I have wanted to write this a long time, so here it goes.
I have won quite a few PvP Arena tournaments, so I get a few questions here and there on Arena and how to 'do' it. Unfortunately, there are no sure way of 'doing' it. If there is such thing as a 'best' setup, then every player who figure it out (and it should not be hard), will have the same setup, and your chance of winning one will be the same as everyone, 1 in 16 (or 1 in 32 if it is a 5 round tournament). So have patience, have confidence that you have 'the' set, and keep trying.
Now, as I said, there actually probably isn't one 'best' setup. Let us assume a contest of an arbitrary level. A player with attack = J, damage = K, defense = L, armor = M. Assuming you cannot beat the sum of the stats, which otherwise will be moot, you can still beat it by having attack = L+10, damage = M+10, defense = 1, armor = K+20. That way, your opponent deal only 1 damage to you, while you do 10 damage on average to your opponent. That assumes J attack is greater than 40, or you will need a higher total stats. But now, I can beat that by having attack = 10, damage = K + 30, defense = L+40, armor = 1. In that setup, I will be able to hit you (my attack 10 is higher than your defense 1), but you won't be able to hit me (my defense is higher than your attack. And my total stats is lower if M is greater than 40. And there's a setup that can beat : attack = L+60, damage = 1, defense = 20, armor = 1. So in a way, it is like playing rock, scissors, paper. No wonder players don't like to share their setup.
But the point is not to beat a single player. You can always do that. The point is to beat 4 players, all potentially having different setups. If you know that all of them will be showing 'rock', you will use 'paper', and the odds will favor you. So you want to be different! I have seen level 202 winning a level 438 tournament, because he was different. So does that mean you can put on anything and expect a fair 1 in 16 chance to win? Unfortunately, not exactly. There is a chance that you can win, but it could be very low. Assuming the rock scissors paper game, you have to win 4 in a row, and that means 1 in 81, not 1 in 16. How can it be that everyone only have a 1 in 81 chance? That does not add up. Well, not everyone has a 1 in 81 chance. When both players show a 'rock', then the setup now matters. If both are armor/damage setup with minimal attack/defense for example, then the sum of armor/damage matters. If both players get knocked out, the judges decision is first by total damage dealt, before tossing a coin. So if you have a 'better' setup, then you're more likely to win when both players show the same symbol.
But above was assuming contests without moves. Arena combat moves add a new dimension to that rock scissors paper game. The choice of moves should not be dependent on an opponent. Your objective is not to beat one opponent in particular, but to win 4 random ones. Instead, it should be chosen to match the type of setup you have. You want moves that add damage or chance to hit if you have a hitting setup, but moves that reduces opponents chance to hit if you have defensive ones.
I'll list a few categories of setups, but please do not let these limit your imagination.
Defensive setup
In this setup, one attempts to maximize the defense. The objective is prevent being hit. You also want to be able to hit your opponent, but not necessarily doing a lot of damage, just 1 damage will suffice. In this setup, the first priority is defense, and the second priority is attack. Armor, Damage, HP are of no importance. If you have combat moves and the tournaments allow for it, you will want to use Defend, Block, Dodge, or maybe even Deflect. Those reduces the chances that you get hit even further.
Armor setup
In this setup, this is the exact opposite defense. The objective is reduce all damage done to you to 1. The first priority is armor, the secondary priority is damage and hp. Attack is not as important, since you aren't likely to get an attack higher than the defensive setup anyhow, might as well not have it at all. You are going to rely on the 2% chance to hit. However, you want enough damage, so that when you do hit, you should be able to make a knock-out. Why hp? There are 40 rounds of combat. The defensive setup will be hitting you for 1 damage in each round, so you will want 40 hp to last 40 rounds of combat to give you 40 chances to hit. If your hp is only 10, 2% chance in 10 rounds is only 20% chance of winning. But if you have 40 hp, then you have a 80% chance to win. That excludes combat moves, and the actual chance might be lower. This setup almost does not depend on combat moves to combat the defensive setup. But combat moves come into play when you are being matched up against a similar setup. In those cases, you will be hitting, and don't be surprised that your opponent will be hitting also. So you want to use moves that increase damage or even the chance to hit. Those moves will include Critical Hit, Power Attack, and possibly even Spin Attack.
Another tip on Arena. The tournaments to win moves are usually easier to win. The top Arena players would have won 3 of those moves and can no longer take part, so those taking parts are those who are still experimenting. The top Arena players also have more resources and the confidence to take part in all tournaments. The cheaper tournaments are a good way to experiment for many players, and hence easier to win. Having said that, do not be afraid of the top arena champions. I have beaten all of them in at least one tournament. Even they are not infallible, and lady luck has the final say in many cases. What you can do is increase your odds by using the best gears and choosing the correct moves to go with it. If you are winning 1 in 16 tournaments you take part in, you are doing above average.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
XP Gain
XP Gain is a great attribute that can help players advance faster in levels.
At level 150, a player can gain more than 30% of his level a day without having to use a single stam, just by XP Gain.
Every player starts out with +2 XP Gain.
There are items that can increase that XP Gain
Each upgrade cost 15 fsps, and a player can apply up to 50 upgrades.
At 50 upgrades, that will add +1250 XP Gain.
On the character upgrade page, XP Gain is defined as such ::
Note that your 'xp gain' is allocated, plus a bonus of your xp gain times a multiplier equal to your level minus 50 divided by '25' (rounding down).
Note the actual value is always reflected in the quick display at the top bar xp mouseover. Note also at lower levels this value is then scaled down up to a reduction factor of 10 to stop it potientially being too overpowering. Below level 25, no additional bonus is applied.
That description is not concrete and wrong. As described above, the XP Gains are added up. A multiplier is then applied, and the multiplier is actually [Player Level]/25 + 1 (rounded down).
Note that there are no subtraction of 50 level as described on that page.
Also, the description of a reduction factor is vague. I will appreciate if any players below level 150 reading this page can let me know the values they observed.
I wrote a calculator to compute the XP Gain, and the value has been observed to be correct for level 150 and higher. The calculator can be found on the URL below :
http://sisland83.bravehost.com/xpgain.html
So above describes XP Gain, but what's the value of such attribute?
Many players will agree with me that Stamina Gain is probably the most important upgrade.
And XP Gain will come in a strong second. When that upgrade is maximized, it contributes about 10% of a level for level 400 players (and more for lower level players).
The 750 fsps needed to maximize the upgrade could have been spent to buy stamina for levels, but that will only get you about 10 levels (at around level 400). So you get to break even in 100 days. That sounds like a reasonably fair tradeoff. However, its value can be higher, especially if you plan and rest to recover on difficult levels (levels that will require a higher level CA to 1-hit).
But how does it compare to Stamina Gain, is it even better than Stamina Gain? For a level 400 player, each upgrade earns 425 XP per hour, while a creature kill gets you about 2200 XP per hour. So it is clear that Stamina Gain is much more valuable to a level 400 player. I believe that comparison holds true for lower levels also.
What about relics? Is it worth more than Stamina Gain relics? Those relics that provide +200 XP Gain effectively gives 8 upgrades worth in XP Gains, worth 120 fsps in value, compared to Stamina Gains upgrades that are worth 25 fsps per upgrade. However, that is the wrong way to compare. Instead, for a level 400 player, +200 XP Gain with the multiplier actually earns you 3400 XP per hour. While a single stamina earns you a single creature kill, worth about 2200 XP. Of course, the Despair Crystals has both +200 XP Gain and +1 Stamina Gain, making it the most desirable relic. OK, so it is moredesirable than a Stamina Gain relic. But is it really worth all the walking? Assuming one needs about 120 stamina to return to the relic and back to the hunting grounds. That is 264k XP. To break even on the XP gained, one has to stay on the relic for 3.24 days. That clearly is valuable to some players with enough maximum stamina. But what if not all the players need to return? Let's say, only half needs to return (with players taking turns perhaps). Then it should be clear that the relic is very well worth defending.
