2011-04-25, 03:31 PM
(This post was last modified: 2011-12-11, 04:51 AM by ShadyPriest.)
SP DISTRIBUTION (BIG BANG AND PRE-BIG BANG):
Spoiler
Things like asterisks, slashes, and colons disappeared for some reason during a copy-and-paste...
Things like asterisks, slashes, and colons disappeared for some reason during a copy-and-paste...
Big Bang
[noparse][I]For a complete list of skills and descriptions, check out Fiel's [URL=httpwww.southperry.netshowthread.phpt=27954]Thief Skill Tables (Big Bang)[URL]. Then again, there's also [URL=httpwww.southperry.netshowthread.phpt=34222]this thread[URL]. I'm not sure what the difference is, other than that the former provides delays and ranges while the latter provides animations.
Colour coding is used to indicate related job advancements that share the same SP pool (unique characteristic of the Dual Blade class).
Skills are listed and should be allocated in the respective orders.[I]
[urlname=BBThief][urlname][B][COLOR=red]I.[COLOR] THIEF[B] (Lv. 10-20)
[INDENT]10 Double Stab
Save SP
[I]Notes[I] 10 Double Stab is a prerequisite for Triple Stab in II job.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeRecruit][urlname][B][COLOR=red]II.[COLOR] BLADE RECRUIT[B] (Lv. 20-30)
[INDENT]1 Triple Stab
5 Katara Mastery
6 Katara Booster
Max (20) Katara Mastery
Max (10) Triple Stab
Max (20) Katara Booster
1 Disorder
[I]Notes[I]
For some reason, we can no longer save SP from II job over to II+ job.
The 1 point in Disorder is there because there's nothing worth putting SP into (yet), so we start on Dark Sight's (which we will need later on) prerequisite.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeAcolyte][urlname][B][COLOR=magenta]II+.[COLOR] BLADE ACOLYTE[B] (Lv. 30-55)
[INDENT]Max (20) Slash Storm
Max (20) Self Haste
Max (20) Shadow Resistance
3 Disorder (not 3 more points into Disorder, just that it should be at level 3, as dark sight's prerequisite)
Max (10) Dark Sight
4-5 extra points (Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills - ideally the former)
[I]Notes[I]
Slash Storm is maxed first because it has been majorly buffed after Big Bang.
There should be no reason to put any points in Fatal Blow. Fatal Blow has been majorly nerfed after Big Bang. Fatal Blow is 100% useless. Fatal Blow blows. You will never use Fatal Blow while training, because it's weak, slow, and it's a single-target skill. Triple Stab, which also takes advantage of the daggerkatara hits ratio, would better complement Slash Storm during these levels. Fatal Blow's SP cost is high and increased as a result of Big Bang, and skipping Fatal Blow also allows you to max just about every other Dual Blade skill out there. Both Fatal Blow and Triple Stab are replaced by Upper Stab, although I would arguably say Fatal Blow is replaced even before you get it; by Triple Stab. Fatal Blow advantages like longer range and higher damage per attack are trivial. Another thing to take into consideration is that other builds that actually prioritize Fatal Blow can only have it at level 1617 by the end of second job+, because of SP restraints. Max Triple Stab should still out-DPS that on any number of targets.
Self Haste is maxed next for mobility.
Shadow Resistance is a permanent HP and survivability boost that helps, but you won't need it so early on.
It doesn't matter what you do with the extra points, as they would go in either Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeSpecialist][urlname][B][COLOR=#4169e1]III.[COLOR] BLADE SPECIALIST[B] (Lv. 55-70)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (20) Tornado Spin (TS)
Save SP
[I]Notes[I]
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on.
Maxing Tornado Spin is preparation for the FA + TS combo in the next job advancement. Just for fun (no practical use, and not sure if it still exists), there's a [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=3BSefuOo5PE]glitch with TS[URL] in which you activate the dash part, then quickly press your normal attack key, the opposite directional key, and another skill simultaneously in order to cancel the other skill's delay. There's also [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=_B98lNUCA6M]another glitch[URL] involving TS and FA.
You don't max Tornado Spin here (1 point instead) if you decided to go ahead with the FA + BS combo first instead of FA + TS in third job+, but I wouldn't recommend that, explained further in the third job+ section.
The saved SP is for getting your main FA training combo and maxing Mirror Image ASAP in the next job advancement. Flash Jump does help, but it's not as important as being able to max Mirror Image earlier. Leave it at level 1, for now.
Colour coding is used to indicate related job advancements that share the same SP pool (unique characteristic of the Dual Blade class).
Skills are listed and should be allocated in the respective orders.[I]
[urlname=BBThief][urlname][B][COLOR=red]I.[COLOR] THIEF[B] (Lv. 10-20)
[INDENT]10 Double Stab
Save SP
[I]Notes[I] 10 Double Stab is a prerequisite for Triple Stab in II job.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeRecruit][urlname][B][COLOR=red]II.[COLOR] BLADE RECRUIT[B] (Lv. 20-30)
[INDENT]1 Triple Stab
5 Katara Mastery
6 Katara Booster
Max (20) Katara Mastery
Max (10) Triple Stab
Max (20) Katara Booster
1 Disorder
[I]Notes[I]
For some reason, we can no longer save SP from II job over to II+ job.
