View source for User:Toadmilk/Combat Guide/Atlas of Discovery

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{{Otheruses|the {{AoD}} guide to combat|frequently asked questions (FAQ)|Atlas of Discovery FAQ}}

=Introduction=
The following guide takes the player through the combat of the {{AoD}} [[Atlas of Discovery Expansion]] with as little effort as possible. This guide is targeted at people who have either completed or nearly completed the base game. Completion of at least the [[Air God Dungeon]] is recommended to follow the largest portion of this guide.

A lot of the combat for {{AoD}} [[Atlas of Discovery Expansion|Atlas Of Discovery]] is locked behind both the {{Skill|Cartography}} and {{Skill|Archaeology}} skills so progress those if you have locked combat areas/dungeons. 

This Guide is NOT designed with the [[Ancient Relics]] Game Mode in mind. Players looking for more information about that [[Game Mode]] should visit the [[Ancient Relics/Guide|Ancient Relics Guide]].

A simplistic order for completing {{AoD}} Combat:
# Acquire god gear sets from: {{ZoneIcon|Air God Dungeon}}, {{ZoneIcon|Water God Dungeon}} and {{ZoneIcon|Earth God Dungeon}}
# Find {{ItemIcon|Torn Chart}}
# Excavate {{POIIcon|Ancient Market}} to get some starting gear
# {{MonsterIcon|Blind Ghost}}
# {{MonsterIcon|Vampiric Bat}}
# Find {{ItemIcon|Ancient Stone Tablet}}
# {{ZoneIcon|Golem Territory}}
# Find {{ItemIcon|Old Route Chart}}
# {{ZoneIcon|Unholy Forest}}
# Find {{ItemIcon|Torn Scrolls}}
# {{ZoneIcon|Trickery Temple}}
# Find {{ItemIcon|Lost Cursed Text}}
# {{ZoneIcon|Cult Grounds}}
# Upgrade god gear to {{ItemIcon|Terran God Platebody (B)|notext=true|nolink=true}} (B)
# Discover {{POIIcon|Melantis}}
# {{MonsterIcon|Mermaid Archer}}, {{MonsterIcon|Merman}}, {{MonsterIcon|Merman Guard}}
# {{ZoneIcon|Underwater City}}

==How Atlas of Discovery affects Base Game Combat==

==={{Icon|Barrier|notext=true}} Barrier Combat===

The primary mechanic added to the game in {{AoD|Atlas of Discovery}} is {{Icon|Barrier}}, a powerful shield that is entirely immune to player attacks while active. In order to break barriers, the player must utilize {{Skill|Summoning}} Familiars that deal damage such as the {{ItemIcon|Golbin Thief}} or {{ItemIcon|Unicorn}}. Clear speed will be almost entirely determined by how fast you can break the {{Icon|Barrier}} so make sure to prioritize summon max hit in your builds.

Two-handed weapons are strongly recommended during the entire combat section, unless the alternative is required for [[Damage Reduction]] or the alternative simply does more damage. Two-handed weapons generally have a higher hit chance and because the [[familiar]]'s hit-chance is based on the player's hit chance, the higher the hit chance, the better.

''Because the combat mechanics in this expansion are rather complex, and minor changes in enemy, equipment and player stats can make specific items better or worse it is always recommended to use the [[Scripting_and_Extensions/Combat_Simulator|Combat Simulator]] to verify how to get the most kills per hour or drops per hour.''

==={{Icon|Combat|notext=true}} Other Combat Changes===

===={{SlotIcon|gem}} Gem Slot====

A new {{SlotIcon|gem}} gem equipment slot has been added which allows you to squeeze out higher summon max hit damage with gems like {{ItemIcon|Devouring Barrier Gem}} or give various non {{Icon|Barrier}} modifiers such as the {{ItemIcon|Agile Gem}} which reduces player attack interval.

