Last updated: 20th June 2020

Introduction

Remember that class guides are a rough explanation of the class, designed to give you an idea of the class and what you should be aiming for. You should really adapt the guide and follow your own instincts to match your play-style! I also highly recommend looking at as many different sources as possible and gathering as much information as you can about your class before deciding what is best for you and how you play. The class discords are a great place to start, most have their own guides and resources as well as plenty of skilled players willing to help with questions.

The Guardian class is a female “viking” class and is considered to be more of a tanky “bruiser” with her heavy melee skills. She uses a one-handed Battle Axe as her primary weapon and a Shield as her secondary weapon. At level 56, Guardian unlocks her awakening skills and a new awakening weapon, which is the Jordun (similar to a Halberd weapon). Her skills and animations are quite slow but you can really feel the power behind the swings of her axe. She can also block damage with her shield and after awakening, she can focus the holy flame of dragons to set her enemies ablaze. She has lots of buffs and debuffs which make her a great addition in large scale PVP.

Awakened Guardian is considered to be in a very good state. She is strong grinder both early game and in high end spots because of her large aoe and good mobility. In most early game spots you will not need many potions to grind because she has good sustain. She is also considered very good in large scale PVP and node wars. This is once again because of her large aoe and burst damage, as well as her survivability and all the debuffs she can inflict on her enemies. It is a little disputed as to where she ranks in 1v1 situations. Some players feel she is very strong because of her burst and she does very well against classes that don’t have a grab because she has a lot of super armor skills to rotate. But she has very long animations and is quite slow which makes her more predictable. Someone who knows how to play against her can easily disable her with a grab at the correct time. That being said, she is also one of the easier classes to pick up with a lower skill floor and is a good starting class for new players.

Check out the video below to see the trailer and some examples of character combat.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcO-TjLkDNzvYrlPkOHgnfA/videos

Succession

Guardian succession can be unlocked after level 56 after speaking to the Black Spirit and completing the Succession quest under the suggestions tab. This will give you a totally seperate skill tree that enhances your main hand skills and only has a few awakening skills. Your awakening weapon still effects your succession damage but is not as much of a priority. You can get away with using a Green/Blue grade TRI Ultimate weapon without losing too much damage. This is because only 30% of your Awakening AP is applied to the damage of Succession skills, as well as the additional item stats, such as Human/Species Damage and Accuracy.

Awakening is better suited for large scale pvp as well as grinding, because of the amount of aoe it provides and burst damage. Succession is considered better for 1v1 though because she has faster animations and a better grab. I would advise starting off with awakening though if you are a new player because the succession requires more skill points to be effective and awakening offers more overall.

In each section of the guide you can find additional information about succession skills.

Skills

Leveling skill build – Level 50 (393 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120704


Post-Awakening skill build – Level 56 (647 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120714

Low-Tier skill build – Level 60 (1112 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120715

Core skill build – Level 60 (1501 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120716

End-Game skill build – Level 60 (1802 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/117580
Always prioritize Awakening skills before leveling your Absolute Skills.



Succession Starter skill build – Level 60 (865 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120718

Succession Low-Tier skill build – Level 60 (1296 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120717

Succession Core skill build – Level 60 (1673 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/111002

Succession End-Game skill build – Level 60 (2032 skill points): https://bdocodex.com/us/skillcalc/120719

• Keys in square brackets [] mean that you tap the key. For example, [Q] means you tap Q once.
• Keys in round brackets () mean that you hold the key. For example, (HOLD Q) means you hold Q until the next step. (PERMAHOLD Q) means you hold Q throughout the combo.
• Keys separated by a “+” symbol should be used at the same time. For example, [Q] + [LMB] means you tap Q and LMB at the same time.
• Keys separated by a “>” symbol show the order you should follow out the steps. For example, [Q] + [LMB] > [F] means you tap Q and LMB at the same time, then tap F
• [LMB] refers to left-clicking with your mouse, [RMB] refers to right-clicking with your mouse.

Skill Combos

The following skill combos are very basic combos/cancels and some additional tips/tricks for your class. I recommend using video guides to learn more complex skill combos, because it is much easier to see exactly what you should be doing, rather than reading it and trying to wrap your head around it all. There are some recommended skill combo videos in the Useful Links section and the end of the guide!