The 1 point in Disorder is there because there's nothing worth putting SP into (yet), so we start on Dark Sight's (which we will need later on) prerequisite.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeAcolyte][urlname][B][COLOR=magenta]II+.[COLOR] BLADE ACOLYTE[B] (Lv. 30-55)
[INDENT]Max (20) Slash Storm
Max (20) Self Haste
Max (20) Shadow Resistance
3 Disorder (not 3 more points into Disorder, just that it should be at level 3, as dark sight's prerequisite)
Max (10) Dark Sight
4-5 extra points (Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills - ideally the former)
[I]Notes[I]
Slash Storm is maxed first because it has been majorly buffed after Big Bang.
There should be no reason to put any points in Fatal Blow. Fatal Blow has been majorly nerfed after Big Bang. Fatal Blow is 100% useless. Fatal Blow blows. You will never use Fatal Blow while training, because it's weak, slow, and it's a single-target skill. Triple Stab, which also takes advantage of the daggerkatara hits ratio, would better complement Slash Storm during these levels. Fatal Blow's SP cost is high and increased as a result of Big Bang, and skipping Fatal Blow also allows you to max just about every other Dual Blade skill out there. Both Fatal Blow and Triple Stab are replaced by Upper Stab, although I would arguably say Fatal Blow is replaced even before you get it; by Triple Stab. Fatal Blow advantages like longer range and higher damage per attack are trivial. Another thing to take into consideration is that other builds that actually prioritize Fatal Blow can only have it at level 1617 by the end of second job+, because of SP restraints. Max Triple Stab should still out-DPS that on any number of targets.
Self Haste is maxed next for mobility.
Shadow Resistance is a permanent HP and survivability boost that helps, but you won't need it so early on.
It doesn't matter what you do with the extra points, as they would go in either Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeSpecialist][urlname][B][COLOR=#4169e1]III.[COLOR] BLADE SPECIALIST[B] (Lv. 55-70)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (20) Tornado Spin (TS)
Save SP
[I]Notes[I]
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on.
Maxing Tornado Spin is preparation for the FA + TS combo in the next job advancement. Just for fun (no practical use, and not sure if it still exists), there's a [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=3BSefuOo5PE]glitch with TS[URL] in which you activate the dash part, then quickly press your normal attack key, the opposite directional key, and another skill simultaneously in order to cancel the other skill's delay. There's also [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=_B98lNUCA6M]another glitch[URL] involving TS and FA.
You don't max Tornado Spin here (1 point instead) if you decided to go ahead with the FA + BS combo first instead of FA + TS in third job+, but I wouldn't recommend that, explained further in the third job+ section.
The saved SP is for getting your main FA training combo and maxing Mirror Image ASAP in the next job advancement. Flash Jump does help, but it's not as important as being able to max Mirror Image earlier. Leave it at level 1, for now.
Skill (Build) Representation Videos
[video=youtube;rKgW0Uyhqck]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=rKgW0Uyhqck[video]
by epicplayer510 of YouTube
Note that the video is from pre-Big Bang, so it's outdated to an extent. Don't use the (outdated) skill build annotated throughout the video.
by epicplayer510 of YouTube
Note that the video is from pre-Big Bang, so it's outdated to an extent. Don't use the (outdated) skill build annotated throughout the video.
Spoiler
[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeLord][urlname][B][COLOR=#4169e1]III+.[COLOR] BLADE LORD[B] (Lv. 70-120)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
10 Flying Assaulter (Pro-tip Putting FA on its own skill macro makes it immensely easier to use and combo; it makes FA's minimum height requirement a lot less annoying)
Max (30) Mirror Image (MI)
Max (20) Upper Stab (US)
Max (10) Bloody Storm (BS)
Max (20) Flying Assaulter (FA)
Max (20) Flash Jump (FJ)
Max (20) Flashbang
Max (20) Owl Spirit
Max (20) Advanced Dark Sight (ADS)
14-17 extra points (Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills - ideally the former)
[I]Notes[I]
Third job+ brings upon a huge mobility boost to your gameplay, and a training style that will last until endgame. It also floods you with an abundance of new and useful skills.