===={{Skill|Cartography|notext=true}} Points of Interest====

Another mechanic added is {{Skill|Cartography|notext=true}} [[Cartography#All_Points_of_Interest|Points of Interest]]. Once mastered in {{Skill|Cartography}}, they can be travelled to to give the player both positive and negative modifiers.

Reccomended points of interest to use for combat are:

* {{POIIcon|Unhallowed Wasteland}} for respawn timer reduction
* {{POIIcon|Dark Waters}} for melee
* {{POIIcon|Bandit Hideout}} for ranged
* {{POIIcon|The Academia Arcanum}} for magic

''These can also be simulated in the [[Scripting_and_Extensions/Combat_Simulator|Combat Simulator]] to avoid the expensive travel costs.''

===={{Icon|Unholy Prayers|notext=true|nolink=true}} Unholy Prayers====

Unfortunately {{Icon|Unholy Prayers}} were nerfed so don't worry about those.

==Stats and Buffs==

Having progressed through {{TotH}} combat will make  {{AoD|Atlas of Discovery}} combat significantly easier. This is due to the huge damage increase in the {{Synergy|Spectre|Spider}} compared to {{Synergy|Tortoise|Dragon}}, the summon set from {{ZoneIcon|Necromancers Palace}} and the endgame weapons from {{ZoneIcon|Golden Cloud Mountains}}.

===Agility===
The Agility obstacles 9 or higher are not required, 8 and below are highly suggested (and simulations were done with those active). <br>

{{AgilityCourseTable
|Cargo Net
|Monkey Bars
|Pipe Climb
|Cave Climb
|Cliff Balance
|Lake Swim
|Boulder Trap
|Raft Building
|Ice Jump
|Dragon Fight
|Frozen Maze
|Boulder Balance
|Balance Trap
|Freezing Climb
|Waterfall Crossing
|Pillar of Combat
|Elite Pillar of Expertise
|showtotals = false
|showcosts = false
|showrequirements = false
}}

==={{Skill|Summoning|notext=true|nolink=true}} Summoning===

There are two main summoning synergies to use for {{Icon|Barrier}} focused combat:
* {{TotH}} {{SkillReq|Summoning|115}} {{Synergy|Spectre|Spider}} for huge summoning max hit damage
* {{SkillReq|Summoning|90}} {{Synergy|Tortoise|Dragon}} if you haven't unlocked the above synergy

==={{Icon|Combat|notext=true|nolink=true}} Gear===

===={{Melvor}} Base Game====

Collect the first three god sets from: {{ZoneIcon|Air God Dungeon}}, {{ZoneIcon|Water God Dungeon}} and {{ZoneIcon|Earth God Dungeon}}. Collecting the fire god set from {{ZoneIcon|Fire God Dungeon}} will also be helpful but not strictly required. It is only for endgame clear speed improvement when you have enough damage reduction already.

===={{TotH}} Throne of the Herald====

Ensure you have the following armour from {{ZoneIcon|Necromancers Palace}}. This will be BIS save for a few items near the end of {{AoD|Atlas of Discovery}}:
* {{ItemIcon|Hood of Shade Summon}}
* {{ItemIcon|Amulet of Curse Totem Summon}}
* {{ItemIcon|Gloves of Greater Shade Summon}}
* {{ItemIcon|Ring of Phantom Summon}}

Collect the three weapons from {{ZoneIcon|Golden Cloud Mountains}} as these are the BIS for most {{AoD|Atlas of Discovery}} encounters:
* {{ItemIcon|Agile Wings Rapier}}
* {{ItemIcon|Feather Storm Crossbow}}
* {{ItemIcon|Slicing Maelstrom Wand}}

Acquiring the {{ItemIcon|Superior Max Skillcape}} will also be helpful.

