MapleStory Dark Knight Skill Build Guide

MapleStory Warrior Dark Knight Warrior can advanced as Hero, Paladin or Dark Knight. This specific job route is determined when you reach Level 30. For this job, you will undergo as Spearman (2nd Job Advancement), Berserker (3rd Job Advancement) and Dark Knight (4th Job Advancement). Spearmen are warriors who utilizes Spear or Polearm to attack their enemy. They use a variety of supportive buffs to support their party members, as well as their own. Some of their skills also consume HP.

Dark Knight Overview

CLASS: Adventurer/Explorer
EQUIPMENT TYPE: Warrior
PRIMARY WEAPON: Spear, Polearm
SECONDARY WEAPON: Iron Chain
PRIMARY STAT: Strength (STR)
LINK SKILL: None
MAPLE UNION EFFECT: MaxHP +2/3/4/5/6%
BEST INNER ABILITY: Attack Speed +1, Buff Duration +50%
JOB SKILLS: I: SwordmanII: SpearmanIII: BerserkerIV: Dark KnightHyper SkillsV: Dark Knight

Dark Knight Pros and Cons

Pros

  • *Share your pros on this job!*
  • Highest HP and MP among Adventurer Warrior.
  • Has huge attacking coverage with either spear/polearm + skill.
  • Has useful party skill Hyper Body which boost party member HP and MP.
  • Has high weapon mastery and critical rate which deals constant stable damage.
  • Has high ignore enemy physical defense that allows inflicted damage reduced little.
  • Has great healing skill which reduces HP potion consumption.
  • Has a skill that triggers automatically that ignores death and grants invincibility.
  • Has a skill to prevent boss from casting it’s most dangerous buffs.

Cons

  • *Share your cons on this job!*
  • Lack of skills that reduces damage absorbed from magical attacks.
  • Skills with cooldowns does not allow to constantly use best skill constantly.
  • Unable to equip shield which boosts defense and provides bonus stats from scroll of attack.

MapleStory Dark Knight Video

[youtube “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko92Sp3ps9g”]

Swordman – Warrior 1st Job Skills

Please refer to Warrior 1st Job Skill Build Guide as it is shared by Hero, Paladin and Dark Knight.

Spearman – Warrior 2nd Job Skills

Piercing Drive (Active)
Deals a powerful strike to enemies. If the enemies are close, also increases your Critical Rate. If they’re far away, also increases your total damage.
Level 1: MP Cost: 17, Damage: 163%, Max Enemies Hit: 8, Number of Hits: 2. Critical Rate within Spear Shaft range: +1%, Damage within Spear Blade range: +1%
Level 10: MP Cost: 20, Damage: 201%, Max Enemies Hit: 8, Number of Hits: 2. Critical Rate within Spear Shaft range: +20%, Damage within Spear Blade range: +10%

Evil Eye (Supportive)
Summons an Evil Eye that heals you regularly when it is near.
Level 1: MP Cost: 20, for every 24 sec, casts a heal that restores 20 HP. Duration: 360 sec. Cooldown: 70 sec

Spear Sweep (Active)
Swings your weapon far to pull in enemies and stun them for a moment.
Level 1: MP Cost: 10, Damage: 136%, Max Enemies Hit: 8, Number of Hits: 2, pull enemies in your direction and stun them
Level 10: MP Cost: 14, Damage: 190%, Max Enemies Hit: 8, Number of Hits: 2, pull enemies in your direction and stun them

Weapon Booster (Supportive)
Required Skill: Weapon Mastery (5)
Increases the attack speed of your weapon for a short time. Must have a Spear or Polearm equipped.
Level 1: MP Cost: 29, Weapon’s Attack Speed increased for 20 sec
Level 10: MP Cost: 11, Weapon’s Attack Speed increased for 200 sec

Iron Will (Supportive)
Increases the Defense of party members for a fixed period of time.
Level 1: MP Cost: 18, DEF: +30, Duration: 92 sec
Level 10: MP Cost: 24, DEF: +300, Duration: 200 sec

Hyper Body (Supportive)
Required Skill: Iron Will (3)
Increases the Max HP and Max MP of party members for a short time.
Level 1: MP Cost: 20, Max HP and Max MP: +6%, Duration: 20 sec
Level 10: MP Cost: 40, Max HP and Max MP: +60%, Duration: 200 sec

Weapon Mastery (Passive)
Note: Level 10 required to learn Barricade Mastery.
Increases Spear and Polearm Mastery.
Level 1: Spear and Polearm Mastery: +14%. Attack Speed +1, Damage +5% when equipped with a Spear.
Level 10: Spear and Polearm Mastery: +50%. Attack Speed +1, Damage +5% when equipped with a Spear.

Final Attack (Passive)
Required Skill: Weapon Mastery (3)
Grants a chance to deal additional damage after an attack. Must have a Spear or Polearm equipped.
Level 1: Proc Rate: 2%, Damage: 100%
Level 20: Proc Rate: 40%, Damage: 150%

Physical Training (Passive)
Improves STR and DEX permanently through physical training.
Level 1: Permanently increase STR by 6 and DEX by 6.
Level 5: Permanently increase STR by 30 and DEX by 30.

Spearman Skill Build Guide: Everything maxed except Piercing Drive.
0. Evil Eye is auto-maxed.
1. Spear Sweep, Piercing Drive (1), Weapon Mastery (2)
1. Weapon Mastery (5)
2. Weapon Booster (6)
3. Weapon Mastery (MAX)
4. Physical Training (MAX)
5. Weapon Booster (MAX)
6. Piercing Drive (19/20)
7. Spear Sweep (MAX)
8. Final Attack (MAX)
9. Iron Will (3)
10. Hyper Body (MAX)
11. Iron Will (MAX)

Explanation:
Spearman aka Dark Knight 2nd Job primary attacking skill will be both Spear Sweep and Piercing Drive. Spear Sweep has far attacking coverage but slower activation speed whereas Piercing Drive has shorter attacking coverage but faster activation speed. If you are able to 1HKO (1-hit-knockout) the enemies, its preferable to use Spear Sweep when enemies are out of Piercing Drive reach. Begin by adding 1 SP (Skill Point) into both Piercing Drive and Spear Sweep for training purposes. Max Weapon Mastery and Physical Training to boost your min-max damage. You can add 6 SP into Weapon Booster first to reduce the activation delay in both skills especially Spear Sweep. Once that is done, max Spear Sweep and cap Piercing Drive at Level 19. Reason being, Spear Sweep can be utilized in higher job advancement to cluster enemies while 3rd/4th job skill is used to defeat the enemies. Max Weapon Booster to lengthen the buff duration to match with the other buff skill duration, followed by Final Attack, Hyper Body and Iron Will. If you are using Elixirs, its recommended to max Hyper Body early to take advantage of the larger HP and MP recovery.

Berserker – Warrior 3rd Job Skills

La Mancha Spear (Active)
Wields your spear like a windmill to deal damage and pierce nearby enemies.
Level 1: MP Cost: 5, Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 132%, Number of Attacks: 1. If you continuously press and hold the key, lasts up to 8 sec. Attack with 550% damage when you release the key
Level 20: MP Cost: 7, Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 151%, Number of Attacks: 1. If you continuously press and hold the key, lasts up to 8 sec. Attack with 740% damage when you release the key

Rush (Active)
Dash forward and push back multiple monsters.
Level 1: MP Cost: 11, Damage: 251%, Max Enemies Pushed: 7
Level 10: MP Cost: 20, Damage: 305%, Max Enemies Pushed: 12

Evil Eye of Domination (Passive)
Evil Eye is summoned to freely attack nearby enemies. Your Evil Eye’s attacks will not cause you to take damage from attack reflection.
Level 1: Evil Eye roams around freely and attacks with 156% damage.
Level 10: Evil Eye roams around freely and attacks with 210% damage.

Evil Eye Shock (Passive)
The Evil Eye lets out a scream to stun and deal damage to nearby enemies. Can only be used while Evil Eye of Domination is active. Unaffected by attack reflection.
Level 1: Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 412%, Stun Chance: 9%, Stun Duration: 5 sec, Cooldown: 12 sec.
Level 20: Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 640%, Stun Chance: 90%, Stun Duration: 5 sec, Cooldown: 12 sec.

Cross Surge (Supportive)
Increases total damage proportional to current HP for a short time. Also reduces damage taken proportional to reduced HP.
Level 1: MP Cost: 10, For 86 sec, the final damage increases by 4% of current HP ratio. Damage received will be reduced by 2% of reduced HP, up to a maximum of 4000.
Level 20: MP Cost: 20, For 200 sec, the final damage increases by 80% of current HP ratio. Damage received will be reduced by 8% of reduced HP, up to a maximum of 4000.

