1616The Sword of the Wolf is your starting sword and shield combination. It has solid base stats and, importantly, comes with Abyss Gear slots that let you socket Abyss Cores early. Pair it with the Warspike Spear as your secondary weapon. The core gameplay loop at this stage is to use the sword for sustained pressure, then swap to the spear after staggering an enemy to land heavier punishing hits.1818After beating Kailok the Hornsplitter at the end of Chapter 2, you receive the Sword of the Lord. This weapon comes with a Wind Slash attack that deals heavy area-of-effect damage to grouped enemies, making it a significant upgrade over the Sword of the Wolf for clearing mobs.2020Mid Game Weapons2222The Ignir Sword is obtained by defeating Ludvig during the "Time to Face Justice" quest in Chapter 7. It starts at 20 ATK and can be upgraded to 45 ATK through the refinement system. With five Abyss Core sockets, the Ignir Sword offers enormous customization potential and will carry you comfortably through the second half of the game.2424Endgame Weapon2626The Fated Shadow is widely considered the best one-handed sword for Kliff. It has the highest starting damage of any sword at 25 ATK and comes equipped with the Greysoul Howling Abyss Core, which adds additional strikes to your Turning Slash. You can find it in Chapter 9 after the Goyen boss fight. After the battle, head to the back of the arena and up the steps to a small living quarters in a cave. The Fated Shadow sits on a weapon stand in the corner. It is easy to miss if you do not explore after the fight.2828PhaseWeaponATKHow to ObtainNotesEarlySword of the Wolf~8Starting weaponHas Abyss Gear slots; reliable sword and shield comboEarlyWarspike Spear~10Found early in the campaignBest paired as secondary weapon for Quick Swap burstEarlySword of the Lord13Defeat Kailok (Chapter 2)Wind Slash AoE attack; strong mob clearMidIgnir Sword20 (up to 45)Defeat Ludvig (Chapter 7)Five Abyss Core sockets; excellent customizationLateFated Shadow25Chapter 9, after Goyen boss fightHighest base ATK sword; comes with Greysoul Howling core3030Alternative Weapon Choices3131For players who prefer dual blades, the Tauria Curved Sword is a strong option that comes with Abyss Gear slots. A dual-wield build focuses on pure offense: open with Blinding Flash Finisher for AoE, then chain Forward Slash into Spinning Slash to overwhelm groups.3333For greatsword users, the two-handed weapons offer wide arcs that slice through multiple enemies per swing. The greatsword is fast for its size and keeps you at a safer distance than dual blades, making it a good pick for players who want high damage without committing fully to an aggressive playstyle.3535Recommended Armor3737Armor progression in Crimson Desert matters more than many players expect. Good armor increases your survivability and provides Abyss Core sockets that let you further customize your build. Here is the recommended gear for each slot across the campaign.3939Early Game Armor4141Head to the Contribution Shop in Hernand as soon as you gain access to the city. Purchase the Bolton Plate Helm and the Canta Plate Armor. These plate pieces provide a major defensive boost over the cloth and leather gear you start with, and they are strong enough to carry you through the first several chapters of the story.4343The Leather Helm of the Fallen Kingdom is available at the Sanctum of Benediction in the Hernand Region. It comes with a free Abyss Core socket and a Momentum core pre-installed, granting +35% Turning Slash Damage. This is a strong alternative headpiece if you use Turning Slash frequently.4545For footwear, Odeck's Protector Plate Boots are the best early option. They come with two Abyss Core sockets pre-loaded with Aegis II (damage reduction) and Haste I (movement speed), providing both survivability and mobility right out of the box.4747Mid Game Armor4949The Blackwing Leather Armor drops from defeating Crowcaller in Chapter 5. With three Abyss Core sockets and solid defense, it is the best chest piece available through the mid game. The sockets give you room to stack offensive or defensive cores depending on your preferred build.5151For your shield, pick up the Lifsoth Large Shield from the Witch's House in Hernand (enter through the second floor balcony door). It