Best Weapon Combos

This is a guide on the Best Weapon Combos in New World. Read on to learn more about the best weapon combinations to use, as well as how their attributes and playstyles synergize.

Tier Lists and Weapon Guides
Best Weapons Tier List	Best Weapon Combos	Best PVE and PVP Weapon Builds

Best Weapon Combos

A big thing with New World is the freedom to choose your own unique playstyle. Without a typical MMO class system, player builds rely primarily on weapon combinations, leaving a lot of room for player experimentation and imagination.

Roles like tank, DPS, and support aren't as clearly defined in New World, as even healers can whip out a War Hammer should they be itching for a fight. Remember, the choice is entirely yours! For players looking to start their journey through Aeternum, below are a few of the best weapon combinations you can run to tackle any and all PvE or PvP content.

Sword and Shield + Life Staff

Primary Weapon	Secondary Weapon
Sword and Shield	Life Staff
Attribute Priority
Strength (DPS) ⟷ Focus (Support)

With amazing gap closers, decent crowd control, and AoE healing/buffing, this weapon combo is one of the more beginner-friendly pairs we have on this list. The Sword and Shield offers you a balance between offensive and defensive combat, while the Life Staff allows you to survive many of your early mistakes as you progress through the game.

As your primary weapon, the Sword and Shield dictates how you'll play when using this combo. If you're going for tank/support build, invest in the Defender skill tree with its crowd control and passive buff abilities. Pair it with the Life Staff's many healing skills to sustain your on-field time, tanking. You can also opt for a DPS/support hybrid if you broach the Swordmaster skill tree. The choice is yours.

While attribute scaling does not really line up when it comes to both weapons, it always boils down to your intended playstyle. If you want to deal more damage and remain in the thick of combat, consider investing in Strength. Otherwise, Focus should be your go-to if you want to develop into a tank/support playstyle, later on.

Great Axe + Hatchet

Primary Weapon	Secondary Weapon
Great Axe	Hatchet
Attribute Priority
Strength (DPS) → Dexterity (CRIT/Hatchet Scaling)

This weapon combo is all gas, no brakes. For players looking to hold their W-keys towards the enemy, this weapon combo might be for you. Granting insane DPS uptime, high mobility, and amazing crowd control abilities, the Great Axe and Hatchet combo is great if you want to experience combat at its fullest. And if you somehow need ranged attacks, the Hatchet's Throwing skill tree has you covered.

The great thing about this build is that the Hatchet's Berserker skill tree synergizes really well with either of the Great Axe's weapon mastery trees. Invest in the Great Axe's Mauler skill tree if you want more crowd control abilities. Invest in the Reaper skill tree if you want even more mobility and damage. Either way, the damage you deal will be insane whichever route you choose.

As far as stat synergy goes, these weapons have amazing chemistry since both scale with Strength. Investing in Dexterity will also always be a plus as it allows your Hatchet damage to scale while granting you more chances to crit, especially at 50 points.

Rapier + Ice Gauntlet

Primary Weapon	Secondary Weapon
Rapier	Ice Gauntlet
Attribute Priority
Intelligence (DPS) → Focus (Mana Regen)

While tricky to master, this weapon combo truly shines when it comes to PvP content. Pairing the highly technical offensive abilities of the Rapier with the AoE debuffs and invulnerability saves of the Ice Gauntlet, this duo can make short work of enemy players in a duel. As an added bonus, PvE should be easy to manage with the Ice Gauntlet's crowd control skills, with the Rapier being used only to mop off whoever's left standing.

This combo's biggest strength lies in its main stat synergy: both weapons scale with Intelligence. Having to invest in only one primary stat doubles the value of this combo as you ensure you're dealing damage no matter what weapon you're using. As mentioned earlier, this makes alternating between Rapier and Ice Gauntlet, PvP and PvE, all the more easy as you are covered for both types of content.

War Hammer + Life Staff

Primary Weapon	Secondary Weapon
War Hammer	Life Staff
Attribute Priority
Strength (DPS) → Focus (Scaling Heals) → Constitution (Max HP)

This flexible weapon combo is amazing for players looking to experience most of New World's content by themselves. Sporting great offensive capability and sustained healing, this duo allows players to truck it out when exploring the wilds of Aeternum.

Your primary weapon for this combo will be the War Hammer. It's weapon skills thrive when you're surrounded by multiple enemies, making it perfect for your single-cast, quick-swap Life Staff. With a focus on holding your ground, the Life Staff's AoE healing spell, Sacred Ground, is all you need to develop this combo into something amazing.

When using this combo, prioritize Strength since your War Hammer's damage scales with it. Invest in Focus alongside it to ensure your Life Staff healing scales with your level. To make this combo even better, throw Constitution a point or two every now and then to increase your overall HP.

New World Related Guides

Tips and Tricks: Beginner's Guide to New World

Tier Lists
Best Weapon Combos	Best Starter Weapons
Game Mechanics
How to Set Up and Upgrade Camps	Factions Guide
Fast Travel Guide	Repair Guide
How to Play with Friends	Gem Sockets Guide
How to Cleanse Portals	Azoth Staff Guide
Crafting Guide	How to Gain Territory Standing
Respec Guide	Stats Guide
Leveling Rewards	AFK Timer Guide
How to Sell Items	How to Enable PvP
How to Create and Join a Faction Company	New World Keybinds
How to Split Item Stacks	Housing System
List of Damage Types and Effects	Outpost Rush Guide
Guides
Character Creation Guide	Leveling Guide
Controller Support	How to Get Azoth
How to Track Resources	List of Marauder Gear and Resources
List of Syndicate Gear and Resources	List of Covenant Gear and Resources
Trading Post Guide	How to Farm Faction Tokens
Money Making Guide	List of Legendary Weapons
Timeless Shards Guide	Gypsum Guide
Trade Skill Aptitude System
FAQs
What Happens When You Die?	What to Do With Old Gear
How to Use Voice Chat