Blademaster
Human · All-Weapons Fighter · Melee DD · Complete Guide
Class Overview
What is the Blademaster?
The Blademaster (BM) is the most versatile melee fighter in PWI. They can four weapon types master simultaneously – Axes/Hammers, Polearms, Swords and Fists – and switches between them depending on the situation. In PvE they are an excellent AoE grinder with Axes, a Chi generator with Fists and a Stun-Lock specialist against bosses. No other physical melee fighter has comparable flexibility.
Core philosophy: BMs use all four weapon paths. Axes for AoE grinding, Polearms for Purge and linear AoE, Swords for burst and debuffs, Fists for maximum DPS via APS. A good BM switches weapons mid-fight – and that is the strongest trait of this class!
| Stat | Effect for Blademaster | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| STR | Physical damage, HA requirement, Axe/Hammer requirement | ★★★★★ Essential: 3/Level |
| DEX | Crit (+1%/20 DEX), Accuracy, Evasion, Fist/Claw requirement | ★★★★ Essential: 2/Level |
| VIT | +14 HP/pt – beginner buffer; endgame: gear + Citrin replaces this | ★ Beginners/budget only |
| MAG | Only MP – completely useless for BM | Never! |
Stat Scaling per Point
These are the base values you gain per attribute point. Use them for concrete calculations — e.g. +10 VIT = +140 HP.
| Stat | Pro Punkt | Hinweis |
|---|---|---|
| VIT | +14 HP | e.g. +10 VIT = +140 HP |
| STR | Phys. ATK ↑ | Weapon req. · damage scales weapon-dependently with STR |
| DEX | +1 % Crit / 20 DEX | + Accuracy + Evasion (until DEX cap) |
| MAG | +MP | No magic attacks — useless for this class |
PvE Builds Compared
All-Weapons Build
- All 4 weapons always at level requirement
- Maximum flexibility in every situation
- PvE standard on all servers
- ~10% base Crit at Lv100 (200 DEX)
- Low HP – Gear+Citrin essential
- Complex start (learning 4 weapon paths)
Pure Axe Build
- Maximum Axe/Hammer damage
- Simple start – 1 weapon path
- Best AoE grinder early in the game
- Fists not at level (too little DEX)
- Barely any Crit – Fist APS not possible
- Restat needed for endgame
Hybrid VIT Build
- More HP – survives aggro mistakes
- Axe + Pole + Sword at level
- Beginner-friendly up to Lv80
- Fists marginally behind level
- Restat to All-Weapons recommended
PvP Build
- HP buffer against Sin/Archer burst
- Crit still sufficient for Stun combos
- Fists marginally behind level
- PvE DPS below All-Weapons
★ PvE consensus: All-Weapons Build (3 STR / 2 DEX) is the absolute standard. Quote from Lyndura's BM Guide (PWpedia):"Axes and Hammers require the most Strength and least Dexterity of all weapon paths – Fists require the most Dexterity."With 3+2 all requirements are met simultaneously. Pure Axe is a good start but restat for endgame is almost always needed.
The Four Weapon Paths
Each path has its strength – use all of them!
| Weapon | Description | Note |
|---|
| Situation | Weapon | Most important skill | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AoE grinding | Axe/Hammer | Drake's Bash + Highland Cleave (Lv39) | 360° AoE Stun + damage – fastest leveling! |
| Boss Debuff | Sword/Blade | Myriad Sword Stance | −50% Phys+Mag Def 15 sec – whole squad benefits! |
| Remove buff | Polearm | Mighty Swing (Purge) | Removes all buffs from target – important for TT/BH bosses |
| Linear AoE / Bleed | Polearm | Piercing Winds + Draw Blood | Bleed DoT + cone AoE – good for grouped enemies |
| DPS/Farming (Solo) | Fist/Claw | Drake's Breath Bash + APS | 5 APS + Bloodpaint = immortal farming monster |
| Stun-Lock PvP/PvE | Axe | Blade Tornado (Lv100) | AoE Stun + damage – traps mobs/players |
| Gather Chi | Fist | Chill of the Deep + normal attacks | Fists generate Chi fastest through APS |
| Interrupt (Boss) | Axe | Roar of the Pride (Stun) | Stun interrupt with 100% chance (Sage version) |
Switch strategy: Axe for pull → Highland Cleave → Fissure (fire AoE combo) → Fist for Chi/DPS phase → Sword for boss debuff → back to Axe. Everything sits on the hotkey bar – drag & drop weapons in!
