Category:Staves

Overview

Staves are a two-handed weapon which are used more often for their stat boosts than for damage, much like their blunt brethren, clubs. Early on, staves tend to give minor bonuses to HP and MP, but their usage increases at level 51 when players get access to Elemental Staves, which boost the potency and accuracy of spells of their respective elements. Slow, for example, gets a powerful magic accuracy boost when it is cast with an Earth Staff equipped.

Although staves are primarily used by mages looking to boost stats, Paladins and Monks get some use from a couple of staves. Most notably, Paladins can use the Earth Staff for its -20% Physical Damage trait and in later levels the Primate Staff/Kinkobo for its excellent damage capabilities against enemies weak against blunt damage. Staves also possess the powerful weaponskill Spirit Taker, which regenerates a large amount of MP for the user based on TP and unlike Aspir will work on any mob regardless of whether or not it has MP. Spirit Taker allows mages and Paladins alike to increase their longevity in battle without having to resort to healing. It is important to note that the argument of staff tanking (using an Earth Staff as a Paladin in battle instead of a sword and shield) versus shield tanking is still a topic of great debate.

Some staves are built for damage (most notably poles), but staves are generally not preferred for dealing damage: for any melee looking to do damage, there is almost always a better weapon available. That said, mages and Paladins using staves while soloing may find staves very helpful, especially after Spirit Taker becomes available.