New World Tank Build 2023 - The Ultimate Guide for PvE

Intro

This guide is brought to you by BagginsTV, in collaboration with Jools and NWDB.

All information is based on the latest version of New World, and is accurate for the Brimstone Sands update.

If video guides are more up your street, then all the information can also be found in my YouTube video right below.

Baggins' video guide is up to date with Season 3. The written guide rework is a work in progress.

If you're more of a reader, however, or are looking for all the handy links and item info pages all in one place, then read on!

Weapon Choices

Sword & Shield + War Hammer

This is the most standard Tank build, and is both popular and versatile. Due to the War Hammer’s high CC abilities, this is a great build for team play.

Sword & Shield + Hatchet

This is a more aggressive build. It is damage-orientated, with added survivability from the hatchet. Commonly used by solo tanks.

Greatsword + War Hammer

One of the new tank builds that has been introduced with the Brimstone update. It has good damage potential from the Greatsword, and again the War Hammer provides some important CC.

Greatsword + Hatchet

This is the build to choose if you just want to do mega damage. This build focuses on constant damage output with a nice amount of self-sustain.

Note: Sword & Shield + Greatsword could possibly work, but the weapons feel like they are both primary choices, as neither offers much as a secondary weapon due to the way their abilities and passives work.

Attributes

300 Strength + 210 Constitution

This is an aggressive tanking build, and is ideal for those who want to be in their enemy's face. It gives GRIT on all Light/Heavy attacks, but as a build is best utilized alongside a good healer and team communication.

210 Strength + 300 Constitution

The more defensive tanking build, due to its greater means of survivability. This is an ideal build for solo tanks, and is also useful for when you are in an uncoordinated or group finder team.

Weapon Skills

Below are the most optimal skill builds to use. Use either the Aggressive or the Defensive versions for the weapon pair of your choice.

Sword & Shield

Aggressive Build

This loadout is for a more aggressive tanking build, focused slightly more on constant enemy assault than survivability.

Note: For your Sword & Shield tree, whether to choose the Freeing Justice or Confidence passive comes down to personal preference.​

Defensive Build

The ideal loadout for a more defensive build, focused on better survivability and self-sustainability.

Greatsword

The only loadout needed for the Greatsword skill tree, as it can be used for both defensive and aggressive tanking.

Compatible with either of the War Hammer loadouts and the Hatchet loadout. ​

War Hammer

Aggresive Build

The best loadout for a more aggressive playstyle, placing focus on relentless attacks.

Defensive Build

The loadout best used in a defensive build, with a greater focus on crowd control.

Note: Choose Hardened Steel instead of Power Through Pain in the War Hammer tree if you are running a 210 Strength + 300 Constitution build, as you do not have GRIT on Light/Heavy Attacks.

Hatchet

The only loadout needed for the Hatchet skill tree, as it can be used for both defensive and aggressive tanking.

Pair with either of the Sword & Shield loadouts or the Greatsword loadout.

Equip Load

Heavy Armor

Heavy Equip Load is your standard build. It gives more block stability and increased duration on stuns, slows etc. To achieve this, every Armor Piece should be Heavy. Swords must be paired with a Tower Shield.

Light Armor

Light Equip Load is a speedrun build. It is not generally recommended for open world or classic tanking. To achieve this, every Armor Piece should be Light. Swords should be paired with a Round Shield.

Note: We will only be covering Heavy Armor tanking in this guide.

Perks to Aim For

Sword

For 300+ Strength builds, you should be looking for a Sword with [perk_perkid_weapon_cdrbasic], [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgwithgrit], and a Bane Perk.​

For under 300 Strength builds, your Sword should have [perk_perkid_weapon_cdrbasic], [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgbasic], and a Bane Perk.​

Greatsword

For 300+ Strength builds, your Greatsword should have [perk_perkid_weapon_cdrbasic], [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgwithgrit], and a Bane Perk.​

For under 300 Strength builds, your ideal Greatsword will have [perk_perkid_weapon_cdrbasic], [perk_perkid_weapon_melee_chargedheavy_dmg] or [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgbasic], and a Bane Perk.​

War Hammer

Regardless of which build you are running, your War Hammer should have [perk_perkid_ability_hammer_shockwave] as a must, as well as any combination of [perk_perkid_weapon_empoweroncrit], [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgwithgrit], any of the Bane Perks, [perk_perkid_weapon_threatadd], [perk_perkid_weapon_critchance], or [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgcrit].

