View source for User:Jdavis/Swords

{{opinion}}

This page, commonly called '''Bopp's Sword Guide''', tells you just about everything you need to know about playing with swords in the [[Clockworks]]. The advice applies to pure sworders and to people who use swords on the side, whether they're free-to-play or pay-to-play. You should also check out the semi-official [[Swordmaster Guide]], although that guide erroneously (in my opinion) focuses on sword feel rather than damage type and size.

==Basic Concepts==

The primary consideration in choosing a sword (or handgun) is its [[damage]] type: normal, piercing, elemental, or shadow. Each monster family is resistant to one damage type, vulnerable to one damage type, and neutral to the other two. Hitting a monster with its vulnerable damage type gives you a small bonus, while hitting a monster with its resistant damage type incurs a large penalty. (At depth 28, the vulnerability bonus on 5-star swords is about 75 points of damage, while the resistance penalty is almost 84%. For more detail, see [[User:Exasperation|here]].)
{{User:Jdavis/start}}

{{User:Jdavis/header|Monster Family}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Vulnerable To}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Neutral To}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Resistant To}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[File:Gate_Icon-Slime.png|36px]] [[Monster#Slime Family|Slimes]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shadow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental, normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[File:Gate_Icon-Gremlin.png|36px]] [[Monster#Gremlin Family|Gremlins]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shadow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing, normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[File:Gate_Icon-Beast.png|36px]] [[Monster#Beast Family|Beasts]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shadow, normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[File:Gate_Icon-Fiend.png|36px]] [[Monster#Fiend Family|Fiends]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental, normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shadow}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[File:Gate_Icon-Undead.png|36px]] [[Monster#Undead Family|Undead]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing, normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shadow}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[File:Gate_Icon-Construct.png|36px]] [[Monster#Construct Family|Constructs]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shadow, normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}

{{User:Jdavis/end}}
All monsters are neutral to normal damage. If you intend to use only one sword, then you might want a normal sword; see the [[#Mixing Weapon Types|Mixing Weapon Types]] section below. If you plan on using two or three swords at once, then '''work on one piercing sword, one elemental sword, and one shadow sword'''. You can always avoid monsters' resistances and usually exploit their vulnerabilities.

After damage type, '''the next most important consideration is probably size'''. Fast, dodging enemies are much easier to hit with wide, long swings than with narrow, short swings. Width and length also help you hit multiple enemies at once, which greatly increases your damage output.  In this guide, each sword swing is rated as either short or long, and as either narrow, wide, or 360-degree. The scale is different for regular attacks and charge attacks; a short charge attack may be longer than a long regular attack.

Speed and knockback are also important considerations. Like width and length, speed makes fast enemies easier to hit. Speed aids defense by helping you interrupt monsters, and shield and doge quickly. Knockback greatly aids defense, especially in crowded rooms. However, in a party you must take care not to knock monsters into your teammates (especially with [[Leviathan Blade]], [[Divine Avenger]], and [[Warmaster Rocket Hammer]]). Due to speed and knockback, different swords can actually ''feel'' different to the player. '''There is no reason to restrict yourself to one feel'''. In battle, I often switch feels every few seconds, as I change targets.

Damage type, width, length, and speed all contribute to the monster-killing efficiency of a sword in different ways. For example, the guild [[Lancer Knightz (Guild)/Swords|Lancer Knightz]] has measured the damage per second (DPS) arising from comboing swords. However, other measures of damage output may be more useful in some situations. Furthermore, these damage numbers ignore [[status effect]]s &mdash; fire, freeze, shock, curse, poison, stun, and sleep &mdash; which can dramatically enhance one's fighting (except for fire on [[oiler]]s and shock on [[quicksilver]]s).

==Mixing Weapon Types==

As with swords, '''damage type is the primary consideration in choosing a handgun, or a mix of swords and guns'''. You want to carry two or three non-normal damage types and deploy them against the correct monsters to optimize your damage.

