Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I train?
Check the Hero Discord (link at the very bottom of this page) to find specific map rotations for each specific zones!What's stronger between Axe and Sword?
Axe, it has +5% damage.Do I go 1-handed or 2-handed?
Heroic: 2-handed.
Interactive: 1-handed (can use 2-handed for the early game until the Arcane Umbra weapon).Does Hero need a cooldown hat?
No, in GMS it's still better to run 3 lines of STR% on your hat.
In Interactive worlds you can technically go for -CD for more survivability/comfortability, but you will have to cast skills off cool down as quickly as possible otherwise you lose the value of having -CD on your hat.Do I need to job change in order to liberate the Genesis weapon?
No.Will I lose my 6th job progression if I job switch from Hero to a Paladin/Dark Knight or the other way around?
Yes, you will lose all progression besides unused Sol erda and Sol erda fragments.How much IED do I need?
Try to obtain as much IED as possible without sacrificing other stats such as %Boss DMG or %Attack. Ideally your WSE and familiars won't have any %IED, but it's alright temporarily to reach specific IED thresholds.● Suggested IED for CRA bosses and below: 90%+.
● Suggested IED for every boss between CRA and Hard Lotus/Damien: 93%+.
● Suggested IED for Hard Lotus/Damien and above: 96%+.Calculate your total IED here: https://gmsmeta.com/apps/ied.html#Is Hero negatively affected by high ping?
Yes, high ping can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of Instinctual Combo.If you're experiencing high ping (100ms+), you might consider optimizing your connection. Some players find that ExitLag can help reduce ping—just make sure to select the closest server (e.g., Oregon for GMS NA servers).NOTE: While ExitLag is generally allowed, always follow the game's Terms of Service. For example, bypassing the regional block restriction is prohibited and could result in penalties.
You can use our referal link to ExitLag by clicking HERE.I don't see "enter text here" in the guide but I got a question about it!
You can always join our Discord for more details/information about Hero.I want to see "enter text here" added to the guide or want to see "enter text here" changed in the guide!
You can always join our Discord to suggest changes to the guide.

Acronyms with terminology

Axe vs. Sword

Axe advantages:
5% damage (additive damage %).

Sword advantages:
Job changing flexibility with Paladin.
Matching aesthetics with the class’s skills.Conclusion:
● Choose Axe if you will never play Paladin and want to maximize damage on Hero.
● Choose Sword if you don’t care about the 5% damage and prefer the matching aesthetics.
● Choose Sword if you want the ability to switch between Hero and Paladin.NOTE: Keep in mind that after you’ve reached your 6th job and want to job switch that you will lose ALL your invested resources in this system, this is why we suggest going for the Axe because you’ll most likely never want to swap to Paladin anymore because of this.

One-handed (1-H) vs. Two-handed (2-H)

Heroic:
2-H weapons will always be better than 1-H weapons.
As of now, there has not been any documented drops in the Heroic server for the Terminus Defender shield. Therefore, our realistic shield option is the Deimos Shield. Without scrolling and the improved stats of the Terminus Defender, the Deimos Shield is not strong enough to beat the multiplier of a 2-H weapon over a 1-H weapon.
You can find more information about this HERE.Interactive:
1-H will be better if you use a scrolled and starred Terminus Defender shield.
This is an end game optimization, as a new player it's better to start with a 2-H weapon until you are able to choose your Genesis weapon. By that time you choose to go 1-H and use the Terminus Defender as your shield.

How to achieve hard cap attack speed on 1-H and 2-H

In GMS, we have the benefit of 10 attack speed cap (hard cap) compared to KMS’s 8 attack speed cap (soft cap).
● AS 8->AS 9 = ~+7% FD
● AS 8->AS 10= ~+9.5% FD.IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to break the soft AS cap, you HAVE to use a Monster Park Extreme Green Potion. Without the potion, even a 9 AS will function at the 8 AS soft cap. There are a few exceptions to this case, such as Kanna's Domain, but these are not reliable methods to list them all here.As a Hero, hard cap can be achieved with:A 2-H weapon has an average (stage 4) attack speed (AS):
● Weapon Booster (+2 AS).
● Weapon Mastery (+1 AS).
● Decent Speed Infusion (+1 AS).
● Monster Park Extreme Green Potion (+1 AS).
● Inner Ability (+1 AS).A 1-H weapon has a fast (stage 5) attack speed (AS):
● Weapon Booster (+2 AS).
● Weapon Mastery (+1 AS).
● Monster Park Extreme Green Potion (+1 AS and allows you to break the attack speed cap).
● Decent Speed Infusion (+1 AS).See the picture below to get a better visual understanding of how to achieve 10 AS.

Pet Skill Buff Setup

Pet 1 - Skill 1: Scarring Sword (very important)
Pet 1 - Skill 2: Decent Combat Order (very important)Pet 2 - Skill 3: Decent Sharp Eyes (very important)
Pet 2 - Skill 4: Spirit BladePet 3 - Skill 5: Decent Holy Symbol
Pet 3 - Skill 6: Nothing

Recommended Badge Setup

The following badges are listed in the order shown on the image above.#1: Ocean Badge = Critical Rate +1%, Damage +1%
#2: Researcher Badge = Damage +1%, Max HP +1%
#3: Labyrinth Badge = All Stat +1%, Damage +1%
#4: Holy Badge = ATT +1%, Critical Rate +1%
#5: Lion Badge = ATT +1%, Max HP +1%
#6: Apocalypse Badge = ATT +1%, ATT +2
#7: Time Badge = 3% Chance to Recover 20HP when attacking, IED +3%
#8: Mineral Badge = DEF +5, IED +3%Additional Options: Rebel Badge = Critical Rate +1%

GUIDE NOTE: There is a maximum number of lines that can be equipped at the same time. Exact values can be found here, but generally only three lines of the same stat can be equipped at the same time. If additional stats are listed in red on the right side of the UI, under "Badge Effects", they are not being counted.

General note regarding the results below

Generalized Bossing Guide – Oz Rings (Levels 3 & 4)
Disclaimer: The following recommendations on this page are based on generalized bossing scenarios. Actual performance may vary depending on individual playstyle, boss mechanics, and party composition. For optimal results, we recommend conducting a Battle Analysis (BA) to determine the best setup for your specific needs.Current Scope & Future Updates
This guide currently covers only Level 3 and Level 4 Oz Rings. As the meta evolves and Level 5/6 Oz Rings become more accessible, this guide will be updated accordingly.When obtaining a grindstone your primary upgrade target is to upgrade your ROR4 to a ROR5, then once you have a ROR5 then aim for WJ5 and then CONT5.KMST Note: In the latest KMST the upgrade target is ROR > CONT > WJ

If you have a ROR3/4 only

Using for origin burst only, swapping to damage ring otherwise, bursting scenarios may favor this even if the fight is long, test this yourself to confirm.

If you have a WJS3/4 only

Using for origin burst only, swapping to damage ring otherwise, bursting scenarios may favor this, test yourself to confirm.

If you have a CONT3/4 only

Keep on always.
As per usual with the CONT ring try to time your attacks, such as SI+RR+HEXA BB and when you're actually bursting, in the windows where it gives you the buff.

If you have a CONT3/4 but only one ROR3/4 or WJ3/4

Keep CONT 4 on always, except burst heavy scenarios (Gloom for example). CONT 3 vs ROR 4 only have to test based on scenario and what playstyle you enjoy most.
As per usual with the CONT ring try to time your attacks, such as SI+RR+HEXA BB and when you're actually bursting, in the windows where it gives you the buff.

If you have a ROR3/4 and WJS3/4

Use this setup over a CONT4 in a party setting, if solo and both ROR and WJ are level 3 and you have CONT4 then the CONT4 may feel better, but probably not.

