New World allows players to equip two types of weapon, each with its own Mastery tree and skills.
The Rapier is a pretty versatile weapon, drawing its strength from both Dexterity and Intelligence. It allows players to specialise in dodging and darting, applying devastating bleed effects in the process.
How to get a Rapier
In New World, there are various ways to obtain a Rapier.
- Dropped by mobs or found in crates
- Purchased through the it in the Trading Post
- Crafted by Weaponsmiths
Which weapon to pair with the Rapier
Given the Rapier's versatility, you have plenty of choices for your secondary weapon.
For maximum synergy, we've gone for a ranged weapon that has heavy aggro, and a melee weapon that builds on the bleed capabilities of the Rapier.
Bow
Given the Rapier uses Dexterity, the Bow is perhaps the best choice of all secondary weapons.
Thanks to quick-firing abilities, you'll be able to start battles from distance and then finish them off with your nimble Rapier at melee distance.
Here are the skills we recommend for the Bow when paired with the Rapier.
Spear
Another weapon that benefits from Dexterity, the Spear is ideal in compounding the bleed damage of the Rapier through skills such as Skewer.
Stack bleeds with the Rapier, then sit back and zone your enemy with the Spear until they drop.
Pick up these skills in order to maximize the Rapier-Spear pairing.
The best build for the Rapier
Our guide focuses on builds that offer ideal balance between the PvE and PvP sides of the game.
It is intended for players who don't wish to waste resources when it comes to allocating skill points.
Passive Tree Build
Why did we choose this build?
Although the Grace branch of the Rapier is an interesting prospect, the bleed effect is much more effective for both PvP and PvE content.
Building a Spear as a secondary weapon will make for an exceptionally fast character, who darts in and out applying the bleed for slow, painful deaths. The Blood branch skills are quicker to learn than the Grace tree, which requires some mastery of parrying blows.
Debuffs are your strength with this build, so take advantage of them whenever possible.
Stat Point Allocation
For both Rapier and secondary weapon, you'll want to put the majority of your points into the Dexterity stat, so that you have adequate damage.
You'll still need some Constitution, so that you can survive the blows should enemies manage to close the gap from your darting and zoning.
When it comes to gear, focus on Dexterity and Constitution.
How to level up the Rapier
Levelling up equipment is pretty easy in New World -- the more you use the weapon, the more experience it will gain.
Be mindful that the weapon doesn't gain experience if you don't use it, so even if you bring it out for a single hit, you'll benefit from the XP.
