Berserker
THE FURY OF MODI
AVAILABLE ON: Eden, Blackthorn, Live
There are none as capable as the Berserker when it comes to pure, unbridled ruthless devastation. Forsaking defence for pure offence, the Berserker’s victims will have to act fast if they are to have any hope of surviving the onslaught charging into their midst.
Berserkers are perhaps the most simplistic of all classes, with a very straightforward active ability as their signature ability and positional styles as their most demanding mechanic.
Their signature ability is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the ability to go Berserk. When activated, this ability causes the Berserker transform into a hulking were-bear (though Dwarven Berserkers will be decidedly less hulking). During this transformation, every hit that the Berserker successfully connects will automatically become a critical hit with increased critical damage*. While you are berserk, you are unable to parry or evade incoming attacks.
*On Eden, critical damage is increased by the same amount as the Berserker’s base critical chance percentage prior to going Berserk.
PvE:
Whether playing solo or in groups, you exist for one simple reason: To do as much damage as possible.
If you are solo, all you need to do is kill stuff before it kills you. You will frequently be resting but if you manage to keep your equipment level-appropriate then you will be tearing through enemies quickly.
If you are in a group, then simply assist your group’s tank once they have stabilised the enemy aggro to take down targets quickly and efficiently one-by-one.
RvR:
Much like in PvE, it does not matter if you are grouped or solo, you are still here to do as much damage as possible.
Berserkers as strong in duels or even when slightly outnumbered, so they are a solid class for players seeking that kind of play-style. It is in these kinds of scenarios where the depth and complexity of the class can really shine. Switching weapons depending on enemy armour, strategic usage of potions, etc. are all elements that make the Berserker one of the most deadly opponents for Albion and Hibernia.
In groups, Berserkers should focus on learning to quickly determine what enemy class is what, pick the target it would best suit to remove first, sticking to them and either securing the kill quickly or at the very least forcing them or their healers and support to use one or more of their defensive abilities. Due to the incredibly high damage of Berserkers, as well as the speed with which they can deliver this damage, your first targets should usually always be the enemy’s casters, who you can frequently kill before they have time to properly react.
When fighting against enemy players, it is important to maintain an overview of the fight to determine when it is safe to use Berserk. Making sure that the enemy is stunned, that their healers are pressured enough that they cannot compensate for your sudden burst of damage, when their tanks are busy or when you are not at risk of being crowd controlled yourself are signs that you are safe to go all out.
Character planners:
Eden: https://eden-daoc.net/charplan?c=Berserker
Blackthorn: https://blackthorn-daoc.com/class/Berserker
Live: https://daoc.gg/charplanner/overview#c=BERSERKER
Suggested starting stat point distribution:
10 Constitution / 10 Strength / 10 Quickness
10 Strength / 15 Quickness (Troll)
15 Constitution / 10 Strength (Valkyn. Stats can also be reversed)
Suggested class skills:
50 Left Axe, 50 Axe**, 28 Parry (group oriented)
50 Left Axe, 42 Parry, 39 Axe (group oriented)
50 Left Axe, 42 Parry, 39 Hammer (solo oriented)
50 Left Axe, 39 Hammer, 39 Sword/Axe, 16 Parry (for swapping weapons depending on enemy armour)
**can also be 50 Swords but would require specifically acquiring the Fine Steel Long Sword (commonly referred to as FSLS) for the Attack Speed Reduction de-buff effect it has a chance to inflict on hits.
Suggested realm skills:
Long Wind 1
Purge
Charge
Reflex Attack
Ignore Pain
Determination
Passives to fill stat gaps (Augmented Str, Dex, Con, Mastery of Parrying etc.)
