Bow and Blade Update

Bow and Blade Update

April brings another update to Vindictus, and this time it's Kai and Vella's turn to learn some new tricks. This update will also bring a new and improved User Interface, a massive slate of balance changes, bug fixes, other game improvements and more! Read on for all the upcoming changes in the Bow and Blade Update!

The Master Archer Improved

Kai is Vindictus Gold only purely ranged character, pelting enemies with arrows, bolts and explosives without getting into the messy business of a melee. But just because he's already a lethal warrior doesn't mean he can't learn a few more tricks...

Bow Skills

Kai's original weapon may be his most fearsome. The classic bow and arrow, fired with expert precision by a master marksman, has pinned countless Fomors to the wall before now. That said, there were a few gaps in Kai's abilities, so two new skills have been added to give the marksman a boost to his legendary evasiveness and a new massive attack...

Skill Name Bee Stinger
Requirements
Level 38
28,800 Gold
Skill Rank Effects
+5% Damage
+2% Knockdown Rate
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation [Grab]
Effects
While charging a Magnum attack, can use this attack to fire a shot and dodge back
Magnum will continue to charge after Bee Stinger ends and can be used as normal
Skill Awakening
None
Notes
As with Magnum, can only be used in Longbow mode

Skill Name Active: Deadly Arrow
Requirements
Level 52
28,800 Gold
Skill Rank Effects
+5% Damage
+2% Knockdown Rate
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation Active Ability Quick Slot
Effects
Consumes 1000 SP on use
20 minute cooldown
If the first attack hits, will launch an acrobatic volley of shots, finishing with a final powerful attack
Cannot be damaged while using this ability
Cooldown resets at the start of a battle quest
Skill Awakening
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with a Bow
Cooldown resets at the start of a new Battle Quest
But new skills aren't the only things Kai's learned. There's been a massive number of additional changes made to push Kai's abilities up to their peak.

Fixed abnormal damage application of Shortbow attacks and Rapid Fire
Gale Kick:
SP Cost removed
Max Rank increased to Rank 5
Longbow:
Can now shoot 2 Penetrating shots and 1 Normal shot when charging
Movement speed with Strafe Shot has been increased
Time between shots has been reduced
While dodging with Strafe Shot, shot Charging will continue
Fixed Shot has been renamed to Charging Shot
Magnum:
SP Cost reduced to 100 (down from 250)
Magnum no longer drains Stamina when holding a max-charge attack
Max Rank increased to Rank 3
Hunter's Eye:
Name changed to Sudden Critical
Will now reveal at least 3 critical targets
Active: Dodge Grapple: Can now use Twister Kick with a [Smash] attack after a Dodge Grapple
Headshot: Max Rank increased to Rank 5
Twister Kick:
Can now be used while Dodging in Longbow Mode by using a [Smash] during the early part of the dodge
Max Rank increased to Rank 5
Ricochet Shot:
Can now be used in Longbow mode
When in Longbow mode, Ricochet Shot will strike the same enemy up to 4 times
Can be chained with a Level 3 Magnum attack by using a [Normal] attack
Arrow Storm:
Now requires Ricochet Shot to be learned before training
Can now use in Longbow mode, dealing more damage but with a smaller area of effect
SP Cost increased to 500
50 SP is refunded for each enemy damaged by Arrow Storm
Cooldown increased to 40 seconds
Can now activate Arrow Storm after dodging by using the [Grab] command
PvP:
Additional arrows are now fired with many attacks in PvP mode
Cross Gun Skills

Even the greatest archers can find something of use out of improved technology, and Kai's embraced the unique potential of the Cross Gun like no others. Mixing powerful bolts with potent explosives, he feels no shame in using the right weapon for the right job... and as he's grown more familiar with the tools of his trade, he's found a few new techniques to get the most out of the unusual weapon.

Skill Name Quick Draw
Requirements
Level 18
Skill Rank Effects
Ability to use Bolt Revolver 2 and 3 abilities
Max Rank: Rank D
Activation Special
Effects
When using Bolt Revolver, can activate an ability by pressing the corresponding key while the tier of skills is still being loaded
When used, gives a "Magazine Overheated" effect, preventing Quick Draw from being used for 7 seconds
Effects triggered from Quick Draw are used normally, with no change to effectiveness, cooldown or SP cost
Skill Awakening
None
Notes
Can only be used with a Cross Gun

Skill Name Active: Enhanced Bolt
Requirements
Level 38
28,800 Gold
Skill Rank Effects
+2-4% Damage (Max of 25%)
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation Bolt Revolver: Tier 1, Slot 2
Effects
Consumes 500 SP on use
45 second duration
100 second cooldown
Enhances many Explosive Attacks:
Active: Hollow Shot: Use a [Normal] attack to make an additional attack with improved damage
Active: Perforate: The attacked parts will explode, dealing additional damage
Active: Six Shooter: Does additional damage
Active: Hand Bomb: Does additional damage
Skill Awakening
Significantly Reduce Cooldown
Notes
Can only be used with a Cross Gun