That said, if you are running a 300+ Strength build, your ideal War Hammer will have [perk_perkid_ability_hammer_shockwave] and [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgwithgrit] as a must, as well as any combination of [perk_perkid_weapon_empoweroncrit], any of the Bane Perks, [perk_perkid_weapon_threatadd], [perk_perkid_weapon_critchance], or [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgcrit].

Hatchet

Regardless of which build you are running, you should aim to have a Hatchet with [perk_perkid_ability_hatchet_ragingtorrent] as a must, as well as any combination of [perk_perkid_weapon_cdrbasic], a relevant Ability perk, [perk_perkid_weapon_threatadd], [perk_perkid_weapon_critchance], [perk_perkid_weapon_dmgcrit], [perk_perkid_weapon_empoweroncrit].

[perk_perkid_weapon_dmgwithgrit] is also a great perk option, but should only be used if you are running a 300+ Strength build.

Tower Shield (Epic)

You should aim to have a Tower Shield with [perk_perkid_ability_shield_shieldrush], [perk_perkid_weaponmelee_blockingstam], and [perk_perkid_chest_onblockedhittaken_staminaregen].

However, if you already have [perk_perkid_chest_onblockedhittaken_staminaregen] on your Chest, or find it easier to acquire a good Chest piece than a best-in-slot shield, you can swap out the last Tower Shield perk for [perk_perkid_common_cdr], [perk_perkid_weapon_threatadd], or any of the Shield Ward Perks.

Note: Before the Brimstone patch, there was a bug that allowed players to craft Legendary shields, with 4 perks, using a [item_perfectsalvage_timer]. This is no longer possible, but you might be able to find one on the Trading Post.

Armor

It is a really good idea to eventually have an armor set for every enemy type. Every armor piece in each set should have the specific Enemy Type Ward Perk as standard, as well as any combination of [perk_perkid_common_cdr], [perk_perkid_armor_rangedefense_physical], [perk_perkid_armor_rangedefense_elemental], and a relevant Ability Perk. [perk_perkid_chest_onblockedhittaken_staminaregen] is also a great perk, but should only be used on the Chest piece, and is only needed if you do not have a Tower Shield with the perk.

Amulet

For your Amulet, you want to be looking for [perk_perkid_amulet_healing] and [perk_perkid_amulet_hp], plus your choice of [perk_perkid_amulet_durfortify], [perk_perkid_amulet_stamonlow], or any of the Protection Perks.

Ring

For your Ring, you will want [perk_perkid_ring_maxstamina] as a must, as well as your choice of [perk_perkid_ring_durweaken], [perk_perkid_ring_dmgslash], [perk_perkid_ring_healperdmg], [perk_perkid_ring_crit], or [perk_perkid_common_cdr].

Earring

For your Earring, you will want [perk_perkid_earring_potioncdr] as a must, alongside any combination of [perk_perkid_earring_threatadd], [perk_perkid_common_cdr], [perk_perkid_earring_healthregen], [perk_perkid_earring_staminaregen], or [perk_perkid_earring_healthonpotion].

Ability Perks

It will help you as a tank to acquire certain Ability Perks on your Armor and Weapons. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to have your main weapon perk on your weapon. This is because perks on weapons get a huge power increase.

The recommended weapon ability perks were suggested above, with Tower Shields needing the [perk_perkid_ability_shield_shieldrush] perk, Hatchets needing the [perk_perkid_ability_hatchet_ragingtorrent] perk, and War Hammers needing to have the [perk_perkid_ability_hammer_shockwave] perk.

Every other Sword, Shield, Greatsword, Hatchet and War Hammer perk is best to have on your armor. Some recommended armor ability perks to include on your armor as a tank are [perk_perkid_ability_hammer_wreckingball], [perk_perkid_ability_sword_reversestab], [perk_perkid_ability_shield_finalstand], [perk_perkid_ability_greatsword_combo], and [perk_perkid_ability_greatsword_counter].

Best Drops to Farm

Swords

• [item_1hlongsword_guardiansresolvet5_v2] for any Corrupted Dungeons.
• [item_1hlongsword_deeproott5_v2] or [item_1hlongsword_infernust5_v2] due to their Lifestealing for some sustain.
• [item_1hlongsword_darionsspathat5_v2] or [item_1hlongsword_timekeepershandt5_v2] are similar swords, both good for increased DPS.
• [item_1hlongsword_grovewardent5_v2] for [zone_50422] runs.
• [item_1hlongsword_blackguardslongswordt5_v2] can be useful against enemies that are weak to Thrust Damage, as it rewards heavy attacks.

