Bow Bear Guide

[Ellyidol]

Hello all!

I've finally found time and got around to doing this guide.

Please note that this is a Bow Bear Guide - its perspective, gameplay, and opinions.

These are just my own personal opinions and are NOT necessarily correct.



Bow Bear Guide


What is a Bow Bear?

A bow bear is a bear that uses Dexterity equipment (Bows/Guns/Talons and Wings).



http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo96/bryantioliu/ffc227c9.png


Given that it can use Dex gear, it must have enough Dex to be able to do so.

Why a Bow Bear?

Some pro's and con's of using a Bow Bear:

Pros:


Bows/guns give (very) good damage.

You have ranged attacks!

The highest potential damage output.


Cons:

Much less survivability than a tank.

Your skills still have the same melee range, and do not become as ranged as a bow.



Overall, you lose the ability to tank (especially in clearing mobs) for the ability to do more damage (especially because of that extra range).

The most important thing you gain from going dex is the range.

That extra range complements your Beckon well, and although all your other skills are still melee, when you Beckon, your target still comes close to you anyway.


Please remember, EVEN IF YOU CANNOT TANK AS WELL AS A PURE TANK, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD NOT TANK.

The MAIN purpose of a BEAR, no matter what kind (Attack/Bow/Int/Dual) IS TO TANK!

Not convinced yet? Maybe this can help:

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo96/bryantioliu/4467bc03.png

This was taken from my bear. Full Henchman Set, Damage Ring, and Level 6 Rage - NOT full dex.


How do I become a Bow Bear?

Stats:

A bow bear is a bear with enough dex.

There are three possible roads to go:


1. Dual Spec


I would recommend this if you are interested in switching between strength/dex gear. This would be good if you only want to go dex to do damage, but you'd still want to tank.

Why I recommend a dual spec build : How to spec your end game bear, by Mr.Wallace (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25190-How-to-spec-your-end-game-bear)

My Dual Spec guides can be found here :

Dual Spec Guide (Level 55)
(http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?19405-Dual-Spec-Guide-(55).)
Dual Spec Guide (Basics and Level 50) (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?13772-Dual-Spec-Guide.)

2. Enough Dex to use gear without boosting - rest into Str.


I would recommend this if you are interested in playing as a Bow Bear ONLY. With these stats, you wouldn't need to boost your stats (dual spec) to use the gear you want. You would also be able to swap between your different gear set-ups without having to go through a boosting set (again a dual spec term).

3. Pure Dex


I would NOT recommend this. Having pure dex would only increase your normal attack damage - which is not what you want. You'd want to have high skill damage too.

My favourite quote for understanding damage comes from Physiologic :


There's two things you need to think about: Damage vs skill damage. Damage is what you do when you do normal attacks, and it is seen in your character stat screen as "Damage: 192-204".

For damage:
1 point of STR = +0.02 damage
1 point of INT = +0.08 damage
1 point of DEX = +0.15 damage

As you can see, DEX adds the most normal damage per 1 attribute point used.

For skill damage:
STR adds more skill damage for bears
DEX adds more skill damage for birds
INT adds more skill damage for mages

But you also have to take into account that skill damage is calculated using a portion of your damage. So bears with high STR can have high skill damage, but bears with STR/DEX can also have high skill damage because DEX increases your damage by a lot, which in turns increases your skill damage.


Skills:

The skills would be the same as an Attack Bear. To find these skills, please refer to my Attack Bear Guide (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?20251-Attack-Bear-Guide).


Gear:

To deal damage, you'd want to have these stats :

1. Crit


Crit allows you to deal double-damage. Nuff said.

2. Damage


You'd want to deal damage of course, pretty self-explanatory.

3. Hit


Since you'd be using dex gear, all of them add Hit %, so this would be the least important.

To semi-tank, you'd need:

1. Use a Talon+Wing.


If you'd want to tank, a Talon+Wing would be the best way to get the tank stats you need.

2. Dodge


The better of the tanking stats, IMO. Since you're a dex bear, you'd have little armour to begin with anyway, so dodge them if you can ;)

3. Armour


Again, self-explanatory. If you want to tank, you need armour :)

Weapon of Choice:

There's much debate between which weapons to use (end-game at least):

Recurve Bows vs Auto-Bows (Longbows vs Crossbows/Guns)

I've been trying both back and forth, and a quick summary is :

Recurves (DPS and a bit of base damage) or Auto-Bows (Range and more armour)

In my opinion, a Bow Bear would use the following:

Bosses - Recurve. You'd want to be dealing as much DPS and damage as possible, regardless of range/armour.

Clearing mobs - Either. This is debatable and would lie on user preference. Some prefer to clear with a Recurve, some with an Auto-bow. I use an Auto-bow since I think it does enough, and prefer the armour and range.

