#weapon refinery update

[tacticsroom]

Weapon Refine Review: December 2019

Refines for Arthur, Mathilda, Clive and Mia

Arthur’s Refine

Weapon: Arthur’s Axe (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Conditional In-Combat Buffs when buffed and or inflicted with Penalties

Mt: 16. Rng: 1. If bonus granted from skills (ex. Hone, Rally) is active on unit, grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +3 during combat. At the start of combat, if there is a penalty active on unit or if unit’s HP < 100%, grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +5 during combat.

Analysis

Arthur’s always had a rather strange statline as an axe unit. His middling statline across the board has always left him open to multiple playstyles and sets as a unit. His newly acquired axe only seems to amplify this middle ground. So long as Arthur has a buff active on him (via Hone, Fortify, or Rally skills), he will have a constant +3 to his Atk/Spd/Def/Res while in combat. If inflicted with a penalty such as a Chill, Ploy, or Panic, he will receive +5 Atk/Spd/Def/Res while in combat. Both his +5 and +3 in-combat buffs will stack if activated at the same time, leaning the odds in our luckless hero’s favor. While he won’t be able to shake off Panic’s debuff effect, with his Axe’s dual effects will more than make up for this oversight.

Build Example

Arthur’s new axe provides an opportunity for him to shine as an offensive hero like never before. To better serve as an offensive threat we run him with a Spd IV which we help amplify with Fury. Odd Spd Wave and Even Def Wave will ensure that Arthur is always buffed and, as a result, always receives his initial in-combat buff of +3 from his axe. An HP bane will put him at a higher risk of being inflicted with a Panic debuff which, if timed right, will not only grant Arthur an additional +5 to his stats while in combat but will be enough to affect a fight’s flow. In the event his in-combat buffs prove not to be enough we run his default Lancebreaker as a safeguard, allowing him to double lance opponents and not worry about doubles from them. This skill also disables infamous armor fighter skills such as Bold Fighter and Vengeful Fighter.

On odd-numbered turns, Arthur will reach a max of 59/49/41/35 Atk/Spd/Def/Res while in combat.

On even numbered turns, Arthur will reach a max of 59/43/47/35 Atk/Spd/Def/Res while in combat.

Mathilda’s Refine

Weapon: Knightly Lance (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Slaying Lance with Support Buffs

Mt: 16. Rng: 1. Accelerates Special trigger (Cooldown Count -1). If unit is within 2 spaces of support ally, grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +3 to unit and that ally during combat.

Analysis

Mathlida’s refine makes use of Ally Support, an in-game mechanic where players may pair units together and grant in-combat buffs to both units if working on the same team. If Mathilda and her support ally both reach S-Rank, they will gain an in-combat buff of Atk/Spd/Def/Res+2 if next to each other and Atk/Spd/Def/Res+1 if one space away from each other. This in-combat buff can prove to be the difference between losing or winning a fight. Mathilda’s Lance simply adds on to this effect, granting an additional +3 to her and her ally’s stats while in-combat and within range of each other. As such, it’s a good idea to pair Mathilda with units that can provide buffs for her such as Titania, Seth, or Eirika. Her lance also decreases her special charge by -1, allowing her to run higher cooldown skills such as Glacies or Dragon Fang.

Build Example

Mathilda possesses unusually high Res for a lance cavalry unit which we will be making use of with the following set. With a Res stat of 37 with a boon, we can reliably run ploy skills such as Spd and Atk Ploy to inflict her foes for -5 Atk/Spd if caught in her direction. This also allows her to use Glacies quite potently. When combined with Quick Riposte and Fierce Stance, Glacies will all but nuke her opponents. Her in-combat buffs from her Ally Support will also provide her with some additional firepower and allow her to shrug off a hit or two. One will have to watch out for her low Def; it’s recommended that she be run with an ally that can provide her with both offensive and defensive buffs to further augment her power and, in turn, augment theirs.