Among players who use one sword and one handgun, there are two schools of thought. A player who prioritizes flexibility might choose a normal gun, so that he can use his gun on all targets. A player who prioritizes damage output might choose an elemental gun. Why? Swords and bombs can have difficulty approaching turrets, especially in crowded rooms. So a sidearm gun should be especially good against turrets, and all turrets are either vulnerable ([[Gun Puppy|gun puppies]], [[howlitzer]]s) or neutral ([[polyp]]s) to elemental damage.

Looking to use one sword and one gun? Consider the combination of a piercing sword with an elemental gun. The gun works splendidly against constructs and undead, and decently against slimes. The sword works splendidly against beasts and fiends, and quite well against gremlins due to its speed and size. The sword could alternatively be shadow or even normal, but those combinations are not quite as strong. Looking to use two swords and one gun? Try piercing sword, elemental gun, shadow sword.

Any bomb can complement a set of swords, but crowd-control bombs such as [[Voltaic Tempest]], [[Shivermist Buster]], [[Graviton Vortex]], and [[Electron Vortex]] are especially popular. Once the monsters are trapped, you can hit them with a sword charge attack. Note well, however, that some swords do not charge fast enough for a single person to make a vortex and release a sword charge before the vortex collapses.

==Summary of Swords==

Even if you're currently at 2 stars, you should always plan in terms of 5-star items. Then you have less danger of getting stuck in an alchemy path that you don't want (e.g., [[Winmillion]]). Here is a summary of all of the 5-star swords, including
* Damage: damage type.
* SPC: strokes per combo.
* Combo: average width (wide W vs. narrow N vs. 360-degree T), average length (long L vs. short S), and status effect.
* Charge: width, length, and status.
* Move: [[Lancer Knightz (Guild)/Swords#Charges_per_Minute.2C_and_Charge_Movement_Speed|movement speed while charging]]: fast (normal running speed), medium (about 10% slower), or slow (about 20% slower).
* Opinion: my view of the primary strength or purpose of the sword, that might lead you to choose it over other swords.

{{User:Jdavis/start}}

{{User:Jdavis/header|Name}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Damage}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|SPC}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Combo}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Charge}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Move}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Opinion about Strength or Purpose}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Leviathan Blade]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|TS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|great charge, but see Fang of Vog}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Cold Iron Vanquisher]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|TS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|great charge, but see Fang of Vog}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Dread Venom Striker]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|5}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS poison}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS poison}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Wild Hunting Blade]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|5}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Sudaruska]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|knockback sidearm for gunners and bombers}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Triglav]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|normal}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL freeze}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL freeze}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|knockback sidearm for gunners and bombers}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Barbarous Thorn Blade]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|beasts, fiends}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Final Flourish]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|beasts, fiends}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Fearless Rigadoon]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|beasts, fiends}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Furious Flamberge]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|piercing}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|beasts, fiends}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Warmaster Rocket Hammer]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elemental}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|undead, constructs (multiple)}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Divine Avenger]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elem+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|undead, constructs (multiple or charge)}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Fang of Vog]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elem+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|TS fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|awesome charge}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Combuster]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elem+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|undead, constructs (single or charge)}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Glacius]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elem+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL freeze}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|undead, constructs (single or charge)}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Voltedge]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|elem+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL shock}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|undead, constructs (single or charge)}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Acheron]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shad+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|3}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slimes, gremlins (single or charge)}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Gran Faust]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|shad+norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL curse}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL curse}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slimes, gremlins (multiple or defensive)}}

{{User:Jdavis/end}}

==Piercing, Elemental, Shadow==

Remember that, if you're into swords, then '''you want to own a piercing sword, an elemental sword, and a shadow sword'''. This section offers direct comparisons within each damage type. I try to present the objective facts, followed by semi-objective analysis of their implications, followed by my subjective opinion. The abbreviations are as above, with these additions: SPM for strokes per minute, CPM for charges per minute, and DPS for damage per second. (These are all based on the [[Lancer Knightz (Guild)/Swords|Lancer Knightz data]], which reflect [[ASI]]+6, [[CTR]]+6, no damage bonus, depth 28, vulnerable enemies, and no damage from status.)

