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Preface
I understand that there are not many 1-handed users in the SW community much less the whole MS community. Nonetheless, I have decided to write a guide to discuss my own ideas, along with experiences I have built up through being a 1-handed crusader since level 1. Feel free to disagree with me (I know some points ppl will definitely disagree with), but realize that this is really only being written to the following types:

1) To those with an open mind
2) To those who have already committed to using a 1-handed sword
3) To those who are considering switching from 2-handed to 1-handed sword on a permanent basis.
4) To those who are considering the use of 1-handed swords depending on the situation.


Contents
I. Why I chose 1-handed sword
II. The Advantages of 1-handed sword
III. The Disadvantages of 1-handed sword
IV. The Swing Speeds
V. How to properly Build a 1-handed crusader/page
VI. How Dex build affects 1-handed sword user
VII. What鈥檚 all this about Defense
VIII. How to Improve
IX. How to properly compare 1-handed vs 2-handed sword in terms of damage calculations ADDED ON TO as of 3-19-07
X. Speed Categories and Weapons NEW as of 3-19-07
XI. Misc Questions
XII. Updated
XIII. Iron Body vs Endure
XIV. Items that have not been mentioned above minor revisions as of 3-21-07

XV. Regarding 1-handed Axes and Blunt Weapons NEW as of 3-21-07



Why I chose 1-handed sword
Many people have stated that being a 1-handed sword user implies uniqueness. I tend to disagree though. If you want to be truly unique, go the way of a 2-handed axe/blunt weapon user, or better yet, 1-handed axe or 1-handed blunt weapon user. I chose 1-handed sword in the beginning simply put, because I didn't know any better. Plus, the beginner weapons did not have a 2-handed weapon as a choice.

As I continued to train, I really only considered seriously staying as a 1-handed sword user only after I experienced Fusion Mace. I'll even provide stats below to those who wonder why I would like such a weapon as that.

Fusion Mace
Watk = 44
Speed = FASTER
Required Level = 25

Can you say fast leveling?! I leveled from 25-35 in record time. I mean it felt faster than even leveling from 1-25. Furthermore, the speed just made killing mobs more enjoyable. From then on, I knew what I was destined to become...a 1-handed swordsman. Only the 1-handed swords past lvl 35 could offer me the same speed that I had been accustomed to using.



The Advantages of 1-handed sword
There are only several advantages of being a 1-handed swords wielder. Although they may not seem like much, believe me, if used correctly, provide very good results in the long-run.

Overall speaking
1) Speed - How do you think I came up with the situations above. IF it were not for the distinct speed advantage of a 1-hander, trust me I would not be a 1-handed swordsman. That being said, this is the #1 reason to go 1-handed period. No, If Ands or Buts.

2) Shields - What better way to take advantage of a potential +2/+3/+4 str or dex stat than to purchase a shield. We often kill ourselves trying to aim for a couple more accuracy points or str points. Well, a shield can easily supplement up to 3.2 additional accuracy (+4 dex) OR provide up to ~20+ additional base damage (+4 str).

Situationally speaking
1) High HP monsters - It has been proven over and over again, that indeed the higher the HP, the more damage a 1-handed sword can deal per minute compared to a 2-handed sword. Of course, we are not speaking of crappy 1-handed vs uber scrolled 2-handed. We are speaking of course of everything being equal. As a matter of fact, the more uber scrolled your 1-handed is, the more advantage you gain over a 2-handed sword user during battles that involve high HP monsters.

2) Low to Medium HP mobs - Although I was one of the first to point out that Coolie Zombies were indeed the #1 place where a 1-handed sword can be used to shine, it is indeed not the only place. Basically any monsters 70 and below will allow the 1-hander to once again shine.

3) Monsters above lvl 70 w/ Medium High to - This is a tougher one to say 1-handers shine. The better equips the 1-handed swordsman has, the lower the level the 1-handed swordsman has to be to start to fight the same monster as a 2-handed swordsman. To essentially kill the same higher leveled monster that a 2-handed swordsman can kill say at lvl 90, would require a typical 1-handed swordsman to be around level 97. However, as I stated, with better equips and being lower-dex, it would only allow 1-handed swordsmen to narrow the level difference. Therefore, instead of 97, the difference can be narrowed substatially to say lvl 94 vs lvl 90. Therefore, this leads into the same scenario as I stated in #2 above. Once both the 1-handed and 2-handed swordsmen have gotten to a level in which they can both kill a monster in the same amount of hits, or very similar amount, it becomes more advantageous to use a 1-handed sword.

Financially speaking
1) Cheap base items - Typical 1-handed swords, with the exception of a Fraute, are very cheap indeed. A typical unscrolled Khan or Katana may cost the user only several hundred thousand to perhaps 1-3mil max whereas the typical unscrolled Doombringer or Heaven's Gate would cost the user from the high six-figure range to easily 7mil for a perfect unscrolled Heaven's Gate. If I bring in Blue Screamer.... (you get the idea).

2) Cheap scrolling - You want semi-godly to godly weapons?! Try scrolling a 1-handed sword. You can spend only tens of millions instead of near 100mil to scroll a near godly or godly 2-handed sword. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you will only narrow the base damage gap between a 2-handed sword vs 1-handed sword.

3) Drops - Like killing mobs fast? Well, you will be in many areas. So you ask, besides getting crazy exp, what other benefits does it wield? Simple, more kills equals more chances for drops. More drops equal more money.

4) Less pot usage - When you start killing things just as fast as a 2-handed swordsman, because your reach is short, you will stand less of a chance of getting hit by their magic attack, which always does more damage then a monster's equivalent bump damage. The key here is when you kill a monster just as fast as a 2-handed swordsman. Only in that one specific case, do you save money.