• Keys in square brackets [] mean that you tap the key. For example, [Q] means you tap Q once.
• Keys in round brackets () mean that you hold the key. For example, (HOLD Q) means you hold Q until the next step. (PERMAHOLD Q) means you hold Q throughout the combo.
• Keys separated by a “+” symbol should be used at the same time. For example, [Q] + [LMB] means you tap Q and LMB at the same time.
• Keys separated by a “>” symbol show the order you should follow out the steps. For example, [Q] + [LMB] > [F] means you tap Q and LMB at the same time, then tap F
• [LMB] refers to left-clicking with your mouse, [RMB] refers to right-clicking with your mouse.

Required skills: Awakening: Juggernaut, Infernal Nemesis, Searing Fang, Cleansing Flame, Fireborne Rupture

[W] + [F] > [S] + [F] > [SHIFT] + [RMB] > [SHIFT] + [F] > [SPACE]

This is an example of a low end PVE grinding combo to use on repeat at spots such as Fogans, Gahaz, etc where you mostly one shot the mobs. You can also skip using Infernal Nemisis (S + F) if you don’t need the extra mobility. Just go directly from Juggernaut into Searing Fang for a smoother transition instead.



Required skills: Cleansing Flame, God Incinerator, Fireborne Rupture, Searing Fang, Flow: Suppress

[SHIFT] + [F] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > (HOLD Q) > [SHIFT] + [RMB] > [RMB]

This is an example of a high end PVE grinding combo for places like Aakman, Hystria and Stars End

---

Required skills: Neck Impaler, God Incineratior, Searing Fang, Flow: Suppress

[E] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > [SHIFT] + [RMB] > [RMB]

This is an example of a pvp combo for 1v1 situations



Required skills: Awakening: Juggernaut, Fierce Disdain, Neck Impaler, God Incinderator, Cleansing Flame

[W] + [F] > [A/D] + [RMB] > [E] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > [SHIFT] + [F]

This is an example of a pvp combo for 1v1 situations



Required skills: Awakening: Juggernaut, Infernal Nemesis, God Incinerator, Cleansing Flame

[W] + [F] > [S] + [F] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > [SHIFT] + [F]

This is an example of a pvp combo for group pvp

Required skills: Cleansing Flame, Dragons Maw, Flow: Howling Light, Searing Fang, God Incinerator, Cleansing Flame

[SHIFT] + [F] > [SHIFT] + [LMB] > [LMB] > [SHIFT] + [RMB] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > [SHIFT] + [F]

This is an example of a safe engagement combo that has good mobility. You have an iframe, super armor and then frontal guard.

Required skills: Chokeslam, Prime: Black Blood Circle, Flow: Black Blood Eruption, Prime: Avalanche Strike, Prime: Savage Hack (Succession combo)

[E] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > (HOLD Q) > [SHIFT] + [LMB] > [LMB] + [RMB]

This is an example of a basic pvp combo for players with succession.

Required skills: Fierce Disdain, Prime: Savage Hack, Chokeslam, Prime: Black Blood Circle, Prime: Avalanche Strike, Prime: Savage Hack (Succession combo)

[A/D] + [RMB] > [LMB] + [RMB] > [E] > [SHIFT] + [Q] > [SHIFT] + [LMB] > [LMB] + [RMB]

This is an example of a basic pvp combo for players with succession.

Required skills: Prime: Axe Throw, Omua’s Circle, Omua’s Objurgation (Succession combo)

[S] + [E] > [SHIFT] + [Z] > [W] + [RMB]

This is a quick combo you can use for more survivability during PVP. If your CC doesn’t land, you can use this to debuff your enemy and then buff yourself in case they land a grab on you.

Locked Skills

These are the skills I recommend locking:
Evasion, Beast Demolisher, Torso Ripper, Frenzy, Boulder Crush, Fireborne Rupture***


To lock a skill, press the lock icon on the top of each skill icon in the skill window (K).
** Some players choose to lock Fireborne Rupture and use it directly from their skill bar so that they can use [Q] block after God Incinerator as well

Hotbar Skills

These are the minimum skills I recommend putting on your hotbar:
Cleansing Flame, Fireborne Rupture, Omua’s Objurgation, Pulverization, God Incinerator


These skills can all be used to swap directly between awakening and preawakening. You may also want to add other skills to your hotbar or set them up in your skill cooldown slots to keep an eye on their cooldowns.

