MAXIMIZE Your Greatsword DPS With These Tips! Advanced New World Greatsword Guide (PvE)

[@DukeSloth]

Greatsword beginner guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTSaXWFe7-BZqc / Greatsword DPS video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaW0daiqbqihpbM *Phrasing mistake*: Heavy Blade isn't a direct "15% damage increase", that's usually not how penetration works. It is however a significant damage increase. Also, if you're wondering about attribute points: If you can afford to go near zero con, 300 str/250+ dex is ideal. However, in most runs that aren't with VERY competent groups, having a little more con is typically better. In case I do a 200/200 str/dex split (I usually offhand spear so I prio dex), but you're flexible here. If you don't want to sacrifice the permanent grit, 300 str 100 dex or similar is fine, too.

[@c9adc608]

what about armors ?

[@BulletHead1981]

thanks man for your work, the videos you suggest are very good start guide for a newbie as me but, if possible, need a base armor build to follow as model for create my build or for search every pieces i need

[@APrismaticFox]

I think a thing worth mentioning that's unique with Skyward Slash and its Skyfall Sword upgrade that went unmentioned is that the first attack will trigger Keen Posture, while the second can consume it. More notably, with the skill being fully upgraded, everything in the AoE will be Crit by an attack that normally cannot backstab afaik. While it's a lengthy attack, that follow up attack allows SS to be an incredibly strong opener, especially if you're not using Aggressive Shift. You get to apply 2-3 stack of Rend, and trigger most of your GS buffs for Blade Honing which allows your other skills and attacks to be fully buffed for an opening ratation.

[@DukeSloth]

The same is true for using Skyward Slash and a basic attack after though - which is still either a large aoe as a light attack or higher line damage as a heavy attack. Or you can just follow it up with a guaranteed crit on Relentless Rush and have much more overall freedom in your movement + more points to invest elsewhere. Or - probably most importantly - you can follow up with a guaranteed crit on Roaring Rupture, which has just slightly less damage, but a significantly bigger AoE and a ton of other benefits. I also don't think it's valuable to open with Skyward when you can open with Relentless Rush/Aggressive Shift, which doesn't get any direct benefit other than extra dmg from being in Onslaught stance (excluding the root which isn't valued that much in PvE). You effectively sacrifice 5% rend for a little direct extra damage, but across its 10s duration, 5% rend will provide much more overall extra damage for yourself and team. I'm not really a fan of leaving the point out of Aggressive Shift for that very reason as well.

[@DerdOn0ner]

One thing to also keep in mind: you don’t have grit when doing Skyfall Sword. Even with 300 strength, since it’s not a normal attack. I‘ve been staggered out of my combo way too often. Duke definitely has got a point by advising us not to invest too heavily into Skyward

[@MrPonthi]

Great video. It is worth mentioning that you can dodge and cancel the animation of Crosscut between each crosscut attack. So I feel like Crosscut is a very safe ability and does not really lock you in animation like Skyward Slash does it, like it is mentioned in 11:35 .

[@DukeSloth]

Thanks! Skyward Slash can actually be cancelled after the first hit, too, even when putting multiple points into it! But the second hit still locks you in for a fair amount of time. The problem with cancelling Crosscut is that it's only really a significant DPS increase if you land the 3rd hit, mainly because the crosscut attacks don't benefit from additional perks like Heavy Blade or Unflinching Blade. It's not inherently unsafe, but becomes more unsafe if you're aiming to actually get a benefit from it - in contrast to the other options which don't come with this same qualifier.

[@BangsarRia]

This is exactly what I was looking for - which points to move from the Onslaught tree to passives in Defiance

[@TWVGH]

Fantastic work and very informative! Thanks for putting in the work on this one, I will be adapting this immediately in game.

[@DrEvil-jx3oe]

Thank you very much for this helpful information on the Great Sword. I ve just reached 60 and so far I ve really enjoyed playing the Great Sword and I would like to use it in Dungeons as well.

[@sjafi]

Lots of information here, thanks! Would love to see more of these for each weapon.

[@chriswillett9962]

I've been loving the GS even before watching this and learning about honing.

[@manyamaggot]

Great video! Just when I was about to optimize my build

[@yuriythehater4790]

good stuff, thanks for puting all this together!

[@Tetter.]

awesome video! thanks man! very well presented!

[@StrutZ007]

Excellent content as always my friend!

[@rman4539]

Hi ! First NW channel i found that is not just a chatty chatty channel about how NW is SSSOOOO GGOOOODDDD or DEVVSS AREEE LLAAAMMMEEE lol ! Nice work from you ! To speak about the Great Sword : i go for cross cut, relentless rush and roaring rupture. I feel Skyward Slash is just too risky for my playstyle, i don't like the long animation personaly, but they are similar skills, switchable from one to another.. but i always tend to priorize skills with grit if i can. This alone saved my ass off of bad positioning an infinite number of time lol

[@dpmuddasucka4495]

Great video man! Ty!

