Hunter/Long
As one of the two second job advancements for the Bowman, the Hunter is one of the highest-damaging jobs in the game. Of course, you start out weak, but you come out of it, bursting into your third job with huge amounts of damage and speed. The third job advancement for a Hunter is one of the best in MapleStory.
Second Job Introduction
This is where it gets fun! You've figured out the basics of the Bowman, and you are now on your way of achieving what you've set out to do! Although the training may seem tough at times, later on you will realise that it was worth it.
Job Advancement Procedure
You have reached level 30, yippee! Time for the second job advancement! To make the second job advancement, talk to Athena Pierce in Henesys and she will give you a letter for the Bowman Job Instructor. She can be found at the Henesys Dungeon entrance. Before going there, stock up at least 60-70 Orange Potions and of course, arrows as you will have to pass a test. After talking to the job instructor, you will be teleported to a place like the Ant Tunnel. There are two types of monsters inside: Zombie Mushrooms and Evil Eyes with different characteristics. They hit about 70+ damage on you. Collect 30 Dark Marbles by defeating these monsters. The drop is about 1 in 3 monsters. After that, talk to the job instructor and you will be awarded a 'Proof of a Hero'. Go back to Henesys and talk to Athena Pierce. Choose the Hunter and then confirm your choice. Congratulations! You are now a Hunter, and have just proceeded into your second job advancement!
Job Analysis
Being a Hunter means that you are on your way to becoming an expert with the bow and arrow. The skills you acquire, the armor that you wear, the money that you have in your storage are all factors which determine the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen profession. In this case, it is the Hunter. Below, is a small list of general advantages and disadvantages in your ongoing career as a Hunter.
Pros
- Attack speed is quite fast compared to that of Crossbowmen
- Arrow Bomb is a multi-target skill which stuns enemies, so that you can keep monsters from moving and attacking you; can attack a certain area instead of a straight line. The blast radius from Arrow Bomb gives it a larger range of attack, since it can explode at maximum range and splash damage.
- At third job advancement you can obtain an elemental skill with Fire damage, which is quite effective against ice-based monsters in El Nath and other places
Cons
- The game's high Hunter population leads to expensive weapons and equipments for Hunters
- Lower damage than Crossbowmen due to lower attack multiplier.
- Unless some of your items are scrolled, you will have 5 less Dexterity than a Crossbowman of the same level.
- Many higher-level training areas are home to fire-resistant monsters (e. g. Bains)
Note: There is not a high population of hunters, it is in fact the second least populated sub-class in the game.
Stat Distribution
The stat distribution for Hunters is quite simple. Although, since there are two different types of Bowmen, there are two different ways of doing this.
For people planning on going Hunter (Using regular bows), you need to keep your STR +5 your level to be able to use your bows. So, if you're level 50, you MUST have 55 STR. Every other point should be put into DEX and nothing else. Simply, you should have 5 STR above your level and everything else into DEX! So that means that every 5 levels you add 5 STR. The following is the bare minimum your stats need to be to wear armor and use the bow appropriate to your level.
Level 30 -- 35 Strength, 100 Dex.
Level 35 -- 40 Strength, 120 Dex.
Level 40 -- 45 Strength, 140 Dex.
Level 45 -- 50 Strength, 160 Dex.
Level 50 -- 55 Strength, 180 Dex.
Level 55 -- 60 Strength, 200 Dex.
Level 60 -- 65 Strength, 220 Dex.
Level 65 -- 70 Strength, 240 Dex.
Level 70 -- 75 Strength, 260 Dex.
Hunter Skills
- Main article: Category:Hunter Skills
Increases the bow mastery and accuracy. It only applies when a bow is in hand.
Master Level 20: +60% bow mastery, +20 accuracy
With a certain success rate, another attack follows after performing an attacking skill. Only works with a bow in hand. Requires level 3 Bow Mastery.
Master Level 30: 60% success rate, final attack damage 250%
Uses HP and MP to temporarily boost up the attacking speed of the bow. It only works with a bow in hand. Requires level 5 Bow Mastery.
Master Level 20: HP -10, MP -10. Increases bows attacking speed for 200 seconds
Improves the success rate of knocking back the enemies far when swinging the bow. The higher the level, the higher the number of enemies the character can knock down.
Master Level 20: MP -16. Knock-back +40%, damage 200%, knock-back 6 enemies
Temporarily allows the character to fire bow arrows without using up the arrows. Only works with a bow in hand. Requires level 5 Bow Booster.
Master Level 20: MP -30. Enables you to attack for 600 seconds without using arrows.
