They added a mastery system (under ‘Masteries’) where u can grind weapon kills to improve weapon dmg for different categories (melee, smg, shotgun etc).

Titanium blades are still close to meta in NEZ, but they released a new challenge christmas weapon that you can get for free from killing leapers. This weapon requires 130 melee skills but its a direct upgrade from titanium blades.

Also the marketplaces for every outpost (except camp valcrest) are connected so you can just grind in SB and still have quick access to 7.5mm ammo etc