Greatswords

• [item_2hgreatsword_soulstept5_v2] for use against Lost Enemies.
• [item_2hgreatsword_berserkersswordt5_v2] is a good all-rounder for any expedition or fight.
• [item_2hgreatsword_unyieldingcleavert5_v2] a strong DPS option but has the unusual perk of Sure Footing, so could also be useful for main Greatsword tanks.

War Hammers

• [item_2hwarhammer_entertainersmault5_v2] has the Hated perk, which can be useful if you’re running low strength.
• [item_2hwarhammer_endofdayst5_v2] is a more aggressive Warhammer.
• [item_2hwarhammer_batheqetscudgelt5_v2] for use against Ancient enemies.
• [item_2hwarhammer_blackguardswarhammert5_v2], only viable for 300+ Strength builds.

Hatchets

• [item_1hthrowingaxe_beyondreasont5_v2] is close to BiS for fighting Ancient Enemies.
• [item_1hthrowingaxe_dreadwaket5_v2] is a good all-rounder for any expedition or fight.
• [item_1hthrowingaxe_blackguardshatchett5_v2], only viable for 300+ Strength builds.

Tower Shields

• [item_1htshield_titanwallt5_v2], as long as you have [perk_perkid_chest_onblockedhittaken_staminaregen] on your Chest.

Armor

• [item_heavychest_neishatunsbreastplatet5_v2|Neishatun's Set] is good as a starter set for non-mutated expeditions.
• [item_heavychest_tempestuousbreastplatet5|Spectral Tempestuous Set (Soldier)] is a great starter set for Corrupted mutations, but only a viable drop from boxes after you are 590+ Expertise.
• [item_heavychest_d_boss_mutt5_v2|Expedition Captain's Set] is the upgraded set for Corrupted mutations.
• [item_heavychest_elitepoi_harbingerrobest5|Harbinger Set] is good for Angry Earth mutations
• [item_heavychest_elitepoi_corruptedbreachspecialt5|Corrupted Rage Set] is good for Ancient mutations.
• [item_heavychest_li_boss_mutt5_v2_new|Chardis Set] is another good set for Ancient mutations.
• [item_heavychest_barnacles_mutt5|Brined Set] is a great set for Lost mutations, but it only drops while you are in mutated [zone_30040].

Amulets

• [item_amulet_tempestuousamulett5] is a great starter piece, though it is only a viable drop from boxes after you are 590+ Expertise.
• [item_amulett5_blessingofforefathers_v2] has [perk_perkid_amulet_hp] and [perk_perkid_amulet_healing] which are two staple tanking perks.

Rings

• [item_ring_smoothboneringt5_v2] for self-sustain.
• [item_ring_forgottenvowt5_v2] for extra weaken duration.
• [item_ringt5_heartofhepu_v2], again for extra weaken duration.
• [item_ringt5_heartofmaahebgal_v2] for max DPS.

Earrings

• [item_earringt5_doomschanceearring_v2] is well balanced for all types of tanking.
• [item_earringt5_teardrop_v2] is used for Greatsword or Hatchet Tanking, due to the value of [perk_perkid_common_cdronhit].
• [item_earringt5_priestesscharm_v2] has [perk_perkid_earring_staminaregen] and [perk_perkid_common_cdrondodge], making it good for defensive, dodge-centric tanking.

Heartrunes

• [item_runegraspingvinest3c] can be used on large groups of enemies to lower incoming damage and increase how much damage they take through the 20% Weaken and Rend respectively.
  
  Note: This Heartrune does lower your Stamina regeneration after activation, so make sure to have defiant stance - [ability_info_greatsword_stance_defense] - or a similar cooldown ready to go to lower your incoming damage, as blocking too much whilst it’s active will exhaust you.

• [item_runehereticsfallt3c] is an alternative option, and whilst it provides less support to your team due to not offering any weaken, rend or root, it can be used to give you a large amount of health back when activated on groups of enemies.
• [item_runestoneformt3b] is a decent option for tanks using under 300 Strength, as it prevents you from being interrupted or staggered by enemies for the duration that it is active.

Gems

Important: In order to do any tanking in New World, you will need [item_carneliancutt4|Carnelian Gems].

Most of the damage you will take will be Physical in Normal expeditions, so stacking [item_onyxcutt4|Onyx Gems] for their physical protection or [item_diamondcutt4|Diamond Gems], which offers both Physical and Elemental protection (though at a reduced rate), will be beneficial for you.

