Tree of Savior Forum

[Guide] Swordsman's Battle Manual (All classes) - By Cathexis

Mmm, it would help if you explain to me your reasoning behind picking those classes for your build. What is it that you are trying to accomplish with your character?

I think it is a build that you could keep on pursuing if it fits your playing style. But I need more information as to what you are looking for to give better advise.


You want either an All-Around build heavy on STR, but if you really want to follow a High STR that is fine too. This just means that you will have to wait until higher levels to have an ā€œefficientā€ build because it is not good in general to spend too many resources on low level equipment.

Depends on whether you want to use it or not. I would say level 1 if you really want to spend those points on other skills. And this is usually what it is done since Doppelsoeldner C2 has a rough time with skill points because there are too many skills to give points to.

You really want at least level 1 of Redel since it is multi-hit and another addition to your rotation. In the end it doesnā€™t do much other than damage but some people prefer to max this one instead of Zucken so it will depend on which one you like more once you get to try them.

Once you get Gung Ho, Concentrate and Plate Armor Mastery plus all the utility attributes (that donā€™t add +1% extra damage), then my suggestion is to focus on getting better equipment and after that you can start leveling the damage attributes.

Not really, but you might consider taking 2 points from Cleave to get Giant Swing (in case you ever decide to do PvP) and Pouncing (it is a nice filler for bosses).


Brandish. You can use Geras Spear meanwhile but if you would rather just save your money then Zega Spear still works even past level 200 while you work on getting your Brandish.


It is a very minor difference, I wouldnā€™t make it a priority any time soon. Better to get your equipment and attributes first.


If you are not tanking then there is not much point in getting a lot of CON. You might still want a few points here and there but you can wait until level 220+ to assess whether you should add them or not.

You can keep spamming for quite a while with stamina pills and plate mastery, so it would be sufficient.

Most likely than not you will be moving around at least to re-position. There are a few bosses that will require you to constantly move around though.

They do add extra damage to your auto-attacks including DWA and other skills.

For dungeons it is quite nice, but outside of that you wonā€™t be using as much as letā€™s say Frenzy.

Yeah, it applies to every attack you do, but I donā€™t remember if DWAā€™s secondary hit applies stacks, so I am unsure on that one. You probably could find if this is the case from a Barbarian C2->Corsair C2 player, or anyone reading this could help us test it.

The difference is that Frenzy gives you Physical Attack which is enhanced by other modifiers like a critical hit, damage type, damage modifiers, etc.

But I do think Frenzy has good synergy with an auto-attacking build.

That is difficult to tell, because you would need to know your Physical Attack before using Deeds of Valor and then consider how reliably you can stack it (since you are following a DEX build).

Yeah, it increases your overall attack speed.

I usually donā€™t provide numbers because without context they are meaningless.

If you would like to get an estimated guess about how it will look at higher levels then you will have to use the stats calculator then add the equipment you assume you will be using and compare it against different high level mobs considering different skills, attribute levels, buffs, etc. A lot of work to do if you would like to go that route.

I think that overall Doppel would be a better option simply because of Cyclone. Deeds of Valor can be used more efficiently if you change your build a little bit so it is not as heavy on DEX to have more synergy with your build.


I think it is alright if you take Dragoon or Doppel C2, both are viable options for the path you have been following.

Doppel C1 is the best way to continue on your next rank and then you just have to decide if you prefer spears or if you would rather keep using Doppel for your rank 7.


That depends on your definition of fun, everyone has a different one.

Since both took Peltasta, you covered everything in PvE already. I think it just depends on which class is more appealing to you based on either weapon used, costume or overall them (mobility vs sustained damage).

If you want sustained damage then the first one is good, otherwise if you would rather have more burst then the Corsair path is better (although burst is usually saved for PvP or world bosses, maybe even GvG).

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Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it.
Iā€™ve got another question. Since Fencer is a dual wield class, would I need to Z and C constantly to maximize my DPS or will the off-hand stats and damage add to my skills and auto attacks?

EDIT: Between the Fencer and CataGoon build, which one is more simple/beginner friendly to play for a newbie?

Nope, you only need to use Z (main auto-attack) from time to time. Most of the time you will be using your skills to deal damage.

