Fighter | Character classes Sword Coast Legends Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Fighter is the character that is controlling the battle zone. All damage coming from the enemies focuses on him, so it is important that this will be your most resistant character. When gaining new levels, assign points to constitution and strength. The fighter shouldn't be made purely for offensive, but more as a backup character. You don't need to use a shield for him as in case of paladin, he will work better with a two-handed sword or a halberd. It's not a typical tank class. Below you will find few principles which you should consider when creating a fighter character:
Fighter is the strongest link of your team - You are the most resistant member of your party. It means that your task is to control the battlefield and making sure that no enemy will pass through you. For that purpose, you must use the territory that surrounds you. Almost always there's a narrow passage near the battlefield. Retreat there with your party and stand in the passage. You will be sure that no one will get past you.
You become more resistant only after you wear proper items - It is important to wear equipment that will help you in your task. Look for heavy armors that have constitution and strength stars and that offer bonuses to damage reduction and elemental resistance. The better protection you have, the greater the synergy between you and the cleric. You can also add some damage reflection. Since you will be in the center of the battle and most of the damage will focus on you, it is wise to think about this bonus.
As the center of the battle, use buffs - Your next job is using the buffs for the party and negative effects against the enemies. Whenever you cast a battle cry, the synergy between you and the rogue becomes huge - use it.
Character development
Focus on buying strength and constitution statistics when gaining new levels. This will not only help you with damage and will add more health points to you, but will also increase the overall resistance to damage. Below you will find few useful talents that create synergy with other members of the party:
Battle Master
Second Wind | Second Wind is a skill that increases the maximum damage and heals you with a specific number of points. Level four is required for maximizing the effect. |
Commander Shout | A cry that strengthens your whole party. The maximum damage of the party increases. Level fourth required for maximizing the effect. |
Rally | A cry which increases the maximum damage of the whole party. Level three required for maximizing the effect. |
Reign of Terror | A cry which disorients the enemy forces. It also reduces their defense level, making them more vulnerable to damage. Second level required for maximizing the effect. |
Champion
Improved Critical | A passive ability that increases the chance for dealing critical damage. Level two is required for maximizing the effect. |
Sure Strike | An ability that never misses and deals large number of piercing damage. Creates perfect synergy between you and the rogue. Level four is required for maximizing the effect. |
Forceful Blows | Passive ability that increases the chance for throwing the enemy off balance. Level four is required for maximizing the effect. |
Game style
When playing as the fighter, you are responsible for the survival of the whole party (unless you have a paladin in your team instead of a wizard/rogue). The fighter is responsible for focusing all enemies on himself and defending less armored allies. During the battle you will create synergy with the rogue who thanks to Rally and Commander Shout cries will deal even more damage. This synergy will work in both directions. If the rogue will use the Endanger skill, he will reduce enemy resistance to slashing damage. When that happens, Sure Strike skill becomes useful. During the game, you can select whether you want to fight with two weapons, a large sword, halberd or other tools. There are absolutely no requirements related to weapons. The only thing you must remember is a correct pick of skills. Don't assign points to Great Weapons tree if you are fighting with two weapons and vice versa. If you are fighting with two-handed weapon, invest in the Great Weapon tree, where you will find great skills such as Charge! that allows you to quickly change your location and jump towards the enemy before he finds out what happened. Such action will guarantee that you will become the first target of enemy attacks, which is what you want. You can also help your cleric by buying the Victorious Surge ability that will allow you to heal yourself in dire situations.
During the battle, use your surroundings for your advantage. Lure enemies to a small passage and stand there, blocking the way to the rest of your party.
Equipment
The fighter is a class that should be heavily armored. Since all the received damage should be focused on him, he should have very high damage resistance. When selecting equipment for this character, select heavy plate armors with resistance to various damage types. You can also select one or two items that will reduce the time of skill reloading. As for the weapon, there is no specific type that suits the warrior best. It can be a two-handed weapon, it can be two weapons or a shield. Whatever choice you make, the fighter will be good in it, as he has great variety of skills.
As for the jewelry, Devil's Favor necklace will be a great choice. You can obtain it when searching through the house during the Heart's of Stone quest related to Bryn. The other jewelry should contain bonus for strength or constitution and skill reload time reduction. The armor should be heavy or medium, with large base statistics and resistances to damage.