Rabam Skills

Level 56
Merciless Smash– Requires [Strike Down III] and [Mountain Slam IV]
Pulverization– Requires [Strike Down III] and [Mutilation IV] (Preferred Choice – Succession)

You can pick either of these Rabams. They are both quite situational and it’s entirely up to you between a super armor or frontal guard. Both skills give a down attack damage +5% buff for 10 seconds . Merciless Smash has super armor, while Pulverization has Frontal Guard. Pulverization is also usually preferred for players with succession because it flows better with the skill kit.

Level 57
Omua’s Flame– Requires [Omua’s Glare] and [Axe Throw III]
Omua’s Circle– Requires [Omua’s Glare] and [Black Blood Circle IV] (Preferred Choice)

Omua’s Circle is usually the preferred choice out of the two. It provides you with a DP +20 buff for 10 seconds and also recovers 400 HP when used. The heal is not that strong and I would only recommend getting your level 57 rabam once you have your core build already because it will cost you a lot of points to get all the skills required for it.

Skill Add-ons

Below are some examples of viable skill add-ons you can take. I recommend experimenting with your add-ons and figuring out what is best for you, because it really depends on your personal preference and how you play your class. If you’re simply not sure what to take then you can blindly follow the examples below and they will still be effective.

PVE Skill Add-ons [Awakening]


[Level 50] Fierce Disdain

All Defense +10 for 10 sec. for self
Movement Speed -10% for 7 sec. for target


[Level 52] Omua’s Objurgation

Attack Speed -7% for 7 sec. for target
Movement Speed -7% for 7 sec. for target


[Level 54] Claw Reveal

Attack against monsters +20 for 8 sec. for self
Critical Hit Rate +10% for 9 sec. for self


[Level 56] God Incinerator

Attack against monsters +25 for 8 sec. for self
All Accuracy +4% for 12 sec. for self


[Level 58] Cleansing Flame

Attack against monsters +25 for 8 sec. for self
All Defense +15 for 10 sec. for self


[Level 60] Fireborne Rupture

All Defense +10 for 10 sec. for self
Attack Speed +4% for 5 sec. for self

PVE Skill Add-ons [Succession]


[Level 50] Omua’s Objurgation

Attack Speed -7% for 7 sec. for target
6% chance to Knockdown for target


[Level 52] Moutain Slam

All Accuracy +5% for 12 sec. for self
Attack Speed +10% for 5 sec. for self


[Level 54] Black Blood Circle

Attack against monsters +25 for 8 sec. for self
Inflicts 59 Bleeding Damage per 3 sec. for 15 sec. for target


[Level 56] Mutilation

All Defense +15 for 10 sec. for self
Instantly Recovers 30 HP per hit


[Level 58] Avalanche Strike

Instantly Recovers 10 HP per hit
Instantly Recovers 20 MP/WP/SP per hit


[Level 60] Fierce Disdain

All Defense +10 for 10 sec. for self
Movement Speed +7% for 10 sec. for self

Weapons/Armor

The best weapons in the game are currently dropped from World Bosses.
For more information on this click here to view our World Bosses guide.

Primary Weapons:

Rosar Battle Axe
The Rosar Battle Axe is what you should be aiming for to level your character. You should enhance it to at least +7 for leveling and then PRI or higher as soon as possible if you don’t have Liverto/Kzarka. Aim to buy a +15 Rosar weapon if you can to save your enhancing resources. Ideally you will want to buy or make it ultimate (yellow) to close the AP difference as well. Make sure you also make use of the gem slots to get your Attack Speed and Critical Hit up to 5.

Another alternative is the Styd Battle Axe for leveling if you are having trouble obtaining a Rosar Battle Axe. This weapon can be bought from a Blacksmith and will give you 18 – 22 AP as well as a lot of accuracy.

Liverto Battle Axe
Liverto is the fourth strongest mainhand and much easier to obtain and enhance than Kzarka. I personally would not invest in a Liverto because it will just slow your progression. Go to a kzarka as early as possible. If you do already have liverto and have already invested into it, you will want to upgrade it to PRI or higher as soon as possible. I would recommend getting it to TRI at most and then you really want to switch to Kzarka. The liverto has slightly more AP than Rosar, but it also has a Critical Hit Rate +3 item effect.

Kzarka Battle Axe
Kzarka is the main weapon you will be using. It has the same AP as Liverto but more accuracy and an Attack Speed +3 item effect.