PvP - Auto-bow. The auto-bow is the only way you can match or outmatch a bird's range (depends if bird is on an auto-bow too). The extra range is very useful, as well as the extra armour. The DPS isn't necessarily a huge issue since most PvP kills come from skills and not normal attacks.



Now what?

Now that the "hardware" (gear, stats, skills) of a Bow Bear is done, what's the "software" (playstyle)?

A few things to remember if your a Bow Bear:

1. You aren't meant to tank!


I hope you don't expect to tank as well as a pure tank (unless you have tanky dex equipment - Drainers). Despite being a bear, you are just like a bird with more armour (birds get Evade, we have Evade. We only have Iron Blood to give us the tanky advantage).


Please remember, EVEN IF YOU CANNOT TANK AS WELL AS A PURE TANK, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD NOT TANK.

The MAIN purpose of a BEAR, no matter what kind (Attack/Bow/Int/Dual) IS TO TANK!

2. Remember to keep your range.


A good Bow Bear is being able to use your range well. Take advantage of your range and attack from a distance, use your skills when needed, then keep your range.

3. Don't forget, you still have bear skills!


Despite being ranged and using a bow, you still have the most important mob control skills. Beckon+Stomp Combo and Hell Scream. Even if you don't plan on tanking them (that well or at all), these skills are still extremely useful in clearing mobs.


Clearing mobs should relatively be the same, just expect to take more damage. On a general playstyle of a bear, please refer to the video on my other guide :

Balefort Sewer Bear Play Guide (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?20533-Baelfort-Sewers-Bear-Play-Guide-(with-screenshots).)


Boss "Tanking":

Tanking the boss is a little different. You don't technically "tank" the boss by taking its damage, you use your range.

Since a bear has good "stun" skills (Beckon, Stomp, and SMS), your goal is to keep the boss stunned and away from you as much as possible.

1. Tank with your range.


Learn to kite to avoid taking direct damage. That's what your range is for anyway.

2. Don't forget your combo/melee skills.


Much like a bird, you can swoop in to do your combo/melee skills. As soon as you see your combo + melee skills available, you should swoop in and do them.

3. Keep Aggro as much as you can!


Since you'd want to be "tanking" the boss with range, you'd want to keep aggro. Don't forget to spam taunt when your in range to keep aggro on you.




Useful Links

Meet Mr.Wallace (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23211-Meet-Mrwallace) - Mr.Wallace is one of the best Bow Bears in game, he's showcased his character here on what he uses, stats, and skills - so have I.

How to spec your end game bear - Mr.Wallace (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25190-How-to-spec-your-end-game-bear) - Detailed analysis of the possible end-game stats for a bear, pros and cons, and what should and would work best.



END

I'll be editing this guide as much as I can til I see it fit.

This is an opinionated guide, so please don't take my word as law. :P

There are much better and more experienced Bow Bears out there - Mr.Wallace, Paleriderz are the ones I'm most familiar with, only to name a few.

I hope this helps! Please post any comments/suggestions/anything, discussion is welcomed the most :)

[Survivorfan]

Nice guide! I never had a bow bear, only a war bird, pally, and dexchantress

[Conradin]

Epic- you rock elly

[Ellyidol]

Nice guide! I never had a bow bear, only a war bird, pally, and dexchantress

Thanks! Maybe this will convince you to make a bow bear ;)


Epic- you rock elly

I'll need your help on an Int Bear Guide if ever I can make one ;)

[KaotiicxDream]

OMG this is so helpful!!! I made this "Attack Bear" that im going to dual spec and all ur guides just fit in perfectly!!!!

[Echelong]

You never seize to amaze me. Good job rated it 1 star lol /jk who am I kidding I couldn't rate it 6 star devs have a cap on it

[Ellyidol]

You never seize to amaze me. Good job rated it 1 star lol /jk who am I kidding I couldn't rate it 6 star devs have a cap on it

Sounds like a flirt ;) Lol jk

Thanks Ech! :)

[KingFu]

Nice guide man:) I may be able to help a bit with int bear, was one in ao3, ao1 and a bit in ao2. Awesome guide though, you better be a next guardian;)

[MITSUISUN]

lol, Elly~ GJ

Go smart bear and I will get Htiek to group with us too hehe

smart bear FTW~

[Ellyidol]

Nice guide man:) I may be able to help a bit with int bear, was one in ao3, ao1 and a bit in ao2. Awesome guide though, you better be a next guardian;)

Thanks myst! :)

Yeah I'll definitely need help with an int bear, have almost no experience there. Hehe


lol, Elly~ GJ

Go smart bear and I will get Htiek to group with us too hehe

smart bear FTW~

Thanks mits!

Yup I'll definitely need int bear help :)

[KaotiicxDream]

If u need anything with INT bear guide just ask me :D I'll be happy to help u as much i can ;-)

[Sky../]

Where's the guide?