[B]There are a few simple combos here that contribute to your endgame training style.[B] There's [I]the Juggler (US + any skill)[I], which temporary disables any non-boss mob from attacking, and tosses them for a 1.7x increase in damage while airborne. There's an amusing glitch with US and MI, in which a few Malaysian mobs like [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9420538]Booper Scarlions[URL] and [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9420539]Vikerolas[URL] are [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=BaiRZckFXgs]tossed much higher[URL] [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=y1wAz-OFq2A]than they should be[URL]. A special sub-scenario of [I]the Juggler[I] is the (jump) US + FA combo, where the toss effect of US negates the rush ability of FA, so it has very limited use and only as a finisher. Another combo is [I]the Superman (FJ + FA)[I], in which you [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=2oFFD0yrey8]can cover great distances [URL][URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=NwuoK-cRUVk]without touching the ground[URL]. I believe it requires an almost-maxed FJ though, if you want to use it on the same horizontal level. Then there are the Flying Assaulter combos - [I]the HurdlerRusher (FA + TS)[I], and [I]the Pendulum (FA + BS)[I]. The Flying Assaulter combos require at least 10 points in FA and a maxed latter skill in order to combo efficiently, without delay. Flying Assaulter combos are kind of like splitting a Shadower's Boomerang Step into two parts, and give a huge mobility and training advantage. The FA + TS combo efficiently gathers mobs and is especially effective in long horizontal maps. An interesting but unimportant thing to note about the FA + TS combo is that it is ineffective against [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9400579]Nightshadows[URL] who have glitchy KB frames. The FA + BS combo has an abundance of i-frames, and requires less SP to get.
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on.
[B]1st priority as soon as you advance to third job+ is getting your main FA training combo.[B] It gives you a huge training advantage - huge mobility boost and other things. You get the FA + TS combo before the FA + BS combo because mobs die way too fast (and do far lower damage) after Big Bang and Chaos, in which going constantly in one direction would be better. FA + BS has limited use because of the aforementioned reason(s), although it is viable should you choose it first.
[B]The 2nd most important priority is maxing Mirror Image.[B] Mirror Image has been majorly buffed post-Big Bang, as a multiplier of your skill damage rather than your damage range (it still isn't affected by criticals, Owl Spirit, or Final Cut though). Mirror Image gives a large damage boost to all of your skills, therefore it is maxed ASAP after getting your main training combo.
Upper Stab is used to finish mobs at the end of platforms while training (with FA + TS), and it also becomes your main bossing attack.
The order of maxing Bloody Storm (your second(ary) FA combo), raising FA above level 10, and maxing Flash Jump is unimportant.
The order of Flashbang and Owl Spirit is unimportant. Owl Spirit is borderline useless, and is prominently used for its 1HKO ability, on a straggling single non-boss target, rather than its damage boost. The number of attacks it boosts still goes down even if you attack empty space. Flashbang is more of a bossing skill. It is also our only true ranged skill - just an interesting note, and not a reason you should max it. Random factbug Flashbang (at max) only appears to last 10 seconds instead of the mentioned 20 in the skill description. Another thing to note is that there's a [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=Zr9eK2mHynE]glitch regarding unequipping your weapons with Flashbang[URL], in which you can spam the skill, although it doesn't actually have any effect.
Advanced Dark Sight (ADS) has no real application until 4th job, potentially with (safe and efficient) Final Cut'ing, and with pulling off consecutive CoH's.
It doesn't matter what you do with the extra points, as they would go in either Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills.
[urlname=BBBladeLord][urlname][B][COLOR=#4169e1]III+.[COLOR] BLADE LORD[B] (Lv. 70-120)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
10 Flying Assaulter (Pro-tip Putting FA on its own skill macro makes it immensely easier to use and combo; it makes FA's minimum height requirement a lot less annoying)
Max (30) Mirror Image (MI)
Max (20) Upper Stab (US)
Max (10) Bloody Storm (BS)
Max (20) Flying Assaulter (FA)
Max (20) Flash Jump (FJ)
Max (20) Flashbang
Max (20) Owl Spirit
Max (20) Advanced Dark Sight (ADS)
14-17 extra points (Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills - ideally the former)
[I]Notes[I]
Third job+ brings upon a huge mobility boost to your gameplay, and a training style that will last until endgame. It also floods you with an abundance of new and useful skills.
[B]There are a few simple combos here that contribute to your endgame training style.[B] There's [I]the Juggler (US + any skill)[I], which temporary disables any non-boss mob from attacking, and tosses them for a 1.7x increase in damage while airborne. There's an amusing glitch with US and MI, in which a few Malaysian mobs like [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9420538]Booper Scarlions[URL] and [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9420539]Vikerolas[URL] are [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=BaiRZckFXgs]tossed much higher[URL] [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=y1wAz-OFq2A]than they should be[URL]. A special sub-scenario of [I]the Juggler[I] is the (jump) US + FA combo, where the toss effect of US negates the rush ability of FA, so it has very limited use and only as a finisher. Another combo is [I]the Superman (FJ + FA)[I], in which you [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=2oFFD0yrey8]can cover great distances [URL][URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=NwuoK-cRUVk]without touching the ground[URL]. I believe it requires an almost-maxed FJ though, if you want to use it on the same horizontal level. Then there are the Flying Assaulter combos - [I]the HurdlerRusher (FA + TS)[I], and [I]the Pendulum (FA + BS)[I]. The Flying Assaulter combos require at least 10 points in FA and a maxed latter skill in order to combo efficiently, without delay. Flying Assaulter combos are kind of like splitting a Shadower's Boomerang Step into two parts, and give a huge mobility and training advantage. The FA + TS combo efficiently gathers mobs and is especially effective in long horizontal maps. An interesting but unimportant thing to note about the FA + TS combo is that it is ineffective against [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9400579]Nightshadows[URL] who have glitchy KB frames. The FA + BS combo has an abundance of i-frames, and requires less SP to get.
