__ / \ _/ | / | / \ / | / | / | WELCOME TO THE RANGER GUIDE! <---------------\\/ BY: MSHunters <----------------} Wow.. A bow and some arrows.. <---------------//\ \ | \ | \ | \ | \_ / \ | \__/ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ TABLE OF CONTENTS 000. Notes Concerning The Guide 001. Introduction 002. Version History 003. 3rd Job Skills 004. SP Allocation Intro 005. SP Allocation Part I 006. SP Allocation Part II Version Check 007. SP Allocation Part II Skill Build 008. Extra <4th Job Advancement> 009. Extra <4th Job Skills> 010. Fun Facts Regarding The 4th Job 011. Training Zones / Recommendations 012. End And Closing Section ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 000. Notes Concerning The Guide And The Game First of all, I made this guide for you all who are going to be fellow Rangers. If you're a Sniper.. Well, look for other guides or you can just browse through this one. This guide may not be reproduced, printed, made for resale or whatsoever concerned to the above. This guide may only be shown in the following site: http://sea.hidden-street.net/. I did my extensive research. Therefore, the result is to be good, I hope.. It contains about all the nesscesary information on being a Ranger. Also, this guide is for personal usage only. I also hand-typed all of the guide, without duplicating any of the information from the other guides. But I did quote a little. And, if you didn't like it, please do not spit it all out on me. Create your own first. Thank you. If you liked the guide, tell me by sending me an e-mail at shauntan290993@hotmail.com and also if you want to ask for anything regarding the guide. If there is anything, like an error, please inform me too. Or you can find me in-game with the provided IGN above. Now that the notes are done... A pointer on using this guide. THE HINT:You do not have to scroll down with the mouse. Just use Ctrl+F. Try it with '000'. ON TO THE NEXT PART OF THE GUIDE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 001. Introduction Welcome and thank you for using this guide. My name is Shaun, and playing MapleSEA Delphinus now, a LV120 Bow Master . I also have a cleric at LV43 , currently inactive. I decided to help out the community by sending a guide to Hidden- Street but I will not touch on the 2nd Job section as there are already many guides in Hidden-Street regarding that topic. However, I am also covering the 4th Job section. A special thanks to the Hidden-Street staff for allowing me to post this guide and for the information given. And Wizet for creating MapleStory.. This guide wouldn't exist without it.. If you're a Sniper, this guide may or may not help you.. Well, just take your time. It's quite similar since almost all the Sniper's skills are the same with the Ranger's. Specifically, Arrow Rain, Inferno and Silver Hawk. These 3 are very similar. NEXT, VERSION HISTORY... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 002. Version History Ver 4.25: New training section added in. Should prove to be useful to most guide viewers. Minor errors and typos corrected. Texts modified and slight rearrangement of contents. Ver 4.0 : Custom SP Guide thoroughly updated as well as improved. Inclusive a complete rearrangement at the LV100-LV120 areas. Several texts changed, minor errors corrected. Facts added. Other contents unaffected. Ver 3.75: A new section (010) has been included. Certain texts modified as well as several skill comments. The extra section on 4th Job slightly updated as well as a new section as stated above right after the extras. Ver 3.55: 4th Job skills' comments re-edited and further updated. Minor errors and typos also cleared. Rest of the content unaffected. Ver 3.50: 4th Job names and descriptions changed. Custom SP build further updated. Certain texts modified. Ver 3.30: Added a 4th Job Info and Skills section into the guide. Also updated the Custom SP Build a bit. Others contents are not affected. Guide has been widely filled. Ver 3.15: Further upgraded the Custom SP Build. Added a version check for users to keep track of each skill build update starting Version 4.0 onwards. Corrected other further minor errors. Ver 3.0 : Changed the opening part of the guide. Slight update on my character's LV. Cleared further errors. Edited some FAQs and some comments. Ver 2.80: Updated the SP section. Table of Contents has been changed slightly. Other contents of the guide are not affected. Ver 2.75: Updated the Custom SP Build to Ver. 3.90. Reversed the SP allocation for skills Inferno and Silver Hawk. Replaced the last FAQ with a Inferno FAQ. Cleared minor errors. Ver 2.60: Updated the Custom SP Build once more. Added a version number for the Custom SP Build. Changed some texts and corrected more errors. Updated the information of 3rd Job Skills. Ver 2.50: Made a note on the Custom SP Build section. Please refer directly to that section for more information. Further updated that skill build also. Ver 2.30: Changed LVs 73-76 of the Custom SP Build. Rearranged skills Inferno, Strafe and Arrow Rain <1 SP each>. Those who followed the previous, you can continue. Result will still be the same. Cleared and edited certain texts. Ver 2.25: Updated the "extras" section and re-edited some texts. Content is still the same. Just that some of the texts have changed. Ver 2.20: Changed some texts for all SP Builds, cleared more errors. Also, updated the ending, notes and intro section. Added a results list into the Custom SP Build section. Ver 2.15: Added some short FAQs regarding the Custom SP Build. Corrected some errors. Slightly updated the ending section. Further updated the Custom Build. Ver 2.0 : Thought over the Custom build and re-edited it. Hope there aren't any mistakes this time. Changed all the "Fire Shot" texts into "Inferno". That's what it is in MapleStory. Ver 1.85: Changed my mind on the Custom SP Build for Rangers. Figured that Thrust wasn't very well needed. Ver 1.80: Slightly updated by cloud3z. Thanks for the help. Ver 1.75: Included a user-friendly Custom SP Build of my own. Further updated the skill builds. Ver 1.50: Corrected some errors. Updated the skill builds. Added an FAQ under the SP Build section. Ver 1.25: Added a few skill build FAQs. Corrected more errors. Ver 1.20: Re-edited and cleared some language errors. Made it easier to understand the guide better. Ver 1.0 : The newly created guide... Having all the nesscesary information needed for a Ranger. SKILL DESCRIPTIONS AND COMMENTS AWAIT.. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 003. 3rd Job Skills The 3rd Job Skills... One of the best set of skills in the 3rd Job Class... From Strafe to Arrow Rain, and Inferno... I'll give a short briefing on all the skills. This set of skills is so overwhelming! [Thrust]: Master LV20 Passive Pre-requisite: None Description: Boosts up the moving speed. Comments : This is by right the only skill that increases Speed permanently. I liked it at first... But it's not too good. You can get at least 20 Speed from using equipments and using a speed pill together. Some regard it as a waste of skill points . [Mortal Blow]: Master LV20 Passive Pre-requisite: None Description: For a certain rate, allows you to fire arrows even at a very close range. Even kills a monster with one shot every once in a while. Comments : This is a good skill. Unlike Final Attack, it only activates when you are close to the monster, not randomly. Also, this skill eliminates the minimum range problem. You may want to get it as soon as possible. [Puppet]: Master LV20 Support Pre-requisite: None Description: Summons a puppet (your other self) for a certain amount of time. While the puppet is around, the monsters will attack the puppet, not you. Comments : This skill's sole purpose is to lure monsters and then SHOOT! Very useful in those closed-up maps where it's so tight that there's nowhere to run. Just place a puppet somewhere else, the monster will move away and you're safe. [Inferno]: Master LV30 Active Pre-requisite: None Description: Uses fire-based arrows to attack up to 6 monsters at once. Only works when equipped with a bow. Comments : This skill is otherwise known as Fire Shot. Nice skill. Finally, bowmen have an elemental attack. There is also that 1.5x element weakness multiplier. It also works exactly like Arrow Bomb except it doesn't stun. Unlike Sniper's Ice Shot, this skill can critical but their's do not. Works wonders with Critical and the elemental weakness together. [Arrow Rain]: Master LV30 Active Pre-requisite: Mortal Blow LV5 Description: Fires a number of arrows into the sky, attacking up to 6 monsters at once on its way down. Only available when equipped with a bow. Comments : AWESOME! We can finally attack like those Mages. No minimum range at all. This means that we can launch this attack from anywhere and strikes all around you, even if the monster's right behind you! Master this skill quick. Critical can also activate using this skill. Last but not least, the skill also has its signature sound effect and it looks nice. [Silver Hawk]: Master LV30 Active Pre-requisite: Puppet LV5 and Consumes 1 Summoning Rock Description: Summons a silver hawk. The hawk will be hovering around you, attacking monsters nearby. Comments : I love the stunner rate, a 99%! This can be useful if you're somewhat lazy to attack. Just stand near a monster and let the hawk do the work for you. But that is not how you use it.. It works as a backup attacker for you. Though I'm not really sure how much damage it does.. [Strafe]: Master LV30 Active Pre-requisite: None Description: Fires 4 arrows at an enemy. Comments : This is the strongest attack ever in being a 3rd Job Bowman. Let's do the math... 100% x 4 arrows... And then critical... Which adds 100% per arrow. You get up to 800% damage per Strafe at a 40% rate when mastered! Some say that LV1 Strafe is way better than LV20 Double Shot because Critical Shot increases 100% damage instead of doubling it as well as an average hit of 560% per Strafe. Well, this is it for the skills. Time for the SP Allocation. SP BUILDS, HERE WE COME! