Magic or Range?

• Chansuai wrote on 2014-10-02 17:19
  Hey, I have been playing on and off since g3 on a human. And I recently decided to make a elf I was wondering what I should start off with though. Magic or Range? And I am not worried about doing life skills over again I have done them before so that doesn't play a factor.
• Oberynn wrote on 2014-10-02 17:33
  Magic has ridiculously fast and easy growth, but it sorta just stagnates after you reach a certain point.
  Range has ridiculously slow and difficult growth, but it never really stops developing.
  
  [SPOILER="a million hours in mspaint"]

  [Image: http://puu.sh/bWxdC/6c4825a8f6.png]

  [/SPOILER]
  
  It's probably more efficient to start with magic cause many options for development and funding will open to you sooner.
• Chansuai wrote on 2014-10-02 17:54
  Okay, Funding really isn't a big deal ether. I have a ele 6 bdk bow. But, I guess i'll probably be able to solo easier with magic though right? I am mostly a solo player. And thank you for the help. ^^
• Gaby5011 wrote on 2014-10-02 19:02

  Quote from Oberynn;1249665:

  [SPOILER="a million hours in mspaint"]

  [Image: http://puu.sh/bWxdC/6c4825a8f6.png]

  [/SPOILER]

  
  
  This is pretty accurate.
• ironwoman wrote on 2014-10-02 20:40

  Quote from Oberynn;1249665:

  Magic has ridiculously fast and easy growth, but it sorta just stagnates after you reach a certain point.
  Range has ridiculously slow and difficult growth, but it never really stops developing.
  
  [SPOILER="a million hours in mspaint"]

  [Image: http://puu.sh/bWxdC/6c4825a8f6.png]

  [/SPOILER]
  
  It's probably more efficient to start with magic cause many options for development and funding will open to you sooner.

  
  
  Pretty much this. It's easier to pull off pretty numbers early with magic. However, it will cap off quicker, and it just kinda stops there. Range on the other hand, will have more multiplicative options available, as well as max damage being the easier stat to gain and scale in general. This is why you only see the highest firebolt damage being around 30-35k, while magnum shots have hit literally more than five times that number.
  
  

  Quote from Chansuai;1249667:

  Okay, Funding really isn't a big deal ether. I have a ele 6 bdk bow. But, I guess i'll probably be able to solo easier with magic though right? I am mostly a solo player. And thank you for the help. ^^

  
  
  Well, if funding isn't a big deal, it could go either ways. As for solo plays, I'd say range is actually easier. Why? Range has a good mix of single high target damage, or good AoE damage, especially mixed with puppetry.
  
  Magic on the other hand, needs some conditions. For blaze, you either want someone to crisis for you, or you IS yourself. Either ways, if you're soloing, it's not very efficient. Also note that firebolt is single target only and eats up fuck ton of durability.
• Zekkii wrote on 2014-10-02 21:22
  Ranged suffers from some pretty hefty problems, I'd say it's the worst skillset at this point. Some of the major problems it suffers from are:
  
  

  
  
  1. Elemental Reforge Reliance: does poor damage against content since G16 onward (Lord Missions and beyond) or for those who do not have high reforges (+55.5~66.6% damage or higher)
     
  2. Most reforge reliant talent next to lances: also has to choose between Magnum (single target) damage or Crash Shot (AoE damage)
     
  3. Ranged deficiency: takes a lengthy time to aim at distances and is always at risk of missing and going into cooldown with no stun or damage
     
  4. Suffers further damage penalty if not using Bhafel Hunter along with Bhafel Huntress
     
  5. Set Reliant: Pay to reforge and enchant a Bohemian Set or deal less Magnum Shot damage
     

1. Alchemy revamp makes most all skills do more damage (often multiple times), removes crystal usage, allows guard cylinder, and so forth
   
2. Magic revamp similarly multiplies damage of some skills, now instant cast is a thing, hermit staves and savage wands appear
   
3. Lances receive massive boost do to piercing changes, easy access to useful Catering, and hundreds more in strength due to Ninja among other things
   
4. Music gets song, and the skillset is incomparable so didn't really need it anyways
   
   What hasn't changed much, in my eyes, is archery, puppetry, and fighter. So what am I really getting at? I recommend magic. Life skills are a pain anyways.