The Disadvantages of 1-handed sword
Conversely, you will also have many disadvantages when sticking to a 1-handed swordsman.

Overall speaking
1) Less raw damage - This is a disadvantage because it will generally take more hits for a 1-handed swordsman to kill a higher level creature. Also, a 2-handed sword starts off with a higher base weapon attack.

2) Less knockback - This is a distinct case where due to the "FASTER" speed resultant from applying booster to a 1-handed sword, causes the weapon to not knockback a monster even the wielder does the requisite damage required to kb a monster. I have heard that this is a glitch. Whether or not it is intentional is another story.

3) Less 'Sexy' - Completely subjective here, but nonetheless, important to many. Swords such as the Blue Screamer and Doombringer scream, 'Look at me!'. Only the Fraute can be considered somewhat flashy while being good looking for a 1-handed sword. Red Katana, while good looking, is not flashy, but rather shows how simple lines create a beautiful sword.

Situationally Speaking
1) Medium to Medium High HP monsters - Basically because of the inherent lack of base damage a 1-handed sword does, you won't be training on these types of monsters efficiently like a 2-hander would until several levels later.



The Swing Speeds
It has been stated over and over again that 1-handed will do more damage over time. I have along with others written many posts regarding this �I had even done a test way back in the day to prove this. However, in the interest of not getting yet another batch of calculations and items thrown away, I will simply state the following:

1) If you count FA into the swing speed calculations 1-handed will produce even more swings than a 2-handed sword. Since the amount really varies I will say that in some cases an equivalent stat 1-hander will do more damage per minute than a 2-hander. However, in the case that the swing advantage is not enough (as FA varies), you will still see that a 2-hander may sometimes win out in damage per min). Thus, see point number 2 below.
2) Even though the average base damage of a 2-handed swordsman can be as high as 450 more than an exact duplicate stat and watk wise 1-handed swordsman, it doesn鈥檛 take more than literally the strength bonuses assigned to a shield to overcome this deficit before a 1-handed sword user once again do more damage per minute.



How to properly Build a 1-handed crusader
Some changes that affect 1st Job, 2nd Job, and 3rd Job, but they should go in this particular order.

1st Job
-5 Points into Improving HP Recovery
-Max Improving Max HP Increase
-Max Slash Blast
-Max Powerstrike
-3 points into Endure to activate Iron Body
-Put all remaining points into Iron Body* (see below for reasoning)

*Reasons:
1) With the advent of the Resting chair (or whatever that is called), which heals 50HP per 10sec, it will outperform anything but a maxed out HP Recovery skill, which you will be unable to do at this point.
2) Since you are 1-handed, you will already have the advantage of a shield, which gives slightly added defense. Now read this portion and understand what I鈥檓 saying carefully. Weapon Defense (due to shield) in it by itself is not considered by any means the reason to go 1-handed, however, if you have a couple of skills that basically can only enhance this slight wdef advantage over 2-handers, you might as well put as many points into Iron Body to give you just a little extra boost.

2nd Job
-Max Sword Mastery
-Max Rage* (see below for reasoning)
-6 Points into Booster (allows for exactly 1min of Booster)
-Max Final Attack
-Max Powerguard
-Finish maxing Booster

*Reasons:
1) Although the majority of MS warriors agree that Sword Mastery and Powerguard should be maxed in the respective order that I listed above, it is often the order of Rage and FA that is debated. That being said, Rage adds +10watk which is extremely useful in maintaining a comparable base damage equivalent to a 2-hander of the same level. The faster you get up your weapon attack to decent levels, the faster you can take advantage of your increased damage per minute over a comparable 2-hander.

3rd Job
-Max Combo
-Max Coma
-Max Panic
-Max Shout
-Max Shield Mastery
-Put remainder of points into Iron Body* (see below for reasoning)

*Reasons:
1) You will/should only have 5 points in Iron Body. To better take advantage of Iron body, you will need to put the remaining 10 points into that. Therefore your total becomes 15 IRON BODY with a Wdef of +30 for 240 second duration.
2) I don鈥檛 believe too much in the use of Armor Crush, as another post correctly pointed out, when do you really use this skill? Only Iron Pigs/Hogs, Zankum, Gollems, DSG, Werewolves and Yetis have Weapon Def Power Up. With the exception of Zankum, you will either not have the Armor Crush skill to use at that time when you are training at them OR by the time you have acquired Armor Crush, you will either 1-hko them and/or won鈥檛 even be seen training on them.
3) As far as MP Recovery goes, by default you regain 10MP every 10 seconds. If I really wanted to heal MP, I鈥檇 simply just repot.



How Dex build affects 1-handed sword user
I myself am considered a low dex warrior �57 base dex with enough accuracy to 100% hit both Grims/Vikings at their respective levels (139 acc) and enough accuracy to 100% hit Crimson Rog at it鈥檚 respective level (147 acc) depending on the gear I wear. It was only after writing out my guide 鈥楲ow Dex Guide Explained�that I came upon the thought that for 1-handed sword users in particular, being low dex would help. Simply put, low dex increases both minimum and maximum base damage output. As a 1-handed sword user, you will be trying to narrow the base damage gap as narrow as possible to maintain the advantage in Damage Per minute over 2-handed sword users. Therefore, try your utmost to be below 80 dex by the time you reach lvl 80. (Note: I understand that this is not achievable to some players as either you don鈥檛 have the patience, money or luck. In that case, just aim for the lowest amount of base dex you feel comfortable with.)



