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Overview

Introduced in Exalt Version 2.2.0.0 (Dec 2021), the Kensei is a katana class focused on using his ability, the Sheath, to dash past enemies and boost his stats. His UTs, while similar in function, have unique quirks, either boosting different stats, having different projectiles, or inflicting debuffs on enemies. Due to the aggressive and risky nature of the Kensei, it is paramount to understand the nature of his ability to effectively use it.

Stat Analysis

The Kensei is a mix between medium and heavy armor classes. They have decent mobility, at 60 SPD. Survivability is also similar (but worse) than the Samurai, with 720 HP, 25 DEF, and 60 VIT. Kensei also offers 65 ATK and DEX, though has a low base MP and WIS cap; at 252 MP and 50 WIS.

Equipment Choices

Weapon

The Kensei's weapon of choice is the Katana. Katanas are short-ranged piercing weapons dealing the same DPS as daggers. UT katanas often trade the piercing aspect for higher damage output, or have quirks that make them stand out.

Tiered katanas are solid options for Kensei due to their decent damage output, piercing and range. Like all tiered weapons, the higher tier weapon is more powerful, but more difficult to acquire. The [Masamune](/wiki/masamune), dropped from [Oryx the Mad God 2](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-2), the [Sadamune](/wiki/sadamune) from the [Void Entity](/wiki/void-entity) and a few other endgame sources, and the [Kusanagi](/wiki/kusanagi){{template-soulbound}} from [Oryx the Mad God 3](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-3). All provide decent damage outputs and piercing, making them extremely reliable.

The [Doku no Ken](/wiki/doku-no-ken) is a sidegrade to tiered katanas; trading off damage/shot for fire rate, range, and an area-of-effect proc activating every 3 seconds, dealing 1,000 damage. While this isn't boosted by {{template-berserk}} or {{template-damaging}}, even with those buffs, it competes heavily with the T13 Sadamune in single target DPS, and even better vs large groups. It drops from [The Crawling Depths](/wiki/the-crawling-depths).

The [Void Blade (VBLade)](/wiki/void-blade) is a peculiar katana dropping from the [Toxic Sewers](/wiki/toxic-sewers), as its shots initially linger in place before accelerating to where it was initially aimed. This katana is most effective against targets that have predictable movement, as you can set up the shots for them to run into. It is also effective as a pre-firing weapon during enemy invulnerability periods, since they will take some of the lingering high-damage shots once they go vulnerable.

The [Ray Katana](/wiki/ray-katana), dropping from the [Rock Dragon](/wiki/rock-dragon), is another sidegrade to tiered katanas, trading off some damage output for higher range, as the shots have 6.2 range. This katana is decent for dealing damage more safely, though may see less use on a Kensei, who has a fair amount of DEF to back them up if pushing in closer for damage.

[Valor](/wiki/valor), dropping from [The Bridge Sentinel](/wiki/the-bridge-sentinel), is yet another sidegrade to tiered katanas, sacrificing fire rate for a huge bump in damage per shot. However, when put [In Combat](/wiki/vital-combat), the katana loses significant damage output for the entire IC duration, due to the {{template-att-decrease|amount=15}}. This katana is most effective for players with decent dodging capabilities, which the Kensei can do due to their decent SPD and DEF. It is also notable that tiered Sheaths provide an {{template-att-boost}} multiplier, which at its maximum, can fully negate the {{template-att-decrease}}.

The [Enforcer](/wiki/enforcer), dropping from [Chief Beisa](/wiki/chief-beisa), is the clear-cut winner in terms of DPS, beating every katana at low-mid DEF. Compared to the Kusanagi, this katana beats it whole in DPS, but it lacks the piercing aspect, making it ineffective for clearing hordes. Combined with the Kensei's decent DEF and SPD, this katana is great for single-target DPS and even hit-and-run strategies.