Lord of Darkness (Passive)
Increases Critical Rate and Critical Damage, and grants a chance to recover HP during the attack.
Level 1: Critical Rate: +12%, Critical Damage: +3%. 10% chance to recover 2% of Max HP during the attack, +3% if target is a boss.
Level 10: Critical Rate: +30%, Critical Damage: +8%. 100% chance to recover 5% of Max HP during the attack, +3% if target is a boss.

Endure (Passive)
Enhances Abnormal Status Resistance and all Elemental Resistances.
Level 1: Abnormal Status Resistance: +1, Elemental Resistance: +1%
Level 20: Abnormal Status Resistance: +20, Elemental Resistance: +20%

Hex of the Evil Eye (Supportive)
Your Evil Eye periodically buffs you.
Level 1: Frequency: every 24 sec, Attack Power: +2, DEF: +25, Critical Rate: 1%, Buff Duration: 24 sec
Level 20: Frequency: every 4 sec, Attack Power: +40, DEF: +500, Critical Rate: 10%, Buff Duration: 100 sec

Berserker Skill Build Guide: Everything maxed except Evil Eye Domination.
1. Rush, La Mancha Spear, Lord of Darkness (1)
2. Lord of Darkness (MAX)
3. Cross Surge (MAX)
4. Hex of the Evil Eye (MAX)
5. La Mancha Spear (MAX)
6. Rush (MAX)
7. Evil Eye Shock (MAX)
8. Endure (MAX)
9. Evil Eye of Domination (4/10)

Explanation:
Berserker aka Dark Knight 3rd Job primary attacking skill will be Rush and La Mancha Spear. What I really like about Berserker is the ability to recover HP faster than the enemies could reduce it and this is made possible with Lord of Darkness skill. You will need to constantly attack the enemies to trigger Lord of Darkness ability to convert damage-dished as HP! Combined this with La Mancha Spear fast attacking speed, you will be able to activate Lord of Darkness so frequent that your HP bar is always at 90%~100%. Another special thing about Berserker skills is Cross Surge which reduces incoming damage and Hex of the Evil Eye that boosts your defenses by a huge margin. This makes Berserker a perfect class for players who wish to fight in the front lines and acting as a tank to shield others by attracting enemies to themselves. La Mancha Spear skill is activated by holding down the skill-key which makes it less tiring compared to Paladin/Hero 3rd job skills when grinding for several hours.

Dark Knight – Warrior 4th Job Skills

Gungnir’s Descent (Active)
Drops an enormous, mythical spear from the heavens to deal damage. You can deal higher damage with greater Max HP.
Level 1: MP Cost: 34, Number of Attacks: 12 with 196% damage. When Attacking: Damage increases by 52% of Max HP for every attack, Enemy Defense Ignored: 1%. Cooldown: 22 sec. However, ignores cooldown while in Final Pact or when Sacrifice is cast.
Level 30: MP Cost: 49, Number of Attacks: 12 with 225% damage. When Attacking: Damage increases by 110% of Max HP for every attack, Enemy Defense Ignored: 30%. Cooldown: 8 sec. However, ignores cooldown while in Final Pact or when Sacrifice is cast.

Magic Crash (Supportive)
Has a chance to cancel all buffs on nearby enemies and restrict them from acquiring new buffs for a short time.
Level 1: MP Cost: 33, Success Rate: 28%, Buff Block Duration: 10 sec. Cooldown: 60 sec.
Level 10: MP Cost: 15, Success Rate: 100%, Buff Block Duration: 22 sec. Cooldown: 60 sec.

Dark Impale (Active)
Launch consecutive rapid attacks on multiple enemies.
Level 1: MP Cost: 23, Damage: 164%, Number of Attacks: 5, Max Enemies Hit: 8
Level 30: MP Cost: 50, Damage: 280%, Number of Attacks: 6, Max Enemies Hit: 8

Power Stance (Passive)
Concentrates to hold your ground when struck, resisting knock-back effects permanently.
Level 1: Knockback Resistance: +2%
Level 30: Knockback Resistance: +60%

Sacrifice (Supportive)
Consumes your Evil Eye to restore HP. Causes your attacks to ignore enemy defense, and increases Boss Damage. Resets cooldown for Gungnir’s Descent. [Passive] Increases Permanently increases Ignore Defense stat.
Level 1: MP Cost: 56, restores 13% of Max HP immediately upon casting, ignores 1% of enemy’s Defense for 15 sec, Boss Damage: +1%, resets Gungnir’s Descent’s cooldown. Cooldown: 70 sec, Successful attacks by Evil Eye reduce cooldown by 0.35 sec. [Passive Effect: Ignores 1% of enemys’s Defense]
Level 30: MP Cost: 85, restores 100% of Max HP immediately upon casting, ignores 10% of enemy’s Defense for 30 sec, Boss Damage: +10%, resets Gungnir’s Descent’s cooldown. Cooldown: 70 sec, Successful attacks by Evil Eye reduce cooldown by 0.35 sec. [Passive Effect: Ignores 30% of enemys’s Defense]

Maple Warrior (Supportive)
Temporarily increases the stats of all party members. Does not stack with Maple Warrior, Call of Cygnus, Nova Warrior, President’s Orders, or Rhinne’s Protection.
Level 1: MP Cost: 10, Increases all stats assigned APs by +1% for 30 sec.
Level 30: MP Cost: 70, Increases all stats assigned APs by +15% for 900 sec.

Hero’s Will (Active)
Hones your resolve to ignore certain abnormal status effects. Immune to Abnormal Status for 3 sec after use.
Level 1: MP Cost: 30, Cooldown: 600 sec
Level 5: MP Cost: 30, Cooldown: 360 sec

Final Pact (Supportive + Passive)
When HP reaches 0, your dark contract keeps you alive for a short time and allows you to use Gungnir’s Descent without any cooldown while invincible (with some exceptions). However, you must eliminate the required number of monsters before time runs out, or you will be dragged into the Shadow Abyss. The hourglass will be displayed during the reactivation cooldown. Not affected by cooldown reset.
Level 1: When HP reaches 0, fully restores HP and MP, Invincibility Duration and ignore Gungnir’s Descent cooldown: 11 sec. If 30 enemies are defeated or boss is hit 30 times within Invincibility duration, you revive after the duration ends. Cooldown: 803 sec. [Passive Effect: When HP is 78% or above, Damage: +1%, Movement Speed: +6, Critical Rate: +1%, Critical Damage: +3%]
Level 30: When HP reaches 0, fully restores HP and MP, Invincibility Duration and ignore Gungnir’s Descent cooldown: 40 sec. If 30 enemies are defeated or boss is hit 30 times within Invincibility duration, you revive after the duration ends. Cooldown: 600 sec. [Passive Effect: When HP is 20% or above, Damage: +30%, Movement Speed: +20, Critical Rate: +10%, Critical Damage: +8%]

Barricade Mastery (Passive)
Required Skill: Weapon Mastery (MAX)
Improves Spear and Polearm proficiencies to their human limits. Increases Critical Damage and Attack Power.
Level 1: Increases Spear and Polearm type weapon mastery to 56%. Attack Power: +1, Critical Damage: +5%
Level 30: Increases Spear and Polearm type weapon mastery to 70%. Attack Power: +30, Critical Damage: +15%

Revenge of the Evil Eye (Passive)
When hit, the Evil Eye has a chance to launch a counterattack toward the attacker and recover the Dark Knight’s HP. Your Evil Eye’s attacks will not cause you to take damage from attack reflection. Also permanently increases damage of Evil Eye Shock.
Level 1: When hit, Counterattack Chance: 100%, Damage: 562%, Recovers 5% of Max HP, Counterattack Cooldown: 19 sec. Evil Eye Shock Damage: +155% points
Level 30: When hit, Counterattack Chance: 100%, Damage: 910%, Recovers 5% of Max HP, Counterattack Cooldown: 5 sec. Evil Eye Shock Damage: +300% points

Dark Knight Skill Build Guide: Everything maxed.
1. Barricade Mastery (1), Dark Impale (2)
2. Dark Impale (MAX)
3. Final Pact (MAX)
4. Barricade Mastery (MAX)
5. Stance (MAX)
6. Gungnir’s Descent (1)
7. Sacrifice (MAX)
8. Gungnir’s Descent (MAX)
9. Hero’s Will (1)
10. Magic Crash (MAX)
11. Maple Warrior (MAX)
12. Revenge of the Evil Eye (MAX)
13. Hero’s Will (MAX)

Dark Knight Hyper Skills

Gungnir’s Descent – Reinforce
Required Level: 190
Gungnir’s Descent Damage +20%

Gungnir’s Descent – Guardbreak
Required Level: 165
Gungnir’s Descent Ignore Enemy Defense: +20%

Gungnir’s Descent – Boss Rush
Required Level: 150
Gungnir’s Descent Damage against Boss: +20%

Final Pact – Damage
Required Level: 165
Level 1: Final Pact Final Damage: +30%

Final Pact – Critical Chance
Required Level: 140
Level 1: Final Pact Critical Rate: +20%

Final Pact – Reduce Target
Required Level: 180
Level 1: Final Pact’s Number of Enemies required to be defeated to activate: -30%.

