Ranger Guide

By Eurysis

I am sure those Ranger-wannabes out there would be dying to know more information about the Ranger class as it seems that information is scarce. Ok here's my little contribution to the community.

When about to dual class into Ranger, the Rogue Master would tell you:

"Ranger

The Ranger is an expert archer and can also make traps.

Bonus: Power"

I find the information given very misleading. Perhaps the GMs or programmers can do something about it.

From personal observation, here are the facts.

1str = 5hp

1dex = 2/3 physical attack

1int = 2/3 magical attack

1con = 12hp 2mp

Let's examine the information:

Power: Increased Damage, Defence and Encumbrance Limit

I take it that power here means strength. Therefore, strength does not increase damage, does not increase defense and I did not see any change in carrying limit when I equip/unequip +4str EQ. The only thing observable is 5hp for each point of strength.

Suggestion:

Strength: Each point increases the Ranger's health OR Each point increases the Ranger's HP by 5.

Dexterity: Increased Hit Rate and Evasion Percentage

Well, I wouldn't know how much the hit/evade rate increases with each point of dex. But the information missed out the fact that dex increases damage for rogue-type characters.

Suggestion:

Dexterity: Each point increases the Ranger's physical attack, hit rate and evasion percentage OR Affects the Ranger's hit rate and evasion rate. Every 3 points increases the Ranger's physical attack by 2.

Intelligence: Increase in Magic Defence and gains First Strike Percentage

I have no idea what does First Strike Percentage mean. And Intelligence certainly did not increase my character's magic defense. Either this information is wrong, or the effects of stats for the class is wrong. Only observable effect from increasing int was an increase in magical attack.

Suggestion:

Intelligence: Each point increases the Ranger's magical attack OR Every 3 points increases the Ranger's magical attack by 2.

Constitution: Increase in HP, MP and Potion Efficiency

This is by far the most accurate statement among them all. Constitution does increase HP and MP. However I do not know if potion efficiency is affected as well. Not tested. If someone else could provide more info on this, it would be nice.

Suggestion:

Constitution: Each point increases the Ranger's HP and MP OR Each point increases the Ranger's HP by 12 and MP by 2.

Bonus: Power

I am confused by this statement. What does bonus mean? Why is it power, which I think is strength? Rangers are range characters which should favour dexterity.

Suggestion: No idea.

On advancing to Ranger, your character gains

1. 307HP (unsure)

2. 261MP (unsure)

3. 16 physical attack (unsure)

4. 20 magical attack (unsure)

5. The previous 30 stat points returned to the pool; players are now free to redistribute them as they see fit.

Well that's what I could come up with from the data I have. Any extra information or comments are welcomed. Enjoy.

PS The term dual class is a little misleading. I think Class Advancement or Advanced/Adept Class would be closer to what is actually happening.

I've posted this in reply to a question in gamemas forum. Might as well put this here as well.

Some higher level rangers should probably be able to answer this better.

However, looking at the skill lists and from my own blunder (putting into int of all things, doh), it's better to put all points into dex first. Looking at level 32 skills, all are passives, and not one of them looks remotely decent IMO. Levels 32 to 38 is going to take quite some time, especially with all the mobs having more HP and with rangers not having any skills that improves damage, passives or otherwise.

Let's look at the individual skill branch.

The Constitution Branch:

Mind Training 32Con - Description says something against magic damage. Well unless you are planning to PvP mages, I don't think it's a necessary skill, at level 32. The only mob I have seen in Merac that uses magic is Doom Slayer, a possible L38 mob. I haven't explored Merac enough to know how many mobs uses magic other than Doom Slayer. At L32, I would say this skill is not important.

Importance: 2/10 - could probably be a 8/10 if there are many magic mobs

Magic Resistance 17Con - I have no idea what this do. Totally. The Rogue Master says "Flame" That's it. The website didn't really help much.

Importance: 1/10

The Intelligence Branch:

Improved Mana 12Int - I took this skill and I must say, at L32, it is absolutely useless to your character. More MP does not mean faster regen rate and you will probably be unable to use them up anyway since your Rogue skills do not require much MP.

Importance: 2/10 - might be a 5/10 once you start getting spammable (?) skills at L38

Flame Arrow 17Int - This was the skill I was aiming to get, but I guess I was a little impatient. I am not sure how good it is yet as I have yet to reach the level to use it (very far from it ATM).

Importance: 5/10 - until proven otherwise

The Dexterity Branch:

Sharpen 2 or 12Dex - There's nothing better to put anyway, and as a Ranger you should be aiming for criticals. I'd give this 3/10 except, it's a Ranger thing (even critical strike has 10% at max, this is pitiful at 5%, so ridiculous)

Importance: 10/10

Piercing 35Dex - An active skill. Unless you are a passive skill player, I guess this skill and Flame Arrow is a must have. Is it a good skill? I can't say.

Importance: 5/10

Hide Shot 52Dex - Attacking while remanining hidden? Enough said?

Importance: 10/10

Critical Increase - Might as well maximise your critical chances as your damage would forever be possibly lower than assassin or archers.

Importance: 10/10

How to distribute stats

At this point in time, I would recommend redistributing all your stats back into dex. Might as well get as much dmg as you can. L32 to L38 would be a long trudge. That means at L32, you have 33 Dex. Now starting from L33, you can either go down 4 paths. From L32 to L38, you would have a total of 21 stat points.

A: If you are like me and plan to get flame arrow at L38, then at 33 put all 4 points into dex, and thereafter, everything you get goes into Int. At L38, you would have 37 Dex and 17 Int.

B: Ignore the other branches and focus on Dex alone. At L38, you would have 54 Dex.

C: Same as A but put into Con instead.

D: Try to get all skills, which would be similar to A, except that you split your stats at L33 have 35Dex and 17 and 2 of the other 2 stats.

I can't tell you which path is the best as I have yet to test out all the skills. This is only conjecture from my point of view. I would update when I have more data. Hope it answers some of your questions.

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IGN: Eurysis @ Katar5

If you have queries or just want to talk, gimme a whisper, will reply if around