[Physiologic]

Elly I hope you didn't accidentally delete the guide while editing :p I did that for one section and it sucks. Make another copy using a .doc or something :)

[KaotiicxDream]

OMG .. The whole guide were deleted :( Too bad for u Elly if u need to write it again :(

[Zeus]

Elly I hope you didn't accidentally delete the guide while editing :p I did that for one section and it sucks. Make another copy using a .doc or something :)

If you click on edited history. You can revive it. :D

[Ellyidol]

It's fine I got it. I always save a text file when I make a guide. :D

Must have deleted when I edited on my iPad last night, I don't know why it keeps happening.

Thanks for letting me know guys! :)

Edit:

Should be good now! :)

[Zeus]

It's fine I got it. I always save a text file when I make a guide. :D

Must have deleted when I edited on my iPad last night, I don't know why it keeps happening.

Thanks for letting me know guys! :)

Edit:

Should be good now! :)

+5 Chivalry Points.
Reason: Awesome Guide

[Ellyidol]

+5 Chivalry Points.
Reason: Awesome Guide

I just read your forum reward thread, thanks!!! :)

[Conradin]

Thanks! Maybe this will convince you to make a bow bear ;)



I'll need your help on an Int Bear Guide if ever I can make one ;)


I'm halfway done. I'll finish after spring break.

[Ellyidol]

I'm halfway done. I'll finish after spring break.

Awesome! Can't wait! :)

[Physiologic]

Awesome stuff :), a couple of questions cause I am going to make a bow bear: How should skill/stat allocation be like as you level? My bear is currently lv 11 and has all its points into STR. Should I just pump it all to STR until 55? Or am I able to get away with using bows early on? I have a clear understanding on how my bear should be like at 50-55 but not sure what to do before then...

[Sky../]

So let's see if i understand this bow bear thing.

In general gameplay, i will be playing archer style except with no range skill and all "screams"(melee range). So most damage will be coming from regular attacks.

[MITSUISUN]

Phys i thought u are not gonna play other toons hehe p

[TheLaw]

Nice thread Elly! Theres actually really no purpose in making a int Bear, since Fury gives almost the same regen as the Enchanted Mage gear now. Int Bears, i believe were created for their extreme Regen and a little range help.

[Ellyidol]

Awesome stuff :), a couple of questions cause I am going to make a bow bear: How should skill/stat allocation be like as you level? My bear is currently lv 11 and has all its points into STR. Should I just pump it all to STR until 55? Or am I able to get away with using bows early on? I have a clear understanding on how my bear should be like at 50-55 but not sure what to do before then...

Wow, Phys on another character! :P

I actually like/recommend going dex early on. Dex and your range is so much easier to level up with, especially in the lower levels.

Since dual spec-ing every few levels in the lower levels is just a waste of time, I'd recommend just going as much dex as equipment, then the rest into strength. :)

As for skills, I'd recommend maxing Rage as soon as possible, stomp, at least 1 in each slash, then I'd try to save points for Beckon.

If you have spare points, I'd think putting them into buffs (Evade/Iron Blood) would be good - Iron Blood most probably. :)


So let's see if i understand this bow bear thing.

In general gameplay, i will be playing archer style except with no range skill and all "screams"(melee range). So most damage will be coming from regular attacks.

Archer's generally want to keep their range all the time, and swoop in for the Cruel Blast combo.

For clearing, a bow bear should still lead the group, but just do your skills as quick as possible, to kill as quick as possible - less rounding up as possible, beckon as soon as you can, and rotate buffs if ever needed. I like using Hell Scream to mini-stun the mobs too.

It's mostly during the boss fights that you really are like an archer.


Nice thread Elly! Theres actually really no purpose in making a int Bear, since Fury gives almost the same regen as the Enchanted Mage gear now. Int Bears, i believe were created for their extreme Regen and a little range help.

I'd say an int bear is fun though, maybe not the most practical, but fun :)

[Sky../]

Ah. So it's more like -lead group>beckon mobs to corner>step behind mob>stomp>unleash all slashes>snipe stragglers while running to next mob

[Ellyidol]

Ah. So it's more like -lead group>beckon mobs to corner>step behind mob>stomp>unleash all slashes>snipe stragglers while running to next mob

Yup! And in between all those things you can keep shooting with no problem since you're ranged.

It's generally the same as a melee bear, except the melee bear can actually afford to setup and wait for the group, while the bow bear has little room for it since you're pretty soft.

A melee + bow bear tandem is realllllyyy good. :)

[Sky../]

Now i'm tempted. I'm a sucker for interesting/fun builds. Pfft and i just vowed to myself i'd get my pally to 56 before i play my other char.

