Build Options (And How They Work)
RecurringExtra
Designated Background Character
- Location
- Out of Focus
I feel that I should probably clarify what each build actually does rather than have any misunderstandings (Which I probably should've done yesterday, but that would require me to be in any way competent). Hopefully this will help clear things up for everyone.
Strength: Going for a strength build is probably the most straight forward option. You hit things really hard, and they go splat. Going for a strength build means you would probably want to invest heavily in health (so you can take hits) and maybe a bit in faith for extra healing and things like magic barrier if you feel it worthwhile.
Dexterity: In terms of a Dex build, you'll be focusing more on speed and accuracy over slamming things really hard. You'll have avoidance essentially being your primary defense (although investing in a bit of health is still wise). Adding in some intelligence would allow you to go for a glass cannon build, with weapon buffs making up for your lower strength value essentially.
Intelligence: A full on int build means dumping into attunement and Intelligence. This is the most boring option to be perfectly honest, since it is essentially just standing around shooting lasers, but it is still an option. Intelligence will also help you understand how magic, and thus things related to the concept of the 'Soul' function.
Faith: A full faith build lets you focus on utility, with things like force, magic barrier, caressing tears, and other things (If you go down this route, expect to see some original miracles to add some more variety). Faith also helps you understand the more esoteric factors of the world, such as the nature of the Flame, the nature of the Dark, etc.
Quality (Strength + Dex): The classic go big or go home build: Hit hard and move fast, because casting is for losers. What it lacks in utility, it makes up for in reliability, since you don't have to depend on other factors to guarantee your effectiveness in a fight.
Pyromancy (Int + Faith + Other): Pyromancy lets you get some decent casting in for much lower points cost, thus letting you put points into other things instead. It also ties into the next option, since a Pyromancy build also can function as a stepping stone in terms of build development.
Hex (Int + Faith but a lot more): Hexing is the true glass cannon option. You'll have very few points in not dying, but you'll have a wide variety of casting options. You'll have to survive off of your own wits, so if you plan on going a hex build, be prepared to actually have to plan out fights.
Luck: Luck is the most unique option, and essentially lets you specialize in Abyssal effects, which includes native magical girl abilities (Int helps you in understanding how they work, Faith lets you understand why they work, and Luck gives you access to more advanced options). Points in luck increase maximum Corruption, give bonuses to save rolls, affect scaling with certain weapons, and will give you bonuses when you have either low or high Corruption.
Other: If you want to do some wacky other build, feel free. I was just listing options off the top of my head. Want to go a Luck/Pyro build? It'll be weird, but you might be able to pull it off.
While I'm writing this, I may as well also explain how Weapon Arts work. Essentially, each weapon has a different weapon art that gives that weapon a unique effect, and thus a reason to use it. So far the normal cutlass can be copied infinitely, the Astoran Straight Sword can become blessed, and the Lothric Knight Sword specializes in thrusts aimed at an enemies' vitals. This is mostly to give weapon swapping an actual purpose.
Strength: Going for a strength build is probably the most straight forward option. You hit things really hard, and they go splat. Going for a strength build means you would probably want to invest heavily in health (so you can take hits) and maybe a bit in faith for extra healing and things like magic barrier if you feel it worthwhile.
Dexterity: In terms of a Dex build, you'll be focusing more on speed and accuracy over slamming things really hard. You'll have avoidance essentially being your primary defense (although investing in a bit of health is still wise). Adding in some intelligence would allow you to go for a glass cannon build, with weapon buffs making up for your lower strength value essentially.
Intelligence: A full on int build means dumping into attunement and Intelligence. This is the most boring option to be perfectly honest, since it is essentially just standing around shooting lasers, but it is still an option. Intelligence will also help you understand how magic, and thus things related to the concept of the 'Soul' function.
Faith: A full faith build lets you focus on utility, with things like force, magic barrier, caressing tears, and other things (If you go down this route, expect to see some original miracles to add some more variety). Faith also helps you understand the more esoteric factors of the world, such as the nature of the Flame, the nature of the Dark, etc.
Quality (Strength + Dex): The classic go big or go home build: Hit hard and move fast, because casting is for losers. What it lacks in utility, it makes up for in reliability, since you don't have to depend on other factors to guarantee your effectiveness in a fight.
Pyromancy (Int + Faith + Other): Pyromancy lets you get some decent casting in for much lower points cost, thus letting you put points into other things instead. It also ties into the next option, since a Pyromancy build also can function as a stepping stone in terms of build development.
Hex (Int + Faith but a lot more): Hexing is the true glass cannon option. You'll have very few points in not dying, but you'll have a wide variety of casting options. You'll have to survive off of your own wits, so if you plan on going a hex build, be prepared to actually have to plan out fights.
Luck: Luck is the most unique option, and essentially lets you specialize in Abyssal effects, which includes native magical girl abilities (Int helps you in understanding how they work, Faith lets you understand why they work, and Luck gives you access to more advanced options). Points in luck increase maximum Corruption, give bonuses to save rolls, affect scaling with certain weapons, and will give you bonuses when you have either low or high Corruption.
Other: If you want to do some wacky other build, feel free. I was just listing options off the top of my head. Want to go a Luck/Pyro build? It'll be weird, but you might be able to pull it off.
While I'm writing this, I may as well also explain how Weapon Arts work. Essentially, each weapon has a different weapon art that gives that weapon a unique effect, and thus a reason to use it. So far the normal cutlass can be copied infinitely, the Astoran Straight Sword can become blessed, and the Lothric Knight Sword specializes in thrusts aimed at an enemies' vitals. This is mostly to give weapon swapping an actual purpose.
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