starts at 12 DEF and scales up to 35 DEF when fully upgraded, making it one of the strongest shields in the entire game.5353Swap to the Paulenese Cloak (available from the Contribution Shop in the Pailune Region) as soon as you reach the second major region. It grants Ice Resistance Lv 3, which becomes critical for surviving environmental hazards and ice-based enemy attacks in that area.5555Endgame Armor5757The Solas Plate Armor is the endgame goal for body armor. At 13 DEF, it has the highest defense of any chest piece, and it is the only plate armor with special effects: Health Regen and Pet Trust Gain. This combination of raw defense and passive healing makes it the best general-purpose body armor in the game.5959SlotEarly GameMid GameEndgameHeadBolton Plate Helm or Leather Helm of the Fallen KingdomUpgrade via refinementBest available plate helmBodyCanta Plate ArmorBlackwing Leather Armor (3 core slots)Solas Plate Armor (13 DEF, Health Regen)FeetOdeck's Protector Plate Boots (2 core slots)Upgrade via refinementSolas Plate BootsShieldGrey Wolf Wooden ShieldLifsoth Large Shield (12-35 DEF)Lifsoth Large Shield (fully upgraded)CloakGrey Wolf Cloth CloakPaulenese Cloak (Ice Resist Lv 3)Situational based on region and enemies6161Skill Priorities6262The skill tree is organized by three core stats: Health (Red tree), Stamina (Blue tree), and Spirit (Green tree). Each stat level unlocks new skills in its branch. Abyss Artifacts are spent to level up stats and unlock skills. You can respec at any time with no penalty, so do not hesitate to experiment.6464Priority 1: Keen Senses (Max This First)6666Keen Senses is the single most important skill for Kliff. Level 2 unlocks Dodge, which is arguably the most critical defensive ability in the entire game. Level 3 adds Counter, letting you punish enemies immediately after dodging their attacks. Max this skill before investing heavily in anything else. If you are short on Artifacts, keep it at Level 2 for Dodge and come back for Level 3 later.6868Priority 2: Armed Combat7070Armed Combat is a "Keystone" skill that powers up your basic melee damage and unlocks essential offensive tools: Evasive Slash, Rush, and Charge. These are the bread and butter of your sword combat. Armed Combat also gates access to Quick Swap, which lets you attack while switching weapons, turning weapon transitions into damage opportunities instead of downtime.7272Priority 3: Nature's Echo7474Nature's Echo at Level 1 creates an illusion that replicates your most recent Forward Slash. This effectively doubles your damage output with minimal extra effort. The gameplay loop becomes straightforward: use your heavy attack, let Nature's Echo replicate it, and watch your damage numbers spike. This is one of the highest damage-per-Artifact-point investments in the early game.7777Priority 4: Focus (to Level 3 for Focused Insight)8080Focus at Level 3 unlocks Focused Insight. Focus already slows down time and lets you regenerate your Spirit resource, but Focused Insight adds the ability to instantly parry an incoming melee blow while Focus is active. This transforms Focus from a recovery tool into an aggressive counter-attack setup, especially effective against elite enemies and bosses that rely on heavy single hits.8282Priority 5: Grappling8484Grappling unlocks several pro-wrestling moves, including the Lariat Follow-Up, and opens up crowd control options that are useful throughout the game. The grappling hook itself is essential for traversal and for reaching weak points on large bosses like Queen Stoneback Crab and White Horn.8686Other Notable Skills8888SkillEffectFocused Shot: If you like ranged combat, prioritize this for your bow. It lets you line up precise shots during slow-motion.Swift Flight: An upgrade to the Flight skill that lets you glide faster at the cost of more stamina. Essential for exploration and reaching distant Abyss portals and treasure locations.Shield Bash: Strikes your opponent with your shield and blocks incoming attacks simultaneously. Useful for sword and shield builds.Turning Slash: A spinning overhead strike that sends enemies flying. Pairs extremely well with the Greysoul Howling Abyss Core on the Fated Shadow.9090Unlock OrderSkillKey UnlockWhy It Matters1stKeen SensesLv 2: Dodge, Lv 3: CounterFoundation of