If you have a ROR3/4 + WJ3/4 + TOT4 or RISK4

BIS ring rotation.
● Option 1: ROR first during origin and swap when BSB is down to WJ, then just keep rotating them (you will alternate origin bursts with WJ, but that's fine)
● Option 2: ROR first during origin and swap when BSB is down to WJ for the second burst and then either TOT4 (Totaling Ring 4) or RT4 (Risk Taker Ring 4) for the third burst. Reset the cycle with ROR on origin.NOTE: RT4 usage will be situational and on a case by case basis. Getting hit at all during will end the duration of the ring which can greatly influence its usefullness. An example where RT is very good is in Gloom and Limbo as dodging and DPSing is very realistic and easier in those bosses.Test and play around with all these options yourself and see what playstyle suits you the most and does the most damage.
Usually "Option 1" will have the best results in most bosses, but in specific cases such as Limbo, "Option 2" has shown a noteable increase in damage.

Bossing link skill setup

Slot 0: Invincible Belief

Obtained from class: 3x Explorer Warrior - level 120
Level 6: Automatically activates when your health falls to 15% HP or below. Restores 35% HP every 1 seconds for 3 seconds, Cooldown: 210 seconds

Slot 1: Spirit Guide Blessing

Obtained from class: Lynn - level 210
Level 3: Boss damage +10%, Critrate +10%, Max hp +5%, Max mp +5%

Slot 2: Flury unleashed

Obtained from class: Demon Slayer - level 210
Level 3: Boss damage +20%

Slot 3: Solus

Obtained from class: Ark - level 210
Level 3: Damage +16%
(Activates when the combat state continues for 5 seconds. Can be stacked a max of 5 times. Duration: 5 seconds)
(When activated, damage increases by 1%, and damage increases an extra 3% per stack)

Slot 4: Wild Rage

Obtained from class: Demon Avenger - level 210
Level 3: Damage +15%

Slot 5: Terms and Conditions

Obtained from class: Angelic Buster - level 210
Level 3: Obtain a buff skill that when used results in damage +120% for 10 seconds (duration is affected by buff duration and server lag), Cooldown: 60 seconds

Slot 6: Empirical Knowledge

Obtained from class: 3x Explorer Mage - level 120
Level 6: Damage +9%, IED +9%
(When attacking, 25% chance to apply a debuff that lasts for 10 seconds, stacking up to 3 times)
(Damage per Stack: +3%, IED per Stack: +3%)

Slot 7: Thief’s Cunning

Obtained from class: 3x Explorer Thief - level 120
Level 6: Damage +18% for 10 seconds
(Upon debuffing an enemy, Damage: +18%. Duration: 10 seconds (affected by server lag), Cooldown: 20 seconds)
(Guide note: make sure to always use this together with Empiricial Knowledge)

Slot 8: Judgement

Obtained from class: Kinesis - level 120
Level 2: Critical Damage +4%

Slot 9: Qi Cultivation

Obtained from class: Mo Xuan - level 120
Level 3: Boss Damage +16%
(Boss Damage increased by +4%, when attacking a boss each time the attack is successful an additional 2% Boss Damage will be added, stacking up to 6 times and the stacks will be activated every 2 seconds. Duration 5 seconds.)

Slot 10: Unfair Advantage

Obtained from class: Cadena - level 120
Level 2: Damage +6/6% (when attacking a lower level or equal level target/when target is affected by a debuff)
(Guide note: make sure to always use this together with Empiricial Knowledge)

Slot 11: Elementalism

Obtained from class: Kanna - level 120
Level 2: Damage +10%

Slot 12: Light Wash

Obtained from class: Luminous - level 210
Level 3: IED +20%

Optional Slot 12: Spirit of Freedom (only use when you have survivability issues)

Obtained from class: 4x Resistance - level 120
Level 8: 8 seconds invincibility after being revived

Optional Slot 12: Hybrid Logic (only use in party situations where the other classes give you a lot of ied)

Obtained from class: Xenon - level 120
Level 2: All Stats +10%
If you are partying with classes like Bishop or Zero for example you would rather use this link instead of Light Wash due to them giving you so much IED that it becomes less worth it than the 10% all stats that Hybrid Logic gives.

Mobbing link skill setup

Slot 0: Invincible Belief (not required)

Obtained from class: 3x Explorer Warrior - level 120
Level 6: Automatically activates when your health falls to 15% HP or below. Restores 35% HP every 1 seconds for 3 seconds, Cooldown: 210 seconds

Slot 1: Rune Persistence (important)

Obtained from class: Evan - level 210
Level 3: Rune Duration +70%

Slot 2: Elven Blessing (important)

Obtained from class: Mercedes - level 210
Level 3: EXP +20%

Slot 3: Solus

Obtained from class: Ark - level 210
Level 3: Damage +16%
(Activates when the combat state continues for 5 seconds. Can be stacked a max of 5 times. Duration: 5 seconds)
(When activated, damage increases by 1%, and damage increases an extra 3% per stack)

Slot 4: Wild Rage

Obtained from class: Demon Avenger - level 210
Level 3: Damage +15%

Slot 5: Nature’s Friend

Obtained from class: Lara - level 120
Level 2: Damage: +5%, Activate nature's help upon defeating 20 normal monsters. Damage Against Normal Monsters by +11% for 30 seconds when nature's help is active. Cooldown: 30 sec.

Slot 6: Bravado

Obtained from class: Hoyoung - level 120
Level 2: Enemy DEF Ignored: +10%, Damage +14% against enemies with 100% HP

Slot 7: Hybrid Logic

Obtained from class: Xenon - level 120
Level 2: All Stats: +10%

Slot 8: Judgement

Obtained from class: Kinesis - level 120
Level 2: Critical Damage +4%

Slot 9: Keen Edge

Obtainable from class: Hayato - level 120
Level 2: All Stats: 25, Attack Power Increase: 15, Magic Attack Power Increase: 15

Slot 10: Cygnus Blessing

Obtained from class: 5x Cygnus - level 120
Level 10: Attack Power and Magic ATT: +25, Status Resistance: +15, Elemental Resistance: +15%

Slot 11: Elementalism

Obtained from class: Kanna - level 120
Level 2: Damage +10%

Slot 12: Innate Gift (optional, can swap with Tide of Battle if you are doing a rotation where movement is required)

Obtained from class: Khali - level 120
Level 2: Damage: +5%
Upon attacking, Recovery Chance: 100%, Recovery: 2% of Max HP/MP per sec, Duration: 5 seconds, Cooldown: 30 sec

Optional Slot 12: Tide of Battle (swap with Innate Gift if you're training in a map where you're always moving)

Obtained from class: Illium - level 120
Level 2: Activated when moving a certain distance. Max number of stacks: 4 times, Duration: 10 seconds, Damage per stack: +3% (in total 12% damage)

Hyper skills bossing passives

Advanced Combo Attack - Reinforce

Final Damage increased by 2% for each additional Combo Orb.

Advanced Combo Attack - Boss Rush

Boss Damage increases by 2% for each Combo Orb.

Advanced Final Attack - Opportunity

Activation Chance +15% for Final Attack.

Raging Blow - Reinforce

Damage: +20% for Raging Blow.

Raging Blow - Extra Strike

Number of Attacks: +1 for Raging Blow.

Hyper skills mobbing passives
(frenzy spawnrate only)

Advanced Combo Attack - Reinforce

Final Damage increased by 2% for each additional Combo Orb.

Advanced Combo Attack - Boss Rush

Boss Damage increases by 2% for each Combo Orb.

Raging Blow - Spread

Max Enemies Hit +2 for Raging Blow.

Raging Blow - Reinforce

Damage: +20% for Raging Blow.

Raging Blow - Extra Strike

Number of Attacks: +1 for Raging Blow.

