So, you're diving into the world of Dauntless, huh? Awesome! One of the first things you'll realize is that having the right weapon is absolutely crucial for taking down those behemoths. Don't worry, getting your hands on some sweet gear isn't as complicated as it might seem. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about acquiring weapons in Dauntless, from the very beginning to crafting some seriously powerful tools of destruction.

Starting Out: Your First Weapon

Okay, slayer, let’s talk about where you begin your journey. Initially, the game hands you a basic weapon to get you started. This is usually the sword, a decent all-rounder for learning the ropes. Think of it as your training wheels. Don't get too attached, though! It's just the beginning. The tutorial phase introduces you to the core mechanics of combat, weapon combos, and dodging those nasty behemoth attacks.

Pay close attention during this phase; understanding how your weapon works is key to survival. Experiment with different combos, get a feel for the attack speed, and learn how to effectively dodge and interrupt behemoth attacks. This initial weapon will carry you through the early hunts, giving you time to gather resources and unlock new weapon types. During the tutorial, the game will prompt you to select your next weapon. Choose wisely! This choice will largely determine your playstyle for the initial hours of the game. Don't be afraid to try something different from the sword; variety is the spice of life, even in Dauntless! Remember, this early choice isn't set in stone. You can unlock and craft all the weapon types eventually. The important thing is to find something that clicks with you and makes those early hunts enjoyable. Focus on mastering the fundamentals with your chosen weapon. Learn its strengths and weaknesses, practice your timing, and develop a solid understanding of behemoth attack patterns. This foundation will serve you well as you progress through the game and unlock more advanced weapons and strategies. So, embrace the challenge, have fun experimenting, and get ready to forge your legend in the Shattered Isles!

Unlocking New Weapon Types

Alright, slayer, ready to expand your arsenal? Unlocking new weapon types in Dauntless is a fundamental part of progressing and finding the playstyle that truly suits you. To unlock different weapon types, you will need to progress through the main questline. As you complete quests and hunt behemoths, you'll eventually reach points where the game rewards you with the ability to craft new weapon classes. These unlocks are typically tied to specific milestones in the story, so keep pushing forward!

Generally, after a few hunts and quests, you'll be introduced to the weapon crafter, Moyra Talès. She's your go-to gal for turning raw materials into deadly instruments. Moyra will offer you quests that, upon completion, grant you the ability to craft weapons beyond your starting one. These quests often involve gathering specific materials from hunts or defeating certain behemoths. This is where the real fun begins. Experiment with each weapon type to find what clicks with you. Do you prefer the rapid attacks and mobility of the Chain Blades? Or the raw power and deliberate strikes of the Hammer? Maybe the strategic distance of the Pike is more your style? There's no right or wrong answer; it's all about personal preference. Once you've unlocked a new weapon type, head to Moyra to craft your first weapon of that class. This will typically require a few basic materials that you've already gathered from previous hunts. As you progress, you'll need to gather rarer and more challenging-to-obtain materials to craft stronger versions of each weapon. Don't be afraid to experiment with different builds and playstyles as you unlock new weapons. Dauntless is all about adapting to different situations and finding what works best for you. Try out different cells (weapon modifications) and armor combinations to maximize your effectiveness with each weapon type. Mastering multiple weapon types can also give you a significant advantage in hunts, as you'll be able to adapt to different behemoth weaknesses and team compositions. Remember, unlocking new weapon types is a journey in itself. Embrace the challenge, explore the possibilities, and have fun discovering your favorite ways to slay behemoths!

Crafting Weapons: Gathering Materials

Okay, so you've unlocked a new weapon type, that’s great! Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: crafting. Crafting weapons in Dauntless is all about gathering the right materials. These materials come from one place: Behemoths. Each behemoth drops different materials, and the specific materials you need will depend on the weapon you're trying to craft. The blueprints at the weapon smith will tell you exactly what you need, so always check there first.

The most common way to gather materials is by hunting behemoths. When you successfully take down a behemoth, you'll receive a variety of drops, including: Common materials are generally used for crafting basic weapons and armor. They are relatively easy to obtain and can be found in abundance on most hunts. Rarer materials are needed for crafting more powerful gear and often require hunting specific behemoths or completing challenging objectives during hunts. Break parts, such as horns, claws, and scales, are obtained by targeting specific parts of the behemoth during the hunt. Breaking these parts not only rewards you with valuable materials but also weakens the behemoth and makes it easier to defeat. Some materials are only available during specific events or from specific behemoths. These materials are often used for crafting unique and powerful weapons and armor. To maximize your material gains, focus on breaking behemoth parts during hunts. Targeting specific parts will reward you with the materials needed to craft the weapons and armor you desire. Use the right weapon type and attack strategies to effectively break these parts. Completing daily and weekly challenges can also reward you with valuable materials. Check the challenge board regularly to see what tasks are available and complete them to earn extra rewards. Consider joining a hunting party with other slayers. Hunting with a team can make it easier to take down behemoths and break parts, resulting in more materials for everyone. Some materials are rarer than others, so don't be discouraged if you don't get everything you need on your first hunt. Keep hunting and experimenting with different strategies to increase your chances of success. Crafting weapons is a core part of the Dauntless experience, so take the time to learn the different materials and how to obtain them. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be crafting powerful weapons in no time!

