Well, I'm returning to this game, giving it another chance, and I'm bringing my brother with me this time. I only got to lvl 16 and knew next to nothing about the game. I'm back and a little better prepared, but I still know pretty much next to nothing. So here's some questions. I've done some scavenging to find the answers to these and I haven't really found any great answers, so sorry if they have been answered, I just couldn't find the answer.
1.) Stats. What does each do? I can make some guesses as to what some do based on past experiences with other games, but some I don't even know what they mean (i.e. WIT). Also, is there any formula or any good guideline on how the stats affect your overall performance? I know in WoW a certain amount of STR, for example, will yield X amount of attack power, or in FFXI some stats are like caps on the stat those are related to while the pure stat actually increases what it says (i.e. STR vs Attack Power in FFXI).
2.) Some weapons I see have extra affects (I often see maybe three effects). To use a term I take from WoW, how do these effects "proc" (meaning to activate if the term isn't used in L2) and how does the game determine which will activate? Is there a list somewhere of what each effect does? The game doesn't exactly explain.
3.) I saw an old movie of the C3 test server (or at least that's what the movie claimed it was) and they were flying dragons and they could even attack while riding. Are these actually in the game?
4.) I'm going to be a Dark Elf Abyss Walker (yeah, I know, I try to stay away from the rogue classes, not to mention elves in general, of MMOs as they tend to be the nub class/race of choice) and I couldn't really find any helpful guides or anything about them. Know of any? If not, what are AWs generally used for (PvP, PvE, both)? Some general info about them (or the rogue archetype) would be nice.
5.) Also, I saw a vid of someone using a bow and would switch to dagger when melee was needed. After the class change to Abyss Walker, AWs don't get any more bow skills. Is this a viable strategy? Also, I noticed they didn't equip a shield either. Is the evasion decrease from shields (I know it kinda goes against the whole evasion thing with Abyss Walkers) just not worth the block chance, or can AWs just not equip shields or something?
6.) In the beginning, should I be worrying too much about upgrading armor/weapons or should I save up money?
7.) How often are spirit/soulshots used in everyday combat? Are they used 100% of the time or do people usually save them for big PvP fights (or if you're rich, I guess you could do it 100% of the time)? What about in the earlier levels, are they used much pre-40?
8.) Is grouping a common thing in this game? If so, how big do groups usually get and when do they typically start? How do people go about getting groups together for hunting in this game? Does grouping to level up effectively in this game ever become as necessary as it is in FFXI (meaning 99.9% of the time)?
9.) My brother and I want to duo but we didn't really look up good combo classes. Could an Abyss Walker and Bladedancer duo well?
10.) How does one go about getting grade equipment? Are they sold in stores? Drops?
11.) Should I vendor random drops I get (i.e. stems or thread) or are there people who will buy the stuff? Any key drops I should keep my eye on to sell to people?
12.) I know certain weapons have their own abilities associated with them depending on the class using them, but, for example, what's the difference between using a staff or a caster 1hander + shield as a caster? The only difference I've seen is that staves have more P. ATK, or perhaps theres a staff with extra abilities that you might want. Are there any similar slight weapon difference such as staves vs caster 1h + shield?
13.) 13.) The Manor system. I hear it's a good way to make money but every guide I read about it just assumes I already know what the heck the manor system is. I know it has to deal with buying seeds and selling them or something. If you could elaborate (I don't need some huge explanation on how to do it, just tell me what it is and how to go about getting involved), that would be nice.
I think that just about nails everything. I'll post more if I think of them. Thanks for any help and sorry again if any of these have been asked half a million times.
2) A "Soul Crystal" is used to add a SA (Special Ability) and depending on the weapon, you apply a certain color (Red, Green or Blue) to add the effect you wish to have.
3) Yes, wyverns are only available to Castle Lords though
4) AW Daggers are generally used for Player Vs. Environment. TH Treasure Hunter Human Daggers are more PvP as are Elven Daggers. P.S. in C5 daggers are uber.