In Mutated Expeditions, it’s worth swapping out 2 to 3 of your gems to counter the specific Mutation, such as [item_rubycutt4|Ruby Gems] for Fire Mutations, [item_ambercutt4|Amber Gems] for Nature Mutations, and so on.

Stacking [item_opalcutt4|Opal Gems] will provide cover for all elements, but at a weaker % than specifically targeting each mutation.

It may, however, be worth choosing to have your unswapped, non-mutation specific gems as [item_opalcutt4|Opal], instead of [item_onyxcutt4|Onyx] or [item_diamondcutt4|Diamond] as suggested before, if you’re interested in Mutated expeditions only.

In your Jewelry, the same rules can be applied. For your Amulet, Ring and Earring, stick to [item_onyxcutt4|Onyx], [item_diamondcutt4|Diamond] or [item_malachitecutt4|Malachite] for Normal Expeditions, or [item_opalcutt4|Opal] to focus on Mutated.

Runeglass

A long-term goal is to find or craft multiple Amulets that have [perk_perkid_amulet_hp] plus a specific Elemental Protection perk, and also a relevant gem for that protection. For example A [perk_perkid_amulet_hp] and [perk_perkid_amulet_defice] amulet made with an [item_aquamarinecutt4|Aquamarine] would be excellent to swap to for Ice Mutations, and having a Fire, Nature and Void equivalent also sitting in your bag gives you plenty of versatility, making it less necessary to swap out gems in your armor, so you can permanently socket some Runeglass Gems into your armor pieces instead.

Runeglass gems should be added to your most used tanking gear. Avoid swapping them out for different weekly mutations as it will be very expensive to do so. If you do want to have Runeglass sockets in abundance, it is better to have a good armor set for each enemy and mutation type, and adding Runeglass gems to these, rather than swapping them out all the time.

Which Runeglass gems you put in your armor can be personal preference, but I recommend [item_runeglass_gem_diamond_stamina] or [item_runeglass_gem_malachite_stamina] to help maintain Stamina with Sword and Shield Tanking.

[item_runeglass_gem_diamond_melee] or [item_runeglass_gem_malachite_melee] is a good choice if you tank with Greatsword, as it will maximize your outgoing damage. Avoid Energizing Runeglass as a Greatsword tank, as the Greatsword already has great Stamina management thanks to its perks and talents.

You should use a [item_runeglass_gem_carnelian_stamina] in your Weapons, but as mentioned at the start of the section, if you don’t have access to Runeglass, you must stick to a normal [item_carneliancutt4] until you do. Carnelians are mandatory to activate taunts on your abilities, and so are essential to your role as a tank.

Tips for Tanking

Playstyle Tips

When running Mutated expeditions, swapping 3 elemental resistance gems for different mutations is a good number to aim for. Keep the 2 other gems as Opal or Malachite to provide general elemental damage absorption.

Do not just taunt then raise your shield and stand there. Efficient tanking requires putting out good damage to hold the attention of enemies, and blocking when falling to lower health.

When tanking enemies, try to keep them faced towards you and away from your team. This will help your team do more damage due to critical backstabs, and also help them avoid getting cleaved by any attacks the enemy may be doing.

Look for any ranged enemies when clearing out rooms/areas, and try to cluster any melee enemies next to them. This will make it easier for both you and your damage dealers to kill everything at the same time, and save the healer from pulling threat on these ranged mobs.

Learn to feel the difference between a Heavy Attack (hold and release LMB after 1 second) and a Charged Heavy (hold down LMB for 2+ seconds). Charged heavy attacks with a Sword become Thrust Damage instead of Slashing.

Ability Rotation

Don’t rely on opening with Defiant Stance. [ability_ability_warhammer_shockwave] is often a better taunt opener as it also applies a Stun, Slow, and Rend from [perk_perkid_ability_hammer_shockwave].

It's good to keep Shockwave on cooldown - if in doubt, use it, as it provides a lot of support to your team.

If you are using Sword and Shield in your tank setup, it is recommended to be performing Light and Heavy attacks with the Sword instead of your other weapon, especially when your gear has [perk_perkid_weapon_cdrbasic], as this will help you cycle into your defensive cooldowns more often.

Maintain as much rend as you can on bosses. It's important in many scenarios. For example, when running Genesis, using [ability_ability_warhammer_armorbreaker] against [creature_bog_monster] can help you prevent party wipes during the Vine Wall phase of the fight.