Table of Contents
I - Introductions to the class branch and general roles
II - Sample Stat Builds for Rogues, Stalkers, and Shadow Chasers
III - Sample Skill Builds per Stat Build
IV - FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
V - Renewal's Balance Patch Formula Listing for Shadow Chaser Skills
VI - List of skills that can be copied via Intimidate/Reproduce
VII - Miscellaneous/Videos
VIII - List of Basic Equipment for Shadow Chasers
IX - TBA/Pending
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I - Introductions
Novice > Thief > Rogue > High Novice > Stalker > Shadow ChaserFirst off I'd like to mention this guide will never be complete as there will be changes coming from kRO's balance updates in the near future.
I do not have all the knowledge necessary to be all-knowing of the class. This guide is here to serve as a reference for those who plan to go the route of a Shadow Chaser and are in need of a reference guide for general stat/skill builds. Also note that these Stat Builds are just for general reference to basic stat/skill builds for certain roles, which is why they're called examples in this guide. Feel free to adjust the builds however you like. Also feel free to add constructive feedback at any time.
General niche of the Shadow Chaser
The Shadow Chaser branch is a class well known for its ability to copy skills from other classes by taking advantage of the skills Intimidate(Learned as a Rogue/Stalker) and Reproduce(Learned as a Shadow Chaser).
Its strongest role lies with its ability to be a great nuisance to enemies in War of Emperium and PvP. Although Shadow Chasers are able to have a certain degree of ability to kill enemies with Reproduced skills such as Arrow Storm in PvM environments, it is by far overshadowed by the HP mod and damage output other 3rd classes can muster. As such, the main role a Shadow Chaser plays in WoE is often that of a debuffer class by making use of the Masquerade Skills, Divest, Manhole, etc.
This class works best while in a situation where team play is key to defense and offense in WoE, as they use the cover of other classes to apply their Masquerades/Divests more efficiently.
You are also given the choice of becoming a Dagger AutoShadowSpell Chaser. This build is mostly used for PvM at the moment, since good Matk-based daggers/swords are very limited at this time. This build is currently not as strong as their Bow/Trap Chaser counterpart in terms of DPS at this time due to the limited choice of weapons for the build.
The general WoE builds for this class rely heavily on Gym Passes for increased Weight Limit for optimum performance in other stats.
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II - Sample Stat Builds
All estimations in the following stat builds will be shown with a ~ before it. Keep in mind that many of these sample Stat builds will have extra un-allocated points. They are all samples, so there's no need to strictly follow them.
Example Stat Builds for Rogues (99/50)
Agi Trap/Bow Rogue
Str 1+6
Agi ~93+7
Vit ~1+6
Int ~36+4
Dex ~93+7
Luk ~1+0
This build is great if you can get your hands on a decent weapon like the Orc Archer Bow. An over upgraded Gakkung Bow[2] with x2 Kingbird Archer Skeleton cards works pretty good too. General strategy with this build is to use Double Strafe from a distance once or twice and then manually ctrl'click attacking. Sightless Mind is a great skill in combination with a bow+elemental arrows on mobs. Most effective in parties.
Traps happen to be a great alternative with this stat build, as many Trap skills' damage are highly dependent on Dex and Int. If you wish to use Hunter traps for leveling, it is best to focus on Int/Dex for better trap damage. Traps of choice are normally Landmine or Claymore.
There are leftover Stat Points in this example for flexibility.
Dagger Rogue
Str ~64+6
Agi ~93+7
Vit ~1+6
Int 1+4
Dex ~70+7
Luk 1+0
The slowest leveling build out of all the Rogue builds. The problem with this is the lack of optional skills for higher DPS. This is mostly a Gank build rather than a DPS build like the Bow Rogue. Although you can Intimidate skills like Bowling Bash or Raging Trifecta Blow, many high level maps often have monsters that can use skills that will delete your copied skill. As such, your leveling areas are either limited or they will be areas where the only thing you'll end up doing is ctrl'ing. Sightless Mind is an option while in a party. Remember that it is not a wise idea to mob as an Agi build, especially when you are limited on DPS capabilities. Probably one of the good things about this build is its less emphasis on equips compared to the other Dex-based builds. It is not recommended to use Bowling Bash for heavy mobbing as a Dagger Rogue though.
