Description
This build is created around the principal of an agile hybrid who, although I personally am using mainly Dark spells at the moment, is able to use all spheres of magic effectively (to a point) while still having sufficient HP for PvP and decent melee output when things get heated.
Worked well for me to complete all the content so far apart from rank 3 in Blue Sentinels and Brotherhood of Blood which are on going as I wrap up NG. CDO… ;)
I recommend going for the melee stats first but remember to gradually improve your magic for weapon enchant spells at regular intervals.
Alternate 1 equipment is pretty much what I used most of the game up until the last DLC.
Stats
| Starting Class | Explorer |
|---|---|
| Level | 207 |
| Vigor | 20 |
| Endurance | 20 |
| Vitality | 20 |
| Attunement | 30 |
| Strength | 30 |
| Dexterity | 30 |
| Adaptability | 30 |
| Intelligence | 40 |
| Faith | 40 |
Weapons
RH1: Dark Mirrah Greatsword +9
RH2: Dark Dagger +9
RH3: Dark Hunter's Blackbow +9
LH1: Dark Espada Ropera +9
LH2: Black Witch's Staff +9
LH3: Empty / Drakekeeper's Shield +9 (equipped for PvE only as it puts equipment load > 40%) / Pyromancy Flame +10 viable, or another dagger would fit (39.9%)
AS1: Poison Arrows
AS2: Dark Arrows
Alternate 1:
RH1: Dark Longsword +9
Equipment
Head: Kings Crown (PvP) / Crown of the Old Iron King (PvE)
Chest: Lion Mage Robe +9
Hands: Lion Mage Cuffs +9
Feet: Lion Mage Skirt +9
R1: Stone Ring / Delicate String… remember to swap it out when the fog appears! ^^ > for PvE recommend replacing this.
R2: Ring of Life Protection > Once you have completed the DLC content you can drop this for Abyss Ring.
R3: Ring of Blades
R4: Flynn's Ring
Alternate 1:
Chest: Desert Sorceress Top +9
Hands: Engraved Gauntlets
Feet: Desert Sorceress Skirt +9
R3 & R4: Varied
Spells
Dark Weapon
Affinity
Soul Spear
Dark Orb
Tips
Apply Dark Weapon to Dark Mirrah Greatsword.
Open with Affinity followed quickly by Soul Spear and/or Dark Orbs before your opponent gets too close.
If at this point they have not been nuked:
1) If the enemy closes to melee range, use the Dark Mirrah Greatsword strong attack (two hits as if they dodge the thrust, the second slash should hit unless they rolled backwards) then roll out. For opponents with high poise, shields or massive weapons, switch to the Dark Dagger and use it with the Dark Espada Ropera to stun-lock, backstab, power stance or parry.
2) If the opponent retreats continue with Soul Spear and/or Dark Orbs. If they are still running away at this point send a few poison arrows their way to make them reconsider…
I honestly think this build is decent but it has too many holes for when in pvp.
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah it's probably not perfect but it served me well so far. Can be hard fighting people with poison/bleed setups but generally if I'm meeting the same person a few times I'll swap in a Chloranthy and a Poisonbite ring in place of the +5 stats (means you lose Soul Spear but that's no biggie).
Similar to my Battle Mage build (page 3 on builds page) this build could be very adaptive, however a Dark Zwihander would increase range of your melee attacks significantly. And an alternate Helm could be the hexer hood which increases the amount of casts per spell; im just speaking from my play style, which is quiet adaptive to its situation.
If my suggestions help, your welcome. if not im sorry i failed to help.
Not at all, all comments welcome.
Although I can wield a great sword, it's the weight of them that stop me.
Regarding Hexer Hood, I find I have enough casts generally for PvP and mainly use melee in PvE.
Updated following completion of 3rd DLC due to crown retaining humanity.
This build is holding up exceptionally well in PvP still… 9/10 victory rate. Still struggles with big hitters and only if you make a mistake and get hit but 9/10 fights will return a victory if you use the agility wisely.
I'm considering using a Soul Vessel to reduce STR/DEX to 17/20, that would free up 13 stat points to be reinvested in Attunement to then be levelled up to 50 SL 214 but I'm concerned the gain in cast speed would be offset by too big a drop in melee damage. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated, it might just be better to start levelling attunement again once I've bought out all the vendors in NG.
NOTE: If you don't want to lose your souls while PvEing remember to wear the Ring of Life Protection still! ;)