Stigmas · Skills & special abilities · Passive priorities · Full PvP guide
PvP · Editorial progression targets. Spend within your available points.
PvP LOADOUT
Stigmas
Equip these 4 Stigmas
Pull an exposed enemy into your team, interrupt its escape and survive the return damage.
Doom Shield
Stigma Lv. 1 → 5Rushes into the target, grants a shield and temporarily activates Judgment; can knock down.
Engage with a shield. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.
Second Skin
Stigma Lv. 1 → 5Temporarily raises PvE/PvP damage tolerance.
Reduce incoming damage. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.
Noble Armor
Stigma Lv. 1 → 5Increases maximum HP and immediately restores health; resists buff removal.
Reliable health buffer. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.
Grapple
Stigma Lv. 1 → 5Area damage and pull around a target, followed by rooting.
Isolate grouped targets. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.
Small-group starting set. The full PvP guide below explains solo, large-fight and matchup swaps. Stigma ranks are progression targets, not a fixed-budget total.
Stigmas level with Shards. They do not use Mastery Specialty slots.
Alternative Stigmas & when to use them
Empyrean Lord's Punishment
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Area attack around a target with stun potential and stagger damage.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Area attack around a target with stun potential and stagger damage. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Nezekan's Shield
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Creates a maximum-HP-based damage shield for you and nearby party members.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Creates a maximum-HP-based damage shield for you and nearby party members. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Shield of Protection
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Channelled frontal shield block with stronger damage reduction; successful blocks restore MP and stamina.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Channelled frontal shield block with stronger damage reduction; successful blocks restore MP and stamina. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Taunt
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Damages and builds enmity; applies a debuff reducing accuracy, attack and damage tolerance.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages and builds enmity; applies a debuff reducing accuracy, attack and damage tolerance. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Armor of Balance
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Temporarily raises impact-type resistance.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Temporarily raises impact-type resistance. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Executing Blade
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Damages enemies and reduces defense; damage increases against impact-controlled targets.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages enemies and reduces defense; damage increases against impact-controlled targets. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Comrade in Arms
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Shares part of damage received by a party member; sharing differs in PvP areas.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Shares part of damage received by a party member; sharing differs in PvP areas. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Assault Fury
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Area HP/MP damage and stun potential; defense rises with targets hit.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Area HP/MP damage and stun potential; defense rises with targets hit. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Battlefield Banner
Stigma Lv. 0 → 0Temporarily raises attack in proportion to defense.
Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Temporarily raises attack in proportion to defense. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.
Play it in 3 steps
- Choose an exposed target or a diver attacking your healer; position your party before the pull.
- Poach or Doom Shield → Shield Smite → Judgment; Annihilate only when its control condition is met.
- Use Warding Strike and stagger your defensive Stigmas while leaving a route back to the team.
Skills
Active skills & special abilities
All 12 active skills, their effects and Specialty selections for PvP.
Option numbers match the five lines shown on each skill. Total level includes gear and Daevanion bonuses. At total 16 all five options are available, but you still have two slots. The third slot opens at total 20. Checked options show our recommended total-20 setup; use the milestone selections below at lower levels. This is not a requirement to raise every skill to 20.
Shock Release
Base Lv. 8 → 10Removes major control effects and grants temporary immunity; recast is unaffected by cooldown reduction.
Use it: Break lethal control and move back into protection range.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1Adds [Capture] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2Restores 1000 Stamina on using [Defiance]OptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Restores 20% HP on using [Defiance]✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4+2s Tenacity duration✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5+50% PvE Damage Tolerance and +25% PvP Damage Tolerance for Tenacity duration✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Break lethal control and move back into protection range. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Poach
Base Lv. 8 → 10Damages and pulls the target in front of you, with rooting potential.
Use it: Pull an exposed opponent into allied range, or remove a pursuer from your healer.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1Moves to the target if target has Incapacitated ImmunityOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2-20% Status Effect Resist for 5s on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Resets cooldown on defeating an enemyOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 410% Max HP Protective Shield✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 550% chance to Stun for 3s✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Pull an exposed opponent into allied range, or remove a pursuer from your healer. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Shield Smite
Base Lv. 8 → 10Damages enemies, can stun and contributes to stagger.
Use it: Stun to set up Judgment; confirm the stun landed before committing a follow-up.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1+1s Stun duration✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2Removes MP Cost and restores 200 MP on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 350% chance to trigger [Debilitating Smash] on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4-2s cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5AoE Stun✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Stun to set up Judgment; confirm the stun landed before committing a follow-up. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Warding Strike
Base Lv. 8 → 10Area attack that immediately heals you, grants damage tolerance and activates Judgment.
