The Greatsword is one of New World’s most versatile and powerful melee weapons, introduced in the Brimstone Sands update. Its unique stance-based combat system offers a thrilling mix of heavy-hitting offense and New World coins strategic defense, making it a top choice for players looking to excel in both PvE and PvP. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from skill choices and attribute distribution to gear and combat tactics — to help you become a Greatsword master.

What Makes the Greatsword Special?
Unlike traditional weapons, the Greatsword relies heavily on alternating between two stances:

Onslaught Stance: Focused on aggressive attacks with faster animations, higher crit chance, and increased damage.

Defiance Stance: Offers defensive abilities that boost survivability, crowd control, and sustain.

Mastering when to switch between these stances during combat is key to maximizing your effectiveness and staying alive in intense fights.

PvE Build: High Damage Onslaught Slayer
Attribute Points
Strength: Aim for 300+ to unlock heavy attack damage bonuses and scale your main damage output.

Constitution: Allocate 150–200 points to boost your survivability in boss fights and harsh environments.

Skill Setup
Relentless Rush: A dash attack dealing area damage, excellent for engaging groups and bosses.

Skyward Slash: Applies a bleed effect that lowers enemy armor, making your attacks and your team’s hits more effective.

Executioner’s Strike: A powerful single-target strike that deals more damage when enemies are low on health.

Passive Perks to Focus On
Unrelenting Onslaught: Reduces cooldowns when attacking enemies.

Critical Comeback: Heals you when you land critical hits in Onslaught Stance.

Keen Posture: Boosts crit chance after switching stances.

Combat Tips
Begin encounters with Skyward Slash to weaken enemies.

Close distance swiftly with Relentless Rush.

Save Executioner’s Strike for critical moments or to finish off tough foes.

Toggle briefly into Defiance Stance to mitigate damage, then switch back to keep up pressure.

PvP Build: Balanced Duelist with Offensive and Defensive Power
Attribute Points
Strength: Between 250 and 300, balancing damage and flexibility.

Constitution: 200+ for durability during hectic player battles.

Recommended Skills
Steadfast Strike: Pulls opponents close and heals you — great for disrupting ranged attackers.

Skyward Slash: Maintains its importance by applying armor-reducing bleed and staggering enemies.

Calamity Counter: A parry that blocks incoming damage and delivers a retaliatory strike.

Key Passives
Wary Posture: Reduces damage after changing stances.

Perfect Vigilance: Automatically grants Fortify when you drop below 50% health.

Guarded Shift: Blocks attacks automatically while standing still in Defiance Stance.

PvP Strategy
Use Calamity Counter to punish aggressive melee users.

Combine Steadfast Strike and Skyward Slash to control and debuff enemies.

Master stance switching and dodge cancels to outmaneuver foes.

Choosing a Secondary Weapon
Complement your Greatsword with a secondary weapon that fills its weaknesses:

War Hammer (PvE): Provides powerful crowd control to set up your devastating Greatsword hits.

Sword & Shield (PvP): Offers strong blocking and control abilities for tight fights.

Void Gauntlet or Great Axe: Viable alternatives for specific builds focusing on healing or aggressive playstyles.

Armor and Loadout Advice
Armor Weight: Medium armor is recommended for a good balance of protection and mobility; heavy armor suits more defensive PvP builds.

Stat Priorities: Focus on Strength, Constitution, and cooldown reduction.

Look for gear with perks that enhance Empower, Fortify, or bleeding effects for maximum synergy.

Gems and Consumables
Use Onyx gems for physical damage boosts.

Consider Opal gems if you want increased damage while your stamina is full, which pairs well with a dodge-heavy style.

In PvE, bring hearty meals and infused health potions.

In PvP, consumables like gemstone dust and oakflesh balm can provide valuable buffs.

Pro Tips for Greatsword Mastery
Learn to switch stances fluidly to maximize damage and survivability.

Use animation cancels like dodges and weapon swaps to keep enemies off balance.

Be mindful of your weapon’s reach and attack speed; time your swings carefully.

Utilize mobility skills like Relentless Rush to close distances or escape dangerous situations.

Final Thoughts
The Greatsword offers a rewarding playstyle that blends brute strength with tactical positioning. By mastering stance changes, optimizing your build, and honing your combat skills, you’ll be a formidable force in both PvE and PvP encounters. Whether you’re tackling high-level bosses or dueling other players, this weapon is capable of delivering devastating blows and controlling the flow of battle.

Ready to take your Greatsword skills to the next level? Equip your blade, switch stances with precision, and buy New World coins dominate the battlefield in New World.