Hyper stats setup suggestion for bossing

Hyper stats will depend a lot on the situation your character is in.
As a base-line I suggest you to do the following and build/change from there whatever you feel like you need, I can't really answer that question for you easily:● 10 Points in Crit Rate
● 10 Points in Crit Damage
● 10 Points in IED
● 10 Points in Boss Damage
● 10 Points in DamageHowever you could calculate what hyper stat situation most fits you at the moment at this website:
https://brendonmay.github.io/hyperCalculator/

Hyper stats setup suggestion for mobbing

Hyper stats will depend a lot on the situation your character is in.
As a base-line I suggest you to do the following and build/change from there whatever you feel like you need, I can't really answer that question for you easily:● 10 Points in Crit Rate
● 10 Points in Crit Damage
● 10 Points in EXP
● 10 Points in Monster Damage
● 10 Points in DamageHowever you could calculate what hyper stat situation most fits you at the moment at this website:
https://brendonmay.github.io/hyperCalculator/

Miracle circulator strategy for rolling

Keep in mind that this is not for beginners and should only be done if you reach the mid-game or above, aim for attack speed +1 when you're just starting out since this is the most important line when going for 2-H, make sure you have several millions of honor saved up before attempting this strategy.
Focus on the thick marked text mentioned below when rolling your Bossing IA with Miracle Circulators, this roll will always be max due to this. After this you'll use your honor to roll the first line.
Guide note:
Use the following link to figure out how much honor you should be saving up for this strategy:
https://brendonmay.github.io/innerAbilityCalculator/

Best inner ability for bossing

2-H:
● Attack Speed Level +1 (most important line to aim for as a beginner so get this one asap)
● 10% Boss Damage
● 8% Damage Increase to Monster with Abnormal Status or 38% Buff Duration

Guide note:
The 8% Damage Increase to Monster with Abnormal Status or 38% Buff Duration choice can be difficult for 2-H.
I would recommend keeping whatever you get first, however if you want to min-max I would suggest going for 38% Buff Duration if your AB link isn't longer than 16 seconds without having it.
The maximum you can reach with AB link is 19.5 seconds without the Buff Duration inner line, if you reach this I would recommend going for the 8% Damage Increase to Monster with Abnormal Status instead but this is very min-maxing and both have yet to be truly tested in game against each other on an endgame Hero as of this date, this is just my own opinion and view on the case.

1-H:
● 20% Boss Damage
● 8% Damage Increase to Monster with Abnormal Status
● 38% Buff Duration

Best inner ability for training

Option 1 - Suggested:
● Drop Rate Increase +20%
● Meso Obtained +15%
● Normal Monster Damage +8% (not really important but if you like to min-max your dmg to 1shot)Option 2 (once maxed Hexa):
● Meso Obtained +20%
● Drop Rate Increase +15%
● Normal Monster Damage +8% (not really important but if you like to min-max your dmg to 1shot)Option 3 - Interactive world with Frenzy spawn rate:
● Number of enemies hit by multi-target skills +1
● Meso Obtained +15%
● Drop Rate Increase +15%

Best inner ability for boss reward room

● Drop Rate Increase +20%

Legion Board: Bossing legion setup

Cookie Cutter Legion Setup Based On Prio:
Max CritDmg > Max BossDmg > Max IED > Max Buff Duration > Max Critrate > Max Str > Max ATT
(ensure max crit rate when taking this prio into account)Focus on getting every single character that doesn't give INT or LUK, here you can find the link of all possible legion block effects:
https://maplestorywiki.net/w/Legion_System
If you are bad at knowing what to put where then use this useful site:
https://xenogents.github.io/LegionSolver/

Legion Board: Endgame bossing setup layout sample

Legion Board: Training legion setup

Cookie Cutter Legion Setup Based On Prio:
Max CritDmg > Max EXP Obtained > Max Normal Damage > Max CritRate > Max Str > Max ATT
(ensure max crit rate when taking this prio into account)Focus on getting every single character that doesn't give INT or LUK, here you can find the link of all possible legion block effects:
https://maplestorywiki.net/w/Legion_System
If you are bad at knowing what to put where then use this useful site:
https://xenogents.github.io/LegionSolver/

Legion Board: Endgame training setup layout sample

Legion Artifact: Artifact setup

Still W.I.P. but you can use below’s setup:Cookie Cutter Crystal Configuration Based On Prio:[Crystal 1 + 2] Boss damage, DMG, Crit Rate
[Crystal 3 + 4] Crit DMG, Buff Duration, IED[Crystal 5 + 6] All Stat, ATT, Final Attack (If you prefer doing more damage)
or
[Crystal 5 + 6] Drop, Meso, EXP (if you prefer farming/training)[Crystal 7 + 8] Whatever you didn't pick for Crystal 5 + 6

Crit rate breakdown

● Base Rate: 5%
● Chance Attack: 20%
● Decent Sharp Eyes: 10%
● Marksman Level 200 Legion Effect: 4%
● Night Lord Level 200 Legion Effect: 4%
● Weapon Mastery: 15%Total: 58% Critical RateThe other 42% must be made up from a combination of Inner Ability, Legion Grid, Hyper Stat, Familiar Badges and/or Link skills.

Other crit rate sources

● Inner Ability: 20%
● Legion Grid: 0-40%
● Hyper Stat (levels 0-10): 0-15%
● Familiar System Ocean Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total)
● Familiar System Rebel Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total)
● Familiar System Commerci Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total)
● Familiar System Holy Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total)
● Phantom Link Skill (Level 2): 15%
● Phantom Link Skill (level 3): 20%
● Marksman Level 250 Legion Effect: 1% extra compared to Legion Effect 200 (5% in total)
● Night Lord Level 250 Legion Effect: 1% extra compared to Legion Effect 200 (5% in total)
● Explorer Bowman Link Skill (level 6): 10%
● Lynn Link Skill (level 1/2/3): 3% / 7% / 10%
● Legion Artifact: 0-20%

Basic 100% crit rate setup as a beginner

Previous Total: 58% Critical Rate● Hyper Stat (level 10): 15%
● Phantom Link (level 2): 15%
● Explorer Bowman Link Skill (level 6): 10%
● Familiar System Rebel Badge: 1%
● Familiar System Ocean Badge: 1%Total: 100% crit rate.Your goal is to get rid of the Explorer Bowman link skill first and Phantom Link second by trying to obtain the other crit rate sources mentioned by the most optimal critrate setup at the endgame critrate setup below.

Most optimal crit rate setup at endgame

Previous Total: 58% Critical Rate● Hyper Stat Level 6: 7% (or ● Legion grid 7 points: 7% or a mix of both for efficiency)
● Legion grid 1 points: 1% (or ● Familiar System Rebel Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total))
● Marksman Level 250 Legion Effect: 1% extra compared to Legion Effect 200 (5% in total)
● Night Lord Level 250 Legion Effect: 1% extra compared to Legion Effect 200 (5% in total)
● Familiar System Ocean Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total)
● Familiar System Holy Badge: 1% (max cap is 3% in total)
● Lynn Link Skill (level 3): 10%
● Legion Artifact: 20%Total: 100% crit rate.Most of the time with events there are event stats, you can put 1 point into critrate there which usually results in giving you 5% crit rate, allowing you to put less points into your hyper stats.

Key skills to take a proper look at to understand them

● Double jump skill, allows you to jump a greater distance.
● Active by double pressing your jump key.

● While toggled, there is a chance to gain a Combo Orb when attacking.
● Grants bonus Attack for each Combo Orb.
● Right-clicking the skill will toggle the visual effect on/off.Guide note:
Make sure this toggle buff is always on, it will give you final damage which is a multiplier to your total damage!