===Piercing Swords===

{{User:Jdavis/start}}

{{User:Jdavis/header|Name}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|First}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Second}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Third}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|SPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Charge}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Move}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|CPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Obtain}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|DPS}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Barbarous Thorn Blade]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 285}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 285}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 340}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|120}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Frumious Fang]]s}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|607}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Final Flourish]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 285}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 285}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 340}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|120}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|17.5}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|607}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Fearless Rigadoon]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 240 stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 240 stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 289 stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|120?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|17.5?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|513?}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Furious Flamberge]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 240?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 240?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL 289?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|120?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|medium?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|17.5?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|513?}}

{{User:Jdavis/end}}

Facts: Final Flourish and BTB are identical in their regular attacks. BTB's charge attack spews a short, wide shower of thorns; it can disrupt and moderately damage a crowd of monsters. In contrast, Final Flourish's charge attack is essentially a more powerful version of its regular combo; it lunges into one monster (or a tight crowd), damaging it heavily. Fearless Rigadoon and Furious Flamberge are identical to Final Flourish, but sacrifice some damage for the ability to inflict status effects. BTB charges faster than the others.

Implications: The first stroke, being wide, long, and fast, is extremely useful; against fiends, it is often wise to use just the first stroke. The third stroke benefits greatly from auto-targeting, due to its distinctive lunging motion. These swords kill piercing-vulnerable monsters so quickly that there is usually not much point in also inducing a status; you would rather just have as much damage as possible. The Final Flourish charge does more damage than the BTB charge against a single enemy or a tight crowd. Against a large crowd, the BTB charge is a bit safer, because it disrupts the attacks of several monsters, while the Final Flourish charge can leave the user exposed.

Opinion: Final Flourish and BTB are equally good. Furious Flamberge and FR seem less good.

===Elemental Swords===

{{User:Jdavis/start}}

{{User:Jdavis/header|Name}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|First}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Second}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Third}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|SPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Charge}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Move}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|CPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Obtain}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|DPS}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Warmaster Rocket Hammer|W. Rocket Hammer]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 340}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 240}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 403}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|90}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|13}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Operation Crimson Hammer|Op. Crimson Hammer]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|492-733}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Divine Avenger]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 328}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 445}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|74}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|18.5}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Jelly Gem]]s}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|477}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Fang of Vog]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 266 fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 266 fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 345 fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|96}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|TS fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|17}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Almirian Seal]]s}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|468}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Combuster]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 382}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|117}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL fire}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|628}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Glacius]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 382}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|117}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL freeze}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|628}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Voltedge]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 382}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|117?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL shock}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Krogmo Coin]]s}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|628?}}

{{User:Jdavis/end}}

Facts: In regular attacks, Combuster, Glacius, and Voltedge enjoy superior speed and single-target DPS. DA and WRH enjoy superior width, length, and knockback. WRH's second stroke lunges dramatically, hitting as many as three times, depending on the target. FoV's raw speed, size, and damage are mediocre, but it can inflict fire on every stroke. In charge attacks, Combuster, Glacius and Voltedge emit a line of explosions, that cause fire, freeze, or shock; these swords are identical except in their charge attack statuses. You move at reduced speed while charging DA or WRH. The DA charge is a big swing that spews three projectiles. The WRH charge is two huge downward swings with large area and knockback. Fang of Vog's 360-degree charge attack does huge damage to monsters, sets them on fire, and often sets the user on fire.

Implications: Against tightly clustered enemies, DA's and WRH's longer reach and wider swing mean that they can hit multiple enemies at once, potentially doing high total damage. However, completing a combo against multiple enemies without getting hit requires care. DA's and WRH's high knockback aids defense in tight, crowded fights. WRH's lunging combo is dangerous around traps, but can facilitate simultaneous attacking and dodging. The WRH charge leaves you exposed. Among the three Brandishes, Glacius' freeze is useful for crowd control, and it does some damage upon thawing, but it can hinder kiting and knockback. Voltedge's shock disrupts monsters somewhat, and it does some damage, especially since shock does area-damage to close monsters. Combuster's fire is useful for extra damage, but offers no crowd control. Freeze and shock can prevent a monster from riding the entire Brandish charge attack for full damage; fire does not have this defect. Although the monsters in Firestorm Citadel are largely immune to fire, FoV and the Combuster charge still do damage &mdash; just not status.

