I've been noticing that more and more people are playing Black Widows!
I've been a Black Widow player for a long time,
I've been a Black Widow player for a long time,
and for this "Share Your Expertise!" opportunity,
I'm writing a raid guide for Black Widows.
I hope this guide helps people that just hit Lv.85~90 on Black Widow
& do not know what to do for Anton/Luke.
I hope this guide helps people that just hit Lv.85~90 on Black Widow
& do not know what to do for Anton/Luke.
First things first, here are my character and explorer level pictures:
Now that's out of the way,
Here is the list of things I want to talk about:
1. What is Black Widow?
2. Gears
3. Skill Tree
4. How to play Anton/Luke raid
I will mainly talk about understanding Black Widow,
and specific tips for Black Widows in Anton/Luke.
I will not talk about every details of the raid.
1. What is Black Widow?
I wanted to talk about what Black Widow is,
because Black Widows are a bit different than many other characters.
So here is a brief explanation.
First of all, of course, she is dps/hold.
With variety of holding skills
(such as Junk Spin, Block Bomb, Mount/Raging Vulcan and more),
She can hold monsters and do damage at the same time.
Also, Black Widow is a hybrid character,
which means she has both physical and magical skills.
Also, Her STR and INT are automatically balanced, to whichever is higher.
(So does the critical rate, and conversion works for all widow skills)
This allows Black Widows to go either physical or magical.
(However, I recommend going magical)
Lastly, Black Widows do abnormal status damage,
specifically poison.
You may think that poison can't do too much,
But AT LEAST 4-50% of Black Widow's damage comes from Poison.
2. Gears
Once you reach Lv.85 and above,
You would want to go raid Anton/Luke.
But if you do not know how Black Widow's damage mechanism works,
it might be a bit of challenge.
2-0. Swap gear: Mad Dog Hooligan
First of all, you need Mag Dog Hooligan swap.
This is a Brawler 2nd Chronicle set.
If you look at [6] Set Effect,
It increases Apply Poison's poison rate by a large amount.
Ultimately, what you would want is
Mad Dog Hooligan 6 Set + Apply Poison Lv.20 + Apply poison imbued Tainted.
+ With Origin update, [Blood of Masaccre] became swap weapon.
Shown below is my swap setting.
However, for Anton entry, you just need Mad Dog Hooligan 6 Set,
and some apply poison leveling gears.
2-1. Let's talk about Anton first: Poison Damage gear
To enter Anton, you do not need much gear.
Black Widow's poison damage is high.
Abnormal status damage does not work the same way, as to other normal damages.
It does not get affected by damage increase, critical damage increase, additional damage, physical/magical damage and such.
And to compensate for that, the base damage for the poison is high.
We can use that fact to enter Anton with little gears.
This entry-level gear setting is called poison setting.
You want to have Source of Disease 3 Set.
You probably have never considered to wear this on any other character,
but for Black Widows, this is it.
3 Sets of Source of Disease, with +10 reinforcement,
grants you an aura that deceases 80 abnormal status tolerance.
(Contain Source of Disease Top, as it gives poison damage!)
You need to run [Reshpon, Village of Pain] to get these equipments.
If it's hard to run, try getting Intense Bomb 9 set from Otherverse dungeons.
Next up, for weapon,
it's good if you can afford decent claws,
but it's okay to wear most legendary/epic claws.
Some other type of weapons are okay as well.
However, refining is a must,
since refining your weapon gives abnormal status damage boost.
Now, get your critical rate / STR or INT as high as you can.
(Critical rate is important, because it gives additional abnormal status damage)
Try to throw in some poison damage gears, if you can, as well.
(Few examples of poison damage gears)
You are ready for Anton raid.
2-2. Stepping up: Epic mix/set
If you run Anton raid, you'll get epic souls and demon invitations.
Needless to say, go to Hell Party dungeons and farm epics.
There seems to be a stereotype that Widows are easy to gear up,
but I would like to say that's false.
As I said above, major portion of Widow's dps comes from poison,
and poison does not get affected by variety of stats.
This means that Widow can't really fully use most of the equipment,
and you want to get equipment
that focuses on skill atk, all atk, STR/INT, ele damage, poison damage... etc.
First of all,
if you are considering Lv.85 epic set,
Elemental Dropper is way to go.
This set gives you elemental damage, INT stat, skill atk, and def shred.
Elemental Dropper set is the best Lv.85 epic set you can get.
All other Lv.85 sets aren't bad,
but they aren't too good, either.
Spider Queen's Breath set is a bit better than others.
With upcoming buff on this set,
Spider Queen's Breath set is not a bad choice, as well.
* After the rework, it is better than most other 85 epic sets, but still, it is not that good. (Added 07/30/2018)
Among Lv.90 un-upgraded sets,
Crow Ceremony Day set is the best.
Or, you could also wear Ancient War Goddess (Millennium) set.
Millennium set itself is not super good,
but it is wearable to Luke.
* After the epic rework, Millennium became super good, too. (Added 07/30/2018)
Also, Nagaraja is the best upgraded set,
so it is absolutely worth keeping.
When you consider Lv.90 un-upgraded epic armor sets,
Crow = Millenium > Others. (Edited 07/30/2018)
If you are mixing epics/legendaries,
here are some good pieces I know:
Top:
Best top would be Evil Rib Mail.
Head/Shoulder:
Best Head/Shoulder would be Contamination Pauldrons.
Bottom:
Best Bottom would be Exposure Heavy Gaiters.
Shoes:
Best Shoes would be Auto Mail Pres/Meltdown Sabatons/Oath Boots/Tibia Bone Boots.
Pace Down Shoes would be ok, as well.
Belt:
Best belt would be Sun Topaz Plate Coil/Crow Ceremony Day Tie.
Other belts that give you element damage are fine, too.
Keep in mind, that
if you mix good pieces from above,
you can do more damage than Millennium/Elemental Dropper set.