[@ScottMCINERNEY-p9y]

I used to watch this guy's smite content. I forgot how soothing his voice is

[@sphinx1098]

waiting for the GS tanking ! great work keep it up!

[@keldornify]

Trenchant crits is worthy of a mention for big dmg

[@Skilow]

trechant strikes would be better as gs has a fairly low crit on it's weapon type.

[@herbv3449]

Very interested in a greatsword tanking build!

[@Oldskoolraver-OG]

I've been rocking crosscut,relentless (both skill perks in build) and rupture .. it just feels great in all pve just haven't tried any other skill set up yet

[@DustinHarms]

Been experimenting with a Greatsword as a defensive layer to a Spear/Light build, using all Defiant abilities to take advantage of the flat % reduced damage. Basically using it as a defensive swap or as a safer AoE option for my primarily Spear-focused build. Can't post my tree here of course but I'd be curious to know if you could see this being at least a decent option or if it's completely terrible. I just have seen a ton of GS videos focusing on Onslaught but my first thought was to use it as mentioned here, and I'm not really seeing other videos even entertaining the idea. Anyway, love the insanely high-quality videos and the depth/detail is very appreciated!

[@mohammadh5078]

Awesome guide! Should we be doing this in order?

[@xXHilliamXx]

Is there an armor type you recommend?

[@cichlidspecies]

Hello DukeSloth, one thing you did not discuss or I missed, was the right attributes allocation for the greatsword. O lot of players say that 200 str - 200 Agy is the best way. What do you feel ?

[@DukeSloth]

Good question! Check the pinned comment, I made a couple of notes about that!

[@MrBalrogos]

If u take thwarting strikes then 300str 150 Dex and 50con

[@fullmetalathlete]

I havent even started playing the game but the buildcraft in this video has me so excited...do you feel like all of this information is still accurate for thr Aeturnum roll out here in 2024?

[@Ash-2449]

Consider making an armor video, with all the possible combinations it is quite hard to decide on a GENERAL set for pve or pve dps. As it stands we have -Armor that is elemental or physical heavy or 50/50 -Elemental aversion vs physical -Runeglass give damage and element resist. Since runeglasses give damage they are definitely better for dps, that means you get some extra resist for elements but which ones are more frequent, there's a ton of fire but a lot less lightning for example, considering that should you go for ele aversion or simply elemental resistance heavy armor, the possibilities are so many

[@jespergran]

What's the reason you go for Skyward Slash over Crosscut in your favorite build? I've been trying both and I feel like crosscut is so good, but skyward slash is just a wasted ability to deal 80% weapon damage with some rend. I think I'd rather remove skyward slash to get roaring rupture than removing crosscut

[@DukeSloth]

I think you're heavily underestimating the value of rend. 15% instant rend with a small cleave is very strong. I absolutely agree that the damage from the ability itself is negligible, but the overall damage increase for all attacks after is massive. The build option you suggested is absolutely viable as well though, as long as your team has enough other rends!

[@PhillyFanatic1]

Very helpful video for a new GS player. Thank you. What would you recommend are the 3 best pve/pvp greatswords to use for endgame?

[@MrBalrogos]

Crafted one

[@DukeSloth]

Good question! I'll dig through all the droppable ones and come back with a video covering that soon!

[@PhillyFanatic1]

@@DukeSloth cool thank you. you earned a sub

[@AL-uy3dh]

Great video. You mention trenchant recovery as an alternative to bloodsuckers… but what would you say is the best perk combination overall on a greatsword for dps?

[@MrBalrogos]

Trenchant strike, bane, thwarting strikes/keenly empowered

[@DukeSloth]

Thanks! Depends a little bit on your build. If running Crosscut, assuming we're PURELY after DPS: Thwarting Strikes, (Mob type) Bane, Elemental Attunement If running no Crosscut: Trenchant Strikes, (Mob type) Bane, Elemental Attunement Those would be extremely expensive to get though. Against mob groups, Chain would be nearly as good as Attunement, so that could cut down the cost a little bit. There are a bunch of dropped Greatswords that have Vicious + Bane + Chain, which are imo as close as you can get to these ones without dropping a ton of money.

[@DukeSloth]

@@MrBalrogos Trenchant Strikes and Thwarting Strikes are both DmgCon perks and can't be rolled on the same weapon, unfortunately - unless there's a named item that has both locked. Greatsword already has a lot of Empowers, so in PvE, keenly empowered will often be neglegible due to empower cap.