Stat Progression Table
All-Weapons Build – Cumulative stats per level
Formula: 3 STR + 2 DEX per level | VIT = 5 (fix) | Crit: +1% per 20 DEX | Fist-Check Lv100: ~200 DEX needed
| Level | Cum. STR | Cum. DEX | Base Crit | Weapon status | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 0% | – | Start |
| 10 | 32 | 22 | 1% | – | – |
| 20 | 62 | 42 | 2% | – | – |
| 29 | 89 | 60 | 3% | – | ★ Lv29: Single Spark (100 Chi) |
| 40 | 122 | 82 | 4% | Axe Pole Sword Fist | Fist slightly behind level req. |
| 50 | 152 | 102 | 5% | Axe Pole Sword Fist | – |
| 59 | 179 | 120 | 6% | – | ★ Lv59: Double Spark (200 Chi) |
| 70 | 212 | 142 | 7% | Axe Pole Sword Fist | All weapons at level from here! |
| 80 | 242 | 162 | 8% | All at level | – |
| 89 | 269 | 180 | 9% | All at level | ★ Triple Spark! Demon/Sage choice! |
| 100 | 302 | 202 | 10% | All at level | R9 Axe: 300 STR Fist Lv100: ~200 DEX |
| 101+ | 305+ | 204+ | 10%+ | All at level | ★ Free points from now: VIT or more DEX |
| 105 | 320 | 215 | ~11% | All at level | Max Level – with gear: 20–30%+ Crit! |
Crit milestones: Every 20 DEX = +1% Crit. With 200 DEX (Lv100 All-Weapons) = 10% base Crit. Gear bonuses (Crit addons, Amber Shards) quickly bring that to 20–35%! Important thresholds: 80 / 100 / 120 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 DEX.
R9 Axe check: The R9 Dual Axes need 300 STR. With the All-Weapons build you reach exactly 302 STR at Lv100 – nearly perfect! The R9 armor needs ~255 STR. That is also met at Level 85 (255 cum. STR).
Important Skills (by path)
Common Tree (all weapons) – always max!
| Skill | Purpose? | Level | Prio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aura of the Golden Bell | +Phys. Def. Aura – essential buff always active! Your most important survival buff | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Drake's Ray | Instant-hit Common skill – important for combo initiation | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Roar of the Pride | Stun – Sage: 100% Stun chance! Essential for interrupt strategy | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Aeolian Blade | Cone AoE with hit – good AoE Common skill | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Fan of Flames | AoE in front – important for AoE combos with Axe and Polearm | Lv 5–10 | ★★★★ |
| Alter Marrow (Physical) | Increases phys. damage at the cost of phys. def. – PvE attack bonus | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Cloud Sprint | +Movement speed for 8 sec. – Lv10 only at 59! | Lv 1 until 59 | ★★★ |
| Heaven's Flame (Lv59) | AoE fire damage + 100% damage amplification (Curse) – Demon: Curse duration 9 sec.; Sage: 2000 fire DoT over 6 sec.! | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
Weapon path skills – top PvE priorities
| Skill | Path | Purpose? | Level | Prio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Cleave (Lv39) | Axe | 360° AoE around you – strongest Axe AoE for grinding! | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Fissure | Axe | AoE in front + damage – Axe AoE combo with Drake Sweep | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Drake Sweep | Axe | Stun + AoE – combo starter for AoE chains | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Axe/Hammer Mastery | Axe | Passive: +damage Axe/Hammer. Sage: +90% weapon damage! | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Glacial Spike (Lv69) | Pole | Linear AoE + strongest Polearm single damage + Freeze | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Far Strike | Pole | Ranged stun (Stun from range!) – unique ranged stun for BM | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Draw Blood | Pole | Bleed DoT – good for bosses where many hits land | Lv 1–5 | ★★★ |
| Myriad Sword Stance (Lv100) | Sword | Highest base damage of all ultimates + AoE + −50% Phys/Mag Def debuff! | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Sword Cyclone | Sword | Good single-damage skill | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Spirit Chaser | Sword | Demon: +25 Chi. Sage: +15 Chi. Gives Far Strike Crit chance buff! | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Vacuous Palm | Fist | Strongest Fist single hit; combo skill for APS phase | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Drake's Breath Bash | Fist | Linear AoE + fire buff on self (Demon: 135% fire buff!) | Max (10) | ★★★★ |
| Fist/Claw Mastery | Fist | Passive: +damage Fist/Claw; essential for APS builds | Max (10) | ★★★★★ |
| Chill of the Deep | Fist | AoE CC: Freeze + −Speed + −Atk Speed for 5 sec. – TW favorite! | Max (10) | ★★★★ (TW) |
Demon · Sage · Glyph System
Cultivation – Demon or Sage?