What about items with XP Gains? The Shield of Bakmar adds +5 XP Gain. But at level 400, that adds 85 XP per hour. Those +1 XP Gain items add only 17 XP per hour. But that XP is much less than a single creature kill. In fact, the Shield of Bakmar only add 2040 XP per day, and a single Stamina earns you more than that. It is still all nice, better than nothing at all. However, if you have to spend 120 stamina to walk back to a relic, you really should be willing to give that up. Assume 9 players with 9 slots for defense. If you use the shield, there's really only 8 slots for defense. Instead, if only 8 players return (the 9 players can take turn on who can stay out), and not use the shield, they can get the same total defense, and save 120 stamina. Compared to all 9 players returning and getting 1 stamina worth in XP every day, it'll take 13 days to break even against the 120 stamina.
At level 150, a player can gain more than 30% of his level a day without having to use a single stam, just by XP Gain.
Every player starts out with +2 XP Gain.
There are items that can increase that XP Gain
- Shield of Bakmar (craftable, can increase up to +5 depending on craft)
- Fire Dragon Ring (+1 XP Gain)
- Jara Rune (+1 XP Gain)
- Writhing Ward (+1 XP Gain)
- Maximus Set (+1 XP Gain)
- Gurgriss Set (+1 XP Gain)
- Despair Crystal (+200 XP Gain)
- Ethereal Pillars (+200 XP Gain)
- Krul Pyramid (+200 XP Gain)
- Searing Orb (+100 XP Gain)
- Unholy Shring (+200 XP Gain)
Each upgrade cost 15 fsps, and a player can apply up to 50 upgrades.
At 50 upgrades, that will add +1250 XP Gain.
On the character upgrade page, XP Gain is defined as such ::
Note that your 'xp gain' is allocated, plus a bonus of your xp gain times a multiplier equal to your level minus 50 divided by '25' (rounding down).
Note the actual value is always reflected in the quick display at the top bar xp mouseover. Note also at lower levels this value is then scaled down up to a reduction factor of 10 to stop it potientially being too overpowering. Below level 25, no additional bonus is applied.
That description is not concrete and wrong. As described above, the XP Gains are added up. A multiplier is then applied, and the multiplier is actually [Player Level]/25 + 1 (rounded down).
Note that there are no subtraction of 50 level as described on that page.
Also, the description of a reduction factor is vague. I will appreciate if any players below level 150 reading this page can let me know the values they observed.
I wrote a calculator to compute the XP Gain, and the value has been observed to be correct for level 150 and higher. The calculator can be found on the URL below :
http://sisland83.bravehost.com/xpgain.html
So above describes XP Gain, but what's the value of such attribute?
Many players will agree with me that Stamina Gain is probably the most important upgrade.
And XP Gain will come in a strong second. When that upgrade is maximized, it contributes about 10% of a level for level 400 players (and more for lower level players).
The 750 fsps needed to maximize the upgrade could have been spent to buy stamina for levels, but that will only get you about 10 levels (at around level 400). So you get to break even in 100 days. That sounds like a reasonably fair tradeoff. However, its value can be higher, especially if you plan and rest to recover on difficult levels (levels that will require a higher level CA to 1-hit).
But how does it compare to Stamina Gain, is it even better than Stamina Gain? For a level 400 player, each upgrade earns 425 XP per hour, while a creature kill gets you about 2200 XP per hour. So it is clear that Stamina Gain is much more valuable to a level 400 player. I believe that comparison holds true for lower levels also.
What about relics? Is it worth more than Stamina Gain relics? Those relics that provide +200 XP Gain effectively gives 8 upgrades worth in XP Gains, worth 120 fsps in value, compared to Stamina Gains upgrades that are worth 25 fsps per upgrade. However, that is the wrong way to compare. Instead, for a level 400 player, +200 XP Gain with the multiplier actually earns you 3400 XP per hour. While a single stamina earns you a single creature kill, worth about 2200 XP. Of course, the Despair Crystals has both +200 XP Gain and +1 Stamina Gain, making it the most desirable relic. OK, so it is moredesirable than a Stamina Gain relic. But is it really worth all the walking? Assuming one needs about 120 stamina to return to the relic and back to the hunting grounds. That is 264k XP. To break even on the XP gained, one has to stay on the relic for 3.24 days. That clearly is valuable to some players with enough maximum stamina. But what if not all the players need to return? Let's say, only half needs to return (with players taking turns perhaps). Then it should be clear that the relic is very well worth defending.
What about items with XP Gains? The Shield of Bakmar adds +5 XP Gain. But at level 400, that adds 85 XP per hour. Those +1 XP Gain items add only 17 XP per hour. But that XP is much less than a single creature kill. In fact, the Shield of Bakmar only add 2040 XP per day, and a single Stamina earns you more than that. It is still all nice, better than nothing at all. However, if you have to spend 120 stamina to walk back to a relic, you really should be willing to give that up. Assume 9 players with 9 slots for defense. If you use the shield, there's really only 8 slots for defense. Instead, if only 8 players return (the 9 players can take turn on who can stay out), and not use the shield, they can get the same total defense, and save 120 stamina. Compared to all 9 players returning and getting 1 stamina worth in XP every day, it'll take 13 days to break even against the 120 stamina.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Unbreakable
This is not the first time I have used a crystalline item during my hunt. Crystalline items are items that cannot be repaired. I have used the dark spine flail early in my levels, but they were relatively cheap then, since the events just occurred and there were many such items available. Now, after more than 6 months, those items were mostly used up, and the price of those items have went up tremendously. Above level 350, many of those levels require the use of the Octo-Spine sets for 1-hit setups. Some require the Green Spine Boots too. Those items are best used fully forged in my opinion. But how do you value them? The Octo-Spine Shield cost probably around 120 fsps for a one that has full 200 durability, and another 27 fsps to fully forge it. So if you take away the residual value (players still get them with low durability for Arena use), I'll estimate it will cost about 50k per durability lost. The Octo-Spine Rune might cost about 25k per durability lost, while the Green Spine Boots cost around 75k per durability lost. Quite a rough estimate I'd say, and this value will be changing as the items get rarer.
So where was I? Oh yes, the title was not about crystalline items, but about the unbreakable buff. Unbreakable is a skill under the Defensive tree. It is available to players level 200 or higher. Here's the official description :
+0.5% per point chance per point of equipment not taking durability loss during combat.
First off, the equipment do not automatically take a durability loss. I estimate that one in 20 rounds of attack that a specific item take a hit without the buff. Now, a level 100 buff will reduce that to 1 in 40 rounds, a level 150 buff will reduce that to 1 in 80, and a leel 175 will reduce that to 1 in 160 !! The benefits are increasing almost exponentially. During Valentine's Day, a level 200 'potion' disguised as chocolate were given out, and that garantees no damage to any items.
Note also that the damage depends on the rounds of attack and are not multiplied by the doubler. So you will want to use a high level doubler when using the crystalline items. The cost of using a 3x doubler vs a 10x/11x doubler will be more than 3 times !! Using a 3x or 4x doubler, you might be better off double hitting with wither, and use the cost saved from using non-crystalline items to buy stamina.
