Core Keeper Melee Build Guide: Weapons, Talents and Pets

Weapons to use at each stage of a melee build

For each base-level range, these have the highest expected damage per second at Lv.20 with late-game gear. Use whatever you get first, then switch to stronger ones.

Damage per second uses our damage formula (not an official formula; based on community research on wikis and forums).

Talent order for a melee build

Talents to prioritize, from top to bottom.

1. MeleeQuick strikesPer point: +2% melee attack speedMelee attack speed directly raises damage per second with any melee weapon, so take it first.
2. MeleeBuilding angerPer point: Gain 2% melee damage every time an enemy is hit, stacks up to 2 timesMelee damage grows the longer you keep hitting. Strong in long fights against one target, such as bosses.
3. MeleeStrength of the AncientsPer point: +4% damage against bossesMore damage against bosses. Good when you are pushing through the bosses.
4. VitalityStrong and healthyPer point: +2% damage while at max healthMore damage at full health. Works well with builds that keep their health topped up.
5. VitalityMaxed out!Per point: +6% of all skill points added to max healthMelee fighters get hit a lot up close, so raise max health as well.
6. MiningMiner's strengthPer point: +2% of mining damage added as melee damageAdds part of your mining damage to melee damage. Grows with an upgraded pickaxe and mining gear.
7. CookingFast foodPer point: +10% melee attack speed when eating cooked foodEating cooked food raises melee attack speed. Big payoff if you always keep food buffs up.

For leveling skills, see how to level skills; for other builds, see recommended skill builds.

Best pets and food for a melee build

Pets: Owlux, Pheromoth, Arcane Symbiote (largest damage gain first; best pets)

Food (2 ingredients): Golden Pinegrapple + Tornis Kingfish (cooking guide)

How to play a melee build

• You fight up close, so bring plenty of max health and healing (ways to heal).
• Attack speed turns directly into damage per second. Build up crits too (critical hits).