survivability; nothing else matters if you die2ndArmed CombatEvasive Slash, Rush, Charge, Quick SwapCore offensive toolkit for all melee weapons3rdNature's EchoLv 1: Forward Slash replicationDoubles heavy attack damage for minimal cost4thFocusLv 3: Focused Insight (instant parry)Turns Focus into an offensive counter-attack tool5thGrapplingLariat Follow-Up, crowd controlEssential for traversal and large boss fights9191Stat Priorities9292Your three core stats (Health, Stamina, Spirit) determine both your survivability and which skills you can unlock. A common early benchmark is to reach Stamina Level 4 and Health Level 4 before taking on the first difficult boss battles. After that, distribute points according to your preferred combat style.9494Most guides recommend prioritizing Stamina upgrades first because nearly every defensive action (dodging, blocking, parrying) and traversal ability (gliding, grappling) consumes stamina. Running out of stamina mid-fight means you cannot dodge, which often means death. Spirit is generally the lowest early priority because it regenerates through combat and is used mainly for skill execution rather than survival.9696PlaystylePriority StatsReasoningAggressive MeleeStamina > Health > AttackStamina for dodges and sustained combos; Health for surviving mistakes in close rangeSword and Shield TankHealth > Stamina > DefenseHealth pool for absorbing hits; Stamina for blocking and parryingRanged/TacticalStamina > Spirit > HealthSpirit for sustained elemental use and Force Palm; Stamina for repositioningBalancedHealth, Stamina, and Attack evenlyFlexibility across all weapon types and situations9898Abyss Artifacts can be refunded and reallocated at any time using the stat reset feature (see How to Respec Skills). Do not hesitate to experiment with different stat distributions as you discover which weapons and playstyles you prefer. There is no penalty for respeccing.9999Best Abyss Cores101101Abyss Cores are socketed into your Abyss Gear slots on weapons and armor to provide passive bonuses. Choosing the right cores can significantly amplify your build's strengths. Here are the most impactful cores for Kliff.103103Core Combat Cores105105For raw combat stats, focus on three core types: Swift (increases speed), Destruction (increases attack power), and Fortification (increases defense). Stacking these across your available gear sockets creates a solid baseline of power that benefits every weapon type and playstyle.107107Crow's Pursuit (Best Overall Core)109109The Crow's Pursuit Abyss Core is earned by defeating Crowcaller (the same boss that drops the Blackwing Leather Armor). When socketed, every weapon swing you make passively launches magical crows at your enemies, dealing additional damage. This core is universally effective because it adds free damage to every attack regardless of which weapon you are using.111111Greysoul Howling113113The Greysoul Howling core comes pre-installed on the Fated Shadow sword and adds additional strikes to your Turning Slash. If you use Turning Slash frequently (which you should, since it is one of Kliff's strongest attacks), this core provides a massive damage boost on one of your most-used moves.115115Groundsurge117117Extracted from Myurdin in Chapter 7, the Groundsurge Abyss Core grants a devastating skill that erupts lava and rocks from the ground beneath your enemies. Combining Crow's Pursuit (passive damage on every swing) with Groundsurge (burst AoE) turns Kliff into an extremely effective crowd-clearer.119119Momentum121121Momentum grants +35% Turning Slash Damage and comes pre-installed on the Leather Helm of the Fallen Kingdom. If you build around Turning Slash (especially with the Fated Shadow and Greysoul Howling), stacking Momentum on top creates enormous burst damage on a single skill.123123Cores to Avoid125125Haste cores (movement speed increase) are generally a waste of a socket. You already have access to mounts, the grappling hook, and Swift Flight for traversal. Spending an Abyss Core socket on slightly faster walking speed provides almost no benefit compared to cores that boost your attack power, defense, or speed in combat.127127Abyss CoreEffectSourcePriorityCrow's PursuitCrows deal passive damage with every weapon swingDefeat Crowcaller (Chapter 5)Very HighGreysoul