Ability

The Kensei's ability is the [Sheath](/wiki/sheaths). The Sheath's mechanic can be split into two main parts: channeling and dashing. Channeling is the act of charging up the sheath to allow dashing. Once fully charged, you are given a number of dashes, typically 3. Dashing is the main mechanic of the sheath, providing mobility and damage for Kensei. The dash mechanic can be split into three parts: the trail, stat multiplier, and projectile. Upon using the ability with a dash still active, you move in the direction of your cursor up to either the sheath's maximum tile limit, your cursor, or an obstacle. For the duration of the dash, you are {{template-invulnerable}}, allowing you to dash past projectiles and take no damage. Do note that {{template-invulnerable}} **does not** protect you from environmental hazards (i.e lava). The trail spawns from your initial location to your final location and deals damage to enemies nearby. Hitting an enemy with the trail provides a stat buff, which multiplies your current stat by a percentage, increasing for every enemy you hit (although this is capped at 5). Upon reaching your final location, you fire out projectiles dealing damage to enemies. It is important to note that while you are {{template-invulnerable}} during the dash, you are **not** immune to damage when the dash ends. Another thing to note is the **cooldown** in between dashes, preventing you from chaining the dashes and be effectively immune to damage. Lastly, {{template-silenced}}, {{template-paralyzed}}, and {{template-petrify}} temporarily prevent dashing, while {{template-quiet}} immediately removes the remaining dashes. Caution is important, as you can be put in a bad situation where you have to Nexus or you die. A good tip for sheaths is to put your cursor ahead of the enemy, as enemies usually fire towards you, allowing you to avoid the attacks and deal damage at the same time. However, when dashing is not ideal, simply place your cursor close to your character in the direction of the target, and use the projectiles to deal damage. **Avoid placing your cursor directly on the enemy**, especially when they have highly dangerous shotguns or radial attacks.

Tiered sheaths are solid options for Kensei, providing 3 dashes, high trail damage, consistent projectiles, long dash distance, extra survivability, and an {{template-att-boost}} multiplier. The [Great Shinobi Sheath](/wiki/great-shinobi-sheath), dropping mainly from [Oryx the Mad God 2](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-2), is decently consistent and can be used as a main sheath. The [Sonic Wave Sheath](/wiki/sonic-wave-sheath), however, is much more powerful, but is harder to obtain as it drops from [Oryx the Mad God 3](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-3), and is also {{template-soulbound}} Soulbound.

The [Volcanic Sheath](/wiki/volcanic-sheath), dropping from [Archdemon Malphas](/wiki/archdemon-malphas), can be considered as a sidegrade to tiered sheaths, as it has a similar amount of dashes, trail damage and travel distance. However, instead of providing an {{template-att-boost}}, it provides a {{template-wis-boost}}. It also fires an AoE explosion that becomes more powerful as WIS increases, unlike most sheaths which fire projectiles. This sheath is ideal for clearing hordes of enemies, as the AoE blast has a decent 4 tile radius.

The [Labyrinth Dweller's Sheath](/wiki/labyrinth-dweller-s-sheath), dropping from the [Swarm Tree](/wiki/swarm-tree), is unlike tiered sheaths, dealing less damage overall, but providing a {{template-spd-boost}}. This sheath is ideal for rushing, especially when rushing to rooms filled with enemies, as you can boost your SPD and rush to boss much faster.

[Kaiken](/wiki/kaiken), dropping from [Daichi the Fallen](/wiki/daichi-the-fallen), is similar to tiered sheaths, dealing high trail damage and providing an offensive stat boost. Unlike tiered sheaths, Kaiken provides a {{template-dex-boost}}, has a shorter travel distance at 5 tiles, and fires 8 shots in an EP-like fashion inflicting {{template-slowed}}. The trail also inflicts {{template-slowed}} for two seconds. Kaiken is a riskier but more rewarding alternative to tiered sheaths, with the added bonus of Slowing enemies for a few seconds.

The [Quartermaster Scabbard](/wiki/quartermaster-scabbard), dropping from [Davy Jones](/wiki/davy-jones), is unlike most sheaths, as it spawns a decoy on your location lasting for 4 seconds when channeling, provides {{template-healing}} for 5 seconds when dashing, and applies {{template-hp-boost}}. The shots are narrow and also boomerang, making it easier to hit for maximum damage. This sheath is a safer alternative to tiered sheaths, providing a cushion with the {{template-hp-boost}} while still dealing decent damage. The decoy on channeling also allows more strategy with how the sheath is used. You can channel near an enemy and dash past them, so that the enemy will be focused on the decoy and not on you, allowing you to deal damage safely.