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 004. SP Allocation Intro Okay, the SP Allocation for my guide will be divided into two sections. The first part consists of three simple, basic builds which are easily compiled with some knowledge. The second part is slightly more complex because I took quite some time to build it up. Well, it isn't perfect and I'm still looking for ways to boost it's efficiency. I'll be looking forward to making it a great build. I am also currently using the custom one. Okay, now that this section is done, let's get on with the SP Builds. Feel free to experience any of them and try experimenting them to see which suits you the most. Have fun! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 005. SP Allocation Part I There are many variations to making a skill build. But I will only state mine and a few more because I don't know the others much... By the way, this was all the research that I did to make these 3 basic builds. The Custom SP Build, further below, which I feel, is much better than these three set up here. SP BUILD This is what you have to follow in the beginning. It is very important that you max Strafe out early because eventually you'll have to use it as your primary attack. If not, then you try to make a build of your own. LV70 - 1 point in Strafe (1) LV71 - 2 points in Strafe (3), 1 point in Inferno (1) LV72 - 3 points in Strafe (6) LV73 - 3 points in Strafe (9) LV74 - 3 points in Strafe (12) LV75 - 3 points in Strafe (15) LV76 - 3 points in Strafe (18) LV77 - 3 points in Strafe (21) LV78 - 3 points in Strafe (24) LV79 - 3 points in Strafe (27) LV80 - 3 points in Strafe (30) (MASTERED) SP BUILD A: Balanced Build This is a highly recommended one. If you don't want it, look at the other builds below. LV81 - 3 points in Mortal Blow (3) LV82 - 2 points in Mortal Blow (5), 1 point in Puppet (1) LV83 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (3) LV84 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (6) LV85 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (9) LV86 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (12) LV87 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (15) LV88 - 2 points in Inferno (3), 1 point in Puppet (2) LV89 - 3 points in Inferno (6) LV90 - 3 points in Inferno (9) LV91 - 3 points in Inferno (12) LV92 - 3 points in Inferno (15) LV93 - 3 points in Puppet (5) LV94 - 1 point in Puppet (6), 2 point in Mortal Blow (7) LV95 - 3 points in Mortal Blow (10) LV96 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (18) LV97 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (21) LV98 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (24) LV99 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (27) LV100- 3 points in Arrow Rain (30) (MASTERED) LV101- 3 points in Silver Hawk (3) LV102- 3 points in Silver Hawk (6) LV103- 3 points in Silver Hawk (9) LV104- 3 points in Silver Hawk (12) LV105- 3 points in Silver Hawk (15) LV106- 2 points in Puppet (8), 1 point in Mortal Blow (11) LV107- 3 points in Puppet (11) LV108- 3 points in Puppet (14) LV109- 3 points in Puppet (17) LV110- 3 points in Puppet (20) (MASTERED) LV111- 3 points in Mortal Blow (14) LV112- 3 points in Mortal Blow (17) LV113- 3 points in Mortal Blow (20) (MASTERED) LV114- 3 points in Inferno (18) LV115- 3 points in Inferno (21) LV116- 3 points in Silver Hawk (18) LV117- 3 points in Silver Hawk (21) LV118- 3 points in Silver Hawk (24) LV119- 3 points in Silver Hawk (27) LV120- 3 points in Silver Hawk (30) (MASTERED) SP BUILD B: Offense Build This is for more elemental/attack power and less support. Try it out if you like killing fast. LV81 - 2 points in Inferno (3), 1 point in Puppet (1) LV82 - 3 points in Inferno (6) LV83 - 3 points in Inferno (9) LV84 - 3 points in Inferno (12) LV85 - 3 points in Inferno (15) LV86 - 3 points in Mortal Blow (3) LV87 - 2 points in Mortal Blow (5), 1 point in Puppet (2) LV88 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (3) LV89 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (6) LV90 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (9) LV91 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (12) LV92 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (15) LV93 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (18) LV94 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (21) LV95 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (24) LV96 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (27) LV97 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (30) (MASTERED) LV98 - 3 points in Inferno (18) LV99 - 3 points in Inferno (21) LV100- 3 points in Puppet (5) LV101- 3 points in Puppet (8) LV102- 3 points in Puppet (11) LV103- 3 points in Puppet (14) LV104- 3 points in Puppet (17) LV105- 3 points in Puppet (20) (MASTERED) LV106- 3 points in Silver Hawk (3) LV107- 3 points in Silver Hawk (6) LV108- 3 points in Silver Hawk (9) LV109- 3 points in Silver Hawk (12) LV110- 3 points in Silver Hawk (15) LV111- 3 points in Mortal Blow (8) LV112- 3 points in Mortal Blow (11) LV113- 3 points in Mortal Blow (14) LV114- 3 points in Mortal Blow (17) LV115- 3 points in Mortal Blow (20) (MASTERED) LV116- 3 points in Silver Hawk (18) LV117- 3 points in Silver Hawk (21) LV118- 3 points in Silver Hawk (24) LV119- 3 points in Silver Hawk (27) LV120- 3 points in Silver Hawk (30) (MASTERED) SP BUILD C: Supportive Build This is for all of you who prefer support skills over attacking. Not really recommended... Try out your luck if you want... LV81 - 3 points in Puppet (3) LV82 - 3 points in Puppet (6) LV83 - 3 points in Mortal Blow (3) LV84 - 2 points in Mortal Blow (5), 1 point in Arrow Rain (1) LV85 - 2 points in Arrow Rain (3), 1 point in Puppet (7) LV86 - 3 points in Silver Hawk (3) LV87 - 3 points in Silver Hawk (6) LV88 - 3 points in Silver Hawk (9) LV89 - 3 points in Silver Hawk (12) LV90 - 3 points in Silver Hawk (15) LV91 - 3 points in Puppet (10) LV92 - 3 points in Puppet (13) LV93 - 3 points in Puppet (16) LV94 - 3 points in Puppet (19) LV95 - 1 point in Puppet (20) (MASTERED), 2 points in Arrow Rain (5) LV96 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (8) LV97 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (11) LV98 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (14) LV99 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (17) LV100- 3 points in Arrow Rain (20) LV101- 3 points in Silver Hawk (18) LV102- 3 points in Silver Hawk (21) LV103- 3 points in Silver Hawk (24) LV104- 3 points in Silver Hawk (27) LV105- 3 points in Silver Hawk (30) (MASTERED) LV106- 2 points in Inferno (3), 1 point in Mortal Blow (6) LV107- 3 points in Inferno (6) LV108- 3 points in Inferno (9) LV109- 3 points in Inferno (12) LV110- 3 points in Inferno (15) LV111- 3 points in Arrow Rain (23) LV112- 3 points in Arrow Rain (26) LV113- 3 points in Arrow Rain (29) LV114- 1 point in Arrow Rain (30) (MASTERED), 2 points in Mortal Blow (8) LV115- 3 points in Mortal Blow (11) LV116- 3 points in Mortal Blow (14) LV117- 3 points in Mortal Blow (17) LV118- 3 points in Mortal Blow (20) (MASTERED) LV119- 3 points in Inferno (18) LV120- 3 points in Inferno (21) In the end, for whichever build you followed, you should have: Thrust - 00 (EMPTY) Mortal Blow- 20 (MASTERED) Puppet - 20 (MASTERED) Inferno - 21 Arrow Rain - 30 (MASTERED) Silver Hawk- 30 (MASTERED) Strafe - 30 (MASTERED) Well, that's it for the SP Allocation. I hope you're happy with the 3 builds that I gave. Some FAQs Regarding The Builds Q: Why not we add Thrust? After all, Bowmen have low movement speed. A: Personally, I don't really like Thrust. You'll be losing points on other skills. Some recommend this, use a Bone Helm, an Icarus Cape 2, and a Speed Pill. Around +25 Speed without Jump. Also, you may be partying with a Hermit/Ch. Bandit most of the time. Q: Hmm... Why max Strafe so early? What about the others? A: Well, Strafe is very powerful to me, so I max it quick. Some people leave it at LV10 to master the others then only master Strafe. It's really up to you. For me, I want high damage early. ON TO THE CUSTOM BUILD! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 006. SP Allocation Part II Version Check This section will cover the version history of the custom skill build. It starts from version 4.0 onwards. Version 4.20 >> Version 4.50 Why sudden 4.5? Well, I had been checking the build several times before I posted it so there was a huge change in the build instead. Build is now complex at the LV100-LV110 section. Reason, Silver Hawk is put up to LV25 to provide maximum stunning. Inferno shifted to the back since it shows less use in most situations. Mortal Blow shifted up to provide killing in front range. Version 4.10 >> Version 4.20 Inferno was shifted with Silver Hawk. Stunner obtained earlier. Version 4.0 >> Version 4.10 Shifted the last few LVs of Silver Hawk and Mortal Blow around. The other skills are not affected anyhow. Version 3.90 >> Version 4.0 Rearranged Arrow Rain with some Puppet and Silver Hawk. Skill build now looks slightly more complex. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 007. SP Allocation Part II Skill Build It's another skill build. But this time, it's custom made and it was for me only. But I've decided to share this build with all the guide viewers so that they can succeed themselves too. It's a little different than the 3 builds above.. Depends on whether you want it or not. I have a great feeling it will be successful . Well, here goes! Note that the overall result will be slightly different. Oh yes, just a note. Due to recent suggestions and some tough thinking, I just want to inform that the Custom SP Build may change for every update that took place. The 3 above won't be covered. It will always be that way. Please write this build somewhere for future reference. CUSTOM SP BUILD / VER 4.5 LV70 - 1 point in Strafe (1) (Free Point) LV71 - 3 points in Strafe (4) LV72 - 3 points in Strafe (7) LV73 - 2 points in Strafe (9), 1 point in Inferno (1) LV74 - 3 points in Mortal Blow (3) LV75 - 2 points in Mortal Blow (5), 1 point in Strafe (10) LV76 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (3) LV77 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (6) LV78 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (9) LV79 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (12) LV80 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (15) LV81 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (18) LV82 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (21) LV83 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (24) LV84 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (27) LV85 - 3 points in Arrow Rain (30) (MASTERED) LV86 - 3 points in