Archer

Archer

Job Type:			First
Changes At:			Payon
Number of Skills:			5
Total Skill Points:			50
Total Quest Skills:			2
Job Bonuses
STR	AGI	VIT	INT	DEX	LUK
+3	+3	+1	+2	+7	+2

Introduction

Archers are, as their name implies, experts at long-range combat with Bows and Arrows. Their range gives them several advantages, which includes:

The ability to change the element of their weapon quickly by changing their arrow type. This makes Archers able to exploit elemental advantages easily.
Accuracy and damage is increased by the same stat (DEX), allowing all attacks to connect and deal a lot of damage.
Range enables archers to defeat stationary or slow-moving opponents that are stronger than they are without being hit.

Drawbacks of the Archer class include:

Low VIT limits their ability to survive when they are caught in in melee situations.
Require Arrows for every attack with a Bow. Running out of arrows in a firefight can make an Archer useless.

Archer Data

Archer Stats

STR: 1
AGI: 9
VIT: 1
INT: 9
DEX: 9
LUK: 1

Begin with these stats on a Novice for most types of Archers. As an Archer, the most important stat will be DEX. It increases ASPD a little, reduces cast time, increases accuracy, and it improves bow damage greatly.

Archers aspiring to be PvM Bards or Dancers, or who will become Hunters will find AGI to nearly as/more important than DEX. AGI increases ASPD, allowing the Archer to attack more often (and before the enemy can close into melee range) and deal more damage over-time. It also enables Archers to flee an adversary and more easily evade their attacks.

LUK is useful if the Archer intends to change into a Hunter. LUK increases Falcon attack rate. INT also contributes to Falcon damage by increasing its ATK, but Falconers should prioritized it after AGI and LUK, not substituting any of these stats for INT. These stats should also not be invested for Falconry until the player is a level 75+ Hunter.

INT is also intended for Archers, usually only those who will become Bards or Dancers, rushing for level 99 to rebirth as it allows constant Double Strafe spamming.

VIT is reasonable for players who wish to PvP or take part in the War of Emperium. Pure PvM builds do not often invest in VIT.

The only reason to up STR on an Archer is to extend the Weight Limit, allowing for more Potions and Arrows to be carried. Archers should leave this at 1, but they may find it useful/other uses for it once they become a second class.

Archer Job Change

Head to the Archer Guild in the Archer Village north of Payon. The player will be told to collect Trunks for a certain amount of points. In iRO 40 points are required. There are 4 types of Trunks:

Barren Trunk - these score 2 points
Solid Trunk - these score 3 points
Fine-grained Trunk - these score 5 points
Trunk - these score 1 point

These Trunks can be obtained by the monster Willow, found near Payon on some maps (a good start is one south of Payon). Beware of Elder Willow as they look similar but are too strong at this point. Time can be saved by leveling off of Willows from 10/8 to 12/10 or so because the Trunks are needed anyway.

After enough Trunks are brought back, the player will have their job changed to Archer.

Rewards:
- Bow (4)
- Arrows of extra Trunks were supplied

The Bow (4) is not too bad for the beginning of Archer-hood, but it is better to keep using a Dagger until gaining the skills Double Strafe and Owl's Eye.

Archer Equipment

From Scratch

If as a Novice you begun with a lot of DEX, switch to a bow as soon as possible. Initially the startup fee will be high because you will have to buy arrows, but this fee decreases overtime. Any kind of upgrade that increases ATK or DEX is good for an archer.

With Budget

Wise Goggles or any Wise headgear. The +80 SP helps with Double Strafe. At level 18 Archers are able to wield Cross Bows. These should be carded and upgraded. Carded Composite Bows [4] will not deal as much damage at this point as Cross Bows, but they will be more useful later on if the player will eventually have 130+ DEX. Gakkung Bows are also effective for low DEX Archers or if no cards are being used.