Understanding Weapon Stats and Elements

Alright, slayer, let's dive into the numbers! Understanding weapon stats and elements is vital for maximizing your effectiveness in Dauntless. Each weapon has a set of stats that determine its strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to these stats when choosing a weapon for a particular hunt. The primary stats you'll want to keep an eye on are: Power dictates the raw damage output of the weapon. Higher power means more damage per hit. Attack speed affects how quickly you can perform attacks with the weapon. Faster attack speed allows you to deal more damage over time and interrupt behemoth attacks more easily. Some weapons have inherent defense stats that reduce the amount of damage you take from behemoth attacks. This can be particularly useful for melee weapons that require you to get up close and personal with the behemoth.

In addition to stats, weapons also have elemental properties. These elements can be used to exploit behemoth weaknesses and deal extra damage. The different elements in Dauntless are: Fire, Frost, Shock, Terra, and Blaze. Each behemoth has a weakness to one or more of these elements. Using a weapon with the appropriate element can significantly increase your damage output. For example, if you're hunting a frost behemoth, using a fire weapon will deal extra damage. On the other hand, using a frost weapon against a frost behemoth will be less effective. Pay attention to the behemoth's elemental weakness when choosing your weapon for a hunt. You can find this information in the Hunt Details screen before starting a hunt. Experiment with different weapon and element combinations to find what works best for you against different behemoths. Some weapons also have unique abilities or mods that can further enhance their effectiveness. These abilities can provide additional damage, utility, or defensive capabilities. Read the weapon descriptions carefully to understand how these abilities work and how to use them effectively. Consider using cells (weapon modifications) to further customize your weapon stats and elements. Cells can be used to add extra damage, increase attack speed, or provide other beneficial effects. Understanding weapon stats and elements is crucial for becoming a successful slayer in Dauntless. Take the time to learn the different stats and elements and how they affect your gameplay. With a little experimentation, you'll be able to choose the right weapon for any hunt and maximize your damage output.

Upgrading Your Weapons

So, you've got a weapon you like. Awesome! Now, let's make it even better. Upgrading your weapons in Dauntless is essential for keeping up with the increasing difficulty of behemoths. As you progress through the game, you'll encounter tougher and tougher behemoths that require stronger weapons to defeat. Upgrading your weapons increases their power, allowing you to deal more damage and take down these challenging foes. To upgrade your weapons, you'll need to gather specific materials from hunts. The materials required will vary depending on the weapon and the level of upgrade. Check the weapon crafting menu to see what materials you need and where to find them. Generally, you'll need to hunt specific behemoths or complete challenging objectives during hunts to obtain the necessary materials.

The upgrade process typically involves visiting Moyra Talès, the weapon smith. She'll take your materials and upgrade your weapon to the next level. Upgrading a weapon increases its power stat, making it more effective in combat. It may also unlock new abilities or mods that further enhance its capabilities. Some weapons can be upgraded multiple times, allowing you to continue increasing their power as you progress through the game. Keep an eye out for events or promotions that offer bonus materials or discounts on weapon upgrades. These events can be a great way to boost your progress and get your weapons up to par. Don't neglect your lower-level weapons either. While they may not be your primary choice for high-level hunts, they can still be useful for farming materials or completing specific objectives. Upgrading these weapons can make them more effective for these tasks. Remember, upgrading your weapons is an ongoing process. As you progress through the game, you'll constantly be gathering materials and upgrading your gear to keep up with the challenges ahead. With a little persistence, you'll be able to forge powerful weapons that will help you conquer even the toughest behemoths in Dauntless!

Experimentation is Key

Ultimately, the best way to find the right weapon is to experiment. Don't be afraid to try out different weapon types and find what clicks with you. Each weapon has a unique playstyle, and what works for one player may not work for another. So, go out there, hunt some behemoths, and discover your perfect weapon. Seriously, don't be afraid to mix things up! You might think you're a Hammer main through and through, but who knows? Maybe you'll pick up the Chain Blades one day and suddenly become a whirling dervish of destruction.

Dauntless is all about adapting and finding what works best for you. Plus, mastering multiple weapon types can make you a more versatile and valuable asset to any hunting party. Experiment with different builds, cells, and armor combinations to maximize your effectiveness with each weapon. Try out different loadouts for different behemoths and see what works best. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from other players or watch videos to learn new strategies and techniques. The Dauntless community is generally very helpful and welcoming, so don't hesitate to reach out for guidance. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the game. So, experiment, explore, and discover all the exciting possibilities that Dauntless has to offer! Happy Hunting, slayers! Go forth and forge your legend in the Shattered Isles. And don't forget to look good while doing it. After all, slaying behemoths in style is half the battle, right? Now get out there and show those behemoths what you're made of! The Shattered Isles await, and your legend is waiting to be written.