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on.
[B]1st priority as soon as you advance to third job+ is getting your main FA training combo.[B] It gives you a huge training advantage - huge mobility boost and other things. You get the FA + TS combo before the FA + BS combo because mobs die way too fast (and do far lower damage) after Big Bang and Chaos, in which going constantly in one direction would be better. FA + BS has limited use because of the aforementioned reason(s), although it is viable should you choose it first.
[B]The 2nd most important priority is maxing Mirror Image.[B] Mirror Image has been majorly buffed post-Big Bang, as a multiplier of your skill damage rather than your damage range (it still isn't affected by criticals, Owl Spirit, or Final Cut though). Mirror Image gives a large damage boost to all of your skills, therefore it is maxed ASAP after getting your main training combo.
Upper Stab is used to finish mobs at the end of platforms while training (with FA + TS), and it also becomes your main bossing attack.
The order of maxing Bloody Storm (your second(ary) FA combo), raising FA above level 10, and maxing Flash Jump is unimportant.
The order of Flashbang and Owl Spirit is unimportant. Owl Spirit is borderline useless, and is prominently used for its 1HKO ability, on a straggling single non-boss target, rather than its damage boost. The number of attacks it boosts still goes down even if you attack empty space. Flashbang is more of a bossing skill. It is also our only true ranged skill - just an interesting note, and not a reason you should max it. Random factbug Flashbang (at max) only appears to last 10 seconds instead of the mentioned 20 in the skill description. Another thing to note is that there's a [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=Zr9eK2mHynE]glitch regarding unequipping your weapons with Flashbang[URL], in which you can spam the skill, although it doesn't actually have any effect.
Advanced Dark Sight (ADS) has no real application until 4th job, potentially with (safe and efficient) Final Cut'ing, and with pulling off consecutive CoH's.
It doesn't matter what you do with the extra points, as they would go in either Nimble Body or Fatal Blow, both fairly useless skills.
Skill (Build) Representation Videos
[video=youtube;j5J4KphHSi0]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=j5J4KphHSi0[video]
by Cyanne
[I]The HurdlerRusher (FA + TS)[I].
[video=youtube;BdcWOULDvU8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=BdcWOULDvU8[video]
by Cyanne
[I]The Pendulum (FA + BS)[I].
Note that the videos are from pre-Big Bang, so they're outdated to an extent. The videos give a good demonstration of how the FA + BS combo becomes more redundant the faster you kill. Mobs die [I]much[I] faster after Big Bang.
by Cyanne
[I]The HurdlerRusher (FA + TS)[I].
[video=youtube;BdcWOULDvU8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=BdcWOULDvU8[video]
by Cyanne
[I]The Pendulum (FA + BS)[I].
Note that the videos are from pre-Big Bang, so they're outdated to an extent. The videos give a good demonstration of how the FA + BS combo becomes more redundant the faster you kill. Mobs die [I]much[I] faster after Big Bang.
Spoiler
[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeMaster][urlname][B][COLOR=#4b0082]IV.[COLOR] BLADE MASTER[B] (Lv. 120+)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (30) Final Cut (FC)
Max (30) Thorns
Max (30) Chains of Hell (CoH, or simply Chains)
[I]Notes[I]
A Dual Blade's fourth job acts more so as a small extension of 3rd job and 3rd job+ than as a new and distinctive job advancement.
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on. There are many ways to abuse the i-frames you get from 1 point in Chains of Hell, especially with safe and efficient FC'ing.
Final Cut is prioritized first because it's the only skill that actually gives a large and good damage boost. It technically doesn't really matter what you do after maxing Final Cut.
(Safe and efficient Final Cut usage tips
[urlname=BBBladeMaster][urlname][B][COLOR=#4b0082]IV.[COLOR] BLADE MASTER[B] (Lv. 120+)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (30) Final Cut (FC)
Max (30) Thorns
Max (30) Chains of Hell (CoH, or simply Chains)
[I]Notes[I]
A Dual Blade's fourth job acts more so as a small extension of 3rd job and 3rd job+ than as a new and distinctive job advancement.
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on. There are many ways to abuse the i-frames you get from 1 point in Chains of Hell, especially with safe and efficient FC'ing.
Final Cut is prioritized first because it's the only skill that actually gives a large and good damage boost. It technically doesn't really matter what you do after maxing Final Cut.