5) Yes. Almost all daggers have bows that pretty much is used only for long distace pulling.
6) Adena drives the game. You need to save up as much as you can by farming adena. I.e. kill high value, low impact mobs.
7) all the time in combat. In PvE most of the time if not always. Pre 40 isn't too important depending on how fast you want to level
8) yes. Just before 40 though you should join an academy so you can get groups after 40.
9) Bladedancers + anything = great. But until you really hit 40 it's all the same...
10) Drops, crafted by you or others, sold in Giran in player stores, sold in a "lux shop" in giran with crystalized items
11) Both happen. You'll get more cash selling it at a higher price as most people have buy stores and lower than market to save some cash. Keep in mind though you can only sell/buy store so many things at once.
12) Most of the time a class gets skills to increase their proficiency in a certain kind of weapon. For instance, a dagger such as yourself will want to buy a dagger because you get additional physical attack when using one. The SA's are just bonuses towards that. At first you'll probably want an SA with Focus, or if you plan on playing pure PvE you should get a Focus dagger. If you plan on PvPing you should get a dagger with Critical Damage, as daggers rely on their special moves for damage and all your special moves are critical hits, it'll make them hurt the more.
2, The effects are pretty much automatic or have a % chance to activate.
3, There are. It takes a lot to level them AND you have to be a clan leader holding a castle or one of several clan halls to use it. Otherwise you can only ride it on land.
4, Others will have to answer the abyss walker question
5, I don't really know about whether shields affect evasion. I do know they help my mage a lot against archers. I suppose you can use the bow to pull a mob to you. That might help. As far as pvp, I've seen that the rogue classes are deadlier by walking up to players who don't realize it and then using their skills.
6, Money is hard in this game so it will always be an issue. if You can save some money for D grade then all the better. Try to get into a clan's academy. They should be able to help you with NG gear.
7, They are used a lot if not all the time. Some players try not to use them during PvE. They always use them during PvP.
8, Many classes can solo. Some duo very well. Some have a hard time soloing. It can be done but it's slow. Groups? Usually throuugh clan or allinace. Or shouting "LFG!" There is also a party matching window but I don't know much about that.
9, Sure, why not. I don't see any reason they can't. The Blade Dancer would want to be the puller I would imagine.
10, Equipment is sold in NPC shops up to mid to upper C grade. HIGH C grade is craft/drop only as are all the grades above that.
11, If you are going to craft items save all mats. If not then only sell them to Player stores.. not NPC's. Except for low lvl no grade mats or low lvl no grade crafting recipes. I don't think anyone ever used them.
12, Yeah, 1 handed mage sword and shield is better because you get the protection of the shield. In my opinion, the only reason you would use a staff is if it has a special ability (SA)that you wanted but couldn't get with a one handed weapon.
No worries. The more opinions the better. And to anyone hesitating to post because you don't know a good answer to one, just answer what you can. All answers, no matter how many you answer, is a good thing. Just let me know which one you're answering, though. :D
EDIT: BTW, for the shield thing, the shields actually say (or at least the ones I have) -X Evasion (X obviously being whatever number it says).
Well, I'm returning to this game, giving it another chance, and I'm bringing my brother with me this time. I only got to lvl 16 and knew next to nothing about the game. I'm back and a little better prepared, but I still know pretty much next to nothing. So here's some questions. I've done some scavenging to find the answers to these and I haven't really found any great answers, so sorry if they have been answered, I just couldn't find the answer.
1.) Stats. What does each do? I can make some guesses as to what some do based on past experiences with other games, but some I don't even know what they mean (i.e. WIT). Also, is there any formula or any good guideline on how the stats affect your overall performance? I know in WoW a certain amount of STR, for example, will yield X amount of attack power, or in FFXI some stats are like caps on the stat those are related to while the pure stat actually increases what it says (i.e. STR vs Attack Power in FFXI).
