A melee-focused build excels in close-quarters combat, relying on powerful strikes and defensive maneuvers. Key stats to prioritize are Health and Stamina. Invest skill points in the Melee skill tree to unlock abilities like increased damage, faster attack speed, and improved durability for melee weapons. Look for weapons like the Machete, Spear, and later, the Katana or Sledgehammer, which offer high damage output.
Equip armor that provides good physical defense. Consider crafting items that boost stamina regeneration or reduce stamina consumption. In combat, use dodges and blocks to mitigate incoming damage, then counter with heavy attacks. This build is effective against individual Wanderers and smaller groups, but can struggle against large hordes or ranged enemies without proper support. Always carry a ranged weapon for emergencies.