Evil Eye – Reinforce
Required Level: 140
Level 1: Evil Eye of Domination, Evil Eye Shock, and Revenge of the Evil Eye damage is increased by 150%.

Evil Eye – Buff Reinforce
Required Level: 150
Level 1: Evil Eye buff attack boost: +30.

Evil Eye – Healing Reinforce
Required Level: 180
Level 1: Evil Eye heal amount is increased to 10% of your maximum HP.

Dark Thirst
Required Level: 140
Channels your inner vampire to increase Attack Power and sap life from enemies for a short time.
Level 1: MP Cost: 300, Duration: 30 sec, ATT: +80, Recover 9% of Max HP when attacking. Cooldown: 120 sec

Nightshade Explosion
Required Level: 160
Releases your inner power to lay waste to nearby enemies.
Level 1: MP Cost: 200, Damage: 330%, Number of Attacks: 10, Max Enemies Hit: 10. Cooldown: 10 sec

Epic Adventure
Required Level: 190
Call upon the bravery deep within to increase damage output and max damage.
Level 1: MP Cost: 100, Duration: 60 sec, Damage: +10%, Max Damage: +10%. Cooldown: 120 sec. Applies to any Explorer class within the party.

Dark Knight Hyper Skill Build Guide:
1. Gungnir’s Descent – Guardbreak
2. Gungnir’s Descent – Boss Rush
3. Gungnir’s Descent – Reinforce
4. Evil Eye – Buff Reinforce
5. Final Pact – Critical Chance
6. Dark Thirst
7. Nightshade Explosion
8. Epic Adventure

Explanation:
Check this Hyper Stats Guide for more details!

Dark Knight 5th Job Skills

Please refer to MapleStory 5th Job Skills Guide for more details on Skill Cores, Special Cores and Enhancement Cores!

Dark Knight Skill Cores

Spear of Darkness | Dark Spear (Active)
Max Level: 25 (30 with Matrix Points)
Attack enemies with a spear holding the power of darkness. When used with the arrow keys, you can choose which direction the spear will attack. When attacking enemies using Damage Reflect, you will not take damage.
Level 1: Consumes 350 MP to creates a Dark Spear that attacks up to 12 enemies at 382% Damage 7 times on a regular cycle. Critical Rate +100%, Ignore Monster DEF: +50%. Cooldown: 10 sec.
Level 25: Consumes 350 MP to creates a Dark Spear that attacks up to 12 enemies at 670% Damage 7 times on a regular cycle. Critical Rate +100%, Ignore Monster DEF: +50%. Cooldown: 10 sec.

Beholder Impact (Active)
Max Level: 25 (30 with Matrix Points)
Beholder reveals itself and damages nearby enemies. This skill can only be used while Beholder Dominant is active. If Beholder attacks enemies using Damage Reflect, you will not take damage.
Level 1: Consumes 450 MP. Beholder moves in front of the Dark Knight and deals 364% damage 2 times on up to 10 enemies for 2 seconds. Cooldown: 15 seconds.
Level 25: Consumes 450 MP. Beholder moves in front of the Dark Knight and deals 700% damage 2 times on up to 10 enemies for 2 seconds. Cooldown: 15 seconds.

Calamitous Cyclone | Piercing Cyclone (Active)
Max Level: 25 (30 with Matrix Points)
Blasts all enemies with a fast swing of your lance, generating a black storm.
Level 1: Consumes 100 MP, and attacks up to 12 enemies at 416% 12 times for 9 sec. Recovers 1% of Max HP upon hit. When the key is released, it hits 12 enemies for 1248% damage 12 times. Recovers 10% of Max HP upon hitting the final blow. Critical Rate +100% and Ignore DEF +50%. Cooldown: 180 sec
Level 25: Consumes 100 MP, and attacks up to 12 enemies at 800% 12 times for 9 sec. Recovers 1% of Max HP upon hit. When the key is released, it hits 12 enemies for 2400% damage 12 times. Recovers 10% of Max HP upon hitting the final blow. Critical Rate +100% and Ignore DEF +50%. Cooldown: 180 sec

Dark Knight Enhancement Cores

Slash Blast Boost
Final Damage: +7% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20 – Max Targets: +1
Level 40 – Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Final Attack Boost
Lv. 20 – Critical Rate: +5%
Lv. 40 – Monster DEF Ignored: +20%
Final Damage: +4% per level, Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)

Piercing Drive Boost
Level 20: Critical Rate: +5%
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%
Final Damage: +5% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)

Spear Sweep Boost
Final Damage: +5% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

La Mancha Spear Boost
Final Damage: +3% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Rush Boost
Final Damage: +3% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Evil Eye Boost
Boosts Evil Eye Domination, Evil Eye Shock, Revenge of the Evil Eye, and Radiant Evil’s damage.
Final Damage: +3% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Dark Impale Boost
Final Damage: +2% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Gungnir’s Descent Boost
Final Damage: +2% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Nightshade Explosion Boost
Final Damage: +2% per level. Max Level: 50 (60 with Matrix Points)
Level 20: Max Targets: +1
Level 40: Monster DEF Ignored: +20%

Dark Knight V-Matrix Skills Guide

Main V Skill: Spear of Darkness
Trio #1: Dark Impale / Gungnir’s Descent / Nightshade Explosion
Trio #2: Evil Eye / Final Attack
Note: Bolded = essential skill | Non-bolded = non-essential skill.

MapleStory Old to New Skill Names

Note: Old Skill Name → New Skill Name (GMS | MSEA)

Dark Knight 2nd Job Skills

  • Piercing Through → Piercing Drive
  • Beholder → Evil Eye
  • Spear Pulling → Spear Sweep
  • Weapon Booster → (SAME)
  • Iron Will→ (SAME)
  • Hyper Body → (SAME)
  • Weapon Mastery → (SAME)
  • Final Attack → (SAME)
  • Physical Training → (SAME)

Dark Knight 3rd Job Skills

  • Lamancha Spear → La Mancha Spear
  • Rush → (SAME)
  • Beholder Dominant → Evil Eye of Domination
  • Beholder Shock → Evil Eye Shock
  • Cross Over Chain → Cross Surge
  • Lord of Darkness → (SAME)
  • Endure → (SAME)
  • Beholder’s Buff → Hex of the Evil Eye

Dark Knight 4th Job Skills

  • Gungnir Descent → Gungnir’s Descent
  • Magic Crash → (SAME)
  • Dark Impale → (SAME)
  • Stance → Power Stance
  • Sacrifice → (SAME)
  • Maple Warrior → (SAME)
  • Hero’s Will → (SAME)
  • Reincarnation → Final Pact
  • Advanced Weapon Mastery → Barricade Mastery
  • Beholder’s Revenge → Revenge of the Evil Eye

Dark Knight Hyper Skills

  • Dark Thirst → (SAME)
  • Dark Synthesis → Nightshade Explosion
  • Epic Adventure → (SAME)

Dark Knight 5th Job Skills

  • Dark Spear → Spear of Darkness | Dark Spear
  • Beholder Impact → Radiant Evil | Beholder Impact
  • Piercing Cyclone → Calamitous Cyclone | Piercing Cyclone

Additional Information

Dark Knight Changelog

GMS

  1. GMS v.112 – Jett (2012-06-26)
  2. GMS v.118 – Champions (2012-09-21)
  3. GMS v.123 – Tempest (2012-11-28)
  4. GMS v.132 – Hyper Evolution (2013-04-03)
  5. GMS v.137 – Unleashed (2013-06-19)
  6. GMS v.143 – RED Part 1: First Impact (2013-12-04)
  7. GMS v.150 – Rising Heroes (2014-06-17)
  8. GMS v.157 – Shining Star (2014-12-03)
  9. GMS v.168 – Reboot Updates (2015-12-02)
  10. GMS v.172 – Maple’s Eleven (2016-04-21)
  11. GMS v.174 – Heroes of Maple: Reborn (2016-06-22)
  12. GMS v.177 – Strange Secret Stories (2016-10-19)
  13. GMS v.179 – MapleStory V 5th Job (2016-12-15)
  14. GMS v.186 – Override Evolve (2017-06-21)
  15. GMS v.190 – Nova: Liberation of Cadena (2017-12-01)
  16. GMS v.200 – Black Mage: Gathering of Heroes (2018-11-14)
  17. GMS v.201 – Black Mage: Labyrinth (2018-12-12)

MSEA

  1. MSEA v.158 – Accelerate Update Notes (2016-04-06)
  2. MSEA v.161 – Heroes of Maple (2016-09-06)
  3. MSEA V.162 – MapleStory V (2016-11-16)
  4. MSEA V.165 – KERNING TOWER (2017-03-02)
  5. MSEA V.167 – BEYOND (2017-05-17)
  6. MSEA v.170 – Zest and Zeal (2017-09-18)
  7. MSEA v.174 – Maple Film Festival aka MFF (2018-02-27)
  8. MSEA v.179 – Mid-Autumn and Skill Revamps (2018-09-19)
  9. MSEA v.180 – Black Mage and Tenebris Expedition (2018-11-14)

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212 thoughts on “MapleStory Dark Knight Skill Build Guide

  1. Guanougumbo

    Hi, GMS NA reboot lvl 236 DK here, i have always played DK and your guide has been a huge help to get me back in the game. I’ve heard that hero and paladin will be changing meta from 1h to 2h weapons thanks to a mastery that will boost their attack speed. Do you know if this will apply to DKs? I currently have boss dmg and buff duration IA and would like to know if I should keep rolling for attack speed or keep this. Thank you so much!