Accessories
Of course,
Sensory Satisfaction set will be the best.
However, if you already have Damage Increase/Critical Damage Increase,
if might be better to just mix the accessories, as well.
Necklace:
(Candidumnex's Emission Necklace, if STR)
Best necklace would be Capri Empher Necklace.
Ring:
(Jerome's Heart, if STR)
Best ring would be Filir - Cool-headed Judgement.
Bracelet:
Best bracelet would be Breathing Sound of Morning Star.
Special Equiment
Sub Equipment:
Best sub is Inferctor Manikai.
There are lower-level unique-tier poison gears available, as well,
but I do not recommend them.
Magic Stone:
Best magic stone is Rosetta Stone.
Earrings:
Best earring is Babylonian Symbol.
Now, for weapons,
Obviously, all epic claws above Lv.85 are good.
All types of wearable Savior weapons are going to be good, as well.
From the picture above,
I think ..
Scarred Nail < Tarwe Zariche =< Demon Rake: Ignore < Black Moon Wolf < Savior Claw
*Trace of Lilith is better than Black Moon Wolf. (Added 07/30/2018)
Also, some tonfas are suit for Widows.
If you get any of the items I mentioned above,
Think twice before you dissemble them.
Please know that this list does not completely cover every item in game.
There are other good items that are not listed here.
(Also, I did not include Luke-upgrade gears)
2-3. Luke gear
Armors:
Normally,
for armors, you start with Elemental Dropper/Crow set.
Millennium and Radiant are fine, too,
but other epic sets are not really desirable.
Or, if you are mixing epic pieces,
your mix needs to contain
Contamination Pauldron/Exposure Heavy Gaiters/Evil Rib Mail.
(Tarantula Top works as well)
Weapon & others:
For weapon, you want to have Lv.90 epic Claw/Tonfa, or any type of Savior,
and for Sub-Equipment, you must have Infector Manikai.
(Pars will be okay as well, but Infector is better)
For accessories, if you are not wearing Sensory Satisfaction set,
combinations such as...
Breathing Sound of Morning Star - Capri Empher Necklace - Filir
Cyan Hoop Armlet - Scent of Sparkles - Sky Guide: Kaaf
are available.
Other slots would have to be mostly filled with the best items from the list above.
Once you run some Luke and can upgrade your epics,
Consider that
Nagaraja > Gespenst > Seven Sins / Supercontinent > Fiend Venator.
Usually, you would want to upgrade either Nagaraja or Gespenst.
In case of Nagaraja, if you do not have a full set of Millennium,
know that 3 set of Nagaraja,
with Contamination Pauldron & Exposure Heavy Gaiters is great as well.
(Many other combinations are possible,
but know that Nagaraja Head/Shoulder and Shoes are important to have)
3. Skill Tree
Here, I will try to explain Widow's skills
and give you guidance to building your skill tree.
Poison Resistance, Overstain
These are Widow's basic passives.
Poison Resistance is not really important.
It just gives a lot of resistance to poison.
Overstain is important, as it has many functions.
- It compares your STR and INT, and converts the lower value to the higher value
- It compares your p.crit and m.crit and converts the lower value to the higher value
- Crit rates give poison maximize damage (similar to additional damage), up to 25%
- Counter attack also increases abnormal status damage by 25%
- It applies your elemental damage to the poison
This is one of the reasons why Widow can be either physical or magical dps.
However, I strongly recommend going magical,
Since magical party has more synergy.
There is a tiny defect to this skill,
it stuns you when you use nen shot/doppelganger at 2% chance.
This should mean nothing to you, you would never use those skills.
Sand Splash
First Brawler skill you see.
This skill has almost no usage.
Explosive Hook
One of the basic Brawler skills.
3 abnormal status should be on the monster to see the max damage.
Lv.10 is a must,
Because you need to learn Explosive Hook TP.
Reason will be explained below.
Brick Buster
One of the basic Brawler skills.
Personally, I like this skill,
but sadly it cannot do much damage.
Hidden Stinger
Constant DPS maker
Last basic skill of Brawler.
This skill does very good damage compared to other basic skills,
and its hit recovery reduction sometimes works as hold.
Highly recommending this skill.
Use it in between basic attacks, whenever the cooldown is gone.
Apply Poison - MASTER
Black Widow's Alpha and Omega
Main buff of Widow, where the damage comes from.
Applies Poison damage to your basic skills.
Also, the skill's poison damage gets boosted.
What this means is,
when you look at Widow's skills,
it says [Apply Poison Additional Poison Attack].
That value will get boosted by however % your apply poison gives.
It is essential that you master this.
You can wear swap gears to amplify this skill's effects,
as explained above.
Double Throw - MASTER
Another buff of Brawler.
Throws two items at once,
and also gives various buffs to other skills.
As you see, they are helpful and necessary,
but not so much that you would get a swap gear for it.
Just master the skill, use it all the time.
Claw Mastery - MASTER
Good passive for claw users.
If you are using other types of weapons, you would not have to master this,
but eventually, when you use claws, you would have to master this.
This skill gives you patk and matk bonus, bleed chance, and some other options.
It's sad that it does not give independent atk,
but master is a must for claw users.
Mount, Raging Vulcan
Fine hold/area damage
You learn Mount first,
and when you learn Raging Vulcan (Passive),
Mount becomes a cube skill, and gets upgraded.
This is a fine holding skill, and also useful as area damage.
Monster should have at least 3 abnormal status
to maximize this skill's damage.
Learn TP to damage enemies that cannot be grabbed, such as Luke.
You may master or not, it really comes down to personal preference.
Taunt - MASTER
Decreases enemy's abnormal status tolerance by a huge amount.
You can also trigger it to taunt the enemy and make it follow you.
You can trigger taunt in the middle of other skills, if you learn Snake Stance (2a).
Master Master
Ground Kick
Does ok damage,
but many people do not like this skill,
because of its weird pre-skill delay.
