Are spears any good yet?

[Greenegg]

haven't played since just before definitive edition came out, me and some friends are just about to start playing again, did definitive edition make spears not suck?

[abaoabao2010]

I don't get the spear hate... They're as good as all other two handed weapons if you don't mind going finess instead of strength.

[Silver Nightbane]

Originally posted by abaoabao2010:

I don't get the spear hate... They're as good as all other two handed weapons if you don't mind going finess instead of strength.

It mostly has to do with the fact that there aren't any skills for it. It also doesn't help that really good spears are kind of a hard find.

There's also the fact that all Finesse skills are tied to either Daggers or Bows/Bowguns. Still, Spears have their advantages. Their range for Attack of Opportunity is the biggest in terms of Melee outside of using a Staff. The Whirlwind skill for it is also way bigger as well.

[Chaoslink]

Spears are literally two handed weapons but better. The argument that it has no skills makes literally no sense. It’s the exact same build as STR based two handed. It’s a Warfare build. I’ve never, NEVER understood why people think you’re supposed to go Scoundrel with them, or that scoundrel abilities should work with them. Seriously. I don’t understand where people link the two.

Strength based builds I’d rank as the worst builds in the game. The ONLY redeemable one is a very specific, gear restricted, niche build with a magic damage focus using dual weapons. Otherwise you should always go with a finesse build. They’re literally just superior STR builds. Anything STR does, Finesse does better.

Using roots, you can outrange enemy melee so you can hit them while they cannot hit you in return. Apply smoke and they’re literally unable to attack you. Cleave Spears are ridiculous as your regular attack is like a half whirlwind. A necro spear user that uses Living armor also has the higher magic armor cap to prevent over-restoring magic armor and not getting the most out of the effect.

Physical armor is the lesser necessary armor. You can get by great having all magic armor as dodge spells basically cover your physical armor needs long enough to have the battle under control.

Spears have always been the superior option. Their only downside is that they are rarer at vendors. But that can be overcome when you know where to look.

[Phoenix.]

Originally posted by Chaoslink:

Spears have always been the superior option. Their only downside is that they are rarer at vendors. But that can be overcome when you know where to look.

One major downside is that poly scales with str. So no tentacle lash for your spear build. Too bad.

[Chaoslink]

Originally posted by Phoenix.:

Originally posted by Chaoslink:

Spears have always been the superior option. Their only downside is that they are rarer at vendors. But that can be overcome when you know where to look.

One major downside is that poly scales with str. So no tentacle lash for your spear build. Too bad.

Oooh. How shall I ever manage without one little ability that I can still use anyways. Sure, it won't hit quite as hard, but given the limitations of single target damage I'm not too worried that one ability hitting for less is going to affect the rest of the build in any way. Most of the power of poly is in the rest of its abilities anyway. Medusa head is borderline broken and spears love spider legs.

Besides, losing damage from lash is completely worth having more balanced armor stats.

[HidesHisFace]

The spears were never bad per-se, just hard to find.
Other than that, they are functionally very similar to two handed swords and hammers. The difference lies in stat they scale of and range.

This changes a couple of minor things. Basically, it works exactly the same, in basic principle as your standard issue warfare warrior. However, you basically trade tentacle lash scaling for extra range on your attacks.
Basically - spears are amazingly good with opportunist and light armour focus makes them more versatile in terms of damage control. On top of that, it may be easy to overlook, but additional range favours mobility - you do not have to get as close to deal damage, so it will occasionally save you an action point or two.

[Yavanna]

Imo spears are way better than regular two handers in every way, finesse still allows you to use Warfare skills because they can scale with Finesse while you also get to equip medium armor that mixes Physical and Magical armor instead of focusing into one. Also unlike daggers you don't need The Pawn just so you can go and hit something because of your tiny range.

I often get a spear as a backup weapon for a Huntsman because you'll be going down Warfare and get Finesse anyway and swapping weapons only takes 1AP and you can swap your skills before combat to suit the fight.

[[N63] chrisragnar]

I agree it would be more FUN if some dagger skills were also for spear, would give it more flavour. Im no weapons expert, but a spear is pretty much a dagger on a long stick. Rupture tendon and sawtooth would be enough. But spears are good, just not as fun and creative as they could be.

[Tally]

Good luck consistently getting spears that are going to be as good as other 2H weapons.

Other than that, there's nothing wrong with them.