Fires arrows with bombs attached to it. If struck cleanly, the bomb explodes on the enemy, knocking out some of the enemies around with a certain success rate. Can't attack more than 6 at once, and it only works with a bow in hand.
Master Level 30: MP -28. Chance to stun 60%, damage 130%
Skill Point Distribution
The Cookie-Cutter FA-less Hunter Build
This is the most recommended Hunter 2nd Job build. All skills except Final Attack: Bow are mastered (no points added to FA). There are 11 points left over in the end of the 2nd Job, which can be used on first job skills, Focus being the best choice.
Level 30: +1 Arrow Bomb (1)
Level 31: +3 Bow Mastery (3)
Level 32: +3 Bow Mastery (6)
Level 33: +3 Bow Mastery (9)
Level 34: +3 Bow Mastery (12)
Level 35: +3 Bow Mastery (15)
Level 36: +3 Bow Mastery (18)
Level 37: +1 Bow Mastery (19), +2 Bow Booster (2)
Level 38: +3 Bow Booster (5)
Level 39: +3 Soul Arrow: Bow (3)
Level 40: +2 Soul Arrow: Bow (5), +1 Arrow Bomb: Bow (2)
Level 41: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (5)
Level 42: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (8)
Level 43: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (11)
Level 44: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (14)
Level 45: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (17)
Level 46: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (20)
Level 47: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (23)
Level 48: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (26)
Level 49: +3 Arrow Bomb: Bow (29)
Level 50: +1 Arrow Bomb: Bow (30 - maxed), +2 Power Knock-Back (2)
Level 51: +3 Power Knock-Back (5)
Level 52: +3 Power Knock-Back (8)
Level 53: +3 Power Knock-Back (11)
Level 54: +3 Power Knock-Back (14)
Level 55: +3 Power Knock-Back (17)
Level 56: +3 Power Knock-Back (20 - maxed)
Level 57: +3 Bow Booster (8)
Level 58: +2 Bow Booster (10), +1 Soul Arrow: Bow (6)
Level 59: +2 Bow Booster (12), +1 Soul Arrow: Bow (7)
Level 60: +2 Bow Booster (14), +1 Soul Arrow: Bow (8)
Level 61: +2 Bow Booster (16), +1 Soul Arrow: Bow (9)
Level 62: +2 Bow Booster (18), +1 Soul Arrow: Bow (10)
Level 63: +2 Bow Booster (20 - maxed), +1 Soul Arrow: Bow (11)
Level 64: +3 Soul Arrow: Bow (14)
Level 65: +3 Soul Arrow: Bow (17)
Level 66: +3 Soul Arrow: Bow (20 - maxed)
Level 67: +3 Focus (12)
Level 68: +3 Focus (15)
Level 69: +3 Focus (18)
Level 70: +2 Focus (20 - maxed), +1 Bow Mastery (20 - maxed)
End Results
- 20 Bow Mastery (maxed)
- 0 Final Attack: Bow
- 20 Bow Booster (maxed)
- 30 Arrow Bomb (maxed)
- 20 Power Knock-Back (maxed)
- 20 Soul Arrow: Bow (maxed)
- +11 Focus (maxed if the player had 9 focus from 1st Job)
The Cookie-Cutter FA Hunter Build
This build is not reccomended beacuse FA can "wake" stunned enemies, be unexpected and only works with Arrow Blow, Double Shot and Arrow Bomb. Also FA does not work with any 3rd Job skills.
Level 30: +1 Arrow Bomb
Level 31-36: +3 Bow Mastery
Level 37: +1 Bow Mastery, +2 Bow Booster
Level 38: +3 Bow Booster
Level 39: +1 Bow Booster, +2 Soul Arrow: Bow
Level 40: +3 Soul Arrow: Bow
Level 41-50: +3 Final Attack: Bow (maxed)
Level 51-59: +3 Arrow Bomb
Level 60: +2 Arrow Bomb (maxed), +1 Power Knock-Back
Level 61-66: +3 Power Knock-Back
Level 67: +1 Power Knock-Back (maxed), +2 Bow Booster
Level 68-69: +3 Bow Booster
Level 70: +2 Bow Booster, +1 Bow Mastery (maxed)
End Results
- 20 Bow Mastery (maxed)
- 30 Final Attack: Bow (maxed)
- 15 Bow Booster
- 30 Arrow Bomb (maxed)
- 20 Power Knock-Back (maxed)
- 5 Soul Arrow: Bow
Places to Train
Below are some recommended places where you should train, and monsters of which you should train off.