So here are some numbers to ponder upon. A 4000 stamina burn with those 3 items above and a 11x doubler has 363 rounds of attack. That means without the unbreakable buff, you will lose about 18 durability on each of the item. That's 2700k in cost, 27 fsps !! A level 100 buff will reduce that to 9 durability loss/14 fsps, and you can get the potion from Auction House at 25k that gives a level 100 Unbreakable buff to save you 13/14 fsps. A level 150 buff will reduce that to 4.5 durability loss/7 fsps. A level 175 buff will reduce that to a little more than 2 durability loss/3.5 fsps. It should be clear that looking for a higher level unbreakable buff will almost pay for itself.
Above table illustrates the value for each level. You should be willing to pay 70k more for a level 175 buff vs a 170, or 140k morefor a level 175 buff vs 165. Since the items you use may be difference, the table also include a normalized cost, so you can mutliply it for based on the value of your items, as well as the number of rounds of attacks you will have in your hunt.
Update : Potion of Indestructibility
With yesterday's (Dec-19 2009) update, players can now scavenge for items. One of the items is the "Potion of Indestructibility". It lives up to its name and provides a level 200 Unbreakable buff.
At level 200. It is garanteed that all items will not take any durability loss. Demand and supply has it that there are ample supply (since not all players use crystalline items), that the potion is probably going to be cheaper than buying a level 175 unbreakable buff. It'll definitely be worth while to use this potion instead of the buffs.
So where was I? Oh yes, the title was not about crystalline items, but about the unbreakable buff. Unbreakable is a skill under the Defensive tree. It is available to players level 200 or higher. Here's the official description :
+0.5% per point chance per point of equipment not taking durability loss during combat.
First off, the equipment do not automatically take a durability loss. I estimate that one in 20 rounds of attack that a specific item take a hit without the buff. Now, a level 100 buff will reduce that to 1 in 40 rounds, a level 150 buff will reduce that to 1 in 80, and a leel 175 will reduce that to 1 in 160 !! The benefits are increasing almost exponentially. During Valentine's Day, a level 200 'potion' disguised as chocolate were given out, and that garantees no damage to any items.
Note also that the damage depends on the rounds of attack and are not multiplied by the doubler. So you will want to use a high level doubler when using the crystalline items. The cost of using a 3x doubler vs a 10x/11x doubler will be more than 3 times !! Using a 3x or 4x doubler, you might be better off double hitting with wither, and use the cost saved from using non-crystalline items to buy stamina.
So here are some numbers to ponder upon. A 4000 stamina burn with those 3 items above and a 11x doubler has 363 rounds of attack. That means without the unbreakable buff, you will lose about 18 durability on each of the item. That's 2700k in cost, 27 fsps !! A level 100 buff will reduce that to 9 durability loss/14 fsps, and you can get the potion from Auction House at 25k that gives a level 100 Unbreakable buff to save you 13/14 fsps. A level 150 buff will reduce that to 4.5 durability loss/7 fsps. A level 175 buff will reduce that to a little more than 2 durability loss/3.5 fsps. It should be clear that looking for a higher level unbreakable buff will almost pay for itself.
| Buff level | Chance | Durability Cost | Normalized Cost |
| 0 | 0.00% | 2700000 | 100000 |
| 100 | 50.00% | 1350000 | 50000 |
| 150 | 75.00% | 675000 | 25000 |
| 155 | 77.50% | 607500 | 22500 |
| 160 | 80.00% | 540000 | 20000 |
| 165 | 82.50% | 472500 | 17500 |
| 170 | 85.00% | 405000 | 15000 |
| 175 | 87.50% | 337500 | 12500 |
Above table illustrates the value for each level. You should be willing to pay 70k more for a level 175 buff vs a 170, or 140k morefor a level 175 buff vs 165. Since the items you use may be difference, the table also include a normalized cost, so you can mutliply it for based on the value of your items, as well as the number of rounds of attacks you will have in your hunt.
Update : Potion of Indestructibility
With yesterday's (Dec-19 2009) update, players can now scavenge for items. One of the items is the "Potion of Indestructibility". It lives up to its name and provides a level 200 Unbreakable buff.
At level 200. It is garanteed that all items will not take any durability loss. Demand and supply has it that there are ample supply (since not all players use crystalline items), that the potion is probably going to be cheaper than buying a level 175 unbreakable buff. It'll definitely be worth while to use this potion instead of the buffs.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Buff Master
Buff Master is a skill under the Specials Skill Tree.
It has a dependency on Brew Master, meaning that at least 10 points must be placed into Brew Master before you can have any points in Buff Master.
It is available to players of level 500 or higher.
Here's the official description :
0.2% per point chance to half the stamina cost (rounding up) when casting skills on other players. (Does not work on self!)
First to note, that does not mean that a player cannot cast the Buff Master buff on himself.
It means that the chance to half the stamina cost does not apply when the player with the buff cast skills on himself.
Since the skill is available to level 500 players, it is safe to assume that players will this skill will have it at the maximum level (which is level 175, with maxed Fury Casting).
That means there is a 35% chance to half the stamina cost.
Ignoring rounding, it is saving 17.5% of the stamina.
The buff itself cost 10 stamina and has a duration of 60 minutes (90 minutes with maxed sustain).
So if you are a level 500 or higher with the buff, and casting more than 60 stamina of skills on other players (within the duration of the Buff Master), you should first cast this buff on yourself.
If you need to buy this buff, then you have to figure out how much your stamina worth, vs how much are players charging you for this buff. The same ratio of 17.5% savings apply if you buy a level 175 buff. That means, if you will be using 100 stam in buffs (on others), you will be saving 17.5 stam. If you will be using 150 stam in buffs, you will be saving 26.25 stam (which is a little more than 1 fsp worth in stam). The going rate at the time of writing this blog appears to be 1 fsp to get this buff from a level 500 player.
There is also a Potion of Skills Master which you can buy from the Auction House.
That potion has a minimum price of 25,000 gold. Which I have often seen it as not being purchased at all. Maybe things will change after players read this blog, or maybe not.
That potion is a skill level 100 with a duration of 60 minutes.
That means it is a 10% savings in stamina.
So now, consider the following ::
100 stams used in buffing others
Option 1 : Buff yourself, 17.5 stam saved on average, 10 stam used on buff, 7.5 stam total savings.
Option 2 : Buy the buff, 1 fsp. 17.5 stam saved on average. (Not good, better to use the fsp to buy 25 stam).
Option 3 : Buy the potion, 25k. 10 stam saved on average. (Good deal, probably better than option 1 even for level 500 players).
150 stams used in buffing others
Option 1 : Buff yourself, 26.25 stam saved on average, 10 stam used on buff, 16.25 stam total savings.
Option 2 : Buy the buff, 1 fsp. 26.25 stam saved on average. This is better than using the fsp to buy stam.
Option 3 : Buy the potion, 25k, 15 stam saved. (This is a better savings, since it is cheaper than 100k/25stam rate. Level 500 players are probably better off using option 1, saving more stam without paying the 25k).
250 stams used in buffing others
Option 1 : Buff yourself, 43.75 stam saved, 10 stam used, 33.75 stam total savings.
Option 2 : Buy the buff, 1 fsp. 43.75 stam saved on average. (Assuming rate of 1 fsp = 25 stam, you saved 18.75 stam).