Skill Name Active: Bunker Buster
Requirements
Level 52
28,800 Gold
Skill Rank Effects
+5% Damage
+2% Knockdown Rate
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation Active Ability Quick Slot
Effects
Consumes 1000 SP on use
20 minute cooldown
If the first attack hits, will carefully load the Cross Gun with as much ammo and explosives as possible, firing it into the initial target to explode for massive damage
Cannot be damaged while using this ability.
Cooldown resets at the start of a battle quest.
Skill Awakening
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with a Cross Gun
Cooldown resets at the start of a new Battle Quest
That's not all, though. Kai's other Cross Gun abilities have also gotten a looking after, with numerous changes to make Kai's attacks even more explosive!

The following actions now benefit from the Attack Speed statistic:
Normal attacks
Reloading
Charging Bolt Revolver
Armed & Dangerous:
Max Rank increased to Rank 6
Can now cause Headshots
Now activates when less than 15% bolts remain in the chamber (up from 10%)
Active: Hunting Party:
Now activated in Bolt Revolver at Tier 1, Slot 3
Also grants Kai a 40% movement speed increase for 25 seconds
Insight: Can now cause Headshots
Active: Perforate:
Can now cause Headshots
SP Cost reduced to 250
Delay on the attack decreased
Cooldown has been set to 10 seconds
Will be refunded 30 SP for each Perforate arrow that strikes the target, 55 SP when under the effect of Enhanced Bolt.
Active: Massive Impact: SP Cost reduced to 750
Active: Bolt Storm:
SP Cost reduced to 750
Cooldown has been set to 50 seconds
Damage has been slightly decreased
Can now cause Headshots
Active: Hollow Shot:
Damage has been slightly decreased
Active: Hand Bomb:
Can be activated by using [Grab] during a Dodge, dropping a bomb behind you
Doing so will spend SP and activate the cooldown as normal
Will not trigger if Hand Bomb is still on cooldown, or if Kai does not have enough SP
Two Blades, Even Less Waiting

It's also Vella's turn for a new array of abilities! This lightning-fast warrior has never been lacking in technique, but that's not stopping her from filling in the few holes she has with new abilities in addition to a host of other improvements.

Twin Sword Skills

Vella has some new abilities for her traditional two-sword style of combat. Her balanced attacks have always been a massive advantage for the warrior, but that doesn't mean she can't find a few new strategies to round out her techniques.

Skill Name Spin Rush
Requirements
Level 28
Skill Rank Effects
+4-6% Damage (Max of 50%)
+2-3% Knockdown Rate (Max of 27%)
Max Rank: Rank 6
Activation [Normal] - [Smash]
Effects
After a [Normal] attacks, Vella whirls her swords upwards
Skill Awakening
Reduce Stamina Consumption
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Swords equipped
Can be used without training; training and further ranks increase Damage and Knockdown Rate

Skill Name Razor Whirlwind
Requirements
Level 40
Skill Rank Effects
+4-6% Damage (Max of 54%)
+1-3% Knockdown Rate (Max of 15%)
Max Rank: Rank 6
Activation [Normal] - [Normal] - [Smash]
Effects
After two [Normal] attacks, Vella steps forward into a spin attack
Skill Awakening
Reduce Stamina Consumption
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Swords equipped
Can be used without training; training and further ranks increase Damage and Knockdown Rate

Skill Name Active: Wind Rider
Requirements
Level 40
Skill Rank Effects
Max Rank: Rank F
Activation Active Ability Quick Slot
Effects
When used, removes the Blade Heart effect from Vella
Restores SP based on the level of the consumed Blade Heart effect:
Blade Heart 1: 50 SP
Blade Heart 2: 125 SP
Blade Heart 3: 250 SP
Blade Heart 4: 250 SP
Skill Awakening
None
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Swords equipped

Skill Name Active: Gale Cutter
Requirements
Level 60
28,000 Gold
Skill Rank Effects
+5% Damage
+2% Knockdown Rate
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation
Active Ability Quick Slot
After Perfect Cross Cut: [Normal] - [Smash]
Effects
Consumes 750 SP on use
120 second cooldown
Vella throws her two swords forward, chasing after them as they cut through the enemy, before catching them at the end of the attack
Skill Awakening
Reduce SP Consumption
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Swords equipped
Twin Chainblades Skills

Chainblades haven't been ignored either. Vella's an expert at using these wild, deadly weapons to disrupt and pummel her enemies into submission, and she's learned some new tricks to keep her foes off their toes.

