WOTS Strats/builds Where to go from here?

[JonDiaz]

Got to WOTS and been running around in the first 2 regions and just noticed I really haven't found any gear higher than level 150. I put together a full Yatagarasu set which I'm having fun with but without a goal in mind on how to improve it or what I should be aiming to do now I feel kinda lost. What's the best way to strengthen my character at this point and is there any way to increase the item level past 150?

What about The Abyss? I read that you can't even access floors lower than level 30 until WOTN and that it's not worth it to go any earlier. Any other opinions on this? Should I spend some time on it pre-WOTN?

Currently I'm using a Katana, got the sword skill tree all maxed out. I thought maybe I'd try Axes next? Just looking for some suggestions on what I should be focusing on in this playthrough.

[Deostades]

I'd recommend trying every weapon and see what you like. They're all perfectly viable, and will lead a master to victory.

Way of the Strong is where a lot of what I call the real game begins. Now's the time that you really learn the secrets of your weapons, skills, and builds inside out. Go nuts, and don't be afraid to experiment!

The equipment level cap for all of Way of the Strong is 150, I believe. You'll have to unlock the next difficulty, Way of the Demon, to start getting equipment of a higher level. You can do that as soon as the Queen's Eye mission is unlocked, and if you're confident in your skills, I recommend trying it.

The Abyss only really starts yielding it's rewards after you beat Way of the Nioh. That said, by all means give it a try! It's a different experience, and at your current level will be a good challenge. If you find Hattori Hanzo wandering around in the Planes of Infinity (don't worry, it'll make sense when you get there), be aware that he carries the Smithing Texts for pretty much every piece of equipment in the game. As a result, farming him can be a good way to build up Abyss-specific items while also increasing your level and getting you some great Divines to break down, sell, or equip.

[Seigneur Voland]

I prefer to rush to Way of the Nioh and compose with the gear randomly found along the way, barely keeping up with a few soul matches here and there. But i still grind the "The Demon King Revealed" before a new cycle because the XP is juicy and the loot is usually good.

So go on Way of the Demon while leaving a lot of missions behind for later, grab new dropped stuff at higher levels, up to 200 on this cycle, soul match and level up Anjin-dono by doing twilights missions or with the help of NPCs.

You can of course try Axes, and either use weapons of both types then during boss fights depending the situation or just keep using one, it can be enough really.

[Deostades]

That said, a few equipment sets that become increasingly common as you move forward:

Tatenashi (The God of War Looks down). Hands down the best defensive set in the game, wearing this will keep you alive a lot longer than most everything else. Doesn't mean that you'll necessarily kill things faster, but you'll last long enough to do it.

Kigetsu. One of the best Damage-oriented builds out there, if you use a lot of self-directed ninjutsu and onmyo, you get a damage bonus for each one (up to a cap).

Last Great General. This is the set I've run since the end of Way of the Samurai, and no other build has ever tempted me enough to move from it. Big enough life boost to actually matter, keep most of your LW gauge when enemies use their BS "no more LW for you" status that you'll start running across soon, and "Activate LW on death", which is essentially Suzaku's (the phoenix) shtick, but for every Guardian Spirit.

Dragon Ninja. The Dragon Sword: Truth bonus at 7 pieces is supposed to be an incredible damage boost. That said, this is about the only Light Armor set worth running in the higher difficulties because you need to deal enough damage to justify getting ohko by everything. (So rejoice! No more Red Demon sets on Revenants!)

[JonDiaz]

Thanks guys, I kind of like the idea of rushing to the next diff to unlock higher lvl gear then coming back OP to 100% all missions on the lower diffs. I guess if 150 is the max lvl I'll stick w/ Yatagarasu just because it looks cool to me lol.

[Witcher]

Originally posted by Deostades:

If you find Hattori Hanzo wandering around in the Planes of Infinity (don't worry, it'll make sense when you get there), be aware that he carries the Smithing Texts for pretty much every piece of equipment in the game.

Is Planes of Infinity a mission and does Hanzo drop plenty other item texts in his dojo?

[Deostades]

Abyss Hanzo only. When you start the Abyss, you end up in a mission hub kinda area called Terra Firma. There's a path in front of you to the Crucible, which is the boss arena. You can head straightaway if you want, but there are 4 pretty nasty permanent statuses that are attached to each floor. Things like permanent Stench (like in the poo section under Edo castle) or increased enemy attack damage.

There are also four boats that lead to a mini-stage that you can complete to remove one of these statuses each. These are the Planes of Infinity, and are everything between half of a stage to an arena fight. One of the Planes of Infinity is set on the Iga Escape stage, and every now and then Hanzo Hattori shows up as a regular enemy. You can kill him, run back to the shrine, reset the Plane, and go back and kill him again.

He drops all of his usual equipment (weapons and armor, kyaku-dama etc..), along with Smithing Texts (pretty much any in the game) and some Abyss specific items like Spectral Salve and Droplets of Decay.

He's worth farming for a bit to get texts for equipment you don't yet have, and for Droplets of Decay that become extremely useful once you've reached Floor 30.

[Witcher]

Ah, I have fought him in his dad's arena where you have to fight multiple enemies when removing the status ailments.

[Deostades]

I've found that floor layout he spawns in will place you (and the shrine) near to the standard start of the level, right next to the well. Even then, there's two versions, one where he spawns and one where he doesn't. I find that the one he spawns in has a _lot_ more Graves, because it's where a lot more players have spent time (and died).

He spawns under the bridge up to the second mansion.