General

Bowmasters Ultimate Guide

Hey Everyone, I'm trying to get this guide sticky to the basil site. [b]I'm posting here to get some feedback on it.[/b] Tyvm

[header=header]Introduction[/header]

Hello, I am ScoutPrey of GMS Bera. I am writing this guide to help any new, soon to be bowmasters.
This guide is intended to help Bowmans decide how to go about distributing their skill points.
[b]To avoid using bias as much as possible, please understand that this is my perspective.[/b]
Never the less, you are free to adjust your build to your liking.
[b]This guide is not meant to be read start to finish but as a reference.[/b]

[header=header]What is a bowman?[/header]

A bowman is 1 of 5 explorer classes in the world of Maplestory. We use bows and crossbows as our primary weapon to hit monsters that are far away.
We have both a moderate amount of HP and MP, so be alert.
[b]As a Bowmaster we'll be using bows, as they are the weapon of choice for this particular branch.[/b]

[header=header]Ap (Ability points) Build[/header]

Bowmans use both Strength (Str) and Dexterity (Dex).
Dex is the primary stats that will give us the damage, while Str is our secondary stats that lets us wear our bow.
Bows needs Str to be worn, so your Str needs to be +5 more then your level. [b]This does not apply to certain bows as they are unique and special.[/b]

There are three ways to approach this.
[b]Strless[/b] - [b]You will not add any points to Str[/b]. If you are a hard core player with lots of funding, this is the way to go.
[b]Low Str[/b] - [b]You will add a few points to Str[/b]. I recommend this everyone, because its efficient enough to take u all the way.
[b]Regular Str[/b] - [b]You will always add Str to meet the requirements[/b]. I don't really recommend this.

[header=header]Do u want to grind ur way to the top?[/header]

[url=http://www.basilmarket.com/MapleStory-Guide-Big-BangNew-Training-Areas-341.html#1]Training Spots[/url]

Another great way to Level up, is joining Party Quests.

[header=header]Starting Your Adventure[/header]

It all begins here. Best of Luck.

[b]Skill Build for Beginner[/b]
Level 1 - +Nothing
Level 2 - +1 Recovery (1)
Level 3 - +1 Recovery (2)
Level 4 - +1 Recovery (3) Max
Level 5 - +1 Nimble Feet (1)
Level 6 - +1 Nimble Feet (2)
Level 7 - +1 Nimble Feet (3) Max
Level 8 - +Nothing
Level 9 - +Nothing
Level 10 - +Nothing

[b]In my opinion, Three Snails was just a waste. However, your free to adjust to your liking, since you'll never use them after level 10.[/b]

After u get level 10, head to the station in Southperry. Take the boat to [b]Lith Harbor[/b].
Find the taxi cab, then head to the Bowman Instructional School in [b]Henesys[/b], where you'll find Athena.
[b]Requirements for advancement is level 10 with 25 dex.[/b] Talk to her, and she will advance you as an Archer.

[header=header]Congratulations, you are an Archer![/header]

Finally, you can pick up your bow and start shooting things.

[b]Skill Build For Archer[/b]
Level 10 - +1 Arrow blow (1)
Level 11 - +3 Critical Shot (3)
Level 12 - +3 Critical Shot (6)
Level 13 - +3 Critical Shot (9)
Level 14 - +3 Critical Shot (12)
Level 15 - +3 Critical Shot (15)
Level 16 - +3 Critical Shot (18)
Level 17 - +2 Critical Shot (20) Max, +1 Archery Mastery (1)
Level 18 - +3 Archery Mastery (4)
Level 19 - +3 Archery Mastery (7)
Level 20 - +3 Archery Mastery (10)
Level 21 - +3 Archery Mastery (13)
Level 22 - +2 Archery Mastery (15) Max, +1 Arrow Blow (2)
Level 23 - +3 Arrow Blow (5)
Level 24 - +3 Arrow Blow (8)
Level 25 - +3 Arrow Blow (11)
Level 26 - +3 Arrow Blow (14)
Level 27 - +1 Arrow Blow (15) Max, +2 Double Shot (2)
Level 28 - +3 Double Shot (5)
Level 29 - +3 Double Shot (8)
Level 30 - +3 Double Shot (11)