● Launch up into the air
● Can also be activated by pressing the Up Arrow Key and Attack Key together
● Right-clicking the skill will lock it, preventing input activationGuide note:
Make sure to bind this skill to a key on your keyboard and learn to use this skill, it can save you or make you able to deal damage quicker to the boss again due to it's fast movement.
You can also use War leap while you're in the air to get extra movement.
If you regular jump while also pressing this button at the exact same time it can result in you jumping higher than usually using this skill.
I suggest right-clicking the skill to prevent accidental input activation.

● You will rapidly drop to the ground once you use this skill in the air.
● Can also be activated by pressing the Down Arrow Key and Attack Key togetherGuide note:
Make sure to bind this skill to a key on your keyboard and learn to use this skill, it can save you or make you able to deal damage quicker to the boss again due to it's fast movement.

● Dash towards enemies in a given direction.
● Can only be used when enemies are nearby.
● If no Arrow Key is pressed, you will dash towards the direction you are facing.
● While dashing, prevents you from being knocked back at all (Super Knockback Resistance).Guide note:
Make sure to bind this skill to a key on your keyboard and learn to use this skill, it can save you or make you able to deal damage quicker to the boss again.

● Dash forward while pushing enemies back.
● While dashing, you will not be knocked back at all (Super Knockback Resistance).Guide note:
Make sure to bind this skill to a key on your keyboard and learn to use this skill, it can save you or make you able to deal damage quicker to the boss again.

● 100% chance to pierce the enemy when attacking while skill is active.
● Decreases Accuracy by 20% and Attack Power by 30% of pierced enemy for 20 seconds.Guide note:
Make sure it’s always up (I suggest putting it on your pet's auto buff slot) for the Pierced debuff for the skill Chance Attack.

● Final Damage (to pierced, incapacitated enemies): +25%
● Permanently increases your Critical Rate by 20%.Guide note:
Make sure the Scarring Sword buff is up constantly like I said above this skill to make sure this passive is being utilized!

● Instantly slash several times to multiple enemies in front of you.
● The final blow will always be a critical hit.
● The skill is enhanced when your combo orbs are fully chargedGuide note:
This is your main attacking skill, you'll be using it most of the time during mobbing and bossing.
Attacks such as Instinctual combo only appear when attacking with Raging blow.
This skill later on gets upgraded to HEXA Raging blow, check our 6th job page in the guide to learn more about this skill.

● Attacked enemies have a 100% to take damage every 2 sec, for 60 seconds.
● Critical Hits deal 25% more % damage to afflicted enemies. When a party member attacks, this increases by 10%.Guide note:
Make sure this debuff is up on the boss all the time, keep in mind that this does not increase your final damage or crit dmg but it just increases your own %dmg stat by 25% and the rest of your party’s dmg by 10% on critical hits.
This skill also can be used as your mobbing skill in some maps because the hitbox is way different compared to Raging blow.
This skill later on gets upgraded to HEXA Puncture, check our 6th job page in the guide to learn more about this skill.

● While toggled, gain increased %Final Damage and %Crit Damage but reduces the Max Enemies Hit for all skills (except some summons).
● Final Damage: +25%, Critical Damage: +20%.● Reduces the Max Enemies Hit for all skills (except some summons) by 1/3. For skills that target multiple enemies, Max Enemies Hit won't be reduced below 3Guide note:
Make sure this toggle buff is ALWAYS on during bossing!
Make sure this toggle buff is NEVER on during mobbing!

● Removes certain abnormal status effects and become immune to Abnormal Status for a few seconds
● Cooldown: 360 seconds.Guide note:
Master this skill early on—it’s essential for handling future bosses, especially in tough situations. For example, it grants immunity to the stun effect from multiple attacks in the Lotus fight, and it can help you survive many other mechanics. Practice using it frequently during bossing to understand its full potential and how it can save you in various scenarios in the future.

Boost Nodes and Priorities and Special V-Skill info

Hero relies on two key trios, totaling 6 core skills. For optimal performance:
● Level all 6 skills to 50 as a baseline.
● Apply a +5 level boost to each to reach Level 60 across all six.Boost Node Core 1 (two of each, order doesn’t matter as long as it’s not the same main one):
● Raging Blow
● Cry Valhalla
● Final AttackBoost Node Core 2 (two of each, order doesn’t matter as long as it’s not the same main one):
● Rising Rage
● Beam Blade
● PuncturePriority for training:
● Boost Nodes (until able to one-shot)
● At least level 1 DSI and DSE and DHS (for critrate/dmg and faster attack speed and EXP)
● At least level 1 Erda Shower - Erda Fountain (level it up if it isn’t clearing the spot where you placed it down)
● Max DHS (for more EXP and Drop rate)
● Max BSB (for longer duration)Priority for bossing:
● Max Core Boost Node
● Level 1 DSI, DSE, DCO, Erda Nova and WR
● Max BSB and IC (split evenly-ish depending on your preferred playstyle)
● Max SI
● Max Weapon Aura
● Max Maple World’s Goddess Blessing
● Max Erda NovaWhich Special V-Skill to use/craft?:
● Fatal Strike

Maxed V-Matrix setup sample

Hero Specific Skills

When used, fully charges your Combo and summons a sword that attacks whenever you attack● Pressing the Skill Key again will make it Fixed and attack nearby enemies
○ Pressing the Down Arrow Key and Skill Key together when first summoning will deploy the sword in the Fixed state
○ Right-clicking the skill will toggle ON/OFF a function to always summon in Fixed state on cast
● Deals increased damage while Enrage (4th Job) Enraged
● The sword's attacks have increased %Crit Rate
● Unaffected by Damage Reflect
● Fully charges combo to the max upon casting. Summon Duration: 75 sec. Press the skill key again to have the blade stay put.When you use an offensive skill, attacks up to 8 enemies 6 times every 1 sec with 50% bonus Critical Rate.
Normal - Damage: 680% (While enraged: 770%)
Fixed - Damage: 620% (While enraged: 675%)
Cooldown: 120 sec.Guide note:
Fixed vs. Normal mode BSB:
This has been debated quite a bit by many others. To save the trouble, Fixed mode (planted on ground) BSB is on average more damage than attached mode (following you) BSB. BSB is ping reliant, so for those with lower ping, attached mode can result in more damage in a 40s BA, but for the majority of the populace, I would say that Fixed will consistently result in more damage.When to use Fixed or attached mode BSB:
● If the boss is stationary, use Fixed mode.
○ Examples: P1 Lucid, P3 Lucid, P3 Will, P1 Lotus, Gollux, Gloom, etc.● If the boss has low mobility AND you are required to either move/dodge frequently, use Fixed to net more overall damage because you will deal damage while dodging. This requires replacement of BSB when needed though.
○ Examples: Black Mage, P2/P3 Lotus, P1/P2 Will, Versus Hilla, Chaos Queen, Chaos Von Bon, etc.● If the boss has high mobility, if the boss mechanics makes it too difficult to reposition BSB, or in any other circumstance, use attached mode.
○ Examples: P2 Lucid, Chaos Vellum, etc.

Slices nearby enemies in half dealing tremendous damage● While casting, you are invulnerable
● Unaffected by Damage ReflectMax Enemies Hit: 15, Damage: 880%, Number of Attacks: 14, Invulnerable while casting.
Cooldown: 25 sec.Guide note:
This skill is a full-map attack (FMA) that also grants a 1.25s i-frame, use this skill to survive specific boss mechanics or take advantage of it and allowing you to continue to attack the boss.