The Physical Attack from your off-hand doesnā€™t add to your character, only other stats like +DEX, +Elemental damage, etc.

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What should i roll to be effective in Earth Tower at end game, (enough to get invited into groups) and also be effective into PvP?

There is anything that can do both with some sucess?

I was thinking on a Swordsman > Peltasta > Hoplite > Hoplite > Corsair > Doppelsoeldner > Dragoon

But i lacks Hoplite 3, that might be necessary for this build.

Iā€™m rerolling from cleric, because i got too many levels of Krivis and then discovered that no support is good without Priest 3 because of Stone Skin.

I dont want to make a mistake again. Can i get help on what to roll?

I want something that is damage focused, and good at both PvP e PvE, enough to get invited to do both. (Priority is GvG more then 5v5 or 1v1 )

Or is swordmand the wrong class to pick to be effective in both?
Thanks and please help me, so i do not lose another characterā€¦ =/

Thank you a lot for your advices.

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Why would you want corsair1? Itā€™s not very useful in ET. Hoplite3 would be much better IMO. Though you can also drop doppel or dragoon for dual wielding spear+dagger. This one is really good in certain groups, with linker2+chaplain+QS3 especially.

Nice, i wanted corsair 1 to add some CC for possible PvP.

I want a damage focused build that can have a nice burst, and can be playable in both PvP and PvE.

If i can get corsair 1 or 2 into the build, and still be pve viable, (read that as being invited into tower parties) it is good, because it has a nice CC that i can use to try to burst enemy support or mage down.

Any idea of how to better accmplish this?

Is this build viable? http://www.tosbase.com/tools/skill-simulator/build/zui81xplrf/

I want a damage focused build, that is viable in tower PvE, and is also fun in PvP (mainly GvG, but others would be good too).

And what if i go Shinobi, is it any better?

This one is quite good, though Iā€™d advice against levelling guardian to 5, it will only reduce your attack. You get evasion bonus anyway, and at start level 4-5 Rim blow will while levelling.

Also youā€™d probably want to max JR to get higher drop chance and duration. You may get extra points from hook and keel hauling since youā€™d rarely use the latter as it lets your enemy move. And you canā€™t even use it if you capture more than one enemy. So 1 point here is enough.

But this is only my opinion, JR wonā€™t help you in PvP so you can focus on hook more.

Finally, you can swap barbarian for hoplite, this way you will get higher pierce damage as dagger also deals pierce. Finestra is also very good since it will affect your dagger as well. But itā€™s mainly about playstyle, canā€™t say that one build is better then another.

Thank you for answering :slight_smile:
But i am still wondering what is more useful endgame for PvE and also PvP.
Specialised with Doppel c2 or more flexible with Doppel c1 and Dragoon.
Switching between 2hand sword and 2hand spear or just using the 2hand sword with Doppel c2.
With only 2hand sword i have almost only slash attacks and wonā€™t i be weak against all plate enemies - mobs and PvP players?
With Dragoon i could use the Spear against Plate enemies and the 2hand sword against cloth.

But then again i wonder how good is Doppel c2 compared to Doppel c1 and Dragoon?
I donā€™t know if its possible but can you use weapon swap with 3 different sets of weapons?
With macros or something?
Then having 1hand weapon + shield, 2hand sword and 2hand spear would make sense.
In fight, one could tank, use 2hand sword kills and also crossguard for pierce vulnerability and then swap to 2hand spear to deal piercing damage. ,)

Sorry to interruptā€¦ But it does? Elemental damage? Means the fire elemental damage from Arde Dagger adds to my Z attacks and skills?

I feel that this game is very dependent on normal attacks, so i wanted a full self buff build. So i added skills and attributes such as Gungho, Concentrate, Restrain and pain barrier. Focusing on Gungho & concentrate as they contribute to a lot of my damage as i am full dex. Being a full Dex, i still do not crit as often as i would hoped for. (I used to play a Katar assasin in RO)

I went into barbarian as it has a lot of buffs too. wanted to get Warcry & Frenzy but i realize there is a cap on buffs count. It works as a solo player early in the game. Is there any concerns late game? Any suggestion? really love to see your input and views. :smiley:

You can put your weapons in quick slots and weapon swap using them. But in standart weapon swap slot you can put only 2 sets.