Option 3 : Buy the potion, 25k, 25 stam saved on average. (Assuming rate of 100k = 25 stam, 25k = 6.25 stam, you saved 18.75 stam) (This is the breakeven point if you use the current buff buying rate vs potion rate, as well as stamina valuation, and that means above 250 stams used, option 2 is probably the best option for players below level 500 or without the skill).
What if the price changes?
What if I value stamina differently?
This is especially true since it is 25 stamina is really worth less than 1 fsp (or 1 stamina is worth less than 4k). Players still buy stamina with fsp, but usually only when they are fully buffed. It makes sense to save the stamina and then to use it all in a bigger block. It is this same argument that players hunt with full stamina insted of daily. Consider selling buffs at 1 fsp per 25 stamina, that's like banking your stamina into a reserve, as you can buy the stamina at a more convenient/strategic time. Now, if the stamina bank allows you to withdraw only 25 stamina for every 30 stamina banked, will you do it? Maybe. But if you will, then the value of stamina just went down to 3.3k. Everyone will measure this differently, since at different stage of the game, you may want more fsp (for upgrades, equipment or otherwise), or more stam (when hunting and so close to finishing off that tough level and you're all buffed up).
So here are the variables :
Value of stamina = V(measured as gold per stamina, above examples were using 4k/stam)
Price to get the level 175 buff = B (in gold)
Price to buy the level 100 potion = P (in gold)
Amount of stamina used on others = S
Option 1 : 10 stamina used, .175 * S saved. Total savings = (.175 * S - 10)*V
Option 2 : Buy the buff, B. .175 * S saved. Total savings = .175 * S * V - B
Option 3 : Buy the potion, P. .1 * S saved. Total savings = .1 * S * V - P
Now you can plug in your own values and decide which option you use. Option 1 may not be available to everyone. Have fun buffing.
It has a dependency on Brew Master, meaning that at least 10 points must be placed into Brew Master before you can have any points in Buff Master.
It is available to players of level 500 or higher.
Here's the official description :
0.2% per point chance to half the stamina cost (rounding up) when casting skills on other players. (Does not work on self!)
First to note, that does not mean that a player cannot cast the Buff Master buff on himself.
It means that the chance to half the stamina cost does not apply when the player with the buff cast skills on himself.
Since the skill is available to level 500 players, it is safe to assume that players will this skill will have it at the maximum level (which is level 175, with maxed Fury Casting).
That means there is a 35% chance to half the stamina cost.
Ignoring rounding, it is saving 17.5% of the stamina.
The buff itself cost 10 stamina and has a duration of 60 minutes (90 minutes with maxed sustain).
So if you are a level 500 or higher with the buff, and casting more than 60 stamina of skills on other players (within the duration of the Buff Master), you should first cast this buff on yourself.
If you need to buy this buff, then you have to figure out how much your stamina worth, vs how much are players charging you for this buff. The same ratio of 17.5% savings apply if you buy a level 175 buff. That means, if you will be using 100 stam in buffs (on others), you will be saving 17.5 stam. If you will be using 150 stam in buffs, you will be saving 26.25 stam (which is a little more than 1 fsp worth in stam). The going rate at the time of writing this blog appears to be 1 fsp to get this buff from a level 500 player.
There is also a Potion of Skills Master which you can buy from the Auction House.
That potion has a minimum price of 25,000 gold. Which I have often seen it as not being purchased at all. Maybe things will change after players read this blog, or maybe not.
That potion is a skill level 100 with a duration of 60 minutes.
That means it is a 10% savings in stamina.
So now, consider the following ::
100 stams used in buffing others
Option 1 : Buff yourself, 17.5 stam saved on average, 10 stam used on buff, 7.5 stam total savings.
Option 2 : Buy the buff, 1 fsp. 17.5 stam saved on average. (Not good, better to use the fsp to buy 25 stam).
Option 3 : Buy the potion, 25k. 10 stam saved on average. (Good deal, probably better than option 1 even for level 500 players).
150 stams used in buffing others
Option 1 : Buff yourself, 26.25 stam saved on average, 10 stam used on buff, 16.25 stam total savings.
Option 2 : Buy the buff, 1 fsp. 26.25 stam saved on average. This is better than using the fsp to buy stam.
Option 3 : Buy the potion, 25k, 15 stam saved. (This is a better savings, since it is cheaper than 100k/25stam rate. Level 500 players are probably better off using option 1, saving more stam without paying the 25k).
250 stams used in buffing others
Option 1 : Buff yourself, 43.75 stam saved, 10 stam used, 33.75 stam total savings.
Option 2 : Buy the buff, 1 fsp. 43.75 stam saved on average. (Assuming rate of 1 fsp = 25 stam, you saved 18.75 stam).
Option 3 : Buy the potion, 25k, 25 stam saved on average. (Assuming rate of 100k = 25 stam, 25k = 6.25 stam, you saved 18.75 stam) (This is the breakeven point if you use the current buff buying rate vs potion rate, as well as stamina valuation, and that means above 250 stams used, option 2 is probably the best option for players below level 500 or without the skill).
What if the price changes?
What if I value stamina differently?
This is especially true since it is 25 stamina is really worth less than 1 fsp (or 1 stamina is worth less than 4k). Players still buy stamina with fsp, but usually only when they are fully buffed. It makes sense to save the stamina and then to use it all in a bigger block. It is this same argument that players hunt with full stamina insted of daily. Consider selling buffs at 1 fsp per 25 stamina, that's like banking your stamina into a reserve, as you can buy the stamina at a more convenient/strategic time. Now, if the stamina bank allows you to withdraw only 25 stamina for every 30 stamina banked, will you do it? Maybe. But if you will, then the value of stamina just went down to 3.3k. Everyone will measure this differently, since at different stage of the game, you may want more fsp (for upgrades, equipment or otherwise), or more stam (when hunting and so close to finishing off that tough level and you're all buffed up).
So here are the variables :
Value of stamina = V(measured as gold per stamina, above examples were using 4k/stam)
Price to get the level 175 buff = B (in gold)
Price to buy the level 100 potion = P (in gold)
Amount of stamina used on others = S
Option 1 : 10 stamina used, .175 * S saved. Total savings = (.175 * S - 10)*V
Option 2 : Buy the buff, B. .175 * S saved. Total savings = .175 * S * V - B
Option 3 : Buy the potion, P. .1 * S saved. Total savings = .1 * S * V - P
Now you can plug in your own values and decide which option you use. Option 1 may not be available to everyone. Have fun buffing.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
New 1-hit setup
Previously, players were limited to 2-hitting after level 186.
However, the introduction of death dealer and counter attack changes the game play.
Let's compare the 2 most common setups.
Wither setups
In this setup, the player require 2 hits to kill a creature.
However, when wither activates, the creature's HP is halved, and it can be killed in 1-hit.
Because the highest level of wither one can get is level 350 using a potion, there is at least a 30% chance that 2-hits will be required.
As such, the setup will require armor or defense.
The armor setup was preferred primarily because it was garanteed to be safe.
However, creature enhancements now take effect and can do piercing strike, so now, the choice of armor or defense becomes quite subjective. It will also depend on the creature's attack and damage.
But I digress. Using such a setup, and with the wither 350 potion, the average number of hit is 1.3. That number might be a little lower with deathwish.
1-hitting setups
Death dealer introduces a new method that could be more efficient. With a high enough kill streak, one can get 20% more damage. That usually is sufficient for most levels to 1-hit if the maximum damage gear is used. DC potions and Keen Edge are nice buffs for creatures that require more attack. Counter Attack is added, but only as needed. So here's a simplified procedure to determine what you need. Finally, you'll need shield imp to protect the kill streak and keep Death Dealer at 20%.