HowlingAdditional strikes on Turning SlashPre-installed on Fated Shadow (Chapter 9)Very HighGroundsurgeErupts lava/rocks beneath enemies for burst AoEDefeat Myurdin (Chapter 7)HighMomentum+35% Turning Slash DamageLeather Helm of the Fallen Kingdom (Sanctum of Benediction)HighSwiftIncreases combat speedVarious drops and vendorsMediumDestructionIncreases attack powerVarious drops and vendorsMediumFortificationIncreases defenseVarious drops and vendorsMedium129129Weapon Arsenal130130Kliff can equip and swap between seven weapon types mid-combat. The game uses two active weapon slots with an equipment wheel for seamless switching. Kliff can parry an attack with sword and shield, then instantly switch to the spear for a follow-up thrust, all in one fluid motion.133133WeaponSpeedDamageBest ForSword and ShieldMediumMediumBalanced offense and defense; reliable parrying and blocking; default starting weaponTwo-Handed GreatswordSlowHighCrowd control with wide sweeping arcs; staggers enemies with each swingDual BladesFastMediumRapid combo chains and relentless aggression; high mobilitySpearMediumMediumKeeping enemies at distance with long reach; charged thrusts and rapid stabsLongswordFastMediumQuick chops with good stagger potentialBowVariesVariesRanged engagement; multiple arrow types; Precision Focus for slow-motion shotsUnarmedFastMediumWrestling grapples, body slams, throws, knee strikes, thrust kicks, pile-driver finishers136136WeaponATKCRITAbyss GearsNotesRhett's Longsword15+1Destruction I, Insight I, Stamina TransferenceAccessible early; can be refined to Tier 4; strong critical rate bonusHwando19+1Pre-loaded Abyss ArtifactsTwo-handed katana found in a waterfall cave; significant upgrade over Rhett'sAbsolute Justice Greatsword200VariesHighest ATK greatsword; endgame option137137Key Abilities138138Crow's Wing140140Kliff's signature traversal ability, the Crow's Wing, allows gliding across large distances. Beyond traversal, it has combat applications: launch from a grapple point, glide over enemies, and use Axiom Force to crash down in a damaging shockwave. The glide is essential for reaching elevated treasure locations and Abyss portals.142142Force Palm144144Force Palm is a charged palm strike that can be infused with elements through the Axiom Bracelet. In combat, it launches enemies skyward for aerial follow-ups or pushes them off ledges. For traversal, directing it downward launches Kliff into the air. Chain a three-strike heavy attack into a palm strike to keep foes stun-locked, or follow up with a knee strike and thrust kick to toss enemies off buildings.146146Grappling Hook148148Kliff's grappling hook slingshots him toward targets rather than snapping instantly. This creates opportunities for aerial combat transitions: grapple to a rooftop, launch into a glide, then divekick into a group of enemies. In boss fights, the grapple is essential for reaching elevated weak points (climbing the Queen Stoneback Crab, reaching White Horn's back).150150Elemental Strategy152152The Axiom Bracelet gives Kliff access to elemental effects. Effective use of elements is one of the biggest differentiators between average and skilled play. Each element has distinct strengths that make it suited for different situations.154154ElementBest UseFireSustained damage against single targets and bosses; burning damage-over-time effect; generally the strongest choice for boss fightsIceSlowing fast enemies; freezing water surfaces for puzzle solutions; aerial boost via Force Palm; essential for certain environmental puzzlesLightningStrongest against groups; chains between clustered enemies for area-of-effect damage; excellent for mob encounters156156Combat Flow157157Kliff's greatest strength is seamless weapon switching. An effective combat flow chains different weapon types based on the situation. Here is a proven combat loop that works from early game through endgame:159159AspectDetailsOpening: Start with a bow shot to thin enemy ranks or draw aggro from a specific target.Engage: Close distance with the grappling hook and transition into sword and shield for a safe opening exchange.Pressure: Use two heavy attacks followed by Force Palm. If an enemy staggers, immediately Quick Swap to the spear for burst damage.Crowd Control: If surrounded, switch to the two-handed