Sword and Shield PvE Builds for New World

In PvE the Sword and Shield are primarily known for tanking. In the current META, that is typically all they are used for as there are many DPS options that will perform better. With that being said, this weapon is highly versatile. A tank can use any secondary weapon they wish. Some secondaries will be better for raw damage, others for crowd-control, and some are great for taunts and survivability.

This is a build overview that provides the best Sword and Shield builds when tanking an expedition and lists builds options for every secondary that is most optimal to tank with.

• Reverse Stab
• Shield Rush or Shield Bash
• Defender's Resolve

• Hatchet
• War Hammer
• Great Axe
• Greatsword

A player can feasibly use the Sword and Shield as the primary DPS weapon. While this can have great damage output thanks to have 6 offensive perks and Leadership, it does less damage than other META weapons.

With that being said, it can be beneficial to bring this build if your tank is not using Leadership or if you are running with four DPS.

The secondary weapon you choose to use will be for AoE or survivability, as such, please reference any of the secondary weapon guides below for the best DPS pairings. Their builds are included in the guide.

• Reverse Stab
• Whirling Blade
• Defender's Resolve

• Hatchet
• War Hammer
• Great Axe