MrSundaze's – Dark Knight Journey

Hey everyone, after a long hiatus (last time I seriously played was back in late 2017/2018), I finally decided to come back. With all the classic hype going around
Naturally, I’m returning to the class that originally got me hooked on the game: Dark Knight.

After skimming through all the balance/change threads, it looks like DKs are in a pretty interesting spot right now. The new HP challenges are also a huge relief anything that saves me from stressing about HP washing is a win in my book.

I’ll be picking up where I left off on my old Spearman, who was sitting at level 46. In the week or so since coming back, I've managed to push to 51. Fair warning I'm as casual as can be because of work and life so I'm setting a goal for myself to get minimum of 3 levels per week! (This thread is also a way to keep myself accountable to that lol).

Gear Updates:

• Obtained a +3 STR/DEX Muffler
  
  
• Picked up a Guan Yu Polearm for cheap

Nothing crazy yet, but it’s a start.

Next Goal:

• Get Altaire Earrings from EPQ. Hopefully EPQ alone carries me to 55
  
• Do Zakum pre's/ get helm

Progress Pic:

 

Thanks everyone, figured I’d drop a quick update. Going forward, it looks like Sundays or Wednesdays will probably be my usual posting days.

Since the last entry, I managed to push up to level 53. As I’m getting back into the rhythm of things, I’ve started focusing more on optimizing my gear. Right now my main priority is building out my foundation pieces:

• Zakum Helm
• 10 ATT Work Glove
• Keeping my weapon consistently upgraded

Nothing flashy yet, just trying to set myself up properly for the midgame.
I’ve also been enjoying some chill grinding at FOG, which has been safely replenishing my mesos while I work on gear upgrades and levels. I’m hoping the rest 2nd job will fly by, but honestly I’ve been enjoying the journey getting to 3rd so far it’s really satisfying watching my damage steadily climb.

Again, thanks to everyone who checked out the first post. I’m genuinely glad to be back in the community


Gear Updates:

• Altaire Earrings obtained!
  
• Upgraded Navy Christmas Sock from +1 STR -> to +2 STR / +3 DEX w/ jump
  (Trying to stack accuracy early wherever I can)

Goals for This Week:

• Finish Zakum prequests and hopefully snag a helm by the weekend
  
• Reach level 57
  
• Optional: Depending on how active EPQ is, try for Glitter Altaire Earrings

️ Longer-Term Goals (Over the Next Month):

• Find a Maple Karstan
  
• Pick up Spectrum Goggles (skipped LPQ, so playing a bit of catch-up here)
  
• Find a 10 attk WG

Range update:

After obtaining new Navy Christmas Sock:


After Obtaining Altaire Earrings:


That’s all for now more updates soon as progress continues!

 

Thanks for the advice I'll definitely have to check those quest out during my down time!

 

Making this update a bit early since I’ll be heading out of town this weekend, which means training is getting cut short this week. That being said solid progress overall made.

I managed to hit 3 out of 3 of my weekly goals, and even knocked out half of one of my long-term goals. I picked up a “meh” Maple Karstan just to hold me over while I hunt for a properly priced, above-average one. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done for now.

Gear Updates:

• Glittering Altaire Earrings obtained!
  (Went on a little EPQ grind spree 11 runs in a row after work )
  
  
• Maple Karstan acquired!

The EPQ session was a grind, but definitely worth it!

Goals Completed

• Reached Level 57

Next Week’s Goals:

• Hit Level 60 (3rd job is close…)
  
  
• Finish Zakum prequests and actually get a run scheduled

Long-Term Goals:

• Obtain a properly scrolled or above-average clean Maple Karstan (Optional at this point)
  
  
• Pick up Spectrum Goggles

Also, shoutout to @Krythan for pointing out that I somehow had missed that I had more than 4 base in LUK and INT. Got those AP resets and put all that extra AP back into STR where they belong. We take free damage gains!

Really excited to push for lvl 60 next week. 3rd job is finally starting to feel close.

I'm guessing you're talking about barb elixirs. If so I'll definitely pick some up I forgot about those!


Progress Pic:

 

Another update coming in, although this one is a bit lighter than I would’ve liked. Progress was slower over the past few days, but progress is progress. I also had a work meeting pop up, so I’ll be out of town for the next week. Because of that, there probably won’t be another update until 3/16. Before heading out though, I wanted to recap the last bit of progress.

Gear Updates:

• Zakum Helm obtained!

Huge milestone and definitely one of the foundational pieces I’ve been aiming for, I got in a run minutes after I finished my prequest!



Character Progress:

• Reached Level 58

Getting closer and closer to 3rd job now.

Next Goals:

• Reach Level 60
  
• Obtain Ellin Savior’s Ring

Long-Term Goals:

• Find a scrolled or above-average clean Maple Karstan
  
• Obtain Spectrum Goggles

This is a shorter update than usual, but it’s the busy season for me, so progress may slow down from time to time. Once I’m back from this work trip though, we’ll be pushing hard for Level 60+.

Shout out to these amazing folks:

 

So I'm running the recommended Hybrid build I use polearm for the swing to split ratio being more in favor of swings. Also thank you for the Maple Spear! We havent been on at the same time for me to properly thank you in game!

Thanks for the recommendation as I'm just working my way around I'll definitely keep an eye out!

 

Update Time!

I’m finally back after a long work trip… and unfortunately getting sick right after that trip. Not exactly the most best combo, but I did manage to carve out some time to lock in a few levels. And honestly we’ve got some pretty good gains to talk about.

Lately I’ve been trying to optimize my playtime whenever I’m able to log on. One thing I’ve been enjoying a lot is party grinding. I know most parties prefer having HS available, but even when it’s not, I still think it’s worth it. Not having to cover massive maps like MP3 by myself is a huge help. It’s also been really cool seeing some of the people I’ve been leveling with come back showing off their new gear and damage upgrades. Always motivating.

Gear Updates:

• Found a 94 ATT Maple Karstan (for a great deal)
• Picked up below-average Spectrum Goggles (placeholders for now, but they didn’t break the bank)
  
• Grabbed a Sad Mask to fill the missing face slot and stack a bit more accuracy (also found for a great price)
• 
  
  
• 

Character Progress: Originally I said I’d aim for LVL 60 when I got back…
But after locking in some time this week:

• Reached Level 64! So we’re officially into the 60s grind now.

Goals for Next Week:

• Reach Level 67
• Start working to getting the Ellin Savior’s Ring
  

Long-Term Focus/Goals:
At this point I’ll probably need to re-evaluate long-term goals. For now the main plan is simple:

• Make more mesos
• Levels
  
• Upgrade gear when good deals pop up
  

Really enjoying the journey this time around, the 60s usually drag hard for me, but the journal helps keep me motivated. Plan for now is hitting up more MP3 , some FOG for farming, and maybe testing Windraiders to push past my 7% / 5-minute EPM. Open to suggestions on the above.

Next update will back on regular schedule of Wednesday or Sunday!

 

Had to come here and thank you for this advice they are burning a hole in my pot wallet, but that's some damn good xp