Level 30-35
Land of Wild Boar & Land of Wild Boar II are the most popular options around this level. With the fast spawn and the nice EXP you can get from these monsters, you will gain EXP very fast. Beware, though, that the spawn may be too fast as it is a very populated area. Bring many potions.
- Note from a player: One of the best places to train is Excavation Site III. The spawn is very good and the monsters give 42/45 EXP. The Rocky Mask and Wooden Mask monsters there are also very slow compared to wild boars, which is a very good bonus. They also drop the level 30 bow Ryden, so if you couldn't buy it, it's a good place to get it. I find it much better than Land of Wild Boar II, since there are a lot more mobs and its easy to maneuver around them to use Arrow Bomb. There are a few sniping spots, but beware of the monsters that spawn on them.
- Note from a player: As an alternative to Land of the Wild Boar, you can level at West Rocky Mountain IV; although the spawn is slower. Because it is less popular, it is easy to keep the spawn pretty high by clearing out one area after another. However, you will have to watch out for the occasional Lupin.
- Note from a player: If you are low on mesos, Jr. Sentinels in Orbis Tower are a really good source of money, but give less EXP than other monsters, so the leveling is slower.
- Note from a player: It is a good idea to go to Ludibrium and do quests there and grind there. The monsters give you over 60exp per and they are easy enough to kill. Only go here if you can have a lot of arrows and a lot of potions because you will die every once in a while if you are not careful.
- Note from a player: The Garden of Three Colors is also a good place to get exp. You get 65 exp per and they are fairly easy to kill. You can also kill multiple if you have arrow bomb then once they are stunned you can just use double shot or arrow blow to kill them easy.
- Note from a player: Singapore near CBD is a great place to earn some experience, as well. Training on Stopnows and Biners are around 100exp each and with Double Shot it should kill them instantly
- Note from a player: You may be able to put up a fight with Sakura Cellions east of Amoria. If you're alone, you may be able to handle them. Their output of mesos and EXP are perfect. Bring a lot of HP potions (and maybe a more powerful friend).
Ant Tunnels are a great option. By now you should OHKO (One-hit Knock-out) Zombie Mushrooms and Horny Mushrooms quite often. There's also a snipe platform at the bottom right of Ant Tunnel I.
If you are lucky enough and are in a winning party, then the new Carnival PQ becomes an option.
Level 35-40
Land of the Wild Boar I & II are still the most popular options around this level. With the fast spawn and the nice EXP of these monsters, you will gain EXP very fast.
- Note from a player: As an alternative to Land of the Wild Boar, you can level at West Rocky Mountain IV; although the spawn is slower. Because it is less popular, it is easy to keep the spawn pretty high by clearing out one area after another. However, you will have to watch out for the occasional Lupin.
- Note from a player: Excavation Site III is still a very good option for these levels. The spawn is very good and the monsters give 42/45 EXP. The Rocky Mask and Wooden Mask monsters there are also very slow compared to wild boars, which is a very good bonus. I find it much better than Land of Wild Boar II, since there are a lot more mobs and its easy to maneuver around them to use Arrow Bomb. There are a few sniping spots, but beware of the monsters that spawn on them.
- Note from a player: Another area that provides maps with good monsters is Aqua Road. The monsters on the right side of The Aquarium --the Mask Fishes-- provide a very good Hit Points/EXP ratio of 1000/65, which is better than that of any monster of this level range. HP pots are not needed if you swim well, and the occasional white pot drop from masked fish is enough to survive. The drop rate is very good --lv. 30 to 40 equipments that Mask Fishes drop make money making no hassle. Another technique to use in Aquaroad is the sheepdog. It can be defined as a "legal vacuum hack" by messing around with the AI of monsters. Just use Power Knock Back or hit the monsters closely, and go to the very bottom right of the map to cast Arrow Bomb. This will give you around 1000 or more EXP each time you use this technique. This is useful for fighting Mask Fishes only; also, the department store is right next to this area for easy access to potions, bubbles, etc.
- Note from a player: As mentioned below, teddies/pink teddies are also a good map to train on. However, it should be noted that many people consider the teddy maps, especially the "cloud terraces" to be one of the fastest maps to train on. Pot usage is low, and the spawn is great; also, the teddies deal very low damage, move slowly, and reside in a map designed for sniping. Although masked fish have a better HP/EXP ratio, maneuvering in aqua maps is often slower than other maps,as it negates any speed or jump bonuses. Consider this: in aqua road, when you're shooting an arrow in midair, and you suddenly find yourself face to face with a recently spawned monster, it's very hard to move to the side quickly, turn around, and shoot another arrow. This is because you're either rising or falling as you move to the side, making it very hard for your arrows to line up with the monster you wish to target.