Offin Tett’s Radiant Battle Axe
Offin Tett weapons are usually not worth investing in because of the loss in accuracy. It can help you push to the next AP bracket but at higher AP brackets the extra AP you get is smaller and you’ll be losing hit chance % at the same time on both your preawakening and your awakening. So really you’re actually losing damage overall since you won’t be hitting the enemy as much (unless they are full DR). Offin Tett can be good when you reach certain AP brackets and if your class doesn’t depend on accuracy as much as others, but if you’re unsure whether you should be using this weapon or not, it’s much safer to just use Kzarka.

Blackstar Battle Axe

Blackstar is considered the current best in slot mainhand weapon with higher base AP than Kzarka. It must be crafted using items in Star’s End and then following a questline. The weapon is also harder to enhance so most players only switch to Blackstar once they already have TET Kzaraka and very high AP with no easier upgrades. It has a Damage to All Species +10 and Attack Speed +3 item effect, as well as other bonuses when enhanced. The weapon cannot be enhanced with Caphras stones though. Blackstar is considered best for PVE at endgame but eventually a PEN Kzarka will outscale.

Offhand Weapons:

Vangertz Shield
Vangertz Shield is your accuracy offhand and is a good choice if you are a beginner because in the earlier stages of the game, having more accuracy allows you to grind in areas that are a bit above your level. You should enhance it to at least +7 for leveling and then PRI or higher as soon as possible. Aim to buy a +15 if you can to save your enhancing resources. Ideally you will want to buy or make it ultimate (yellow) as well.

Axion Shield
Axion Shield is a very viable option and highly recommended if you’re a beginner. It is excellent for PVE because it has high AP. You should enhance it to at least +7 for leveling and then PRI or higher as soon as possible. Aim to buy a +15 if you can to save your enhancing resources. Ideally you will want to buy or make it ultimate (yellow) as well to close the AP gap between Axion and Nouver.

Kite Shield
Kite Shield is your DP offhand and is viable for DP builds. The shield has benefits to survivability but it will highly decrease your damage and is only worth investing in once you already have high AP for grinding.


Kutum Shield
This shield gives a mixture of AP and DP with added monster damage and accuracy. The Kutum weapons also have a 10% ignore resistance. The higher AP makes this weapon a best in slot for PVE and is also good for PVP in late game. When you are 261 (using Nouver) it is actually better to use Nouver in PVE as well because of the bonus AP given in the AP brackets. Once you reach over 261 AP (with Kutum) it is better to switch back to Kutum for PVE. More information about AP and DP brackers can be found here

It also has 2 crystal slots. The Kutum dagger can also be modified using an Inverted Hearth of Garmoth to give extra stats (Max HP +150, Max Stamina +100, Special Attack Evasion Rate +10%).

Nouver Shield
Nouver is currently considered the best in slot choice for PVP until you reach very high AP brackets. You should aim to have TRI gear before switching to this offhand. The shield gives pure AP and an all resistance +10% item effect and can be modified using an Inverted Hearth of Garmoth to give extra stats (Max HP +150, Max Stamina +100, Special Attack Evasion Rate +10%).

When you are 261 (using Nouver) it is actually better to use Nouver in PVE as well because of the bonus AP given in the AP brackets. Once you reach over 261 AP (with Kutum) it is better to switch back to Kutum for PVE. More information about AP and DP brackers can be found here


Awakening Weapons:

Frost Jordun
This is a green grade weapon which is sold by some Blacksmith/Arms dealers. You will also receive a +10 weapon when you complete your awakening quests. This weapon has lower AP than the other options but it is still viable for PvE due to it’s Damage Against Every Species +5 item effect. It’s also much cheaper to enhance and repair max durability than the other options so if you don’t have a lot of money or participate in a lot of PvP, then this weapon is a good alternative until you get Dandelion.

Frost Iron Jordun
This is a blue grade weapon which is given to you when you complete the awakening quests. The only ways to obtain this weapon is through the quest or night vendor. This makes is hard to obtain and it can be more expensive to repair. The weapon is good for PvP and has higher AP than the green version. It also has a Damage Against Human +7 item effect which is good for PVP.

Dragon Slayer Jordun
Dragon Slayer weapons are very comparable to the Dandelion weapons with their stats. They have slightly less AP but are much cheaper to repair and much less hassle. However, the Dragon Slayer weapons cannot be placed on the marketplace and must be crafted by the player themselves.