  2. Garmuz

    Thanks for the guide, was nice as a new player to have something to lean on! 🙂

  3. Ayumilove Post author

    @all: The following items have been updated.
    1. Added Enhancement Cores skill details.
    2. Hyper Skills level requirements have been updated based on GMS v2.00.
    3. Added MSEA changelog links (v170, v174, v180)
    4. Added GMS changelog links (v186, v201)
    5. Added Piercing Cyclone (5th Job Skill)
    6. Evil Eye of Domination (Toggle → Passive)
    7. Cross Surge (Buff Duration, Lv.1: 67 → 86 sec)
    8. Lord of Darkness (Minimum Critical Damage → Critical Damage)
    9. Hex of the Evil Eye (Removed Weapon-Magic Def, Avoidability, Accuracy)
    10. Iron Body (Removed Weapon-Magic Def, 200 → 300 DEF)
    11. Weapon Mastery (Removed Accuracy)
    12. Gungnir’s Descent (DMG, Lv.1: 181% → 196%, Lv.30: 210% → 225%)
    13. Sacrifice (Cooldown Reduction, 0.5 → 0.35 sec)
    14. Revenge of the Evil Eye (Evil Eye Shock Damage, Lv.1 New → 155%p, Lv.30 New → 300%p)

  4. Ayumilove Post author

    @all: The following items have been updated: GMS v.186 / MSEA v.180

    Evil Eye Shock (GMS v.186 / MSEA v.180)
    Level 1: Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 412%, Stun Chance: 9%, Stun Duration: 5 sec, Cooldown: (25 → 12) sec.
    Level 20: Max Enemies Hit: 10, Damage: 640%, Stun Chance: 90%, Stun Duration: 5 sec, Cooldown: (10 → 12) sec.

    Piercing Cyclone (MSEA v.180) * New 5th Job Skill *
    Level 1: Consumes 100 MP, and attacks up to 12 enemies at 416% 12 times for 9 sec. Recovers 1% of Max HP upon hit. When the key is released, it hits 12 enemies for 1248% damage 12 times. Recovers 10% of Max HP upon hitting the final blow. Critical Rate +100% and Ignore DEF +50%. Cooldown: 180 sec
    Level 25: Consumes 100 MP, and attacks up to 12 enemies at 800% 12 times for 9 sec. Recovers 1% of Max HP upon hit. When the key is released, it hits 12 enemies for 2400% damage 12 times. Recovers 10% of Max HP upon hitting the final blow. Critical Rate +100% and Ignore DEF +50%. Cooldown: 180 sec

  5. Ayumilove Post author

    @all: MSEA v179 Updates:

    Final Pact (Before)
    Level 1: When HP reaches 0, fully restores HP and MP, Invincibility Duration: 10 sec, Ignores enemy’s attack reflection, Ignores Gungnir’s Descent cooldown. If 30 enemies are defeated within Invincibility duration, you revive after the duration ends. If the enemy is a boss, the number of attacks is considered the number of enemy defeats. Cooldown: 803 sec
    [Passive Effect: When HP is 78% or above, Damage: +1%, Movement Speed: +6, Critical Rate: +1%, Minimum Critical Damage: +1%]
    Level 30: When HP reaches 0, fully restores HP and MP, Invincibility Duration: 25 sec, Ignores enemy’s attack reflection, Ignores Gungnir’s Descent cooldown. If 20 enemies are defeated within Invincibility duration, you revive after the duration ends. If the enemy is a boss, the number of attacks is considered the number of enemy defeats. Cooldown: 600 sec
    [Passive Effect: When HP is 20% or above, Damage: +30%, Movement Speed: +20, Critical Rate: +10%, Minimum Critical Damage: +15%]

    Final Pact (After)
    Level 1: Fully restores HP/MP when #cHP becomes 0#. Makes you Invincible, ignores attacks, and inflicts damage on even enemies in the Damage Reflection status for 11 sec. #cIgnores Gungnir’s Descent’s cooldown#. If you defeat 30 enemies while Invincible, then you will be resurrected after Invincibility runs out. When fighting a boss, the number of times you attack him is counted as the number of defeated enemies. Cooldown: 803 sec. [Passive Effects: When HP is 78% or higher, Final Damage +1%, MSPD +6, Critical Rate +1%, and Critical Damage +5%]
    Level 30: Fully restores HP/MP when #cHP becomes 0#. Makes you Invincible, ignores attacks, and inflicts damage on even enemies in the Damage Reflection status for 40 sec. #cIgnores Gungnir’s Descent’s cooldown#. If you defeat 30 enemies while Invincible, then you will be resurrected after Invincibility runs out. When fighting a boss, the number of times you attack him is counted as the number of defeated enemies. Cooldown: 600 sec. [Passive Effects: When HP is 20% or higher, Final Damage +30%, MSPD +20, Critical Rate +10%, and Critical Damage +15%]

    Barricade Mastery (Before)
    Level 1: Increases Spear and Polearm type weapon mastery to 56%. Attack Power: +1, Minimum Critical Damage: +1%
    Level 30: Increases Spear and Polearm type weapon mastery to 70%. Attack Power: +30, Minimum Critical Damage: +15%

    Barricade Mastery (After)
    Level 1: Spear/Pole Arm Mastery +56%, ATT +1, and Critical Damage +5%
    Level 30: Spear/Pole Arm Mastery +70%, ATT +30, and Critical Damage +15%

    Final Pact – Damage (Before)
    Level 1: Final Pact Critical Damage +20%

    Final Pact – Damage (After)
    Level 1: Final damage +30%

  6. Alextere

    Evil Eye of Domination is no longer a toggle skill, is always on

  7. Abdi

    Would the Hyper skills passive change in the override update? seeing as some of the damage transitions to beholder would it be beneficient to get the 150% beholder dmg instead of, say, 20% crit?

  8. Ayumilove Post author

    @Sootchy: Thanks for your feedback regarding Dark Knight Hyper Skill required levels. I’ll check them out and perform the necessary corrections 🙂

  9. Sootchy

    You should probably double check if they changed dark knights hyper passive skills required levels cause for me your numbers are wrong. It could just be a reboot thing but you should probably just check.

  10. Ayumilove Post author

    @ArieJin: Thanks for your analysis on Dark Knight Hyper Skill selection. I have updated the guide above based on the skills that can provide better and consistent damage for Dark Knights. “Final Pact – Damage” is replaced with “Evil Eye – Buff”.

  11. ArieJin

    Right now, Final Pact – Damage’s 20% Final damage only applies when reincarnation is active. However, the Final Pact – Critical chance’s 20% crit rate applies at all times. So i would think adding Evil Eye – Buff reinforce would give a more consistent damage boost.

  12. Ayumilove Post author

    @Tsunamininja: Once you reach that particular level to unlock the skill, just add 1 HSP (Hyper Skill Point) into it. The sequence does not matter for the Hyper Skill as I ordered for ease of seeing the skills to select.

  13. Jeremy

    @neko: i do believe the final pact crit is for its passive not just when final pact is active. not sure about the final damage but if it’s also for passive then i would do in this order:

    final pact-damage
    gungnir’s descent-reinforce
    final pact- crit
    gungnir’s descent-guardbreak
    gungnir’s descent-bossrush.

  14. Neko

    U do know..final pact is need to die first..then can activate… u can spam gungnie without dying

  15. Tsunamininja

    Why do you take Final Pact – Damage after Gungnir’s Descent – Reinforce? Surely 20% final damage (on all abilities) is worth more than 20% damage?
    Unless of course the 20% damage is added to each of Gungnir’s Descent’s 12 hits before multipliers, I’m not sure how it works.

  16. NekoDK

    Hi Ayumi.. i will like to check…what do you think is the best inner ability for DK…let say i managed to reach legendary ability rank.

    30 wa
    1 att spd
    buff duration?
    or mayb boss dmg?

    i not sure on this hahah…hope can hear ur reply soon ..Thanks.

  17. iwhitecup

    Or is it the same as reincarnation? Msea btw

  18. iwhitecup

    Msea no final pact for hyper skill, is it replaced or is it not out? If so what to add for Dk hyper skill

  19. Ayumilove Post author

    @Mapolostory: Spear delivers additional damage when Dark Knight is equipped with that weapon as they benefit from the 2nd job passive skill “Weapon Mastery”.