With all her skills active, Mathilda will reach a max of 56/37/26/42 Atk/Spd/Def/Res while in combat.

Clive’s Refine

Weapon: Lordly Lance (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Armor Effective Lance with Support Buffs

Mt: 16. Rng: 1. Effective against armored foes. If unit is within 2 spaces of support ally, grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +3 during combat.

Analysis

Clive, when initially added, failed to provide much for players. Ultimately because of his min-maxed statline and limited skill inheritance options as a cavalry unit he was delegated to the role of simple sword counter. That role is more or less the same with his new lance. It does, however, provide Clive with both in-combat buffs and effectiveness against armor units. Lordly Lance carries the same Ally Support effect that Knightly Lance does. This means that if Clive is next to his support ally, in combat he will receive Atk/Spd/Def/Res +5 from his support and lance combined. His ally will also receive these buffs so it’s not a bad idea to pair him with an ally that can both buff him and benefit from his lance’s buffs themselves.

Build Example

Due to his incredibly min-maxed statline, Clive works best as a defensive wall and direct sword counter. Atk/Def Bond will allow him to make great use of his lance’s in-combat buffs while granting him Atk/Def +5 when adjacent to his support ally at the same time. Since it’s unlikely that he’ll be making the first move the majority of the time, we run Close Def to bulk up his defenses. Atk Smoke will ploy opponents within 2 spaces of his target for -7 Atk after combat allowing him to take on more than one opponent. To seal the deal we run Swordbreaker, allowing Clive to counter his sword wielding opponents. 

With all his skills active, Clive reaches a max of 59/30/43/30 Atk/Spd/Def/Res during combat.

Mia’s Refine

Weapon: Resolute Blade (400 SP)

Unique Refine: True Damage based on Speed

Mt: 16. Rng: 1.  Grants Atk +3. Deals +10 damage when special triggers. If unit’s Spd > foe’s Spd, deals damage = 70% of difference between stats (Maximum bonus of +7 damage. Combos with Phantom Spd).

Analysis

Mia’s blade gains a much deserved upgrade with the latest set of refines. Already a fast sword unit, her sword amplifies the need for speed granting her a maximum of +7 additional damage if her speed is 10 higher than her opponent. This additional damage will be added to her special if she’s run with an AOE special such as Blazing Wind or Growing Light but not with specials such as Moonbow or Glimmer. 

Build Example

Mia’s primary goal is to ensure she is always faster than her opponent. To accomplish this, we’ll be running skills that boost her speed and ultimately rely on speed checks. We keep Flashing Blade so that, once she does fall into Desperation range, she can activate Moonbow almost immediately while in combat. Considering that she deals +10 damage when her special actives thanks to her sword’s default effects, her specials will prove to be quite powerful. Odd Spd Wave is taken to grant Mia +6 Spd on odd numbered turns. Phantom Spd, meanwhile, will grant her +10 Spd if Mia runs a skill that checks her Spd against an opponent’s. Resolute Blade’s unique refine and Flashing Blade fall into this category, granting her this additional speed buff. 

With all her skills in effect, Mia will reach a max of 59 Spd while in combat.

[tacticsroom]

Weapon Refines: July 2019 Review

Refines for Luke, Roderick, Raigh and Matthew

Luke’s Refine

Weapon: Rowdy Sword (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Brave Sword with Atk/Def Advantage

Mt: 11. Rng: 1. Inflicts Spd -5. If unit initiates combat, unit attacks twice. If bonus granted by skill like Rally or Hone is not active on foe, grants Atk/Def+6 during combat.

Analysis

Luke’s refine is a mixed bag with options highly leaning against him. While his unique refine will grant him an Atk/Def buff of +6 while in combat this only applies if the enemy is not buffed. With the current meta of the game focusing on teams buffing their stats to high levels his refine will be difficult to apply without the proper timing or certain skills.