[Ellyidol]

Now i'm tempted. I'm a sucker for interesting/fun builds. Pfft and i just vowed to myself i'd get my pally to 56 before i play my other char.

You can go dual spec if your unsure. That way you can go from str/dex gear whenever you feel like it :)

[kiitz]

Quick question Ellyidol -- Are dual spec bears with talents in the right places and the right gear still tanky enough?

I think it would be cool to dual spec. I already have like 120 or so points in dex, but I know I just pretty much want to tank besides the one off, "hey there is another bear who is a better tank than me in the group, so i'll just DPS" situation.

Basically, I want to dual spec since it seems fun, but i don't want to hurt my tanking ability.

[Ellyidol]

Quick question Ellyidol -- Are dual spec bears with talents in the right places and the right gear still tanky enough?

I think it would be cool to dual spec. I already have like 120 or so points in dex, but I know I just pretty much want to tank besides the one off, "hey there is another bear who is a better tank than me in the group, so i'll just DPS" situation.

Basically, I want to dual spec since it seems fun, but i don't want to hurt my tanking ability.

I'm certain that dual spec bears are still tanky enough.

The majority of armour, dodge, and HS, you gain from armour anyway. A pure str bear would definitely be more tanky than a dual spec, but I don't really see a point in being too tanky.

A dual spec also allows you to have higher hit rate, which means you'd be hitting your "tanking spells" a lot more - Hell Scream, Crushing Blow, Beckon + Stomp.

I've been a dual spec the entire time, or at least 50/50 str/dex, and I'm still able to tank fine. :)

[kiitz]

Got it, thanks :)

I think i'll give it a go then. I've actually been meaning to since I read your dual spec guide, but I've been lazy.

[Ellyidol]

Got it, thanks :)

I think i'll give it a go then. I've actually been meaning to since I read your dual spec guide, but I've been lazy.

Good luck ;)

Shouldn't be too hard. IMO, bears are better meant to be dual spec or at least close to 50/50 str/dex.

Until there is gear/a set bonus that will increase your hit/crit, dual spec would be better than a pure str even in pve.

[Ellyidol]

Added a new section, "Weapon of Choice":



Weapon of Choice:

There's much debate between which weapons to use (end-game at least):

Recurve Bows vs Auto-Bows (Longbows vs Crossbows/Guns)

I've been trying both back and forth, and a quick summary is :

Recurves (DPS and a bit of base damage) or Auto-Bows (Range and more armour)

In my opinion, a Bow Bear would use the following:

Bosses - Recurve. You'd want to be dealing as much DPS and damage as possible, regardless of range/armour.

Clearing mobs - Either. This is debatable and would lie on user preference. Some prefer to clear with a Recurve, some with an Auto-bow. I use an Auto-bow since I think it does enough, and prefer the armour and range.

PvP - Auto-bow. The auto-bow is the only way you can match or outmatch a bird's range (depends if bird is on an auto-bow too). The extra range is very useful, as well as the extra armour. The DPS isn't necessarily a huge issue since most PvP kills come from skills and not normal attacks.

[Conradin]

You forgot about shiva/daggers. Btw I'm making an inter guide.

[Physiologic]

What's the cookie-cutter format for bear skills atm?

[Ellyidol]

You forgot about shiva/daggers. Btw I'm making an inter guide.

True. Not a big fan of daggers/dual wields for bears though, since we're the only ones that have no armor reducing skill. In a complete group, maybe :)


What's the cookie-cutter format for bear skills atm?

What do you mean? :) the skills to put in as you level up?

[Physiologic]

Yeah like is there a difference between a full str skill build versus dual spec skill build? Currently following Anthony_s guide for skills and not sure if its any different for bow bear to follow.

[Ellyidol]

Yeah like is there a difference between a full str skill build versus dual spec skill build? Currently following Anthony_s guide for skills and not sure if its any different for bow bear to follow.

The end result, I wouldn't say there's a difference since I'm pretty happy with my skills for both a str/bow bear.

Probably different if your levelling as a str/bow bear first though.

As a bow bear, I'd want to max rage first, then beckon and stomp. Afterwards you'd want to max your buffs, then debuffs.

In detail I'd probably go:

6 Rage
1 Stomp
6 Beckon
6 Stomp
6 Buffs
6 Debuffs
1 Slashes

You can also opt to put the slashes earlier if you want :)

[Conradin]

Before the nerf- shiv bears owned ao2

[Physiologic]

Thanks a bunch Elly!

[Elyseon]

Love dexbears since I am one, thanks fir the tip about not going full dex, I used to be :)

[Elyseon]

Also max dps weapon for dexbear is snipers scissor slicers :) (dual wield)

[Zeus]

Also max dps weapon for dexbear is snipers scissor slicers :) (dual wield)

Sentinel Swords work better. Don't they?

[WhoIsThis]

Sentinel Swords work better. Don't they?