Enemies with abnormal status receive more damage,
and grab-immune enemies receive some more damage.
Master or not, your choice.
Heaven's Net - MASTER
Party damage booster
Very important utility / damage booster.
Can either pull/not pull enemies, and applies immobility.
Also, makes the enemy hit by the net receives 30% more damage.
Important fact is that it boosts damage for all your party members.
This incredible skill must be mastered and used all the time.
(Of course, use it before other skills)
I recommend using this skill with down arrow key (no pulling)
Venom Mine
Again, some people like this skill, some people do not.
It might be difficult to use,
because you have to hit as many mines as possible.
For me, I master it with Ground Kick,
and use them together to kill named monsters.
Junk Spin
Black Widow's Trademark
Throws garbage everywhere.
You can enter [X] key repeatedly to spin faster.
Does high damage, but you need to be right at the center of the enemy monster.
Also, this skill stuns enemy no matter what, until Junk Spin ends.
(Or until enemy berserks and gets out of it)
Some people do not master this skill, some do.
But I recommend giving it at least Level 1, as holding skill.
Deadly Blood - MASTER
First Awakening Passive
Poison runs through your veins now,
you become completely immune to poison.
Boosts your poison damage,
gives you a lot of speeds,
and you squirt poison blood out when you get attacked.
Very good passive, must master.
Poison Mist
First Awakening
Mini - apocalypse / very strong damage
You can cast this skill in mid-air.
Quickest way to cast it would be during Backstep.
When you cast this skill, Poison Mist appears,
and enemies inside gets poisoned.
You become invisible, and get various buffs.
(According to Lv.14 Poison Mist as shown above,
you get 182 STR/INT, 18.2% ATK/MOVE SPD,
40 Abnormal status tolerance reduction,
and 4724 physical/magical def. shred)
When you trigger this skill again,
the mist detonates,
and damages enemies inside.
You can hit up to about 6 explosions, depending on your positions.
This skill is probably the strongest skill Black Widow have.
Use it before using other skills, just like Heaven's Net, to get all the buffs.
Use skills you have, and when you are done,
detonate the mist for finish.
Poisonous Explosive Hook
Reinforced version of Explosive Hook
When you grab an enemy,
it pulls enemies around you, too.
The pulling strength is very strong, and useful.
If you learned Explosive Hook TP,
you can damage grab-immune enemies, as well.
Also, you can detonate the explosive whenever you want,
by pressing the skill key again.
Enemy should have at least 3 abnormal status to maximize damage.
Many people do not master this skill, but I did.
Block Bomb
Very stable holding skill
This skill stuns the enemy no matter what,
just like Junk Spin do.
Skill casting is very fast,
and you can press arrow keys to position where you want to put the bomb.
Art of Poisons - MASTER
Second Awakening Passive
This skill is the major reason why Widows cannot do damage to objects,
because this skill only applies when you attack poisoned enemies.
It increases p.crit/m.crit, skill attack, and abnormal status level.
Although it has its flaws,
this skill is very important, and must be mastered.
(Also, this skill allows Conversion to apply to all of Widow's skills)
Explosive Poison / Compact Explosive Poison - MASTER
Major damage 1
Grabs enemy and kicks, and detonates explosive poison.
This skill does a lot of damage, all Widows should master it.
Disease Queen - Poison Mine - MASTER
Major Damage 2
Jumps in the air, strikes downward, and detonates poison mines in a large area.
One of the few major damage skills, must master it.
You can also use this skill during Backstep.
I personally use
Heaven's Net -> Backstep -> Poison Mist -> Disease Queen -> ...
to quickly start damaging enemy.
Snake Stance - MASTER
Second Awakening
Constant high DPS maker
This skill can be used during another skill, without delay.
Increases skill attack, taunt's abnormal status tolerance reduction,
and changes your basic attack.
As you see, with Lv.6 Snake Stance,
you can do 31,360% + @ poison damage with just 1 cycle of basic attacks.
Each level increases skill attack by 5%,
so Lv.85 skill increase is very good to Widows.
Explosive Hook Upgrade
Other TP skills do not really have to be explained,
but this skill is different.
This skill makes Explosive Hook & Poisonous Explosive Hook
able to trigger to grab-immune enemies.
Also, it makes you able to detonate the explosive whenever you want to,
by pressing the skill key again.
Therefore, it is extremely convenient if you give it at least Level 1.
Now,
I said that a lot of skills are up to your preference.
It really is. Different Widows prefer different skills,
and so the skill tree varies case by case.
Here is my skill tree:
If your skill tree looks different, that is ok as well.
I change my skill trees all the time.
Keep changing your skill trees, and find the tree you like.
You may find some skills favorable in some dungeons, but not in others.
(For example, some people don't like Junk Spin in Luke, so instead they give that SP to Mount)
4. How to play Anton / Luke Raid
I will going to assume
that you know basic gimmicks for Anton / Luke
and give you tips about Black Widow's plays.
I will not go in-depth about specific patterns of each monsters.
4-1. Anton
Since almost all Anton raids nowadays are 4 Leg,
I will talk about Anton based on 4 Leg routes.
Source of Black Smoke
First dungeon of Anton,
and the first named monster is Tog.
As you probably know,
Black Widows can kill Tog very easily,
because Tog does not have high abnormal status tolerance.
When you enter the room,
just start hitting tog with skills / basic attacks.
I find Venom Mine/Hidden Stinger/Junk Spin good to use.
You can use Poison Mist, if you are not main dps & do not have enough damage.
Try to save Block Bomb, if your party does not have other holders.
(If you do not have holder in your party,
you may see Tog's tornado pattern.
Just dodge the tornado, and kill Tog when it is sitting)
Here's a video of me killing Tog with just basic attacks.
The boss is Annihilator Nerbe.
Nothing special on Nerbe,
just use Block Bomb right away, if your party is skipping orb.
If you want to see orbs,
Know that you can just plant Poison Mist during the orb pattern.