greatsword for wide arcs that hit multiple enemies.Finish: Use grapples, kicks, and Force Palm to launch remaining enemies and finish with aerial attacks.161161The key insight for mid and late game play is to pair Nature's Echo with your heavy attacks. With Nature's Echo active, every Forward Slash you land gets replicated by an illusion, effectively doubling your damage output with no extra input on your part.162162Boss Fight Tips164164Sword and shield is the safest option for learning new boss patterns. The shield provides a reliable fallback when timing parries is uncertain.Once you understand a boss's attack windows, switch to higher-damage weapons like the greatsword or spear for punishment phases.Keep explosive and freezing arrows stocked for bosses that summon minions (like Hexe Marie).The grappling hook is essential for climbing bosses like Queen Stoneback Crab and White Horn.Fire elemental enhancement is generally the strongest choice for sustained boss damage.Use Focused Insight (Focus Lv 3) to parry incoming melee attacks during Focus. This works especially well against bosses with slow, telegraphed heavy swings.Defeating certain bosses grants unique Abyss Cores that provide powerful passive abilities. Crowcaller drops Crow's Pursuit, Myurdin drops Groundsurge, and so on.Always upgrade your armor and weapons at the refinement system before challenging a boss that has been giving you trouble. The stat boost from even one refinement level can make a noticeable difference.166166Sample Build: Early Game Sword and Shield168168This build is designed for players just starting out. It prioritizes defense and survivability while you learn the game's combat mechanics.170170SlotRecommended ChoicePrimary WeaponSword of the Wolf (sword and shield)Secondary WeaponWarspike SpearHeadBolton Plate HelmBodyCanta Plate ArmorFeetOdeck's Protector Plate BootsKey SkillsKeen Senses (Lv 2-3), Armed Combat, Nature's Echo (Lv 1)Stat FocusStamina to Lv 4, Health to Lv 4Key Abyss CoresSwift, Destruction, Fortification (fill available slots)172172Sample Build: Endgame Damage Dealer173173This build maximizes Kliff's offensive output for endgame content, including world bosses and Abyss Dungeons.175175SlotRecommended ChoicePrimary WeaponFated Shadow (25 ATK, Greysoul Howling core)Secondary WeaponIgnir Sword (20-45 ATK, 5 core slots) or Greatsword of choiceBodySolas Plate Armor (13 DEF, Health Regen)FeetSolas Plate BootsShieldLifsoth Large Shield (fully upgraded, 35 DEF)Key SkillsKeen Senses (Max), Armed Combat, Nature's Echo, Focus (Lv 3), GrapplingKey Abyss CoresCrow's Pursuit, Greysoul Howling, Groundsurge, Momentum177177Accessories178178Kliff can equip one necklace, two rings, and two earrings. Accessories provide boosts to Health, Stamina, and Spirit regeneration. In the early game, most accessories have similar stats, so the priority is simply to fill every empty slot as soon as possible. Any necklace, ring, or earring is better than an empty slot.180180Later in the game, you will find special accessories with unique effects. Fill your slots early, then replace pieces as you find better options through exploration, quest rewards, and vendor purchases.182182Progression Checklist184184Use this checklist to track your Kliff build milestones as you play through the campaign:186186PhaseDetailsChapter 1-2: Equip the Sword of the Wolf. Buy Bolton Plate Helm and Canta Plate Armor from the Contribution Shop. Get Keen Senses to Level 2 for Dodge. Defeat Kailok for the Sword of the Lord.Chapter 3-4: Get Armed Combat unlocked. Pick up Odeck's Protector Plate Boots. Start leveling Stamina toward Level 4.Chapter 5: Defeat Crowcaller for both the Blackwing Leather Armor and the Crow's Pursuit Abyss Core. Get Nature's Echo to Level 1.Chapter 6-7: Defeat Ludvig for the Ignir Sword. Get Focus to Level 3 for Focused Insight. Pick up Groundsurge from Myurdin. Upgrade to the Lifsoth Large Shield.Chapter 8-9: Equip the Paulenese Cloak when entering the Pailune region. Find the Fated Shadow after the Goyen fight. Socket Greysoul Howling and Momentum for maximum Turning Slash damage.Endgame: Obtain Solas Plate Armor. Fully refine your Fated Shadow and Lifsoth Large Shield. Optimize Abyss Core loadout with Crow's Pursuit, Greysoul Howling, Groundsurge, and stat cores.188188Build 