What鈥檚 all this about Defense
Let鈥檚 first clarify that 1 Wdef = 0.5 less damage. That being said, the more weapon defense you have the less damage you get. The main argument people state, that is correct to a point is, once you reach high lvls, what differences does 50 less damage do per hit when it does around 1k. To somewhat soften that statement let鈥檚 see these points:

1) Being a 1-hander automatically enables you to wear a shield. The primary benefit of a shield is for its stat boost, NOT it鈥檚 weapon defense. However, all if you automatically get a boost in weapon defense that a 2-hander never will, why not maximize that particular advantage when you can. For example, take a Gold Kalkan with a Wdef of 70. Now let鈥檚 max out Shield Mastery and apply the 200% bonus. 70 * 200% = 140 Wdef in favor of the 1-handed. If you really want to enhance this, why not just add in some Iron Body. At lvl 15, which is the maximum you will have if you properly leveled up your skill build by level 120, Iron body provides up to +30 wdef more. Therefore, your total Wdef = 170 OR a reduction of 85 damage per hit (I鈥檓 not even considering a scrolled shield). Not a lot, but consider hypothetically 1,000 hits taken over a given training session spanning several hours and you would have saved 85,000 HP or an equivalent of approximately 39 Ice Cream Pops which heal 2k per. This equates to an 85,215 savings. Again, not that much, but considering you take many more hits over many training sessions, this number quickly adds up.
2) Small amounts of weapon defense equates to a negliable amount of damage reduction. However, as you can see, small amounts together add up to enough damage saved over the long run, where it becomes more and more pot efficient. I know this for a fact in that I have been SOLOING at Dual Ghost Pirates since level 82 until now and it is EXPENSIVE. Every little bit of defense adds up pot money-wise.
3) If you argue why not instead invest in skills that allow for recovery of MP or HP, here is why not:
a. Relaxing Chair has made HP Recovery obsolete.
b. If you really wanted to heal MP or HP, simply pot.
c. If you can鈥檛 afford to pot as much as you鈥檇 like, again, consider the added weapon defense. It鈥檒l add up quickly in many training sessions.
d. Warriors as a whole don鈥檛 have much MP to begin with. Assuming you cannot afford any MP pots but can afford HP pots (unrealistic scenario of course) and you have 750 MP, it will only take 1.25 min to regain all MP at 10MP per 10sec. Not too long if you ask me.



How to Improve
One thing 1-handers should always be on the look out for is improving their equipments. Just like a low-dex warrior must also try to incorporate strength gear along with an attack glove to maintain their damage advantage over a normal dex warrior, a 1-handed sword user must always try to narrow the base damage advantage between them and a corresponding 2-handed sword user. Now this is obviously easier said than done, but I鈥檓 going to quickly list out in order of what I believe the most to least important equips to upgrade are:

1) Overall *See below
2) Sword
3) Attack Glove
4) Cape (try to equip a str cape whenever possible)
5) Shield
6) Helm
7) Boot

Why the above order? Let me explain. First the overall, if scrolled well, is going to be your most non-replaceable item. Furthermore, since I advise that you go low-dex whenever possible, it should be the first priority item to 鈥渟croll and forget about it� Next, sword should always be scrolled and scrolled well. To this end, although scroll prices have inflated, you should still be at a relative advantage to scrolling godly weapons. Always try to scroll on at least avg items, preferably on above avg items. Now, you must get an attack glove. Try to aim high here �10 or 11 atk if possible. Remember, not only will we need to keep our speed advantage vs 2-handed sword wielders, but also vs normal dex 1-handed sword users. The cape is next as you can capitalize on the most amount of strength (up to 15) on this piece of equipment next to a insanely scrolled sword, a +7str dark overall, or +5str glove. Aim for at the minimum 8str to wear this. If you can鈥檛 get that, just wear a dex scrolled cape. Shields are cheap, but just hard to find the perfect stat version. You are always aiming for them lvl 40 and above. As far as Helms and boots go, you should aim for the dark versions or blue bamboo which provide the most strength. However, if you really need more accuracy, I suggest you use a green bamboo and scroll it with accuracy. Furthermore, when you train for 20 or so levels in El Nath you must consider using snowboots which have no stat bonuses.

How to properly compare 1-handed vs 2-handed sword in terms of damage calculations - COMPLETELY UPDATED
This portion of the guide was made specifically to address the actual damage done by an equivalent 1-handed vs 2-handed sword user. The key point here is that in a situation where the 2-handed sword user has exactly equivalent stats and watk as a 1-handed sword user, he/she will do more overall damage than a 1-handed sword user EVEN accounting for the 13-14 swing advantage that the 1-handed sword user has.

I'll use 2 examples to illustrate this:

We apply the following stats to both a hypothetical 1-handed sword user AND 2-handed sword user: 0 wdef, 600str/80dex/140watk (stats boosted by equip bonuses as well), max panic, average base damage, and 14 swing advantage in favor of the 1-handed sword user

1-handed sword base damage rage = 1926-3472
2-handed sword base damage rage = 2198-3976

Avg 1-handed base damage = 2699
Avg 2-handed base damage = 3087

Base damage differential = <400

1-handed sword total damage done over 1min = 1,201,055
2-handed sword total damage done over 1min = 1,219,365

Conclusion: [I/]2-handed wins,

As we increase the str and watk to the following: 800str, 80dex, 160watk

1-handed sword base damage rage = 2860-5216
2-handed sword base damage rage = 3307-6015

Avg 1-handed base damage = 4038
Avg 2-handed base damage = 4661

Base damage differential = 623

1-handed sword total damage done over 1min = 1,796,910
2-handed sword total damage done over 1min = 1,841,095

Conclusion: [I/]2-handed wins

Limitations of the above conclusions

1) To be a 2-handed sword user with godly equips AND low-dex or pure str, generally denotes having insane amounts of money at your disposal. Not for nothing, but from what I have read in the various forums and in-game, few users will be able to attain this.

