His FA Guide v1.0

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Since OGP deleted the previous NA Cabal forums, thought I'd post this guide for those who need help or reference. If you're Neiro and you're actually believable, PM me if you want this to be removed, edited, etc.



Originally Posted by Neiro on ex-NA Cabal Forums
Hello. Thought I'd take the time to offer any Force Archer help, who wishes to experience the class to the fullest, and through a guide, I thought I might be able to help with that.

First, let's start off with the question, "What are Force Archers about?"
Well, FA's are a DPS based class with the added responsibility in Cabal of being the healer class. Without question, they are undoubtedly one of the strongest classes in terms of endurance and strength in both PvE & PvP applications. They also have the fastest consistency of attacks in the game. If you like being a class with decent damage and the ability to support your friends & guild members, then it's the class for you. The other supportive role in this game would be covered by the WI (Wizards), and in some cases even WA (Warrior's) can be described as somewhat of support through their extensive Spirit buff selection.

Before I begin this guide, I'll start with my background. I am one of the first generation Force Archers from the beginning of NA Cabal's existence. Started Cabal February 3rd, 2008, and have played since, up until now. I've played with among the best players that, in my opinion have played this server. I'm sure I don't need to list them, they (or you if you're reading this) know who they are. Why am I writing this guide? Well, my time in this game grows short, and I felt as a departure gift, I would write ALL of my views on force archer. ALL of the tips and tricks that I have learned over the year and a half of playing the class. Some of you may use this to merely sharpen your knowledge of it, others will further embrace it. Now, let's start, shall we?

Skills:
Now keep in mind, these skills are only the skill set that I myself use today. It is by no means perfect, merely what I think to be the best.

Buffs Skills:

*Vital Force (20)

+315 HP

*Vital Bless (20)

+15HP Regen over 2 seconds

*Mana Condense (20)

+29 Magic Attack

*Repulsive Armor (18)

+220 Defense Rate

*Thrusting Arrow (20)

+30% Knock Back (Note- This added KB% only applies to skills with KB already.

*Eagle Eye (20)

+1 Range / +620 Attack Rating (Extremely useful, giving Archers the range advantage over other ranged classes such as WI and MFS)

*Precision (20)

+400 Attack Rate

Please note: Sharpness (20 - +29 Attack) can be substituted in for this, however I do not use Sharpness because I feel that skill points are somewhat limited. Both are interchangeable.

*Resist Intension (8) -

This buff does not need to be maxed. It is merely filled with extra skill points that could not be used. The only thing that increases is it's buff duration, which this is merely a situational buff.

*Art of Healing (20) -

One of the most powerful buffs a force archer aqquires. Used to enhance the two healing skills, Greater Heal & Mass Heal, by 110%. Note, duration goes up by 30 seconds per rank up level. Levels where this takes place is - 80, 120 & 150. @ 150, it's duration will match it's cool down, making it a skill that can be put up all the time.

*Art of Sniping (20) -

Another situational buff. Yes, it enhances your critical damage by almost 2x, at the price of not being able to move. This is a steep price to pay for power, and in most case scenario's too costly. I use this buff mostly against PvE related mobs, and in the highest PvP scenario, Sage's Ensigns. Using it in PvP will often times lead to you getting killed because of the archer's low defense.

Offensive Skills:

*Critical Shot (20)
*Shadow Shot (20)
*Gravity Distortion (9, 12, or 20)

This deserves it's own mention, merely because it's opinion based. Many would argue that to have Gravity Distortion available more often, is a plus. I respectfully disagree, as I feel that it is a skill that doesn't need to be spammed, and for maximum effect, level 20.

*Shooting Star (20)
*Drilled Shot (20)
*Stone Cannon (16)
*Fire Cannon (16)

Stone Cannon & Fire Cannon were leveled down to 16 because for them, damage isn't an issue. They are already strong for their cast time, and in PvE (which is what they are used for) their damage isn't required to be high. Lances on the other hand, are a PvP based attack, therefore damage must be as high as it can be. These cannons were leveled down to liquidate skill points into other areas of the skill set.

*Fire Lance (20)
*Aqua Lance (20)
*Freezing Lance (20)

Now before questions arise, the reason that I use Freezing Lance over Terra Lance is because of it's ranged. It's a heavy difference when standing at maxed ranged, the time in which it takes for you to step forward one range can be the time that determines whether you live or die. Also note, for my skill combo, Terra Lance was a level 19 skill, because of cool down. The damage difference for archers when comboing as fast as we do is completely un-noticable.

*Lower Defense (20) -

Used to enhance the effect of Battle Mode 2 (Because for BM2, defense is an issue a lot of the time. Lowering defense by 39 can often times take the monster or player's defense down to the bracket to which you can hit effectively.

Healing:
AOH: 1512HP
Non-AOH: 720HP

Vamp:
If you're talking about a higher level FA, the only vamp required is earrings. Nothing extra like an amulet or anything is necessary when talking about "Max HP Steal."

As far as % goes, there's two situations.
1.) BM2+Aura+Sniping: In which you would use a life absorb ring +3, crit ring, and full bracelet of sages.
2.) Combo'ing: 2 ROL+1's, 1 Extortion +X and 1 Bracelet of Sage.

#1 can't be used for comboing because anything below 30 rate is not going to work out.

So in total, you should be using the two setups, plus vamp earrings +4. That's it.

Also, of course there is Fade Step & Dash. I certainly didn't forget ^.^

Upgrade Skills:

Also, for more gutsy, cunning, experienced, whatever word you want to use for it, archers, you can substitute out Sixth Sense for Mana Mastery Lvl 10, which will make most people with Transcender ranks, immune to mana freeze with the proper equipment. This isn't recommended though. The person who tried it did comment how he gets hit a lot more without the 798 Defense Rate. If you can surpass mana freeze without doing this, props to you. My gear allows it, other's, not so easily.

I believe I have covered all of the skills that I use. If there are any skills that any of you feel purtinent to the Force Archer class, let me know how you feel!

Alright, well, you all knew it was coming!