There are some bears out there who swear by DPS. There's this bear that I sometimes meet. His config when he fights bosses? Raid roach helm, raid roach leather, and sentinel slicers. He said he wouldn't even craft his raid roach stuff and rather eat more potions then suffer the DPS loss.

[Ellyidol]

Not too familiar with the dual weapons/daggers, since I avoid them entirely. I did remember seeing one bear with 406 DPS unbuffed though, idk what weapon he was wearing.

[WhoIsThis]

Get full henchman and buff with rage maxed out. In any event, all 50+ bears should have 6 rage.

Henchman dagger set I think gives the highest. Here is Mysticaldream's bird (http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/therealdavid/c2e7af78.png) with a high DPS dagger set. For best results, I've been told that crushing blow needs to be maxed. Hopefully if you are in a good team, the birds are spamming break armor. Probably use this as well:

Magician's Fine Platinum Band Lv20, 67 Dex; 2% Hit, 10 Damage

[Ellyidol]

Get full henchman and buff with rage maxed out. In any event, all 50+ bears should have 6 rage.

Henchman dagger set I think gives the highest. Here is Mysticaldream's bird (http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/therealdavid/c2e7af78.png) with a high DPS dagger set. For best results, I've been told that crushing blow needs to be maxed. Hopefully if you are in a good team, the birds are spamming break armor. Probably use this as well:

Magician's Fine Platinum Band Lv20, 67 Dex; 2% Hit, 10 Damage

Crushing Blow is for reducing armour?

I've heard Fluff say that Hell Scream, Crushing Blow, and SMS all reduce armour by 10 each.

[WhoIsThis]

Not too sure - just passing along second hand knowledge here. Either way, for the DPS to be truly effective, the target needs to be armor debuffed aggressively. Otherwise, just switch to strength and get out the Gurgox Hammer.

[Ellyidol]

Not too sure - just passing along second hand knowledge here. Either way, for the DPS to be truly effective, the target needs to be armor debuffed aggressively. Otherwise, just switch to strength and get out the Gurgox Hammer.

Agree.

I'm still entirely for base damage over DPS, but to be on the DPS side, then maximum armour reduction is definitely needed. :)

[WhoIsThis]

One final variable to consider is the skill damage. I will need to get some daggers to test

If it turns out that the daggers add a lot of skill damage, then the answer isn't so clear once again. Super mega and vengeful spam could add up, even if the effective weapons damage is less.



I should also mention this to anyone who reads this thread (Ellyidol undoubtedly realizes this): If you do choose daggers against boss, you will be melee just like with strength weapons and will be accepting a significant loss in survivability. Dex gear doesn't offer the same level of protection as strength gear and dual daggers is particularly vulnerable, which is why birds largely reject it. IF you are using daggers, it means that you are a dex bear or a dual-spec and not as tanky as your strength bear counterparts are as well to begin with. All bears are expected to tank (it's just like how all mages are expected to heal and res - it doesn't matter if you're with an int, str, pally, or dex mage, you expect them to heal regularly and to res you if you die), and against a boss, you will be expected to get in front of the boss and hold the aggro, regardless of whether you are a str bear or a dex bear. Whether you wish to accept a loss in survivability when doing so is entirely your decision, but bear in mind the risks that you are taking when using daggers.

[Mr.Wallace]

Thanks Elly for another great guide!


Ah. So it's more like -lead group>beckon mobs to corner>step behind mob>stomp>unleash all slashes>snipe stragglers while running to next mob

Damn! Now everyone knows what I do all day! ;-)


Basically, I want to dual spec since it seems fun, but i don't want to hurt my tanking ability.

I think you can't really tell a big difference between dual bear and full str bear when wearing the same gear. Tanking works pretty much the same. But when in doubt, watch Ellyidols video, then there should be no questions about tanking abilities left.

[Ellyidol]

@Skill Damage

True, I haven't tested it yet. I'll have to check how it actually fairs when it comes to skill damage, but my gut answer would be it'd be really low. Just guessing though, will confirm :)

@Wallace

I doubt anything here is new to you, you're one of the most experienced Bow Bears I've come across. :)

But in regard to the dual spec and tanking issue, I agree, I don't see much of a difference between pure str tanking and dual spec tanking, especially since you are using the same gear which most of your tankiness comes from.

The benefit you gain from adding dex instead of strength outweighs the benefit of going pure str.

[Ellyidol]

Alright I did some testing on my bear using a Full Henchman Dagger+Wing and a 1 Crit 11 Damage Ring.

As for skill damage, it was actually higher than my usual str setup, and a bit short from my mob clearing dex setup (Dex Crown, Bagman Autobow, SK Leather, 1 Dodge 9 Armour Ring). It (the dagger set) only lost about 10-15 skill damage vs my mob clearing dex setup, and thats a Dagger vs a 2H Autobow. But when I use my boss-killing setup (RR Cap, Bagman's Recurve, Bagman's Leather, 1 Crit 11 Damage Ring), I could notice a bigger difference in skill damage.