(Safe and efficient Final Cut usage tips
- []Using the i-frames you get when you grab at empty space using Chains (using the chain [I]pull[I], but not the [I]attack[I]).
[]Using it right after a successful CoH attack, which neglects Final Cut's rushing capability on the single target (more so, boss) that you used CoH on.
[]Using Final Cut at some other bosses, especially fat stationary ones, involves using Dark Sight on top of the boss and FC'ing out.- Final Cut is less risky than ever, but I still wanted to leave this here, anyway.)
Thorns, which has been majorly nerfed post-Big Bang, gives a small damage boost that can also help your party, and won't come up as often as MW in parties.
Chains of Hell is given a relatively low priority because a CoH + US2 combo offers similar, probably even slightly lower DPS than just spamming Upper Stab. Chains also comes with several other disadvantages as a result of being a two-part attack skill. However, maxing Chains can make you more versatile through (practical) long i-frames, and as a form of stance. You can also take advantage of its stun-KB, to use the upper platforms at Pap in order to avoid stun and dispel. A Dojo-only advantage is large MP cost savings vs. spamming Upper Stab.
MW could be prioritized above Chains if versatility isn't important, and you solo often.
Mirrored Target (MT) actually does give passive avoid (and passive defense), although it is unnoticeable and is not worth allocating points into until much later. Even so, putting points in the skill would be more for the (inferior) puppet effect, on (poorly designed, gimmicky, and notoriously boring) world tour bosses, and ToT mini-bosses. Our puppet isn't so optimal because we're a close range class, and also because we have to recast Mirror Image after using it. It apparently works as a multiplier of your (hidden) avoid rate, so a 30% avoid rate would become 37.5% with max MT (clarification by JoeTang).
Sudden Raid is not worth allocating more than 1 point into for a long time. Big Bang gave this skill a lengthy cooldown. Other less important changes include how the skill is now fire element and does DoT (all DoT durations are bugged). An interesting thing to note is that this skill gains a bit of lower range at level 3+ (eg. [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=fc8aZf6l9wM&feature=youtu.be&t=5m34s]Level 1[URL] vs. [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=nEo9mlszw6E&feature=youtu.be&t=0m38s]Level 3+[URL]).
Monster Bomb is a horrible skill to allocate any or more than a single point into (for the lulzvariety). Its targeting is wonky, it's not affected by Final Cut and Mirror Image, it's weak, and it's overall a very gimmicky and useless skill. It also actually cannot damage other nearby players.
Venom.
[I]Simple Explanation Skill Priority[I]
Final Cut High
Thorns MediumLow
Chains of Hell MediumLow
Mirrored Target Low
Maple Warrior LowMedium
Sudden Raid LowLast
Monster Bomb LastRejected
Venom Last
Hero's Will LowLast
Skill (Build) Representation Videos
[video=youtube;D0zY9tTtLCE]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=D0zY9tTtLCE[video]
by Cyanne
Note that the videos above and below are from pre-Big Bang, so they're outdated to an extent. She shows a different way of using Final Cut, in which you take advantage of invincibility after getting hit (which doesn't work after Big Bang due to the way magic and touch damage have separate invincibility times), and the fact that you can auto-pot during Final Cut's charge time.
[video=youtube;FXZAkgSnaa8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=FXZAkgSnaa8[video]
by Cyanne
[video=youtube;cVE2VefZwD4]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=cVE2VefZwD4[video]
by myself
Pap isn't necessarily the best boss to highlight a Dual Blade's strengths, not to mention Pap is mostly an outdated boss. This video shows Big Bang relevance, and the advantages of CoH.
[video=youtube;meYu2w1NJU8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=meYu2w1NJU8[video]
by Cyanne
Note that the video is from pre-Big Bang, so it's outdated to an extent. Did someone say [B]i-frames[B]
[video=youtube;fYrTLdqvxD0]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=fYrTLdqvxD0[video]
by Cyanne
Note that the video is from pre-Big Bang, so it's outdated to an extent. This video demonstrates Mirrored Target's primary purpose. RGTS has been nerfed to redundancy post-Big Bang though.
[video=youtube;R2dll2EdyKY]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=R2dll2EdyKY[video]
by mapleteiri of YouTube
Post-Big Bang example of Mirrored Target usage.
More
[IMG]httplocalhostr.comfileb6mAsu7Maple0260.jpg[IMG]
by myself (bad SS, and notice the katara poking in from the left side of the screen)
[quote=Cyanne]Only one death this time, and it only took an hour and 50 mins total =]
[img]httpimg689.imageshack.usimg6899674maplestory201008 2410083.jpg[img]
[img]httpimg442.imageshack.usimg4426233maplestory201008 2411010.jpg[img]
[img]httpimg716.imageshack.usimg716868maplestory2010082 411183.jpg[img][QUOTE]Spoiler
Spoiler
[INDENT]
[urlname=BBSkillMacros][urlname][B]SKILL MACROS[B]
There are a few in-game skill macros that simplify and make your gameplay a lot smoother. They mostly solve a bigger problem than just shortage of hotkey slots (which should be avoided).