Opinion: Against individual monsters, Combuster/Glacius/Voltedge are the best choices. Choosing among those three swords amounts to choosing a status; there is no right answer, but I prefer Combuster. FoV's charge attack is extremely powerful, and hence useful against tough enemies (Royal Jelly, slag guards). Otherwise, FoV is inferior to Combuster/Glacius/Voltedge. Against crowds of monsters, the big swords DA and WRH have an advantage over Combuster/Glacius/Voltedge. DA is safer and easier than WRH, but it is possible that WRH could deliver somewhat better offense in the hands of an expert.

===Shadow Swords===

{{User:Jdavis/start}}

{{User:Jdavis/header|Name}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|First}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Second}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Third}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|SPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Charge}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Move}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|CPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Obtain}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|DPS}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Acheron]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 292}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 382}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|117}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|628}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Gran Faust]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 328}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 445 curse}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|72}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NL curse}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|14}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Jelly Gem]]s}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|464}}

{{User:Jdavis/end}}

Facts: Acheron enjoys superior speed and single-enemy DPS. GF enjoys superior width, length, and knockback, and it can curse monsters. GF takes a conspicuously long time to charge, you move at reduced speed while charging, and the charge attack can curse you.

Implications: Against tightly clustered enemies, GF's longer reach and wider swing mean that it can hit multiple enemies at once, potentially doing high total damage. However, completing a combo against multiple enemies without getting hit requires care, so this is not really a route to high DPS. GF's higher knockback aids defense in tight, crowded fights. GF's monster curse is useful against large enemies (Royal Jelly, lichen colonies), but small enemies do not usually live long enough for it to be useful. GF's user curse is somewhere between irritating and dangerous.

Opinion: GF is better for a defensive mode. For example. I use it in [[List of missions#Danger Mission|Compound 42]] and the [[Unknown Passage]], to keep crowds at bay. In all other situations, Acheron is better.

==Normal==

Are you sure that you want a normal sword? Maybe you'd be happier with two non-normal swords, or with a piercing sword and an elemental gun? No? Okay, here are some comparisons among normal swords.

{{User:Jdavis/start}}

{{User:Jdavis/header|Name}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|First}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Second}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Third}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Fourth}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Fifth}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|SPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Charge}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Move}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|CPM}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|Obtain}}
{{User:Jdavis/header|DPS}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Dread Venom Striker]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170 pois}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170 pois}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170 pois}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170 pois}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 216 pois}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|145}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS pois}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|18}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|433}}

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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Wild Hunting Blade]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 170}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 216}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|145?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|18?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|433?}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Leviathan Blade]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 203}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 203}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 258}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|114}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|TS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|420}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Cold Iron Vanquisher]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 186}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 186}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|NS 238}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|114?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|TS}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fast?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|21?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|386?}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Sudaruska]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 258}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 321}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|64}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL stun}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|15}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|309}}

{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Triglav]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 258?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL 321? frz}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|64?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|WL frz}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|slow?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|15?}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Krogmo Coin|Kr. Coins]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|309?}}

{{User:Jdavis/end}}

===Leviathan Blade vs. Cold Iron Vanquisher===

Facts: [[Cold Iron Vanquisher]] does less base-line damage than [[Leviathan Blade]], but comes with a High damage bonus against undead. Levi's charge attack knocks back more than CIV's does.

Implications: Against non-undead targets, Levi simply does more damage per hit. Against undead targets, which sword does more damage depends on the amount of damage bonus being applied from other sources (armor, shield, trinkets, UVs). At None, Low, Medium, and High damage bonus, CIV out-damages Levi against undead. At greater levels of damage bonus, Levi starts catching up to CIV against undead, because damage bonus cannot go over Maximum!. At Ultra or Maximum! damage bonus from other sources, Levi out-damages CIV even against undead. The high knockback of Levi's charge attack is good for defense, but it can disrupt teammates when used badly. Against light enemies, CIV's charge is more likely to hit three times, and therefore may do more total damage.

Opinion: Levi is better in most situations.

===Dread Venom Striker vs. Wild Hunting Blade===

Facts: [[Dread Venom Striker]] and [[Wild Hunting Blade]] do equal base-line damage. WHB comes with a High damage bonus against beasts, while DVS can poison its targets. Any piercing sword does far more damage against beasts than WHB does, and with wider, longer swings.