  20. Ayumilove Post author

    @DLD: Evil Eye of Domination can be toggled on or off depending on your preferences. If you would like it to agro the monsters nearby so they will come after your character instead of you chasing after them, you may leave it on. Another reason to toggle it on is to attack boss while you are performing your primary attacking skill for additional damage.

  21. Ayumilove Post author

    @Skooby: The Dark Knight 5th Job Skill Beholder Impact is yet to be released in GMS. The skill has been introduced in KMS (Korea MapleStory) and it will be delivered to other MapleStory regions which includes MapleSEA (South East Asia), CMS (China), JMS (Japan), GMS (Global MapleStory).

  22. Skooby

    Beholder Impact, that skill is not available in GMS jet or how I get it?

  23. DLD

    Should, “Evil Eye of Domination” be toggled on or off? In other words should I toggle it on and let it roam free vs. toggling it off and keeping it near.

  24. Mapolostory

    Hi Ayumilove, just wanted to ask your opinion on Polearm vs Spear. I play on reboot – not sure if that will change you opinion.

  25. Ayumilove Post author

    @Mughar: Dark Knight ranks one step higher than Hero in terms of DPM (Damage Per Minute) with damage cap limiter off. I highly recommend you to play the class that you enjoy rather than focusing on pure damage.

  26. Mughar

    me too want to know who is better hr or dk

  27. Han

    Hero or dk better? Please advice ty

  28. Ayumilove Post author

    @DarkWaifu: The Hyper Skill Build Guide is not in a sequence order, but listed in a way which is easy to read on what skills to max.

  29. DarkWaifu

    In which order while levelling 150+ do you do your hyper skills as some of the ones lower on the list appear later than ones lower on the list or do we just do it in any order we feel like?

  30. Sy

    Hello,
    Any way to make the downtime on the eye after using sacrifice? can you give suggestions and formula to it?

  31. Potato

    Is the new hyper skill of +30 attack worth taking over any other hyper skills?

  32. Ayumilove Post author

    @nutterbutter: It depends on players preference. For me, Rush is an utility skill so whether or not this is max is not an issue for me. Some players would want this max as they will be using this quite often during 4th job training for mobbing enemies while dealing fast high damage compared to relying on the summoned Evil Eye of Domination that attacks kinda slow. I would personally max Evil Eye of Domination since it can attack enemies while providing the useful buff while my Dark Knight is bossing/training 🙂

  33. nutterbutter

    hi since v177 update is it worth maxing Evil Eye of Domination on 3rd job instead of something else like Rush ?

  34. AndyBoing

    hi there, i’ve stopped playing for a few months now, previvously, after applying all dark knight skills, my dark knight’s attack range would be over 100k. But i’ve continued playing recently and when i checked, my damage seems to have reduced to 60k+ even after applying all supportive skills. Just wondering if tthere are any changes that made the damage decrease. Would seriously need your help, thanks 🙂

  35. Ayumilove Post author

    @Edyin: Thanks for your feedback! I have corrected “Lord of Darkness” (Supportive to Passive).

  36. Edyin

    Hi, I noticed that the skill “Lord of Darkness” from the 3rd job is labelled as a supportive skill, but it should be a passive skill. Anyway just since I am already writing here I wanna take the chance to say thank you for all your guides. You are awesome 🙂

  37. Ayumilove Post author

    @Alex: The term “max” in this guide refers to maxing out the skill mastery. If it’s a 4th job skill, then it means using mastery book to unlock those level caps and spending SP (Skill Points) into it.

  38. Ayumilove Post author

    @Hao Meng: Spear is better as it delivers faster attack speed. This is great when your damage is maxed out.

  39. Ayumilove Post author

    @jhonny: Hi, I have added the new Hyper Stats Guide link into this Dark Knight Skill Build Guide!

  40. Ayumilove Post author

    @Lawrence: The skill build guide recommends to add 1 SP into Gungnir’s Descent first, then max Sacrifice followed by maxing Gungnir’s Descent.

  41. Lawrence

    Hi, i just wanted to ask why gungnirs descent is kept at lvl 1?

  42. jhonny

    Hyper Stats guide?

  43. Hao Meng

    Hi I just wanna ask is spear or polearm better for DrK!

  44. Kelvin THM

    Hi I just wanna ask is spear or polearm better for Dark Knight? Polearm is faster but the mastery said when equipped with spear the Attack speed is +1 so spear will have same Attack speed with polearm but there will be more damage.. So should DrK equip spear or polearm?

  45. Suslik

    @Alex Yea you wanna buy the mastery books and get the skills to their max lvl.

  46. Alex

    I was wondering i am new to maple and this is my first class but, when it says max out for the 4th job skills, does that mean get mastery books too or just cap them at 10 to get books later

  47. Ayumilove Post author

    @apple: In GMS (Global MapleStory), it adds +15% minimum critical damage.

  48. Ayumilove Post author

    @DiximaN: MapleStory still requires players to purchase 4th job mastery books (20 and 30) to unlock the skill level limiter. Only Cygnus Knight class does not require any purchase of mastery books for their 4th job skills 🙂

  49. DiximaN

    Do you still need skillbooks/mastery books for 4th

  50. apple

    i believe that
    Barricade Mastery (Passive): adds max crit damage 15% , instead of min crit dmg.

  51. Behu

    Why does cross surge not affect my range ?
    Previously it did, but now it isn’t. Is there anything that Nexon has done to this or it is just a glitch ?

  52. Ayumilove Post author

    @MaxEd: Yeah, you should be able to max all skills. However, some job does not have sufficient SP (Skill Points) to max all skills though. The skill build guide prioritizes on the skills which are most important to help speed up leveling.

  53. MaxEd

    Hi Ayumilove, the number besides skills in skill build determined of what? And is it everything for 4th job would be maxed when I achieved level 140?? *Im quite new to your guide, sorry*

  54. KelvinTHM17

    Hi, i just want to ask, i have a lvl 167 Paladin on MSEA and i can boss without much problem due to my high defense… but im kind of bored of my paladin and im thinking of another job to create for the coming burning project on MSEA on April 27… I want to find a job like paladin when i can boss easily without being afraid of dying, i wonder if Dark Knight can do that? I was thinking of wildhunter but im not sure whether wildhunter can boss like my paladin

  55. Ayumilove Post author

    @DKsquared2: Thanks for the notice! I have corrected these 2 Hyper Skill level requirement (Final Pact – Critical Chance & Final Pact – Cooldown Cutter).

  56. DKsquared2

    Hi Ayumilove,
    Great guide!

    I saw a little mistake at the hyper stat skills though,
    the level of Final pact – crit chance is 168, Final pact – cooldown cutter is 189.

  57. OdiakeS

    I don’t understand the hyper skill build guide. I’m playing on reboot and I have active and passive skills. Can you explain to me in more detail? I haven’t played maple in years. Thank you so much in advance.

  58. yichor

    @Quique: If you are end game bosser and u if u like 1vs1 (soloing bosses)go for hero , paladin have super high def but damage need some fund mobbing and bossing are ok , drk if u like mobbing or evil dark colour and is have revive skill and have hyper make you have more survivarate

  59. Quique

    Who is most fun Dark night , Paladin or Hero?
    and is better changue my Hero vlvl 206 to Paladin or DK?

  60. Ayumilove Post author

    @yichor: The hyper skills you are referring are passive skills. They work similarly to other Dark Knight’s 1st-4th job passive skills.

  61. yichor

    hi ayumi, i want to ask about that hyper skill , final pact-damage and final pact-critical chance is it this 2 hyper is into passive or after activated this skill?

  62. Miso

    Hi I’m kind of new to being a dark knight, I am currently level 141 and I noticed hyper stats is separate from hyper skills. What would be a good build for my hyper stat?

  63. anthony

    hi ayumi i want to ask kaiser , hero , dark knight which is better at mobbing and damage

  64. Jeremy

    Argh, I am getting frustrated, I have both dk job(both are lvl 115) and both got skill reseted previously, had up all the skill and I found out that I can confirm by is these:

    DK skills (SEA)
    first job – All skills can be maxed
    second job – Lack 1 skills point to maxed all skills
    third job – Lack 10 skills point to maxed all skills ( Lack only 4 skills point in GMS)
    fourth job – I do not know yet
    Hyper Skills – I do not know yet

  65. Ayumilove Post author

    @Ian: Both Dark Knight and Shadower are good. But I prefer Dark Knight for its simplicity, tankyness and party buff skills.