0. Have a kill streak of at least 60. If not, kill some lower level creature without doubler to build up the kill streak, perhaps on your way from relic to portal.
1. Equip gears to maximize damage (ignore defense and armor).
2. Buff up with Berserk/Fury/Enchant Weapon/Enchant Armor.
3. Use spreadsheet link below to determine Dark Curse level needed.
4. If level needed exceeds 225, get a Keen Edge buff.
5. If level needed still exceeds, switch an item to increase attack. (In my case, I usually switch my rune to the Rune of Gamwala).
6. Use spreadsheet link below to determine if Counter Attack is needed.
7. If level is 0, no Counter Attack is needed. You can use any doubler level.
8. Use the chart below to determine which potion is needed and amount of extra stam used.
Finally, if the extra stam needed is 3 more than the previous level, it'll be better to hang back at the previous level instead.
Update : With the Google Spreadsheet, the formula was repeatedly deleted/overwritten.
Instead, I wrote a Google Gadget to do the calculation instead.
You can view the gadget here.
FAQ
After posting this blog, there were a few frequently asked questions, so I thought I'd post them here with answers of course.
1. Must I use the 10x or 11x doubler potion? Can't I use the 4x or 3x doubler buff?
Shield imp is more expensive than those doubler potion. Assuming you get hit 2% of the time (can be more due to dodge and nullify), each shield imp with 6 blocks last 300 attacks (in my experience, it is more like 200 attacks average), then with a 3k stam run will only require 1 buff with 10x/11x doubler, but will need 3 buffs for 4x doubler, and 4 buffs for 3x doubler.
2. Is the Death Wish buff useful in the new setup?
Death Wish can reduce the chance of misses due to no combat. But at 4.5% chance (assuming level 150) to save a block (which is about 8.33 stam), you need to have missed 22.2 times to save the 8.33 stam. But the buff cost 20 stam, so you need to have missed 53.333 times to break even on stam. Again assuming the 300 attacks, you need to have done 16000 attacks, or burn 160k stam to break even.
Short answer : No, not useful.
3. Is the Wither buff useful in the new setup?
Wither however triggers more often. A level 150 wither triggers 30% of the time. But it does not protect against the 2% misses nor of dodge. It does protect against Nullify, or if you don't quite have enough damage. Hard to know if it was a real save, but if you have 6 hits where the creature does not die in your run, then you should have used wither.
Short answer : Maybe, but only if creature has Nullify, or if you are a little short on damage.
4. Is the Force Shield buff useful in the new setup?
Shield Imp activates before Force Shield. Only in the vary rare event of you missing twice when you only have 1 block remaining on the imp will it have a chance to be useful.
Short answer No, not useful.
5. Is Shockwave useful in the new setup?
Shockwave activates only if you hit. So it does not protect against misses, but can protect against Nullify, much like Wither. But it activates only 15% of the time at level 150. It cost 10 stam, also less than Wither. Using the same Math, if you have 8 hits where the creature does not die in your run, then you should have used Shockwave.
Short answer : Maybe, but only if creature has Nullify, or if you are a little short on damage.
6. Is it better to stay back one level if I need to use CA?
When you kill a creature a level below you, you take a 20% xp penalty. This translate to you needing 25% more stam to gain a level. Now, if you need to use CA72 vs no CA for the previous level, CA72 uses only 18.2% more stam, so you should use the CA. However, if you need to use CA109, you will be using 27.3% more stam, so you're a little better off killing the lower level creature, xp wise. But you are killing more creatures (25% more) and therefore gets more gold. What about CA109 vs CA36 on previous level? You'll be using 36.4% more stam vs 27.3%, you should use the CA109. CA145 uses exactly the same 36.4% more stam. So CA145 vs CA36 is the same xp wise, but killing the lower level creature has the bonus of getting more kills and hence more gold.
7. OK, so what gears should I use to get the maximum damage?
I'm going to assume you have enough stam (about 4k is my guess for breakeven) to make it worth the while for buying a Potion of Truth (EW1000), and that you will be getting a level 175 Enchant Armor buff. All items listed will be considered as fully forged, and if perfect crafted if craftable. I'll start listing from level 186, what was previously considered the level where you can no longer 1-hit. I could be wrong, so feel free to message me if you find a better setup. I have never used some of these setups, since the buffs that allow for this were not available then. Berserk and Fury buffs are not considered, since they depend on your level up stats, not your gears. (Thanks to Tangtop for alerting me on my error with Ragnok set. Inferno Hammer + Witches Catseye Shield is better, and the Inferno Hammer alone has Elite Hunter 100).
Level 186 : Cu Sith set (1322) + Banshee Helm (222) + Axe of Brettal (406) + Marpolo Armor (313) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + EW (406) + EA (54) = 3491
Level 200 : Lezhal set (658) + Feral Gauntlets (333) + Banshee Helm (222) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Marpolo Armor (313) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 3898
Level 210 : Lezhal set (658) + Feral Gauntlets (333) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Marpolo Armor (313) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 4006
Level 225 : Feral Gauntlets (333) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Armor of Swalhaven (314) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + Glowing Diamond of Kozyu (374) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 4238
Level 227 : Feral Gauntlets (333) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Armor of Swalhaven (314) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Glowing Diamond of Kozyu (374) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 4333
Level 235 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4651
Level 245 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4886
Level 255 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4889
Level 274 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4912
Level 275 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 5037
Level 276 : Gloves of Servala (501) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (94) = 5145
Level 280 : Destroyer set (2218) + Gloves of Servala (501) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (115) + EA (94) = 5363
Level 300 : Destroyer set (2218) + Sabertooth set (1362) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Libitalia (440) + EW (115) + EA (94) = 5878
Level 325 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Libitalia (440) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 6092
Level 339 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Kanthos (525) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 6177
Level 350 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Octo-Spine set (1686) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 6986
Level 380 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Octo-Spine set (1686) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 7316
Level 390 : Octo-Spine set (1686) + Crushing Fist set (2204) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 7583
Level 399 : Octo-Spine set (1686) + Crushing Fist Gauntlets (745) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Dazmorr Amulet (908) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) +Ring of Arzmil (654) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 7686
Level 400 : Octo-Spine set (1686) + Crushing Fist Gauntlets (745) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Dazmorr Amulet (908) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Argus Armor (590) +Ring of Arzmil (654) + Argus Boots (685) + EW (815) + EA (103) = 7986
8. What if I cannot get Green Spine Boots (or any other items)?
Well, above is for the maximum damage setup. You may not need all of them to 1-hit. You may require a higher level CA if you don't have enough damage. For me, from level 350-379, I hardly have to use the Green Spine Boots, and have been using Boots of Hellmoor. Just use whatever highest damage equipment you can find for your level.
9. Do I always use the highest damage gear?
No. What is listed above is highest damage. But sometimes, you need to trade damage for attack. eg. Saurus Shield vs Witches Catseye Shield, Boots of Hellmoor vs Green Spine Boots.
Sometimes, I trade a high attack boots too, like Boots of Styillpon for the Green Spine. The highest damage gear set is just a reference.
