The Ultimate Physical Rune Knight Guide
Do you like the Rune Knight class, but absolutely detest being only energy fuel for your lizard friend? Then you’re in the right place. With the introduction of Bio5 headgears and several OCP items that’s generally good for physical classes, Physical RKs have received new found flexibility to play around with builds that utilizes several kinds of weapons for all sorts of occasion.
1. Optimal Character Playstyles
A. Pure Crit Build
The classic AGI CRIT knight evolution. The beauty of this playstyle is to abuse the power of Crush Strike, which grants you the highest damage one-hit move in the game at random occasions (In other words, Who has the biggest E-dick competition). Currently Crit RK’s normal auto-attack damage is not competitive against similar geared GX, but the incoming Rune Improvement patch will put us right back on the map.
Skill Tree: https://irowiki.org/...HNeAcFrFrkqnak1 Comparison: Mob gives highest DPS as well as additional mid HG slot. Great for users who only want two-handed swords for weapons since they do not need gambler seal’s bonus. However, you may still choose Gambler seal due to its splash damage, more CRIT and ASPD- which allows users to have more stat build flexibility. The user can putting more emphasis on survivability in base stats, plus gain access to mace + shield for tougher areas such as Bio5 OR have 120STR to do boots swap for Ignition Break. Mace is also unbreakable by default, users without Lindy Hop may consider this build using a Robot’s arm. Both builds allow for the user to reach 193 ASPD without needing ASIR rune on Two-handed Swords. B. Pure STR build Pure STR RKs usually choose whether to focus their equipment on boosting Ignition Break or Hundred Spears in their end-game build. IMO, users owning 3 True Seyren cards should focus on boosting IB (ATK and ATK%), and those without True RK should focus on boosting Hundred Spears for their final build. Players with more resources can acquire gears for both at the later stages for further flexibility since it uses the same stats build. It is recommended for beginners to gear for Ignition Break first as the AOE allows for better levelling. Skill Tree (same as crit): https://irowiki.org/...HNeAcFrFrkqnak1 Comparison: Seraphim build has the highest IB/HS damage out of all three, but also has the highest price. SP becomes your least concern on this build, and you can use a Toy syringe to heal more. Imperial feather build has slightly lower DPS but the high AGI is not wasted as your flee jumps to very high levels, allowing for a smoother playstyle by allowing for better skill chaining and mobbing in general. There is sadly no good physical skill worth having high ASPD to spam on a RK playing solo, unless you want to play as a WindCutter RK using community HG. Lower cost alternatives (as well as lower level characters) may considering using Tengu set instead for its lower cost and only STR requirement. Tengu scroll also offers HP leech. C. Hybrid Builds Hybrid builds are generally variables of Pure CRIT or Pure STR to suit more purposes as such DB usage, but generally give up some factors in return. Comparison: The STR/Crit hybrid is the same as the Mob Scarf Crit build, but allows for boot swap to STR boots for more skill damage However, your lower AGI stat means it becomes necessary to use ASIR rune for 193 ASPD when using CRIT. Hybrid 2 and 3 are flexible RKs that include having Dragon’s Breath, since it is arguably the best skill for low level mob clearing, especially in ET. It allows users to finish ET stage 1-50 (up to 65) within one Eden gum. They are great builds for your alt RKs if you want more than 1 RK in your accounts. STR/DB is a Hundred Spears focused STR RK gaining access to DB- albeit only 1 breath. This allows the STR RK user to clear ET 1-50 quickly on a weekly basis using DB. Not much DPS is lost in this build if user orientate towards maximizing Hundred Spears, but they do lose the optimal setup for Ignition break focus in this build (no STR boots). The DB/Crit build is a DB RK gaining access to Crush strike and frenzy CRIT. By losing some VIT and INT, the user gains enough stats to acquire mob scarf’s 160STAT bonus. This is the best build for RKs intending to complete ET alone in an efficient manner. DB allows you to clear most stages quickly (especially that bloody shield reflect stages), while a good crush strike with the right equipment helps you get past Randgris (and Entweihen). 