Best Tanking Weapons in New World: A Comprehensive Guide
In the vast and immersive world of New World, tanking is a crucial role that requires a combination of sturdy armor, reliable weapons, and strategic gameplay. Tanks are the backbone of any party, absorbing damage and protecting their allies while ensuring enemies remain focused on them. However, choosing the right weapons can make or break a tank build. This guide dives into the best tanking weapons in New World, highlighting their strengths, playstyles, and how they can be optimized for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding Tanking in New World
Before diving into the weapons, it’s essential to understand what makes a tank effective in New World. Tanks rely on high stamina, block, and parry to mitigate damage, while also generating hate (aggro) to keep enemies targeted on them. The right weapons not only enhance these abilities but also provide crowd control and mobility to manage combat situations better.
1. Great Axe: The Ultimate Tank Weapon
The Great Axe is often considered the best weapon for tanking in New World. Its combination of high damage, crowd control, and defensive capabilities makes it a versatile choice for tanks. Here’s why:
Mastery Trees: The Great Axe has two mastery trees—Carnage and Onslaught. The Carnage tree is particularly useful for tanks, as it focuses on crowd control and AoE damage, which helps in managing multiple enemies at once.
Key Skills: Skills like Charge and Whirlwind provide excellent mobility and AoE damage, while Dodge and Parry enhance defensive capabilities.
Recommendation: Pair the Great Axe with a shield for maximum defensive synergy. This setup allows you to absorb damage while dishing out consistent threat generation.
2. Sword and Shield: Classic Tanking Combo
The Sword and Shield combination is a timeless choice for tanks in any MMO, and New World is no exception. This setup offers exceptional defense, precise attacks, and excellent hate generation.
Mastery Trees: The Sword mastery tree focuses on precision and mobility, while the Shield tree enhances block, parry, and defensive capabilities.
Key Skills: Skills like Riposte and Tactical Strike on the Sword side are great for generating hate, while Deflect and Stance on the Shield side provide excellent defensive options.
Recommendation: This combo is ideal for players who prefer a more methodical and defensive playstyle. Pair it with sturdy armor for maximum survivability.
3. War Hammer: The Tank’s Hammer
The War Hammer is another excellent choice for tanks, offering a balance of damage, crowd control, and defensive utility. It’s particularly effective in PvE content, where managing multiple enemies is crucial.
Mastery Trees: The War Hammer has two mastery trees—Mauler and Defender. The Defender tree is tailored for tanks, focusing on defensive capabilities and AoE crowd control.
Key Skills: Skills like Shockwave and Stagger provide excellent crowd control, while Defensive Strike enhances your ability to block and parry.
Recommendation: Use the War Hammer in conjunction with a great axe or sword for a hybrid tank build that balances offense and defense.
4. Hatchet: A High-Risk, High-Reward Option
While the Hatchet is primarily known for its DPS potential, it can also be used in certain tank builds due to its mobility and crowd control. However, this is a more advanced option and not recommended for new players.
Mastery Trees: The Hatchet has two mastery trees—Berserker and Throwing. The Berserker tree focuses