10. Is there a checklist, so that I know I have got all I need?
Checklist :
1. Death Dealer buff/potion and kill Streak (60 for level 175 buff, 400 for potion)
2. Summon Shield Imp buff
3. Dark Curse buff (use the gadget link above to determine the level needed)
4. Counter Attack buff (use the gadget link above to determine if needed and if so, which level)
5. Holy Flame buff (check also that creature is undead)
6. Nightmare Visage buff (check that this buff is not activated)
7. Unbreakable buff (not needed, but very highly recommended if using crystalline items)
Other offensive buffs show up on your profile, check those numbers are good against what you entered in the gadget.
However, the introduction of death dealer and counter attack changes the game play.
Let's compare the 2 most common setups.
Wither setups
In this setup, the player require 2 hits to kill a creature.
However, when wither activates, the creature's HP is halved, and it can be killed in 1-hit.
Because the highest level of wither one can get is level 350 using a potion, there is at least a 30% chance that 2-hits will be required.
As such, the setup will require armor or defense.
The armor setup was preferred primarily because it was garanteed to be safe.
However, creature enhancements now take effect and can do piercing strike, so now, the choice of armor or defense becomes quite subjective. It will also depend on the creature's attack and damage.
But I digress. Using such a setup, and with the wither 350 potion, the average number of hit is 1.3. That number might be a little lower with deathwish.
1-hitting setups
Death dealer introduces a new method that could be more efficient. With a high enough kill streak, one can get 20% more damage. That usually is sufficient for most levels to 1-hit if the maximum damage gear is used. DC potions and Keen Edge are nice buffs for creatures that require more attack. Counter Attack is added, but only as needed. So here's a simplified procedure to determine what you need. Finally, you'll need shield imp to protect the kill streak and keep Death Dealer at 20%.
0. Have a kill streak of at least 60. If not, kill some lower level creature without doubler to build up the kill streak, perhaps on your way from relic to portal.
1. Equip gears to maximize damage (ignore defense and armor).
2. Buff up with Berserk/Fury/Enchant Weapon/Enchant Armor.
3. Use spreadsheet link below to determine Dark Curse level needed.
4. If level needed exceeds 225, get a Keen Edge buff.
5. If level needed still exceeds, switch an item to increase attack. (In my case, I usually switch my rune to the Rune of Gamwala).
6. Use spreadsheet link below to determine if Counter Attack is needed.
7. If level is 0, no Counter Attack is needed. You can use any doubler level.
8. Use the chart below to determine which potion is needed and amount of extra stam used.
| CA Level | Doubler potion recommended | Extra stam used |
| 0 | Any | none |
| 1 - 36 | Potion of Acceleration (level 500) | 1 |
| 37 - 40 | Potion of Supreme Doubling (level 450) | 1 |
| 41 - 72 | Potion of Acceleration (level 500) | 2 |
| 73 - 80 | Potion of Supreme Doubling (level 450) | 2 |
| 81 - 109 | Potion of Acceleration (level 500) | 3 |
| 110 - 120 | Potion of Supreme Doubling (level 450) | 3 |
Finally, if the extra stam needed is 3 more than the previous level, it'll be better to hang back at the previous level instead.
Update : With the Google Spreadsheet, the formula was repeatedly deleted/overwritten.
Instead, I wrote a Google Gadget to do the calculation instead.
You can view the gadget here.
FAQ
After posting this blog, there were a few frequently asked questions, so I thought I'd post them here with answers of course.
1. Must I use the 10x or 11x doubler potion? Can't I use the 4x or 3x doubler buff?
Shield imp is more expensive than those doubler potion. Assuming you get hit 2% of the time (can be more due to dodge and nullify), each shield imp with 6 blocks last 300 attacks (in my experience, it is more like 200 attacks average), then with a 3k stam run will only require 1 buff with 10x/11x doubler, but will need 3 buffs for 4x doubler, and 4 buffs for 3x doubler.
2. Is the Death Wish buff useful in the new setup?
Death Wish can reduce the chance of misses due to no combat. But at 4.5% chance (assuming level 150) to save a block (which is about 8.33 stam), you need to have missed 22.2 times to save the 8.33 stam. But the buff cost 20 stam, so you need to have missed 53.333 times to break even on stam. Again assuming the 300 attacks, you need to have done 16000 attacks, or burn 160k stam to break even.
Short answer : No, not useful.
3. Is the Wither buff useful in the new setup?
Wither however triggers more often. A level 150 wither triggers 30% of the time. But it does not protect against the 2% misses nor of dodge. It does protect against Nullify, or if you don't quite have enough damage. Hard to know if it was a real save, but if you have 6 hits where the creature does not die in your run, then you should have used wither.
Short answer : Maybe, but only if creature has Nullify, or if you are a little short on damage.
4. Is the Force Shield buff useful in the new setup?
Shield Imp activates before Force Shield. Only in the vary rare event of you missing twice when you only have 1 block remaining on the imp will it have a chance to be useful.
Short answer No, not useful.
5. Is Shockwave useful in the new setup?
Shockwave activates only if you hit. So it does not protect against misses, but can protect against Nullify, much like Wither. But it activates only 15% of the time at level 150. It cost 10 stam, also less than Wither. Using the same Math, if you have 8 hits where the creature does not die in your run, then you should have used Shockwave.
Short answer : Maybe, but only if creature has Nullify, or if you are a little short on damage.
6. Is it better to stay back one level if I need to use CA?
When you kill a creature a level below you, you take a 20% xp penalty. This translate to you needing 25% more stam to gain a level. Now, if you need to use CA72 vs no CA for the previous level, CA72 uses only 18.2% more stam, so you should use the CA. However, if you need to use CA109, you will be using 27.3% more stam, so you're a little better off killing the lower level creature, xp wise. But you are killing more creatures (25% more) and therefore gets more gold. What about CA109 vs CA36 on previous level? You'll be using 36.4% more stam vs 27.3%, you should use the CA109. CA145 uses exactly the same 36.4% more stam. So CA145 vs CA36 is the same xp wise, but killing the lower level creature has the bonus of getting more kills and hence more gold.
7. OK, so what gears should I use to get the maximum damage?
I'm going to assume you have enough stam (about 4k is my guess for breakeven) to make it worth the while for buying a Potion of Truth (EW1000), and that you will be getting a level 175 Enchant Armor buff. All items listed will be considered as fully forged, and if perfect crafted if craftable. I'll start listing from level 186, what was previously considered the level where you can no longer 1-hit. I could be wrong, so feel free to message me if you find a better setup. I have never used some of these setups, since the buffs that allow for this were not available then. Berserk and Fury buffs are not considered, since they depend on your level up stats, not your gears. (Thanks to Tangtop for alerting me on my error with Ragnok set. Inferno Hammer + Witches Catseye Shield is better, and the Inferno Hammer alone has Elite Hunter 100).