  66. Ayumilove Post author

    @Drk: You use “Dark Impale” for regular training and boss raid. When the time is right, you switched to “Gungnir’s Descent” when the cooldowm limiter is temporarily removed upon activating Final Pack or casting Sacrifice 🙂

  67. Ayumilove Post author

    @J: Thanks for your feedback! I have fixed the guide above. (4th job advancement SP: 4 → 3)

  68. Ayumilove Post author

    @Kevin: Dark Knight requires Mastery Books to max the skills which has Level 20 and Level 30 cap. In total, you will get 255 SP (Skill Points) which is provided sufficiently upon reach Level 140 (using the new SP distribution released by MapleStory Nexon).

    If you couldn’t get to max all the skills, it’s probably MapleSEA (MapleStory South East Asia) has issue.
    On GMS (Global MapleStory), I’m able to max all the skills as shown in this video: https://youtu.be/R2ceex6tm1E?t=2m28s

    MapleSEA has a gloomy side on the SP distribution for some jobs.
    My Zen character in MapleSEA has yet to be fixed for the 3rd and 4th job SP (Unable to add SP into 4th job even though I’m level 103) 🙁

  69. Ayumilove Post author

    @Jeremy: Probably a bug in MapleStory? My dark knight has Level 10/10 max rush and Level 4/10 Evil Eye Domination. Other player on GMS also has the same build: check this video = https://youtu.be/R2ceex6tm1E?t=1m44s

  70. Ayumilove Post author

    @ayumilove: Reboot updated!

    2nd Job

    Weapon Booster: Casting delay reduced.
    Iron Will: At Master Level: Duration reduced from 240 sec to 200 sec.
    Hyper Body: At Master Level: Duration reduced from 300 sec to 200 sec.
    Weapon Mastery: At Master Level: When equipped with a spear weapon attack speed increased, damage +5%.

    3rd Job

    Cross Surge: At Master Level: Duration increased from 180 sec to 200 sec, Casting delay reduced.
    Lord of Darkness: At Master Level: Heal activation chance increased from 20% to 100%, 10% damage to HP healed changed to 5% of max HP healed.

    4th Job

    Gungnir’s Descent: At Master Level: Damage decreased from 312% to 250%, Number of attacks increased from 8 to 10.
    Dark Impale: Attack range increased.
    Sacrifice: Casting delay reduced.
    Revenge of the Evil Eye: At Mater Level: 10% of damage to HP healed changed to 5% of max HP healed.

    Hyper Skills

    Nightshade Explosion: Damage increased from 300% to 330%, Max enemies hit increased from 8 to 10, Cooldown increased from 8 sec to 10 sec.
    Dark Thirst: ATT increased from +60 to +80, 100% of damage to HP healed changed to 9% of max HP healed.

  71. Jeremy

    Ayumi, I everything is maxed in 3rd job skill, but left lvl9 rush and lvl1 eye of domination, I can’t seems to max rush to lvl 10 at all?

    Now i’m 4th job, level 107 and level sp don’t go to 3rd job anymore.

    What should i do?

    is it a bug?

  72. Kevin

    @Ayumilove
    Hey, I was just wondering for the Inner Ability of a Dark Knight, would you aim for a 50% buff duration or +1 attack speed increase on the first line (Legendary)?

    I am not too sure on how much an extra attack speed would increase in terms of DPS and the 50% buff duration is not easily quantifiable either as Sacrifice gives extra PDR and boss damage on top of being allowed to spam Gungir’s Descent.

  73. J

    You only get 3SP once you get 4th job Advancement.

  74. Anonymous

    Every class except Cygnus Knights use mastery books for 4th job skills to unlock higher levels of a skill.

  75. Kevin

    Ayumi, do you use any mastery books on any dark knight’s skills? I followed your skill build and maxed everything and I have about 6 skill points needed to spend but I’m at lvl 139. What to do?

  76. Drk

    Hi Ayumi, just reached 4th job and was wondering what skills I should be primarily using for training/bossing, thanks 🙂

  77. Ian

    Hi Ayumi may i know if dark knight or shadower is better overall and also in terms of bossing?

  78. Josh

    Thanks Ayumi-chan 😀

  79. Ayumilove Post author

    @Josh: Cygnus Knights (Dawn Warrior, Thunder Breaker, Wind Archer, Blaze Wizard, Night Walker) does not require any purchase of mastery books. Playing this class is fun since you will not be distracted by purchased of expensive mastery books while leveling up till Level 140 to max all 4th Job Skills. 🙂

  80. Josh

    Hi Ayumi,can i ask which job doesn’t require mastery books?

  81. Ian

    is shadower or Dark knight better in overall and in terms of bossing?

  82. Ayumilove Post author

    @Kevin: Spear is definitely much better with the Reboot Patch as the Weapon Mastery provides an additional boost of +5% damage and includes their default Fast Attack Speed. The 5% damage boost can add up to 2-20K damage output depending on your min-max damage range.

  83. Kevin

    @Ayumilove Isn’t spear better with the reboot patch? If you CTRL+F “spear” in http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/5183/v-168–reboot-patch-notes , it says that spears now have extra attack speed and 5% damage on top (plus the two extra innate damage that spears get over polearms). Thus, their speed is now equalised with extra damage. Is there any reason to use a polearm now? Or am I wrong in my assumption?

  84. Ayumilove Post author

    @Soul: Polearm (PA) deals more damage than Spear but Spear has faster attack than Polearm. Fast attack is negligible when you 1-2 hits KO (knock out) the monster. When you perform more than 10 hits (usually against bosses), Polearm wins in terms of DPS (Damage Per Second). However, Polearm is much more expensive compared to Spear. So go with the weapon of choice that you can afford with your current budget. Do take note that you can enhance your weapon with the Star Force System to make your current weapon last longer before upgrading to a more expensive higher level weapon. Merry Christmas!

  85. Soul

    which is more effective? spear or polearm

  86. Snow

    What hyper stats should a dark knight get cus of the new update to the hyper skills and stuff?

  87. Ivan

    hi Ayumi, I just wanna ask, [HP Threshold] is the same on MSEA’s version of Dark Pact right?

  88. Ayumilove Post author

    @BaD: DK benefit more from STR (Strength) to deal better damage.

  89. BaD

    Hi,Ayumi . DK more prefer str or hp %?

  90. R

    @bigc you can get the link skill that does that. Check out the link skill guide on the site.

  91. bigc

    ayumi , my dk is always stunted when training at dim light :((
    is there any way to increase abnormal status resistance ???

  92. Zhon

    for dark knight pole arm or spear is better?

  93. Ayumilove Post author

    @andy ng: Sorry, I do not supply nor endorse hacking software for Maplestory.

  94. andy ng

    do u hv or u noe any hack program for maplesea n is up to date I willing to buy cos I wan to lvl fast thx

  95. Ayumilove Post author

    @H3KT1CK: Yes, max 1 skill at a time using all mastery books (20 + 30) if required.

  96. H3KT1CK

    Do you max Dark Impale with all the books done first or after you max the other skills ?

  97. Ayumilove Post author

    @Neko: Thanks for spotting the error! I have corrected the 4th job skill order for Hero’s Will skill.

  98. Neko

    There’s also a minimal error, specifically in the 4th job skill order, in which Hero’s Will its leaved at level 1

  99. Neko

    Ayumi, does DrK get advanced final attack, because he has go final attack but i can’t see advanced one in 4th job skill build

  100. Ayumilove Post author

    @Anymouse: No bonus effects applied when Final Pact changes color from red, orange and purple. It’s similar to Slash Blast or Power Strike (animation effect)

  101. Anymouse

    Why do the Final Pact effect (the one with the horns around your head) turn from orange to purple at level 150? Does this say anything?

  102. PapaGrimly

    @Kevin: You get 60% in fourth job, and the other 40% from the first job skill, “Warrior Mastery,” which isn’t covered on this page. Every explorer warrior gets 100% power stance in their fourth job.

  103. Jacob

    I believe that the Lord of Darkness skill is a passive skill and not a supportive skill in third job

  104. Kevin

    you only can get 60% power stance of dark knight?

  105. Natt

    Which is better, spear or polearm?

  106. Ayumilove Post author

    @Poom: Thanks for the note! I’ll be updating Dragon Knight skills. Edit: After some checking, I found out that MapleSEA is currently on v.146 patch which uses RED patch data. The one you are seeing above is the latest from GMS and KMS (Dark Knight latest skill update from Shinning Patch which is after RED patch).

  107. Ayumilove Post author

    @fwl: The first 40 levels after 100 is pretty easy to gain but it will drastically become harder to gain EXP afterwards. Therefore, its recommended to add the obtained skill points into the important skills as described in the skill build guide first. Otherwise, your damage will be kinda low. Low damage means you will only be able to kill enemies with lower HP efficiently compared to higher HP monsters that provides better EXP (experience points).

  108. Poom

    Cross surge in msea is 100% ratio to our current hp tho :3

  109. ImValery

    For fwl the best is u max it because it will make your damage lower than usual dark knight because of the unbalance of level skill and the higher the level the harder to get the point too so dont simply add it just follow ayumi guide thats wat i tink becoz i do it before and my damage low like hell

  110. ImValery

    silvirious if u wan the purple colour horn effect u need get to lvl 150 to become purple

  111. fwl

    @Ayumilove: i have very little funds. do you think i should just put 10 points to all skills first then try to max out 1 skill at a time? Really appreciate your help! =)

  112. Silvirious

    Final pact makes the lighting horns effect right? When does it change to purple instead of orange??