Getting dragoon is actually really good idea, as you will be able to cross guard => use dragoon skills with double damage.

Doppel C2 might be a better choice since it grants you access to potentially very strong doppel C3.

Overall both choices are good, so itā€™s only your preference if you like spears or prefer 2H swords.

As long as you have Peltasta C1 on your build you pretty much cover all your PvE party content needs.

The problem with Earth Tower right now is that, in my opinion, it is being uses an artifical barrier to TOSā€™s end-game content, as it is the only thing keeping players entertained in the game. That is why itā€™s difficulty is exaggerated and most likely will either be tuned down or we will get a higher level cap ā€œsoonā€ to deal with it.

This means that some people make builds specifically for Earth Tower like Peltasta C3 for level 15 Swash Buckling.

You could choose to purse a path like that if you would rather be focused around being supportive to your party. But be aware that Earth Tower could change in the future.

After you have covered Peltasta, you can pretty much grab any class / build combination you like. There are many ways to do it, including the build you listed which I think it is an alright build if you want to cover your PvP / GvG utility with Corsairā€™s Iron Hook too. So Hoplite C3 isnā€™t necesary unless you plan on doing a mostly if not full PvE build.


Mmm, if this is heavily oriented towards PvP then I think that your 3rd build is the better one as you have plenty of hard CC from stuns and Iron Hook.

If you would like to balanced it better for PvE/PvP then I would change Barbarian C2 for Hoplite C2 to increase your Pierce damage through Spear Lunge.

I donā€™t think Swordsman C3 is worth it in here because you are not planning on using Bunshin for PvP.

For an alternative way, you could also try something like:

Swordsman->Highlander C3->Corsair C2->Shinobi

As you do get the slow/debuffs from Highlander and the hard CC from Corsair. Just another different playing style, but if you prefer the stuns then Barbarian is better.


Besides what Derael said, I would:

  • Max out Cleave instead of Helm Chopper, for the extra damage and possible future buffs.
  • Get at least level 1 of Umbo Blow for an extra CC.

Other than that, you can also consider taking Hoplite instead of Barbarian, but that is mainly if you would rather balanced your build out with PvE.

For Shinobi, I would say that this build is better because Shinobiā€™s main trick the clones works fine for a 1v1 scenario but not so much when there are more people involved in a fight.


You can place multiple weapons on your skill bar and swap them that way.

Pretty much both are equal because Doppel C2 and Dragoon only give new offensive tools to deal damage with, so neither is adding something completely different to your build.

I say pick the one you like the most. If you would like to have more diversity on your weapon choice then I think Dragoon is an excellent choice, otherwise if you would instead prefer to continue the 2H Sword path then Doppel C2 is the way to go.


Yeah, that is why so many people look to acquire one.


Yeah, the problem is that Gung Ho and Concentrate donā€™t really do much if anything late game as their damage increase is barely significant. So I wouldnā€™t recommend you to follow a Swordsman C3 build for those reasons.

Also, auto-attacks are a main source of damage at early levels but they are not as strong at higher ones since you get more skills that deal more damage in a shorter amount of time which ends up being a better way to kill things.

So I would probably look into another build for PvE.

You could still continue this one as a possible PvP build though.

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Cathexis, thanks for the awesome guide you made.

I got a question about my build,

Will taking corsair C1 over barbarian C3 impede in my ability to PvE because of the reduce amount of DPS? I was planning to play both PvE and PvP with this character. Also Iā€™m going 2Dex:1Str and 50 CON, do you think that is enough HP for PvP? Lastly, can you recommend me a good or BiS rapier for when I hit Rank 6 and get Fencer?

Thank you so much!

If you really want Corsair for PvP, then I would sacrifice Fencer C2 for it (or pick Doppelsoeldner for Cyclone instead). That way you keep a good balanced between PvE and PvP.

Giving up Barbarian C3 for Corsair is for a mostly PvP build. I donā€™t think it would have too much impact in your overall PvE since you are getting Fencer at Rank 6 if that is the path you would rather pursue.

So I think it is fine either way you decide you prefer.

