New World Aeternum Blunderbuss Build Guide

The Blunderbuss is a versatile and unique ranged weapon introduced in New World, offering a playstyle that combines elements of both ranged and close-quarters combat. This weapon appeals to players who want to stay out of melee range but still deal significant damage with projectiles. In this guide, we will deeply dive into the mechanics of the Blunderbuss, its skill trees, optimal builds, and how best to utilize it in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

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The Blunderbuss is primarily a ranged weapon that scales heavily with Strength (90%) but also benefits from Intelligence (65%), giving players some flexibility in pairing it with other weapons. However, since the gun favors Strength, it is best suited for players focusing on Strength-based builds. The Blunderbuss functions much like a shotgun, firing six projectiles in a spread pattern. It excels at close-range combat, dealing thrust damage and requiring players to stay within optimal range to maximize damage.

One of the key features of the Blunderbuss is its ability to fire two consecutive shots before needing to reload, which differentiates it from other projectile weapons like the musket. The reload time is relatively quick, and unlike the musket, you don't need to craft ammo for the Blunderbuss. It also benefits from a 20% base damage bonus, making it even more powerful at close range.

While the musket rewards accuracy with headshots, the Blunderbuss can use a lock-on system, making it easier to hit targets, especially in PvP. This lock-on feature is particularly deadly in player-versus-player combat, where the weapon's burst damage can overwhelm opponents trying to close the gap. However, it's still possible to free aim with the Blunderbuss, though most players will find the lock-on system more efficient for general gameplay.

Before diving into specific builds, it's essential to understand the advantages and limitations of the Blunderbuss:

Easy to use: The lock-on system simplifies aiming.

No ammo crafting: Unlike the musket, the Blunderbuss doesn't require crafted ammunition.

Fast reload times: The quick reload process ensures constant pressure on enemies.

Flexible scaling: It can be paired with either Strength- or intelligence-based weapons, allowing for versatile builds.

Short range: The Blunderbuss is shorter than other ranged weapons in the game.

Redundancy with melee weapons: Strength-based weapons are mostly melee, which can make switching between a melee weapon and the Blunderbuss feel redundant in close-range situations.

The Blunderbuss has two distinct skill trees: Containment and Chaos. Each offers different benefits depending on the playstyle you're aiming for—whether you're looking to control the battlefield with mobility or deal devastating area-of-effect (AoE) damage.

The Containment skill tree focuses on mobility and restricting the movement of enemies. This tree is ideal for players who want to control engagements by closing gaps or preventing enemies from escaping.

Azoth Shrapnel Blast: This ability fires a tight spread of projectiles and pushes the player back, providing mobility while dealing roughly double the damage of a light attack. It's excellent for single-target damage, especially when upgraded to reduce cooldown and fire more shots.

Claw Shot: A utility skill that fires a projectile that pulls the player to the target, simultaneously rooting the enemy. This is particularly useful in PvP, allowing players to close the gap on fleeing opponents or catch up to faster-moving enemies. It also restores stamina when upgraded, reloads an extra round, and reduces cooldowns.

Net Shot: This ability fires a net that slows enemies, useful for keeping enemies at a distance or preventing them from escaping. It applies a bleed effect when upgraded, adding damage over time and further improving the slow effect. It's situational but useful in PvP or against difficult PvE enemies.

Capstone: Unload: This passive ability increases the number of projectiles fired by the Blunderbuss from six to eight after using any ability, effectively boosting your damage by 25%. This makes it a reliable choice for sustained damage, especially in PvP or against single targets in PvE.

The Chaos skill tree emphasizes AoE damage and utility, providing players with more options for crowd control and ranged combat. If you're looking for more explosive power and range, this tree is the way to go.

Splitting Grenade: A powerful AoE skill that launches a grenade that splits into smaller explosives upon detonation. While it has a bit of a learning curve due to the delayed explosions, it provides excellent burst damage against groups of enemies. Upgrades grant additional damage to healthy targets, apply the burning status effect, and give a haste boost for extra mobility.

Mortar Charge: This skill loads the Blunderbuss with explosive rounds that deal increased damage to targets further away (over 10 meters). Mortar Charge adds much-needed range flexibility to the weapon and is ideal for both PvP and PvE scenarios. Upgrades further increase damage and provide stamina recovery and a movement speed boost, which can be particularly useful in kiting situations.

Blast Shot: This utility skill knocks down enemies in front of the player, providing valuable crowd control. While it doesn't deal significant damage, it can reduce enemy armor (applying Rend) and boost allies' movement speed, making it useful in group and solo play. It's especially handy in tight PvE encounters or PvP skirmishes where controlling the battlefield is crucial.

Capstone: Double Down: This ability reduces the cooldown of one of your abilities by 50% every 30 seconds. While it has a long cooldown itself, it can be a game-changer in extended PvP fights, allowing you to re-use your most powerful skills more frequently.

Since the Blunderbuss scales primarily with Strength, it pairs naturally with melee weapons like the Great Axe or Greatsword. These weapons excel at close-range AoE combat, complementing the Blunderbuss' mid-range dominance.

Pairing the Blunderbuss with ranged magic weapons like the Fire Staff or Ice Gauntlet for Intelligence-based builds can offer more flexibility. These weapons provide long-range damage, while the Blunderbuss can be used for close-quarters combat when enemies close the gap. While not as optimal as Strength-based pairings, Intelligence builds still offer significant synergy.

Light Armor is the preferred choice for maximum mobility and damage when using the Blunderbuss. The light armor dodge roll allows players to create space between themselves and melee enemies, keeping them in optimal range for the Blunderbuss. Light armor also grants a damage bonus, further enhancing the weapon's effectiveness.

Alternatively, Medium Armor offers a balance between mobility and protection. While you lose the damage bonus and the increased dodge distance from light armor, you gain more survivability, which can be beneficial in situations where you're under constant pressure from enemies.

The Blunderbuss is a fun and powerful weapon that excels at dealing damage in close-range scenarios. Its ease of use, fast reload times, and lock-on system make it an attractive option for both PvE and PvP players. Whether you prefer controlling the battlefield with the Containment tree or unleashing explosive damage with the Chaos tree, the Blunderbuss offers a playstyle that can adapt to a wide range of situations.

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