Example Stat Builds for Stalkers (99/70)
Agi Dagger Stalker
Str ~50+9
Agi ~90+11
Vit ~1+4
Int ~37+3
Dex ~70+12
Luk 1+6
This build is pretty much similar to the Rogue counterpart. The Dagger Stalker adds the option of Preserving their Intimidated skills. Stalkers are able to use Preserve for skills like Raging Trifecta Blow or Bowling Bash, which will open up new leveling locations for them unlike their Rogue counterpart. The extra Stats and Job Bonuses allows the Stalker to have more breathing room for Stat allocations.
This build is perfect for moving onto Shadow Chaser AutoShadowSpell builds.
There are leftover Stat Points to allocate in this example.
Agi Trap/Bow Stalker
Str 1+9
Agi ~90+11
Vit ~1+4
Int ~45+3
Dex ~90+12
Luk ~1+6
This build is pretty similar to its Agi Trap/Bow Rogue counterpart. The major difference comes with the Stalker's increased versatility as a result of extra Stats. Preserve also opens up many new leveling options.
Traps happen to be a great alternative with this stat build, as many Trap skills' damage are highly dependent on Dex and Int. If you wish to use Hunter traps for leveling, it is best to focus on Int/Dex for better trap damage. Traps of choice are normally Landmine or Claymore.
There are leftover Stat Points in this example for flexibility. This build works great for moving onto Shadow Chaser builds.
Vit Trap/Bow Stalker
Str 1+9
Agi ~x+11
Vit ~93+4
Int ~48+3
Dex ~92+12
Luk 1+6
This build works around the fact that it can Preserve skills without worrying about seeing them get deleted by monsters who use skills. A great skill to Intimidate with this build is Bowling Bash for mob leveling or for higher DPS than simple ctrl'ing. A Stalker using the right elemental arrows along with a good bow(Like the Orc Archer Bow or an over upgraded Gakkung Bow[2]) is normally going to be able to 2-shot Magmarings.
Traps happen to be a great alternative with this stat build, as many Trap skills' damage is dependent on Dex and Int. Traps of choice are normally Landmine or Claymore.
There are some leftover stat points in this build. Do what you will with them. This build mostly takes advantage of using a Bow with Bowling Bash and elemental arrows. A little bit of Agi is generally a good idea in combination with using Bowling Bash. Note the 'x' is for remaining stat points in Agi for a small boost in Aspd for slightly faster Bowling Bash.
Stopping at 93 base Vit as a Stalker is a good idea, because it lets you plan for Shadow Chaser builds that involve Vit.
Example Stat Builds for Chasers (150/50)
Dagger/AutoShadowSpell Chaser(General build)
Str ~54+6
Agi ~97+3
Vit ~93+7
Int ~95+5
Dex ~97+3
Luk 1+5
As the name suggests, this build centers around AutoShadowSpell for DPS. This build makes use of Vit for stun and poison resist while maintaining decent Aspd. This assures a Shadow Chaser's survival for AutoShadowSpell attacks. Its DPS will not be as high as that of the 120 base Agi build though...A Byorgue carded armor works wonders for this build.
Dagger/AutoShadowSpell Chaser(120 base Agi general build)
Str ~54+6
Agi ~120+3
Vit ~x
Int ~95+5
Dex ~67+3
Luk 1+5
As the name suggests, this build centers around AutoShadowSpell for DPS. This build makes use of the highest base Aspd it can achieve by getting 120 base Agi. You can adjust this build for better survival against skills by reducing a little bit of the Agi for higher Vit. Note that the 'x' is for the amount of remaining stat points you have that should be allocated towards Vit, or you can forget the Vit entirely for more Str to boost melee damage. A Byorgue carded armor works wonders for this build.