2) Due to the cheapness of scrolls and 1-handed swords, it is much easier to either scroll or outright buy a GODLY stat 1-handed sword as opposed to a 2-handed sword. Just look at one of the recent Auctions which was almost bought

3) You must account for massive wdef whenever you are fighting a boss. It is not uncommon for high level monsters, especially boss-types, to boost 1k+ wdef. That will more severly affect the damage output of a 2-handed sword user vs 1-handed sword user. Specifically the total damage output differential in favor of a 2-handed sword user vs 1-handed sword user (provided they are EXACTLY equivalent stats and watk) will decrease quite a bit.

4) This is why I specifically emphasis KEEP THE DAMAGE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN 1-HANDED SWORD USER AND 2-HANDED SWORD USER CLOSE. The closer it is, the higher chance you stand of doing more OVERALL damage per minute than the 2-handed sword user.

Let's once again take our hypothetical fighters above.

This time assume the 1-hander is low-dex vs 2-hander that is 50 dex higher. Further, realize that it is easier to scroll a 5watk better 1-handed sword than 2-handed. Now take into account 1k wdef.

1-handed sword base damage rage = 2860-5216
2-handed sword base damage rage = 3089-5549

Avg 1-handed base damage w/ wdef = 4038 - 1k = 3038
Avg 2-handed base damage w/ wdef = 4319 - 1k = 3319

Base damage differential = 281

1-handed sword total damage done over 1min = 1,351,910
2-handed sword total damage done over 1min = 1,311,005

Conclusion: [I/]1-handed wins

Bottom Line: There is a reason why I tell 1-handers to be lower dex and/or take advantage of as much str enhancements as possible whilst trying to scroll/buy the best 1-handed sword out there as possible. While the few godly 2-handers may exist, being a 1-handed sword user, in terms of pure damage, will win out vs 8 out of 10 2-handed sword users simply because stat and watk wise, most 2-handers cannot afford to be both low dex and/or buy godly equips. Furthermore, the other key point I state in my guide is the situations where you become powerful enough to ko a given monster mob similar to that of a 2-hander. The closer your damage differential is to a 2-hander, the more you can take advantage of your speed and outkill those mobs vs a 2-hander. Don't think just zombies, think dual ghost pirates, vikings, etc...


UPDATED SECTION ON SWING SPEED
I just did a live comparison of swing testing today (all with MAX BOOSTER) to compare a Katana vs Fraute vs Regular two-handed sword. As was mentioned in a previous post Katana is Fast (4) whereas Fraute is Fast (5) and Zard is Normal (6). The differences are astounding between Katana vs Fraute. I have therefore listed out actual swing totals inclusive of pressing the repotting 1x and the randomness of FA:

1 Minute LIVE Swing Test (I repeated 3 times on each weapon and got some variations)
Katana = 114-118 swings
Fraute = 103-105 swings
Zard = 95-96 swings

The difference between Katana to Fraute is between 11-13 swing difference, whereas the difference between Fraute to Zard is closer to 8-9 swing difference. Since FA was random, I don't expect to get exactly the same results again. However, others are free to do swing test comparisons of their own.

Now again assume each warrior has the same stats, watk, and uses Max Panic at each 6th attack and recharges combo (I'll use my current stats of 501 str, 105 dex, 135watk which include gear bonuses and rage) we get the following damage ranges and averages:

Katana & Fraute: 1602-2847 (avg = 2224)
Zard: 1821-3252 (avg = 2536)
Difference = 312 in base average damage

In 1min the Katana user will do 807,312 damage
In 1min the Fraute user will do 725,016 damage
In 1min the Zard user will do 776,016 damage

New Conclusion
Taking into account the actual speed difference using a Katana (Fast 4) vs any (Normal 6) 2-handed sword is incomparable. Even assuming exact same stats, the Katana still does more damage per minute than his/her mirror image using a 2-handed sword. Note: As provided by MysticHLE who did some real live testing at DTs, my data with Red Katana vs any Normal Speed 2-handed weapon, merely served to punctuate his findings. He stated that even using a less attack Katana vs a higher attack HG, he killed quicker using the Katana.

Where we run into issues is with any other 1-handed sword (Fast 5) vs (Normal 6). Here we realize that assuming an equal stat 2-handed and 1-handed sword user, the 2-handed will deal more damage per minute. Thus, to counter this, 1-handers would need to close the average damage gap by 157 points or bring the total damage differential between the two from 312 to 155. If that is done the results become:

In 1min the Fraute user will do 776,206 damage
In 1min the Zard user will do 776,016 damage

Closing the gap in the above example by 157 points could be gotten via any one of the following combinations:

1) At my level (100) by lowering dex ~28-29 points and putting it into strength.
2) At my level (100) by increasing watk by ~7.
3) Or any mixture of the two - ie 10 more str and increasing watk by 5.



Speed Categories and Weapons - GOTTEN FROM SAUNA website
Faster(3)
Fusion Mace 1-handed BW - lvl 25
Lollipop Mace 1-handed BW - Lvl 30
Pig Illustrated Mace 1-handed BW - lvl 25

Fast(4)
Any Tube - which are also 1-handed BW - lvls 0, 25, 40, 50, 60, 70
Heavy Hammer 1-handed BW - lvl 35
Most of the remaining lvl 10-25 1-handed BW weapons
Chief Axe 1-handed Axe - lvl 0
Most Daggers fall into this category
Lionheart 2-handed sword - lvl 35
Any 1-handed sword Pumpkin Basket
Red Whip 1-handed sword - lvl 35
Glowing Whip 1-handed sword - lvl 40
Red Katana 1-handed sword - lvl 70
Sparta 1-handed sword - lvl 100 (not yet proven)

Fast(5)
Most of the 1-handed axes up to lvl 25
Green Paint Brush 1-handed axe - Lvl 30
Blue Counter 1-handed axe - Lvl 40
Shintaka Dagger - Lvl 50 *this is why thieves hate it. Slow AND they can't use their version of booster
Japanese Map 2-handed sword - Lvl 50
Aluminum Baseball Bat 2-handed sword - lvl 30
Thermometer 2-handed sword - lvl 10
Most 1-handed swords
Rigbol Sword - lvl 100

Normal(6)
Most 2-handed swords except above mentioned and Beserker Slow(8) or Rigbol sword which I don't know the speed.