1.5 Choosing your playstyle STR builds are generally more tank and cheaper to build than CRIT builds, but they face the problem of hitting AGI-UP monsters. This forces you to get a Gungnir + verus core (or phreeoni wing+phreeoni card for the luxury version) to counter that, but fortunately most instances do not have AGI-UP monsters. If you love WOE, STR is the strongest playstyle. A good Ignition break followed by storm blast can delete swaths of people in one go. It will be even stronger after rune improvement as storm blast becomes based on STR since RKs can easily reach over 250 STR (even approach 400 STR for meg users). Another good side to STR RKs is that they also do not rely on Runes as much as CRIT RKs. For PVM focused users, it is preferable for a RK to build towards CRIT for the late-game in anticipation of the upcoming Rune Improvement patch. Moreover, CRIT RKs are also able play IB+HS at any time (although not at the most optimal level). We can only hope the improvement patch arrives soon, to not lose relevance against the almighty GX. 2. Equipment Compendium Here, recommended and alternative equipment for physical RKs are listed down for your individual build adjustments. Equipments that are good only for either CRIT or STR will have an (CRIT) or (STR) appended to their names. Some equipment have my commentaries next to them. A. Headgears i. Upper ii. Mid/Lower HG Cheaper Alternatives: C. Armours Cheaper Alternatives: D. Weapons i. CRIT Weapons Elemental Specials: Cheaper Alternatives: ii. STR Weapons Cheaper Alternatives: iii. On the Topic of Malangdo Enchants: For CRIT users, if you are using Lindy Hop with Immortal Dog Tag, you need no Sharp enchants since Dog Tag gives you +50 CRIT. For all other weapons, use a Sharp2 Enchant if you are using Luminous Blue Stone in your equipment. Otherwise, use Sharp4/5 enchants until your CRIT is over 110-120, then use Fighting Spirit Enchants. For STR user, focus on getting Expert Archer 5 enchants if your focus is on Hundred Spears. Otherwise, go for Fighting Spirit enchants for Ignition Break. Fortunately (or unfortunately), there is no enchants for Gelerdria[3], so this is more for your spare weapon- Gungnir. E. Shields F. Garments Cheaper Alternatives: G. Shoes H. Accessories i. Right Side ii. Left Side CRIT (From strongest downwards): iii. Left Side STR (From strongest downwards): iv. Cheap Alternatives for LEFT SIDE: vi. Others (Utility and otherwise): I. Shadow Equipment (Shadows are essentially luxuries) J. Recommended Cards for your equipment ** Aunoe card is not recommended as it is considerably weaker than AK. This is unless you want to slap mobs 1 by 1 as well instead of using Ignition Break. 3. Commonly used Consumables and Buffs Rune skill guide not included here, please refer to https://irowiki.org/wiki/Rune_Mastery for Runes. A. STATS: B. ATK: C. ASPD: D. HIT E. Resist: F. Weapon Elements: Equipment-based element buffs that activates on attacks: 4. BlackCROSSCY’s Instance/MVP Videos Be a pal and subscribe to my channel for awesome RK stuff, thanks in advance. New videos will be updated whenever I have the time. Old Videos from past versions: 5. Common Q & A for RKs Refer to Fuyukikun’s speed leveling guide. In terms of priority equipment to spend money on, I will list it here: If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in this thread or on PM too. I’m pretty active at the moment.
Edited by blackCROSSCY, 15 September 2018 - 12:43 AM.
Refer to Mob Scarf CRIT.
Refer to Pure STR Seraphim (Hundred Spears).
http://irowiki.org/~...HOeAcFrdrksNak1
Refer to Mob Scarf Crit. DB Gear Setups are not included in this guide.
http://irowiki.org/~...HOeAcFrDqnsNGK1Old Rune Circlet. The core of all Physical RK builds. Get to at least +8 to start seeing big differences. Enchants to aim for are: Acute for CRIT RK and Mettle for STR RK.
Snake Head (CRIT). Provides Crit RKs with a direct 1.25X increase to DPS. Users without Acute Enchanted ORC can consider using this during Frenzy instead.
White Eddga Hat (CRIT). This is outclassed once you have acute3 on the ORC or higher. Do not bother acquiring this if you only have budget for one headgear. A well enchanted ORC is your main priority.
Black Ribbon (STR). Pre-170 STR RK headgear. Used for IB/sonic Wave damage boost. Also serves as the main headgear for a niche Windcutter RK build (not included in this guide).