Dagger/AutoShadowSpell Chaser(Hybrid Luck general build)
Str 90+6
Agi ~97+3
Vit ~58+7
Int 90+5
Dex ~43+3
Luk 90+5
This Shadow Spell build makes use of the bonuses from any +7 and/or +9 and above Heroic Backpack[1]. You can get bonuses for each kind of Stat, as long as they are at least base 90. Please refer to the item description to know what bonuses this build applies to. The difference between this build and the above general Shadow Spell build is the use of Luck for adding Hit, Atk, and Matk to the build. This build also allows for the use of Ancient Daggers for Shadow Spell without the need to worry about getting Curse status when using the weapon, due to the 100% Curse resist offered by 100 total Luck in your Stats.
Credit for the Stat build goes to xFireize
http://forums.warppo...post__p__877413
Trap/Divest/Bow Chaser(General All-Around Stat Resist WoE build)
Str ~x+6
Agi ~x+3
Vit ~93+7
Int ~95+5
Dex ~97+3
Luk ~x+5
This build works around the fact that it takes advantage of stat resist and emphasis on Trap/Bow damage. Adding Str to this build can help you increase your carrying Weight Limit. Note the 'x' is for major stat points that can be interchanged. There is a lot leftover in this setup. You can even go for 100 total(This includes job bonus) Str, Agi, or Luck. Remember that Agi aids in resisting Sleep and Masquerades from other Chasers. Luck aids in resisting a little bit of everything, as well as the infamous Howling of Mandragora and Curse. The Weight Limit gained from increasing your Str can effectively be used to help you resist Masquerades from other Shadow Chasers as well.
Trap/Divest/Bow Chaser(General 120-base Dex Stat Build)
Str ~x+6
Agi ~x+3
Vit ~93+7
Int ~95+5
Dex ~120+3
Luk ~x+5
This stat build focuses on the highest default success rate for the Shadow Chaser branch's Divest abilities as well as highest default emphasis on Trap/Bow damage with its 120-base Dex. Unlike the general stat resist build from above, you unfortunately cannot get 100 total stat of Str, Agi, nor Luck. You must choose between which stat to place the remaining of your stat points into. The Luck will aid you in resisting several statuses, but not totally as it won't be at 100 total Luck due to the limits placed on this build. Str can help you increase your Weight Limit for resisting the Masquerades from other Shadow Chasers. Agi can help you increase your Aspd for reducing your cast animation, allowing you to spam certain skills like Backslide a little faster. This build is more focused on maximizing Masquerade and Divest success chances.
Ignition Break All-Around Chaser
Str ~90+6
Agi ~97+3
Vit ~93+7
Int ~85+5
Dex ~90+3
Luk 1+5
This build focuses on stats geared towards Ignition Break. Highly dependent on having a good weapon such as high upgraded Ice Picks or Red Naght Sieger Sword for optimum damage output with Ignition Break. The stat allocations and skill set is supposed to be similar to a Shadow Spell build. The main differences between the two builds is the lack of using Shadow Spell in favor of utilizing Ignition Break as the main damage skill as well as higher Str. Bowling Bash tends to be the favored skill to Intimidate for a combination attack with Ignition Break. Don't forget to use Elemental Converters or Endows for Fire property to increase Ignition Break's damage, assuming you're fighting monsters that aren't resistant to Fire property. This build is mainly for solo leveling purposes, as Ignition Break's damage depends on how close the targets are within the AoE. This build is also ready for WoE purposes as well and should be very versatile in what it can do with these kinds of stats.
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III - General Sample Skill Builds
Below are examples for a pure PvM AutoShadowSpell Chaser and a PvP/WoE Chaser build.
Pure AutoShadowSpell Sword/Dagger Build
General WoE Chaser Build
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IV - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the job bonuses for Rogue/Stalker/Chaser at max job?
Rogues at job50 will have +6 Str, +7 Agi, +6 Vit, +4 Int, +7 Dex, and +0 Luck.
Stalkers at job70 will have +9 Str, +11 Agi,+4 Vit, +3 Int, +12 Dex, and +6 Luck.
Shadow Chasers at job50 will have +6 Str, +3 Agi, +7 Vit, +5 Int, +3 Dex, and +5 Luck.
Can items be used while in Hide and/or Stealth?
Items cannot be used while under Hide, but certain self-targetting items like Potions can be used while under Steath. Unlike the Assassin's Cloak, you will not be kicked out of Stealth when attempting to use a targetting item/skill while under Stealth.