My comments on the above weapons:
1) Why do most 2-handers speak so highly about the Lionheart? Simply put, you have an actual 2-handed sword that not only uses the 2-handed sword multiplier in it's damage formula, but also, you get to the speed of Fast(4) which is faster than even most of the 1-handed swords. Thus, you are faster and more powerful during that Lvl period in which you train (around 35-60 depending on how well you scrolled your Lionheart).
2) Why can bandits with their daggers ks warriors in certain situations (forget about haste)? Their weapon speed is far faster than most 1-handed swords users and definately faster than all 2-handed sword users.
3) Why is Katana better than it's 1-handed counterparts? It's the only high lvl weapon other than the Glowing Whip which is Fast(4). As shown above, Fast(4) swing vs Fast(5) swing differs by around 11-13 swings.
4) Why aren't more ppl using Glowing Whip since it offers a huge base attack and speed advantage at lvl 40? Because not many ppl have it. It is a rare gachapon weapon. Otherwise, I'd personally have used it if I was lvl 40.
5) What about all the seasonal weapons MS gives out or some lower leveled gachapon weapons? With regards to the seasonal weapons, although their speed is often times better than their 1 or 2-handed counterparts by quite a bit, and, they have decent stat bonuses, their attack is just ridiculously low, thereby reducing their value to simply show and tell. However, gachapon weapons an be used in some instances for training as I mentioned the Glowing Whip above AND Japanese Map.
6) 1-handed Blunt Weapons and 1-handed Axes are actually fast? Yes, as you can see, definately notice it above. In particular the following are good to train with: Blue Counter for mid-level axe users, Fusion Mace Faster(3) - why I fell in love with 1-handed to begin with, Chief Axe since you can use at lvl 0, and any higher lvled Tube.



Misc Questions
Q. All of your guides, however long or short seem to have the same format. Any reason?
A. I have found a template that I like to use period. I feel it lists things clearly and is easy for others to comprehend.

Q. Wow, you are like the only 1-handed swordsman out there. Why is that?
A. First, no I am not the only 1-handed swordsman out there, nor am I the first 1-handed swordsman to exist. There are countless others and have been many others that preceeded myself. However, I have dedicated myself to the continuous use and improvement of being a 1-handed swordsman. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be vocal of your opinions ;).

Q. Would you suggest I become a 1-handed swordsman?
A. That depends entirely up to you. I literally started off as a 1-handed sword user and had on occassion used 2-handed swords for the feel. I have always gone back to 1-handed. Speed, just like some people like raw power, is highly addictive.

Q. Who suggested 1-handed swordsman to you?
A. Honestly, no one did. At the time, I did not really know that there was a damage multiplier difference btw 1-handed swords, blunt weapons, axes, and their 2-handed counterparts. It was kinda of a hum...sword looks the coolest out of Axe and Wooden Club, I'll just stick to this. Before long, I just kind of stuck with 1-handed and never looked back. **Edit**Thanks to Stereo for pointing out that all tubes (1-handed bw) are FAST speed.


Q. How can I respond naysayers of being a 1-handed sword user?
A. It is best to be calm and quiet. Let your actions speak louder than words. In the end, it is not how much damage you do, but if you are a courteous and friendly Mapler that will help your image overall, regardless of what weapon you wield.

Q. You suck! Just be a 2-handed sword user. I can outdamage you and I'm only Level xx. Hahaha...
A. Although that really isn't a question, I have listed it because simply it is one of most annoying comments I get in-game from random ppl who have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. First to reply to these people, I seriously doubt a slew of people can outdamage me, much less people 10-20 levels below me whether they are 2-handed or 1-handed. I'll be the first to admit though, if you take exactly the same dex warrior and same exact armour/gloves, etc and just plug in a 2-handed sword scrolled just as well as my khan, yes, you will get a warrior who will outdamage me period. But, we don't play in a world where everyone is the same, and thus, correspondingly, no two people can really be considered the exact same power level.

Q. Have you ever used 2-handed sword?
A. Yes, I admit I have used it on very rare occassions. As a matter of fact, I have owned at least 7 well scrolled 2-handed swords, not counting the 1 piece of junk Blue Screamer that I scrolled (lol). However, all of those were mainly scrolled for top-notch resale :).

Q. Will you ever become a 2-handed sword user?
A. No. I have tried them out for a couple of hours on occassion and they are simply not for me.

Q. Why did you only write about 1-handed swords and not 1-handed axes/bw?
A. Because I have never used them. Furthermore, I am somewhat hesitant to compare them against 2-handed swords as their swing speed is equal to a 2-handed sword (except for Blue Counter), yet their damage multiplier still lower (4.4 vs 4.6). For effective killing then, I would have to choose a 2-handed sword vs 1-handed axe or blunt weapon. However, because I have never used these weapons in practice, I really defer my opinion to someone who has. Of course, 1-handed axes and bws vs their 2-handed counterparts also have the same speed advantage as 1-handed sword users vs 2-handed sword users.