When orb pattern is about to be over,
Hold Nerbe, and use Heaven's Net.
Below is an example of play (seeing the orb pattern)
Notice how I use Block Bomb to keep Nerbe in place,
and Heaven's Net immediately after for damage increase.
Durable Leg
Flame Kraves
Nothing special on Kraves.
Just know that Poisonous Explosive Hook can pull zombies around you,
even the knocked-down ones.
Gatekeeper Kratek
For Gatekeeper Kratek,
If you have to hold,
run up to the center of Kratek, and use Junk Spin.
If there is another holder, wait,
and when Kratek is held, use Heaven's Net, and then start using other skills.
Below is a video of me holding Kratek right away.
Brilliant Flame Agnes
For Agnes clones,
Use Poisonous Explosive Hook to gather up the clones.
For Agnes,
When Agnes is casting eyes,
use Block Bomb, Poison Mist,
and when Agnes is done casting & stunned by Block Bomb,
use Heaven's Net.
Below is a video of me doing what I explained.
Cutting Down Energy
Absorbent Egene
For Absorbent Egene,
not much needs to be said, if you know the gimmicks.
just be sure to use Block Bomb if you are the holder of your party.
Below is an example of a solo play.
Playing in party won't be much different.
Black Volcano
Kres of Black Smoke
For Kres of Black Smoke,
Use either Neck Snap / Block Bomb / Raging Vulcan to hold.
If you are dps & do not have holder, You would want to use Block Bomb first.
Magtonium Five
For Magtonium Five,
Use Neck Snap -> Heaven's Net.
If you do not have holder & you're the dps, use Junk Spin.
Abyssal Medel
For Abyssal Medel,
If you have to hold,
use Block Bomb or Junk Spin.
You may also use Raging Vulcan.
Omnipotent Mateka
For Mateka,
Widows cannot do Counter-Kill,
so do not bother trying.
Make sure you turn off your First Awakening's Passive, Deadly Blood.
You can turn it off on this window, by right-clicking the skill.
If you do not turn it off, you will squirt poison every time Mateka hits you,
and kill your party members.
If you wanna pull the orbs, just use Taunt on Mateka.
He will only follow you.
4-2. Luke
I will focus on explaining Khaligo route, because that's where Widows usually go.
However, many monsters from Lumen route will be covered as well,
since they appear in phase 1, too.
I will assume that you know all basic gimmicks,
and give you tips specifically for Black Widows.
I do not provide every detail about each monsters and patterns.
Sanctuary of Birth
Metal Gear Canaps
Not much to be said about Canaps.
If you need to hold, use Block Bomb first.
Remember not to multi-hit excessively.
The Seven Mistral
Nothing special.
If you need to hold, use Block Bomb first.
Fortuneteller Rosaura
Rosaura could be tricky sometimes,
because she uses Phase Shift (of Female Mage's)
When you enter, go up to her really quick,
and use Raging Vulcan on her.
She will use Phase Shift, but you will still be holding her.
After that, you can start using other skills.
(Use Block Bomb after Raging Vulcan, if no other holds are in your party)
Below is an example of me using Raging Vulcan to hold Rosaura.
Sanctuary of Destruction
Iron Beast
You would usually just let this one fly,
but if your party has a lot of holding skills, you could try this trick:
Tell your party members to use holding skills to Iron Beast.
You also use holding skills, as well (Except Junk Spin)
When Iron Beast gets held by many holding skills,
it will breathe fire, and then fly.
BUT if you start using Junk Spin when it breathes fire,
(Hit XXXXXX fast)
and cancel Junk Spin when it is about to fly,
you can by-pass the flying pattern.
Below is an example of me canceling the flying pattern.
Every time I try this, I feel like I see something slightly different,
but the results are all the same - Iron Beast won't fly.
Lamenting Lampard
Not much to be said about Lampard.
Wrecking Haboob
Nothing too special about Haboob.
Just know the basic gimmick, and you should be good.
Sanctuary of Dispersion
Red Clown
You could do Red Clown very easily with Junk Spin.
(you could also do it with other skills, but I find Junk Spin most reliable and easy)
Just get into the middle of two clowns, and start Junk Spin.
(You may not want to press X)
Remember to use Toy of Sparkling World beforehand,
as Clown could hit you with hammer & stun you, canceling Junk Spin.
Quatro Manus Mark - II
Nothing special on Manus.
Grieving Buffon
Nothing special about Buffon, too.
Snake Stance makes it easy for Widows to destroy the shield.
Other monsters
Mass-produced Becky
Run up to Becky, and use Raging Vulcan.
Becky will try to jump, but it can't.
Here's an example of me holding Becky with Raging Vulcan.
Oblivious Aslan
Remember to set Conversion to physical.
This helps with absorb pattern.
Other than that, nothing special about it.
Altar of Darkness: Entrance
Hyperspeed Zakeline
Use Neck Snap to make her vulnerable.
Nightmarish Nerbe
Nothing special on Nerbe.
You may find yourself outside of Nerbe's Nen Guard if you use Poison Mine on the ground.
Use Back Step + Poison Mine to prevent that from happening.
High-reinforced Argos
Nothing special about Argos.
Altar of Darkness
Purging Snader
Use holding skill immediately.
Like Rosaura, Snader uses Phase Shift,
so you can also use Raging Vulcan here.
Moonlight Walker Yashin
Do not use holding skills here.
Explosive Poison is ok to use.
Altar of Wisdom
Dark Idol Anubis
Nothing special.
Evil Sword Veara
Continuously hold Veara.
Block Bomb - other skills - Junk Spin - Raging Vulcan - P.E.Hook - E.Hook - etc...
Sanctuary of Darkness
Manus and Buffon is covered above.
There is not much special about those two monsters.
Here's a video of Manus and Buffon:
Solium Machina: Khaligo
Constructor Luke
For Luke, there is nothing special, as well.