Use it: Stabilize yourself while staying close enough to protect allies.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1-5s cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2+100 Block during WardingOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Heal over Time during Warding✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4Adds PvE Damage Tolerance and PvP Damage Tolerance increase effect when more targets hit to WardingOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5+10% PvE Damage Tolerance and +5% PvP Damage Tolerance to party members on skill use✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Stabilize yourself while staying close enough to protect allies. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Judgment
Base Lv. 8 → 10Becomes available through shield skills; deals damage, enmity and stagger.
Use it: Spend the shield-triggered opening on the called target.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1Absorbs 1% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2Deals extra damage on attacking a target afflicted with Impact-type status✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Extra damage on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4Critical Hit on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5Remove cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Spend the shield-triggered opening on the called target. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Annihilate
Base Lv. 8 → 10Attacks stunned or knocked-down targets with further knockdown potential.
Use it: Follow a confirmed stun or knockdown; do not assume the target stayed controlled.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1+50% Multi-Hit on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2+20% Knockdown Chance✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3+100% damage to targets with Incapacitated ImmunityOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4-10s cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5Changes to AoE SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Follow a confirmed stun or knockdown; do not assume the target stayed controlled. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Punishment
Base Lv. 8 → 10Charged area attack that grants Executioner, increasing accuracy and damage amplification.
Use it: Charge when protected; movement and speed options make the attack easier to deliver.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1Absorbs 10% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2Inflicts Damage over Time to target on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3+30% Skill Speed✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4Changes to mobile skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5Ignores Block and Evasion and lands as a Critical Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Charge when protected; movement and speed options make the attack easier to deliver. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Shield Rush
Base Lv. 1 → 10After emergency evasion, rushes to the target and can stun.
Use it: Retain an approach after emergency evasion instead of spending every movement tool together.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1Restores 300 Stamina on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2+10m range✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Changes to Charge Skill and deals AoE damageOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4-10s cooldown✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5+25% Stun Chance✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Retain an approach after emergency evasion instead of spending every movement tool together. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Vicious Strike
Base Lv. 1 → 10Attack chain that builds enmity and restores MP.
Use it: Recover resources without abandoning the ally you are protecting.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1+20% MP restoredOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2Absorbs 1% HP✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3+50% Multi-Hit on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4-2s [Warding Strike] cooldown on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5Adds [Threatening Blow] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Recover resources without abandoning the ally you are protecting. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Pummel
Base Lv. 1 → 8Repeatable attack chain with enmity and stagger damage.
Use it: Use between control attempts; chasing only for another hit is rarely worth it.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1-20% MP consumedOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2[Punishing Strike] absorbs 3% HP✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Deals up to 12% more damage when less targets are hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4-1s [Punishment] cooldown on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5[Punishing Strike] grants extra damage on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Use between control attempts; chasing only for another hit is rarely worth it. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Debilitating Smash
Base Lv. 1 → 8After a successful block, damages enemies around the target and reduces defense.
Use it: Turn a block into pressure and reduced enemy healing with the chosen option.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 130% chance to inflict Stun for 3s✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2+3s Debilitate durationOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3-60% Incoming Heal during Debilitate✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4Ignores Block and Evasion and lands as Multi-Hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 525% chance to reset cooldown on BlockOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Turn a block into pressure and reduced enemy healing with the chosen option. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Flash Rampage
Base Lv. 1 → 8Attacks a staggered target and increases enmity.
Use it: Use only when the stagger condition is available.
Special abilities · Specialty
Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots
- 1Absorbs 5% HP✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 2Restores 120 MP on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 3Changes to mobile skill✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 8
- 4Multi-Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
- 5-1s to all skill cooldowns on hit✓ RecommendedUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Use only when the stagger condition is available. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.
Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗
Passive skills & investment priorities
Max these passives first — in this order
For PvP, put your passive upgrade points into the priority skills below. Max the first one, then the next, until this list is complete. Do not spread points across optional passives first.
- Survival Willpower — max Base Lv. 10
- Enhanced Health — max Base Lv. 10
- Warding Shield — max Base Lv. 10
- Ironclad Defense — max Base Lv. 10
- Impact Hit — max Base Lv. 10
Survival Willpower
1. Max first · Base Lv. 10Increases status resistance and grants conditional tolerance/resistance after control effects.
Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases status resistance and grants conditional tolerance/resistance after control effects.
Enhanced Health
2. Max first · Base Lv. 10Increases maximum HP and received healing.
Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases maximum HP and received healing.
Warding Shield
3. Max first · Base Lv. 10Increases block and heals after a successful block.
Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases block and heals after a successful block.
Ironclad Defense
4. Max first · Base Lv. 10Increases defense and endurance.
Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases defense and endurance.
Impact Hit
5. Max first · Base Lv. 10Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.
Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.
Optional passives — after your priorities
Keep these at their initial rank while completing the priority list. Invest leftover points only when their effect helps your build or encounter.
Punishing Benediction
Optional · upgrade after the priority listIncreases critical; landing attacks grants a chance-based extra-damage effect.
Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases critical; landing attacks grants a chance-based extra-damage effect.
Guarding Seal
Optional · upgrade after the priority listAt low health, creates a maximum-HP-based shield with a retrigger limit.
Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: At low health, creates a maximum-HP-based shield with a retrigger limit.
Assault Roar
Optional · upgrade after the priority listIncreases enmity amplification and grants attack after frontal hits.
Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases enmity amplification and grants attack after frontal hits.
Fury
Optional · upgrade after the priority listIncreases frontal damage; successful blocks increase party damage amplification.
Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases frontal damage; successful blocks increase party damage amplification.
Block Pain
Optional · upgrade after the priority listTaking attacks builds stacks; reaching the threshold grants damage tolerance.
Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Taking attacks builds stacks; reaching the threshold grants damage tolerance.
Full PvP guide — tactics, gear & sources
Potential Stone: Abyss (Unique) — PvP gear upgrades
Use this material to unlock Potential on eligible Unique gear that has been Soul Bound. Open the item’s Potential upgrade preview and confirm eligibility before spending. This is an equipment upgrade, not a Stigma or Specialty choice.
The Global client reference lists PvP Damage Boost on weapons and accessories, and PvP Damage Tolerance on armor and bracelets: 0.5% per step, reaching 2% on that piece at +4. These are PvP bonuses; do not budget them as dungeon damage or healing bonuses.
| Potential step | Stones | Abyss Points |
|---|---|---|
| +0 → +1 | 1 | 100,000 |
| +1 → +2 | 2 | 100,000 |
| +2 → +3 | 3 | 100,000 |
| +3 → +4 | 4 | 100,000 |
| Total to +4 | 10 | 400,000 |
The reference lists 100% success for these four steps. The total excludes any Abyss Points spent buying the stones.
Where to get it: Chaotic Lower Reshanta monster drops and the Abyss Shop. Check your shop’s current price tier and remaining server allowance; a weekly limit is not a reason to buy every tier.
Investment priority: finish planned equipment transfers first, then improve the gear you intend to keep for PvP. Potential is lost on transfer. If you die before fulfilling your role, consider defensive pieces first; if survival is stable and pressure is the problem, consider offensive pieces.
Checked 5 October 2026 against Global client references; costs and outcomes have not been independently tested in game. Sources: Stone and acquisition · Upgrade cost example · Potential and transfer reference.
Your job in a party
Make an enemy fight where your team wants it. A pull on an isolated caster or a stun on an attacker can protect more health than additional personal damage. Enmity generation against monsters is not a reason to choose a PvP skill.
Solo and large fights
Solo: win through repeatable control openings and recovery, not an uninterrupted charge sequence. Large fights: pull only when allies can follow; an area pull without support may simply bring more damage onto you.
Against ranged damage and support
Keep one approach after the enemy moves away. Against a healer, coordinate interruption with allied damage. Against immunity, hold the next control and use the time for positioning or recovery.
Stigma swaps
Replace Grapple with Nezekan’s Shield when party protection is the priority. Executing Blade is a damage alternative for controlled targets. Comrade in Arms needs a coordinated partner and awareness that PvP damage sharing differs from PvE.
Gear and growth priorities
Build HP, PvP tolerance and Status Effect Resist before optional burst. Accuracy and Impact-type Chance help your initiation connect; Block supports recovery where applicable. Seek useful total-level milestones on Poach, Shield Smite, Warding Strike and Judgment.
Avoid these mistakes
Do not pull a target out of an ally’s setup, charge into a group with no follow-up, or overlap every defensive cooldown before the enemy commits.
Daevanion, Arcana & preparation
Use bonus skill levels to reach a specific option or slot milestone on the skills you actually use. Total 16 opens all five options but still permits two selections; the third slot opens at total 20. Compare the full Daevanion path cost before buying a node. Use Arcana lines that support your role and current equipment rather than assuming a universal best set.
Keep a separate PvP preset. Check your mode’s gear rules and available recovery consumables before joining; do not assume a PvE-only bonus applies to players. Practice your control break and defensive skills on separate, reachable keys.
Sources & PvP recommendation scope
Updated 2026-10-05. Global Specialty reference + Korean base skill catalog · editorial PvP plan. The loadout, upgrade order and matchup advice are editorial starting recommendations, not measured arena rankings or a claim that every allocation fits a new character’s points. Base effects retain the published Korean guide’s names; Global translations and balance can differ. Check your current in-game tooltip.
- Published Korean class skill reference ↗ — Korean skill identities and base effects; existing reviewed catalog, not a new in-game test.
- Global Mastery client reference ↗ — Global 1.0.21.0 option text. Recommendations are our editorial choices.
- PvP comparison and regional context ↗ — Read 4 October 2026. Community comparison; numerical PvP results and current rankings are not independently tested.