Q. Why did you only write for a fighter/crusader?
A. Although a page is extremely similar to fighter, I have yet to play one and cannot fully speak for a page and it鈥檚 build. Furthermore, 3rd job is very different than crusader and I don鈥檛 fully understand all the skills. That being said, I don鈥檛 like to speak on areas I don鈥檛 fully understand.

Q. What are your stats and equips?
A. I鈥檓 always trying to improve but I鈥檒l tell you now what my stats are. Level 88 Crusader with 400 base str & 57 base dex. Perfect 4/4 int/luk build. Furthermore, by wearing my str equips I can add an additional 34 str bonuses and gain 25 dex bonuses through my overall. My usable equipments are as follows: 25dex/14acc/4str dark crusader, 3str/1acc dark babuta, 10atk/5str/2dex Dark Imperial, 10str/10speed icarus 2 cape, 110atk/8str/1wdef Fraute, 4str Silver Kalkan Shield, and 2str/10.2acc Emerald War Grieves

Q. Do you recommend being a Hybrid sword user?
A. Not really. What I am against though, is specifically the switching between 1-handed and 2-handed swords every 10 lvls - whenever you get access to upgraded weapons. By switching back and forth you don't really get use to the fighting style that each provides, instead, you will be not as proficient at either, at least in my opinion. However, I am not against switching back and forth btw 1-handed and 2-handed swords on a given map or with a given party.


Q. What are your personal goals?
A. Simply put, to have the best damage I can by lvl 100 and each successive level. My true goal damagewise by lvl 100 (which I know is unattainable for the most part) is 1808-3284. Let's just say, the items needed to obtain this goal is very, very difficult to obtain without an extremely large amount of mesos (say 2-3billion).



Q. Do you think 1-handed Swordsman will become the next Bandwagon subclass?
A. I don't believe so. Unless Wizet decides to make some drastically changes in large favor of the 1-handed sword OR agains the 2-handed sword, we will always remain in the minority. HOWEVER, I have been hearing that more and more people are switching to 1-handed simply because they cannot afford 2-handed scrolls and swords any longer. I have no issues of this. In fact, I wholeheartedly embrace it. The only thing I ask is that people who switch over do not claim to be 1-handed swordsman since they started MS and flaunt that they are the only 1-handed swordsman out there. I personally will make the following statement:

I AM NOT THE ONLY 1-HANDED SWORDSMAN OUT THERE NOR AM I THE FIRST. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE A 1-HANDED SWORDSMAN.



I specifically left out many more potential sections for a variety of reasons. The top reason is probably because not many people are 1-handed and/or will even bother to read this. Furthermore, I鈥檇 rather people ask me questions on this thread. If I see enough of a similar type of question asked, I鈥檒l simply put a new section on this guide to thoroughly explain it. A training section may also be added if deemed necessary.


Updated
1) Apparently there is a lvl 100 2-handed sword that will allow users to swing at a FASTER speed. IF you have a Zankum Helm and godly equips, AND you have scrolled nice version of this sword, I'd HIGHLY recommend all 1-handed to go 2-handed as all speeds being equal, 2-handed will obviously outdamage 1-handed. The caveat here is you need to have 120dex. Therefore, only do this if you have a Zhelm and godly equips. Otherwise, it is still better to stick with being a low to very low dex 1-hander with a godly scrolled sword.

2) FYI...1-handed sword scrolls seem to be dropping in price once again!!! Hooray! Try to stock up on them now if you can. You can buy them cheap for around 200k-300k if you shop wisely.

3) With all the 4th Job skills coming out, everyone knew there had to be a skill that was only for 1-handers. Well, now there is:

Hero & Paladin: Blocking
Type: Passive
Description: When you are hit by physically contact, your will be able to use the shield to block (with a given probability), reducing the full damage in addition to making the enemy into faint status.
Requires the use of a shield.
Max Level 30: 15% chance to Block, immune for 2 seconds.
Comment: Equip a shield, you will have a chance to do a block animation, reducing complete damage as well as making the monster faint. Your character will also go through a period of invincibility after a succesful block. Since patch 1.2.71, Blocking will completely block attacks at given success rate. Success rate is dependant on the skill level.



Iron Body vs Endure
Though I'd add in a quick blurb here. Thanks to thSoldier for leading me to point this out. The effects of Iron Body gets cancelled when Priest casts Bless upon you. Therefore, regardless of how good you get your Iron Body to, Bless will always override it IF YOU PARTY WITH A PRIEST. However, if you choose to solo OR have difficulty finding a party with a priest, then Iron Body does still offer some decent protection.

Bottom Line: IRON BODY if you are priestless, ENDURE if you constantly partied with a priest.



Items that have not been mentioned above
Mid-way around 2006, there have been several items that have come out which will affect all ppl that play MS.

1) Brown Bandana - This handy helm provides pure ACCURACY. Can it get any better than that? Not unless you get a Zankum helm! I write this in particular since only the Scania server seems to have parties available and willing to take on lower levels and allow them to "purchase" their zankum helms. Being in Bera, my understanding is that there are no legitimate parties that are willing to take on lower level party members who want to "purchase" the zankum helm. With this being said, if you can get your hands on a Brown Bandana DO SO. It will help you out immensely for about 20-40 levels (around lvl 115 or so) before you can even attempt to party with others at Zankum.

Goal: Aim for a clean Brown Bandana with +5acc Base. Otherwise, aim for +7acc scrolled or better.

Cost: Clean 5acc costs around 15mil. 7acc costs around 35mil. 9acc (I just bought) costs around 75mil.

Note: I just got a Zakum helm on 3-17-07. I can say it rocks!