==={{Skill|Herblore|notext=true|nolink=true}} Herblore===

* {{ItemIcon|Diamond Luck Potion IV}} is BIS if you haven't built {{TotH}} {{AgilityIcon|Waterfall Crossing}} yet
* {{ItemIcon|Melee Strength Potion IV|notext=true}}{{ItemIcon|Ranged Strength Potion IV|notext=true}}{{ItemIcon|Magic Damage Potion IV|notext=true}} Max Hit potions can be a solid and reliable source of increased damage
* {{ItemIcon|Damage Reduction Potion IV}} is incredibly useful for meeting DR requirements
* {{TotH}} {{ItemIcon|Penetration Potion IV}} are potentially the highest amount of raw dps that can be gained from a potion and, once unlocked, can be used as the default combat potion for all Expansion Combat as soon as {{ItemIcon|Ectoplasm}} is easily farmed
* {{TotH}} {{ItemIcon|Critical Strike Potion IV}} are about equal to Penetration Potions in most situations, but require a material that is easier to obtain without doing difficult combat

==={{Icon|Prayer|notext=true|nolink=true}} Prayers===

* {{TotH}} {{PrayerIcon|Battleborn}} is goated so pretty much always use this
* {{PrayerIcon|Battleheart}}
* {{TotH}} {{PrayerIcon|Valor}}/{{PrayerIcon|Avidity}}/{{PrayerIcon|Divination}}
* {{PrayerIcon|Piety}}/{{PrayerIcon|Rigour}}/{{PrayerIcon|Augury}}
* {{TotH}} {{PrayerIcon|Holy Aegis}}
* {{PrayerIcon|Stone Skin}}

==={{ItemIcon|Fervor Scroll|notext=true|nolink=true}} Consumables===

* {{ItemIcon|Fervor Scroll}}
* {{ItemIcon|Monster Hunter Scroll}}
* {{ItemIcon|Summoner's Blessing}} is good but requires a lot of effort to get so use sparingly
* {{ItemIcon|Blood Chalice}}
* {{ItemIcon|Power Crystals}}
* {{ItemIcon|Relic Whetstone}} and {{ItemIcon|Charged Relic Quiver}} are technically good but they take so much effort to get they are ultimately useless

''Make sure to run in [[Scripting_and_Extensions/Combat_Simulator|Combat Simulator]] to find out what to use! These are just recommendations.''

==Atlas of Discovery Combat==

===Early Game Atlas of Discovery===

After collecting the first three god sets from: {{ZoneIcon|Air God Dungeon}}, {{ZoneIcon|Water God Dungeon}} and {{ZoneIcon|Earth God Dungeon}} the player will be well equipped to start combat. Immediate goals are to begin gathering {{Icon|Barrier}} damaging equipment. The first gear the player will get is actually from the {{POIIcon|Ancient Market}} in {{Skill|Archaeology}}. Remember {{Skill|Cartography}} and {{Skill|Archaeology}} are crucial to progressing {{AoD}} [[Atlas of Discovery Expansion|Atlas Of Discovery]] combat.

====Major Goals====
# Excavate {{ItemIcon|Old Summoning Amulet}} and {{ItemIcon|Ring of Summoning}} from {{POIIcon|Ritual Site}} 
# Farm {{ItemIcon|Barrier Gem}} from {{POIIcon|Ancient Market}} to create {{ItemIcon|Tortoise}} (you only need one for {{SlotIcon|gem}} gem slot if you have a lot of {{Synergy|Spectre|Spider}} already)
# {{ItemIcon|Lesser Summoning Amulet}} from {{MonsterIcon|Blind Ghost}}
# Craft {{ItemIcon|Ring of Barrier Touch}} 
# {{ItemIcon|Sapping Barrier Gem}} and {{ItemIcon|Barrier Sapping Gloves}} from {{MonsterIcon|Vampiric Bat}}
# Excavate {{ItemIcon|Ancient Silk}} from {{POIIcon|Bazaar}} to craft {{ItemIcon|Ancient Infernal Cape}}
# Optionally; Max all skills for the {{ItemIcon|Max Skillcape}}
# Excavate {{ItemIcon|Ancient Stone Tablet}} from {{POIIcon|Monuments}}
# Farm 11 {{ItemIcon|Draining Barrier Gem}} from {{ZoneIcon|Golem Territory}} to upgrade your gloves to {{ItemIcon|Barrier Draining Gloves}} and to equip one in your {{SlotIcon|gem}} gem slot