Level 186 : Cu Sith set (1322) + Banshee Helm (222) + Axe of Brettal (406) + Marpolo Armor (313) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + EW (406) + EA (54) = 3491
Level 200 : Lezhal set (658) + Feral Gauntlets (333) + Banshee Helm (222) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Marpolo Armor (313) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 3898
Level 210 : Lezhal set (658) + Feral Gauntlets (333) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Marpolo Armor (313) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 4006
Level 225 : Feral Gauntlets (333) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Armor of Swalhaven (314) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Pelacroz (333) + Glowing Diamond of Kozyu (374) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 4238
Level 227 : Feral Gauntlets (333) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Armor of Swalhaven (314) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Glowing Diamond of Kozyu (374) + EW (599) + EA (54) = 4333
Level 235 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Phoal (330) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4651
Level 245 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Iron Ring of Fenaz (435) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4886
Level 255 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Red Spine Amulet (515) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4889
Level 274 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Boots of Hellmoor (428) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 4912
Level 275 : Steep Nojor set (1337) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (23) = 5037
Level 276 : Gloves of Servala (501) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Inferno Hammer (599) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (599) + EA (94) = 5145
Level 280 : Destroyer set (2218) + Gloves of Servala (501) + Amulet of Laugeh (538) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Ring of Ignoal (438) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Validar (385) + EW (115) + EA (94) = 5363
Level 300 : Destroyer set (2218) + Sabertooth set (1362) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Libitalia (440) + EW (115) + EA (94) = 5878
Level 325 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Libitalia (440) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 6092
Level 339 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Witches Catseye Shield (352) + Green Spine Boots (533) + Rune of Kanthos (525) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 6177
Level 350 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Octo-Spine set (1686) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Helmet of Xenix (565) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 6986
Level 380 : Sabertooth set (1362) + Octo-Spine set (1686) + Lord Valks War Gauntlet (575) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 7316
Level 390 : Octo-Spine set (1686) + Crushing Fist set (2204) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 7583
Level 399 : Octo-Spine set (1686) + Crushing Fist Gauntlets (745) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Dazmorr Amulet (908) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Armor of Shoratal (541) +Ring of Arzmil (654) + Green Spine Boots (533) + EW (815) + EA (94) = 7686
Level 400 : Octo-Spine set (1686) + Crushing Fist Gauntlets (745) + Sphynx Helmet (895) + Dazmorr Amulet (908) + Sword of Ursa (815) + Argus Armor (590) +Ring of Arzmil (654) + Argus Boots (685) + EW (815) + EA (103) = 7986
8. What if I cannot get Green Spine Boots (or any other items)?
Well, above is for the maximum damage setup. You may not need all of them to 1-hit. You may require a higher level CA if you don't have enough damage. For me, from level 350-379, I hardly have to use the Green Spine Boots, and have been using Boots of Hellmoor. Just use whatever highest damage equipment you can find for your level.
9. Do I always use the highest damage gear?
No. What is listed above is highest damage. But sometimes, you need to trade damage for attack. eg. Saurus Shield vs Witches Catseye Shield, Boots of Hellmoor vs Green Spine Boots.
Sometimes, I trade a high attack boots too, like Boots of Styillpon for the Green Spine. The highest damage gear set is just a reference.
10. Is there a checklist, so that I know I have got all I need?
Checklist :
1. Death Dealer buff/potion and kill Streak (60 for level 175 buff, 400 for potion)
2. Summon Shield Imp buff
3. Dark Curse buff (use the gadget link above to determine the level needed)
4. Counter Attack buff (use the gadget link above to determine if needed and if so, which level)
5. Holy Flame buff (check also that creature is undead)
6. Nightmare Visage buff (check that this buff is not activated)
7. Unbreakable buff (not needed, but very highly recommended if using crystalline items)
Other offensive buffs show up on your profile, check those numbers are good against what you entered in the gadget.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Death Dealer
Death Dealer is an offensive skill available to players level 500 and above.
Here's the official description :
For every 5 kills in a row, without dying, you gain +0.01% extra damage per point (Max 20% and vs. creatures only).
Since all players level 500 will probably have 100% Fury Casting, a player buff will almost always be a level 175 buff.
This buff is also available as potions.
The "Potion of Lesser Death Dealer" provides a level 25 buff and can be invented from plants and bottles bought from stores, except the Blood Bloom Root. However, the Blood Bloom plant is generally extracted for its flowers, so this potion is sort of a by-product and sold for a relatively cheap price.
There is also a "Potion of Life Stealer" that provides a level 40 buff.
The introduction of this buff, together with that of counter attack means you can possibly 1-hit some creatures that used to require 2 hits. However, this buff is a little tricky, since it depends on your kill streak. If you fail and die, your kill streak will be reset to 0, and the buff will provide no additional damage at all. If you have a long kill streak, you can get up to 20% more damage, and that can put you above the damage required for 1-hitting. So what's the difference between the player buff and potion buff? Well, the difference is the streak required to get 20% damage.
For the level 175 player buff, you only need 60 kills to get the 20% extra damage. For the level 25 potion buff, you will need 400 kills to get the 20% extra damage. But regardless of your attack, you can still miss (2% chance), and creatures can also have dodge capability. So if you can have armor/defense and still 1-hit, that'll be ideal. If you cannot, going suicidal will mean that you will probably lose your streak, unless you get defensive buffs to protect you from dying when you miss. Force shield and last ditch can give you a chance of surviving when you miss, but shield imp will definitely protect you and your kill streak.
If you don't have a long kill streak, but need the extra damage, you can do a few things. But in this scenario, you'll want the player buff, not the potion. First, if you are walking from relic to hunting grounds, you can kill a few easy creatures on your way. You don't have to kill 60 if you don't need 20% damage. Use the table above, if you only need 10%, you can just kill 30. You can also get a Counter Attack buff (see my previous blog entry), for extra damage, and then turn it off when you have enough on your kill streak.
If you have a kill streak of 400 or more, you can use the potion since it is likely to be cheaper than a player's buff.
And finally, if the death dealer does not give enough damage, you should also consider using both the death dealer and counter attack.
Here's the official description :
For every 5 kills in a row, without dying, you gain +0.01% extra damage per point (Max 20% and vs. creatures only).
Since all players level 500 will probably have 100% Fury Casting, a player buff will almost always be a level 175 buff.
This buff is also available as potions.
The "Potion of Lesser Death Dealer" provides a level 25 buff and can be invented from plants and bottles bought from stores, except the Blood Bloom Root. However, the Blood Bloom plant is generally extracted for its flowers, so this potion is sort of a by-product and sold for a relatively cheap price.
There is also a "Potion of Life Stealer" that provides a level 40 buff.
The introduction of this buff, together with that of counter attack means you can possibly 1-hit some creatures that used to require 2 hits. However, this buff is a little tricky, since it depends on your kill streak. If you fail and die, your kill streak will be reset to 0, and the buff will provide no additional damage at all. If you have a long kill streak, you can get up to 20% more damage, and that can put you above the damage required for 1-hitting. So what's the difference between the player buff and potion buff? Well, the difference is the streak required to get 20% damage.
| Kill Streak | Level 175 | Level 40 | Level 25 |
| 0 - 4 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 5 - 9 | 1.75% | 0.40% | 0.25% |
| 10 - 14 | 3.50% | 0.80% | 0.50% |
| 15 - 19 | 5.25% | 1.20% | 0.75% |
| 20 - 24 | 7.00% | 1.60% | 1.00% |
| 25 - 29 | 8.75% | 2.00% | 1.25% |
| 30 - 34 | 10.50% | 2.40% | 1.50% |
| 35 - 39 | 12.25% | 2.80% | 1.75% |
| 40 - 44 | 14.00% | 3.20% | 2.00% |
| 45 - 49 | 15.75% | 3.60% | 2.25% |
| 50 - 54 | 17.50% | 4.00% | 2.50% |
| 55 - 59 | 19.25% | 4.40% | 2.75% |
| >=60 | 20.00% | ||
| 100 - 104 | 8.00% | 5.00% | |
| 150 - 154 | 12.00% | 7.50% | |
| 200 - 204 | 16.00% | 10.00% | |
| >= 250 | 20.00% | ||
| 250 - 204 | 12.50% | ||
| 300 - 304 | 15.00% | ||
| >= 400 | 20.00% |
For the level 175 player buff, you only need 60 kills to get the 20% extra damage. For the level 25 potion buff, you will need 400 kills to get the 20% extra damage. But regardless of your attack, you can still miss (2% chance), and creatures can also have dodge capability. So if you can have armor/defense and still 1-hit, that'll be ideal. If you cannot, going suicidal will mean that you will probably lose your streak, unless you get defensive buffs to protect you from dying when you miss. Force shield and last ditch can give you a chance of surviving when you miss, but shield imp will definitely protect you and your kill streak.
