DrParrot on Jul 20, 2014 wrote:

So I have a level 65 Privateer and I decided to make a Swashbuckler character. Swashbucklers are so much more different than Privateers! I have been having a difficult time with it all. Do you pro Swashbucklers have any tips for a beginner? I've just reached level 15 and I recently learned First Strike.

Thanks!

Read the post "What is a Swashbuckler?" everything you want to know about being a swashbuckler is found there.

Switching from Privateer to Swashbuckler is an extreme change. Those 2 classes are different in all perspectives. On tip I can give you is make sure you have a much assassin's strikes powers. Also if you have Walk in Darkness, or Walk in Shadows use that first then use Back Stab or any other powerful moves. Also since Swashbucklers have extreme dodge, have a move that can reduce the enemies accuracy so Vicious Charge or Brutal Charge, and do something called "Rushing". Plus make sure you have a Stabby Weapon with you always. The reason there is a thing called Stabby Weapon Ranked 1 is so your damage will increase with a Stabby Weapon.

The basis of a privateer is to avoid the action, and boost the companions abilities from afar, while a swashy is right in the thick of it, dealing heavy damage all around. I advise using your hidden power on the first round of combat, and going in with an assassin strike. Train as a privateer with your practice points for the healing and defense. With first strike two, avoid enemies with vengeance strike two or you could be dealt a lot of damage. Once you have riposte, than go for it. Find ways to boost agility, health, and dodge. If you need more information, there is a topic on these forums called "what is a swashbuckler".
Clever Sam Jones

Hi! I'm a swashbuckler myself, and I'm one level away from the max, so I hope I can give you some advice.
The sneak attack, assassin's strike, and back stab moves should almost always be used after being hidden. It's also not a bad idea to train privateer as a side class, because you won't have too much health. You may need heals. Good luck!

-Your friendly pig

DrParrot on Jul 20, 2014 wrote:

So I have a level 65 Privateer and I decided to make a Swashbuckler character. Swashbucklers are so much more different than Privateers! I have been having a difficult time with it all. Do you pro Swashbucklers have any tips for a beginner? I've just reached level 15 and I recently learned First Strike.

Thanks!

Funny, I have a level 65 Swashbuckler and I sort of had a difficult time with my Privateer. Hmmm... lets see...

1) Balance your stats. I personally don't focus on dodge because it's already great enough as is. I focus on evening out my accuracy and as much armor as possible. It'll never compare to as much armor as a Privateer or a Buccaneer, but the more the merrier. The extra accuracy helps you kill the enemy faster instead of vice versa if you miss too much.

2) Attack big! A Swashbuckler's low health isn't going to last to attack just a small amount at a time. The more damage at first the better. I always hide first and use whatever power to either help my team, increase my critical chance, or use any poison power. SHHH!!! I have to tell you something... *cautiously looks right and left* The hidden power doesn't go away when you use a poison power. Not sure if you already knew that or not, but I found that out in the later levels. Then I use the last round of the hidden power to attack with either Assassin's Strike, Back Stab, or Sneak Attack and take advantage of that additional damage. With that much damage in one turn, it won't take long to bring down your enemy so they won't knock you out before you knock them out.

3) A good secondary class. Of course for any class, I suggest Privateer powers and talents up to Rouse and Elusive 2 first. After that, I suggest the Buccaneer class for it can add +8 armor with Armor 1 and 2 together. Triton's Song helps too.

4) Get good gear! If I don't happen to have good gear from a rare drop, I just focus on Agility, Health, and Armor. It has done me well for many quests, but those rare drops are nice to have. I know up to Level 45 on my Swash, I had the following from Friar Sand...

Tantojutsu Headband: Grants Valor's Fortress!? I'm not passing that up.

Shaolinquan Vestment: Rouse and Bonnie Anne's Second Wind may not be enough in an intense battle, so Revive would really come in handy.

Boots of Sanctuary OR Boots of Binding: Boots of Sanctuary gives Valor's Fortress and Boots of Binding gives Revive. I switch them depending on what kind of battle, but I mostly use Boots of Sanctuary. I think it's best to have more armor to save up as much health as possible.

As for Totems, Charms, and Rings, I focus on Accuracy, Health, and Armor.

Up to Level 65, I went back to the whole Agility, Health, and Armor stats until I find new gear that doesn't take crowns. I have yet to find them. Hopefully the nefarious tower would grant just that! As for the weapon of course, Blades of Shade is your best bet for your Swashy.

*With the advanced pets, I just so happen to have a pet (Golden Stingtail) that gives Kraken's Lament. With all these armor powers, my little Swashy would be difficult to knock out.

I hoped this helped!

DrParrot on Jul 20, 2014 wrote:

So I have a level 65 Privateer and I decided to make a Swashbuckler character. Swashbucklers are so much more different than Privateers! I have been having a difficult time with it all. Do you pro Swashbucklers have any tips for a beginner? I've just reached level 15 and I recently learned First Strike.

Thanks!

After I maxed my Swashbuckler I started a Privateer. It's definitely different. I actually have a pirate from each class and I think Swashbucklers are the easiest to play. All you really need to do is...attack. You can do huge damage even without buffs. Keep your dodge up because Riposte does good damage also. When questing your dodge and riposte are your life. In pvp...not so much. When you pvp you can change your gear that boosts your dodge to gear that gives you defense like Valor's Armor or healing like Revive. There is lots of gear for Swashbucklers that give you the healing and defense along with either an agility boost or added weapon power which is pretty much the same thing. I wouldn't worry about increasing your health too much. It's not necessary for questing and in pvp I think that the heals and defense will serve you better than gear that gives you more health. What's the most you can boost your health anyway? 400 or so? Revive heals you for around 700 and Valor's Armor blocks around 1200. Valor's Fortress could potentially block 2500 or more if you get hit each of the 5 rounds it is in effect for. Just remember to choose companions that compliment your style. A musketeer and buccaneer companion would serve you well. Lastly, one thing I can say, with utmost confidence, is now you are playing the class with the most class. Swashbucklers are the coolest class by far. We got style.

Wow thanks guys for all the help! I found these boots that give Wind Spirit so I use that and Fan Flander's Wind Spirit to get a huge Agility boost.

I will definitely be using all of these tips and tricks on the battle field

Thanks! Lvl 17

DrParrot on Jul 20, 2014 wrote:

So I have a level 65 Privateer and I decided to make a Swashbuckler character. Swashbucklers are so much more different than Privateers! I have been having a difficult time with it all. Do you pro Swashbucklers have any tips for a beginner? I've just reached level 15 and I recently learned First Strike.

Thanks!

well dude, i being a max swashy may have some advice for you. first of all, you cannot be as aggressive as you are with a privateer. swashbucklers have lower health then privateers, so you must think your moves carefully. one wrong move and you could be dead meat, so think your moves over carefully.