Crusader Leveling Build Guide
Last Updated:June 21, 2025|Changelog
Welcome to the Crusader Leveling Build Guide! The highlight of this weapon combination for the leveling process is its incredible AoE potential once unlocking Skill Specializations at Level 15, these are basically like Tripods in Lost Ark. Sword and Shield skills like Shield Strike can be turned into an AoE skill called Piercing Attack.
Crusader gives you a ton of sustain while leveling. Skills like DaVinci's Courage, for example, are your most important skill to use to limit the amount of downtime you have while leveling.
Crusader Leveling Build
If you're looking for End Game guides, check out our Crusader PvE Guide and our Crusader PvP Guide.
Stat Priorities
Use the following stat priorities when following the Crusader Leveling build:
- Level 1 - 21
- 20 Dexterity
- Level 22 - 41
- 20 Strength
- Level 42 - 55
- 14 Wisdom
You have 54 Stat Points you can freely allocate to any of the 4 primary Stats. Once you put 20 points into an individual Stat, it takes 2 points to increase the Stat by 1. Do not put more than 20 points into a Stat unless necessary.
Dexterity not only adds maximum Weapon Damage but also increases your Crit Chance, Evasion, and Attack Speed. Increasing Dexterity is your best method of increasing your damage output. If you find you are missing on mobs, you can opt to swap points from Strength to Perception in either of the leveling brackets instead. Wisdom provides Mana Regen, Max Mana, and Cooldown Speed.
Key Leveling Notes
- Focus on the Main Story Quest as you level to 50.
- If you're unable to continue the MSQ, complete Exploration Codex Quests for EXP until you can.
- Before leaving Kastleton during Chapter 3, craft as much Green Gear as possible!
- When your story quests introduce you to Resistance Contracts, choose ones that give Quality Lithograph: Accessories first!
- Complete Rustic Mother Nature Rings Lithograph Book entry early for Lethal Fortune Ring.
- Be sure to use the Shield Survival Technique against Fury Attacks to regain Mana and Health while killing mobs and leveling.
Gear Progression
The Leveling process has been made easier since the launch of the Korean version. It doesn't really matter what armor you craft as long as you upgrade it.
Use the blue and purple gear obtained from your Adventure Codex to complete your MSQ. Prioritize blue gear from the Adventure Codex rewards that will provide higher DPS in PvE . Do not trait this gear either as you will be quickly transferring them into tier 1 purple gear.
When completing the Syleus's Abyss 1F-2F Exploration Codex, select Robert's Focus Necklace as your reward.
Crusader Leveling Build
Lv. 55 Codex Chapter Rewards
Transfer your +6 Greens to the Blue Gear from Codex Rewards. Only do that when your Greens are fully upgraded.
For more information on how to transfer over your gear, visit our Gear Upgrade Guide.
Ch. 1 - Legionnaire Greatsword
Ch. 2 - Guaranteed Rewards
Ch. 3 - Guaranteed Rewards
Ch. 4 - Robert's Ring of Focus
Ch. 5 - Blade of the Resistance
Ch. 6 - Starving Shadow Mask
Ch. 7 - Starving Shadow Gloves
Ch. 8 - Starving Shadow Pants
Ch. 9 - Flamewraught Sabatons
Ch. 10 - Heroic Garb of the Resistance
Ch. 11 - Paramount Greaves of the Resistance
Ch. 12 - Hallowed Gloves of the Resistance
Ch. 13 - Choose anything
Ch. 14 - Choose anything
Skill Slot Prioritization
Crusader Leveling Build
Active Skills
Levels 1-15: Take everything as you unlock it. Use Shield Survival Technique as your Block.
Level 18: Replace Strategic Rush with Stalwart Bastion
Level 24: Replace Devastating Tornado with Willbreaker
Passive Skills
Level 3: Slot in Robust Constitution and Skillful Evasion.
Level 6: Add Resilient Mind. Replace Skillful Evasion with Vital Force.
Level 20: Add Cold Warrior.
Level 25: Add Victor's Morale.
Level 30: Add Spectrum of Agony.
Level 35: Skip this for now. Slot your last 2 at level 40.
Level 40: Add Morale Boost and Indomitable Armor.
Skill Specialization Order
Once you hit Level 15, you acquire 10 Skill Specialization points to use, which modify your skills. Press "K" and access them in the 2nd tab. Every level after, you gain Skill Specialization points until you reach a maximum of 100. Spend your points in this order as you level.
- Piercing Attack
- Piercing Attack
- Stunning Blow
- Cooldown ▼
- Additional Damage Boost
- Effect Duration ▲
- Frost Cleaving
- Frost Cleaving
- Attack Speed ▲
- Critical Hit ▲
- Death Blow
- Cooldown ▼
- Damage ▲
- DaVinci's Courage
- Duration ▲
- Damage Reduction
- Instant Healing
- Counter Barrier
- Cooldown ▼
- Provoking Roar
- Effect Duration ▲
- Cooldown ▼
- Stalwart Bastion
- Focus on effect target
- Willbreaker
- Damage Area Change
- Chain Hook
- Range ▲
Skill Rotation
Here are some examples of skills you should use when following the Crusader Leveling Build:
- Chain Hook
- Cruel Smite
- Stunning Blow
- Death Blow
- Piercing Attack
Skill Priority Upgrade
- Use Quality Marind Ore to craft Quality Passive Skill Growth Book and Quality Active Skill Growth Book
- Use Rare Marind Ore to craft Rare Passive Skill Growth Book and Rare Active Skill Growth Book.
- Prioritize getting all these skills to blue first before getting them to purple. These are universal skills you always use.
- Upgrade the rest of your skills as you play the game.
Active Skills
Passive Skills
Summary
- Greatsword skills give you access to decent AoE abilities while leveling.
- Focus on Wisdom and Dexterity for stats.
- As you progress through the game, make sure to craft green and blue gear using Quality Lithographs.
- Keep your Green Gear if you plan on PvPing later in the game. They are easier to trait than Blue Gear early on.
Credits
Written by Tweekz and EliEli
Reviewed by Yaen