  113. Ayumilove Post author

    @Taekwonie: Demon Avenger, Angelic Buster, Kanna, Demon Slayer, Bishop, Hero (they have a passive skill that replenishes HP & MP every 4 second in bulk), Xenon, Zero.

  114. Taekwonie

    @Ayumilove: What jobs requires little funding-no funding? I don’t spend money on Maple alot and I play MapleSEA.

  115. Mapler1821

    @Ayumilove: what job is easiest to train and play

  116. Mapler1821

    @Ayumilove: should i play this job or xenon

  117. darkner

    The all dark knight skills is so OP. Like the La Mancha Spear for mobbing. especially the Final pact is so awesome!

  118. Ayumilove Post author

    @Leon: If you have extra character slot, why not make both? 😀 I like Mihile much more since its attacking range is further and Flash Jump distance is much further, easier to train compared to all Explorer warriors. However, if you are considering to buff up your cards, its much wiser to grab Dark Knight has its card buffs up your MaxHP whereas Mihile boosts your Defense. Dark Knight + Powerful Deck Card combination will boost all of your characters in your account 😀

  119. Leon

    Hey Ayumi , I kinda interested in dark knight after the red patch , at the same time i would like to train a mihile too…. Do you know which class is better in an unfunded situation? (Im plying maplesea)

  120. Ayumilove Post author

    @Kai Kurios: Hmm, not sure about the calculations for the Lord of Darkness though. Perhaps someone here has idea on how Lord of Darkness works in GMS/MSEA.

  121. Ayumilove Post author

    @Aeons: You will need to use a 20 on a skill to unlock the skill from 10 to 20. A mastery book 30 requires you to have at least 15 SP in that skill before you can use it to unlock the level cap from 20 to 30. For the 2nd question, I’ll get the mastery books based on the order of the 4th Job Skill Build.

  122. Sammy

    Something doesn’t make sense. Default minimum critical damage is 20% and maximum critical damage is 50%. 3rd Job Lord of Darkness gives minimum critical damage +15% so that is 35%. And 4th Job Barricade Mastery gives another 15% so that’s 50%. But the problem is because of reincarnation’s passive effect minimum critical damage is another 15% so 65%? How can minimum critical damage exceed the maximum critical damage? Something’s definitely wrong.

  123. Kai Kurios

    Hey Ayumi, Im playing in Ẽtalia. My range is abt 11-15k, but everytime I restore by Lord of Darkness,i jusst can restore HP=10% range, not damage…whats wrong?!?

  124. Aeons

    Hey, I’ve recently returned to MS after about 6 years and have a couple of questions — I have the Silent Crusade mastery book, which can turn into either the 20 or 30, so..

    1. As far as mastery books, do I need to use a 20 on a skill before I can use a 30, or can it go straight from base (10) all the way to 30?

    2. What order would you suggest using mastery books (I’m still relatively poor so trying to get the free ones first). I’ve used two 20s so far, one on Power Stance and the other on Maple Warrior.

    I’m currently level 144 so I have every skill maxed so far with 1 point left over waiting to be used~

    Thanks! =)

  125. J

    I use this guide too, so I’ll chip in to help

  126. Ayumilove Post author

    Thanks J for your feedback! I have corrected Dark Knight 2nd Job Skill Build Guide to include 3 SP into Iron Will to unlock Hyper Body 🙂

  127. J

    You need 3 SP into Iron Will to unlock Hyper Body

  128. Ayumilove Post author

    @BassRider: Mastering Dark Impale first grants you additional hit on all 8 monsters, which drastically improves your DPS.

  129. Ayumilove Post author

    @BassRider: Thanks for the note on 4 SP on job advancement 🙂

  130. BassRider

    @Ayumilove Also can you explain to me the odd build on 4th job? because usually we would go for mastery first and such.

  131. BassRider

    @Ayumilove btw you get 4 skill point upon 3rd job advancement.

  132. Ayumilove Post author

    @whiskeycap: I would prefer Shadower though for its variety of skills and fast movement. If you plan to choose Warrior, you would recommend go for Dark Knight. Both Knight and Fighter its kinda plain in my opinion in terms of skills. Dark Knight is similar to Demon Avenger (DA) where you less use HP potion due to the fast HP recovery from skills.

  133. whiskeycap

    Hi, I read your skill builds for Shadower and Warrior and was wondering which of the 2 jobs would you recommend? If Warrior, then which 2nd job is better? Like in terms of damage/supportive skills wise

    I’ve never played any of the aforementioned classes before so I’ve no idea what is it like, though I’m playing a DA and a Bishop now 🙂 thanks!

  134. Xogen

    Ayumi which one is better? spear or polearm

  135. Ayumilove Post author

    @Zeynox: Thanks I have corrected Spear Sweep Skill Points.

  136. Zeynox

    Ayumi,For the spearman skill build it should be 9 points into spear sweep instead of 19

  137. Candyknight

    do the final pact passive effect applies to your range? cause my range doesn’t increase

  138. masterofnothing

    Hello, great guide as always

    One question – how does final attack (the second job passive skill) ever happen? I know that many years ago it would just have an automatic animation after an attack, I’ve never seen it before. What is the purpose of that then? Or am I missing something?

    Thanks

  139. Kucinta

    I am a bit confused how the new DK skills works.

    1) Do I activate beholder first before activating beholder dominant?
    2) Do I activate beholder dominant & then sacrifice to use Gungnir’s Descent repeatedly?
    3) I keep having this hour glass on top of me, and makes me die for no rhyme or reason. Is that final pact? how do i keep myself alive when the hour glass appear?

  140. Sv3eater

    Are arans or dark knights better in terms of mana consumption since both can life steal pretty well and deal tons of damage

  141. shari

    sacrifice doesn’t have an cool down?

  142. Ayumilove Post author

    @rizaime: Spears are 2 handed 🙂

  143. Ayumilove Post author

    @wayne: It’s up to you whether you want Hyper Mana or Hyper Dex. Personally, I go for Hyper Mana so I can benefit from the Power Elixir.

  144. rizaime

    spears are 2 handed right?

  145. wayne

    why is up hyper mana not hyper dex??

  146. iVipPro

    Hi I just made a dark knight and how come u have all the skill that need to be to lvl 30 or 20 maxed even tho it was in the video lvl1? Is it jsut a kms thing or gms?

  147. Ayumilove Post author

    @John Keyes: Thanks for the feedback. I’ll adjust the 2nd Job accordingly 🙂

  148. John Keyes

    Peircing Drive at second job advancement seems a better move to use then the other one. i would max it then the Spear Sweep.

  149. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi LoneFillet, based on my experience, Demon Avenger (DA) is the best for low funded. I got it to Level 100+ in MSEA without purchasing any equips. Just grab the ones dropped from monsters 😀 But bewarned that Demon Avenger is pretty mundane as you will be spamming the same skills when battling boss and monsters alike. I like Demon Slayer since you have lots of skills to throw at them but requires good potential equips to level up fast. Dark Knight is similar to Demon Avenger just that you will need some funding for your MP usage. To sum up, fun + funding + super-high damage + link skill = Demon Slayer, medium-fun + no funding + mediocre damage + link skill = Demon Avenger, fun + funding + high damage = Dark Knight.

  150. LoneFillet

    hi ayumi, mind if i asked, now before RED patch came out in MSEA, between the warriors i mean by low funded(without much fund) the best i guess would be DA base on tankiness and damage. i would like to have ur opinion on which character should i choose. I personally like those pots saving which i can don’t bring pots along which will save up my space . Regarding mp , i have evan’s card to recover mp. so , do you have any opinion .. For me i would choose between DK n DA temp and DS was in my mind but due to high funding needed for DS . Do advise. Thanks

  151. Ayumilove Post author

    @Mazakina: Thanks for spotting the mistake. I have performed the necessary corrections 😀

  152. Mazakina

    dark impale after lvl 16 hit 6 times, and gungnir hit 8 times. .-.

  153. Ayumilove Post author

    @Earl: I have not tried Paladin and Hero yet, only Dark Knight and I’m loving it 🙂 It has a skill that drains enemy HP and replenish yours. Save lots of HP Potions!

  154. helpmepls

    gungnir descent number of attack is 4 but why on youtube the people solo bosses can hit so many line of attacks?

    Pls reply

    Btw i copy paste this

  155. Earl

    Your Lord of Darkness Icon is (I think) Out dated, The Skill icon is like a dark help o3o
    Also, Thanks for the guide!

    In your opinion, Are the 3 warrior branches look balanced (the 3 of them are balanced, nor one has more advantage than the other?)