1: Sword and Shield (Balanced)189189The Sword and Shield build is the safest and most forgiving way to play Kliff. It gives you access to blocking, parrying, and counter-attacking while still dealing solid damage. This build works well from the Prologue all the way through the endgame if you upgrade your gear along the way.191191Weapon Progression193193PhaseWeaponATKNotesEarly GameSword of the Wolf12Starting weapon; serviceable through Chapter 2Chapter 2+Sword of the Lord13Obtained after defeating Kailok; features ATK Spd +2 and Wind Slash Abyss GearChapter 5+Fallen Kingdom's Sword16Significant damage upgrade over earlier swordsChapter 7+Ignir Sword20 (up to 45)Obtained by defeating Ludvig in Chapter 7; five Abyss Core sockets; best one-handed sword in the gameChapter 9+Fated Shadow25Found in Chapter 9 after the Goyen boss arena; highest base ATK of any one-handed sword195195Shield Progression196196PhaseShieldDEFNotesEarly GameGrey Wolf Wooden Shield3Starting shield; ATK Spd +1Mid GameStaglord's Shield6ATK Spd +2; solid all-around defensive optionLate GameLifsoth Large Shield12 (up to 35)Found at the Witch's House in Hernand (second floor balcony); two Abyss Core sockets198198Armor Set199199SlotItemStatsHow to ObtainHeadBolton Plate HelmDEF 3, 1 Abyss Core socketContribution Shop in HernandBodyCanta Plate ArmorDEF 6, 3 Abyss Core socketsContribution Shop in HernandGlovesPlate Gloves of Cursed SoulDEF varies, 2 Abyss Core socketsQuest rewardBootsOdeck's Protector Plate BootsDEF 5, ATK 16, ATK Spd +1, Mvmt Spd +1, 2 socketsSanctum of Temperance treasure chestCloakPaulenese CloakIce Resistance Lv 3Contribution Shop in Pailune201201Use the same Canta Plate set described in Build 1. The armor is chosen for early accessibility and solid defense. The Canta Plate Gloves (DEF 3, ATK 13, ATK Spd +1) and Canta Plate Boots (DEF 3, ATK 13, ATK Spd +1) are particularly valuable because they add attack power on top of defense.202202SlotItemKey StatsHeadCanta Plate HelmDEF 3BodyCanta Plate ArmorDEF 6; Vigor IGlovesCanta Plate GlovesDEF 3, ATK 13, ATK Spd +1BootsCanta Plate BootsDEF 3, ATK 13, ATK Spd +1CloakYnitium Leather CloakLightning Res 3AccessoryTarnished NecklaceATK +1BodyCanta Plate ArmorDEF 6; Vigor I, Haste I, Frostward ICloakDisguise CloakDEF 3, Ice Res 3204204Use the same Canta Plate set as the Longsword build, paired with the Disguise Cloak for ice resistance.205205Recommended Abyss Cores207207Abyss CoreEffectHow to ObtainCrow's PursuitSends crows that passively deal damage with each weapon swingDefeat Crowcaller in Chapter 5GroundsurgeErupts ground rocks and lava for AoE crowd controlDefeat Myurdin in Chapter 7Destruction I-IIIIncreases base ATKVendors and enemy dropsFortification I-IIIIncreases base DEFVendors and enemy dropsSwift I-IIIIncreases ATK SpeedVendors and enemy dropsDestruction IIncreases base ATKHighInsight IImproves critical hit chanceHighStamina TransferenceConverts a portion of damage dealt into stamina recoveryMediumCrow's PursuitPassive crow damage on every swingHighSwift IIncreases ATK SpeedMediumSwift IIncreases ATK SpeedHighStamina TransferenceConverts damage dealt into stamina recoveryMediumWind SlashAoE wind damage on heavy attacksMedium209209Skill Priority210210Keen Senses is the single most important unlock for this build. It enables Counter, Parry, and Perfect Dodge, which are essential for surviving boss fights. From there, prioritize Nature's Echo to create spectral illusions that replicate your attacks, effectively doubling your damage during punishment windows. Shield Bash lets you block while striking, and Turning Slash provides a spinning overhead attack that sends enemies flying. Invest in Grappling for crowd control, as it lets you grab enemies and slam them into others.212212Stamina Tree: Armed Combat, Blinding Flash, Grappling, Shield Bash, Turning Slash, Forward SlashSpirit Tree: Force Palm, Nature's Grasp, Keen Senses, Parry, Nature's EchoHealth Tree: Axiom Force, Aerial Maneuver214214This build revolves around chaining Spinning Slash into Stab, then using Lariat for AoE crowd control against groups. Forward Slash is your primary gap closer for overwhelming mobs. The core combo loop is: Spinning Slash -> Stab -> Lariat -> Forward Slash -> repeat.216216Stamina Tree: Armed Combat, Blinding