Skill Name Active: Blood Fountain
Requirements
Level 40
12,000 Gold
Heart of Ice trained
Skill Rank Effects
Max Rank: Rank F
Activation Active Ability Quick Slot
Effects
When activated, consumes the Heart of Ice effect
Duration of Blood Fountain is double that of the consumed Heart of Ice effect
On the next [Smash] attack, Blood Fountain is consumed, enabling the Heart of Ice effect
Duration of Heart of Ice is half that that of the consumed Blood Fountain effect
Skill Awakening
None
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Chainblades equipped

Skill Name Active: Glacial Strike
Requirements
Level 12
Skill Rank Effects
+2% Damage (Max of 18%)
+2-3% Knockdown Rate (Max of 11%)
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation
Active Ability Quick Slot
During Hailstorm: [Smash]
Effects
Requires an active Heart of Ice effect
Costs 250 SP
Vella swings her Twin Chainblades down on the enemy for massive damage
Skill Awakening
Reduce SP Consumption
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Chainblades equipped

Skill Name Active: Blade Dance
Requirements
Level 55
28,000 Gold
Skill Rank Effects
+2% Damage (Max of 18%)
+2-3% Knockdown Rate (Max of 11%)
Max Rank: Rank A
Activation
Active Ability Quick Slot - [Smash]+
After Icebreaker: [Smash]+
Effects
Requires no active Heart of Ice effect
Costs 250 SP per set of attacks
Vella unleashes a battery of strikes to an enemy at close range, with each Smash setting off an additional set of strikes
Can be chained up to three times, each set consuming 250 SP
Skill Awakening
Increase Damage
Increase Knockdown Rate
Notes
Can only be used with Twin Chainblades equipped
Vella has more than some new moves to cut the Fomors down to size. Her other Twin Sword and Chainblade abilities have also been given a once over, a nice layer of polish on her full range of skills.

Hailstorm:
Max Rank increased to Rank 6
Damage has been increased
While in Heart of Ice, additional [Smash] attacks can be repeated chained together
Can activate Heart of Ice during the [Smash] attacks by pressing [Normal]
Slipaway:
Can now only be trained to Rank F
AP spent on Slipaway training has been refunded
Double Cross:
Can now only be trained to Rank F
AP spent on Double Cross training has been refunded
Cross Stance:
No longer have to hold [Dodge], will automatically last as long as specified by the skill rank
Can exit Cross Stance by pressing [Grab]
Cross Cut:
If facing an attacking enemy, can activate a Perfect Cross Cut
Perfect Cross Cut can combo into Gale Cutter by pressing [Normal] - [Smash]
Razor Whirlwind:
Generates 10 SP per hit (up from 8)
Spin Rush:
Slightly reduced delay between 2nd and 3rd attacks
Active: Cyclone:
Now renews Blade Heart after the attack ends
Blade Heart:
Level 2 Blade Heart now restores 1 STA per hit
Level 3-4 Blade Heart now restores 2 STA per hit
Now grants a fixed ATT Speed bonus per level:
Level 1: +7 ATT Speed
Level 2: +10 ATT Speed
Level 3: +14 ATT Speed
Duration can be maintained with Slipaway, Backlash and Tempest
No longer decreases in level with Cross Cut and Double Cross
New and Improved User Interface

There's more here than a few new tricks for Vella and Kai, however. The Bow and Blade Update brings a new User Interface to Vindictus with a new key feature: Movable windows. Most menus, windows and HUD elements can be moved around simply by clicking and dragging, giving nearly total freedom in customizing the interface layout to your liking.

You can also alter the display of the menu buttons in the bottom-left corner of the screen, either through dragging the icons around with your mouse, or outright removing some by right-clicking. You can also find additional UI settings to customize to your heart's content in the Options menu.

More changes have been made to the chat menu as well. With an option for a darker chat background, easier customization of the channel menus and more, we've taken the improvements to the Chat window a step further to make chatting with your friends even easier.

Garter Plate Outfit and More

The Bow and Blade Update has brought a wealth of changes to Vindictus, but it's not just balance changes ahead. We've got new  packages, new inner armor, new hairstyles and new deals! Most importantly, we're introducing the most intimidating Outfitters Vindictus has ever seen – the Garter Plate Sets!

Check it all out at the Garter Plate Outfit and More post.

Bow and Blade Update Events

Vella, Kai, UI Updates and new items aren't the only things the Bow and Blade Update has brought us. We've got brand new events, be they big and bold,  simple and strong or completely insane, but they're all worth enjoying.

Check all the events out in the Bow and Blade Update Events post.

Balance Changes and Bug Fixes

The Bow and Blade Update is so big, we need to split it into four parts! This update has brought forth a wealth of changes to Vindictus, including balance changes to every character and fixes to dozens of issues.

Check it all out in the Balance and Bug Fixes post!