Strengths and Weaknesses<\/div>\nThe Bard is a versatile and balanced class. He can range from a ranged DPS centered character to a support character that buffs the group and debuffs enemies. The variety in untiered bows and lutes allow him many different playstyles. \n\nYet this eclectic variety in items requires actually getting items in the first place. Tiered bows, lutes, and robes do not mix well, and getting said UT items may be difficult for newer players. Bards also face a crisis of identity; they aren't an especially damaging class, but their buffs also aren't even that great (see below for more detail).\n\n##
Group and Dungeon Role<\/div>\nThe Bard's main role in a group is to provide consistent buffs, which will generally be Inspired and the DEF buff given by tiered lutes. For example, wand classes can hit [Oryx The Mad God 2](\/wiki\/oryx-the-mad-god-2) during his dance phase with Inspired. Sword classes can also attack from a good distance, keeping them safer.\n\nYou should be as consistent as possible with your Inspired buffs; otherwise, players using weapons that have awkward shots (such as [Sword of the Colossus](\/wiki\/sword-of-the-colossus)) will have to constantly be repositioning themselves in order to guarantee that their shots land.\n\nIn terms of actual strength, the Bard's buff is often quite a mixed bag. Other than the range increase, an oft-neglected feature is the accuracy gain from a faster projectile velocity. However, the vast majority of content is designed around the Bard's non-existence... many players don't need it, don't expect it, and Bards can even mess up certain weapons. So while it can be helpful, bards are often unnecessary, unappreciated, or both.\n\nBards are helpful, but not strictly necessary against most bosses. Bards help in event 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) by letting squisher classes hit further away whilst boosting their DEF. The same could be said about Dungeon bosses; dangerous bosses like the aforementioned [Oryx 2](\/wiki\/oryx-the-mad-god-2) or [Oryx 3](\/wiki\/oryx-the-mad-god-3). Bards also benefit from their own buff, making it a group buffing class that doesn't depend much on MP management while also giving a substantial survivability boost.\n\n##
Summary<\/div>\nOverall, the Bard is an 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 somewhat 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");