Dandelion Jordun
Dandelion weapons are the BiS awakening weapons. It has much higher AP but it is only obtainable from a Dandelion Weapon Box (Karanda world boss loot) or from the night vendor.

Armor:

The best armor in the game is currently dropped from Bosses. You will want to aim to get the boots and gloves first.

Griffon’s Helmet (helmet) – dropped from Griffons in Kamaslyvia.
Dim Tree Spirit’s Armor (chest) – dropped from Dim Tree Spirit.
Bheg’s Gloves (gloves) – dropped from Bheg.
Urugon’s Shoes (shoes) – dropped from Urugon (Gaifinrasia Raid Captain Scroll).

Giath’s Helmet (helmet) alternative choice – dropped from Giath.
Muskan’s Shoes (shoes) alternative choice– dropped from Monastery Leader.



The best in slot armor for Guardian is Griffon’s Helmet, Dim Tree Spirit’s Armor, Bheg’s Gloves and Urugon’s Shoes.

The full set will give you Maximum MP/WP/SP +100, Maximum HP +200, Max Stamina +200, Attack Speed +1, Casting Speed +1, Movement Speed +1 and All Resistances 5%. You will also get higher Accuracy, Evasion and Damage Reduction from these pieces.

In the mean time you should be using one of the following armor sets:

A popular armor choice for new players is to go full Grunil set because it increases your maximum HP and will give you 2 socket slots on each piece, along with extra AP +7 set bonus. Another advantage of using this set is that it is viable on any class, allowing you to swap to another class easily.

Full Heve set is also a very popular choice and what I would recommend to a new player because it has an easier transition to boss gear. As soon as you get one boss item with Grunil, you lose the set bonuses which Grunil weaker.

Another alternative is to use is the Akum set. It has comparable stats to boss armor and also a very useful set effect that gives Damage Reduction and Hidden AP. If you are unable to get boss armor, then the Akum set is a good cheap alternative that will be good for both PVP and PV. Investing in this set may slow you down in your progression towards softcap, but is much cheaper once you factor in repairing and enhancing.

Accessories

There are a lot of choices available when it comes to accessories and it really depends on what you can get your hands on.

Earrings:

If available I recommend using the Asula’s Crimon Eye Earrings (Asula Set) if you are new to the game, this gives you 7 AP and also has very good set bonuses. Otherwise use Bares earrings for 2 AP and switch to Witch’s Earring as soon as possible for the 5 AP.

You want to aim for DUO/TRI Witch’s Earrings (9 AP/11 AP) before swapping to a DUO Tungrad Earrings (11 AP) because of the huge difference in cost. Tungrad Earrings are one of the best earrings you can get. The other alternative is Black Distortion Earrings which give the highest amount of AP (21 AP at PEN), but reduce your DP as well.

The Capotia Earring is also worth mentioning. It is available at level 62+ only but is a very good earring because of it’s high AP. It makes a perfect backup for enhancing and is essentially a free TRI Tungrad Earring.

Base	DUO	TRI / TRI / TRI / DUO	TET / TRI / TET	TRI / TET
7 AP	9 AP	10 / 11 / 8 /11 AP	10 / 13 / 13 AP	15 / 15 AP

	Item Name		Base Stats		Enhance Increase
	Bares Earring		2 AP		1 AP
	Jarette’s Earring (Jarette Set)		4 AP 4-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +5 6-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +10 Accuracy 2 Hidden Evasion 1		Cannot be Enhanced
	Asula’s Crimon Eye Earring (Asula Set)		7 AP Health 25 3-Piece Set Bonus: Health +300 5-Piece Set Bonus: Acurracy +20		Cannot be Enhanced
	Blue Coral Earring		4 AP Max MP/WP/SP +25 Accuracy 2		2 AP Accuracy 2
	Red Coral Earring		2 AP Accuracy 14 Max Stamina +50		2 AP Accuracy +4
	Witch’s Earring		5 AP Accuracy 2		2 AP Accuracy 2
	Blue Whale Molar Earring		5 AP Max HP +100 Accuracy 2		2 AP Accuracy 2
	Fugitive Khalik’s Earring		5 AP Max Stamina +50 Max MP/WP/SP +50 Accuracy 2		2 AP Max Stamina +20 Max MP/WP/SP +20 Accuracy 2
	Tungrade Earring		7 AP Black Spirit Rage +10% Accuracy 2		2 AP Accuracy 2
	Capotia Earring		13 AP Accuracy 8		Accuracy 1 (alternating) DP 1 (alternating)
	Black Distortion Earring		6 AP Accuracy 6 0 DP		3 AP Accuracy 2 – 1 DP

Rings:
If available I recommend using the Asula’s Crimon Eye Ring (Asula Set) if you are new to the game, this gives you 7 AP and 2 DP as well as damage reduction and strong set bonuses. Otherwise use Bares rings for 2 AP and switch to Mark of Shadow as soon as possible for the 5 AP.