2.) Some weapons I see have extra affects (I often see maybe three effects). To use a term I take from WoW, how do these effects "proc" (meaning to activate if the term isn't used in L2) and how does the game determine which will activate? Is there a list somewhere of what each effect does? The game doesn't exactly explain.
Those are Special Abilitys (SA’S). Each weapon over C grade has an option of 3, and you can choose one to add to your weapon, using things called Soul Crystals, that are created through a quest.
3.) I saw an old movie of the C3 test server (or at least that's what the movie claimed it was) and they were flying dragons and they could even attack while riding. Are these actually in the game?
They are in game, yes, but are only available to clan leaders who own Castles or certain clan hall’s, atleast right now anyways.
4.) I'm going to be a Dark Elf Abyss Walker (yeah, I know, I try to stay away from the rogue classes, not to mention elves in general, of MMOs as they tend to be the nub class/race of choice) and I couldn't really find any helpful guides or anything about them. Know of any? If not, what are AWs generally used for (PvP, PvE, both)? Some general info about them (or the rogue archetype) would be nice.
AW’s, and daggers in general, are very good at both right now. Daggers have regained some of there strength PvP wise since the last update (C5). There skills are not 100% landing rates, but they do great damage when used properly.
5.) Also, I saw a vid of someone using a bow and would switch to dagger when melee was needed. After the class change to Abyss Walker, AWs don't get any more bow skills. Is this a viable strategy? Also, I noticed they didn't equip a shield either. Is the evasion decrease from shields (I know it kinda goes against the whole evasion thing with Abyss Walkers) just not worth the block chance, or can AWs just not equip shields or something?
Its preference. Generally you want to stick with your dagger after your 40’s.
Wearing shields does decrease your evasion and aren’t really used on light armor types. AW are better at dodging attacks in general, not using a shield
6.) In the beginning, should I be worrying too much about upgrading armor/weapons or should I save up money?
Save as much money as you can, and don’t worry about having Top gear for your grade level. Get used to the game changes since you’ve been gone before you worry about that. It’s not as hard to make money as it used to be.
7.) How often are spirit/soulshots used in everyday combat? Are they used 100% of the time or do people usually save them for big PvP fights (or if you're rich, I guess you could do it 100% of the time)? What about in the earlier levels, are they used much pre-40?
Eventually, most people get to a point where they spam them. In the beginning though, I wouldn’t. You get some free ones from beginner’s quests for the NG stuff. While your trying to build up a small bankroll, stay way from using them all the time. If your going to be with someone all the time you wont need them as much until later on.
8.) Is grouping a common thing in this game? If so, how big do groups usually get and when do they typically start? How do people go about getting groups together for hunting in this game? Does grouping to level up effectively in this game ever become as necessary as it is in FFXI (meaning 99.9% of the time)?
Usually you’ll want to find a clan to join once you get into your 20’s-40’s, and build friendships, and it makes it easier to group. Otherwise you’ll have to search in towns for other people generally. It’s very hard to level solo at a certain point, depending on what class your talking about. Its not a requirement though. It is possible in certain area’s.
9.) My brother and I want to duo but we didn't really look up good combo classes. Could an Abyss Walker and Bladedancer duo well?
There skills do complement eachother, yes. BD’s are a support class that will greatly increase your damage output at higher levels.
10.) How does one go about getting grade equipment? Are they sold in stores? Drops?
Low D grade stuff can be found in town stores. Low C grade may be bought in Giran at the Prestigous Items hall. Anything else, Top C or above, has to be crafted by players.
11.) Should I vendor random drops I get (i.e. stems or thread) or are there people who will buy the stuff? Any key drops I should keep my eye on to sell to people?
Keep all the mats you acquire, youll need them eventually, either to sell to real people, or to sell to players for some extra cash.
12.) I know certain weapons have their own abilities associated with them depending on the class using them, but, for example, what's the difference between using a staff or a caster 1hander + shield as a caster? The only difference I've seen is that staves have more P. ATK, or perhaps theres a staff with extra abilities that you might want. Are there any similar slight weapon difference such as staves vs caster 1h + shield?