However, I noticed that the high skill damage came from the Henchman bonuses more than the dagger itself. When I tried to mix and match between armour pieces, replaced Henchman pieces with Dex Crown, Bagmans Dagger, Bagmans Leather, and Gutter Wing (wanted high crits), that's when I saw my skills drop by about 50 skill damage. That is also when I realised that the damage bonus of armours (+12 each piece from Henchman) contributed directly to skill damage, which would explain the 50 damage drop when I unequipped the Henchman Set (-48 direct damage).

I was focusing on highest damage though, which doesn't necessarily mean it has the best damage, since crit would be a better option.

These were my stats as Full Dex, Henchman Dagger+Wing Set, 1 Crit 11 Damage Ring :

Unbuffed :

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo96/bryantioliu/044d6ce1.png

Level 6 Rage On :

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo96/bryantioliu/da7e62fe.png

[MITSUISUN]

@Wallace

I doubt anything here is new to you, you're one of the most experienced Bow Bears I've come across. :)


ohhh yes Elly lol.

Wally is like the one of the quickest bear I got to group with on my mage recently, I was just going to mention to Elly / Wally that wow. I want to put you 2 into a competition and record a video behind you guys lol.

Never seen/met a bear with Full RR Talon/shield and boy is Mr.Wallace fast, I always call him the speedy bear hehe

I am inspired by this thread and since now it's time for my bear, I am going to raise a speedy/tanky/bowy/roundy/daggy bear, be sure on the lookout for Mitsuistar~~

[Dark Avenger]

Another awesome guide. After reading this I'm going with a dex/str bear. Sounds like having the option to tank or go for damage is the way to go with my new bear. Thanx again for this guide.

[Ellyidol]

Another awesome guide. After reading this I'm going with a dex/str bear. Sounds like having the option to tank or go for damage is the way to go with my new bear. Thanx again for this guide.

Let us know if you have any questions :)

[KaotiicxDream]

Let us know if you have any questions :)

Should it not be "me" instead of "us" ? I just wonder ^^

[Ellyidol]

Should it not be "me" instead of "us" ? I just wonder ^^

Anybody can answer or post their opinions and suggestions even if I wrote the guide :)

[KaotiicxDream]

Anybody can answer or post their opinions and suggestions even if I wrote the guide :)

Okay ^^ I was just thinking it sounded like something a Dev could say.. Like: If you are having more troubles connecting let "US" know.^^

P.S. I re speced my Bear a week ago and made it to an Attack Bear ^^

[Ellyidol]

Okay ^^ I was just thinking it sounded like something a Dev could say.. Like: If you are having more troubles connecting let "US" know.^^

Nah, my suggestions and opinions are only as important as the rest of the community. Which reminds me, I added this section :



Useful Links

Meet Mr.Wallace (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23211-Meet-Mrwallace) - Mr.Wallace is one of the best Bow Bears in game, he's showcased his character here on what he uses, stats, and skills - so have I.

[KaotiicxDream]

Elly u should show all ur stats too ...

Ugh.. Remembers me about I need to re spec my Skills on my Dual spec bear -.-'

[Ellyidol]

Elly u should show all ur stats too ...

Ugh.. Remembers me about I need to re spec my Skills on my Dual spec bear -.-'

I did in the thread :)

[KaotiicxDream]

I don't wanna look through all the pages ... lol ^^

U could make a new thread saying: Ellyidol's Stats or something and make a link to it from this AWESOME guide!!!

[Ellyidol]

I don't wanna look through all the pages ... lol ^^

U could make a new thread saying: Ellyidol's Stats or something and make a link to it from this AWESOME guide!!!

Don't think it's that big of a deal, that I have to post another thread :p

My stats are on the 2nd/3rd page if I'm not mistaken, along with my skills and skill map :)

[KaotiicxDream]

Kk ^^ I just think something else ^^

I still need to re-spec my skills on 2 chars :-(

[braluk]

So I decided to respect today to dual bear and just wanted to make some pointers out. Thank you to Elly and anyone else who contributed- everything was fairly straightforward. Some things to note though-

I was under the impression that you can only use gear in loadouts that fell underneath the minimum equipment str/dex requirement of 139- that the loadout system will simply cross reference to see if your current stats matches requirements of gear and then add up the boosts. I'm not entirely sure this was the case and instead calculates it algorithmically by initially making sure that at least one least equipment piece has the sufficient stats required to be equipped to character before loadout. Then it updates the character's stats and looks again at next equipment that can be equipped based on new stats and does so until everything is loaded.