Build Example

Luke’s refine will be tricky to active consistently as it requires the enemy to not have any visibly active buffs. This only gets tricker as most teams will generally use a buffing method of sorts be it from a dancer, ally skills such as hone or fortify or rallies. The best way to get around this is to use the skill Dull Close which will nullify buffs on any close range melee units. This allows for Luke’s sword effect to activate on every fight he initiates against a melee foe. Further more Luke will also hit twice before his foe can initiate as his sword also doubles as a high might brave sword. With the following set when he initiates combat he will have on even numbered turns 68 Atk and 38 Def.

Roderick’s Refine

Weapon: Steady Lance (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Darting Blow Firesweep

Mt: 16. Rng: 1. Unit and foe  cannot counterattack. If unit initiates combat, grants Spd+6 during combat.

Analysis

Roderick’s refine, while it doesn’t provide him with a new playstyle, is still rather formidable and gets the job done. Roderick is arguably one of the faster lance cavalry readily available for F2P users appearing at 3-4 stars. An extra +6 Spd can help close the gap grabbing KOs that would have once been impossible. At the right place and time, Roderick becomes one of the tougher units to stand against.

Build Example

Roderick’s refine requires little explanation as its effect is simple. With a Spd boon, Life and Death 3, and double Darting Blow active Roderick will easily hit 54 Spd without any further buffs. This makes doubling rather easy making him a more effective sweeper unit. Depending on how players intend on using him he can either be made to simply pick off and retreat to safety with Hit and Run as the B skill or Lunge his foe behind him to leave them at the mercy of his allies. The latter method is most effective on Aether Raids defense setups.

Raigh’s Refine

Weapon: Hermit’s Tome (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Dull Range Anti-Cavalry Owl Tome

Mt: 14. Rng: 2. Effective against cavalry. If foe uses bow, dagger, magic, or staff, neutralizes foe’s bonuses (from skills like Fortify, Rally, etc.) during combat. During combat, boosts unit’s Atk/Spd/Def/Res by number of adjacent allies x 2.

Analysis

Raigh’s latest tome comes with multiple effects along with a sense of irony. He keeps his Rauðrwolf’s anti-cavalry effect and stacks on two additional effects: an Owl tome’s buffs and Dull Ranged. His tome’s ability to nullify enemy buffs is particularly effective against common blade tome threats such as Nino and Cecilia. He himself on the other hand can further stack buffs with the help of his tome’s added Owl tome effect. For example, if Raigh has a hone attack buff of +4 and one ally is next to him, this atk buff becomes +6 when in combat. Each ally next to him will add +2 to his current buff making him more deceptively stronger than before. 

Build Example

Since Raigh will want to be as close to his allies as possible he can easily take advantage of Bond skills. Bond skills will grant +5 to a specified stat while in combat if the unit is adjacent to an ally. Combine this with Raigh’s built in owl tome effect and Raigh will increase his stat advantage by +2 for each ally capping out at +6. In the following build if Raigh were to have 3 allies next to him, he would get +16 Atk, +11 Spd and +11 Res from his bond skills and tome alone. This pushes Raigh’s stats to 62 Atk, 43 Spd and 40 Res.

Matthew’s Refine

Weapon: Spy’s Dagger (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Bonus Atk based on Debuffs

Mt: 14. Rng: 2. After combat, if unit attacked, grants Def/Res +6 to unit and allies within 2 spaces of unit for 1 turn. Also inflicts Def/Res -6 on target and foes within two spaces of target through their next actions. Grants bonus to unit’s Atk = total penalties on foe during combat. 

Analysis

Matthew has always been an unusually formidable physical wall making him one of the trickier units to dispose of without a magic check. His refine seeks to push the application of his Rogue Dagger+ further turning all penalties on a foe into a bonus dedicated towards his otherwise lackluster attack. The more penalties on a foe, the more attack Matthew will obtain. This weapon’s effect is best used with a dancer so Matthew can take multiple actions or let his teammates finish off his opponents.