If you don't have a long kill streak, but need the extra damage, you can do a few things. But in this scenario, you'll want the player buff, not the potion. First, if you are walking from relic to hunting grounds, you can kill a few easy creatures on your way. You don't have to kill 60 if you don't need 20% damage. Use the table above, if you only need 10%, you can just kill 30. You can also get a Counter Attack buff (see my previous blog entry), for extra damage, and then turn it off when you have enough on your kill streak.
If you have a kill streak of 400 or more, you can use the potion since it is likely to be cheaper than a player's buff.
And finally, if the death dealer does not give enough damage, you should also consider using both the death dealer and counter attack.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ethereal Pillars and Portal
Ethereal Pillars is a relic. My guild (Panic), usually try to capture and defend it. But we will not go to the extend to claim that it is our relic. I think guilds whom make claims like "Owners of Krul Pyramid" are just too arrogant.
Most members go to the relic to defend it after their hunt. So the first question becomes, how many stamina does one need to reach the relic? So let us count.
Instant Teleport back to Krul Island : 25
Enter Mountain Path : 1
(2,2) - (25,4) : (6D, 9R, 4U, 14R) : 33
Enter Ethereal Gateway : 1
(2,2) - (7,7) : (5R, 2D, L, 3D, R) : 12
Total = 25+1+33+1+12 = 72
That means in general if you get 4x doubler or higher, you should have enough stam to reach the relic after a hunt. That was not what prompted me to write this blog entry.
After sitting at the relic and stamina is full, you're now ready to hunt. Where's the nearest portal? I've got various answers, so let's see what they are :
Option 1 : Krul Island Teleport, walk to portal at Cathedral Ways (not recommended)
Instant Teleport back to Krul Island : 25
Enter Mountain Path : 1
(2,2) - (8,16) : (12D, 6R, 2D) : 20
Enter Cathedral Ways : 1
(6,10) - (6,2) : (8U) : 8
Total = 25+1+20+1+8 = 55
Option 2 : Krul Island Teleport, walk to portal at Varas Dungeon (not recommended)
Instant Teleport back to Krul Island : 25
Enter Krul Beach Forest West : 1
(2,2) - (7,9) : (R, 4D, R, 2D, L, 2D, 4R, U) : 16
Enter Varas Dungeon : 1
(17,17) - (9,8) : (R, 4U, L, 5U, 2L, D, 6L, U) : 21
Total = 25+1+16+1+21 = 64
Option 3 : Walk to portal at Cathedral Ways
(7,7) - (2,2) : (L, 3U, R, 2U, 5L) : 12
Enter Mountain Path : 1
(25,4) - (8,16) : (14L, 4D, 3L, 8D) : 29
Enter Cathedral Ways : 1
(6,10) - (6,2) : (8U) : 8
Total = 12+1+29+1+8 = 51
Option 4 : Walk to portal at Ethereal Graveyard
(7,7) - (2,6) : (L, U, 4L) : 6
Enter Ethereal City : 1
(2,2) - (3,15) : (5R, 5D, R, 7D, 5L, D) : 24
Enter Ethereal Graveyard : 1
(2,15) - (14,4) : (R, 6U, 9R, 5U, 2R) : 23
Total = 6+1+24+1+23 = 55
Surprisingly (or not), the fastest way is NOT to use the Instant Teleport. Option 3 walking to the Cathedral Ways is shortest. But the portal prices are more expensive in the Cathedral Ways. Walking to Ethereal Graveyard is only 4 stam more. How do the prices differ?
So if you take the difference, and ask yourself, will you sell a 4 stam buff for that price, that'll help you decide which option to take. For destinations not show above, use the formula below :
Price at Ways Portal = (Destination Level) * 150
Price at Etheral Portal = (Destination Level) * 34
Most members go to the relic to defend it after their hunt. So the first question becomes, how many stamina does one need to reach the relic? So let us count.
Instant Teleport back to Krul Island : 25
Enter Mountain Path : 1
(2,2) - (25,4) : (6D, 9R, 4U, 14R) : 33
Enter Ethereal Gateway : 1
(2,2) - (7,7) : (5R, 2D, L, 3D, R) : 12
Total = 25+1+33+1+12 = 72
That means in general if you get 4x doubler or higher, you should have enough stam to reach the relic after a hunt. That was not what prompted me to write this blog entry.
After sitting at the relic and stamina is full, you're now ready to hunt. Where's the nearest portal? I've got various answers, so let's see what they are :
Option 1 : Krul Island Teleport, walk to portal at Cathedral Ways (not recommended)
Instant Teleport back to Krul Island : 25
Enter Mountain Path : 1
(2,2) - (8,16) : (12D, 6R, 2D) : 20
Enter Cathedral Ways : 1
(6,10) - (6,2) : (8U) : 8
Total = 25+1+20+1+8 = 55
Option 2 : Krul Island Teleport, walk to portal at Varas Dungeon (not recommended)
Instant Teleport back to Krul Island : 25
Enter Krul Beach Forest West : 1
(2,2) - (7,9) : (R, 4D, R, 2D, L, 2D, 4R, U) : 16
Enter Varas Dungeon : 1
(17,17) - (9,8) : (R, 4U, L, 5U, 2L, D, 6L, U) : 21
Total = 25+1+16+1+21 = 64
Option 3 : Walk to portal at Cathedral Ways
(7,7) - (2,2) : (L, 3U, R, 2U, 5L) : 12
Enter Mountain Path : 1
(25,4) - (8,16) : (14L, 4D, 3L, 8D) : 29
Enter Cathedral Ways : 1
(6,10) - (6,2) : (8U) : 8
Total = 12+1+29+1+8 = 51
Option 4 : Walk to portal at Ethereal Graveyard
(7,7) - (2,6) : (L, U, 4L) : 6
Enter Ethereal City : 1
(2,2) - (3,15) : (5R, 5D, R, 7D, 5L, D) : 24
Enter Ethereal Graveyard : 1
(2,15) - (14,4) : (R, 6U, 9R, 5U, 2R) : 23
Total = 6+1+24+1+23 = 55
Surprisingly (or not), the fastest way is NOT to use the Instant Teleport. Option 3 walking to the Cathedral Ways is shortest. But the portal prices are more expensive in the Cathedral Ways. Walking to Ethereal Graveyard is only 4 stam more. How do the prices differ?
| Destination | Level | Price at Ways Portal | Price at Ethereal Portal |
| Azlore Plains | 100 | 15,000 | 3,400 |
| Meyra Coast | 206 | 30,900 | 7,004 |
| Rhoi | 301 | 45,150 | 10,234 |
| Xinderoth | 400 | 60,000 | 13,600 |
| Teotal | 511 | 76,650 | 17,374 |
So if you take the difference, and ask yourself, will you sell a 4 stam buff for that price, that'll help you decide which option to take. For destinations not show above, use the formula below :
Price at Ways Portal = (Destination Level) * 150
Price at Etheral Portal = (Destination Level) * 34
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