Complete Guide to Main Characters: Spear
However, compared to the [ao:mercenary]Spearman[/ao] mercenary that inspired it, the main spear appears much weaker. It is necessary to acknowledge that Ndoors was very generous with this mercenary, and it is undoubtedly one of the more appreciated fighters among D-Class mercenaries.
| Character | Str | Int | Dex | Vit | Def | M.Def |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Spear | 370 | 240 | 210 | 250 | 300 | 128 |
| Spear Mercenary (level 1) | 310 | 120 | 210 | 240 | 330 | 110 |
| Hero Zhao Yun (level 100) | 470 | 235 | 267 | 353 | 990 | 110 |
The main spear still keeps the excellent basic attack of the spear, which makes it possible to hit two targets (column) at the same time. It is less targets than the [ao:character]Axe[/ao] and his three targets in a row, but the damage is higher. His graphic animations are really beautiful, looking inspired by Asian martial art movies and anime. After several months of gaming, one still does not get tired of them ; the only problem: they can take very a long time to look at, especially when our character hounds his target!
Additionally, he benefits from the excellent skill [ao:skill]Lightning Spear[/ao] which makes it possible to inflict magic damage while lowering Action Power. This ability affects two enemies (column) at first, then three once he reaches level 80. The experienced players however, think that 2 to 3 spearmen are necessary to really utilize this skill; with 2 or 3 it reduces the choices for your formation but is very effective.
It should be noted that the majority of bot formations are based on the capabilities of the Spearman.
Leveling: Excellent
As one could expect with the previous remark, the Main Spear is an excellent choice for leveling quickly.
He strikes his 2 targets extremely hard and can use his skill Lightning Spear against the flying mobs, the monsters with low [ac]M.def[/ac], or to be sure to finish off dying enemies (and getting the [ac]xp[/ac] which comes from finishing a kill). That makes him effective from the beginning to the end of the game, which is rather rare among the main characters. One can also add that his stock of [ac]MP[/ac] is sufficient to use this magic skill without restriction during combat.
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It will be necessary to take care to protect him in the early levels or against dangerous enemies by avoiding the first row. In any other situation, the support of a [ao:mercenary]Monk[/ao] (with [ao:skill]Protect[/ao]) and decent gear makes it possible to withstand attacks without too much trouble.
In short, with a spear character, on the condition that you remain vigilant, the leveling is very easy and there is no more to say!
PvE: Excellent
This versatile attack is very useful in [ac]PvE[/ac], and there is no monster in the world of Atlantica that will take the Main Spear lightly.
The basic attack is enough most of the time, and can even contribute to a stun strategy if the formation has other mercenaries able to hit columns (cannon, gun, and of course mercenary spears). Attack Power will match the increase in [ac]Def[/ac] and [ac]HP[/ac] of the monsters as they level, on the condition that you invest in good spears (strongly enchanted).
For this reason, especially if the formation includes several others spears (as that is recommended in [ac]PvE[/ac]), raising your crafting skill in Spear can prove to be a wise choice.
Lightning Spear used regularly will make it possible to slow down your opponents while also wounding them, including the bosses. Thus, the (relative) defensive weakness of the spear isn't as strongly felt, and the rest of the formation also benefits from the skill.
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A rather current strategy in [ac]PvE[/ac] consists of leaving the Main Spear in the middle row, surrounded by two spearman mercenaries. One [ao:mercenary]Shaman[/ao] located in the back row boosts them with [ao:skill]Brutal Will[/ao] and takes care of healing them. Simple but effective. In later levels, this tactic remains valid by replacing the Shaman with an [ao:mercenary]Oracle[/ao] and her [ao:skill]Seth's Will[/ao].
Others instead take a risk by leaving 3 spears in the front row (including the Main), and supporting them with the [ac]HoT[/ac] (and magic protection) of [ao:skill]Holy Guard[/ao]. This alternative requires you to have good armor, but also makes it possible to have a second row more offensive than in the first set-up (with Long Range mercenaries such as cannon or gun for example).
PvP: Very good
If the two [ac]PvP[/ac] stars in Free League are currently the Axe and the Cannon, the Main Spear is undoubtedly located just behind them.
Indeed, formations based on several spears were formerly very popular, before a patch came to nerf their damage. Another reason these formations became less popular is that the Spearman mercenary, in spite of his undeniable qualities, remains only a D-class mercenary. With time, the players replace them with C-class mercenaries (even B-class mercenaries in Korea, and soon on the international servers), who are better and more powerful.
However, for a player who does not aim for the first division in Free League or who does not have enough time to farm intensely, a spear-based team - with a main as base - remains a strong effective team, which can manage against any type of opponent. In other types of formation, a Spear Main does not offer a real advantage over the Axe Main, as Freezing Axe is more difficult for the opponent to handle than a single Lightning Spear.
Conclusion
The Main Spear is a character who seems quite abandoned among the Atlantica Online community, crushed by the supremacy of the Axe and the latest evolutions of the game.
However, he remains very pleasant to play daily, the lance being undoubtedly a weapon that has much class.
The casual players, or [ac]PvE[/ac] oriented ones, will enjoy his offensive qualities and his versatility a lot; in other words we could say he is the melee equivalent of the cannon.
Pros
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Cons
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