Strafe (13) LV87 - 2 points in Strafe (15), 1 point in Puppet (1) LV88 - 3 points in Puppet (4) LV89 - 2 points in Puppet (6), 1 point in Inferno (2) LV90 - 3 points in Strafe (18) LV91 - 3 points in Strafe (21) LV92 - 3 points in Strafe (24) LV93 - 3 points in Strafe (27) LV94 - 3 points in Strafe (30) (MASTERED) LV95 - 3 points in Puppet (9) LV96 - 3 points in Puppet (12) LV97 - 3 points in Puppet (15) LV98 - 3 points in Puppet (18) LV99 - 2 points in Silver Hawk (2), 1 point in Inferno (3) LV100- 3 points in Silver Hawk (5) LV101- 2 points in Puppet (20) (MASTERED), 1 point in Silver Hawk (6) LV102- 3 points in Silver Hawk (9) LV103- 3 points in Silver Hawk (12) LV104- 3 points in Silver Hawk (15) LV105- 3 points in Silver Hawk (18) LV106- 3 points in Silver Hawk (21) LV107- 3 points in Silver Hawk (24) LV108- 1 point in Silver Hawk (25), 2 points in Inferno (5) LV109- 3 points in Mortal Blow (8) LV110- 3 points in Mortal Blow (11) LV111- 3 points in Mortal Blow (14) LV112- 3 points in Mortal Blow (17) LV113- 3 points in Mortal Blow (20) (MASTERED) LV114- 3 points in Silver Hawk (28) LV115- 2 points in Silver Hawk (30) (MASTERED), 1 point in Inferno (8) LV116- 3 points in Inferno (9) LV117- 3 points in Inferno (12) LV118- 3 points in Inferno (15) LV119- 3 points in Inferno (18) LV120- 3 points in Inferno (21) And here is the finishing of the Custom SP Build. I hope you liked it! And also found it useful to follow... In the end of this build, you should have these amounts of skill LVs: Thrust - 00 (EMPTY) Mortal Blow- 20 (MASTERED) Puppet - 20 (MASTERED) Inferno - 21 Arrow Rain - 30 (MASTERED) Silver Hawk- 30 (MASTERED) Strafe - 30 (MASTERED) Some FAQs Regarding The Custom SP Build Q: Why did you decide to put this build up? A: Well, I figured the people around needed some guidance and I also thought that the builds above weren't enough. Q: Is this build better than the 3 stated above? A: I highly think so because I've asked some of the fellow Rangers for their suggestions and then put all the info together to make this one build. Q: With this build, won't you be more likely to get Arrow Rain late? A: Just like the 3 builds above, I'd prefer a short boost in power as a Ranger. This time, Strafe is to be left at LV10, assuring that you get balanced damage and also a balanced time of getting Arrow Rain. Q: Why isn't Inferno mastered this time? A: I compared Inferno and Silver Hawk. It seems that Silver Hawk is very useful at LV30 because it can actually save your character's life with it's 99% stunner. Inferno on the other hand, is about as strong as Arrow Bomb at LV21, on non-fire weak monsters, that is.. I also came to think that Inferno is pretty much used for luring purposes too. Q: Wow, you sure have the build shuffled here. Aren't direct builds a lot faster than shifted builds? That's what many people do. A: It's your opinion, overall. Shuffled builds are easy to me since you get a complete variation of skills instead of going in one straight line and using only one skill for about 10 levels. Playing with shuffled builds can probably make your character less boring and maybe a lot easier to train too. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 008. Extra <4th Job Advancement> The 4th Job Advancement is the final and the most rewarding job advancement in Maple Story. It takes place when you are at least LV120. There are no requirements for this advancement except you have to be at LV120 and have the position of the 3rd Job. Here are the steps to finish your final job advancement. First of all, train really hard until you're LV120. Then, talk to Rene, in El Nath. She will then introduce you to Legor, your 4th Job Instructor. He will then tell you to collect 2 items, namely the Heroic Star and the Heroic Pentagon. There are 2 ways to obtain these two items. The first method is to obtain them by fighting. Manon and Griffey, both Leafre bosses, provide you with them. Be aware of their capable damage and their 1 HP and MP attack. You will need a Dragon Knight for this part. The Herioc Star and the Heroic Pentagon will be dropped by each of the bosses respectively. The second method is to obtain them by "buying" the items. You get the items by trading a scroll for the items needed. That scroll can be bought from Vega in the 44th Floor of the Eos Tower. Please keep a good eye that the scroll costs a hefty 10 million mesos. After getting the scroll, give it to Cheif Tatamo in Leafre itself and he in return will give you the 2 items. Collect the Heroic Star and the Heroic Pentagon and give it to Legor as proof that you are ready for the 4th Job Adavncement. From there, a new skill book will be given to you. In that book, only three skills are preset unlocked, namely Sharp Eyes, Hamstring and Bow Expert. Upon the advancement, a skill book called Maple Warrior, 3 AP, and 5 SP will be awarded. But there is a catch, you can only unlock the skills by getting skill books from monsters, although some are preset ready. And your maximum LV for each skill is fixed at LV10 until you obtain mastery books to get LVs 20 and 30. The procedures for each skill is described in various sites, mainly Sleepywood Forums. Others include PlayPark Forums and what not. ON WITH THE SKILLS! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 009. Extra <4th Job Skills> Here, I will state the 4th Job Skills for the Ranger's 4th Job only because I do not know much of all the others.. Anyways, I will still get on with the skills now. This is more overwhelming than the 3rd Job Skills.. [Maple Warrior]: Master LV20 Support [Core] Category : All classes Pre-requisite: None Description: Increase all players' stats within a party by certain percentage. Comments : Does exactly what it says. Increases your 4 stats in total by 10% when maxed. Proves useful for extra avoid, accuracy and others. [Hamstring]: Master LV30 Active [Core] Category : Bow Master only Pre-requisite: None Description: Attacks a monster's leg with a given success rate, slowing it down tremendously in the process. Comments : Again, does what it says, slows down targets hit by the arrows. You have to activate it as a support skill first. Within the timer, all shots fired have a certain chance of decreasing the enemy's speed temporarily. [Sharp Eyes]: Master LV30 Support [Core] Category : Bow Master / Crossbow Master Pre-requisite: None Description: Provides the party members an ability to locate the enemy's weakness, and in turn inflict lethal damage by exploiting it. Comments : This is a secondary Critical attack for Bowmen and Claw users. Not only does this skill adds damage, but it also increases the rate of firing critical shots. A normal Critical would boost the damage by 100%, but after the buff, it makes it to 240%. This is the main of the three priorities of a Bow Master. Even at LV1, the critical rate should not be underestimated because it's a 41% critical rate to do all attacks with a +211% damage bonus. [Dragon Pulse]: Master LV30 Active [Party Quest] Category : Bow Master / Crossbow Master Pre-requisite: None Description: Drawing from the dragon's spirit, enables one to launch a powerful arrow. Because of its tremendous force, if hit, the monster will be knocked back a great distance. Comments : This is a replacement for 2nd Job's Power Knock-Back. When used together with Mortal Blow, this skill would make quite an awesome yet invincible combo for monster control. Do note that this skill has a minimum range. [Hurricane/Storm Arrows]: Master LV30 Active [Quest] Category : Bow Master only Pre-requisite: None Description: Launches arrows at a tremendous speed, as chaotic as a nasty rainstorm. Comments : This is a killer attack skill. It will always fire arrows until the skill key is released or you get hit. On average, it hits about 7-9 arrows per second <480 per min>. Note that it has a short startup acceleration time. This skill also has an extremely high re-fire rate. This is one of the three priorities of a Bow Master. At max, this skill is capable of shooting arrows of up to at least 800% damage without Critical in just 1 mere second. By LV11, this skill should completely replace Strafe. [Concentration]: Master LV30 Support [Quest] Category : Bow Master only Pre-requisite: None Description: Temporarily increases weapon attack, while simultaneously decreases skill-based MP usage. (Cooldown: 6 minutes) Comments : This is a Bow Master-special skill which increases the weapon attack by up to 26 when it is maxed. Also, this skill lowers the MP usage of every skill by 50% when maxed. Because of this, this is a skill that actually saves money. Please be aware of the cooldown timer as well as the quest difficulty. [Bow Expert]: Master LV30 Passive [Core] Category : Bow Master / Crossbow Master Pre-requisite: Bow Mastery LV20 <2nd Job Skill> Description: Increases the bow mastery as well as weapon attack. Only applied with a bow in hand. Comments : Just like Sharp Eyes, this is an upgraded version of the 2nd Job's Bow Mastery. Grants you up to 90% mastery on every attack and a bonus 10 weapon attack when maxed. This is again one of the three priorities of a Bow Master. [Phoenix]: Master LV30 Support [Quest] Category : Bow Master / Crossbow Master Pre-requisite: Silver Hawk LV15 <3rd Job Skill> Description: Temporarily summons Phoenix, which is fire-based. Attacks up to 4 monsters. Comments : Again, an upgrade skill version of 3rd Job's Silver Hawk. Comparing both skills, I still have to say Silver Hawk is better because it stuns monsters and saves your life. This is just a backup attacker. Do note that it DOES NOT require any Summoning Rock. Some extra notes before I end this section. As you can see, I have stated the master LVs of every skill. But you do not get to max those skills right away. The skills start off at LV10 max. You will have to find mastery books to upgrade them which can be obtained from various monsters. To use the books, you double click on them, but they too have percentage rates of passing. A LV20 Mastery Book will have a 70% chance of passing. Minimum skill LV5. A LV30 Mastery Book will have a 50% chance of passing. Minimum skill LV15. Please note that even if your mastery books fail, they do not affect your character in whatsoever way. That is all about the 4th Job Skills. Also, please note that some of the Crossbow Master skills are not mentioned here. Not to be sided on one half, but after all, this guide is credited towards all the Bow users. FACTS, ANYONE? COMING UP NEXT. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 010. Fun Facts Regarding The 4th Job As well all know, the 4th Job Adavncement takes place at LV120. Anyways, here are some useful facts. # 1 A Bow Master's Storm Arrows is highly overrated (it really is). # 2 An XBow Master's Snipe will do at least 95k damage and is always critical. # 3 A Night Lord's Triple Throw can hit way higher than Storm Arrows if they have Sharp Eyes. # 4 Dark Knights have a skill that increases their mastery to 85%. # 5 (X)Bow Expert LV30 and Sharp Eyes LV10 is better than Sharp Eyes LV30 and (X)Bow Expert 10. # 6 Blizzard And Meteor uses 4200 MP at LV1 with maxed Element Amplification. # 7 Phoenix and/or Freezer still attacks even while you are on a ladder or a rope. # 8 Although a Shadower's Boomerang Step seems fast, the Shadower will remain at the same position. # 9 An XBow Master's Pierce damage increases by 18% for every monster shot through. #10 A(n) (X)Bow Master's skill books and quests are about the easiest to clear. #11 A Night Lord's Triple Throw LV20 Skillbook is obtainable only via Horntail. #12 Dragon Pulse knocks back 100% even at LV1 (disregarding capable damage). #13 Although a Shadower's Smoke Shell provides invincibility for 1 full minute, it is only usable once per 10 minutes. 10% invincibility of the time. #14 Among all 4th Job Magicians, Bahamut is the easiest summon skill to obtain. #15 Storm Arrows at LV11 can completely outdamage Strafe EVEN WITHOUT Sharp Eyes. #16 The mastery book for Maple Hero LV20 can only be obtained by defeating Horntail (Leafre boss, other words, madness). #17 Storm Arrows requires a glove to finish the skill quest, and the glove drops from Kentaurus in approximately 10 minutes, making it the fastest skill quest to finish (Skill: Pierce works the same way). This is about all I have in my mind. I'll be back with more soon! 4TH JOB SECTION ENDS.. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 011. Training Zones / Recommendations Intro Okay, this section is totally new in the guide. This part was inspired to me from this guy named Emmanuel (whom I don't know..) and he suggested this to me through my e-mail. In this section, I will just generally state the zones one should train in depending on different skill situations as well as adding in my personal experiences starting June 2007. However so, I will only be covering the areas above LV70. Since I am not exactly LV120 yet, I will need a while to confirm the LV110 areas. Without further delay, I shall begin! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 012. Training Zones / Recommendations Continuation Here on out, I will begin. ----------- LV70: Start ----------- It is extremely recommended you begin at the last place you stopped. Confused? It just means you train at the place you used to train before you ever reached your 3rd Job Advancement. At this point, you still have your old skills and old tactics of training since you've got nothing improved yet. ZONES: Your old training place. Wherelse would you have to go? ------------------------------------- LV73-LV85: Based on Custom SP setting ------------------------------------- If at all you followed the build that was set in this guide by me, you should stand a great chance in GS, Singapore. Why? The area there has stairs for you to hit-and-run anytime you like. Same goes for Mysterious Path 3 (MP3). More importantly, you take almost zero damage as well as extremely potent meso gain at that very map. Or, you can do what I did, before GS was released. Get some potent Strafe as well as Rain, and you can take Parking Lot of Zipangu. I received comments last time that it is hard and painful in there since you take a lot of damage, and Parking Lot is a bit huge for Rangers/Snipers to train alone there. Well, it may need some practice but it's definitely worth it. Upside, great EXP. Downside, pain and low-meso gain. ZONES: Ghost Ship 2 and 5, Mysterious Path 3, Parking Lot ----------------------------------------- LV85-LV95: Rain maxed, Strafe to-be-maxed ----------------------------------------- During my time, SG was just released, so I'm not too sure whether this may help or not. Anyways, a good place would still be GS of Singapore, due to it's Arrow Rain help ability. Maintained meso rate also. But, the EXP rate would've dropped low. Therefore, Parking Lot or the map after that, Finance Of The Flaming Raccoon would do better. On average, you're able to get a rough 465 EXP each kill. When you come to your 90s, consider changing places! Your EXP required to level up by now would be near 10 million already by LV95, so you'll have to find a more suitable place to train. There are two, for starters, namely Squids (first map) or Spirit Vikings (not Gigantic). Why? These mobs move really slow, and, the good range Bowmen have allows them to hit, without being hit. Squids hit 100-200 damage on range, small, but really irritating. Whereas on touch, it's an instant 1500 damage, so beware of that. Spirit Vikings too touch high, about 1400 damage and on range, they hit 1700, so there's a higher risk. The upside on