However, since some of your damage skills can hold,
you need to talk with your party members, and find out who's going to use which holding skill first.
It is very important that you don't see Luke's berserk pattern,
because when it berserks, you lose all poison stacks on it.
So here, depending on your skill tree, and which skills you are using,
you may develop your own attack patterns.
For me, I let my party members to do holdings first,
and use all other skills.
And when my party member's holding skills are about to run out,
I use Junk Spin to continue holding.
Here's a video that sums Anton & Luke.
Closing Note:
Thank you for reading, I hope this helped,
if you have any questions, feel free to mail me in-game. My ign is Junk.
and specific tips for Black Widows in Anton/Luke.
I will not talk about every details of the raid.
1. What is Black Widow?
I wanted to talk about what Black Widow is,
because Black Widows are a bit different than many other characters.
So here is a brief explanation.
First of all, of course, she is dps/hold.
With variety of holding skills
(such as Junk Spin, Block Bomb, Mount/Raging Vulcan and more),
She can hold monsters and do damage at the same time.
Also, Black Widow is a hybrid character,
which means she has both physical and magical skills.
Also, Her STR and INT are automatically balanced, to whichever is higher.
(So does the critical rate, and conversion works for all widow skills)
This allows Black Widows to go either physical or magical.
(However, I recommend going magical)
Lastly, Black Widows do abnormal status damage,
specifically poison.
You may think that poison can't do too much,
But AT LEAST 4-50% of Black Widow's damage comes from Poison.
2. Gears
Once you reach Lv.85 and above,
You would want to go raid Anton/Luke.
But if you do not know how Black Widow's damage mechanism works,
it might be a bit of challenge.
2-0. Swap gear: Mad Dog Hooligan
First of all, you need Mag Dog Hooligan swap.
This is a Brawler 2nd Chronicle set.
If you look at [6] Set Effect,
It increases Apply Poison's poison rate by a large amount.
Ultimately, what you would want is
Mad Dog Hooligan 6 Set + Apply Poison Lv.20 + Apply poison imbued Tainted.
+ With Origin update, [Blood of Masaccre] became swap weapon.
Shown below is my swap setting.
However, for Anton entry, you just need Mad Dog Hooligan 6 Set,
and some apply poison leveling gears.
2-1. Let's talk about Anton first: Poison Damage gear
To enter Anton, you do not need much gear.
Black Widow's poison damage is high.
Abnormal status damage does not work the same way, as to other normal damages.
It does not get affected by damage increase, critical damage increase, additional damage, physical/magical damage and such.
And to compensate for that, the base damage for the poison is high.
We can use that fact to enter Anton with little gears.
This entry-level gear setting is called poison setting.
You want to have Source of Disease 3 Set.
You probably have never considered to wear this on any other character,
but for Black Widows, this is it.
3 Sets of Source of Disease, with +10 reinforcement,
grants you an aura that deceases 80 abnormal status tolerance.
(Contain Source of Disease Top, as it gives poison damage!)
You need to run [Reshpon, Village of Pain] to get these equipments.
If it's hard to run, try getting Intense Bomb 9 set from Otherverse dungeons.
Next up, for weapon,
it's good if you can afford decent claws,
but it's okay to wear most legendary/epic claws.
Some other type of weapons are okay as well.
However, refining is a must,
since refining your weapon gives abnormal status damage boost.
Now, get your critical rate / STR or INT as high as you can.
(Critical rate is important, because it gives additional abnormal status damage)
Try to throw in some poison damage gears, if you can, as well.
(Few examples of poison damage gears)
You are ready for Anton raid.
2-2. Stepping up: Epic mix/set
If you run Anton raid, you'll get epic souls and demon invitations.
Needless to say, go to Hell Party dungeons and farm epics.
There seems to be a stereotype that Widows are easy to gear up,
but I would like to say that's false.
As I said above, major portion of Widow's dps comes from poison,
and poison does not get affected by variety of stats.
This means that Widow can't really fully use most of the equipment,
and you want to get equipment
that focuses on skill atk, all atk, STR/INT, ele damage, poison damage... etc.
First of all,
if you are considering Lv.85 epic set,
Elemental Dropper is way to go.
This set gives you elemental damage, INT stat, skill atk, and def shred.
Elemental Dropper set is the best Lv.85 epic set you can get.
All other Lv.85 sets aren't bad,
but they aren't too good, either.
Spider Queen's Breath set is a bit better than others.
With upcoming buff on this set,
Spider Queen's Breath set is not a bad choice, as well.
* After the rework, it is better than most other 85 epic sets, but still, it is not that good. (Added 07/30/2018)
Among Lv.90 un-upgraded sets,
Crow Ceremony Day set is the best.
Or, you could also wear Ancient War Goddess (Millennium) set.
Millennium set itself is not super good,
but it is wearable to Luke.
* After the epic rework, Millennium became super good, too. (Added 07/30/2018)
Also, Nagaraja is the best upgraded set,
so it is absolutely worth keeping.
When you consider Lv.90 un-upgraded epic armor sets,
Crow = Millenium > Others. (Edited 07/30/2018)
If you are mixing epics/legendaries,
here are some good pieces I know:
Top:
/
Best top would be Evil Rib Mail.
Head/Shoulder:
Best Head/Shoulder would be Contamination Pauldrons.
Best Bottom would be Exposure Heavy Gaiters.
Shoes:
Best Shoes would be Auto Mail Pres/Meltdown Sabatons/Oath Boots/Tibia Bone Boots.
Pace Down Shoes would be ok, as well.
Belt:
Best belt would be Sun Topaz Plate Coil/Crow Ceremony Day Tie.
Other belts that give you element damage are fine, too.
Keep in mind, that
if you mix good pieces from above,
you can do more damage than Millennium/Elemental Dropper set.
Accessories
Of course,
Sensory Satisfaction set will be the best.
However, if you already have Damage Increase/Critical Damage Increase,
if might be better to just mix the accessories, as well.