2) Pink Adventurer Cape - This cape is the only cape that I would say outdoes a Icarus 2 Cape. Simply put, 1-4 additional Weapon Attack free!!! As warriors we are always trying to constantly better our damage. What better way to do so than get a Cape that adds additional weapon attack WHILE allowing you to maintain or increase your other stats! 1-handed swordsman, this will be amongst your best friends if you can secure one. Hell, every warrior should try to secure one.

Goal: Aim for at least a +3watk or better. +1watk seems kinda silly to purchase. However, if nothing else is available +1watk will have to do. Scroll with Strength scrolls. Remember, we are trying to maintain low dex WHILE using Strength based equips.

Cost: Buy a clean Pink Adventurer Cape. Purchasing a +10str or +11str +3 thru +4watk Pink Cape is just not happening. I don't care how much money you have. People are not going to sell this if they have it. Clean +1atk will cost around 150mil I believe. +2atk will cost around 400mil. +3atk will cost around 1billion and +4 is around 1.5bil to 2bil.

3) Brown Work Gloves - Again, 7 slots with more chances to scroll a 12watk or better glove. One constant argument we hear is, "Are class gloves better than work gloves?". Well, to answer that question you must understand the difference between Weapon Attack and Strength. At lower levels 1 weapon attack has an equivalent damage of around 3 strength, whereas at higher levels, 1weapon attack has an equivalent damage of around 5-7 strength (I had created a damage matrix way back in the day that showed this, but never posted). The point: Buy these gloves if they are 12watk or better. You'll be using them from lvls 100 onwards if you plan to continue your warrior then. They are going to outperform your 10atk 5str Dark Imperials for a long time to come :)

Goals: 12watk or better.

Costs: 12watk = 500mil, 13watk = 800mil, 14watk = 1-1.5bil (This is strictly my thoughts)

4) Gold Emerald Earrings - They add a strange mix of stats. Both Magic Attack and Dex. This mix makes it in my opinion, not fully advantageous to either warriors or mages (although slightly better for mages IMO). Warriors would strictly get these for the dex. Remember: 1dex = 0.8acc

Goals: 3dex or better. Who cares about Matk...you came to the wrong section if you do.

Costs: 3dex = 200mil, 4dex = 400mil, 5dex = 800mil-1bil (no one is selling 5dex atm)

5) Gachapon "Way Above Perfect" Items - What I mean here is any warrior item that, through Gachapon, has stats WAY above perfect.

Goals: If you can get them, get them!!

Costs: Real cash!!! Lots of it!!!!

My thoughts on the following items (some of which have came out):

Shield OR Sword Earrings (lvl 100) - These provide something like 1 or 2 accuracy. Hopefully by then dex or strength scrolls will come out for earrings as well too. However, a 3dex Gold Emerald Earring still beats this in terms of acc (3dex = 2.4acc vs 2acc) and 3dex = approx 3 more additional damage on your base.

1-handed Sword Sparta (lvl 100) - Average looking sword. Even worse, it has the same name as the lvl 60 2-handed sword (bleh -.-). However, we will hold a huge advantage here as all two-handers will have a lvl 100 sword which now becomes slow. Now is our turn to really even the score by scrolling some godly weapons. Furthermore, there will be some two-handers that go with the lvl 100 2-handed sword regardless of its slow speed.

1-handed Sword Dragon Caravela (lvl 110) - Beautiful looking sword! More beautiful than even the Fraute I must say. Other than that, not much to say here. I'll get it, but once again, 2-handed sword users get back their normal swing speed with their lvl 110 sword. Oh well...



Regarding 1-handed Axes and Blunt Weapons
Well, some people have wanted me to expand this topic to incude 1-handed Axes and Blunt Weapons. Although I'm not an expert in either of those weapons by any means I'll try my best to help out.

First, similar to 1-handed Swords, 1-handed Axes and 1-handed Blunt Weapons also seem to hold a speed advantage over their 2-handed counterparts (although not as distinct):

Comparisons
1-handed swords have 30+ weapons all of which are FAST(4), FAST(5), or FASTER(3) speeds. Compared against 2-handed swords, only 3 2-handed swords are FAST. Lionheart is FAST(4), Rigbol is FAST(?), and Japanese Map FAST(5)

1-handed blunt weapons have 30+ weapons of which 50% seem to be FAST(5) and 50% seem to be NORMAL(6) speed. What is important to note here is that from lvl 75 onward, the speed all becomes NORMAL(6). 2-handed blunt weapons are all fortunately SLOW(7), but the great normalizer is The Morningstar (lvl 80) which is NORMAL(6). However, not to fret. From lvl 90 onwards, 2-handed BW become SLOW(7).

1-handed axe weapons also have 20+ weapons of which 3 are FAST(5) - Blue Counter, Hula Hoop, and Black Paint Brush - the rest are NORMAL(6). Unfortunately, most of the 2-handed Axes have prior to lvl 100 are NORMAL(6) as well. The only exceptions are Sabretooth (lvl 40), The Rising (lvl 50), Chrno (lvl 70). Fortunately, past lvl 100, all 2-handed Axes become SLOW(7).


Damage Multipliers
1-handed sword = 4.0 vs 2-handed sword 4.6
1-handed Axe = 4.4 vs 2-handed Axe 4.8
1-handed BW = 4.4 vs 2-handed BW 4.8

I mention the above simply because I need someone to test out the actual swings per minute a 1-handed Axe and BW gets vs a 2-handed Axe BW. Please be aware in most cases we are comparing NORMAL(6) vs SLOW(7). I have not personally done this, but I feel that 1-handed Axes and BW may have even a better advantage in terms of damage per minute dealt depending on how much of a swing advantage they have over their 2-handed counterparts. The reason: the multiplier difference btw 1-handed and 2-handed Axe and BW is less 0.4 vs 1-handed sword vs 2-handed sword which produces a 0.6 difference. If we have already established that all a 1-handed sword user has to do is keep his/her damage differential between 140-160 of an exact duplicate 2-handed sword user, then I believe for a 1-handed Axe or BW user, that damage differential should not be as narrow - I'm guessing around 200-250.