Slashes forward several times and creates an explosion.● Upon use, briefly increases amount of %Final Damage provided by Combo Attack
● Unaffected by Damage ReflectMax Enemies Hit: 8, Damage: 275%, Attack Count: 4, Chase Cut Activation Count: 12. Afterwards, activates 5 explosion(s), which attack 5 time(s) for 550% damage.
While Combo Attack is active, upon use, increases Final Damage for 8 sec by the Final Damage bonus of the 6 Combo Orbs. Final Damage increase from Combo Orb is additive.
Cooldown: 30 secGuide note:
This is a two part skill.
The first activation will do a small amount of damage followed by the second activation that will do a large number of attacks. The damage from the skill itself is very respectable and should be used off cooldown to improve our consistent damage, however save it when your burst is almost up and then use it after you pop Instinctual Combo to have a few seconds of very high burst.
This skill grants an 8s buff that provides the same damage increase as an additional 6 combo orbs.
(+33.91% Final Damage with the passive hyper. 10 orbs = 130% Final Damage which is a 2.3x multiplier adding another 6 orbs (6x13%) from Sword Illusion would be adding .78% Final Damage making it a 3.08x multiplier when you use Sword Illusion and 3.08 / 2.3 = 33.91%)

While active, using Raging Blow will to create a 'Tear in Space'.● Increases Combo Attack stat bonuses of %Final Damage, %Boss Damage, and Attack.
● Decreases chance of obtaining Combo Orbs by 50%.Can be used if you have at least 1 Combo Orb, Duration: 20 sec.
The Combo Orb increases Final Damage, damage to bosses, and Attack Power by 20%.
Decreases the chance of charging Combo Orbs by 50%.
Tear in Space: Periodically activates a rift 3 time(s). Damage: 400%, Max Enemies Hit: 6, Number of Attacks: 6. Cannot charge the Combo Orb with the Tear in Space.
Cooldown: 120 sec.Guide note:
This is our main burst.
A majority of our damage will come from this 20s window and your buffs should be planned around it accordingly.
The description of this skill isn’t quite what you think it is, it doesn't give extra 20% fd, 20% atk, and 20% boss but instead it gives 20% of the attack, boss, and final damage that your orbs give so for example it only gives you 4 flat atk in total based on 10 combo orbs and 4% boss, etc.

Common Skills

Increases %Ignore DEF, %Final Damage and your attacks periodically create a damaging wave● Skill is prepared every 180 sec (up to 2 charges)HP Cost: 10%, Ignores 16% Enemy DEF for 140 sec, Final Damage: +6%.
Aura Wave (Usable Every 5 sec) - Using certain offensive skills will generate waves, inflicting 1100% damage on up to 10 enemies 6 times.Guide note:
To maximize damage output, get two charges before you enter the bossfight and use the skill the moment it gets off cooldown, you will only have very low downtime in a long fight.

While active, increases %Damage and the stat bonuses of Maple Warrior.
Increases stat bonuses for class-wide buff skills like Maple Warrior by 400% for 60 sec, Damage: +20%
Cooldown: 120 sec

While active, gain increased Abnormal Status Resistance and cannot be knocked back at all (Super Knockback Resistance). As well, when you are hit, gain a stacking %Damage buff
HP Cost: 3% of Max HP, Duration: 18 sec, Knockdown Immunity and Status Resistance: +80
Damage increases +6% when hit, Max Stack: 5 times
Cooldown: 120 sec
[Passive Effects - STR: +30, Max HP: +1500]

Create a shield based on your %Max HP that blocks damage
When the shield expires or the Skill Key is pressed, the shield explodes damaging nearby enemies
Shield must be active for at least 2 secs before it can be detonated
HP Cost: 5% of Max HP, Creates a protective shield that blocks 21% of your Max HP as damage for 5 sec.
When the shield expires or the skill is activated again, it detonates and inflicts 1100% damage to 12 enemies 5 times.
Your shield must be active for at least 2 sec before it can be detonated.
Cooldown: 15 sec

Bind enemies in a surrounding area
Ignores Damage Ignore and Damage Reflect
HP Cost: 15% of Max HP, Damage: 330%, Max Enemies Hit: 10, Number of Attacks: 5, Bind Duration: 10 sec.
Bind Duration increases by up to 100% based on damage inflicted with Erda Nova.
Cooldown: 100 sec.

Removes certain abnormal status effects and become immune to Abnormal Status for 3 secs
HP Cost: 5% of Max HP, Cooldown: 330 secGuide note:
Learn to use this skill, it's a very strong skill that allows you to survive some boss mechanics easily.
Mainly used for the immunity in bossing such as:
● Black Mage’s Curse (Does not remove the current curse but does prevent the next one, You will still receive %HP damage from attacks.)
● Gloom’s Petrify.
● Will’s web skill lock in phase 3.

The attack has two modes depending on the keys pressed[Erda Shower] - Releases a surrounding area attack.
Can be activated by pressing the Skill Key.
The cooldown is slightly reduced upon defeating an enemy.
Max Enemies Hit: 15, Damage: 900%, Number of Attacks: 6, Cooldown reduced by 2 sec per attacked enemy
Cooldown: 40 sec.[Erda Fountain] - Places down a stationary summon that attacks whenever a fixed amount of enemies are defeated.
Can be activated by pressing the Down Arrow Key and Skill Key together.
Both skills share the same cooldown.
Right-clicking the skill will toggle a function ON/OFF that swaps the activation command for Erda Fountain and Erda Shower.
Object Summon Duration: 60 sec. Every time enemies in a map with the summoned object are defeated, the Erda released from the enemies condenses around the object.
Defeating 12 or more will release the gathered Erda, Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 900%, Number of Attacks: 4
Cooldown: 60 sec.
Cooldown shared with Erdas Shower and Erda Fountain.Guide note:
Erda Fountian is the skill you will be using mainly to help you with mobbing.

Grapple onto a platform above and launch towards it[Passive]: Permanently grants flat All Stats.
Pressing the Jump Key while launching up will cancel the grapple early.
Press the skill key while you're climbing to cancel.
Cooldown: 3 sec.
[Passive Effect - All Stats: +30]

When used, teleport to a random location on the map[Passive]: Permanently grants flat Attack
Holding the Skill Key while in the air allows you to float briefly
HP Cost: 3% of Max HP. Teleport to a random location on the map.
Float for up to 5.0 sec. if you hold the key in the air
Cooldown: 20 sec.
[Passive Effect - Attack Power & Magic ATT: +30]

Release a large attack and place down a stationary summon that periodically attacks enemiesSummon stops attacking early when striking a single enemy consecutively.
Skill is obtained from Mirror World Nodestone that is rewarded from completing the Esfera storyline and as a drop from Hard Will.
Unaffected by Damage Reflect.
HP Cost: 15% of Max HP.
Spatial Collapse - Max Enemies Hit: 15, Damage: 1008%, Number of Attacks: 15, Once complete, summons True Arachnid Reflection.
True Arachnid Reflection - Duration: 50 sec, Goes into attack mode at set intervals. During attack mode, uses spider legs 10 times to deal 392% damage 8 times. If the spider legs attack one target 5 consecutive times, attack mode will end immediately. 3 sec cooldown after attack mode ends.
Cooldown: 250 sec.

Release a large attack and summons an emblem that periodically attacks enemiesSummon deals increased damage when striking a single enemy.
Skill is obtained from Mitra's Nodestone that is dropped from Hard/Extreme Seren.
Unaffected by Damage Reflect.
HP Cost: 15% of Max HP.
Mitra's Fire: summons a Flame Emblem after dealing 1650% damage up to 15 enemeis 12 times.
Flame Emblem: deals 440% damage to up to 2 enemies 6 times every 2.1 sec for 51 sec. Deals 605% damage if striking a single enemy.
Cooldown: 250 sec.

Useful Decent Skills

Increases the amount of EXP gained from enemiesDoes not stack with Holy Symbol (Bishop, 4th Job).
HP Cost: 3400, Duration: 270 sec, EXP: +35%, Drop Rate: +24%.
Cooldown: 180 sec

Attack speed +1 Level
[Passive Effect - All Stats +6]

Create a fountain which pressing the Up Arrow Key restores some %Max HPHas a fixed number of uses before the fountain disappears
If the fountain disappears early, a Vestige of Divinity is created for the remaining duration that prevents another fountain from being summoned
Does not stack with Holy Fountain (Bishop, 4th Job)
HP Cost: 5% of max HP, Duration: 60 sec, restores 35% HP when used, able to use 20 times total.
If it disappears before duration is up, Vestige of Divinity is created in the remaining time.
Cooldown: 60 sec
[Passive Effect - All Stats +6]Guide note:
Make sure to learn to use this, it will help you survive a lot more!

