Ring<\/div>\nBard players often choose to wear rings that either boost defensive capability or focus on offense. \n\nAs for a tiered protective ring, HP is always preferred over DEF on a class like Bard. However, because of Bard's low defence, it can be justified to use Defence ring over HP in some circumstances. \n\n
\nThe top choice by many players, [Ring of Unbound Health (UBHP)](\/wiki\/ring-of-unbound-health) is the best ring to use on any classes if you want to maximize your survivability as a Bard. This ring will boost your HP by 180. If you happen to have a [Ring of Decades](\/wiki\/ring-of-decades), the boost of +190 HP will let you fare a bit better than the UBHP. Regardless of reasons, majorities of players swear by wearing an HP ring over a DEF ring. \n\n
\nAn unconventional choice of many, the [Ring of Unbound Defense (UBDef)](\/wiki\/ring-of-unbound-defense) can be seen as a reasonable choice for a Bard due to his low DEF stat. In addition, it pairs fairly well with tiered Lutes' DEF boost effect as it allows him to be as tanky as a Warrior\/Paladin.\n\n
\nThe Ring of the Pyramid fits well on any classes, particularly the Bard. It provides a solid boost of +4 ATT which fits well for increasing his DPS. In addition, +100 HP and +4 DEF significantly increases the surviability, which is also equally important for a Bard.\n\n
\nFor a tiered offensive ring, the [Ring of Unbound Attack](\/wiki\/ring-of-unbound-attack) is the optimal choice for a Bard as he possesses high DEX but low ATT. In fact, ATT will always outdamage DEX regardless of the enemy's defence. There's also [Esben's Wedding Ring](\/wiki\/esben-s-wedding-ring) which grants the same ATT boost and also +60 HP and +60 MP but lowers your defense but that shouldn't be issue with your increased range. Just note, rings that boost both ATT and DEX will provide better DPS.\n\n
\nThe [Forgotten Crown](\/wiki\/the-forgotten-crown) and the [Magical Lodestone](\/wiki\/magical-lodestone) both provide +12 to offensive stats (+6 ATT and +6 DEX). The catch is Crown grants 110 HP while the Lodestone provides 6 SPD and 6 DEF. The Lodestone *does* have an edge over the Crown in the fact that a Bard can benefit from the +6 DEF as he's fairly squishy without his lute's DEF boost and the +6 DEF for effective rushing. Nonetheless, many players view the Crown as the superior option because of the HP boost it provides.\n##
Strengths and Weaknesses<\/div>\nThe Bard is a versatile and balanced class. He can range from a DPS centered character that attacks from a distance, to a support character that buffs the group and debuffs enemies. The variety in untiered bows allow him many different playstyles. Yet this eclectic variety in items makes him suffer with the reduced DEF from robes--and also the DPS meta. The Bard, then, becomes quite dependent on the UTs for specialization in either offense, defense, or support, which can be tricky for newer players who can't get UTs as easily. But if that's okay for the player, then they have nothing to worry about.\n\n##
Group Role<\/div>\nThe Bard's main role in a group is to provide consistent buffs through the use of his lute, which will generally be Inspired and the DEF buff given by tiered lutes. This is very beneficial to sword classes, as the Inspired buff will allow them to attack from a good distance, keeping them safer, and allows wand classes to hit [Oryx The Mad God 2](\/wiki\/oryx-the-mad-god-2) during his dance phase. \n\nYou should be as consistent as possible with your Inspired buffs. While not strictly necessary, Inspired is best \"chained\", one after the other, so that players using weapons that have wavy shots (such as [Sword of the Colossus](\/wiki\/sword-of-the-colossus), [Lumiaire](\/wiki\/lumiaire), or tiered [Staves](\/wiki\/staves)) don't have to constantly be re-positioning themselves in order to guarantee that their shots land.\n\nSince Bard is by no means lacking in DPS (On a maxed character with only [Wine Cellar](\/wiki\/wine-cellar) top weapons, Bard outdamages several characters up until 20 or so DEF) you don't need to focus on trying to get soulbound damage, rather, it's more okay on focusing on how to best support the group you're in.\n\n##
Event and Dungeon Bosses<\/div>\nAgainst Event Bosses, the Bard's range increase is very helpful, even if it is not strictly necessary. In the case of bosses like the [Skull Shrine](\/wiki\/skull-shrine), [Cube God](\/wiki\/cube-god), or [Avatar of the Forgotten King](\/wiki\/avatar-of-the-forgotten-king), Bard's ![Inspired](\/\/i.imgur.com\/yXyVRCn.png \"Inspired\")Inspire buff can allow squishier classes like [Priests](\/wiki\/priest) and [Sorcerers](\/wiki\/sorcerer) to hit the Event Boss from a safe distance, outside of the range of minions and potentially dangerous shots, while also providing extra survivability through the DEF buffs of tiered lutes. The buff also allows Bards to get their own shots on the boss without coming into much danger of their own, or needing to pay too much attention to the HP and MP management that comes with playing classes like Priest.\n\nIn dungeons, Bards play much of the same role as they do against Event Bosses, primarily present to increase survivability through their buffs. However, Bards are especially more useful against bosses that possess attacks that are capable of maiming or even instantly killing players that are too close, which are more frequent in end-game dungeons than in the realm. By allowing other players (especially sword-based classes) more range against bosses like [Oryx the Mad God 2](\/wiki\/oryx-the-mad-god-2) and [3](\/wiki\/oryx-the-mad-god-3), alongside various other end-game critters, Bard can help increase the survivability of the group. \n##
Summary<\/div>\nOverall, the Bard is a easy-to-use, team-oriented class that focuses on increasing range and survivability through the use of his ability. His bow allows him to engage from a safe distance, and his high MP and WIS caps allow him to consistently provide buffs to his team, allowing far-range classes to pick at enemies without much danger and short-range classes a fighting chance against enemies with powerful shotgun attacks. "],[[],[]]);initializeCookieConsentBanner("e");