New World Aeternum Flail and Shield Build Guide

Time: 2024-10-20 by mmojugg Game: New World Aeternum Guide

In this New World Aeternum Flail and Shield build guide, we explore the ins and outs of using the flail and shield, a powerful weapon combination for both PvE and PvP. While the flail can be used without a shield, its true potential shines when paired with one. In this guide, we'll break down the weapon's strengths, the ideal skill trees, and the most effective ways to use the build in group settings and solo play.

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Weapon Overview

The flail and shield combo scales with both strength and focus, though strength is the primary stat to prioritize. This weapon combination stands out from others due to its unique ability to heal both the player and allies while attacking, making it a versatile support tool in addition to a damage-dealing weapon.

Strength Focus: Prioritize strength in your build to maximize damage, but consider focus if you want to complement healing abilities.

AoE Attacks: The flail has wide horizontal sweeps that hit multiple enemies, making it excellent for AoE (Area of Effect) damage.

Versatile Playstyle: Thanks to its healing and crowd control capabilities, it's a great combination for both PvE content, such as expeditions and large-scale PvP battles.

Strike Damage: The flail deals strike damage, which can be more effective against certain enemies where the sword and shield fall short.

Shield Types and Their Impact

Though the flail doesn't utilize the shield in its attacks (unlike the sword and shield), the type of shield you choose still influences your build.

Round Shields: These are the lightest and have the lowest block stability but deal the most damage. Ideal for players who want to maintain a lighter equip load and focus on damage, especially in solo PvP.

Kite Shields: A middle ground, offering more block stability and slightly reduced damage. These are ideal for players balancing offensive and defensive play, especially in mixed PvE/PvP content.

Tower Shields: The heaviest option, with the most block stability and reduced damage. This is the best choice for tanks in large-scale PvP battles or PvE expeditions where blocking and survivability are critical.

Pros and Cons of the Flail and Shield

Pros:

High Survivability: Its healing abilities make it one of the most durable melee builds.

Great for Tanks: Works exceptionally well in tank roles for PvE expeditions and large PvP encounters.

Decent Range for a Melee Weapon: Wide, sweeping attacks make it effective at controlling crowds.

Cons:

Lower Damage Output: Its raw damage potential is somewhat limited compared to other melee weapons.

No Shield Skills: Despite using a shield, none of the flail's abilities make use of it, which reduces synergy.

Skill Trees: Cleric and Bastion

The flail has two skill trees: Cleric and Bastion, each focusing on different aspects of gameplay.

Cleric Tree: Support and Healing

This tree focuses on dealing Arcane damage and healing allies, making it ideal for players who want to add an element of support to their tank or DPS role.

Arcane Smite: Overhead smash dealing Arcane damage, leaving a debuff zone that weakens enemies and deals damage over time. Upgrades reduce its cooldown, provide buffs to allies (including lifesteal), and enhance synergy with focus-based builds.

Arcane Vortex: A spinning flail attack that hits multiple targets and buffs allies within range. Upgrades increase its healing potential, apply haste to allies, and root enemies.

Arcane Eruption: A whip-like attack dealing Arcane damage followed by strike damage, applying impairment to enemies (weaken + damage over time). Upgrades slow targets, extend debuffs, and provide self-healing and healing to allies.

Capstone: Better Together - Heals both the player and nearby allies periodically. While this isn't useful for solo play, it's an excellent ability in group content like expeditions or PvP.

Bastion Tree: Tanking and Crowd Control

The Bastion tree focuses on damage mitigation, buffing allies, and crowd control, making it perfect for tanks in both PvE and PvP.

Barrage: A gap-closing leap that deals strike damage. If you have a taunt gem, this ability will taunt enemies, making it ideal for tanks. Upgrades provide fortify, allow you to block automatically, and increase the final attack's damage.

Trip: A melee attack with low damage knocks down enemies is useful for stopping enemies in PvP or PvE. Upgrades debuff enemies, allowing allies to cleanse damage over time effects, and provide follow-up attacks with increased damage.

Warding Bludgeon: A leaping slam that buffs the player's and allies' armor, making it ideal for tanking. Upgrades reduce stamina costs for blocking and add impairment to enemies who attack you.

Capstone: Human Shield - Links you with an ally, reducing their damage taken while increasing your own. Great for PvP or tanking situations, but less effective for solo play.

Weapons and Armor Pairings

Weapons:

Sword and Shield: Provides a similar playstyle with complementary damage types (slash, thrust, and strike).

Great Axe, Warhammer, or Greatsword: These strength-scaling weapons provide excellent synergy for more offensive roles.

Life Staff: Can be used in focus-heavy builds for enhanced healing and survivability, though at the cost of lower damage from the flail.

Armor:

Heavy Armor: Ideal for tanks, providing added block stability and damage mitigation.

Medium Armor: A balance between protection and damage, suited for PvP or hybrid roles.

Light Armor: Best for maximizing damage, though it sacrifices survivability. Given the flail's healing capabilities, this can still be viable in certain scenarios.

The flail and shield is a solid build that excels in tanking and support roles. While it might not output the highest damage, its ability to heal, control crowds, and stay alive in the heat of battle makes it a formidable choice in both PvE and PvP. It's particularly effective in group play, where its healing and debuff capabilities can shine. If you're planning on playing as a tank or support role in 2024's New World Aeternum, this weapon combo is worth considering.

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