Temporarily grants critical rate and critical damage.HP Cost: 5% of Max HP, Duration: 270 sec, Critical Rate: +10%, Critical Damage: +8%
Cooldown: 180 sec
[Passive Effect - All Stats: +6]

Temporarily grants bonus skill levels to skills.4th Job Skills can be raised past their Master Level.
[Exception]: Beginner skills, Combat Orders, Hyper Skills, 5th Job, and 6th Job Skills.
HP Cost: 5% of Max HP, Duration: 270 sec, All Skills: +1.
Cooldown: 180 sec.
[Passive Effect - Abnormal Status Resistance: +6]

Attack Power: +20, Magic ATT: +20, Defense: +425, Max HP: +475, Max MP: +475
Does not stack with Bless (Bishop, 2nd Job) or Advanced Blessing (Bishop, 4th Job)
[Passive Effect - All Stats: +6]

HEXA leveling order

HEXA Stat

HEXA stat 1 - Unlocks at Level 260First setup:
● MAIN STAT to ATT
● ADDITIONAL STATS to Crit Damage and STR
● Keep leveling your Hexa stat 1 until your MAIN STAT reaches level 3 because the cost will go up from 10 to 20 per level up.Decision point when MAIN STAT reaches level 3 of Hexa stat 1:
● Max Now: Slight damage boost to all skills.
● Delay: Focus on specific skills (for example a burst skill in order to kill a burst-focussed boss)
Whether you delay or not, you should finish Hexa Stat 1 by the time the leveling order suggests starting Hexa Stat 2.
Optimal Hexa stat 1 setup (when maxed):
Prioritize ATT > STR > Crit Damage.1
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HEXA stat 2 - Unlocks at Level 265First setup:
● MAIN STAT to STR
● ADDITIONAL STATS to Crit Damage and ATT
● Keep leveling your Hexa stat 2 until your MAIN STAT reaches level 3 because the cost will go up from 10 to 20 per level up.Decision point when MAIN STAT reaches level 3:
● Max Now: Slight damage boost to all skills.
● Delay: Focus on specific skills (for example a burst skill in order to kill a burst-focussed boss)
Whether you delay or not, you should finish Hexa Stat 2 by the time the leveling order suggests starting Hexa Stat 3.
Optimal Hexa stat 2 setup (when maxed):
Prioritize ATT > STR > Crit Damage.1
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HEXA stat 3 - Unlocks at Level 270 (not released yet)
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Use MapleScouter to determine the best setup for your character, you can find a youtube video explain it by clicking HERE, credits to Kobe.

Common skills

Sol Janus:
Passive Effect: EXP Obtained
Level 30: 30% normal monster damage increase.Dusk:
Passively attacking nearby monsters when in combat.
Level 1-14 = 9 primal crystals
Level 15-29 = 10 primal crystals
Level 30 = 11 primal crystalsDawn:
Level 1-9 = 1 summon with a 60 seconds duration
Level 10-19 = 2 summons with a 70 seconds duration
Level 20-29 = 3 summons with a 80 seconds duration
Level 30 = 3 summons with a 120 seconds durationFor all levels cooldown: 60 secondsGuide note:
This skill will solve most of our mobbing issues!
Aiming for level 10 and level 20 as soon as possible will be very nice if you like to focus on mobbing and you feel like you don’t need the damage right now!
I suggest getting at least level 1 of Sol Janus after level 1 HEXA RB, HEXA RR, FE and HEXA CV however pushing further is completely dependent on your account and personal goal.
If you need more damage then focus on the order above, if you want more lazy training or exp then go for level 10 or 20 Sol Janus.
I personally enjoy Sol Janus: Dawn a lot so I can stay in one location and kill the whole map and then when I’m looting I can replace the summons.

Hexa skills

Channels your spirit into your sword and cuts everything down.● [Swordsmanship]
● MP Cost: 1200, invincible during casting
● Applies Absolute Bind (10 second bind with a separate cooldown than our Erda Nova bind skill).
● Chase Cut occurs 12 times which attack up to 15 enemies with 472% damage 33 times
● Final strikes occurs 48 times at the end for 470% 15 times
Cooldown: 360 secUpon reaching these certain levels you’ll gain the following additional stats for this specific skill:
● Lv. 10: Ignore Defense +20%
● Lv. 20: Boss Damage +20%
● Lv. 30: Ignore Defense +30% and Boss Damage +30%Guide note:
A VERY strong skill but with a 6 minute cooldown.
Before popping it make sure you’ve popped all your buffs and then cast it instantly.

Mastery skills

Instantly slashes several times to slice multiple enemies in front of you.Raging blow
● Sword of Burning Soul’s regular mode attack range is increased.
● The skill is enhanced when combo is fully charged.Enhanced Raging blow
● Instinctual Combo and Burning Soul Blade’s regular mode attack range are increased.Both Versions
● [Swordsmanship]
● Required Skill: Raging blow Lv. 40 Boost
● Max Enemies Hit: 8
● Attack: 4 times
● The final two attacks are always critical hits.
● Increased hitbox for both versions compared to the original skill.

Manifest the ancient warriors’ rage to destroy enemies in front of you.● 8 Lines
● Activates 4 strikes
● Max Enemies Hit: 10
● Required Skill: Rising rage Lv. 40 Boost
● Passive Effect: Hexa Raging blow’s damage is increased
● Increased hitbox compared to the original skill.Guide note:
Use this skill off cooldown with Hexa BB, except during IC bursts when you should only use Hexa RB.

Hexa Beam blade
Fire a sword slash in your desired direction that tears enemies apart. You can fire it in 8 directions, and if you use the skill with the arrow keys, it will be fired in that direction.
If you use the skill consecutively, you can link to Final Beam Blade.● Required Skill: Level 20 Beam blade.
● Fire a sword slash that deals damage 5 times on up to 8 enemies.
● Beam blade's damage is increased when attacking normal monsters.
● You will prepare 1 Beam blade stack every 4 seconds and you can hold up to 2.
● If you re-use the skill within 2 seconds, the next attack will be replaced with Final Beam blade.
● Final Blade: Deals damage 5 times on up to 8 enemies.Guide note:
Use this skill before or after Hexa Rising rage twice resulting in casting Final Beam blade, except during your Instinctual Combo's buff when you should only use Hexa Raging blow.
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Furious edge
Your swordsmanship reaches its peak, leaving behind Sword Scars. Sword Scars are created when your directly attacking skills hit enemies a certain number of times.● When your own directly attacking skills hit an enemy 5 times, create a Sword Scar.
● Sword Scar: Deals damage 3 times on up to 8 enemies.
● When Cry valhalla, Instinctual Combo, and Spirit Caliber hit an enemy 2 times, they count as 1 attack.
● When a Sword Scar attacks 4 times, it disappears. Up to 5 can be created.
● During Instinctual combo, up to 10 can be created.
● Unlocking this skill will also give you Hexa Beam blade.