[b][i]Summary[/b][/i]
Critical shot - Max
Archery Mastery - Max
Arrow blow - Max
Double shot -11

[b]Some Explanations[/b]
Maxing Critical Shot is a must because it helps dish out the most damage possible.
Maxing Archery Mastery is common sense, it lets u shoot farther. Do i really need to explain more?
There are some debates whether Double Shot should be maxed instead of Arrow Blow.
I picked Arrow Blow because of its multiple hit, where as Double Shot concentrates on one enemy.
[b]Again, your free to adjust to your playing style.[/b]

[b]Advancement[/b]
Now that your level 30, you now qualify to advance to your 2nd job.
Go back to [b]Henesys[/b], and talk to [b]Athena[/b]. She will tell u to hunt for [b]30 black marbles[/b].
After your finish collecting, talk to [b]Athena[/b] again, and there she will ask you which branch of archery you want to enter in.
[b]Make sure you pick [i]Hunter[/i] as your next job advance, otherwise, you will have to restart[/b].

[header=header]Congratulations, you are a Hunter![/header]

The fun never ends.

[b]Skill Build for Hunter[/b]
Level 30 - +1 Arrow bomb (1)
Level 31 - +1 Double Jump (1), +2 Bow Mastery (2)
Level 32 - +3 Bow Mastery (5)
Level 33 - +3 Bow Mastery (8)
Level 34 - +3 Bow Mastery (11)
Level 35 - +3 Bow Mastery (14)
Level 36 - +3 Bow Mastery (17)
Level 37 - +3 Bow Mastery (20) Max
Level 38 - +3 Bow Booster (3)
Level 39 - +3 Bow Booster (6)
Level 40 - +2 Soul Arrow (2), +1 Arrow Bomb (2)
Level 41 - +3 Arrow Bomb (5)
Level 42 - +3 Arrow Bomb (8)
Level 43 - +3 Arrow Bomb (11)
Level 44 - +3 Arrow Bomb (14)
Level 45 - +3 Arrow Bomb (17)
Level 46 - +3 Arrow Bomb (20) Max
Level 47 - +3 Final Attack (3)
Level 48 - +3 Final Attack (6)
Level 49 - +3 Final Attack (9)
Level 50 - +3 Final Attack (12)
Level 51 - +3 Final Attack (15)
Level 52 - +3 Final Attack (18)
Level 53 - +2 Final Attack (20) Max, +1 Soul Arrow (3)
Level 54 - +3 Soul Arrow (6)
Level 55 - +3 Soul Arrow (9)
Level 56 - +1 Soul Arrow (10) Max, +2 Physical Training (2)
Level 57 - +3 Physical Training (5)
Level 58 - +3 Physical Training (8)
Level 59 - +2 Physical Training (10) Max, +1 Bow Booster (7)
Level 60 - +3 Bow Booster (10)
Level 61 - +3 Bow Booster (13)
Level 62 - +3 Bow Booster (16)
Level 63 - +3 Bow Booster (19)
Level 64 - +1 Bow Booster (20) Max, +2 Double Jump (3)
Level 65 - +3 Double Jump (6)
Level 66 - +3 Double Jump (9)
Level 67 - +1 Double Jump (10) Max, +2 Hawk (2)
Level 68 - +3 Hawk (5)
Level 69 - +3 Hawk (8)
Level 70 - +3 Hawk (11)

[b][i]Summary[/b][/i]
Bow Mastery - Max
Soul Arrow - Max
Final Attack - Max
Bow Booster - Max
Arrow Bomb - Max
Physical Training - Max
Double Jump - Max
Hawk - 11