Implications: At None, Low, Medium, and High damage bonus coming from other sources (armor, shield, trinkets, UVs), WHB out-damages DVS against beasts. At greater levels of damage bonus, DVS starts catching up to WHB against beasts, because damage bonus cannot go over Maximum!. At Maximum! damage bonus from other sources, DVS matches WHB against beasts. DVS's poison is useful against most monsters &mdash; especially ones that heal, such as the Royal Jelly.

Opinion: DVS is better. Indeed, WHB has been made largely obsolete by the piercing swords and the weakening of the [[wolver]] AI. WHB deserves some kind of update.

===Sudaruska vs. Triglav===

Facts: [[Sudaruska]] inflicts stun on the charge only, while [[Triglav]] inflicts freeze on the charge and on the second stroke of the combo. Both swords enjoy great length, width, and knockback in regular attacks (identical to [[Divine Avenger]] and [[Gran Faust]]). Both swords deliver a big charge attack that leaves the user exposed but knocks monsters away.

Implications: If Triglav successfully freezes its target, then the freeze prevents the target from being knocked back. On the other hand, there is a well-known "bug" in the stun status, that causes monsters to attack in unexpected ways. So both statuses have undesirable aspects.

Opinion: I have never used Triglav, but the possibility of not knocking enemies away on the charge attack seems quite dangerous, so I vote for Sudaruska.

==Other Comparisons==

Remember that you should always plan in terms of 5-star items, not 2- or 3-star items. And damage type is the major consideration in choosing a sword. So the comparisons in this section make no sense in my world view. However, so many people ask about them that I have to say something.

===Troika vs. Sealed Sword===

Facts: [[Troika]] and [[Sealed Sword]] are 2- and 3-star swords, not 5-star swords. The 5-star versions of these swords do various kinds of damage (normal, elemental, shadow). In regular attacks, [[Divine Avenger]] and [[Gran Faust]] are significantly faster than [[Sudaruska]] and [[Triglav]], but all four of these swords have the same width, length, and knockback. The Troika-style charge attack slams down on the monsters from above, while the Sealed-style charge attack launches one or three projectiles that plow through the monsters.

Implications: People ask about these swords because they are all heavy (wide, long, slow, two-stroke combo, high knockback). But, because they inflict different damage types, they are not really comparable.

Opinion: If you are a gunner or bomber who wants a single sword for all emergencies, then consider Sudaruska, Triglav, and Leviathan Blade. If you are a sworder, then do not get any Troika-line sword, but strongly consider Divine Avenger or Gran Faust, to complement the damage types of your other swords. If you use a mixture of swords and guns, then strongly consider DA or GF (to complement the damage types of your other swords and guns).

===Divine Avenger vs. Gran Faust===

Facts: [[Divine Avenger]] does elemental damage, while [[Gran Faust]] does shadow damage. Therefore DA does more damage against undead and constructs (and fiends), while GF does more damage against slimes and gremlins (and beasts). DA's charge attack does more total damage. GF's charge attack can inflict curse on monsters, but it can also curse the user. Contrary to the statistics bars displayed on these items, GF is not faster than DA.

Implications: People ask about these two swords because they are heavy (wide, long, slow, two-stroke combo, high knockback) and come from Jelly Gems. But, because they inflict different damage types, they are not really comparable.

Opinion: If you have already decided that you are going to craft either DA or GF, then choose the one that complements your other weapons' damage types. In the case of a tie, choose DA, because DA is about as good as any elemental sword, whereas GF is not quite as good as Acheron.

===Calibur vs. Brandish===

Facts: [[Calibur]] and [[Brandish]] are 2-star swords, not 5-star swords. The 5-star versions of these swords do various kinds of damage (normal, elemental, shadow). The Calibur-style charge attack can hit several monsters up to three times, with large knockback. The Brandish-style charge attack hits one monster (or a tight crowd) once, with up to five additional damage bursts, depending on the star-level of the Brandish.

Implications: People ask about these swords because they are similar in their 2-star regular attacks (narrow, short, medium-speed, three strokes, small knockback). But, because they inflict different damage types, they are not really comparable.