HEXA Cry Valhalla
Call upon great power imbued with the will of ancient warriors.● When Hero uses Swordsmanship skills, Sword Strikes remain at the attack location for a certain period of time like afterimages to additionally attack.
● The Sword Strikes prioritize being created at the boss monster with the highest max HP.
● Common skills and 5th job skills do not activate Sword Strikes.
● Required Skill: Level 1 Valhalla.
● For 30 seconds, you cannot be knocked back by any enemy attacks and your Combo is fully charged to the maximum value.
● During the buff, gain 50 attack, 30% critical rate, 100 status resistance, and 100% elemental resistance.
● Every few seconds, activate 3 Sword Strikes that deal damage 2 times on up to 6 enemies. The Sword Strikes can be activated up to 12 times, and after they have all been activated, they will no longer appear.
● Cooldown: 120 seconds.
● Unlocking this skill will also give you HEXA Puncture and HEXA Final Attack.
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HEXA Puncture
Concentrate your mind and swing your sword in front of you. The sword engraved in your soul through ultimate swordsmanship appears to materialize and attacks enemies.
Enemies hit are inflicted with a wound that deals damage over time and increases % damage when the hit is a critical hit.● Required Skill: Level 30 Puncture.
● [Swordsmanship]
● Deals damage 4 times on up to 8 enemies.
● When attacking normal monsters, damage is increased by 50%.
● Enemies hit take damage every 2 seconds for 60 seconds and take 26% increased damage when your hits are critical hits.
● When party members attack, the enemy takes 11% increased damage.
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HEXA Final attack
There is a certain chance for an additional hit to be activated after using your directly attacking skills.● The attack will prioritize hitting the boss monster with the highest max HP.
● Required Skill: Level 30 Advanced final attack.
● [Final Attack Type Skill] chance to activate a Final Attack that deals damage 3 times.

Enhancements skills

Boosts the final damage of each specific skill that you level up.Level 1: Final Damage: +11%
Level 9: Final Damage: +19%
Level 10: Final Damage: +25%
Level 19: Final Damage: +34%
Level 20: Final Damage: +40%
Level 29: Final Damage: +49%
Level 30: Final Damage: +60%

Skill sequence setup for bossing

Setup 1:

Setup 2:

Guide Note: If your Weapon Aura's skill duration is still active (with at least 20 seconds remaining on it) by the time you want to start your 2nd burst, you can skip Setup 2 in the rotations in the Skill rotation setup for bossing below.
Sequence 2 has two extra skills besides Weapon Aura because it needs a minimum of 3 skills in order to work.

Skill rotation setup for bossing

Basic burst rotation without Origin:
Puncture > True Arachnid Reflection > Solar Crest > Setup 1 > Sword Illusion > Setup 2 > Erda Nova > Spam Raging Blow.
(Optional: > Once bind ends then use Aeonian Rise)Basic burst rotation with Origin:
Puncture > True Arachnid Reflection > Solar Crest > Setup 1 > Sword Illusion > Setup 2 > Spirit Calibur > Spam Raging Blow > Erda Nova after Origin bind duration ends > Spam Raging Blow.
(Optional: > Once bind ends then use Aeonian Rise)

Skill sequence setup for culvert

W.I.P. will update this after the update goes live in GMS and we've cooked more.

Basic skill rotation setup for culvert

Currently pre-sequence setup only, will update once skill sequence comes to GMS.Check the #Culvert channel in our Discord for the more advanced versions that deal more damage.Hero No Cooldown Hat Culvert (CONT4+ROR4 Edition):
Prep:
Equip CONT4 ring (make sure the CONT4 cd is over)
Use BSB + Epic Adventurer + Goddess
37s Left on BSB - Proc Fatal and keep attacking until you enter to stack ark link
36s Left on BSB - Use Valhalla
32s Left on BSB - Use IC
25s Left on BSB - EnterKeep attacking to upkeep ark link
Use WA and AB when counter starts
Counter finishes use SI
120/80/50/20 SI
65s - BSB
60s - EA + Goddess
50s - SI + Seren + Will
35s - Swap to ROR
22s - Cry Valhalla + Impen Skin
21s - IC > ROR > AB > SI > SC

Good techniques to learn

Jumping with RB

Jump + RB RB
Minimizes attack count loss from using Raging Blow while jumping.Double Jump + RB → Bounce-back Jump RB
Maintains maximum distance using Double Jump momentum while minimizing RB DPS loss.
Allows precise pattern dodging with minimal distance while keeping RB DPS loss low.Double Jump RB → Land → Immediate Jump+Direction input → Instant RB
Note: Requires precise jump timing!

RB Backstep/Backshot

Uses Raging Blow's max range for safer positioning + minimizes Weapon Aura waste.Jump+Direction key → Opposite direction+RB
Must be executed extremely fast (inputs should be nearly simultaneous).This combos heavily with the bounce-back jump technique mentioned earlier.
Mastering this opens up many applications like:Sword Illusion Backshot
Weapon Aura Backshot

Upward Charge lets you input up to 2 skills mid-air

Holding RB during Upward Charge allows 3 skills with no delay (better DPS), but requires escape angle awareness.This technique enables relatively safe Sword Illusion + Raging Blow combos
Warning: Skills may whiff if you're not proficient with directional backshots.

Understanding and mastering Blink

Hero players must master Blink like second nature.
This isn't an advanced trick - it's fundamentals you have to master.From a DPS perspective:
Use it for precise positioning (avoid overshooting and wasting jumps).
Minimize damage downtime.

Jump + BSB (Normal/Fixed Mode Toggle)

Activated by pressing BSB and Jump keys simultaneously (jump input slightly earlier).Allows:
Quick gap-closing while minimizing BSB placing delay DPS loss.
Reduced pattern exposure when switching modes.Pro Tip:
Using with Double Jump rebound (bounce tech) improves:
Control responsiveness.
Positioning stability.

Double Jumping with RR or Erda Nova or Worldreaver

Rising Rage's long endlag makes Double Jump + Rising Rage an easy way to move while also not having issues with the recovery time.Similarly, skills with longer recovery than Raging Blow (for example Worldreaver/Erda Nova/Puncture) is also more efficient being used with this as shown below.When Double Jump isn't available:
Use the previously mentioned 'Jump + RB RB' technique instead.

Deal with the long recovery frames from the skills

Hero’s skills have extremely long recovery frames with real animation cancels, forcing us to carefully use skills while predicting boss mechanics.The standard approach (as shown below) involves:
Timing skills with pattern anticipation.
Using movement to cross behind the boss.Worldreaver also carries high risk – recommend pre-casting it before dangerous mechanics appear.

Make good use of the direction-locked movement skills

Hero's Upward Charge, Rush, and Flash Blade are direction-locked skills, they always go forward regardless of directional input.Key Advantages to using these skills while being debuffed:
✓ Works under Weakness (unable to jump).
✓ Works under Confusion (reverse controls).Important Notes:
⚠️ Attack-locked -Unable to switch OZ Rings due to it being concidered an attacking skill.
⚠️ Fixed movement - Requires boss mechanics experience for optimal positioning so you won't die.

Common mistakes

Not understanding the impact of jumping while using RB

Using Raging Blow while jumping drastically reduces your attack count (approximately 3 or fewer attacks in 10 seconds).
Unless you absolutely need to jump to avoid boss patterns, you should be planting yourself and dealing consistent DPS whenever possible.

Not frequently checking your cooldowns

Sometimes players get too focused on boss patterns or spamming Raging Blow, to the point of neglecting other skills.
While Raging Blow is your core skill, Rising Rage, Hexa Beam Blade and Sword Illusion can burst out massive damage in an instant.
Ignoring them means losing out on 1.5x~2x potential DPS off burst.
Skill alerts alone won’t always fix this, so it’s crucial to build the habit of frequently checking your cooldowns and actually using the skills together.

Not properly using your movement skills

Using Flash blade and Leap attack effectively is ideal, but if you don’t use them in the right situations you can easily die because of them.
For example, against Verus Hilla, there are times to use Flash blade and times to use Leap attack. If you just brainlessly spam Flash blade, you’ll dash into attacks and fail to counter any patterns.
In the end, this comes down to mastering boss mechanics and learning how to use these specific skills in that specific boss or watching videos of others do it and try to copy what they do.