From Level 89 you choose between Demon and Sage. For the BM the choice depends heavily on playstyle. Does not affect stat distribution. → Reawakening Guide
| Skill | Demon | Sage | PvE winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axe Mastery (Passive) | +75% Wep Dmg + 2% Crit | +90% Wep Dmg | Sage (pure DPS) |
| Roar of the Pride | 100% Stun + 1.5 sec. longer | 100% Stun (normal) | Demon (PvP) |
| Heaven's Flame | Demon: Curse duration 9 sec. (instead of 6) | Sage: 2000 fire DoT over 6 sec. on all hit | Both strong – Demon for PvP, Sage for DoT grind |
| Glacial Spike | Normal damage | Strongest Phys. Def. reducer | Sage (PvE Boss!) |
| Fist/Claw Mastery | +Crit chance | Normal bonus | Demon (APS) |
| Drake's Breath Bash | 135% fire buff (massive!)? | +500 damage | Demon |
| Spark (All) | +high APS (Fist: 5 APS!) | +25% incoming def. reduction | Demon (APS farming) |
PvE recommendation: Demon for Fist APS farming / Sage for Axe grind focus – Demon is the clear choice for APS farming (5 APS through Demon Spark). Sage is better for pure Axe/AoE grinders (90% Wep Dmg Mastery, Heaven's Flame DoT, Glacial Spike Def reducer). For All-Weapons: slight Demon recommendation for APS flexibility.(PvP: Demon almost always – Roar 100% Stun + APS.)
Ab Chaotic Soul Cultivation (Reawakening II + Lv100+) turns skills into Sanctified Skills – basis for Glyphs. Existing skills are fully retained.
Unlocking: 6 slots via quests at Glyph Masters (City Hall, Neverfall). First slots are free via quest – don't miss it!
- Golden — +Damage / +Crit
- Verdant — +Chi / +Effect duration
- Ethereal — +Def. effects / −Cooldown
- Sanguine — +CC / +Stun duration
- Argent — −Cooldown / +Damage
- Verdant — +Chi / +Effect duration
- Ethereal — +Def. effects / −Cooldown
- Sanguine — +CC / +Stun duration
- Argent — −Cooldown / +Damage
| Glyph Lv | Bonus Stats (BM) | Farm via |
|---|---|---|
| Lv 1–4 | Skill effects only | Dawnlight Halls, Glyph Master Quests |
| Lv 5 | +HP, +Phys.Res., +STR, +Def Level | Combine 4× Lv4 |
| Lv 10 | +4 Atk Lv, +4 Def Lv, +50 Spirit? | Endgame / rare & expensive |
BM Glyph recommendation PvE: Argent on Highland Cleave (−cooldown = more frequent AoE). Golden on Fissure (+damage). Sanguine on Roar of the Pride (+Stun duration). Verdant on Fan of Flames (+Chi). Lv10 Glyphs: +4 Atk Level – strongest regardless of class! Note: According to DBB vs. MSS Glyph comparison, Drake's Breath Bash with Argent Glyph Lv10 (+600% weapon scaling!) slightly stronger than Myriad Sword Stance (+480%) – Fist build benefits enormously!?
Restat Guide
When & why redistribute?
| Situation | From | To | Timing | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Axe → All-Weapons | Lots of STR, little DEX | 3 STR + 2 DEX | Lv70–89 | Catch up DEX deficit to wear Fists at level |
| VIT Hybrid → All-Weapons | Little VIT invested | 3 STR + 2 DEX | Lv70–89 | Remove VIT, bring DEX and STR to target values |
| All-Weapons → APS (Endgame) | 3 STR + 2 DEX | More DEX / −Interval gear | Lv100+ | For Fist APS farming: slightly more DEX + −Interval gear |
| Endgame: free points from Lv101 | 3 STR + 2 DEX | DEX or VIT | Lv101+ | All weapon reqs met – DEX for more Crit OR VIT for PvP HP |
BM advantage: Anyone playing All-Weapons from the start barely EVER needs to restat. The 3 STR + 2 DEX formula works from Level 1 to 105. Only Pure Axe starters need to catch up on DEX.