Not really. It’s actually more about the Special Ability’s on each weapon. (IE A staff may have a better SA then its brother 1 hander.) Using a shield is a + though for casters in general.
I will begin by answering all of these questions as best I can.. hope I can help.
1) All the stats you see on your character info change certian "characteristics" of your char. The info needed for each can be taken directly off of the site, but I will post them here.
STR
Increases amount of physical damage.
DEX
Increases attack speed, physical skill speed, accuracy, evasion, critical hit probability, success rate of dagger skills (such as Deadly Blow), shield defense success rate, and movement speed.
CON
Increases maximum HP and CP, HP recovery speed, weight limit, underwater breath gauge, shock resistance, and bleeding resistance.
INT
Increases damage of magic attacks and success rate of curse spells.
WIT
Increases chance of magic critical hits, casting speed, resistance to Hold, resistance to curses (such as HP degeneration, decreased HP recovery rate, increased skill re-use time, and decreased effect of heals).
MEN
Increases magic defense, maximum MP, MP recovery speed, poison resistance, and curse resistance. Decreases probability of magic interruption.
These can be changed by "drawing" a "dye" on your character. These are items that you need to obtain, you need 10 of the same "dye" to draw it into your character.
ie: you get 10 Dyes, these dyes do this: +4 STR -4 DEX
That means, it will add 4 STR, and subtract 4 DEX from your character. You can only draw "3" dyes (meaning you need 30 dyes to draw one) post-level. 40
You can only increase one stat by +5, but you can subtract unlimited (which you wouldnt want to do anyway).
Dyes come in different levels, some give +1 -1, others give +3 -3, +4 -4. and whatnot.
P.Atk is your "attack power", this is basicly the ammount of damage you do with melee.
M.Atk is your magic attack, same thing, but for magical spells. ie: Hurricane
P.Def is your defence, the higher it is, the less damage you take from physical hits.
M.Def is your magic defence, same thing but works against magic attacks. The Higher the Better.
Speed is your running speed.
Crit is the rate of how often will do a "critical hit" (2x damage) certian weapons can influence this, bows and daggers have higher critical rates.
Atk. Spd is your attack speed, basicly how fast you hit with your weapons. Higher the better.
Casting Speed is how quickly you cast a magic spell. Higher the better.
Evasion is how often you dodge physical attacks.
Accuracy is how often you hit, 95-100 is average. you will hit often, depending on the opponents evasion though.
2) If by extra affects, you mean special abilities. Then that means, on weapons of Grade C and above (Must be lv. 40 to use) you can add a special ability, depending on what weapon it has, and what ability is listed. For example, you can add "Focus" to a Dark Screamer. This is a C Grade Dagger, and "Focus" will increase the rate at which you make a "critical hit". Meaning instead of normally doing 100 dmg, you will do 200. (Twice as much)
Different weapons have different abilities. To put the ability you must get a certian ammount of Gem Stones (D,C,B,A Grade, Most of these can be bought at the grocery store). and a "Soul Crystal" and "Increase the level of the soul crystal" to the requirement stated by the weapon. ie: You would need a Red Soul Crystal: Stage 5 for certian weapons.
3) The flying dragons are called Wyverns. They can only be used by clan leaders who own a castle. To get a wyvern, you need to level a "Hatchling" to lvl 55.(a pet you get from a quest). Then do another quest to "evolve" it into a "Strider". You then must level the Strider to 75, and put into the castle.. etc (this part I am unsure of)
These are very rare and almsot nobody has them.
4) AW's are used for PVP and PVE. They do alright at both. Your main weapon is a dagger, and evasion is your friend. They get some bow skills up until 40, then afterwards they only get dagger skills (ie: Deadly Blow, Backstab etc.) They can still use bows occasionally, since they have the masteries for it, though it is prefered to use a dagger. They have good P.Atk, and Decent Atk. Spd.