[@MrBalrogos]

@@DukeSloth Oh i tought they are from diffirent bucket

[@introverseofficial]

Really great video, was scared I would get bored of 20+ minutes of information as I almost always do with these kind of videos but it was extremely entertaining and very informative. What weapons would you pair with the greatsword? I'm currently using a bow but I understand that my build doesn't really have structure (at least for how I have it right now), I'm just using those two cause I like the gameplay, but I would love to have a build that makes sense.

[@DukeSloth]

Thanks a lot! I personally like spear and hatchet the most for pve. You'll stick to greatsword most of the time due to its insane DPS, so you offhand is imo best used for applying debuffs and cc or dealing damage in the situations where the greatsword can't (hence throwing hatchet). Both of these weapons also scale with a mix of STR and DEX, so they synergize well with the greatsword's scaling!

[@introverseofficial]

@@DukeSloth Thanks for the reply, I think I'm gonna give give the spear a go. I like the idea of having even extra damage with rend and some cc never hurts

[@C4Services]

Great video, but what about stat points. The GS scales weird 😐

[@-TheOracle-]

Question. How do you hit for 6k? How does that math add up? Even watching your video, it does not add up, but I watched it happen. Even, almost, carbon copied you with a few possible armor difference and I am not even critting 4k. You are the master, no doubt.

[@marsakka]

What does your stats look like and gear selection

[@julianoroque8049]

Hey dude, you can share your throwing hatchet, melee hatchet and spear build for using with GS?

[@DukeSloth]

Throwing hatchet video coming today! Can do spear in the future, I don't really use melee hatchet anymore since I started using Greatsword!

[@julianoroque8049]

@@DukeSloth Me too, I die anytime because a little lock animation, but is a nice gameplay and throwing hatchet is very good, waiting ur video

[@mjoravec]

What weapon perks for a GreatAxe/ Warhammer to pair with the Great Sword? Is there a particular GA/WH to look for? Mostly PVE.

[@ggunni]

What weapon do you pair GS with?

[@matthiascoupry]

Really great guide. I've been playing full Onslaught but might try with your suggestion for the Defiance AOE. My issue is I dunno what weapon to pair with it. Tried Warhammer, GreatAxe, Hatchet, Blunder. I feel that I could just play in GS with all skill coming back so looking for great utility or more passive dps. IG bring that but doesn't scale with GS stats. Atm, I'm having fun with the Blunder by using the GrapHook as a gap closer/charge and then just dps as GS.

[@daveb7049]

I use spear to apply the weakening effect on bleeding and more rend stacks.

[@FrodoGoloson]

Hey! and what is the best GReatsword Drop for PvP?

[@wesweeblez2190]

Please make the GS tank video

[@rob3497]

If you go spear off hand do you just put all points in dex?

[@ballinediamondjranch9110]

Are these builds still viable in season 2? Also which secondary for dps pve solo/group?

[@1701nihan]

what about the extra 150% threat you are doing with roaring rupture? isnt that bad for the tank ?

[@diddydan608]

Any chance of a PvP version of this guide?

[@DukeSloth]

Yup, in the works! Will still be a while because I want to do more testing to make things as accurate as possible

[@chaptereight3406]

whats a good secondary for greatsword?

[@PicklechipGG]

Hey big Dukie (sorry), do u think Hatchet + LS is a better combo than VG + LS for a mostly solo player? and would that opinion change if I started played with 1 other friend

[@DukeSloth]

Depends on what exactly you want to do with it. Personally, I'd prefer VG+LS due to the higher stat overlap. I'd go void blade, ideally with the Voracious Blade perk so you have an option to easily solo mobs. The rend from void blade also helps when playing with your friend

[@PicklechipGG]

@@DukeSloth oohh okay I’ll take a look into this thank you friend!

[@emregocmen9562]

Thanks king

[@igorgomes7922]

what kind armor show be using? im not PVP player

[@Nzchimeran]

What's your pick for best PvE named greatsword drop in game? Bloodsucker?

[@MrBalrogos]

Pve what? Solo/elites open world bosses/ exp m10?

[@Nzchimeran]

@@MrBalrogos Open world pve.

[@RisingReap]

eey everyone i have a question i see alot of ppl do arround 6 and 8k+ damage with greatsword how in the world are ppl getting those numbers? the highest i seem to be able to do is arround 4k crit even when i get closer to 5k damage i would already be happy but currently i dont know where to go. im running however heavy gear set i know switched to light or medium give's +10/20% damage increase but even that is not enough to get in those numbers or atleast for me it is not so if anyone knows the secret for increased damage pls let me know xd:P becaus im tottaly lost whahah

[@lovinglife8988]

Same here, I only reach like 3.7K with heavy gear and average gear score 650. How to get 6-7K?