  156. hihihi

    Is xenon or dark knight stronger acter red update? Btw when is xenon getting nerf?

  157. Hero or dark kinght?

    Hi ayumilove,

    Which job is better?
    1)Hero
    2)Dark kinght

  158. inidhelp

    Hey its me again. gungnir descent number of attack is 4 but why on youtube the people solo bosses can hit so many line of attacks?

  159. inidhelp

    Thanks. I keep seeing beholder in the skill build. May i know what that is?

  160. Ayumilove Post author

    @inidhelp: I’m not sure when they will arrive as MapleSEA has other issues they would need to overcome such as hackers exploiting the current Free Market with duplicate items, therefore performing rollbacks, and such as causing uproar in legitimate players. I believe when they have overcome these issues, they can safely return back to their progress of releasing new contents in timely manner as how GMS currently performs.

  161. inidhelp

    Ok. I am sorry. But when is red coming to maplesea?

  162. Rashid

    Indi, you either missed my post, or you’re seriously dense. You know that “strongest” is very vague, right? If you mean the most DPS, I already linked a list. If you mean the most useful, just take a look at all the skills and decide. Most importantly, play what you find one. All it takes is a single balance patch for the “strongest” class to become the weakest pile of ****. (Sorry for ranting on your blog, Ayumi, but questions like these infuriate me)

  163. inidhelp

    So what is the strongest red explorer that u hav played?

  164. reddd

    When is maplesea going to get red update?

  165. reddd

    When is red coming to maplesea!? I cant wait!

  166. Ayumilove Post author

    @inihelp: I have not tried all of the explorer. Therefore, I could not determine which is the strongest. Personally, I just go along with the class that is fun and easy to play with.

  167. inidhelp2

    Anyone has any idea when is red coming to maplesea?

  168. inidhelp

    Which is the strongest explorer after red?

  169. Ayumilove Post author

    @Brandon: Yes, you can switch to another job when your character has reached 4th job advancement 🙂

  170. Brandon

    Hero can change to Dark Knight?

  171. TFTWst3a1thyy .

    For those of you wondering, the “dark knight horns” are from the final pact skill, they will be yellowish until level 150 then they turn purplish black. Also Ayumi something in your hyper skills is incorrect, for gms anyway, level 143 is the hyper body HP% not the duration

  172. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi idonthaveone, I think it means they (GMS) have nerfed Dark Knight skill damage by alot lol.

  173. idonthaveone

    why is the damage on gungnir 443%, its only about 320 in the game.

  174. cy

    Gungnir descent only hits four times?

  175. GMS(The60thCevar

    Hey yoyodudero: Lord of darkness wont give you that horns that you’re looking for… I have a 136 DrK BTW

  176. yoyodudero

    in third job i have the lord of darkness skill that has a black helmet icon and does not give me the little horns that appear on my head

  177. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Aegis, sure you can get Maple Warrior first for the bonus damage in your stats. But for me, I usually go for convenience since I do bossing abit, and having the boss knockback me lowers my DPS. For instance, attacking a boss from a platform and the boss uses super knockback, it does not push me from my victim, and I could keep hack and slash 🙂 If you are aiming to just train till Level 160 (that’s where most skills are already maxed out), then you can max Maple Warrior first 🙂

  178. Aegis

    Auyumi, from a GMS stand point, I think you should tweak 4th job build. Put maple warrior before Stance. Stance does eliminate the MINOR nuisance of getting KB, but idk about KMS, but in GMS, skill books have been eliminated and for a low price of 17mil you can 100% get MW to 30. Therefore I think maxing MW before stance would be much more beneficial. What do you think?

  179. Steve

    Hey its all good Ayumi, thanks for the update. Great work 😀

  180. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Steve, sorry its my mistake 🙁 I missed out the Endure skill! Correcting Dark Knight 3rd Job Skill Build Guide.

  181. Beloxar

    I don’t know if you knew this already, but in GMS they have an extra skill not listed in the third job section here. It’s called Endure, and, to be honest, I’m thinking about leaving it out. All it does is raise Elemental Resistance and Abnormal Status Resistence.

    By the way, I use your guides all the time! Your work is amazing! :]

  182. Steve

    For 3rd job you say everything is maxed but I can’t max everything. I fall short by 6 skill points.

  183. kjh07

    beholder only heals 20 hp, it heals more hp before red

  184. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi bob, Berserk skill has been replaced with a new skill called Reincarnation. Reincarnation less powerful compared to the original Berserk (Reincarnation +30% vs Berserk +60%) damage. However, Reincarnation gives you the ability to be invincible (no damage taken) for a short period of time to take your revenge against your enemy. If killing x number of monster or hit boss x number of times is achieved, you regain full health.

  185. OppaDen

    @bob. i think it got changed into the passive of recarnation

  186. bob

    Wait.. where did berserk go?!

  187. Jawo

    Will the atk speed of Lamancha Spear increase depending on the speed of the wep?
    Just wondering cuz Mille Aguilles have the same hits per minute with faster 2 and slow 10.

  188. NoobMapler

    Is this out in maplesea…. cos i cr8ed spearman tht day… and the skills are diff

  189. Anonymous

    Does the stated “total damage” in Cross-over chain mean the damage in the stats interface or the final damage output you deal to the monster when using skills???? Please confirm it.

  190. Zeppelini

    The hyper skill image is dark imaple ,so im confuse cuz it say gungnir.which is true?

  191. Potgrond

    Alright thanks! Cant wait for dark knight after red patch! Too bad the class is so weak atm, seems like i have to wait a while.

  192. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Potgrond, 3-8 months after they implemented Cygnus Knights Revamp.

  193. Potgrond

    Hey Ayumilove, how long will it take before this update is on EMS u think?

  194. ZXShadowBlade

    Wait so, what if you used a mastery book on one of the skills and that skill isn’t there anymore? Does another random skill get the upgrade or do I just get the skill points back and I have to buy the skill book for the new skill? Because thats a lot of money gone because Berserk was really expensive so I’m just wondering :/

  195. AgentZero

    Would you happen to know whether you can trade in old MBs for new ones in the actual one? I tried talking to admin/cassandra yesterday and I couldn’t find an option. I suppose it’s only for testing purposes then?

  196. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Piched Sae-Ngow, with Tempest Updates, they will remove secondary stat for all jobs except for some special jobs such as Xenon. Warrior will only rely on STR (Strength). For the damage formula, I do know about them. If someone here who knows about it, kindly enlighten us 🙂

  197. Piched Sae-Ngow

    Hi Ayumi, How do “Cross Over Chain (Supportive)” buff doing to your character?
    I’ve thought it will give bonus damage onto your character damage range by calculate from current HP as point by point(eg. if your HP is 15k it will give 15k damage) and gone down when your HP is going down. But, maybe it could work as percent compare to your Health Point Ratio (eg. if you got 15/35k hp it will give you bonus damage 42percent not 15k dmg range). Which idea is a correct one?
    Because of this effect when you reach limit over 200Lv. and maxed STR(999str) ,then what should you prefer to add your excesses ability point
    1. DEX the secondary status of Warrior
    2. MHP to get adventage of toughness for undying and Bonus Attack from CROSS OVER CHAIN?
    In addition if you can let me know the fomulas of Total Damage with every self-buffed of DK including Cross Over Chain your kind response as soon as possible to this request would be very much appreciated ,Thank you for your answer.

  198. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Rilo, these skill changes is yet to be released by KMS. It is still under Tespia Server for testing purposes. Once all the skills are finalized, this update will be send to GMS/MSEA/EMS/etc.

  199. Rilo

    Is it not here in maplesea yet? Cause i dont see changes or skills like that in my dark knight? D:

  200. xhua

    hi ayumi, so meaning drk now depend more on hp% for dmg? as fr wad i read fr gungnir decent desc..

  201. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Endless, all Warriors will achieve permanent 100% Stance (Anti-knockback) after they maxed Warrior Mastery (1st Job Skill) and Stance (4th Job Skill).

  202. Endless

    Wait I just looked at your guide again. I think I know why power stance is 60%. Because of the 1st warrior skill. Again thanks

  203. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Kagami Arata, you can think of it as a an skill that auto-buff you every 4 second at max level. Once you got the buff, you can turn on Beholder Dominant to deal extra damage against enemies around you. After your buff runs out, turn off Beholder Dominant and then wait for 4 sec for the Beholder Buff to work your magic on your character. Rinse and repeat.

  204. Endless

    Hey thanks for the guide. Power stance weakened now. 🙁

  205. Kagami Arata

    how beholden buff works ?

  206. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi Dylan, you can always re-make Dragon Knight character when its not locked yet 😉

  207. Dylan

    OMG NOW I WISH I DIDN’T DELETED MY DRAGON KNIGHT

  208. Ayumilove Post author

    Hi arcticdemon, they will be arriving soon, today the latest 🙂

  209. arcticdemon

    Im guessing Spearman Berserker and Dark Knight bulds are coming soon?