Squids,is that you get a hefty 2200 EXP per kill, whereas 2100 on Vikings. Puppet can be put into extreme use by now. The idea is to lure the Squid/Viking to one side, and with a good-timer Puppet, you are able to hit, even close. You will find Strafe to be more useful at Squids and your multi-hit skills more at Vikings. In general, you should be very careful while training at either these spots, due to it's high death rate. One mere disconnection can cause you your death when you log back in. Be aware of that. ZONES: Ghost Ship and Parking Lot (below LV90), Squids or Vikings (90 and over) --------------------------------------------------------------- LV100: Strafe and Rain completely maxed, Puppet LV11 and higher --------------------------------------------------------------- This can be a little more complicated than I had planned. Again, the Ulu extension was not released when I was at this level, and I had to maintain at Squids for a while. But there is a very good alternative to this, Gobies (map 2). Gobies (Deep Sea Gorge II) give a simple 1400 EXP, but they come in packs of 6, a grand total 8400 EXP! The problem to this, however, was that if you come into close range with the Fish House, you'll end up being hit 2000 and over. There is also that weapon attack lock but it should be not much of a problem. Another one to this is that Bone Fish occupy the area, and they too use that weapon lock. In any case they activate it, put Mortal Blow's kill effect into good use. With practice, you should be able to avoid practically all attacks at that place. A great tip is to use Puppet whenever applicable. This ensures you have tons of sniping spots in the area. Another tip, the Bone Fish never uses its weapon lock or magic lock until its HP drops to 50% and below. Another tip is that the Fish glitches itself, meaning stun itself, and it becomes vulnerable to attack. Do note that the glitch effect wears off as you hit 4200 damage and higher. Nonetheless, training at Gobies require tons of patience and safety. Though this may seem boring, there is another one more alternative, party Squid. This would require a simple party of attackers and a Priest/Bishop and you yourself for some high damage. Again, Risell Squids (Dangerous Sea Gorge II) move extremely slowly, allowing you to hit as much as you can, disregarding the touch damage of 1500. Also, standing too near the Squid and attacking would cause you to take a magic hit of 600-700 damage. This may seem like nothing, but constantly getting hit would cost you dearly. Also note the meso rate isn't as high as the other places. ZONES: Gobies (LV100 over, requires self-skill), Risell Squids (LV110 over, party) Conclusion to this, I have requests from a few people that they wish to know what are my training areas, thus the existence of this section. If at all there are ANY mistakes or doubts (which I'm sure there are), please send an e-mail to me at my address stated in the guide. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 012. End And Closing Section Okay.. This is the end of the guide. I plan to keep it updated every once in a while, so keep checking like once every week or so. If the 4th Job comes out , I'll research more and maybe even include a 4th Job section in the guide. Hope I can do so that is.. I also hope that the viewers can give me suggestions on how to make this guide longer. Do tell me by sending me an e-mail. Address is stated above. Your contribution is deeply and highly appreciated. The same goes for any error in the guide. Thanks. By the way, if you have any suggestions for the skill builds, any other comments, rejections, etc. etc., I would kindly accept it. The creator is always happy to accept new ideas. Thanks again. I'm having a Bow Master LV120 and a Cleric LV43 in Delphinus, MapleSEA now. This part was stated earlier.. Also, all my character names start with an MS in front of it, followed by the Job selected. You can find me using my so-called "perfect" language. I am really against KS-ing . If you ever come into one, do not fight back. Just move away. You literally know they're weaklings. Besides, you do not waste your time fending off "useless" people. I'm currently using something called the Sybaris Bowman Calculator to, well, calculate my current damage, to predict my future damage and it's also usable for different types of monsters you fight. The download link is available via Sleepywood Forums, go ahead and search. It runs on Microsoft Excel or even Open Office. Have high patience! It took me approximately 6 whole months to be a Ranger. Most Hunters and CrossBowmen stop training at the LV50s. The 3rd Job Skills are very worthwhile if you were to render off 70 whole LVs. Remember, if the Hermits keep showing their power, show them you have the will and patience to make a great Bowman! . This guide was first posted somewhere in April 2007. So.. It's been about 16 months and/or longer since this guide was first created. Now, to fully end the guide. Lastly, thank you for taking your time reading this guide! THANK YOU FOR USING THIS GUIDE! Copyright © 9th August 2008. MSHunters. All rights reserved. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~