Quote from hifive5;232552:
Ok so I wanted to be a good Lightning Attribute Mage/Alchemist.
My goal is to eventually get Rank 1 Shock and Rank 1 Alchemy Mastery ( once i restabalize myself financially that is. Went on a shooping spree x.x) But all my guildies/friends told me that Shock is poopy and i shouldnt get it. From what i see, its more effective/ and efficient (mana wise) than thunder o.o; But are they right?
Spark is an end-game skill.
1. It's extremely difficult to obtain. In fact, it's the most difficult skill to obtain in the game, followed by Spirit Awakening.
2. It costs a lot of AP. You'll need a strong set of skills before you can even hope to take advantage of Shock.
3. The crystals are uncommon. Shock is capable of killing large groups of enemies but frequent use will become highly tedious.
4. The cooldown is lengthy and will leave you vulnerable should you depend on the skill.
5. The damage output is low. While the damage over time is decent, mobs with high defense will render the skill largely ineffective.
6. Spark costs a large amount of mana and stamina.
That being said, the ability to stun-lock large groups of enemies with advanced heavy stander makes Shock one of the best Alchemy skills; especially if used in conjunction with Summon Golem.
As far as magic+alchemy is concerned, I wouldn't advise it. Switching from a wand kills your mana while switching from the trinity staff kills your elemental charge.