5)It could help to carry a bow around for certian circumstances as an AW, it may come in handy. but you will generally always stick to your dagger. Using a shield isnt worth the extra P.Def/block chance compared to the evasion loss. I wouldnt recommend using a shield at all as a dagger class. ever. Besides, I think it looks cooler anyway without :P.
6)I recommend saving your money for a little while, but upgrade your weapons as often as you can. It will be a long time before you will be able to afford D grade items (20+ lvl)
7)If you would like to save money, do not purchase soul/spiritshots. soulshots double the damage you do physically, and blessed spirit***** do the same, but for magic. as a fighter you would almost never purchase spirit/blessed spirit shots. Only use soulshots for emercencies ie: about to die, or PVP.
It will be hard to kill without them, and it will seem slower, but you will most likely not break even on the cost of soul shots compared to the adena you get from monsters. atleast not until you reach higher levels. 100% usage of soulshots makes things faster, but costs a lot of money.
8)Groups are fairly common.. but at lower levels, before 20 you would level faster soloing. There is safety in groups though, and that way you dont always have to use soulshots. Not everybody groups, some classes can solo without groups, but others are dependant. To get groups you can shout using the ! key, (!Hi, blah blah) this gives a global chat that anyone can read within a certian range. Though as a rogue/assassin you can solo pretty well too. groups arent a must all the time. but 45-50+ lvl you will probably need the groups.
9) blade dancer and abyss walker makes a good combo, though you will not have a healer/buffer. buffer will increase your stats with magic power for a certian ammount of time. blade dancers do well in PVE/PVP, but they do not get there good fighter dances until 52+. but together you can make a mean damage party for monsters your level.
10) almost all items in the game have a chance to drop, but only from certian monsters. not to mention entire item drops are rare. non-grade items (pre 20 lvl) are sold in stores, aswell as some D-Grade (20+). The "better" D grade items need to be crafted by a dwarf, or found as a drop. crafting needs to be done by collecting certian materials (steel, iron, animal skin, blades etc) then using the recipe for that item. (only dwarves can make them) Items from Grade C can be found in the "luxury shop" in giran. and can be purchased with "crystals" ie: 500 D and 1000 C crystals (each item, D,C,B,A,S has its own form of crystal, a dwarf can "crystalize" and item and turn and item into "crystals")
Again, only lower C grade can be purchased there. higher needs to be crafted.
Items of B grade and up need to be crafted. or dropped. that is the only way to get these items.
once an item is crafted, it can be sold in a shop, or traded, or equiped. whatever you want with it.
11) it depends on the item, though i would keep almost all of the random drops you get, and store them in your warehouse, or on your person. some key items you will need to craft for yourself, but if you dont need. sell to people if they need it (or if you are desperate, and nobody needs, sell to shop for a lower price)
12) using a staff or a "book/blunt" magic item makes hardl any difference. as you said, there may be different special abilities to those items that you cant get on the other. the only bonus that is really usefull is the shield block/pdef bonus. though it is not very usefull at all (unless you are a tanking class, Paladin, Shillien Knight, Dark Avenger, Temple Knight etc.), but it does help.
I think that covers everything you asked.. if you have more i will check back. Thanks!
hey hey hey, ill answer # 13 for ya, as noone else has yet.
The Manor system requires the castle lord of the area and you.
the castle lord sets up some seeds at a certain price. You buy the seeds and a harvester. You then go out and fight monsters, starting the fight by using the seeds on them, and after they die use the harvester. you get fruits when you harvest them. you take the fruits to the manor manager, cash them in, and get mats that you can do whatever you want with.
seed sucsses depends on your lvl compared to the seeds and compared to the mobs your fighting. the seed you buy tells you it's lvl range.
I hope this answers your question. if it doesnt, im calling you a total n00b...(j/k)
To add on question 13. The manor restocks (gets new seds for sale and renews the buybeack) at 8pm US central for all servers other then teon and franz. But the actual time you can get yours crops in or to buy seeds at 8-06 exacly. The most profitable seeds are taken out within minutes, if not seconds.