Sword and Shield Backline Assassin PvP Build for New World

Last updated on Feb 23, 2023 at 12:00 by Lemoni 12 comments

The following is a PvP dive build that will use the high mobility and crowd-control of the Sword and Shield. It will then pair it with the Hatchet so it can easily kill priority targets, have incredible survivability, and then escape from danger. This build can initiate a surprise engagement and then get a target caught in a crowd-control loop that will most likely result in their death.

1.

Sword and Shield Backline Assassin - PvP

This build focuses on being able to quickly initiate a fight on a single player, put them into a crowd-control combination that opens up huge damage opportunity for the Hatchet. It has amazing survivability and can outrun just about any enemy.

2.

Sword and Shield Builds

2.1.

Shield Rush

  • Leaping Strike Leaping Strike — This will be used to initiate a CC combo, or to just get yourself into combat. It will deal a large amount of damage if you hit an enemy from behind, and add a slowing effect. This can also be used for a quick escape.
  • Shield Bash Shield Bash — This is needed for any chain CC combos. It is powerful ability for locking down a priority target, or interrupting abilities due to its quick casting speed.
  • Shield Rush Shield Rush — This will provide a stagger that initiates a CC chain and quick damage. It also will add an AoE slowing effect. So when used on a clump, it can result in great utlity to secure several kills.
2.2.

Reverse Stab

  • Reverse Stab Reverse Stab — This will do a large burst of damage, stagger the target, and reset cooldowns. It should always be used after your two other abilities are on cooldown. It is best to try and use it on a target who is stunned or affected by CC.

This build can result in higher burst damage and ability cooldown reduction, but it can be difficult to land Reverse Stab Reverse Stab unless the target is stunned or CC'd.

3.

Hatchet Build

  • Feral Rush Feral Rush — This ability is perfect for targets who are trying to escape, or quick bursts of mobility. You will leap and hit a target in the back for a large burst of damage, root them, and slow them if you have its perk. This can also be used to escape abilities like Gravity Well Gravity Well.
  • Berserk Berserk — In PvP, this can be used to get out of crowd-control, even stuns. This will also provide movement speed and free healing in addition to its damage increase.
  • Social Distancing Social Distancing — This is mobility that can be used to escape roots or other crowd-control. But it can also be used to root players who are attempting to escape.
4.

Attributes

200str150dex200con

This split maximizes damage output because of mixed primary and secondary attribute scaling. It also adds more mobility by having the 150 Dexterity passive. This will allow you to freely dive in and out of backlines while adding the most benefit to damage through raw scaling and beneficial passives.

5.

Gearing

5.1.

Light

Slot Perks Gem Weight Attribute Source
Sword Runeglass of Ignited Opal Runeglass of Ignited Opal** - Strength Crafted/BoE
Shield - Round Shield Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Hatchet Runeglass of Ignited Opal Runeglass of Ignited Opal** - Strength Crafted/BoE
Helmet Cut Pristine Onyx Cut Pristine Onyx Light Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Chest Cut Pristine Onyx Cut Pristine Onyx Light Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Gloves Cut Pristine Onyx Cut Pristine Onyx Light Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Pants Cut Pristine Onyx Cut Pristine Onyx Light Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Boots Cut Pristine Onyx Cut Pristine Onyx Light Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Amulet Cut Pristine Opal Cut Pristine Opal - Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Ring Cut Pristine Opal Cut Pristine Opal - Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE
Earring Cut Pristine Opal Cut Pristine Opal - Strength or Constitution Crafted/BoE

*: The ability perks you need to make sure are in your build are Empowering Leaping Strike Empowering Leaping Strike and Crippling Feral Rush Crippling Feral Rush. You can use Fortifying Shield Rush Fortifying Shield Rush for more defensiveness if you wish. If you do not use a perk, fill that slot with a viable defensive passive.

**: Your Opal Runeglass on your weapons can be any variation of elemental damage, the same goes for your Attunement and Chain Damage perks. It is best practice to match your Attunement or Chain with the type of DoT damage your Opal does.

***: Freedom Freedom, Elemental Aversion Elemental Aversion, and Refreshing Refreshing, are all viable options. When using Freedom Freedom you should stack 3 or 5 times. Any combination of these perks is viable.

6.

Gem Optimization

For more specific information on optimizing your gems in PvP and PvE please refer to our dedicated guides.

6.1.

Punishing Runeglass

This will increase physical damage dealt by a flat percent, but it has an internal cooldown attached to it. This means that if you swing two light attacks, only every other swing will have the damage increase. This drastically reduces its effectiveness over time, whereas you could just take normal defensive gems to increase survivability. It can be worth it to put 1-3 of this Runeglass in your gear, but never use a complete set of 5 Punishing Runeglass

7.

Heartrune

When you are looking to have higher damage output and burst down multiple targets within a clump should use Brutal Heartrune of Detonate Brutal Heartrune of Detonate. You just need to play safely after activating it.

If you are wanting to push through choke points, doorways, or want a more defensive option, Stalwart Heartrune of Stoneform Stalwart Heartrune of Stoneform is great to have some independent burst healing if you do not have a healer. For max defensiveness, Cunning Heartrune of Stoneform Cunning Heartrune of Stoneform is the better option.

7.1.

Heartrune Usage

Your Heartrune will be used similarly in PvP and PvE scenarios. As such, please refer to our Sword guide or Hatchet guide for tips on how it can be used most effectively.

8.

Rotation and Priority List

  • Open on a target with Leaping Strike Leaping Strike and attempt to hit them in the back.
  • Use Shield Rush Shield Rush to do damage, slow, and stagger the target.
  • Use Shield Bash Shield Bash to do damage and stun the target.
  • Swap to Hatchet and animation cancel Berserk Berserk into Feral Rush Feral Rush from behind the target if possible.
  • Light attack with Hatchet or Sword and Shield.
  • If the target escapes, attempt to use Social Distancing Social Distancing to root them and catch up.
  • Use Leaping Strike Leaping Strike or Shield Rush Shield Rush if they are available to escape or close gaps.
  • Swap to Hatchet if you are about to die to use Defy Death Defy Death. Also swap and use Berserk Berserk to escape CC.
9.

Gameplay Tips

When using the Sword or Hatchet in PvP and PvE there are many similar aspects that go into gameplay decisions and rotations. To learn more about how you can improve your gameplay, use certain secondary weapons, or additional information on specific abilities, please refer to the Gameplay section of the Sword page or Hatchet page.

10.

FAQ

For more information on the most frequently asked Sword and Shield or Hatchet questions please refer to the FAQ section of the Sword, or Hatchet, for answers on PvP and PvE topics!

11.

Changelog

  • 22 Oct. 2023: Guide updated for expansion.
  • 29 Mar. 2023: Updated gear.
  • 23 Feb. 2023: Guide added.
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