Rideword Hat
Vanargand Helm.
Happy Flapping Angel Wings. Best leveling headgear for Nightmare Clock Tower.
Mob Scarf +
Sunglass [1]. Slot your sunglass with Darklord Force 3 for more damage or Engkanto for Faceworm Nest and Bio5 (GX/Stalker).
Gambler Seal +
Heart Card in Mouth (CRIT). The ASPD and CRIT gain is good for newer players who may have issues with these two stats.
Seraphim Coronet (STR) +
Toy Syringe. +250 ATK is insanely good if you couple it with Gelerdria[3] or RTE. There is no need to pair it with the feather, use toy syringe instead for massive heals.
Imperial Feather +
Royal Guard Necklace (STR).
Tengu Mask +
Tengu Scroll (STR). Provides HP leech, 10% size damage and 10% range dmg on 120STR. Cheaper alternative for STR RKs who prefer build flexibility.
Feather of Protection. Provides Aspd and HP for low cost.
CD in mouth (CRIT). For aspd CRIT RK without mobscarf set, the magic chain will allow your lucky day enchant on Temporal LUK boots to proc more frequently.
mini glasses just to use cards.
Abusive Robe Enchanted with STR only. Still the Best in Slot armor choice for damage using STR5/6 enchantments. For Crit RKs who already have full defense penetration, you may consider using just Fire Dragon Armor if your Abusive is not STR5 and above.
+9 Abyss Dress. Strongest armour against Undead/Demon race and Shadow/Undead property monsters for CRIT RKs. STR RK may still stick to Abusive/MTBA (if enemy’s defense is high) for the pierce effect from the Abusive Robe.
+9/10 Evil Dragon Armor. The best HP/SP leech gear to date. Aim for this as your first big purchase because you’ll be able to farm everything from instances to TI cheaply from there.
+9 Fire Dragon Armor. Provides 20% damage boost but only to boss monsters. If your abusive enchants is not good, consider using this instead.
+9 Mighty Threaded Black Armor (STR). Pair it with BSG for no stat required 100% defense pierce on STR RK for all monsters.
Engraved armor. Huge defense and mdef for basically free. Downside is its high weight.
Hero Plate. Provides HP and ATK, as well as storm gust for CRIT RKs who might want to play with magic as a side niche.
Kirin Armor. Great defense and weight with additional slot for either making them unbreakable or anti-freeze.
Lindy Hop. Strongest Crit RK weapon, but also highly expensive since it is basically a MVP drop.
Vicious Mind Two-handed Sword. If you get very good enchants; However, it will never beat Lindy Hop because of the Immortal Dog tag.
Violet Fear. Normal CRIT RK’s preferred choice.
Tae Go Lyeon. Doesn’t have auto-cast like VF, so if you like to cast IB in between CRIT attacks, you may prefer TGL over VF despite having lower base ATK.
Death Guidance. May have lower base ATK but the life leech and high Perfect Dodge make it a really good blade for lasting longer during Frenzy.
Gigant Blade. Despite its high base atk, it only has 1 slot and not malangdo enchantable. It will only be good when the new Charleston Crisis enchant for this weapon arrives (god knows when).
Crimson Two-handed Sword (Holy). Due to the difficulties in getting Holy Element most of the time, it is great to have one holy blade with you for instances that you might need it. Do not use as main weapon since it is only weapon level 3 (Bad for Crush Strike).
Bloody Eater. Ghost element weapon, a rare thing amongst weapons.
Robot’s Arm – Actually really good weapon for CRIT classes with in-build 20 CRIT bonus and good base ATK for one-handed weapon. It is also unbreakable as a mace. Will eventually be enchantable in future updates too.
Poison Forged Spear – Provides Double Attack lvl5 on a spear, while having 3 slots. However, this weapon is very rare, with unknown drop rates from a field MVP. If you got this spear, you may consider going gambler seal and at least 100AGI to get enough ASPD for spear CRIT.
Gelerdria [3] – standard combination with storm stone for +50% bonus ATK to boss. However, spears generally require you to have a lot of AGI to work. Not recommended unless you really want a one-weapon all usage hybrid.
Thanatos Great Sword. Beginner’s weapon for sustainable levelling. Comes with very high base weapon ATK and HP/SP leech.
