How to Get the Strategic Sword

Learn how to obtain the powerful Strategic Sword in Where Winds Meet. This guide covers all prerequisites, including level, missions, skills, and Dragon Keys, plus the step-by-step process.

Alright, so you're looking to snag the Strategic Sword in Where Winds Meet? It's a solid choice, but you gotta make sure you've got a few things sorted first. Think of it like gathering your gear before a big quest!

First up, the prerequisites:

• You need to be at least Level 8.
• You absolutely must have finished the Skill Theft mission. This is key because it unlocks weapon trading at the Peace Bell Tower.
• You'll need the Touch of Death Skill. This one comes from Volume 1 - The Realm Endures.
• And finally, make sure you've got a spare Dragon Key handy.

Got all that? Awesome. Now, let's talk about how to get those prerequisites if you're missing them.

Finding the Touch of Death Skill: This tricky skill is hiding in the Northern Vow Ruins. It's that big fort you'll find south of the General Shrine right at the start of the game. Head there, complete the side mission, and solve the puzzle to grab the skill.

Getting Your Dragon Keys: These are super important. The easiest ways to snag them are by being the first to complete outposts like Tiger Fort, Gourmand’s Grove, and Bloomveil Monastery. You might also find them as random loot in other outpost chests, or even through the level 2 breakthrough feature. So, don't stress too much, you should be able to collect a few without too much trouble.

The Actual Strategic Sword Mission:

Once you've got the Skill Theft quest done and a Dragon Key ready, it's time to find the clue for the Strategic Sword. When you press 'obtain' for the develop weapon skill, it should point you towards the area between the Palace of Annals and Encircling Lake in Qinghe. Head there!

When you arrive, use your Dragon Key on the shrine door. This will open up the dojo. Now, here's where it gets stealthy: you'll need to sneak through the area, using Touch of Death to take out guards quietly. Your goal is to get through the dojo undetected. Keep sneaking around, and eventually, you'll need to use Skill Theft on the master. Nail that, and you'll be rewarded with the skills and abilities for the Strategic Sword!

A Little Extra: The Heavenquake Spear

Just a heads-up, the Strategic Sword often pairs well with the Heavenquake Spear. It uses a similar 'obtain skill theft' method and also needs another Dragon Key. The clue for that one will lead you to Wildmane Ranch in Qinghe. Grabbing this spear is a great idea because it boosts bleed effects, which synergizes perfectly with the Strategic Sword for those massive bleed bursts. And if you really want to max out your build, don't forget to pick up Fivefold Bleed from Kaifeng City!