Necklace:
Best necklace would be Capri Empher Necklace.
Ring:
Best ring would be Filir - Cool-headed Judgement.
Bracelet:
Best bracelet would be Breathing Sound of Morning Star.
Special Equiment
Sub Equipment:
There are lower-level unique-tier poison gears available, as well,
but I do not recommend them.
Magic Stone:
Best magic stone is Rosetta Stone.
Earrings:
Best earring is Babylonian Symbol.
Now, for weapons,
Obviously, all epic claws above Lv.85 are good.
All types of wearable Savior weapons are going to be good, as well.
From the picture above,
I think ..
Scarred Nail < Tarwe Zariche =< Demon Rake: Ignore < Black Moon Wolf < Savior Claw
*Trace of Lilith is better than Black Moon Wolf. (Added 07/30/2018)
Also, some tonfas are suit for Widows.
If you get any of the items I mentioned above,
Think twice before you dissemble them.
Please know that this list does not completely cover every item in game.
There are other good items that are not listed here.
(Also, I did not include Luke-upgrade gears)
2-3. Luke gear
Armors:
Normally,
for armors, you start with Elemental Dropper/Crow set.
Millennium and Radiant are fine, too,
but other epic sets are not really desirable.
Or, if you are mixing epic pieces,
your mix needs to contain
Contamination Pauldron/Exposure Heavy Gaiters/Evil Rib Mail.
(Tarantula Top works as well)
Weapon & others:
For weapon, you want to have Lv.90 epic Claw/Tonfa, or any type of Savior,
and for Sub-Equipment, you must have Infector Manikai.
(Pars will be okay as well, but Infector is better)
For accessories, if you are not wearing Sensory Satisfaction set,
combinations such as...
Breathing Sound of Morning Star - Capri Empher Necklace - Filir
Cyan Hoop Armlet - Scent of Sparkles - Sky Guide: Kaaf
are available.
Other slots would have to be mostly filled with the best items from the list above.
Once you run some Luke and can upgrade your epics,
Consider that
Nagaraja > Gespenst > Seven Sins / Supercontinent > Fiend Venator.
Usually, you would want to upgrade either Nagaraja or Gespenst.
In case of Nagaraja, if you do not have a full set of Millennium,
know that 3 set of Nagaraja,
with Contamination Pauldron & Exposure Heavy Gaiters is great as well.
(Many other combinations are possible,
but know that Nagaraja Head/Shoulder and Shoes are important to have)
3. Skill Tree
Here, I will try to explain Widow's skills
and give you guidance to building your skill tree.
Poison Resistance, Overstain
These are Widow's basic passives.
Poison Resistance is not really important.
It just gives a lot of resistance to poison.
Overstain is important, as it has many functions.
- It compares your STR and INT, and converts the lower value to the higher value
- It compares your p.crit and m.crit and converts the lower value to the higher value
- Crit rates give poison maximize damage (similar to additional damage), up to 25%
- Counter attack also increases abnormal status damage by 25%
- It applies your elemental damage to the poison
This is one of the reasons why Widow can be either physical or magical dps.
However, I strongly recommend going magical,
Since magical party has more synergy.
There is a tiny defect to this skill,
it stuns you when you use nen shot/doppelganger at 2% chance.
This should mean nothing to you, you would never use those skills.
Sand Splash
First Brawler skill you see.
This skill has almost no usage.
Explosive Hook
One of the basic Brawler skills.
3 abnormal status should be on the monster to see the max damage.
Lv.10 is a must,
Because you need to learn Explosive Hook TP.
Reason will be explained below.
Brick Buster
One of the basic Brawler skills.
Personally, I like this skill,
but sadly it cannot do much damage.
Hidden Stinger
Constant DPS maker
Last basic skill of Brawler.
This skill does very good damage compared to other basic skills,
and its hit recovery reduction sometimes works as hold.
Highly recommending this skill.
Use it in between basic attacks, whenever the cooldown is gone.
Apply Poison - MASTER
Black Widow's Alpha and Omega
Main buff of Widow, where the damage comes from.
Applies Poison damage to your basic skills.
Also, the skill's poison damage gets boosted.
What this means is,
when you look at Widow's skills,
it says [Apply Poison Additional Poison Attack].
That value will get boosted by however % your apply poison gives.
It is essential that you master this.
You can wear swap gears to amplify this skill's effects,
as explained above.
Double Throw - MASTER
Another buff of Brawler.
Throws two items at once,
and also gives various buffs to other skills.
As you see, they are helpful and necessary,
but not so much that you would get a swap gear for it.
Just master the skill, use it all the time.
Claw Mastery - MASTER
Good passive for claw users.
If you are using other types of weapons, you would not have to master this,
but eventually, when you use claws, you would have to master this.
This skill gives you patk and matk bonus, bleed chance, and some other options.
It's sad that it does not give independent atk,
but master is a must for claw users.
Mount, Raging Vulcan
Fine hold/area damage
You learn Mount first,
and when you learn Raging Vulcan (Passive),
Mount becomes a cube skill, and gets upgraded.
This is a fine holding skill, and also useful as area damage.
Monster should have at least 3 abnormal status
to maximize this skill's damage.
Learn TP to damage enemies that cannot be grabbed, such as Luke.
You may master or not, it really comes down to personal preference.
Taunt - MASTER
Decreases enemy's abnormal status tolerance by a huge amount.
You can also trigger it to taunt the enemy and make it follow you.
You can trigger taunt in the middle of other skills, if you learn Snake Stance (2a).
Master Master
Ground Kick
Does ok damage,
but many people do not like this skill,
because of its weird pre-skill delay.
Enemies with abnormal status receive more damage,
and grab-immune enemies receive some more damage.
Master or not, your choice.
Heaven's Net - MASTER
Party damage booster
Very important utility / damage booster.
Can either pull/not pull enemies, and applies immobility.
Also, makes the enemy hit by the net receives 30% more damage.