[b]Some Explanations[/b]
1 point into Arrow Bomb at the star for its multiple damage aspect.
1 point into Double Jump for mobility.
Maxing Bow Mastery balances out your damage range.
6 points into Bow Booster gives u 60 seconds (1 minute) of faster attacking speed.
2 points into Soul Arrow gives u 60 seconds (1 minute) of infinite arrows.
Maxing Arrow Bomb, dishes out more damage.
Maxing Final Attack, furthers the damage.
Everything else is then maxed, except Hawk.
[b]Only raise Hawk to level 11, since level 10 is required for Phoenix in 3rd job.[/b]

[b]Advancement[/b]
Wow, already level 70. That's amazing. Your now qualify for your 3rd job advancement.
Start by heading to [b]El Nath[/b], and speck with [b]Rene[/b] your 3rd Job instructor.
Now you head to [b]Henesys[/b] and talk to [b]Athena[/b] your 1st/2nd job instructor.
Then, find the Cursed Temple: Forbidden Altar in Cursed Temple: Forbidden Altar where you will have to fight the evil version of Athena.
Once you've defeated her, take the Black Charm that you obtained to [b]Athena[/b], to obtain the Necklace of Strength.
Give this necklace to [b]Rene[/b] in [b]El Nath[/b] and then go to the Holy Ground. Answer 5 questions to obtain the Necklace of Wisdom.
Take this necklace back to [b]Rene[/b] to advance to a Ranger.

[header=header]Congratulations, you are a Ranger![/header]

More skills = more fun. Your only 50 levels away from your destination. You can do this!

[b]Skill Build for Ranger[/b]
Level 70 - +1 Inferno (1)
Level 71 - +3 Mortal Blow (3)
Level 72 - +2 Mortal Blow (5), +1 Arrow Rain (1)
Level 73 - +2 Arrow Rain (3), +1 Phoenix (1)
Level 74 - +3 Arrow Rain (6)
Level 75 - +3 Arrow Rain (9)
Level 76 - +3 Arrow Rain (12)
Level 77 - +3 Arrow Rain (15)
Level 78 - +3 Arrow Rain (18)
Level 79 - +2 Arrow Rain (20) Max, +1 Inferno (2)
Level 80 - +3 Inferno (5)
Level 81 - +3 Inferno (8)
Level 82 - +3 Inferno (11)
Level 83 - +3 Inferno (14)
Level 84 - +3 Inferno (17)
Level 85 - +3 Inferno (20) Max
Level 86 - +3 Concentrate (3)
Level 87 - +3 Concentrate (6)
Level 88 - +3 Concentrate (9)
Level 89 - +3 Concentrate (12)
Level 90 - +3 Concentrate (15)
Level 91 - +3 Concentrate (18)
Level 92 - +2 Concentrate (20) Max, +1 Mortal Blow (6)
Level 93 - +3 Mortal Blow (9)
Level 94 - +3 Mortal Blow (12)
Level 95 - +3 Mortal Blow (15) Max
Level 96 - +3 Phoenix (4)
Level 97 - +3 Phoenix (7)
Level 98 - +3 Phoenix (10)
Level 99 - +3 Phoenix (13)
Level 100 - +3 Phoenix (16)
Level 101 - +3 Phoenix (19)
Level 102 - +1 Phoenix (20) Max, +2 Evasion Boost (2),
Level 103 - +3 Evasion Boost (5)
Level 104 - +3 Evasion Boost (8)
Level 105 - +2 Evasion Boost (10) Max, +1 Puppet (1)
Level 106 - +3 Puppet (4)
Level 107 - +3 Puppet (7)
Level 108 - +3 Puppet (10)
Level 109 - +3 Puppet (13)
Level 110 - +2 Puppet (15) Max, +1 Arrow Drain (1)
Level 111 - +3 Arrow Drain (4)
Level 112 - +3 Arrow Drain (7)
Level 113 - +3 Arrow Drain (10)
Level 114 - +3 Arrow Drain (13)
Level 115 - +3 Arrow Drain (16)
Level 116 - +3 Arrow Drain (19)
Level 117 - +1 Arrow Drain (20) Max, +2 Strafe (2)
Level 118 - +3 Strafe (5)
Level 119 - +3 Strafe (8)
Level 120 - +3 Strafe (11)