Gelerdria [3]. Strongest weapon for STR RK at the moment, in combination with the Storm Stone accessory. Does crazy damage against Water/Wind, and Insect/Fish. However, it is Earth Element.
Gungnir [2] EA enchanted. A basically compulsory spare weapon for main STR RK players to deal with AGI-UP unless you have Phreeoni Card and Phreeoni Wings.
Crimson Spear (Holy). Same reason to carry one, due to Holy element Advantage. The cheaper alternative is to use a Long Horn.
Red Twin Edge of Naght Sieger FS enchanted. Great for IB especially with the in-build fire element. However, being a sword means that it only deals 75% to large enemies and cannot use Hundred Spears. This is best used just as a levelling weapon.
Thanatos Spear – works great as a leveling tool if you do not have Evil Dragon Armor.
Royal Guard Shield. Get this for all physical RKs. Combined with the next item, gaia shield, you get 150 e.ATK for 7.5minutes.
+8 Gaia Shield/Anemo Shield. I like to use this as my all-purpose shield, so its usually slotted with Hodremlin.
+12 Mad Bunny Special [1]. Provides uninterrupted cast for runes and magic mirror surprisingly helps a lot against boss magic. Its my main boss shield so its slotted with Alice. However, it needs to be above +10 to have a slot, which means it will always cost more than 1B.
+9 Fallen Angel Wings Fatal10 of Death Blow (CRIT). Default garment for CRIT RKs.
+9 Fallen Angel Wings Ea433 of Shooter (STR). For Hundred Spears focused STR RK.
Valkyrie Manteau of Power (STR). Use in pair with Abusive STR for Ignition Break focused STR RK. It gives you 1% HP and 1% ATK for every Abusive Robe upgrade for a total of 13% ATK and 13% HP with a +13 Robe.
+7-9 Heroic Backpack (STR). Alternative for Ignition Break Focused STR RK. HBP itself provides both ATK and ranged mod, while giving 10% neutral resist. However, it’s not good enough to replace FAW for Hundred Spears focus.
+10 Deviant Etran. Most flexible DR garment with anti-knockback. Highly recommended.
+10 Phreeoni Wings (STR). +200 HIT for Stefan and Wind Faceworm Queen. If you have phreeoni card, the +50 perfect HIT will also eliminate the need to carry a separate verus core/gungnir combo.
+7 Wakwak Manteau (STR). Provides cheap damage bonus of wakwak card while still retaining a slot in case you want it for other purposes.
Nidhog Shadow Garb. Great low cost cheap garb with resist and SP leech. My number 1 recommendation for new players starting out. Card with Raydric for levelling.
+8-9 Skin of Gwiber (STR). Great for the STR/db hybrid build. You get SP recovery from kills, delay reduction and ATK, all in one.
Temporal Luk Boots (CRIT). Aim for Lucky Day special enchant. Use either Attack Delay or Fighting Spirit base on your current ASPD and whether you want to save on consumables such as celermine Juice.
Temporal STR Boots (STR). Use EA4 enchant for Hundred Spears focused STR RK, if not go for Fighting Spirit for Ignition Break focused STR RK. The preferred special Enchant is Bear’s Power.
Perverse Demon Mask (CRIT/Hybrid) – default accessory for all CRIT RK, and maybe some STR RK.
Blacksmith Gloves (STR) – the 50% defense pierce is really good for STR RKs without sufficient LUK for PDM. 5% damage on boss is pretty good too.
Immortal Dog Tag– only with Lindy Hop, otherwise this is useless.
Temporal Ring – needs to be paired with Lucky Day. Not recommended to buy just for CRIT if you don’t already have one for other purposes, as it is only slightly better than Luminous.
Luminous Blue Stone – combine with Sharp 2 in your Weapon Enchant for 22% crit damage bonus.
Verus Core
Bakonawa Agimat Tattoo
Storm Stone – only with Gelerdria [3], otherwise not as good.
Demon God’s Ring with DLForce – Gives you 10% atk when used together.
Refer to this post by Casval17.
As much as possible, I have tried to include ragi.al links to my equipment guide, you may click on those links to get a gist of their price and decide on your own setup. Equipment without links are generally above 1B in cost.
Fixed Youtube embedding.