Build Example

Matthew will certainly have to build around his weapon if he wants to make the most of it. Close Counter will allow us to better use Matthew’s bulk to our advantage and open him to more encounters. His unique refine will add to his Atk stat based on how many penalties an opponent has. Because of this we’ll make use of Atk Smoke and Seal Atk/Spd. Seal Atk/Spd, while an unconventional choice, will help Matthew ploy his target in all 4 stats further pushing his Atk. Atk Smoke on the other hand will leave his opponents unable to take a swipe at him without being punished for it. Should his opponent be ployed in all 4 stats with Matthew’s skills showcased here he will receive a +22 bonus to his attack.

[tacticsroom]

Weapon Refines: June 2019 Review

Refines for Kagero, Saizo, Oscar and Elincia

Elincia’s Refine

Weapon: Amiti (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Swift Sparrow 2

Mt: 11. Rng: 1. Inflicts Spd -2. If unit initiates combat unit gains Atk/Spd +4 in combat and unit attacks twice.

Analysis

Elincia’s latest refine pushes her offensive potential to soaring heights, granting her Atk/Spd +4 if she initiates combat. On top of Amiti acting like Brave Sword+ with higher might Elincia has the opportunity to quad more of her opponents and ultimately wipe teams.

Build Example

With built in Swift Sparrow as her unique refine Elincia can afford to run skills such as Death blow to better preserve her physical bulk. With her weapon’s unique refine, Death Blow 3 and the Darting Blow seal Elincia will gain +10 Atk/Spd when she initiates combat. This turns her offensive stats from 45 Atk/34 Spd to 55 Atk/44 Spd without any buffs. Her B skill is situational but Desperation, Hit and Run and Flier Formation are all good options.

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Oscar’s Refine

Weapon: Loyal Greatlance (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Joint Goad Cavalry/Infantry

Accelerates Special Cooldown -1. Grants Atk/Spd +3 in combat to infantry and cavalry allies within 2 spaces. Grants Atk/Spd +3 in combat to unit if unit is within 2 spaces of cavalry or infantry ally.

Analysis

Unlike Titania and Seth, Oscar has avoided a built in gem weapon with a built in tactic buff and instead gains a unique offensive refine. Along with a reduced cooldown Oscar can further buff himself by +3 Atk/Spd in combat; this effect will stack well with tactics or drive skills. On top of his Assist, Rally Spd/Def, and C skill, Spur Spd/Def 2, Oscar can now buff his cavalry/infantry allies for +3 Atk, +9 Spd, and +6 Def.

Build Example 

Oscar requires very little to thrive with his latest refine. We utilize Fury 3 to add +3 to his raw stats in exchange for -6 HP after each round of combat. With a cavalry/infantry ally within 2 spaces his offenses then become 55 Atk/40 Spd allowing him to hold his own. Outside of combat however Oscar will want to push his support role to its max. Using the majority of his base kit along with the Res Tactic seal Oscar can buff his cavalry/infantry allies for +3 Atk, +9 Spd, +6 Def and +6 Res.

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Kagero’s Refine

Weapon: Kagero’s Dart (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Built in Swift Sparrow 2 with an Atk check, if unit initiates combat reduces opponent’s attack by 50%.

At start of combat if unit’s Atk > Opponent’s Atk, grants unit Atk/Spd +4 during combat. If unit initiates combat, reduces damage from opponent’s first attack by 50%. If unit is attacked, inflict Def/Res -7 to attacker and any enemies within 2 spaces through their next actions.

Analysis

Kagero has one of the highest Atk stats for a dagger unit and her unique refine makes use of this fact. Her refine first requires that she have more visible attack than her opponent. This means that she will need to have a way to visibly buff her attack in order to more reliably pass her weapon’s Atk check. Once this check is passed however she gains a powerful buff, granting Atk/Spd +4 in combat and reducing damage from a foe’s first Atk by 50%. This will help with her self sustainability as she has one of the lowest HP stats in game and can help her fall into a skill’s HP range such as Brazen Atk/Spd or Desperation.

