Not necessarily. I mentioned above that players can use Infrequents that they pick up while levelling. Faction items can also be used fairly well too.
I’ve not tested it but here is an example of a completely faction, Monster Infrequent and guaranteed pick up Phantasmal Blades character that I put a link together for about half a year ago.
As far as converting Phantasmal Blade’s damage goes, the belt and shoulders can be found while levelling. The weapons can be bought late game from a faction vendor.
Would a new player know about these items ahead of time? No. Should they? It would help but no, some people would rather discover these items on their own.