Ant Tunnels are still a great option. You should OHKO Zombie Mushrooms and Horny Mushrooms all the time. There's also a snipe platform at the bottom right of Ant Tunnel 1.
The Garden of Three Colors/Green/etc are still nice options. Jr. Grupins, Jr. Cellions and Jr. Lioners give more EXP than Fire Boars and don't have much more HP. Jr. Lioners also have a chance at dropping a 60% Scroll for Bow for Attack, which you will be using in the future. These maps are also very crowded, so be warned: finding a decent spot may be difficult.
There is also a variety of monsters that you may train on in Ludibrium. Due to the fact that the Bowman has a stronger attack force than many other classes, you can try things such as Brown Teddies or Drum Bunnies, though monsters around Bunnies might cause problems.
Finally, there is the Ludibrium Party Quest. Some people say that it might not be as good as training normally, but it depends on the party you go with as well. It also provides you with neat prizes.
As you level up, more and more people will ask you to be in their party for Carnival PQ which is a great option
Level 40-45
The Burnt Land I, II & III are great options (filled with Fire Boars, some Dark Axe Stumps and the occasional Lupins). The spawn is fast, the drops are pretty nice and the EXP is good. This will level you up fast. However, beware of Ice Wizards at this popular area.
The Garden of Three Colors/Green/etc are still nice --maybe better-- options.
Teddies at Sky Terrace II are really good EXP. Better spawn rate than Fire Boars, and there are no small platforms to knock an archer down. I was here for over 10 lvls.
The fifth, fourth and third floors of Orbis Tower are good options. Leatties and Dark Leatties give nice EXP and drops. You also have a chance at finding your level 40 earrings (Blue Moon) from a Dark Leatty.
Ludibrium Party Quest does really nicely now, especially if you can get a party of all level 40 and higher. People will want Bowmen as they can be used for many parts of the quest and they can also do pretty good damage against the boss.
Level 45-50
Do the Ludibrium PQ in these levels.
Dangerous Valley has got a nice spawn of Copper Drakes and Fire Boars. The EXP here is quite good.
Golem Temples are quite good for these levels. Nice spawn, huge EXP and slow monsters. Perfect for range.
Monkey Forests (filled with Zombie Lupins) are also a good place to level, as long as there's no Cleric kill-stealing you. However, more potions (especially hp potions) may be required.
You can try Chronos or Platoon Chronos as well, though they might be crowded due to the fact many people are trying to find magician shields.
Now it might be better for training purposes to skip the Ludibrium PQ and just train normally. However, if you can scrounge up a couple level 47-49 people, then wish for luck and try it (hoping that stage 8 doesn't take too long).
At Orbis, you can train at Cloud Park I and Cloud Park II, hunting Star Pixies, Lunar Pixies (you may find your lv. 50 overall from them) and Nependeath.
- Note from a player: A good option is Nett's Pyramid. You will get 60k EXP for an A-rank and you can do it solo, as often as you want. But it's recommended to have Power Knock-Back, at least at 1. This will give you a great boost killing the waves. Tons of pots can be found in the bonus stage, and you will get lots of scrolls which can be sold for high prices, on the free market.
Level 50-60
Go for Jr. Yeti since they have nice EXP and good spawn at the 1st map after El Nath town. They also drop the 60% glove attack for your work glove or sell it for a few million mesos.
Cloud Park V and VI is also a good place to train. There is an excellent spawn for Luster Pixie and Lunar Pixie
Zombies (Coolie Zombies and Minor Zombies) are probably the most populated high level area. You shouldn't go here until you're in your late 50's.
Master Chronos is a great source of EXP along with its drops.
Stone Golems are still a good place to level. It's fairly easy to find an empty map so you can control the spawn.
Level 60-70
Zombies are now great EXP for you. You should probably camp a spawn here for a while and gain massive EXP. Keep in mind that this area may get crowded, as many other classes train here.
Dangerous Valley II is a great place for these levels. Red Drakes give great exp and great drops. You also have a chance to find the ever-so-pricey Steelies. This would boost your mesos by quite a bit.(crowded due to ice wizards and there is only 1 map* 20 channel where they spawn)
Areas such as Cursed Sanctuary I and II are great at this level. Party up with a Cleric or someone to tank the Tauromacis and shoot away!
Level 70+
This is about the time where you go off and hunt anything that give lots of EXP.
Dark Yetis, Dark Yeti & Pepe, Yeti & Pepe, etc, will probably be what you will be hunting now.