Thinking about making a blade master

An axe/fist build is actually 100% axes at low- and mid-levels and 90% fists/claws + 10% axes at high levels.

As a BM on a budget you just get decent axes until about level 90 where you can get your first bits of -interval equipment, making fists a viable DDing weapon. After that you can fully invest in fists/claws and get by with some cheap axes, which will do the job of using Heaven's Flame and the occasional AoE just fine.

Nowitsawn - Heavens Tear wrote: »

An axe/fist build is actually 100% axes at low- and mid-levels and 90% fists/claws + 10% axes at high levels.

As a BM on a budget you just get decent axes until about level 90 where you can get your first bits of -interval equipment, making fists a viable DDing weapon. After that you can fully invest in fists/claws and get by with some cheap axes, which will do the job of using Heaven's Flame and the occasional AoE just fine.

I disagree with the red part, although I usualy find Nowitsawn info right on. For me, fists became more viable than axes at level 29, even before -int gear. The reason was I didn't have the hp to do large pulls and aoe with axes more than just a few mobs at a time, so instead I would get 2 or 3 and single spark attack using Diamond Sutra to heal. Because fist generate more chi I was contantly able to single spark for damage and heals and constantly able to use Diamond Sutra to keep myself healed. This meant I used less pots and mobs died quicker because I could chip away small pieces of life faster and didn't need to use a skill or 1 more hit when they had almost no hp and my only costs were the occasional mp pot.

Not to mention, the weapon paths don't really differentiate until 29. Prior to 29 your weapons will mostly be quest rewards and usually axes so I would use axes up till you get your single spark. After 29 you are able to find molds for each weapon and decide which is your favorite. Mine was claws, even when they were considered fail, but it's up to you.

Really, you don't need great weapons since you had the accurate assessment of describing them as "utility" weapons. You equip the weapon for the skill, not the dmg really.

You will almost never need a real current level sword or pole for damage. Having your pole up to date is nice since you will use Far Strike for damage, but if you only have the bare minimum + skill dmg it's decent enough. Axes and fists you'll want to keep up to date. Starting at level 60 fist molds can be found every 10 levels apart which is plenty of time to farm the mats and refines for your next set of fists. At level 70 you'll get calamity axes which are good enough to last you till you are level 100.

I think most of the better bm's here are actually f2p or minimum money. About all I've spent on the game has been in the form of $10 gift cards my wife has given me as gifts. I know Joshcja is free to play and TheDan has spent basically nothing, also. Maelael I'm not sure, but I know he's a farming machine.

Short Answer: Yes, you can play an all path bm and still be f2p. The largest cost will actually be your -int gear before you start getting to your endgame weapon. As for skills, about half of them are low priority and you'll get by fine with the high priority ones only for a long time.

Maelael - Heavens Tear wrote: »

Just learn to play your class, and do your best with reasonable gear to your level. Spending RL money on the game is just a shortcut. There's tons of way to make money in the game.

I do believe in this - however some might argue that the time used to merch/farm is better used at work where you can convert the money into in-game currency at a better ratio. But this is a game after all and I do plan to just enjoy the class and take it slowly.

Thank you Sakubatou and Maelael for your wonderful insight on the game mechanics for this game and the specifics for a blade master, it has truly inspired me to make one (lol, level 3 so far but I don't have time to play until next week due to life).

Sakubatou - Sanctuary wrote: »

Ahh, life sucks. You gotta cut that sht out of your schedule. b:chuckle

I wish I could ... if onlyb:chuckleb:chuckle

Covary - Raging Tide wrote: »

I do believe in this - however some might argue that the time used to merch/farm is better used at work where you can convert the money into in-game currency at a better ratio. But this is a game after all and I do plan to just enjoy the class and take it slowly.

Thank you Sakubatou and Maelael for your wonderful insight on the game mechanics for this game and the specifics for a blade master, it has truly inspired me to make one (lol, level 3 so far but I don't have time to play until next week due to life).

It's a flat out fact, that time spent mowing lawns (or whatever extra $ job you can find) is more efficient than farming or merching in game. I just enjoy farming and merching.

Really, play when you can, it only takes a few hours to hit 20/30 the old school way.

shotwhointhewhat wrote: »

Probably the most fun PvE class I played. Was easily accepted in to any squad. Only class that was close is playing a Barb in my opinion. In PvE, money is not nearly as big an issue. Especially since Morai gears. However, if you want to get in the more hardcore farming squads, then your gears may cost a bit.

*snip

I forgot to mention that a BM is the most fun class I played in the game. I only come close as a Barb to finding as much fun. I think you will like the experience regardless of how far you decide to go with it.

So much truth in this. And I love my barb, but BMing is way better.

shotwhointhewhat wrote: »

To be great, you must learn how to switch weapons and gears in the middle of fighting. You can do alright otherwise, but you will never be great. This applies to both PvE and PvP, but more so PvP. So yes, to be as good as you can you will need to farm more than one end game weapon.

Switching is more end game stuff, or when you start hardcore grouping with fists and axes. I do talk a bit about fist switching in aoe chains, but yea bout it. As Ive explained to people, when I used to group (and solo now...) in FF, I'd swtich weapons like 982630263623 times throughout. Fists single targets, Pole to pull harpies, Axes multi targets and HF...

shotwhointhewhat wrote: »

If you aspire to be in a big TW faction, you need to focus on good armors/defenses, not necessarily your weapon. As a matter of fact, your attack strength is pretty much a minimal factor in TW as you will primarily play a support role. This is important to note because improving defenses consists of 10 items to refine and/or shard compared to a DD that can still be effective by focusing on 1 weapon while having mediocre gears.

Yes and no. Defense first, but if you have the choice past +10 to +12 your weapon or +12 a piece of gear...the weapon is better spent. It's really good for 1 hitting sins, getting past charm ticks, and ruining groups of people with HF.

But primarily were a support class, gotta have the "Staying power" so you can get off those stuns and HFs and etc.

PvE wise though - if you have enough HP to survive the stuff you wanna solo, and have 5 aps - +12 your end game fists asap. Its...amazing. Im sad I +12'ed my G13 Nirvana claws, but I had no idea G16s would ever come out. Those things are still a powerhouse for PvE solo wise (especially FF and TT), but the G16s just really do some core damage and I enjoy out DDing a good majority of Sins.

shotwhointhewhat wrote: »

Skills are also an issue. Well, mainly HF. It can cost a ton of coins. Probably the most expensive skill in the entire game. Those extra seconds can make a big difference.

In this case he's talking Demon skills (lv 11 stuff). Sins run a close second in terms of price but only because they don't have as many skills needed. I think I have a partial guide in terms of most cost efficient way to get all your skills somewhere if someone needs.

shotwhointhewhat wrote: »

I would say it is more expensive to be effective in all areas of the game when compared to others, but that is mainly because it is a class that is accepted in and designed for all areas of the game. There is nothing I can think of that a BM is not wanted for. However, it is not that much more expensive than any other class if you are aiming for the top. R9, JoSD, refining, etc. is all close to the same regardless of your class.

APS PvE wise, BMs are cheapest. But if you also wanna do TW, by far BMs are the most expensive due to literally, having two sets of gear. But, because the BM is kinda a "do all" class, its worth it in the end. Sins are a powerhouse in PvE, but usually theyre looking for a BM to duo with. BMs are essential in TW, and decent in PK.

Bottom line, as shotwhointhewhat alludes to, if you put in the effort, you will never be bored as a BM unless you choose to be.