The [Blitz Sheath](/wiki/blitz-sheath), obtained via the [Shards of the Intern](/wiki/shard-of-the-intern), is unlike any other sheath, as it provides **4** dashes instead of 3. It also provides a {{template-def-boost}} both on getting hit (+10 DEF) and hitting enemies with the trail. However, this sheath deals lesser damage than most sheaths. This sheath, being true to its name, is ideal for rushing, especially in areas filled with a lot of enemies, as it provides a cushion for rushing while having more dashes, allowing you to travel much further.

The [Irradiance Sheath](/wiki/irradiance-sheath), dropping from the minibosses spawned by the [Crystal Entity](/wiki/crystal-entity), is arguably the most powerful option for damage, as the shots have more consistent damage than the Sonic Wave Sheath, and the {{template-att-boost}} is much more potent than any other sheath. However, proper positioning is required to maximize damage output, as the shots are harder to hit against fast-moving targets. Overall, this sheath is effective for maximizing damage output, and would be a great choice in scenarios calling for high DPS.

Armor

The Kensei's armor of choice is the [Heavy Armor](/wiki/heavy-armors). Tiered heavy armors, compared to the other armor types, sacrifice the wide variety of stats for high DEF. Many UT armors sacrifice DEF for other stats.

Tiered armors are very solid options for Kensei, providing high DEF to tank a lot of shots, especially considering the risky nature of his ability. [Acropolis Armor](/wiki/acropolis-armor), dropping mainly from [Oryx the Mad God 2](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-2), is easily obtainable and defensive with the +24 DEF. [Dominion Armor](/wiki/dominion-armor) is slightly more defensive with +26 DEF, but is also slightly harder to obtain, dropping from most exaltation bosses, notably the [Killer Bee Queen](/wiki/killer-bee-queen). [Annihilation Armor](/wiki/annihilation-armor) provides the second-highest increase to DEF out of any armor in the game, a whopping +28 DEF. However, it is harder to obtain as it drops from [Oryx the Mad God 3](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-3) and [The Forgotten King](/wiki/the-forgotten-king), and is also {{template-soulbound}} Soulbound.

These armors are great for survivability, providing very strong defensive stats overall. The [Breastplate of New Life](/wiki/breastplate-of-new-life), dropping from the [Marble Colossus](/wiki/marble-colossus), trades off a massive DEF boost for a massive HP boost, a whopping +160 HP. This armor is best when dealing with high-damage and/or armor-piercing shots, as it does not fully nullify the massive HP bonus. The [Royal Guard's Cuirass](/wiki/royal-guard-s-cuirass), dropping from certain enemies in [The Shatters](/wiki/the-shatters), is more balanced, sacrificing less DEF compared to tiered armors for a sizable +60 HP and +10 VIT boost. Alongside the decent bonuses, its proc provides {{template-invulnerable}} for 2 seconds when In Combat, which is very helpful in dangerous scenarios.

These armors are decent alternatives for survivability, providing strong defensive stats overall. The [Candy Coated Armor](/wiki/candy-coated-armor), dropping from all bosses in the [Candyland Hunting Grounds](/wiki/candyland-hunting-grounds), provides the highest DEF out of any armor, a whopping +30 DEF, but it gives -5 DEX to compensate. This armor is decent in midgame content, where there are less armor-piercing shots, and the reduced DPS is not much of a concern. The [Fairy Plate](/wiki/fairy-plate) dropping from the [Swoll Fairy](/wiki/swoll-fairy) and the [Cupcake](/wiki/cupcake), in a similar vein to the Cuirass, is balanced, sacrificing less DEF compared to tiered armors for a decent +40 HP boost. [Kamishimo](/wiki/kamishimo), dropping from [Daichi the Fallen](/wiki/daichi-the-fallen), can be considered the middle ground between New Life and Cuirass, providing +14 DEF and +60 HP for decent survivability.

These armors are the go-to for DPS, providing very high offensive stats. [Mercy's Bane](/wiki/mercy-s-bane), dropping from [Oryx the Mad God 2](/wiki/oryx-the-mad-god-2), trades off a lot of DEF for a whopping +7 ATK and +7 DEX, the highest out of any other heavy armor in the game. [Gladiator Guard](/wiki/gladiator-guard) provides less DPS stats, giving only +5 ATK and +5 DEX, but compensates by providing +20 DEF and +7 SPD which Mercy's Bane lacks entirely.