[@powrongster]

pvp guide next :p

[@jimmylor4467]

how are you doing so much damage? i testing out great sword so i dont have good perks but i i have 321 strength and 100 con. with my food i can get to 360 strength. i'm doing alot of 1k-2k but i can't even hit constant 3-4k. and i don't hit alot of crits.

[@DukeSloth]

Split your attributes between Str and dex, GS scales equally with both so if you just invest into 1, you do less DMG. Ideally 300 Str 200 dex eventually.

[@jimmylor4467]

@DukeSloth ty, I'll be trying this out when I get on. I've only ever played fire staff, but I'm trying to make a build for melee, and I just can't seem to do damages that I see people do with melee.

[@jimmylor4467]

Thanks for the help. I'm doing so much more damage. 300 strength/141 dex/ 50 con. But I need to try and stay alive, lol. I'm not used to dodging every single hit. And when Idk know the boss attack patterns I die so easily.

[@McDudes]

16:15 thats kinda my current pvp tree

[@thenightingale7405]

I think right now the best starter weapon weapon is a purple with trenchant recovery + an elemental attunement. Even better if you use an elemental attunement that the mob is weak to. Elemental attunement adds more to DPS than any other single perk. Given that no named GS have elemental attunement or trenchant recovery, every farmable GS in the game is trash.

[@DukeSloth]

I definitely agree that Trenchant Recovery + Ele Attunement is incredibly strong. I don't necessarily agree that every farmable weapon is trash though. The Bane+Vicious+Chain named GS are still an ok baseline to work with, especially when fighting multiple mobs.

[@thenightingale7405]

@@DukeSloth I agree. There are some solid options for anyone looking to forgo trenchant recovery. Though personally, I don't do anything with out it.

[@thenightingale7405]

@@DukeSloth That said. I think that a purple with attunement + chain against the appropriate enemy type is going to do more or at least competitive damage when compared to bane + vicious + chain because attunement > vicious + bane.

[@bubbleillusion5968]

I rock trenchant recov with nature attunement and disease hits. Thing slaps hard and the healing benefits are amazing

[@runimcomingforyou.4505]

Well I paid 20k for a trenchant recovery and the nature attunement thingy, hope tht was worth it cuz now I'm back to pennies :) Maybe I got hustled but I don't know what I'm doing so ...

[@dalechambers5234]

Still apply in season 6

[@MrBalrogos]

Somebody forgot that 2 skills from defiance tree generate threat without carnelian :)

[@SuperOmegaReal]

He said at the end of the vid he is working on a seperate vid for greatsword tanking. If u have a competent tank the extra threat is negligible

[@rikhansen4574]

Ranged VS Melee DPS Comparison...you promised....we need the numbers so we can kick Bow players out of M10's without feeling bad for it.

[@footsiez]

Cringe

[@rikhansen4574]

@@footsiez no gets sarcasm these days.....

[@danielnery4054]

don't kick me man

[@killmesoicanrespawn3775]

@@rikhansen4574 cringe

[@rikhansen4574]

@@killmesoicanrespawn3775 bow player or firestaff??

[@McDudes]

Yupp I don't use skyfall sword upgrade either. It's too risky and for pvp a good player will dodge it every time.

[@Type2Nolf]

The hit staggers it’s mostly usefull for chasing a runaway healer especially if rooted first it’s very deadly with a hatchet root to quickly kill light armor in pvp

[@McDudes]

@@Type2Nolf yeah but you can still dodge the 2nd strike. I do that all the time.

[@Simonethedog]

20% Against foes with 90% or more health is not translated to 2% dmg boost overall.... that is true against very high amount of health foes but against squishier target thats not true at all

[@Kupoinfo]

I dunno what kinda tanks you're running with... but if they're a 'struggling tank', you should probably find a new tank. Just my 2 cents. Also concerning the tank build you're juicing up... I played around with the idea when I learned about blocking while doing charged heavies. But I'm thoroughly convinced hammer/hatchet are simply just better options for your second weapon. Nothing is going to beat mitigation values with sword/shield. The cc/rend and like 4 second aoe stun/taunt with hammer are clearly better if you're wanting to cc/hold threat/mitigate incoming damage to a group. And hatchet if you're wanting ranged pulls/aoe damage/ignore 1-shot mechanics. With how much you need to invest in health, the hatchet will simply out dps a greatsword, especially against 2+ targets. If anything, I'd chalk it up to 'niche' tanking build, similar to rapier tanking. Though I do see a world where if built properly you can just bring a 4th dps instead of a healer, but your group would have to be on point with their own healing/damage mitigation. But still there is better option with 'paladin' build if you want to forego healing slot and go with 4th dps. I'll be interested to see if you come up with a competitive tank build or not.