[b][i]Summary[/b][/i]
Inferno - Max
Evasion Boost - Max
Mortal Blow - Max
Arrow Rain - Max
Concentrate - Max
Phoenix - Max
Puppet - Max
Arrow Drain - Max
Strafe - 11

[b]Some Explanations[/b]
Getting Inferno and Arrow Rain early on, gives you more mobbing attacks.
Concentrate and Mortal Blow, helps dish out more damage.
Evasion Boost, gives you a 20% chance to dodge an enemy's attack.
Phoenix becomes an attacking item, while Puppet is used for a decoy.
Arrow Drain, for a quick heal. [b]Don't rely on this skill as your potion.[/b]
Then Strafe to level 11 because its replaced in 4th job with a better skill, Hurricane.

[b]Advancement[/b]
This is it, your level 120 and qualify to advance to 4th job.
Head back to [b]El Nath[/b] and talk to [b]Rene[/b] your 3rd Job Bowman Instructor.
Then go to the top-right portal in the [b]Valley of the Antelope[/b] in [b]Leafre[/b].
Talk to [b]Legor[/b] your 4th Job Bowman Instructor, he will ask you to bring him a [b]Heroic Star[/b] and [b]Heroic Pentagon[/b].
[b]Heroic Star[/b] and [b]Heroic Pentagon[/b] can be obtain from hunting Griffey. [url=http://www.basilmarket.com/MapleStory-monster-Griffey-306.html]Griffey[/url], and Manon. [url=http://www.basilmarket.com/MapleStory-monster-Manon-305.html]Manon[/url]
Another way to obtain both [b]Heroic Star[/b] and [b]Heroic Pentagon[/b], is by buying a [b]Secret Spell Scroll[/b] for 10mil.
After obtaining the items, talk to [b]Legor[/b] again to advance to your fourth job.

[header=header]Congratulations, you are a Bowmaster![/header]

Your finally here. Last thing to do is reach level 200.

[b]Skill Build for Bowmaster[/b] (I have yet to reach level 200, but this is my plan.)