The [Fire Dragon Battle Armor](/wiki/fire-dragon-battle-armor) is a decent alternative for DPS, providing +6 ATK for damage. Alongside the passive bonuses, it also has a proc dealing 1000 damage overall within 5 seconds, which is a nice bonus.

Accessory

HP rings are never bad, as they are great at boosting survivability in any class. This is effective on the Kensei as he tanks a lot of damage as a melee class.

Rings that purely boost DEF such as the [Ring of Unbound Defense](/wiki/ring-of-unbound-defense) are almost useless on Kensei as the class already has a high DEF stat. With that said, DEF can still be used on Kensei, but most people will choose to use HP as that stat is generally better at increasing survivability.

The [Ring of Unbound Attack](/wiki/ring-of-unbound-attack) is great at increasing the Kensei's damage, as he can already boost his ATT with tiered sheaths, while [Esben's Wedding Ring](/wiki/esben-s-wedding-ring) can be considered a straight upgrade, as the -5 DEF is negligeble due to the Kensei's already high DEF from the class's heavy armors.

The [Ring of Unbound Wisdom](/wiki/ring-of-unbound-wisdom) and its successor, [Geb's Ring of Wisdom](/wiki/geb-s-ring-of-wisdom), are unconventional rings to use on the Kensei. However, the Volcanic Sheath benefits largely from WIS, so pairing it with a WIS boosting ring is a great idea, especially if you also equip the Resurrected Warrior's Armor.

These rings are great for balancing DPS and survivability. [The Forgotten Crown](/wiki/the-forgotten-crown) is more desireable since it increases HP, while the [Magical Lodestone](/wiki/magical-lodestone) increases DEF, as Kensei already has high DEF from heavy armors, so having more DEF would be detrimental. Although this doesn't make the Magical Lodestone a bad choice, one might prefer to use the Forgotten Crown. The [Chrysalis of Eternity](/wiki/chrysalis-of-eternity) has better DPS stats than both rings and better overall stats than Crown, but is harder to obtain being a drop from the hard mode version of [The Shatters](/wiki/the-shatters). Finally, the [Overclocking Amulet](/wiki/overclocking-amulet), dropping rarely from large enemies in the [Kogbold Steamworks](/wiki/kogbold-steamworks), has the best DPS stats of any ring in the game, but comes with a punishing -8 DEF. However, the Kensei has high base DEF in addition to the DEF from their tiered armors, so the -8 DEF could be negated, making the Amulet more viable.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

The Kensei is quite tanky, as despite his low 25 DEF cap, he can obtain heavy armors which help boost his survivability. In addition, the Kensei has naturally high HP and VIT, fitting for a melee class. Not only is the Kensei very tanky, but he also has a lot of mobility for a tanky class, as his sheath allows him to ash across long distances, possibly rivalling the [Trickster](/wiki/trickster) in terms of speed. The Kensei also has a very decent base SPD stat of 60. His sheath can also act as an evasive ability if fleeing from enemies or crossing through lare groups of shots. Finally, the Kensei can deal lots of damage, as his variety of sheaths allow him to boost his DPS stats, Allowing him to output some of the highest sustianed DPS beating a Wizard with T14, Tablet, Vesture, Chrysalis, only beaten by an Incubation mace Summoner, However this is only possible with **full** stacks of Irradiance sheath.

Weaknesses

While the Kensei's stats are very balanced has all the benefits of melee classes, he also has *very high risk*. Due to the nature of his ability needing him to dash through enemies, the Kensei faces the same problem of the Trickster's [Prism](/wiki/prisms); accidentally moving onto an enemy. If you accidentally dash on top of an enemy instead of through it, you *will get instantly killed*, as you are now sitting on the location of all the shots. A way to remove this risk is to get a feel for the range of dashes on your sheath. Another potential safeguard is to aim your cursor behind the enemy instead of on top, as you will have a higher chance of dashing through the boss onto the other side instead of on top. Finally, you could just not dash through enemies and instead shoot out the shots from the sheath in place by aiming your cursor close to you, similar to how you can send out a decoy from the Trickster's Prism while moving in place.

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