Gem Guide (Beginner vs. Pro)
Which gems for which budget?
Beginner (few coins)
| Slot | Gem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Armor (priority) | Citrin Shard Lv1–3 | +HP – essential without VIT points |
| Armor Alt. | Garnet Shard Lv1–3 | +Phys. Def – HA needs even more |
| Weapon | Garnet Shard Lv1–3 | +Phys. Atk – more weapon damage |
| Jewelry | Citrin Lv1–2 | +HP – survival as HA class |
Tip: Garnet in weapon first – Phys. Atk directly increases base damage of all skills. Citrin in armor for HP foundation. Lv1–3 very cheap at the AH!
Pro / Whale (many coins)
| Slot | Gem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Armor | Citrin Shard Lv8–9 | +2,000–3,000 HP per slot – essential! |
| Armor Alt. | Garnet Shard Lv7–8 | +massive Phys. Def. bonus |
| Weapon early | Garnet Shard Lv8 | +enormous Phys. Atk boost |
| Weapon Endgame | Diamond of Tiger | +1 Atk Level – scales better than pure P.Atk |
| Jewelry | JOSD / Drakeflame Jade | +Def Level – damage reduction percentually |
Endgame priority: Citrin Lv8 in armor first. Then Diamond of Tiger in weapon. JOSD in jewelry. Garnet Lv7+ in second armor slots for maximum Phys. Def.
| Lv | Cost | Garnet (+P.Atk) | Citrin (+HP) | Garnet (+P.Def) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free/Drop | +5 | +30 | +50 |
| 2–3 | Cheap | +10–18 | +65–110 | +100–160 |
| 4–5 | Medium–Expensive | +28–40 | +160–225 | +230–310 |
| 6–7 | Very expensive | +55–72 | +300–385 | +400–500 |
| 8–9 | Whale | +92–114 | +480–585 | +610–730 |
Genie Guide
Genie basics & BM-specific recommendation
Genies from Level 1 (Watcher of the Earth, Heroes' Terrace). Skills cost Energy (auto-regen) and Stamina (Chi/Perfect Stones). For the BM – one of the sturdier classes – offensive and debuff Genie skills are especially valuable.
Keep Cloud Eruption at Lv1! Instantly +1 Spark (300 Chi) for Highland Cleave / Triple Spark. Lv1 = best cost/benefit ratio.
| Skill | Effect | Rec. Lv | Prio PvE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Path | Maximum movement speed (15 m/s) – BMs are somewhat slow in HA | Lv 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Absolute Domain (AD) | 5 sec. damage immunity – when too many mobs attack at once | Lv 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Cloud Eruption | Instantly +1 Spark → Triple Spark Combo without waiting for Chi | Lv 1 (!) | ★★★★★ |
| Tangling Mire | −35% target Phys. Def. + 100% accuracy – BM is melee, the skill is trivial to use! | Lv 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Extreme Poison | +20% damage on target – squad buff when no Veno or Sin is present | Lv 10 | ★★★★ |
| Second Wind | Instant heal 800+ HP – emergency when Bloodpaint heal isn't enough | Lv 10 | ★★★★ |
| Tree of Protection | HP buffer + HoT – better than Second Wind in endgame with high HP pool | Lv 10 | ★★★★ |
| Earthquake | AoE knockback + 100% skill interrupt – for emergency AoE control | Lv 10 | ★★★ |
BM-specific Genie recommendation (PvE)
| Skill | Why for Blademaster? | Prio |
|---|---|---|
| Tangling Mire | BM is melee – they're already at the mob. TM is free to use and gives −35% Phys.Def. + 100% Acc. = drastically more damage for you AND the whole squad! | ★★★★★ |
| Cloud Eruption | Instant Spark → Highland Cleave or Triple Spark Combo → maximum AoE burst | ★★★★★ |
| Absolute Domain | During AoE grinding with Axes: when too many mobs attack at once = AD saves lives | ★★★★★ |
| Holy Path | BM in HA is somewhat slow – Holy Path brings them up to squad pace | ★★★★ |
| Extreme Poison | +20% damage – combined with TM = massive debuff combo for boss raids | ★★★★ |
Recommended BM Genie: Infliction (red) – Starts with Tangling Mire (essential skill for BM!). With AD + Holy Path + Cloud Eruption it covers all combat emergencies. Stats: STR-heavy (stronger Tangling Mire + Second Wind) + some VIT for energy pool. Alternatively: Zeal for Earthflame lure during AoE pulls.