Level 120 - +1 Hurricane (1), +1 Advanced Final Attack (1), +1 Bow Expertise (1)
Level 121 - +1 Ultimate Inferno (1), +1 Spirit Link (1), +1 Elite Puppet (1)
Level 122 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (4)
Level 123 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (7)
Level 124 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (10)
Level 125 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (13)
Level 126 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (16)
Level 127 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (19)
Level 128 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (22)
Level 129 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (25)
Level 130 - +3 Advanced Final Attack (28)
Level 131 - +2 Advanced Final Attack (30) Max, +1 Bow Expertise (2)
Level 132 - +3 Bow Expertise (5)
Level 133 - +3 Bow Expertise (8)
Level 134 - +3 Bow Expertise (11)
Level 135 - +3 Bow Expertise (14)
Level 136 - +3 Bow Expertise (17)
Level 137 - +3 Bow Expertise (20)
Level 138 - +3 Bow Expertise (23)
Level 139 - +3 Bow Expertise (26)
Level 140 - +3 Bow Expertise (29)
Level 141 - +1 Bow Expertise (30) Max, +2 Hurricane (3)
Level 142 - +3 Hurricane (6)
Level 143 - +3 Hurricane (9)
Level 144 - +3 Hurricane (12)
Level 145 - +3 Hurricane (15)
Level 146 - +3 Hurricane (18)
Level 147 - +3 Hurricane (21)
Level 148 - +3 Hurricane (24)
Level 149 - +3 Hurricane (27)
Level 150 - +3 Hurricane (30) Max
Level 151 - +3 Sharp Eyes (4)
Level 152 - +3 Sharp Eyes (7)
Level 153 - +3 Sharp Eyes (10)
Level 154 - +3 Sharp Eyes (13)
Level 155 - +3 Sharp Eyes (16)
Level 156 - +3 Sharp Eyes (19)
Level 157 - +3 Sharp Eyes (22)
Level 158 - +3 Sharp Eyes (25)
Level 159 - +3 Sharp Eyes (28)
Level 160 - +2 Sharp Eyes (30) Max, +1 Marksmanship (1)
Level 171 - +3 Marksmanship (4)
Level 172 - +3 Marksmanship (7)
Level 173 - +3 Marksmanship (10) Max
Level 164 - +3 Spirit Link (3)
Level 165 - +3 Spirit Link (6)
Level 166 - +3 Spirit Link (9)
Level 167 - +3 Spirit Link (12)
Level 168 - +3 Spirit Link (15)
Level 169 - +3 Spirit Link (18)
Level 170 - +3 Spirit Link (21)
Level 171 - +3 Spirit Link (24)
Level 172 - +3 Spirit Link (27)
Level 173 - +3 Spirit Link (30) Max
Level 174 - +3 Illusion Step (3)
Level 175 - +3 Illusion Step (6)
Level 176 - +3 Illusion Step (9)
Level 177 - +3 Illusion Step (12)
Level 178 - +3 Illusion Step (15)
Level 179 - +3 Illusion Step (18)
Level 180 - +3 Illusion Step (21)
Level 181 - +3 Illusion Step (24)
Level 182 - +3 Illusion Step (27)
Level 183 - +3 Illusion Step (30) Max
Level 184 - +3 Elite Puppet (4)
Level 185 - +3 Elite Puppet (7)
Level 186 - +3 Elite Puppet (10)
Level 187 - +3 Elite Puppet (13)
Level 188 - +2 Elite Puppet (15) Max, +1 Maple Warrior (1)
Level 189 - +3 Maple Warrior (4)
Level 190 - +3 Maple Warrior (7)
Level 191 - +3 Maple Warrior (10)
Level 192 - +3 Maple Warrior (13)
Level 193 - +3 Maple Warrior (16)
Level 194 - +3 Maple Warrior (19)
Level 195 - +3 Maple Warrior (22)
Level 196 - +3 Maple Warrior (25)
Level 197 - +3 Maple Warrior (28)
Level 198 - +1 Maple Warrior (29), +2 Hero's Will (2)
Level 199 - +3 Hero's Will (5) Max
Level 200 - +3 Ultimate Inferno (4)

[b][i]Summary[/b][/i]
Advanced Final Attack - Max
Bow Expertise - Max
Hurricane - Max
Sharp Eyes - Max
Spirit Link - Max
Marksmanship - Max
Elite Puppet - Max
Illusion Step - Max
Maple Warrior - 29
Hero's Will - Max
Ultimate Inferno - 4

[b]Some Explanations[/b]
Hurricane is your main attacking skill.
1 point into Ultimate Inferno, is really all u need.
Advance Final Attack increases your damage out put, by an insane amount.
Bow Expertise balances your damage while adding more damage range.
Sharp Eyes increases your critical %. (Parties love you for this)
Spirit Link increases your Hp (Health points) by a good 40%, while also increasing your damage range by a good 15%.
Marksmanship lets u dish more damage, while also increasing your accuracy.
When Illusion Step is maxed, it added 40 more dex to your stats, while also giving you a 32% of avoidability.
Maple Warrior adds 15% of stats increase. [b]Leave it at level 29. There isn't much difference from level 29 to 30, only 30 seconds of effect.[/b]
Maxing Hero's Will, is like an advanced [url=http://www.basilmarket.com/MapleStory-item-All-Cure-Potion-1604.html]All Cure[/url].

[header=header]Congratulations, you are level 200![/header]

There isn't much left to do training wise. So just have fun. Happy Mapling!

[b]Suggestion[/b] : Don't forgot to get your [url=http://global.hidden-street.net/eq/medal/lord-sniper-medal]Lord Sniper Medal[/url].
As its a one-of-a-kind item awarded to bowmans, who have reach level 200.

[header=header]Conclusion[/header]

Well this end my guide for all u Bowmasters.
I really hope this helps you in any shape or form.
Criticism is appreciated, since this is the 1st guide I ever wrote.

[b]Thank You ! <3[/b]