Sword and Shield Mercenary Build Guide for Chaos Mode - Mistfall Hunter

Mercenary (Sword & Shield) is rated as one of the best classes in Mistfall Hunter. This build primarily makes use of Sword & Shield for the method of dealing damage, with additional mobility provided via Hammer Dash.

Made in collaboration with Firebox. Check out his video for more information and demonstrations of this build!

Here is the Gear Code for this build: 1HDaxLx63MpDiJ8NEldvZY8OrvW9Mrbzks5UQ82nmLku

This code will allow you to copy the items and gems to obtain the optimal loadout. To import a code, simply do the following:

• Open the Prepare tab in the character screen when in base.
• Select Manage/Import at the bottom left
• Navigate to Import Loadout, and paste the code.

This build uses the following affixes. The outcome of a lot of these choices is increase survivability, and also some movement speed. This comes in handy when facing classes such as Blackarrow and Sorcerer

Overall Affixes

• Aegis 5 - Defense +75%. Physical Resistance +2.5%
• • A great affix to take in order to boost your defense. Tier 5 also grants you the added phys res.
    
• Stoic 5 - Physical Resistance +5.5%. Magic Resistance +5.5%. Restores 15% Health.
• • Another affix here that you purely want to take for the extra added defense. Also helps with healing at low HP.
    
• Valor 5 - Attack +7.5%. Defense Penetration +1.8%
• • Take this for the added benefit it provides to your damage output.
    
• Seeker 5 - Movement Speed +6%, stacking up to 2 times.
• • This is a great increase for your movement speed. Helps you keep up with enemies like sorcerers and black arrows.
    
• Elusive 5 - Dodge Energy Cost Reduction +20%.
• • Much like Seeker, this helps us keep up with the movement speed of other bosses.
    
• Resilience 4 - Debuff Duration -20%. Physical Resistance +10%. Magic Resistance +10%.
• • This is handy to prevent being stunned or frozen for too long during combat. A must take affix for this build.
    
• Vitality 4 - Maximum Energy +20. Immune to the current Energy Overdraft State.
• • Will contribute to your skill output capacity, allowing you to fire off skills for far longer.

Victory Wine:

Aegis +2. Seeker +1. Elusive +2. Resilience +2. Vitality +1.

Due to the build primarily revolving around Sword & Shield you only have a very basic setup to worry about for your active skills. You will also use Hammer, but mainly this is used for your Hammer Dash, as opposed to your main damage dealing skills.

Hammer

• Hammer Dash

The primary focus here when using Hammer Dash is added mobility in combat. We also make use of a talent that will increase the Dash Distance of this skill, so it's a nice combo to have in combat for the speed alone.

Sword And Shield

• Shield Dash
• Shield Slam

The first chosen skill you want to run is Shield Dash. One of the biggest benefits of running this skill is the added movement speed given after use. It helps a lot with keeping up with fast classes like Sorcerer. Second, you're going to want to pick Shield Slam, which has an incredible utility of slowing enemies on hit for a small period of time.

• Sword Edge - Grants Sword Tip on hit, which allows you to land the forward momentum sword hit, making it very good for combat.
• Blade Charge - Added damage for your main weapon. Sword Edge helps you hit the trigger point.
• Stacking Blade - Reduces the amount of Sword Tip stacks needed to enter Blade Edge and Strong Edge, which in turn, will help you trigger Blade Charge faster.
• Rising to the Challenge - Hitting enemies with this skill will temporarily stun them.
• Absolute Punishment - Provided you can hit an enemy with your Shield Dash, it will reduce the skills remaining cooldown. This is especially valuable to you, as you want your skill up as much as possible for ranged bosses.
• Bounce - Allows you to quickly cast your Shield Slam while blocking.
• Raging Earth Shake - Extra slow and stun effectiveness for your Shield Slam. This is a very powerful effect to have in combat, especially for classes that depend on movement speed to get the edge on you.
• Dash - Increases the distance of the Hammer Dash, which again helps you keep up with faster bosses in combat.

• Stunning enemies is an essential part of landing hits with this build, and Shield Slam is the perfect gateway into doing it. Once the enemy has been stunned, don't waste any time in taking advantage of that window.
• Our affixes such as Seeker and Elusive are perfect for catching up to those trying to get away while low, make sure to use them as much as possible to give chase (provided it's not at the cost of your own life)
• Don't worry too much about using Hammer Dash in combat. While it's great for catching up to enemies, most fight won't require it. Instead, focus on utilizing your Sword & Shield skills in combination with your dodge.