The reason I mention this is because I did not realize that there are a lot of different Horus items that have a minimum str of 142 and not 138. I had a spare Mynas helm, and got lucky with an off level D'jinn spear of Horus (135 str req at level 43 vs. nrml of 141). Had a shield but no horus equipment I could put on so I went ahead with a Whipcord Leather of Celerity (158 dex min with 8 dex boost) And it worked as a saved loadout. So you can find use also use any dex gear if you cannot find a Horus/Osiris set, as long as you have the stats. Plus it saves you money.

Second thing I wanted to mention is how big of a difference it is to play as a bow bear and I mean that in a fun way- especially in PVP. It takes a few battles to get used to not rushing up to someone and instead learning to keep your distance just right. It's an art to find the exact distance you need to be in, so they close enough within the range of your bow, but not too close to their debuff range. I've found that when I'm fully buffed, I can take out someone very quickly with a beckon and stomp only, and still continue to do damage even if you're frozen in place.

Anyhow I'm glad I switched. Adjusting to a new style of play is going to be interesting. Lastly, I couldn't really seem to find much info about bow bears for pvp in terms of the 55 sets, but I think it'd be a nice touch to get a brief rundown on what weapons to anticipate using in pvp, pve, etc..

Sorry for the long message!

[Ellyidol]

So I decided to respect today to dual bear and just wanted to make some pointers out. Thank you to Elly and anyone else who contributed- everything was fairly straightforward. Some things to note though-

I was under the impression that you can only use gear in loadouts that fell underneath the minimum equipment str/dex requirement of 139- that the loadout system will simply cross reference to see if your current stats matches requirements of gear and then add up the boosts. I'm not entirely sure this was the case and instead calculates it algorithmically by initially making sure that at least one least equipment piece has the sufficient stats required to be equipped to character before loadout. Then it updates the character's stats and looks again at next equipment that can be equipped based on new stats and does so until everything is loaded.

The reason I mention this is because I did not realize that there are a lot of different Horus items that have a minimum str of 142 and not 138. I had a spare Mynas helm, and got lucky with an off level D'jinn spear of Horus (135 str req at level 43 vs. nrml of 141). Had a shield but no horus equipment I could put on so I went ahead with a Whipcord Leather of Celerity (158 dex min with 8 dex boost) And it worked as a saved loadout. So you can find use also use any dex gear if you cannot find a Horus/Osiris set, as long as you have the stats. Plus it saves you money.

Second thing I wanted to mention is how big of a difference it is to play as a bow bear and I mean that in a fun way- especially in PVP. It takes a few battles to get used to not rushing up to someone and instead learning to keep your distance just right. It's an art to find the exact distance you need to be in, so they close enough within the range of your bow, but not too close to their debuff range. I've found that when I'm fully buffed, I can take out someone very quickly with a beckon and stomp only, and still continue to do damage even if you're frozen in place.

Anyhow I'm glad I switched. Adjusting to a new style of play is going to be interesting. Lastly, I couldn't really seem to find much info about bow bears for pvp in terms of the 55 sets, but I think it'd be a nice touch to get a brief rundown on what weapons to anticipate using in pvp, pve, etc..

Sorry for the long message!

Yeah, loadouts can get tricky especially if you're new to them. I tried to explain it best in my original Dual Spec Guide (Basics), you can get through in my sig, it's called the "Loadout Assumption". I practically use it in any kind of gear I want to equip using loadouts, and it works every time.

As for the gear, I've been trying to work on a 55 Gear Setup List Guide for about 2 weeks now, but very slowly, unfortunately. School's just peaking up, parents in town, and have just been busy all around too, albeit not always important :p

I'll try to get it done asap, but at the rate I'm going, 61 cap will be out before I finish. :(

[neko]

So I decided to respect today to dual bear and just wanted to make some pointers out. Thank you to Elly and anyone else who contributed- everything was fairly straightforward.

I'm glad to hear you switched! While I can't comment on PvP, I have buckets of fun tanking as a bow bear.

For what it's worth, my STR loadout consists of:
Mynas Helmet of Osiris (Lvl 45, 138 Str) +8 Str
D'Jinn Spear of Osiris (Lvl 45, 141 Str) +8 Str
Mynas Plate Maile of Osiris (Lvl 45, 142 Str) +8 Str
Scarab Buckler of Osiris (Lvl 45, 142 Str) +8 Str

DEX loadout:
Scorpion Helm of Horus (Lvl 45, 138 Dex) +8 Dex
Sniper's Demon Dagger (Lvl 35, 112 Dex) +7 Dex
Scorpion Leather of Horus (Lvl 45, 142 Dex) +8 Dex
Force Wing of the Void (Lvl 50, 155 Dex) +11 Dex

There are flaws with my loadouts (Force Wing requiring 155 Dex) but at Level 55, I had no troubles running with this setup.