Brandish Skill
Not sure what to say here since I've yet to see it. From all accounts that I've heard though, it will be favoring Axes as opposed to either of the other two weapons. Weather that will work out even more so in the favor of 1-handed Axes we can only wait and see. I'm going to venture a guess and say it will help 1-handed Axes wielders even more :)

Q & A Just for 1-handed Axes and BW
Q. Why are you writing this section?
A. Because someone asked and I'm willing to oblige. By no means am I an expert, so all the help I can get from actual 1-handed Axe and BW wielders is appreciated. However, it should be a section added to this guide, if no other guide exists for 1-handed Axe and BW users.

Q. Should I become an Axe wielder because of Brandish, the 4th lvl Job Skill?
A. I see this posted from many people who either are going to become warriors, are playing a friends warrior, or have lower lvl warriors (lvl 40 or below). To answer your question, no one can predict exactly how Brandish will really be used and what it's speed will be like. However, you should be more concerned in leveling your characters to lvl 120+ so that you will be able to take advantage of Brandish when it finally comes out. Asking at such an early level is setting yourself up for flaming simply because most people who have played warriors/fighters for any extended period of time realize just how difficult the levels from 30-50 are and then from 70-85 are. Once you hit lvl 100+ you are allowed to perhaps raise this question. It will then be taken more seriously by others.

Q. Should I choose 1-handed Axe or 2-handed Axe or 1-handed BW or 2-handed BW?
A. Well, I think you could go 1-handed in either case simply because you still hold a speed advantage, although not at every 10 lvls. Furthermore, from lvls 70-90, it seems that the speed advantage gets negated. However, I would simply counter with this with the fact that lvls 100+ speed for the 2-handed counterparts becomes SLOW and also, if you scroll a godly 1-handed axe/bw why switch?

Q. Can you answer more specific questions regarding 1-handed Axes and BW?
A. Nope because I don't have Booster, Combo, Coma, or Panic for Axes. Furthermore, I'm not a WK so I can't tell you about BWs. You're going to have to post in this sticky and if any 1-handed axe fighter or 1-handed BW page can provide answers I will include it in this stickied guide.


UPDATED SECTION

New Shield of Luk Scrolls and how they affect us!
Accuracy! Quite simply this is a very cost effective way to get some much needed accuracy for us low dex swordsmen and turn us into dexless. Remember good ole luck provides 0.5acc. It's really not impossible to buy or even scroll yourself a +5luk shield with 5 slots left. Hitting a 10luk shield which provides 5acc theoretically isn't very difficult. Heck, I'd shoot for 15luk if I could. That would simply mean 7.5acc more. Now you can very quickly become dexless if you have all the other right equips.

The uses of 2-handed sword
Well, I personally have tested out my 2-handed sword on Papu, Zakum, Gobies, Squids and Grims. First off people, don't worry, I sold the 112atk DS. I wanted 14atk WGs for it so I traded it in. I am a pure 1-hander. What I did however find was very supportive of all the hybrid users tales:

Papu: The extra reach helps hit where the 1-handed cannot reach simply because of the oddness of how Papu is shaped. I can easily get in more hits with a 2-handed sword whereas with the 1-handed I simply must jump 100% of the time. My advice here: Try out 2-handed. 1-handed just doesn't cut it.

Pianus: This guy is just flat out annoying. Plus those bombs! 2-handed here because you wanna quickly dispatch those bombs. We are not talking about DPM here. You want sheer raw damage and 2-handed is the best way to kill those bombs. Of course if you are godly and can do godly damage then 1-handed is fine too. But Pianus itslef is another Papu. Talk about screwed up shape! My Advice here: Use 2-handed. You won't regret it.

Zakum: I personally don't like to hug the body so much. This is one of the rare cases where hugging = potential death. That being said, a 2-handed helped me stay back a bit further. However, it is noticeable slower. My advice here: be very careful using 1-handed. Always pay attention to your health! My zakum group kill in 1-hr or less so I'm not too involved at arms. Mainly at body. Stick with 1-handed if you can though. You'll end up doing more DPM.

Gobies: I find killing those dam fish 10x easier with the overhead swing of the 2-handed sword. However, with a bit of getting use to 1-handed, you can easily kill these fishes just as quickly. My advice here: Stick to 1-handed if you can. Once you are use to it, you kill equally as fast as 2-handed sword. It's just you have to re-adjust some mechanics to account for the timing.

Squids/Grims: Ain't nothing special on this. I kill 5% faster with 1-handed than the 2-handed. My advice here: use 1-handed period.


Q. How do you define Hybrid vs Pure 1-hander?
A. Well to me a Pure 1-hander has to meet 2 qualifications. The first is obvious: be a 1-hander since lvl 1. The second is to train exclusively with your 1-hander. A Hybrid would be someone who selectively chooses between a 2-handed vs 1-handed weapon depending on their circumstances.


Q. Wait I noticed you scrolled a 112atk DS?! Does that mean you are turning 2-handed?
A. Emphatically no. I scrolled a godly DS yes, but my purpose was to sell it. However, since I could not sell it 2-3 weeks I decided why not test it at certain maps to see just how effective it was. Please see my above updated section on certain bosses and maps to see the efficiency. I now have sold my DS for a 14atk BWG :)))))). The results you can see are a mixed bag on my testing.