No Rest for the Wicked retains the core gameplay mechanics characteristic of Soulslike titles, emphasizing heavy combat styles featuring powerful two-handed weapons. While wielding a massive blade can initially seem clumsy, with strategic builds and adept combat techniques, you will be able to conquer the challenges in No Rest for the Wicked with ease. Below is an optimal build tailored for those who thrive on wielding great weapons.
Optimal Two-Handed Warrior Build in No Rest for the Wicked
In this guide, we will concentrate on the Claymore, a versatile weapon available early in the game that can either be purchased from Filmore or discovered through loot.
Featuring long-reaching melee attacks, the Claymore sacrifices speed for significant damage output. Mastering this weapon involves understanding quick movement and elemental status effects that can be triggered with the correct attack sequences. Here are two key moves you should focus on:
- Dodge and Sprint attacks: Execute these sequentially to achieve a two-hit combo. Timing an additional attack right as the sword contacts the ground allows for a powerful finisher move.
- Charged Attack: The initial swing propels you forward, enabling you to reach enemies positioned toward the edge of your screen.
Familiarize yourself with these attack patterns to maximize your efficiency in battle. Use the Claymore’s advanced moves against all enemies, reserving simple combos for weakened foes.
Stat Allocation
- Health: 20–30
- Stamina: 20–25
- Strength: Maximize this stat
- Dexterity/Intelligence/Faith: 10
- Focus: Approx.20
- Equip Load: As heavy as possible without becoming encumbered
This stat distribution is essential when employing the Claymore with heavy armor. Feel free to adjust as you see fit, and remember, respecing is an option at the Crucible Atrium if you’re unsatisfied with your choices.
Armor Selection
This build will focus on heavy armor for two key reasons:
- High Armor and Poise stats facilitate trading blows with enemies, minimizing damage taken.
- Facilitates the use of the Shoulder Barge ability.
Heavy armor embodies the warrior spirit of this build. You’ll not only withstand attacks from lesser enemies but also possess the ability to topple nearly all opponents using the Shoulder Barge—an ability reserved for players encumbered by heavy gear. Opt for armor that offers substantial protection while ensuring you remain in the Heavy Weight Class, avoiding the Encumbered status.
Understanding Fat Rolling
For newcomers, Fat Rolling occurs when you attempt to evade while equipped in Heavy armor. This dodge has a slower recovery animation compared to Normal or Light dodges, which can deter many players from heavy builds.
Embracing Fat Rolling may feel strange initially, but it does not hinder gameplay significantly. The trade-off allows access to Shoulder Barge, enhancing your offensive capabilities.
Defining Shoulder Barge
Shoulder Barge is a strike that propels your character forward, knocking back even the largest enemies within No Rest for the Wicked. To execute this ability, press V on your keyboard or LB/L1 + RB/R1 on your controller while wearing Heavy armor.
This move can simplify many one-on-one engagements. Initiate with a charge, topple your enemy, and then unleash a Charged Attack which may freeze your adversary. Seize the opportunity presented by their frozen state to lay on extra damage or regain stamina.
Notably, the Shoulder Barge also enhances your Poise, making you less vulnerable to enemy assaults. Utilize this tactic wisely, though avoid it against incoming heavy attacks to maintain your standing.
Weapon Infusions and Enchantments
Your Claymore should ideally be infused with Cold Damage, which allows you to freeze enemies and provides you breathing room for stamina recovery or extra damage while they’re incapacitated. This infusion also proves effective against boss characters.
We suggest adding a Sapphire Gem to your Claymore before enchanting it at Eleanor’s, even though this restricts further gem slots. The enchantments will grant valuable modifiers, such as:
- Bonus Damage Post-Charged Attacks
- Stamina Recovery relative to Durability
- Enhanced Healing depending on Durability
- Attack Power increased based on Durability
If you prefer experimenting, you can purchase a new Claymore to apply different gem combinations, but for most scenarios, an enchanted version will serve you splendidly.
To shatter frozen foes, utilize a weapon without a Cold infusion.
Armor Infusions and Enchantments
For your armor, seek infusions and enchantments such as:
- Enhanced Experience Gain (via Diamonds)
- Increased Maximum Stamina (via Emeralds)
- Boosted Regainable Health (via Bloodstones)
- Improved Focus Gain (via Topazes)
- Reduced Stamina Cost (via Tiny Fangs)
- Enhanced Stamina Recovery
- Elemental Resistances
- Poise Defense (on Chest Armor)
- Stamina Gain on Parry (on Gloves)
Essentially, your goal should focus on maximizing survivability while improving your Stamina and Focus capabilities. Runes will significantly influence the performance of your build, thus, aim for Focus-oriented Infusions/Enchantments on your gear.
Runes
- Juggle Strike
- Ice Ram
The Claymore is compatible with the Juggle Strike Rune, delivering a powerful upward strike that can send enemies soaring. Although this attack is generally easy to evade, pairing it with a Cold-infused weapon allows you to freeze foes first, setting them up for this follow-up attack.
Ice Ram serves as an excellent addition, enhancing your freeze effects and functioning as a counterattack. To acquire this Rune, ensure Filmore’s Blacksmith is upgraded to level 3, buy the halberd from him, and then extract the Ice Ram Rune at Eleanor’s.
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