[Oh wow...I'm about to be booted for the Sandstone Cave update... See you all on the other side!]

[Ellyidol]

No flaws in those loadouts neko :p

Personally, I don't use an Osiris/Horus/Thoth set to boost because of my crowns mostly, they just make it so easy :p

[Otukura]

what's you opinion on the 135/1/143 dex bear build?

Let's you equip drainers, and you can still use pink STR gear for tanking. (for 55s, at 56, sure, go wear some two handed STR gear). I know you can't wear 2h str gear now, but hey, that's what dex is meant for. Dmg!

[Ellyidol]

135/143 sounds good, it'd depend on your boosters though since I wouldn't know what you can equip later on. :p

And I agree, that's what dex is for, damage. Str is just for tanking.

[Otukura]

Oh, you just need a double booster set... you can go as low as 125 if you really want to get the most dmg out of it. 123 with a crown.

[Ellyidol]

Yeah I remember, I dont really like not being able to switch gear at all though :p

[Ellyidol]

Special section for those bears that don't want to tank :


Please remember, EVEN IF YOU CANNOT TANK AS WELL AS A PURE TANK, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD NOT TANK.

The MAIN purpose of a BEAR, no matter what kind (Attack/Bow/Int/Dual) IS TO TANK!

[VisorDown]

how should i gear up if im just starting out? im lvl8 now and want to be a dex/str bear with dex more than str at endgame. shud i just use 1h/shield until i have enough dex for a decent bow/talon/wingshield? and any other recommended items?? many thanks i just started. only have a 2x mage and wanna try out a dex/str bear. :D

[Ellyidol]

how should i gear up if im just starting out? im lvl8 now and want to be a dex/str bear with dex more than str at endgame. shud i just use 1h/shield until i have enough dex for a decent bow/talon/wingshield? and any other recommended items?? many thanks i just started. only have a 2x mage and wanna try out a dex/str bear. :D

I'd recommend getting a Talon/Wing early on and maxing Rage to 6 as soon as you can. You'd be blowing through mobs once you have Rage 6.

[VisorDown]

I'd recommend getting a Talon/Wing early on and maxing Rage to 6 as soon as you can. You'd be blowing through mobs once you have Rage 6.

okay thanks alot! im lvl17 atm. at 45str 44dex gonna keep questing. will find a decent talon/wing to keep up with the pot finance. thx loads!

[Ellyidol]

okay thanks alot! im lvl17 atm. at 45str 44dex gonna keep questing. will find a decent talon/wing to keep up with the pot finance. thx loads!

You're welcome!

I'd prefer using a bow/crossbow just to have that added range and power, but if your conscious on pot consumption then a talon/wing would definitely help :)

[VisorDown]

You're welcome!

I'd prefer using a bow/crossbow just to have that added range and power, but if your conscious on pot consumption then a talon/wing would definitely help :)

its cause of those mages.... some of them just dont wanna heal. it forces me to equip my bow and stay at the back and just rage/sms and the 2other slashes and then stomp and run back again. if they do heal, i would gladly take up the tanking job...

[VisorDown]

as for the helmet and armour. what do dex/str bears wear? do they wear str or dex equips?

[Ellyidol]

as for the helmet and armour. what do dex/str bears wear? do they wear str or dex equips?

Bow bears wear all dex gear.

You can be dual spec str/dex so you can switch between str gear or dex gear easy :)

[CrimsonTider]

its cause of those mages.... some of them just dont wanna heal. it forces me to equip my bow and stay at the back and just rage/sms and the 2other slashes and then stomp and run back again. if they do heal, i would gladly take up the tanking job...

You will run into this throughout the game. As a dex bear, expect to put some gold into health pots. There are days where I have to buy quite a few and others where mages, and other team members, do so well I rarely touch my health pots.

Have to remember what Elly said in a few posts up: Bears are tanks no matter the specifications. Have to adapt your play style a little but you will always be considered a tank!!

[Sky../]

@visordown

Also consider that some mages react to how you play. If they don't see you tanking, they don't feel obligated to heal you. Specially if you're running behind them. What i suggest is, always tank. Give it some time. If the mages don't heal you, then you can say something like "if you'd like me to continue tanking, heals are greatly appreciated" that way, the ball is in their court. You did your part, now it's up to them to do theirs. With that, at least they can't say "you're nt tanking so why should i heal you?"

[VisorDown]

yeah i always use around 20pots then i get fed up of them not healing me then i let them tank instead LOL.

[VisorDown]

Bow bears wear all dex gear.

You can be dual spec str/dex so you can switch between str gear or dex gear easy :)

yeah im gonna follow your dual spec guide. thx!

[Slade431]

Great guide, nicely done. This conviced me to make a bow bear. So far I love it. Add me Skurlorg, Coruck, Nagalips