Opinion: If you are a gunner or bomber who wants a single sword for all emergencies, then consider Leviathan Blade, Sudaruska, and Triglav. If you are a sworder, then do not get any Calibur-line sword, but strongly consider [[Combuster]]/[[Glacius]]/[[Voltedge]]/[[Acheron]], to complement the damage types of your other swords. Also strongly consider the Brandishes if you use a mixture of swords and guns.

==Armor, Shields, and Trinkets==

In Tier 3, even the strongest armor lets through lots of damage. To stay alive, one must avoid getting hit. Thus, most advanced players favor [[armor]], [[shield]]s, and [[trinket]]s that give [[Abilities|offensive bonuses]], even at the cost of some defense. Damage bonus against all enemies is especially valuable, in that it amounts to multiple [[Unique Variant|UVs]] (six monster families, Vanaduke, and PvP). On the other hand, the practical value of damage bonus is sensitive to your tactical situation; it may increase your kills per second dramatically or not at all.

Here are the armors and shields that give sword bonuses. Note well that the Snarbolax and Heavenly Iron armors can be crafted only in the Shadow Lairs; they are not good choices for your first 5-star armor. Other popular shields for sworders are [[Grey Owlite Shield]], [[Crest of Almire]], and [[Volcanic Plate Shield]].

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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Skolver Coat]]/[[Skolver Cap|Cap]]}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|norm}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|pier}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|sword+2}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|fr+4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/row}}

{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Vog Cub Coat]]/[[Vog Cub Cap|Cap]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|sword ASI+2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fi+4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Snarbolax Coat]]/[[Snarbolax Cap|Cap]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|shad}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|sword+2}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|fr+3}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|po+3}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Heavenly Iron Armor]]/[[Heavenly Iron Helm|Helm]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|shad}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|sword+1, fiend+1}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|sh-4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|cu+4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Armor of the Fallen|Armor]]/[[Crown of the Fallen]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|shad}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|ASI+1, fiend-2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fi+4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|po+4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|cu-4}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Chaos Cloak]]/[[Chaos Cowl]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|elem}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|damage+1, CTR+1}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fi-2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|fr-2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|sh-2}}
{{User:Jdavis/cell|po-2}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|cu-2}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Barbarous Thorn Shield]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|sword+2}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|[[Swiftstrike Buckler]]}}
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{{User:Jdavis/cell|ASI+3}}
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{{User:Jdavis/end}}

Skolver is ideal for the [[Royal Jelly Palace]], where most of the damage is normal and piercing. Vog Cub and Snarbolax are both good for [[Firestorm Citadel]], but I prefer Vog Cub, because the shadow is easier to avoid than the fire. Insofar as there is a general trend, Vog Cub offers better defense than Skolver. Elemental and fire are more prevalent than piercing and freeze, especially due to the popularity of Firestorm Citadel. Also, Vog Cub's ASI aids defense. Meanwhile, Skolver offers better offense, because damage bonus amounts to multiple UVs.

New players and frugal players should '''consider building a general-purpose armor set''' before building more specialized sets. Perhaps obtain [[Ash Tail Coat]]/[[Ash Tail Cap|Cap]], and upgrade one piece to Vog Cub, and then upgrade the other to Skolver. Consider also [[Divine Veil]] with Skolver Coat; this is probably the best general-purpose armor set in the game.

There are trinkets to enhance your sword attack speed, damage, and charge time. By coordinating trinkets with armor and heat level 10, you can always achieve damage+4, ASI+4, and CTR+2 on all swords. Shields and UVs let you exceed these baseline bonuses.

==Final Thoughts==

A knight's goal is to kill monsters, but a player's goal is to have fun. Some people wear crummy armor, because they enjoy the challenge. In my opinion, some of the weaker swords (e.g. [[Sudaruska]], [[Dread Venom Striker]]) are really fun. So try a variety of swords and use what you like. This guide exists, just to help you understand the tradeoffs you're making.

Thanks to [[Lancer Knightz (Guild)|Lancer Knightz]] for data, [[User:Trying|Trying]] for vandalism repair, and the [http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/forum/53 Arsenal Forum] regulars for enlightening discussion. Happy travels.