Table of Contents
If you already had your 2nd job change here are the guides for 1vs1 Ranger, AoE Ranger, and HnR Ranger.
Stat Points ("H")
We strongly recommend allocating all your stat points into DEX. Going full DEX will maximize your damage output and attack speed, which is crucial for your performance as a bow user. This approach is particularly effective for leveling and maintaining consistent damage throughout the game.
Skills ("K")
Early Skill Choices
Starting at level 15, your best option as a bow user is to rely on Junk Arrow. This skill is a multi-hit attack, where a single execution results in four hits. Each hit has a 70% chance to land a hit. However, there’s a small chance that all four hits might miss, which can be frustrating. Despite this, Junk Arrow remains a powerful skill, almost comparable to magical attacks in terms of effectiveness.
Originally, Junk Arrow was even stronger, but it has been nerfed by about 30%. While it’s weaker now, it’s still the only viable skill for leveling as a Bow Acrobat until you reach level 30. Although it consumes MP, which might seem like a waste of money on Refreshers early on, it’s worth it. Junk Arrow allows you to level up much faster than relying on auto-attacks, which are particularly weak when you’re full DEX.
Mid-Level Skills
Once you hit level 35, you should start using Aimed Shot instead of Junk Arrow. Due to the nerf on Junk Arrow, Aimed Shot has become relatively more effective. At max level, Aimed Shot has a 60% chance to deal double damage. This means that, while it will always deal some damage, there’s a good chance it will deal double, which can be incredibly useful for quickly dispatching enemies, especially weaker monsters.
Late-Level Skills
At levels 45 and 50, you have the option between Arrow Rain and Auto Shot. We recommend focusing on Auto Shot. While Arrow Rain can be useful for dealing damage over time (DoT) within a specific area, its effectiveness is limited by the fact that it’s a static skill. As a ranged fighter, you often have to move, and so do the monsters, which means they can easily move out of the Arrow Rain’s damage zone, reducing its overall effectiveness.
On the other hand, Auto Shot consistently deals high damage and is now stronger than Junk Arrow post-nerf. Unlike Junk Arrow, Auto Shot’s chance of success isn’t based on hitting the target but rather on reducing the enemy’s hit rate. This reduction isn’t particularly relevant for normal leveling, so focus on using Auto Shot primarily for its damage.
One downside to Auto Shot is that it has a cooldown, so you can’t spam it like Junk Arrow. However, combining Auto Shot with Aimed Shot has proven to be highly effective, allowing you to deal around 75-80% damage to most monsters with these two skills alone.
Essential Passive Skills
Don’t forget to max out Bow Mastery at level 30. This passive skill significantly increases your damage when using a bow and is always active, making it a vital part of your arsenal. It’s crucial for maximizing your damage output, so be sure to prioritize it as soon as you reach level 30.
Sets
When it comes to equipment, it’s essential to focus on the relevant sets for your character. The first set worth considering is the Level 15 Slepint/Stinger Set. If you can collect the full set, great! If not, it’s not a big deal. The main advantage of this set is the additional defense provided by the set effect, but this benefit quickly becomes less significant as you level up. If you’re using Junk Arrow frequently, the hit rate +10% and critical chance +5% bonuses from the set aren’t that important. A three-piece set can be sufficient, but don’t stress about completing it. The benefits of this set are nice but not critical.
Next, we have the Level 45 Cruiser/Hyper Set. For a Bow Acrobat, the two-piece bonus (+75 Bow Attack) is relevant, but the rest of the set (Hit rate +10% Critical Damage+20%) aren’t necessary when using skills. Wearing the two-piece Cruiser or Hyper set can be beneficial for your leveling with skills.
Weapons
Now, let’s briefly discuss weapons. Until level 60, you don’t need a specific weapon. Focus on the attack power and whether the weapon boosts your skills, such as Aimed Shot. If you find a weapon with Aimed Shot bonuses and you use that skill, then that weapon will likely be better for you. For example, the Flaming Bow has a good attack value for its level, but it’s expensive and rare. It’s not a must-have item if you’re playing a skill-based Acrobat. Missing out on it might slightly reduce your damage, but it’s not essential.
Jewelry
Jewelry is straightforward. If you’re playing normally and aiming to maximize damage, you’ll want Arek Rings +3, Demol Earrings +3, and a Mental Necklace +3. The Mental Necklace ensures you don’t need to rely on Refreshers, as it restores MP over time and reduces your MP consumption. A +3 Mental Necklace is sufficient, and you may never need Refreshers again, except possibly when hunting giants or boss monsters. During continuous monster hunting, the necklace acts as an endless Refresher, which is incredibly useful.
Important Assist Buffs for Bow Acrobat
Finally, let’s cover the buffs you should aim for as an Acrobat. If you primarily use skills, which I recommend, the most important buffs are:
- Mental Sign: Boosts your own buffs’ effectiveness and increases your MP pool, helping your MP last longer.
- Cannon Ball: Increases your damage output.
- Heap Up: Boosts your HP, helping you survive longer.
- Patience: Further increases your HP, reducing the risk of death.
Additionally, Quick Step can be useful for reaching monsters faster, and Cats Reflex boosts your block rate, which is more of a defensive skill. However, the core buffs to prioritize are Mental Sign, Cannonball, Heap Up, and Patience. Skills like Beef Up and Accuracy are less relevant for a skill-based Bow Acrobat.
Source: The Guide was originally explained by Spielestyler in his YouTube video in German.