[INDENT][I]Flying Assaulter (on its own macro)[I] - As I said, putting FA on its own skill macro makes it immensely easier to use and combo; it makes FA's minimum height requirement a lot less annoying.
[I]Dark Sight + Chains of Hell[I] - Very basic macro, also accompanied with Dark Sight on its own hotkey and Chains on its own hotkeymacro. I believe this is no longer needed after the Chaos update, as Dark Sight is automatically cast if you press your Chains key.
[I]Chains of Hell (on its own macro)[I] - It makes pulling off consecutive CoHs smoother. You won't be able to jump-Chains-pull, but no one does that anyway.[INDENT][/noparse]
Pre-Big Bang
[noparse][I]For a complete list of skills and descriptions, check out Fiel's [URL=httpwww.southperry.netshowthread.phpt=29393]Thief Skill Tables (Pre-Big Bang)[URL].
Colour coding is used to indicate related job advancements that share the same SP pool (unique characteristic of the Dual Blade class).
Skills are listed and should be allocated in the respective orders.[I]
[urlname=BBThief][urlname][B][COLOR=red]I.[COLOR] THIEF[B] (Lv. 10-20)
[INDENT]10 Double Stab
Save SP
[I]Notes[I] 10 Double Stab is a prerequisite for Triple Stab in II job.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeRecruit][urlname][B][COLOR=red]II.[COLOR] BLADE RECRUIT[B] (Lv. 20-30)
[INDENT]1 Triple Stab
5 Katara Mastery
6 Katara Booster
19 Katara Mastery
Max (10) Triple Stab
Save SP
[I]Notes[I]
Triple Stab will be your main attacking skill for a long time.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeAcolyte][urlname][B][COLOR=red]II+.[COLOR] BLADE ACOLYTE[B] (Lv. 30-55)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (20) Self Haste
Max (20) Fatal Blow
Max (20) Slash Storm
Max (20) Katara Booster
3 Disorder
14-15 Dark Sight
[I]Notes[I]
Self Haste is maxed first because Triple Stab will be your main mobbing skill all the way until level 70. Slash Storm is weak, and Fatal Blow is a single-target skill.
Fatal Blow helps when you need single-target damage, especially in places like CPQ.
Rest of your points go into Dark Sight.[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeSpecialist][urlname][B][COLOR=#4169e1]III.[COLOR] BLADE SPECIALIST[B] (Lv. 55-70)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (20) Flash Jump (FJ)
Save SP
[I]Notes[I]
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on.
Flash Jump is the only immediately useful skill here. You can max Flash Jump, and still have enough saved SP to get FA + BS immediately at level 70.
Just for fun (no practical use), there's a [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=3BSefuOo5PE]glitch with TS[URL] in which you activate the dash part, then quickly press your normal attack key, the opposite directional key, and another skill simultaneously in order to cancel the other skill's delay. There's also [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=_B98lNUCA6M]another glitch[URL] involving TS and FA.
The saved SP is for getting your main FA training combo (FA + BS) in the next job advancement.
Skill (Build) Representation Videos
[video=youtube;rKgW0Uyhqck]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=rKgW0Uyhqck[video]
by epicplayer510 of YouTubeSpoiler
[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeLord][urlname][B][COLOR=#4169e1]III+.[COLOR] BLADE LORD[B] (Lv. 70-120)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (10) Bloody Storm (BS)
16 Flying Assaulter (Pro-tip Putting FA on its own skill macro makes it immensely easier to use and combo; it makes FA's minimum height requirement a lot less annoying)
11 Mirror Image
Max (20) Flying Assaulter (FA)
Max (20) Tornado Spin (TS)
Max (20) Upper Stab (US)
Max (30) Mirror Image (MI)
Max (20) Flashbang
Max (20) Owl Spirit
Max (20) Dark Sight
Max (20) Advanced Dark Sight (ADS)
12-15 Nimble BodyEndure
[I]Notes[I]
Third job+ brings upon a huge mobility boost to your gameplay, and a training style that will last until endgame. It also floods you with an abundance of new and useful skills.
