Sword & Melee Specs Ranked: King Monarch Patch

This article ranks every sword and melee combat spec in Sailor Piece for the King Monarch update, from best to worst for PvP and PvE. You’ll get a clear tier list, the reasoning behind each placement, and practical advice on which spec fits your playstyle.

What Changed in the King Monarch Patch

The King Monarch patch (often called “KM�) introduced a major rebalance of all melee specs. The most significant changes were to combo scaling, hitbox sizes, and the addition of a new “Monarch’s Wrath� mechanic that rewards aggressive play. Several previously top-tier specs were nerfed, while some overlooked ones became viable. This ranking reflects the current meta as of the patch’s release.

Tier List Overview

Here is the quick ranking, from S-tier (best) to D-tier (weakest). This is based on overall performance in both PvP and PvE, considering damage, range, mobility, and ease of use.

• S-Tier: Saber of the Fallen King, Frostbrand
• A-Tier: Dragon’s Maw, Stormcaller, Shadowfang
• B-Tier: Ironclad, Windcutter, Bloodletter
• C-Tier: Stonebreaker, Emberblade
• D-Tier: Rusty Cutlass, Training Sword

S-Tier: The Best of the Best

Saber of the Fallen King remains the undisputed king of melee. Its light combo is fast and has a wide arc, making it easy to hit multiple enemies. The heavy attack launches enemies into the air, setting up a devastating air combo. Its special ability, “Royal Decree,� grants a 20% damage buff for 10 seconds, which stacks with other buffs. This spec is the go-to for both boss farming and PvP duels.

Frostbrand was buffed in KM, and now its ice procs slow enemies by 40% for 3 seconds. This makes it incredibly strong in PvP, as you can lock down opponents and prevent them from escaping. The heavy attack creates an ice spike that deals damage in a line, great for punishing grouped enemies. Its only weakness is a slightly slower light combo, but the utility more than makes up for it.

A-Tier: Strong and Reliable

Dragon’s Maw is a close-range powerhouse. Its light combo is fast, and the heavy attack is a powerful uppercut that launches enemies. The special ability, “Dragon’s Breath,� deals fire damage over time and can be used to break guards. It’s slightly less versatile than the S-tier specs, but its raw damage output is excellent.

Stormcaller excels at mobility. Its light combo includes a dash that can be canceled, allowing for hit-and-run tactics. The heavy attack summons a lightning bolt that strikes from above, dealing high damage to a single target. It’s a great choice for players who like to stay mobile, but it requires more skill to use effectively.

Shadowfang is all about critical hits. Its light combo has a high crit chance, and the heavy attack applies a bleed effect that deals damage over time. The special ability, “Shadow Step,� teleports you behind your target, setting up a free backstab. It’s a high-risk, high-reward spec that can melt enemies if you land your crits, but it’s less forgiving if you miss.

B-Tier: Situational but Useful

Ironclad is a defensive spec. Its light combo is slow but hits hard, and the heavy attack is a shield bash that stuns enemies. The special ability, “Iron Wall,� reduces incoming damage by 50% for 5 seconds. It’s great for tanking in PvE, but in PvP, the slow speed makes it easy to kite.

Windcutter is a ranged melee spec. Its light combo sends out crescent-shaped projectiles that travel a short distance. The heavy attack is a spinning slash that hits all around you. It’s decent for PvE, but the projectiles are slow and easy to dodge in PvP.

Bloodletter is a lifesteal spec. Its light combo heals you for a small percentage of damage dealt. The heavy attack is a leaping strike that heals for more. It’s useful for solo grinding, but the healing is too small to matter in PvP.

C-Tier: Niche or Outclassed

Stonebreaker has a heavy, slow moveset. Its light combo is a series of overhead smashes, and the heavy attack is a ground slam that creates a shockwave. The damage is decent, but the slow wind-up makes it easy to interrupt. It’s outclassed by other specs in almost every situation.

Emberblade is a fire-based spec that was nerfed in KM. Its light combo now has a shorter range, and the heavy attack’s fire trail lasts for less time. It’s still usable, but it doesn’t offer anything that Dragon’s Maw doesn’t do better.

D-Tier: Avoid These

Rusty Cutlass and Training Sword are starter specs. They have no special abilities and their stats are significantly lower than any other spec. They are only useful for the very beginning of the game, and you should switch them out as soon as you can.

How to Choose the Right Spec for You

Your choice depends on your playstyle and what you want to do.

• For PvP: Choose Saber of the Fallen King or Frostbrand. Their utility and damage are unmatched in duels.
• For PvE boss farming: Dragon’s Maw or Stormcaller are excellent choices. They deal high damage and have good mobility.
• For solo grinding: Bloodletter’s lifesteal will keep you alive, but Windcutter is faster for clearing mobs.
• For beginners: Ironclad is forgiving, but you’ll eventually want to move to a higher-tier spec.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is assuming that the highest damage number is always the best. In practice, a spec’s moveset and utility matter just as much. For example, Shadowfang has high damage, but if you miss your crits, you’re left vulnerable. Another misconception is that the Training Sword is a “hidden gem.� It is not; its stats are objectively terrible.

Another mistake is not using the special ability. Many players forget that each spec has a unique ability (like Royal Decree or Shadow Step) that can turn the tide of a fight. Always bind it to an easy-to-reach key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which spec is best for a beginner?

Ironclad is the most forgiving due to its damage reduction, but it’s slow. If you want to learn combos, Dragon’s Maw is a better choice because its moveset is straightforward and powerful.

Is Saber of the Fallen King worth the grind?

Yes, it’s the best overall spec in the game. The damage buff from Royal Decree stacks with other buffs, making it invaluable for boss fights and PvP.

What does the “Monarch’s Wrath� mechanic do?

It’s a new meter that fills as you land consecutive hits. When full, your next heavy attack deals 50% bonus damage and breaks guards. It rewards aggressive play and is most effective with fast-combo specs like Saber and Frostbrand.

Can I use a melee spec for ranged combat?

Windcutter is the only spec with ranged attacks, but they are short-range and slow. For true ranged combat, you should use a gun or fruit spec.

Are any specs getting nerfed soon?

We can’t predict future patches, but the developers have historically nerfed top-tier specs after a few months. Saber of the Fallen King has been top-tier for a while, so it’s possible it will be adjusted in the next patch.

What is the best spec for PvE?

Dragon’s Maw is the best for PvE because of its high damage and fire DoT, which melts boss health bars. Frostbrand is a close second due to its crowd control.

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