Build Example

Kagero will want as much Atk as possible to pass her weapon’s Atk check. Here we utilize Life and Death 3 and the Atk/Spd 2 seal to push her offensive stats to 56 Atk/39 Spd. Even Atk Wave will grant her a +6 Atk Buff making her visible attack 62. Should she pass her weapon’s Atk check with all the following applied she will reach 65 Atk/39 Spd in combat. With her frail HP and lowered defenses her ability to reduce damage from her foe’s first attack is extremely important as it will not only keep her up but push her into Desperation’s range allowing her to better sweep her opponents.

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Saizo’s Refine

Weapon: Saizo’s Star (400 SP)

Unique Refine: Reverse Bonus Doubler

After combat, if unit attacked, inflicts Atk/Spd/Def/Res -6 on opponent and enemies within 2 spaces. Grants bonus to Atk/Spd/Def/Res to unit during combat = current penalty on opponent’s stats. Calculates each stat independently.

Analysis

Saizo’s unique refine, while requiring a bit of setup, is arguably one of the strongest refines granted in game. His refine will grant him an in-combat buff to his Atk/Spd/Def/Res depending on how much the enemy initiating combat against him has been debuffed for. Thus, if the opponent has been debuffed by Atk/Spd/Def/Res -6, Saizo gains Atk/Spd/Def/Res +6 in combat. This can be further pushed with the help of skills such as Chills, Aversa’s Night and Panic Ploy (this only applies if the panicked opponent is buffed). With his opponents smoked and with support from his team via buffs Saizo can easily become one of the scariest enemies to fight against.

Build Example

In order for Saizo to make use of his weapon’s refine we’ll need to first ensure that Saizo can take a hit from an opponent. Close Counter grants him the ability to counter regardless of distance making it easier for him to start his debuff chain. He may also bait an opponent by letting them hit him and get him into Vantage range. Even Atk Wave and Fierce Stance 3 will ensure he does as much damage as possible during enemy phase. Due to his Spd being on the low end of the spectrum with neutral IVs he’ll want allies who can buff his speed through a hone, drive or rally.

[tacticsroom]

New Weapon Skills and Weapons to Refine (Ver 3.2.0, live on Feb. 6, 2019)

The following Heroes can learn these new character-specific weapon skills at 5 ★ (these weapons can be upgraded in the Weapon Refinery after they have been obtained) :

Silverbrand (Sword)

Seth: Silver Knight

Hinata’s Katana (Sword)

Hinata: Wild Samurai

Tharja’s Hex (Red Tome)

Tharja: Dark Shadow

Oboro’s Spear (Lance)

Oboro: Fierce Fighter

Grado Poleax (Axe)

Amelia: Rose of the War

Iris’s Tome (Green Tome)

Nino: Pious Mage

Niles’s Bow (Bow)

Niles: Cruel to Be Kind

The following weapons can be upgraded or can gain additional special effects by using Arena Medals and Divine Dew:

Durandal (Sword)

Eliwood: Knight of Lycia

[tacticsroom]

New Weapon Skills and Weapons to Refine (Ver 3.3.0)

The following Heroes will be able to learn these new character-specific weapon skills at 5★ (these weapons can be upgraded in the Weapon Refinery after they have been obtained):

Eternal Tome (Red Tome)

Sophia: Nabata Prophet

Argent Bow (Bow)

Klein: Silver Nobleman

The following weapons will be able to be upgraded or gain additional special effects by using Arena Medals, Arena Medals and Divine Dew:

Dark Aura (Blue Tome)

Linde: Light Mage

Delthea: Free Spirit

Dark Excalibur (Green Tome)

Merric: Wind Mage

Sonya: Vengeful Mage