Important Tips
- Cultivation Timing Demon/Sage at Level 89. Fist APS farming → Demon (5 APS through Spark!). Axe AoE focus → Sage (90% Wep Dmg Mastery + Heaven's Flame DoT). Switching is expensive!
- Weapons on hotkeys! Put all four weapons (Axe, Pole, Sword, Fist) on the hotkey bar via drag & drop. Fast switching mid-fight is the BM's core feature. Practice until it runs automatically!
- Aura of the Golden Bell ALWAYS active! This Phys. Def. buff is your most important passive protection. Always reactivate immediately after respawn or Spark. Without Golden Bell you die significantly faster in HA.
- AoE grinding with Axes Drake Sweep (Stun) → Fan of Flames → Highland Cleave → Fissure → Aeolian Blade. Pull multiple mobs, fire AoE chain. From Lv39 (Highland Cleave) the BM is an AoE monster!
- Myriad Sword Stance for bosses! Switch Sword to boss → Myriad Sword Stance = −50% Phys + Mag Def 15 sec. on all under the AoE. Whole squad suddenly deals twice as much damage! Then switch back to main weapon.
- Bloodpaint from the Sin! All melee classes – including the BM – can receive the Bloodpaint buff from an Assassin. Bloodpaint = self-healing through physical damage. The higher your attack power and gear refines, the stronger the healing. Combine with Aura of the Golden Bell (Phys. Def. buff) for additional survivability!
- 5 APS Endgame Fists with −Interval gear + Demon Spark = up to 5 APS. That is the highest DPS in the game. Cost: expensive (pants + armor with −Interval). But unbeatable as a farming build in endgame.
- Refine your armor! +3 on all HA pieces gives massive HP – that's your replacement for VIT. Endgame: +5 on chest/pants. With Citrin Shards + refines you reach 15,000–25,000+ HP as BM without VIT investment.
- Weapons on hotkeys! Put all four weapons (Axe, Pole, Sword, Fist) on the hotkey bar via drag & drop. Fast switching mid-fight is the BM's core feature. Practice until it runs automatically!
- Aura of the Golden Bell ALWAYS active! This Phys. Def. buff is your most important passive protection. Always reactivate immediately after respawn or Spark. Without Golden Bell you die significantly faster in HA.
- AoE grinding with Axes Drake Sweep (Stun) → Fan of Flames → Highland Cleave → Fissure → Aeolian Blade. Pull multiple mobs, fire AoE chain. From Lv39 (Highland Cleave) the BM is an AoE monster!
- Myriad Sword Stance for bosses! Switch Sword to boss → Myriad Sword Stance = −50% Phys + Mag Def 15 sec. on all under the AoE. Whole squad suddenly deals twice as much damage! Then switch back to main weapon.
- Bloodpaint from the Sin! All melee classes – including the BM – can receive the Bloodpaint buff from an Assassin. Bloodpaint = self-healing through physical damage. The higher your attack power and gear refines, the stronger the healing. Combine with Aura of the Golden Bell (Phys. Def. buff) for additional survivability!
- 5 APS Endgame Fists with −Interval gear + Demon Spark = up to 5 APS. That is the highest DPS in the game. Cost: expensive (pants + armor with −Interval). But unbeatable as a farming build in endgame.
- Refine your armor! +3 on all HA pieces gives massive HP – that's your replacement for VIT. Endgame: +5 on chest/pants. With Citrin Shards + refines you reach 15,000–25,000+ HP as BM without VIT investment.
Summary
All-Weapons Build – The Only True PvE Blademaster
Golden rule: 3 STR + 2 DEX meets all four weapon requirements simultaneously. You are the Blademaster – not the Axemaster or Fistmaster. Every weapon is an extension of your arsenal. Use all four and you will be indispensable in every instance, every boss and every squad run.
Sources: PWpedia (Lyndura's Blademaster Guide, Blademaster FAQ, Blademaster, Glyph System, Sage vs Demon) PWI – Blademaster – Best PvE Build · All information based on the current PWI system