Will I be revealed if I use an item while in Stealth?
Items that induce a skill-like effect will knock you out of Stealth. Examples are Increase Agi scrolls, Blessing scrolls, Guarana Candy, etc. Note that other players can see you using items that have animation effects if their Effect setting is turned on. They can even hear you using items as well, if they have their sound turned on!
How does Gank work?
Gank allows you to auto-Steal from monsters as you attack. Success chances to Steal from a monster depends on your Dex and the level of Steal you have from the Thief skill tree. You do not have to hit the monster to be able to Gank from them as you attack, but it has to be a non-skill short ranged melee attack to work. It works with any weapon, even bare handed.
Does Dex affect the Masquerade success rates?
Yes, they do affect the success rates of the Masquerade skills according to the Balance Patch formula. Enemy Agi, weight differences, level differences, and Luck help their resist towards Masquerades as well. Level differences between the caster and target plays a major factor in Masquerade success chances, as well as maximum to currently carried weight ratio. Please refer to the Balance Patch formula link provided later in this guide for the formula regarding Masquerade success rate and enemy resistance.
Does Flying Kick work with status weapons?
Flying Kick works well with status weapons. In conjunction, equipped status arrows can also get carried over to Flying Kick. You do not need a bow for the effect to be carried over.
Do status effects on me when I use Deadly Infect get transferred over when someone attacks me?
Yes, as long as it's a physical attack that touches you, your status effects will be transferred over to the person that hit you as long as Deadly Infect is still active. This holds true even if you were using Shadow Form. As of the Balance Patch, long range physical attacks as well as spells no longer apply to Deadly Infect. Keep that in mind.
How does Shadow Form's damage conversion work? Does the damage you convert to the person you're Shadow Forming get reduced by their Demihuman/Elemental/Ranged reduction gears or yours?
The damage actually goes by what reductions you have on you at the time of converting the damage, not the person you're Shadow Forming. This makes for some interesting things you can do when you expect an attack from someone. I'll let you take a guess on what that means.
Do things like Leech End and Blood Sucker bypass Shadow Form? Or do they simply affect the caster as well?
No, only attacks that deal immediate direct damage to you are affected by Shadow Form. The above mentioned are status effects that deal damage over time and are able to bypass Shadow Form. In other words, if you're affected by skills like Burn, Leech End, and/or Blood Sucker you're more liable to die from it since you're unable to use items while in Shadow Form. In regards to that, the new Vellum Katzbalger also bypasses Shadow Form, due to its nature of inflicting a fixed amount of HP "drain" instead of damage. It seems the Sura's Tiger Cannon can also drain a Shadow Chaser's SP, even though the HP damage is directed towards your Shadow Formed target.
Can I Divest/Masquerade people while they're in Manhole?
No, you cannot. You could Shadow Form a person in a Manhole though. In another note, you can Divest/Masquerade people who are in White Imprison.
How does Invisibility work after the Balance Patches?
Invisibility currently allows you to stay hidden even through indirect target attacks that damage you. It also has the added advantage of avoiding detection skills completely. You will still get damaged and your SP will continue to drain until 0. Sadly, you cannot turn off Invisibility until you either run out of SP or when you die. You are still allowed to attack while in Invisibility, but skill and item use is still not allowed.
Does AutoShadowSpell work while using Invisibility?
Yes, including autocasted spells from things like the autocast carded equips.
How do I copy skills like Heal?
In order to copy a skill with Intimidate, the skill must be a non-trans skill and has to deal direct damage. In order to copy Heal you must equip an Evil Druid card armor. An Evil Druid card turns you into an Undead property, therefore making you receive damage from skills like Heal and Turn Undead. Interestingly enough, Bless and Asperio can also be copied due to how they can damage you when you have been turned into an Undead property.
What skills can be copied by Intimidate/Reproduce?