For your skill build:

  • I would keep Bash at level 3 and get Concentrate instead, even if it is only 2 points because of your priority on Pain Barrier.
  • I would keep Dust Devil at level 1 (unless heavily oriented for PvP) and put those points into Jolly Roger instead.
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Thank you for your responses! So happy!
What would you go for after swordsman 3, Barb 1. PVP or PVE? Considering if i can do a stats reset & skill reset. :smile_cat:

Thank you for the quick reply!

Yeah I really like the whole fencer tree but I just heard that corsair hook is a must for pvp for swordsman. And between Gung Ho and Concentrate, which one is better because I know I canā€™t use Gung Ho while Guardian is active.

Besides what Derael said, I would:
ā€¢Max out Cleave instead of Helm Chopper, for the extra damage and possible future buffs.
ā€¢Get at least level 1 of Umbo Blow for an extra CC.

Other than that, you can also consider taking Hoplite instead of Barbarian, but that is mainly if you would rather balanced your build out with PvE.

For Shinobi, I would say that this build is better because Shinobiā€™s main trick the clones works fine for a 1v1 scenario but not so much when there are more people involved in a fight.

What will give me a more balanced approach for PvE and PvP? Barbarian or Hoplite?

Iā€™m almost reaching class 3, and i need to be sure of what class i will pick next. =/

I want something that will be invited to Earth Tower parties, and that can do ok on GvG.

Let me try some builds, and if possible, you can give me some advice of wich one is better for what iā€™m looking for:

  • The idea is to have Hook + Spear Lunge + Bash:Knockdown + Punish to try to CC and burst down more vulnerable targets at GvG.
    Deeds, Finestra, Gung Ho, Concentrate and Double Weapon Assault act to increase the damage and help create burst window.

For PvE, i can use same passives to increase damage plus Ciclone and Stab, to produce some rotational DPS. It brings a 8/10 Jolly Roger, and can act as off tank with Guardian 5/5 plus Swash Buckling 5/5

  • The idea behind this one is try to use Barbarian Stuns + Giant Swing as a substitute for Corsair CC.
    Helm Chopper + Umbo/Bash Knockdown + Seism.
    The idea is to rush in with Pouncing and then build some Frenzy. Use Giant Swing on the healer, use warcry and then stun a target and use Redel + Zornhau to try to burst him down.
    Some Com to help resist damage will enable Deeds of Valor to have huge effect in enabling a kill i believe.

For PvE it lacks party buffs, but ciclone 10, seism 10 and cleave 8 plus warcry, with frenzy with atribute on, deeds 10 can produce some nice aoe damage i hope.

  • I like this build, but it seems to have no use in PvP.
    I will talk less about it, because its damage is obviously nice, but i donā€™t see how it could be useful on GvG. But i may be wrong, so i will leave it here.

Any change, or any other build i could try that can be effective in PvE and GvG(PvP)?

Thank you.

@fhsatan Hey so my class choice up there is the same that you were thinking of using first. Cathexis went over it few posts later #711? Above is the reasoning that Iā€™m choosing it. Made a few changes got keel haul to lvl 1, raised dust devil to 4, at that point (rank before dragoon) Iā€™ll be using spear + dagger for non-bosses anyway so dust devil would be decent skill addition.

As for ur new build1 skills, why did you get long stride lvl 5? Itā€™s a great gap closer but it has a huge delay (49s?) and itā€™s a single hit, so dmg doesnā€™t scale that well. I went with lvl 1 only for this. Similarly for spear lunge, people mostly keep it at lvl 1 since its main use is the 6 second pierce vulnerability, which doesnā€™t rise with more levels. Iā€™d rather max out stabbing and get more pierce levels. Pierce is decent against large monsters/bosses in PvE (3/4 instant hits).

Also for the dopel skills, you may wanna drop 1-2 levels in Punish and get double pay earn for extra loot with bosses/farming.

Unrelated:

I asked this in another place but didnā€™t get a response so Iā€™ll try here. In PvP everyone gets the same gear right? So any bonuses from like a brandish spear or other equipment is useless? Similarly do you gain nothing from your gems as well? That means that PvP is just base stat allocation + skill choice + playstyle dependent?