Forgetting to use Puncture

Be sure to ALWAYS have the Puncture debuff on the boss, it lasts 60 seconds and you see the icon ontop of the boss.Puncture planning:
Pre-Buff Timing: Cast Puncture~10sec before planning to burst.
If you forgot: Use Puncture immediately when starting your burst.
When you don't see the debuff on the boss anymore: Use Puncture as soon as possible, takes priority over basically everything besides, try to just debuff it at around 55 seconds, try to get used to this timing.

GMS summer 2025 expected patch changes:

These are all the expected changes coming to Hero with the summer 2025 release in GMS:• Release of 3rd and 4th mastery for Hero
Good damage buffs to Hero however we have to start getting used to casting HEXA Beam Blade now before or after HEXA Rising Rage instantly to be optimal with damage.
These skills have already been added to this website's leveling order and 6th job skill information and result in roughly estimated 15~18% fd (due to us not knowing the exact interaction with rank 10 attack speed) increase when both maxed.• Skill sequence setups
Amazing change for Hero, already added to the guide. Allows you to put several skills into one button and by pressing this single button all the buffs you've put in this sequence will almost instantly be casted ( WAY FASTER than manually buffing up by pressing them individually ) and this will result in us being able to burst way faster than before resulting in more damage because we're able to attack faster.• Skill changes to Final Attack:
This skill has been changed to prioritize activating on the boss monster with the highest max HP (much needed QoL).• Skill changes to Advanced Final Attack:
This skill has been changed to prioritize activating on the boss monster with the highest max HP (much needed QoL).• Skill changes to Cry Valhalla:
Fixed an issue where all of the sword strikes played the same sound (maybe a fix to the lag of the skill?).

KMS(T) patch changes

Hero specific or relevant changes in KMS ver. 1.2.402:
FD increase for Hero: Somewhere between 9~12% FD gained.
Full translated notes english: https://orangemushroom.net/2025/04/17/kms-ver-1-2-402-skill-ui-changes-maplestory-22nd-anniversary-maple-university/Ring of Restraint
• Cooldown reduced from 180 seconds to 120 seconds.
• Level 4: The attack power/magic power increase effect is reduced from 100% to 80%.
• Level 5: The attack power/magic power increase effect is reduced from 100% to 80%.
• Level 6: The attack power/magic power increase effect is reduced from 120% to 95%.
Guide note:
ROR being 2 mins cd is amazing for us, this change basically makes us only wear this now during bosses.
CONT is a very good ring but due to our damage sources ROR will still end up being the winner.Weapon Jump S Ring
• Cooldown reduced from 180 seconds to 120 seconds.
• Level 4: The increases STR by your equipped main weapon's Attack Power increases effect is reduced from 400% to 320%.
• Level 5: The increases STR by your equipped main weapon's Attack Power increases effect is reduced from 400% to 320%.
• Level 6: The increases STR by your equipped main weapon's Attack Power increases effect is reduced from 480% to 385%.
Guide note:
Due to ROR now being 2 mins cd this ring becomes obsolete for us in most situations, if you have a grindstone then it's better to use it on ROR first but after that it's better to go for CONT and after that aim for this one but you won't really be using this ring anymore for bossing pretty much.Weapon Aura
• Cooldown reduced from 180 seconds to 120 seconds.
• Duration is reduced from 130 seconds to 94 seconds at mastery level.
• Can now be put in Pet Auto Buff
Guide note:
Finally we can now put it in our Skill Sequence which is amazing!
Please do not use this skill on Pet Auto Buff, only use it in your Skill Sequence.Leap Attack
• Action delay reduced by approximately 27%.Rush
• Action delay reduced by approximately 27%.
• Action delay is no longer affected by Attack Speed.
Guide note:
Probably will end up being a bit slower for us in GMS, but you won't notice it that much due to the action delay being reduced.Enrage
• Changed to a passive skill.
• The reduced target count penalty has been removed.
Guide note:
Insane buff to our mobbing damage, 25% final damage and 20% crit damage active permanently now without penalty!
This will also help during our bosses where we need to hit more than 3 targets with our Raging Blow for example.Cry Valhalla VI
• Sword strike interval has been reduced by approximately 36%.Burning Soul Blade
• The damage increase effect during Enrage has been removed.
• [Level 25] Normal Mode duration reduced from 72s → 19s.
• [Level 25] Normal Mode damage increased from 620% → 1355%.
• Normal Mode can now be used mid-air.
• [Level 25] Fixed Mode duration increased from 72s → 117s.
• [Level 25] Fixed Mode damage reduced from 565% → 365%.
• The mode switching feature between Normal and Fixed Mode has been removed.
• Fixed an issue where hit effects were not visible to other players.
• The skill icon for Fixed Mode now matches the Quick Slot UI properly.
Guide note:
It being 100% uptime during mobbing in INSANE! Fixed mode should always be used during mobbing.
Normal mode being compressed for bossing is also very nice, basically fits fully in a ROR5 now, it attacks very fast and also deals a lot of damage.
Normal mode should always be used during bossing.Instinctual Combo
• When the HEXA Core is unlocked, the Tear in Space’s first rift’s attack range will be increased by about 40%.
• When the HEXA Core is unlocked, the Tear in Space’s second rift’s attack range will be increased by about 25%.
• When the HEXA Core is unlocked, the Tear in Space’s third rift’s attack range will be increased by about 31%.
• If Spirit Caliber is used during Instinctual Combo, the strikes and final stikes will activate additional Soul Scar attacks that deal 82% damage on all enemies hit.
Guide note:
Nice change, however it doesn't do that much damage when used with Spirit Calibur currently, maybe in a future update they will increase this?Raging Blow VI
• Enhanced Raging Blow damage increased from 590% → 700% at master level.Rising Rage VI
• Damage increased from 270% → 297% at master level.Beam Blade VI
• Delay to chain into Final Blade reduced by approximately 75%.
• Damage increased from 462% → 508% at master level.Beam Blade VI - Final Blade
• Action delay reduced by approximately 14%.
• Damage increased from 693% → 762% at master level.Furious Edge
• The attack interval has been decreased by about 14%.
• This skill can now only hit a single enemy up to 4 times.
• The maximum number of hits has been increased from 4 to 32.Flash Blade
• Can now be used when there are no enemies nearby (no more landing directly on the mob/boss)
• Can now be used twice consecutively.Guide note:
Very nice change! Using the arrow key + Flash Blade allows you now to go any direction you want as long as the skill has at least 1 charge.
See the video below, this will boost our survivability and mobility by a LOT!

Credits to 메이플스토리맑음 for this clip.

Summary of KMS Hero players thoughts on this patch:Positive Changes:
• Burning Soul Blade (BSB) is highly praised for its damage and mobbing efficiency.
• Mobbing is smoother thanks to the Enrage passive and BSB being always active.
• Overall damage has increased (~9-12% Final Damage), reducing boss clear times (1-2 bursts, ~2-3 minutes).
• No more Oz ring switching is a welcome QoL improvement (Ring of Restraint remains better for bossing).
• Upward Charge and Leap Attack delays have been noticeably reduced.
• Hexa leveling priority has shifted—Raging Blow (RB) is now the top priority due to recent buffs.Mixed/Controversial Changes:
• Flash Blade adjustments are debated—many want a dual-mode system (tracking vs. no tracking), especially for Extreme Lotus and Limbo.
• Instinctual Combo (IC) during Origin feels underwhelming; players are requesting a damage buff.
• Flash Blade’s tracking removal has caused issues, particularly in Lotus (e.g., can’t diagonally dash to the second platform).Ongoing Debates:
• Continuous Ring vs. Ring of Restraint (ROR)—most agree ROR is better for bossing, but discussions continue.Overall, the patch has been well-received, though players hope for adjustments to Flash Blade tracking and IC’s effectiveness in Origin.