Flash, Grappling, Lariat, Stab, Forward Slash, Spinning Slash218218The core of this build is Blinding Flash Finisher for AoE burst damage and Forward Slash for sustained pressure. Invest in Forward Slash until you unlock Sure Hit, which becomes your main source of reliable damage. Use Dodge and Counter to seamlessly chain into your attack combos after evading enemy strikes. Nature's Echo with Echoing Forward Slash adds even more damage by creating attack illusions.220220Stamina Tree: Armed Combat, Evasive Slash, Blinding Flash, Blinding Flash Finisher, Spinning Slash, Forward Slash, Forward Slash Proficiency, Forward Slash Sure HitSpirit Tree: Force Palm, Nature's Grasp, Keen Senses, Parry, Dodge, Counter, Nature's Echo, Echoing Forward SlashHealth Tree: Axiom Force, Aerial Maneuver (for traversal)222222Tips224224Upgrade Health first through Abyss Artifacts. Push Stamina above 200 points for comfortable blocking, dodging, and heavy attacks.Avoid purchasing kicking skills (Stomp Kick, Drop Kick, Jump Kick, Snapping Kick) since enemies teach these abilities for free through the observation mechanic.Parry timing is generous with the sword and shield. Practice on weaker enemies before tackling world bosses.The Ignir Sword's five Abyss Core sockets make it the strongest sword for customization even if its base ATK is lower than the Fated Shadow.226226Invest at least 5 points into Stamina for efficient combo execution. Without enough stamina, your chains will break mid-sequence.Upgrade Health to at least 4 points for survivability. Two-handed weapons leave you more exposed since you cannot block.The Rhett's Longsword is easy to refine early. Prioritize upgrading it at the blacksmith before investing silver into other gear.When fighting bosses, focus on counter-attacking after a dodge rather than trying to maintain long combos. Boss attack patterns will interrupt your chains.228228Invest at least 5 points in Stamina to execute longer combos and dodge freely. Also put at least 4 points into Health for survivability.Take Aerial Maneuverability from the Health tree for open-world traversal. It does not contribute to combat but saves significant travel time.The Dual-Wield build has no shield, so you rely entirely on Dodge, Counter, and positioning. If you struggle with bosses, consider switching to the Sword and Shield build for those fights.Crow's Pursuit on the Tauria Curved Sword adds passive damage that accumulates quickly during long combo chains.230230Build 2: Longsword (Combo Chains)232232The Longsword build focuses on chaining skills together for sustained damage output. Two-handed weapons hit significantly harder than one-handed options per swing, and the Longsword offers a good balance between damage and speed. This build is excellent for clearing mobs and dealing high stagger damage to bosses.234234Build 3: Dual-Wield (Aggressive Offense)236236The Dual-Wield build is a fully offensive setup that focuses on attack initiative rather than reactive gameplay. It is powerful from the moment you assemble it and scales well into later chapters. This build overwhelms enemies with rapid strikes and AoE burst damage from Blinding Flash Finisher.238238Weapons240240WeaponATKATK SpdAbyss GearsNotesSword of the Lord13+2Destruction I, Swift I, Wind SlashPrimary hand; fast attack speed for combo chainsTauria Curved Sword15+1Destruction I, Stamina Transference, Crow's PursuitOff-hand; higher ATK and passive crow damage242242Before Chapter 5: Use the Sword of the Wolf paired with the Abyss Gears from the Hwando as a placeholder until you obtain the Tauria Curved Sword.243243Alternative early option: Pick up the two Bekker Axes in Underbridge right after the Prologue (ATK 12 each). One is hidden in a tree stump to the right of the path, and the second sits on a nearby rock heading toward the horses. This unlocks dual-wield combat immediately without needing to farm or buy anything.245245Combat Loop247247Open with Blinding Flash Finisher for AoE burst. Follow up with Forward Slash chained into Spinning Slash to pressure surviving enemies. Use Dodge and Counter when enemies attack to maintain offensive momentum. Once Spirit regenerates, use Blinding Flash Finisher again. Against bosses, focus on Dodge -> Counter -> Forward Slash chains rather than leading with Blinding Flash.