[B]There are a few simple combos here that contribute to your endgame training style.[B] There's [I]the Juggler (US + any skill)[I], which temporary disables any non-boss mob from attacking, and tosses them for a 1.7x increase in damage while airborne. There's an amusing glitch with US and MI, in which a few Malaysian mobs like [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9420538]Booper Scarlions[URL] and [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9420539]Vikerolas[URL] are [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=BaiRZckFXgs]tossed much higher[URL] [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=y1wAz-OFq2A]than they should be[URL]. A special sub-scenario of [I]the Juggler[I] is the (jump) US + FA combo, where the toss effect of US negates the rush ability of FA, so it has very limited use and only as a finisher. Another combo is [I]the Superman (FJ + FA)[I], in which you [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=2oFFD0yrey8]can cover great distances [URL][URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=NwuoK-cRUVk]without touching the ground[URL]. I believe it requires an almost-maxed FJ though, if you want to use it on the same horizontal level. Then there are the Flying Assaulter combos - [I]the HurdlerRusher (FA + TS)[I], and [I]the Pendulum (FA + BS)[I]. The Flying Assaulter combos require at least 10 points in FA and a maxed latter skill in order to combo efficiently, without delay. Flying Assaulter combos are kind of like splitting a Shadower's Boomerang Step into two parts, and give a huge mobility and training advantage. The FA + TS combo efficiently gathers mobs and is especially effective in long horizontal maps. An interesting but unimportant thing to note about the FA + TS combo is that it is ineffective against [URL=httpwww.southperry.netdbdo=singleresult&version=4&searchtype=1&vnum=9400579]Nightshadows[URL] who have glitchy KB frames. The FA + BS combo has an abundance of i-frames, and requires less SP to get.
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on.
[B]1st priority as soon as you advance to third job+ is getting your main FA training combo.[B] It gives you a huge training advantage - huge mobility boost and other things. You get the FA + BS combo before the FA + TS combo because you'll be weak and won't need to add more monsters to the mob, and the i-frame utility also comes in handy.
16 Flying Assaulter gives FA its maximum potential number of targets.
Mirror Image is fairly weak, given that it works as a multiplier of your damage range rather than your skill damage. The nature of this skill benefits skills with more hitstime, similar to criticals. 11 Mirror Image gives a sudden larger increase in damage and duration.
Upper Stab is used to finish mobs at the end of platforms while training (with FA + TS).
It doesn't really matter what you do after having maxed all your training skills.
The order of Flashbang and Owl Spirit is unimportant. Owl Spirit is borderline useless, and is prominently used for its 1HKO ability, on a straggling single non-boss target, rather than its damage boost. The number of attacks it boosts still goes down even if you attack empty space. Flashbang is more of a bossing skill. It is also our only true ranged skill - just an interesting note, and not a reason you should max it. Random factbug Flashbang (at max) only appears to last 10 seconds instead of the mentioned 20 in the skill description. Another thing to note is that there's a [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=Zr9eK2mHynE]glitch regarding unequipping your weapons with Flashbang[URL], in which you can spam the skill, although it doesn't actually have any effect.
Advanced Dark Sight (ADS) has no real application until 4th job, potentially with (safe and efficient) Final Cut'ing, and with pulling off consecutive CoH's. ADS is actually viable to skip because it can be annoying. You cannot pot in Dark Sight, and maxing ADS will make it a necessity to always hover your mouse over the top right buff corner of your screen, to right-click Dark Sight, at any boss that stuns andor 11s.
It doesn't matter what you do with the extra points, as they would go in either Nimble Body or Endure, both fairly useless skills.
Skill (Build) Representation Videos
[video=youtube;BdcWOULDvU8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=BdcWOULDvU8[video]
by Cyanne
[I]The Pendulum (FA + BS)[I].
[video=youtube;j5J4KphHSi0]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=j5J4KphHSi0[video]
by Cyanne
[I]The HurdlerRusher (FA + TS)[I].Spoiler
[INDENT]
[urlname=BBBladeMaster][urlname][B][COLOR=#4b0082]IV.[COLOR] BLADE MASTER[B] (Lv. 120+)
[INDENT]1 point in every (new) skill
Max (30) Thorns
Max (30) Final Cut (FC)
Max (30) Chains of Hell (CoH, or simply Chains)
[I]Notes[I]
A Dual Blade's fourth job acts more so as a small extension of 3rd job and 3rd job+ than as a new and distinctive job advancement.
There is never a reason not to put at least 1 point into new skills early on (FC, CoH, Venom, and Sudden Raid). There are many ways to abuse the i-frames you get from 1 point in Chains of Hell, especially with safe and efficient FC'ing.
Safe and efficient Final Cut usage tips- []Using the i-frames you get when you grab at empty space using Chains (using the chain [I]pull[I], but not the [I]attack[I]).
[]Using it right after a successful CoH attack, which neglects Final Cut's rushing capability on the single target (more so, boss) that you used CoH on.
[]Using Final Cut at some other bosses, especially fat stationary ones, involves using Dark Sight on top of the boss and FC'ing out.- Thorns is overpowered. It's prioritized before Final Cut because 1 point in Final Cut already provides a huge boost to your damage, and also because it's a party skill. Make sure you don't cast Thorns on other DBs in your party because the nerf for your party members also applies to other DBs.
Final Cut is (ridiculously) overpowered.
Chains of Hell provides a small boost to your single-target damage. It actually doesn't out-DPS Fatal Blow spam until a certain level (2x). This skill has lots of utility.
Maple Warrior (MW) helps in solo situations. There's almost always someone with MW in party situations, especially the classes with more useless skills.