Sahazad’s Ring of Monarch is also available through the Valencia part I and II quests. It can’t be enhanced but it is a good alternative until you can get Ring of Crescent Guardian or Mark of Shadow to PRI/DUO.

The current best in slot, is a Tungrad Ring.

The Capotia Ring is also worth mentioning. It is available at level 61+ only but is a very good ring because of it’s high AP. It makes a perfect backup for enhancing and is essentially a free TRI Ring of Crescent Guardian.

Base	PRI	PRI / DUO	DUO / TRI	TRI	TET / TET
5 AP	7 AP	8 / 9 AP	11 / 11 AP	14 AP	17 / 18 AP

	Item Name		Base stats		Enhance Increase
	Bares Ring		2 AP		1 AP
	Jarette’s Ring (Jarette Set)		4 AP 4-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +5 6-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +10 Accuracy 2 Hidden Evasion 1		Cannot be Enhanced
	Asula’s Crimson Eye Ring (Asula Set)		7 AP 2 DP Damage Reduction +2 3-Piece Set Bonus: Health +300 5-Piece Set Bonus: Acurracy +20		Cannot be Enhanced
	Blue Coral Ring		5 AP Max MP/WP/SP +25 Accuracy 2		1 AP Max MP/WP/SP +5 Accuracy 2
	Mark of Shadow		5 AP Accuracy 2		2 AP Accuracy 2
	Sahazad’s Ring of Monarch		7 AP Max HP +25		Cannot be Enhanced
	Ring of Crescent Guardian OR Eye of the Ruins Ring		5 AP Accuracy 2		3 AP Accuracy 2
	Capotia Ring		14 AP Accuracy 8		Accuracy 1 (alternating) AP 1 (alternating)
	Tungrad Ring		6 AP Accuracy 2		3 AP Accuracy 2

Necklace:

If available I recommend using the Asula’s Crimon Eye Necklace (Asula Set) if you are new to the game, this gives you 11 AP and 3 DP as well as damage reduction and an amazing set bonus. Otherwise use Bares Necklace for 4 AP and enhance this to DUO/TRI for 8 AP/10 AP. Enhancing a Bares Necklace is much cheaper than using an un-enhanced BiS necklace. You then want to swap to a DUO Serap’s or PRI Ogre/Tungrad.

The Manos Necklaces are also an alternative for PvP, if you don’t have a DUO Seraps already, due to their item effects. I personally wouldn’t bother with them though because you will want as much AP as possible.

Base	PRI	DUO / PRI	TRI / DUO	TRI / TRI	TET
11 AP	12 AP	16 / 15 AP	20 / 20 AP	25 / 25 AP	30 AP

	Item Name		Base Stats		Enhance Increase
	Bares Necklace		4 AP		2 AP
	Jarette’s Necklace (Jarette Set)		7 AP Accuracy 2 Hidden Evasion 1 4-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +5 6-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +10		Cannot be Enhanced
	Asula’s Crimson Eye Necklace (Asula Set)		11 AP 3 DP Damage Reduction +3 3-Piece Set Bonus: Health +300 5-Piece Set Bonus: Acurracy +20		Cannot be Enhanced
	Ancient Guardian Seal (Ancient Weapon Core Set)		6 AP 3 DP Set Effect: Accuracy +20 Accuracy 4 Damage Reduction 3		2 AP 1 DP Accuracy 4 Damage Reduction 1
	Manos Necklace – Topaz		6 AP Knockdown/ Bound Resistance +30% Accuracy 4		3 AP Knockdown/ Bound Resistance +2% Accuracy 4
	Manos Necklace – Ruby		6 AP Grapple Resistance +30% Accuracy 4		3 AP Grapple Resistance +2% Accuracy 4
	Manos Necklace – Emerald		6 AP Stun/Stiffness/ Freezing Resistance +30% Accuracy 4		3 AP Stun/Stiffness/ Freezing Resistance +2% Accuracy 4
	Manos Necklace – Diamond		6 AP Resistance to all status anomalies +10% Accuracy 4		3 AP Resistance to all status anomalies +1% Accuracy 4
	Manos Necklace – Sapphire		6 AP Knockback/ Floating Resistance +30% Accuracy 4		3 AP Knockback/ Floating Resistance +2% Accuracy 4
	Sicil’s Necklace		7 AP 3 DP Evasion 3 Hidden Evasion 6		3 AP 2 DP Evasion 2 Hidden Evasion 4
	Serap’s Necklace		8 AP Max HP +50 Accuracy 4		4 AP Accuracy 4
	Ogre Ring OR Latenn’s Power Stone		10 AP Accuracy 4		5 AP Accuracy 4
	Tungrad Necklace		10 AP Black Spirit Rage +20% Accuracy 4		5 AP Accuracy 4