===Mid Game Atlas of Discovery===

After completing the early game the next goal is to unlock the {{ZoneIcon|Cult Grounds}} dungeon as fast as possible and farm it to upgrade your god gear to {{ItemIcon|Terran God Platebody (B)|notext=true}} (B). The difficulty starts ramping up here. If you are struggling to defeat these dungeons check the individual strategy guides on each dungeons page.

====Major Goals====
# Find {{ItemIcon|Old Route Chart}}
# Complete {{ZoneIcon|Unholy Forest}} once
# Find {{ItemIcon|Torn Scrolls}}
# Complete {{ZoneIcon|Trickery Temple}} once
# Find {{ItemIcon|Lost Cursed Text}}
# {{ItemIcon|Adaptive Summoning Amulet}} from {{MonsterIcon|Cult Imp}}
# Farm {{ZoneIcon|Cult Grounds}} until you have enough {{ItemIcon|Barrier Exalted Shard}} and {{ItemIcon|Siphoning Barrier Gem}} to upgrade your {{ItemIcon|Aeris God Platebody (B)|notext=true}} air god and then {{ItemIcon|Terran God Platebody (B)|notext=true}} earth god armour to (B). The helmet for both should be skipped if you have the {{ItemIcon|Hood of Shade Summon|notext=true}} summon set from {{TotH}}. {{ItemIcon|Barrier Dust}} can be farmed from either {{MonsterIcon|Cult Imp}} or {{MonsterIcon|Cult Member}}
# Equip {{ItemIcon|Summoner's Blessed Ring}} from {{ZoneIcon|Cult Grounds}} unless you are using the {{ItemIcon|Ring of Phantom Summon|notext=true}} summon set from {{TotH}}

===Late Game Atlas of Discovery===

The main goal of late game is to find {{POIIcon|Melantis}}, collect the three weapons from {{ZoneIcon|Underwater Ruins}}, finishing {{ZoneIcon|Underwater City}} and then acquiring endgame clear speed items for the subsequent {{PetIcon|Lumi|notext=true}} pet farms.

====Major Goals====
# Optionally; Finish {{ZoneIcon|Into the Mist}} at least once for the {{SlotIcon|passive}} passive slot
# Discover {{POIIcon|Melantis}} through following a trail of clues (solution [[Melantis Clue 1|here]] for lazy people)
# Farm {{MonsterIcon|Mermaid Archer}}, {{MonsterIcon|Merman}}, {{MonsterIcon|Merman Guard}} for their respective weapons. This can be done in any order since they are all part of the combat triangle but {{MonsterIcon|Mermaid Archer}} is recommended to be done first with the {{ItemIcon|Ultima Godsword}} as its pretty strong. The resulting {{ItemIcon|Engulfing Vortex Longbow}} can be used to acquire the {{ItemIcon|Water Pulse Staff}} and finally {{ItemIcon|Hasty Trident}}. Also be sure to equip the {{ItemIcon|Devouring Barrier Gem}} in your {{SlotIcon|gem}} gem slot
# {{ZoneIcon|Underwater City}} ([[Underwater City/Guide|guide]] higly reccomended!). Equip {{ItemIcon|Eradicating Gloves (m)}} as soon as they are found (for those using {{ItemIcon|Hood of Shade Summon|notext=true}} summon set play around with the [[Scripting_and_Extensions/Combat_Simulator|Combat Simulator]] to decide whether to use them or not)
# {{ItemIcon|Devouring Barrier Shield}} for {{SlotIcon|shield}} shield slot and {{ItemIcon|Knight's Summoning Defender}} for {{SlotIcon|passive}} passive slot are both reccomended for further farming

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