Important fact is that it boosts damage for all your party members.
This incredible skill must be mastered and used all the time.
(Of course, use it before other skills)
I recommend using this skill with down arrow key (no pulling)
Venom Mine
Again, some people like this skill, some people do not.
It might be difficult to use,
because you have to hit as many mines as possible.
For me, I master it with Ground Kick,
and use them together to kill named monsters.
Junk Spin
Black Widow's Trademark
Throws garbage everywhere.
You can enter [X] key repeatedly to spin faster.
Does high damage, but you need to be right at the center of the enemy monster.
Also, this skill stuns enemy no matter what, until Junk Spin ends.
(Or until enemy berserks and gets out of it)
Some people do not master this skill, some do.
But I recommend giving it at least Level 1, as holding skill.
Deadly Blood - MASTER
First Awakening Passive
Poison runs through your veins now,
you become completely immune to poison.
Boosts your poison damage,
gives you a lot of speeds,
and you squirt poison blood out when you get attacked.
Very good passive, must master.
Poison Mist
First Awakening
Mini - apocalypse / very strong damage
You can cast this skill in mid-air.
Quickest way to cast it would be during Backstep.
When you cast this skill, Poison Mist appears,
and enemies inside gets poisoned.
You become invisible, and get various buffs.
(According to Lv.14 Poison Mist as shown above,
you get 182 STR/INT, 18.2% ATK/MOVE SPD,
40 Abnormal status tolerance reduction,
and 4724 physical/magical def. shred)
When you trigger this skill again,
the mist detonates,
and damages enemies inside.
You can hit up to about 6 explosions, depending on your positions.
This skill is probably the strongest skill Black Widow have.
Use it before using other skills, just like Heaven's Net, to get all the buffs.
Use skills you have, and when you are done,
detonate the mist for finish.
Poisonous Explosive Hook
Reinforced version of Explosive Hook
When you grab an enemy,
it pulls enemies around you, too.
The pulling strength is very strong, and useful.
If you learned Explosive Hook TP,
you can damage grab-immune enemies, as well.
Also, you can detonate the explosive whenever you want,
by pressing the skill key again.
Enemy should have at least 3 abnormal status to maximize damage.
Many people do not master this skill, but I did.
Block Bomb
Very stable holding skill
This skill stuns the enemy no matter what,
just like Junk Spin do.
Skill casting is very fast,
and you can press arrow keys to position where you want to put the bomb.
Art of Poisons - MASTER
Second Awakening Passive
This skill is the major reason why Widows cannot do damage to objects,
because this skill only applies when you attack poisoned enemies.
It increases p.crit/m.crit, skill attack, and abnormal status level.
Although it has its flaws,
this skill is very important, and must be mastered.
(Also, this skill allows Conversion to apply to all of Widow's skills)
Explosive Poison / Compact Explosive Poison - MASTER
Major damage 1
Grabs enemy and kicks, and detonates explosive poison.
This skill does a lot of damage, all Widows should master it.
Disease Queen - Poison Mine - MASTER
Major Damage 2
Jumps in the air, strikes downward, and detonates poison mines in a large area.
One of the few major damage skills, must master it.
You can also use this skill during Backstep.
I personally use
Heaven's Net -> Backstep -> Poison Mist -> Disease Queen -> ...
to quickly start damaging enemy.
Snake Stance - MASTER
Second Awakening
Constant high DPS maker
This skill can be used during another skill, without delay.
Increases skill attack, taunt's abnormal status tolerance reduction,
and changes your basic attack.
As you see, with Lv.6 Snake Stance,
you can do 31,360% + @ poison damage with just 1 cycle of basic attacks.
Each level increases skill attack by 5%,
so Lv.85 skill increase is very good to Widows.
Explosive Hook Upgrade
Other TP skills do not really have to be explained,
but this skill is different.
This skill makes Explosive Hook & Poisonous Explosive Hook
able to trigger to grab-immune enemies.
Also, it makes you able to detonate the explosive whenever you want to,
by pressing the skill key again.
Therefore, it is extremely convenient if you give it at least Level 1.
Now,
I said that a lot of skills are up to your preference.
It really is. Different Widows prefer different skills,
and so the skill tree varies case by case.
Here is my skill tree:
If your skill tree looks different, that is ok as well.
I change my skill trees all the time.
Keep changing your skill trees, and find the tree you like.
You may find some skills favorable in some dungeons, but not in others.
(For example, some people don't like Junk Spin in Luke, so instead they give that SP to Mount)
4. How to play Anton / Luke Raid
I will going to assume
that you know basic gimmicks for Anton / Luke
and give you tips about Black Widow's plays.
I will not go in-depth about specific patterns of each monsters.
4-1. Anton
Since almost all Anton raids nowadays are 4 Leg,
I will talk about Anton based on 4 Leg routes.
Source of Black Smoke
First dungeon of Anton,
and the first named monster is Tog.
As you probably know,
Black Widows can kill Tog very easily,
because Tog does not have high abnormal status tolerance.
When you enter the room,
just start hitting tog with skills / basic attacks.
I find Venom Mine/Hidden Stinger/Junk Spin good to use.
You can use Poison Mist, if you are not main dps & do not have enough damage.
Try to save Block Bomb, if your party does not have other holders.
(If you do not have holder in your party,
you may see Tog's tornado pattern.
Just dodge the tornado, and kill Tog when it is sitting)
Here's a video of me killing Tog with just basic attacks.
The boss is Annihilator Nerbe.
Nothing special on Nerbe,
just use Block Bomb right away, if your party is skipping orb.
If you want to see orbs,
Know that you can just plant Poison Mist during the orb pattern.
When orb pattern is about to be over,
Hold Nerbe, and use Heaven's Net.
Below is an example of play (seeing the orb pattern)
Notice how I use Block Bomb to keep Nerbe in place,
and Heaven's Net immediately after for damage increase.
Durable Leg
Flame Kraves
Nothing special on Kraves.