Intimidate allows you to copy non-Trans and non-3rd class skills. Skills that can by copied by Intimidate can also be copied by Reproduce. In addition to this, Reproduce allows you to copy most 3rd class skills. Same rules for copying skills with Intimidate also applies with Reproduce. No, Trans skills can not be copied by Reproduce. Unfortunately, this doesn't necessarily mean you can use skills that have certain requirements. Please refer to a later section in this guide that links to irowiki forum's thread for a comprehensive list of skills that can be copied and utilized by Intimidate and Reproduce. The skill level copied via Intimidate will depend on the level of the skill used by the attacker. Skills copied using Reproduce can have their levels adjusted through the Skill Tree, even if a lower level was used by the attacker.
Can I copy skills like Deep Sleep Lullaby or Leech End?
In order to copy a skill with Intimidate/Reproduce, the skill must be a non-trans skill and has to deal direct damage. Skills like Deep Sleep Lullaby are considered status attack skills that don't inflict any kind of direct damage in any/way/shape/form, unlike Heal where you can wear an Evil Druid armor and suffer direct damage due to being Undead property. Thus, you cannot copy status skills that don't deal direct damage like that. Leech End is a "Damage Over Time" kind of status effect, which cannot be copied due to the fact that it is a status effect and not a certain type of damage skill in the first place.
What skills can be autocasted by Shadow Spell?
Most non-trans spells can be autcasted by Shadow Spell. 3rd class spells as well as spells from the Extended Classes cannot be autocasted. An example of what cannot be autocasted is Esma, which comes from the Soul Linker skill tree.
Do skills autocasted by Shadow Spell cost SP?
Spells autocasted by Shadow Spell do not cost any SP.
Is Duple Light any good for the AutoShadowSpell build?
Duple Light is a great skill to have in conjunction with AutoShadowSpell builds. It is a separate skill that acts as a buff, which lets you autocast Duple Light along with the skill you set to Shadow Spell. Duple Light's DPS depends on your weapon's Atk and Matk. Since you're most likely using a weapon with decent Matk for the damage of your Shadow Spell, you're going to be dealing quite a bit of extra damage with your Duple Light. Keep in mind that upgrades to weapons increase both your equip atk and matk, even if your weapon doesn't have any default matk. Duple Light doesn't work if you miss your target with your melee attacks though, so be sure to have moderate Dex in your build if you plan to use it. It doesn't proc with Magic Attacks. It is a forced neutral skill.
How does Bloody Lust work after the Balance Patches?
Currently Bloody Lust will inflict a status effect similar to the Lord Knight's Frenzy skill. Targets affected by it will have 3x HP, an increase in Atk power, no item use, and cannot use skills. This skill does not affect the person that casts it, but it will affect both allies and enemies. This is also true outside of PvP/WoE environments, so be sure not to abuse it on other players. The effect will wear off as soon as the targets walk away from the AoE or when the skill duration ends. When the Frenzy effect wears off, the targets affected by it will have 0sp remaining. This skill is mainly used as a debuffer.
What are the benefits to having the Rogue Link buff from a Soul Linker?
The healing bonuses from Ranked Brewers' items will be doubled, which in this case isn't even accounting for the bonuses you'd get from a ranked healing item in the first place. You can be immune to Dispell's effect when you use Preserve as a Stalker or Shadow Chaser. The Str bonuses from Stealth will also last much longer when under the Rogue Link effect. Movement Speed is also doubled in Stealth while the Rogue Link lasts. This Movement Speed increase also stacks with things like Increase Agi for extremely quick movements under Stealth.
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V - Renewal's Balance Patch Formulas for Shadow Chaser skills
https://docs.google....ChVW3o0cpKTCrQU
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VI - List of skills that can be copied via Intimidate/Reproduce
Here is a link to a comprehensive list of skills that have been usable through Intimidate/Reproduce.
http://forums.irowik...ead.php?t=30754
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VII - Miscellaneous
Here's a sample video by Astraeos on what Shadow Chasers do during WoE!
http://forums.warppo...post__p__897198
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VIII - List of Basic Equipment for Shadow Chasers
michaeleeli has made a thread listing general equipment used by many Shadow Chasers in their ventures!
http://forums.warppo...d/#entry1140941
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IX - Under Construction...Leveling Spots/Suggestions for Rogue/Stalker/Chaser
Please refer to posts made by other users in this thread and others in the Thief Section for now.
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Edited by GuardianTK, 29 April 2014 - 11:06 AM.