Belt:

If available I recommend using the Asula’s Crimon Eye Belt (Asula Set) if you are new to the game, this gives you 6 AP and has amazing set bonuses. Otherwise use Bares Belt for 2 AP and swap to Tree Spirit Belt as soon as possible for more AP and high accuracy.

You want to aim for a PRI/DUO Tree Spirit Belt before swapping to DUO Basilisk’s because it is much cheaper and easier to get hold of. Basilisk’s Belt and Valtarra are very good belts but Tungrade is currently the best in slot.

Base	DUO	TRI / PRI	DUO	TRI / TRI	TET
6 AP	7 AP	9 / 8 AP	11 AP	14 / 14 AP	17 AP

	Item Name		Base Stats		Enhance Increase
	Bares Belt		2 AP Weight Limit +40		1 AP
	Jarette’s Belt (Jarette Set)		4 AP Accuracy 2 Hidden Evasion 1 4-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +5 6-Piece Set Bonus: Attack +10		Cannot be Enhanced
	Asula’s Crimson Eye Belt		6 AP Weight Limit +100 LT 3-Piece Set Bonus: Health +300 5-Piece Set Bonus: Acurracy +20		Cannot be Enhanced
	Ancient Weapon Core (Ancient Guardian Seal Set)		4 AP 4 DP Weight Limit +60 LT Damage Reduction 4 Accuracy 2 Set Effect: Accuracy +20		1 AP 1 DP Weight Limit +10 LT Damage Reduction 1 Accuracy 2
	Tree Spirit Belt		5 AP Accuracy +6 Weight Limit +80 LT		2 AP Accuracy +10
	Basilisk’s Belt		5 AP Weight Limit +80 LT Accuracy 2		3 AP Accuracy 2
	Valtarra Eclipsed Belt		5 AP Health 0 Weight Limit 80LT Accuracy 2		3 AP Health 25 Accuracy 2
	Tungrad Belt		6 AP Black Spirit’s Rage 20% Weight Limit 80LT Accuracy 2		3 AP Accuracy 2

Sockets (Crystals)

Example Gear Builds

I highly recommend using BDOPLANNER.COM to help you plan your build and track your progression.

The build you choose completely depends on your playstyle and what role you want to play in PVP. Below are some example builds to help you decide what is best for you.

Leveling build: link
Here is what to aim for when leveling and before you get your boss gear. You should focus on enhancing your weapons first and then your armor. Try to also ultimate all your pieces as soon as possible, especially your armor because it will give quite a big DP boost.

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Low-Tier build: link
Here is a mid-tier build to use if you are looking to improve your gear before you get boss gear. You may want to use Red Coral Earrings or Witch’s Earrings instead but they can be quite expensive compared to the rest of the gear.

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Mid-tier build: link
Here is a mid-tier build to use once you have boss gear. You want to aim to get TRI as soon as possible and then work on your accessories. You want to try to make sure you have a minimum of 300 accuracy when using Nouver. You can also use a TET heve and TRI Muskan’s shoes instead but Griffon’s and Urugon’s shoes are currently considered best in slot in the gear meta.

Click image below to enlarge




Softcap build: link
Here is what to aim for if you are going for. It takes a long time to get to this stage, and there are lots of small improvements and other accessories you will use along the way, but this is ideally your softcap build for PVP.