Mirrored Target gives an (inferior) puppet effect, on (poorly designed, gimmicky, and notoriously boring) world tour bosses, and ToT mini-bosses. Our puppet isn't so optimal because we're a close range class, and also because we have to recast Mirror Image after using it. The most practical application for this skill is training on RGTS. This skill gains its maximum duration (90s) at level 26, and therefore should be capped at that.
Sudden Raid is the inferior mage skill. This skill gains a bit of lower range at level 3+ (eg. [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=fc8aZf6l9wM&feature=youtu.be&t=5m34s]Level 1[URL] vs. [URL=httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=nEo9mlszw6E&feature=youtu.be&t=0m38s]Level 3+[URL]), and like all other DB mastery book skills, gains a sudden increase in damage at level 11. Sudden Raid is not affected by Final Cut. This skill is only viable to max first for those who spend an excessive amount on potential gear. Even then, those with that kind of potential gear could probably train on bosses instead. The damage is actually fairly low, and its main advantage is its incredible screen-covering range and how weak fourth job mobs are. This skill is not recommended because DBs are already the second fastest training class behind mages even excluding this skill, not to mention spamming Sudden Raid is boring. DBs have the highest mob DPS in the game. This skill is also not recommended because mages thrive with their stable damage for more reliable xHKO, while DBs are more reliant on criticals and have unstable damage.
Monster Bomb is a horrible skill to allocate any or more than a single point into (for the lulzvariety). Its targeting is wonky, it's not affected by Final Cut and Mirror Image, it's weak, and it's overall a very gimmicky and useless skill. It also actually cannot damage other nearby players.
Venom isn't something I would consider until much later on, and it doesn't work on bosses. We kill mobs very quickly, and as I said, have the highest mobbing DPS in the game. 1 point gives a large damage boost though, especially the slower you kill.
[I]Simple Explanation Skill Priority[I]
Thorns High
Final Cut High
Chains of Hell Medium
Mirrored Target Low
Maple Warrior LowMedium
Sudden Raid MediumLow
Venom Low
Monster Bomb LastRejected
Hero's Will LowLast
Skill (Build) Representation Videos[INDENT]
[video=youtube;D0zY9tTtLCE]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=D0zY9tTtLCE[video]
by Cyanne
The video above and below show a different way of using Final Cut, in which you take advantage of invincibility after getting hit, and the fact that you can auto-pot during Final Cut's charge time.
[video=youtube;FXZAkgSnaa8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=FXZAkgSnaa8[video]
by Cyanne
[video=youtube;fc8aZf6l9wM]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=fc8aZf6l9wM[video]
by myself
Pap isn't necessarily the best boss to highlight a Dual Blade's strengths.
[video=youtube;meYu2w1NJU8]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=meYu2w1NJU8[video]
by Cyanne
Did someone say [B]i-frames[B]
[video=youtube;fYrTLdqvxD0]httpwww.youtube.comwatchv=fYrTLdqvxD0[video]
by Cyanne
This video demonstrates Mirrored Target's primary purpose.
More
[IMG]httplocalhostr.comfileb6mAsu7Maple0260.jpg[IMG]
by myself (bad SS, and notice the katara poking in from the left side of the screen)
[quote=Cyanne]Only one death this time, and it only took an hour and 50 mins total =]
[img]httpimg689.imageshack.usimg6899674maplestory201008 2410083.jpg[img]
[img]httpimg442.imageshack.usimg4426233maplestory201008 2411010.jpg[img]
[img]httpimg716.imageshack.usimg716868maplestory2010082 411183.jpg[img][QUOTE]
[urlname=BBSkillMacros][urlname][B]SKILL MACROS[B]
There are a few in-game skill macros that simplify and make your gameplay a lot smoother. They mostly solve a bigger problem than just shortage of hotkey slots (which should be avoided).
[INDENT][I]Flying Assaulter (on its own macro)[I] - As I said, putting FA on its own skill macro makes it immensely easier to use and combo; it makes FA's minimum height requirement a lot less annoying.
[I]Dark Sight + Chains of Hell[I] - Very basic macro, also accompanied with Dark Sight on its own hotkey and Chains on its own hotkeymacro. I believe this is no longer needed after the Chaos update, as Dark Sight is automatically cast if you press your Chains key.
[I]Chains of Hell (on its own macro)[I] - It makes pulling off consecutive CoHs smoother. You won't be able to jump-Chains-pull, but no one does that anyway.[INDENT][/noparse]
- Thorns is overpowered. It's prioritized before Final Cut because 1 point in Final Cut already provides a huge boost to your damage, and also because it's a party skill. Make sure you don't cast Thorns on other DBs in your party because the nerf for your party members also applies to other DBs.
- []Using the i-frames you get when you grab at empty space using Chains (using the chain [I]pull[I], but not the [I]attack[I]).
- Final Cut is less risky than ever, but I still wanted to leave this here, anyway.)