Just know that Poisonous Explosive Hook can pull zombies around you,
even the knocked-down ones.
Gatekeeper Kratek
For Gatekeeper Kratek,
If you have to hold,
run up to the center of Kratek, and use Junk Spin.
If there is another holder, wait,
and when Kratek is held, use Heaven's Net, and then start using other skills.
Below is a video of me holding Kratek right away.
Brilliant Flame Agnes
For Agnes clones,
Use Poisonous Explosive Hook to gather up the clones.
For Agnes,
When Agnes is casting eyes,
use Block Bomb, Poison Mist,
and when Agnes is done casting & stunned by Block Bomb,
use Heaven's Net.
Below is a video of me doing what I explained.
Cutting Down Energy
Absorbent Egene
For Absorbent Egene,
not much needs to be said, if you know the gimmicks.
just be sure to use Block Bomb if you are the holder of your party.
Below is an example of a solo play.
Playing in party won't be much different.
Black Volcano
Kres of Black Smoke
For Kres of Black Smoke,
Use either Neck Snap / Block Bomb / Raging Vulcan to hold.
If you are dps & do not have holder, You would want to use Block Bomb first.
Magtonium Five
For Magtonium Five,
Use Neck Snap -> Heaven's Net.
If you do not have holder & you're the dps, use Junk Spin.
Abyssal Medel
For Abyssal Medel,
If you have to hold,
use Block Bomb or Junk Spin.
You may also use Raging Vulcan.
Omnipotent Mateka
For Mateka,
Widows cannot do Counter-Kill,
so do not bother trying.
Make sure you turn off your First Awakening's Passive, Deadly Blood.
You can turn it off on this window, by right-clicking the skill.
If you do not turn it off, you will squirt poison every time Mateka hits you,
and kill your party members.
If you wanna pull the orbs, just use Taunt on Mateka.
He will only follow you.
4-2. Luke
I will focus on explaining Khaligo route, because that's where Widows usually go.
However, many monsters from Lumen route will be covered as well,
since they appear in phase 1, too.
I will assume that you know all basic gimmicks,
and give you tips specifically for Black Widows.
I do not provide every detail about each monsters and patterns.
Sanctuary of Birth
Metal Gear Canaps
Not much to be said about Canaps.
If you need to hold, use Block Bomb first.
Remember not to multi-hit excessively.
The Seven Mistral
Nothing special.
If you need to hold, use Block Bomb first.
Fortuneteller Rosaura
Rosaura could be tricky sometimes,
because she uses Phase Shift (of Female Mage's)
When you enter, go up to her really quick,
and use Raging Vulcan on her.
She will use Phase Shift, but you will still be holding her.
After that, you can start using other skills.
(Use Block Bomb after Raging Vulcan, if no other holds are in your party)
Below is an example of me using Raging Vulcan to hold Rosaura.
Sanctuary of Destruction
Iron Beast
You would usually just let this one fly,
but if your party has a lot of holding skills, you could try this trick:
Tell your party members to use holding skills to Iron Beast.
You also use holding skills, as well (Except Junk Spin)
When Iron Beast gets held by many holding skills,
it will breathe fire, and then fly.
BUT if you start using Junk Spin when it breathes fire,
(Hit XXXXXX fast)
and cancel Junk Spin when it is about to fly,
you can by-pass the flying pattern.
Below is an example of me canceling the flying pattern.
Every time I try this, I feel like I see something slightly different,
but the results are all the same - Iron Beast won't fly.
Lamenting Lampard
Not much to be said about Lampard.
Wrecking Haboob
Nothing too special about Haboob.
Just know the basic gimmick, and you should be good.
Sanctuary of Dispersion
Red Clown
You could do Red Clown very easily with Junk Spin.
(you could also do it with other skills, but I find Junk Spin most reliable and easy)
Just get into the middle of two clowns, and start Junk Spin.
(You may not want to press X)
Remember to use Toy of Sparkling World beforehand,
as Clown could hit you with hammer & stun you, canceling Junk Spin.
Quatro Manus Mark - II
Nothing special on Manus.
Grieving Buffon
Nothing special about Buffon, too.
Snake Stance makes it easy for Widows to destroy the shield.
Other monsters
Mass-produced Becky
Becky will try to jump, but it can't.
Here's an example of me holding Becky with Raging Vulcan.
Oblivious Aslan
This helps with absorb pattern.
Other than that, nothing special about it.
Altar of Darkness: Entrance
Hyperspeed Zakeline
Nightmarish Nerbe
You may find yourself outside of Nerbe's Nen Guard if you use Poison Mine on the ground.
Use Back Step + Poison Mine to prevent that from happening.
High-reinforced Argos
Altar of Darkness
Purging Snader
Like Rosaura, Snader uses Phase Shift,
so you can also use Raging Vulcan here.
Moonlight Walker Yashin
Do not use holding skills here.
Explosive Poison is ok to use.
Altar of Wisdom
Dark Idol Anubis
Evil Sword Veara
Block Bomb - other skills - Junk Spin - Raging Vulcan - P.E.Hook - E.Hook - etc...
Sanctuary of Darkness
Manus and Buffon is covered above.
There is not much special about those two monsters.
Here's a video of Manus and Buffon:
Solium Machina: Khaligo
Constructor Luke
For Luke, there is nothing special, as well.
However, since some of your damage skills can hold,
you need to talk with your party members, and find out who's going to use which holding skill first.
It is very important that you don't see Luke's berserk pattern,
because when it berserks, you lose all poison stacks on it.
So here, depending on your skill tree, and which skills you are using,
you may develop your own attack patterns.
For me, I let my party members to do holdings first,
and use all other skills.
And when my party member's holding skills are about to run out,
I use Junk Spin to continue holding.
Here's a video that sums Anton & Luke.
Closing Note:
Thank you for reading, I hope this helped,
if you have any questions, feel free to mail me in-game. My ign is Junk.