For PVE, you want to be using a Kutum with Corrupted Magic Crystals. Once you reach 261 AP with Nouver, you will want to stop using Kutum for PVE however, until you reach 265 AP with Kutum. After many tests, it is confirmed that Nouver performs better than Kutum in these brackets. More information about AP and DP brackers can be found here

You may also want to consider starting to put Caphras stones into your gear for bonus stats to help you get to the next AP bracket. Begin by getting level 4 in your main hand for the extra 4 AP. Then you will want to move on to putting level 2 into each armor piece before getting them all up to level 4 as well.

Click image below to enlarge




End-game build: link
Here is what to eventually aim for. It takes a long time to get to this stage, and there are lots of small improvements and other accessories you will use along the way, but this is ideally your end game build for PVP. Make sure to put Caphras stones into your equipment for extra stats. You can also swap out both of the Black Magic Crystal – Precision for Crystal of Elkarr (best in slot) instead but these are very costly and harder to obtain.

For PVE, you want to ideally be using a Blackstar weapon and Kutum with Corrupted Magic Crystals. Once you reach 261 AP with Nouver, you will want to stop using Kutum for PVE however, until you reach 265 AP with Kutum. After many tests, it is confirmed that Nouver performs better than Kutum in these brackets. More information about AP and DP brackers can be found here

For PVP, it really depends. If you are only doing tier 1 node wars for example, then it is better to stick with Kutum because the node is AP capped anyway and the extra DP can push you to a higher DP bracket. Ideally though you will want to use a PEN Kzarka with caphras levels and Fiery Nouver.


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Consumables

When grinding, I recommend using the Simple Cron Meal. It offers various bonuses and is also the only food which will give you an skill points experience buff. If the cron meal isn’t available, you can use EXP Elixirs and Milk Tea, then other food of your choice such as Margoria Seafood and Serendia Special. It really depends on your preference.

For your food rotation in node wars/siege, I would recommend using Knight Combat Rations, Kamaslyvia Special, Valencia Special and then King of Jungle Hamburger in that order. This requires a 2 hour preperation. If you are late or lazy, you can use Exquisite Cron Meal. I would also recommend using the Giant’s Draught or party elixirs.

The recipes for these are:

ICON	RESULT	INGREDIENTS	USE
	Knight Combat Rations	Dark Pudding x1, Ham Sandwich x1, Fruit Wine x1, Meat Croquette x1	All Attack +5, Damage against human race +5, All Damage Reduction +5 for 120 minutes
	Special Kamasylvia Meal	Rainbow Button Mushroom Sandwich x1, Coconut Pasta x1, Fig Pie x1 , Fruit Wine x2, Rainbow Button Mushroom Cheese Melt x1	Max HP +150, Max Stamina 200, Back Attack Damage +5% for 110 minutes
	Special Valencia Meal	Teff Sandwich x1, King of Jungle Hamburger x1, Couscous x1, Fig Pie x2, Date Palm Wine x2	Nullifying all Resistances +4%, Resistance against all Debuffs +4%, All Evasion +10, Decrease of damages from Monsters -6% for 110 minutes
	King of Jungle Hamburger	Teff Bread x4, Pickled Vegetables x2, Lion Meat x4, Nutmeg x3	Ignores All Resistance +3%, Critical Hit Damage +5% for 110 minutes

In addition, you may want to use Perfume of Courage (buff lost on death) and Tough Whale Tendon Elixirs. Usually these are not required for node wars.

Other buffs you may want to collect can be found here: [link]

Useful Links

• https://community.blackdesertonline.com/index.php?forums/guardian.434/ – official guardian forum
• https://discord.gg/9jdEmYp – guardian discord
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gkv4vqqCFE – guardian awakening guide
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhhxZTpmMOc – guardian tips and tricks
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWVItcftvg4 – guardian pve tips for new players
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIFe5OYAB4w – aakman beginner guide
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu_A8jLbtJ0 – stars end guide
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L-myO-viYU – pvp montage
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa_lV-Z6adg – pvp montage
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZZFSXXqC30 – pvp montage
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6ZjtjBY7YQ – succession guide
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9_QDaN9CMw – succession combos guide
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24-vL0-zaVY – succession combos and movement guide
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8NMywultKI – succession pvp montage
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH3QNeSVR6M – succession pvp montage

Change Log

• 20/06/2020 – posted the first version of the guide