Better One Handed Class?

[Adelinde]

I plan to make a new character, but I am at a lose for what to make them. I know you can switch whenever you want, but rather start them as what I want to begin with.

I mainly want to used probably melee one hand and a shield. But since I plan to mainly be melee would a hunter be better than going vanguard. What would be the benefit of one over the other.

[RowenOfStrata]

The only benefit to a shield is really the damage reflection for a perfect block. While useful, any 2 handed weapon large like a sword or paired like twin daggers can block and achieve the damage reduction you want.

That being said, do what you find to be the most fun.

[RenzokukenZ]

Vanguard is basically the Acromaster class (i.e. one handed weapon specialist) so it won't cost much on extend points for all the one handed weapons, this including handguns and wands, in case you feel like having either one for the situation. Vanguard also has higher EVA and somewhat balanced stats. Then there's the EX traps

But since you said you'll mostly be melee, then for higher ATK, HP, and PAs that go beyond 21+, go with Hunter. And if you're a blocking fanatic, hunter gives 2 skills that reduce the PP lost when blocking and increase the damage of shield perfect guards.

[Ryd]

The only benefit to a shield is really the damage reflection for a perfect block. While useful, any 2 handed weapon large like a sword or paired like twin daggers can block and achieve the damage reduction you want.

I believe 2-handers reduce incoming damage to 30% from non-perfect guarding, while a shield reduces it to 10%. Usually not a big issue, but if you're worried about worst-case scenarios, then shields are technically safest.

[Adelinde]

The only benefit to a shield is really the damage reflection for a perfect block. While useful, any 2 handed weapon large like a sword or paired like twin daggers can block and achieve the damage reduction you want.

That being said, do what you find to be the most fun.

Well shield also decrease damage more from blocking than using a 2 handed weapons.

But as said below with more ATK, HP, and PAs hunter may be better I suppose. Does the higher higher EVA from being a vanguard make a huge difference?

[RenzokukenZ]

According to many folks here, EVA is a 'must' for survival. So it does make a big difference I suppose. Reason being is that DEF isn't scaled properly in this game. I personally don't see it since I roll and block alot, but it's what I've heard anyway

[Adelinde]

So hunter is generally better even though I just want to use one handed melee weapons. Along with a shield or would gun/R-Mag/T-Mag be a good choice?

[Jakosifer]

Hunters will do more damage of course.

Vanguards will be safer during PA use, more accurate and can actually take advantage of the EVA boost from a Kasami Bracer. If you're on the JP version and don't mind buying it, Tatami Mat has a 50+ EVP boost which makes it almost as good as a Twin weapon with their EVP boosts and its only 5*.

T-Mags are only good for buffing yourself, R-Mags don't do enough damage to warrant using them (especially as a Hunter), they're decent for chaining yeah, but if you're going to be using a Single-Hand melee weapon, you're better off chaining with it or a Single Handgun.

Speaking of Single Handguns, you can make them fairly powerful through the use of Single Daggers with Set Bonuses. It'd be great with Xbows if Xbows didn't suck so much (seriously, decreasing ATA as a hidden attribute on a Ranged weapon? What the fuck was ST thinking?)

Basically, Vanguard is the safest choice, as they have a lot of perks to them that make them worthwhile to use. Hunters are pretty straightforward...slash slash smash.

[Wayu]

Vanguard/Braver is the ProTranser/Acromaster mix, meaning it's the single-handed weapon specialist class. Everything else has been said by the above comments.

BTW, what race/gender combo are you?

-Wayu

[Adelinde]

Race/Gender my idea was maybe a Newman/M maybe a female, but I already have a female and want to like aesthetically also.
My current character is a Hunter/Human/F. Mainly used double sabers, twin daggers, spears, and twin sabers through playing with them.

Off topic also, but might as well ask here and not in a new topic.
What would be the best way to keep my weapons up to par with my level?
Most my weapons I use are generally 10 or 20 levels behind mine before I finally get around to upgrading them, and by upgrading I mean getting a new one to replace with.

Sorry for so many questions, but I keep thinking of them. Sorry. Two more is promise.

Do traps really make that huge of a difference for vanguards? Also kinda following does it make a difference
do the mirage blast, SUV, and Nanoblast(beast thing's name I think) make a huge difference from race to race? I see in the module
part of shop that there is a ton of SUV's in comparison to mirage blasts

[Wayu]

If you're a female Newman, go Vanguard. You'll need the EVP, as you can't afford to take any damage whatsoever, being the most squishy thing in the game.

Keep playing. You'll eventually find higher level weapons.

Traps make a huge difference if you're in a tight spot. Especially Dick x3. Nanoblasts suck, SUVs are good (especially Fluges), and Mirage Blasts are situational. There's a lot of SUVs because they vary in power and use.

-Wayu

[RenzokukenZ]

SUVs come in all sorts of flavors; Linear, Spread, Radius, Homing, AoE, Support, and even a Random! Clearly this makes Cast more versitile than human/newman, and both overshadow beasts. But seeing as you've leaned towards newman...

Newman Vanguard is a good choice as stated above for being a 'safe class.' Vanguard's boost to EVA plus newman's high EVA equals nearly untouchable by most if not all enemies in your level range.

Gender also plays a hand on stats, as males get 5% more HP, ATK and EVA(?) and females get 5% more TEC, ACC and a bigger PP pool. Judging from your possible playstyle, go with male.

[Adelinde]

Thanks for all the help everyone guess Newman/M/Vanguard is what I'll make.