How to Get the Magic Archer Vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers players a wide array of vocations, each providing a unique playstyle and combat experience. Among the most intriguing and versatile is the Magic Archer. This advanced vocation blends ranged physical attacks with potent magical abilities, allowing for devastating damage and strategic support. Obtaining the Magic Archer vocation requires dedication and exploration. This guide will walk you through the detailed steps needed to unlock the Magic Archer in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Understanding Vocations in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Before diving into the specifics of unlocking the Magic Archer, it’s essential to understand how vocations work in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Vocations are essentially classes that determine your character’s abilities, skills, and equipment proficiencies. You start with basic vocations and can unlock more advanced ones as you progress through the game. Vocations can be changed at Vocation Guilds located in major cities.
Basic Vocations:
* **Fighter:** A melee-focused vocation specializing in sword and shield combat.
* **Archer:** A ranged vocation using bows and arrows for precise attacks.
* **Mage:** A magic-based vocation wielding staves to cast offensive and supportive spells.
* **Thief:** A nimble vocation utilizing daggers and swift movements for close-quarters combat and subterfuge.
Advanced Vocations:
These vocations build upon the basics, combining elements from multiple basic vocations to create more specialized and powerful playstyles. Examples include the Warrior, Sorcerer, Mystic Spearhand, and the focus of this guide, the Magic Archer.
Prerequisites for Unlocking the Magic Archer
Unlike some other vocations, unlocking the Magic Archer doesn’t strictly require mastering specific basic vocations. However, having some experience with the Archer vocation is highly recommended as it provides familiarity with ranged combat mechanics, aiming, and stamina management, skills that are essential for effective Magic Archer gameplay. Consider leveling up your Archer vocation to at least rank 4 to unlock some useful skills that can be carried over.
In addition to having some experience as an archer, you will need to progress through the main story to a specific point. The Magic Archer vocation is tied to a particular questline in the volcanic region of Agamen Volcanic Island, meaning you won’t be able to unlock it until you reach this area. This occurs fairly late in the game.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Magic Archer Vocation
Follow these steps to unlock the Magic Archer vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2:
1. Progress Through the Main Story:
The first and most crucial step is to advance through the main story until you reach the volcanic island of Agamen Volcanic Island. This area is located to the south of the map, and you will eventually be led there as part of the main questline. Continue doing main story quests until you are given the quest called “Put a Spring in Thy Step”.
2. Complete “Put a Spring in Thy Step”:
During the “Put a Spring in Thy Step” quest, you will be tasked with helping a woman named Cliodhna locate items for her research. This quest is vital because it serves as an introduction to the Volcanic Island Camp and its inhabitants.
* Talk to Cliodhna near the entrance to the Volcanic Island Camp.
* She will request assistance in finding certain items related to the hot springs in the area.
* Follow the quest markers and collect the necessary items. This typically involves gathering plants or defeating specific monsters within the volcanic region.
* Return to Cliodhna with the items, and she will reward you for your efforts.
3. Begin the “The Scent of Dreams” Quest:
After completing “Put a Spring in Thy Step”, speak to Cliodhna again. She will then offer you a new quest called “The Scent of Dreams”. This quest is essential for unlocking the Magic Archer vocation.
* Cliodhna will ask you to investigate a mysterious scent coming from a specific location on the island.
* The quest marker will lead you to a secluded hot spring.
4. Investigate the Secluded Hot Spring:
Follow the quest marker to the designated hot spring. Upon arriving, you’ll find that it’s not as tranquil as it seems.
* A group of monsters will ambush you at the hot spring. These enemies can vary, but they are usually creatures that are adapted to the volcanic environment, such as goblins or harpies.
* Defeat all the monsters to secure the area.
5. Interact with the Hot Spring:
Once the monsters are defeated, approach the hot spring and interact with it. Your character will notice something peculiar about the water.
* Examine the hot spring closely. You’ll discover that the water has an unusual fragrance and texture.
* This interaction will trigger a cutscene where Cliodhna arrives.
6. Complete “The Scent of Dreams”:
After the cutscene, Cliodhna will provide additional information about the hot spring and its properties. She’ll task you with finding a specific ingredient to further her research. This usually involves traveling to a different part of the island.
* Follow the quest marker to the location where the ingredient is found.
* Gather the ingredient, which may involve defeating more monsters or solving a simple puzzle.
* Return to Cliodhna with the ingredient.
* She will reward you with the **Hunter’s Secret**, an item that unlocks the Magic Archer vocation.
7. Unlock the Magic Archer Vocation at a Vocation Guild:
With the Hunter’s Secret in your possession, travel to the nearest Vocation Guild. These guilds are typically located in major cities such as Vernworth or Bakbattahl.
* Speak to the Vocation Guild master.
* Select the option to change your vocation.
* The Magic Archer vocation will now be available for you to choose.
* Equip the necessary gear (bows, daggers) and start experimenting with the Magic Archer’s unique abilities.
Magic Archer Skills and Abilities
The Magic Archer is a potent vocation that combines ranged physical attacks with powerful magical abilities. Here’s a look at some of the key skills and abilities that define the Magic Archer playstyle:
* **Magic Volleys:** Fires arrows imbued with magical energy, dealing both physical and elemental damage.
* **Ricochet Hunter:** Fires an arrow that bounces between enemies, hitting multiple targets in quick succession. This is excellent for crowd control.
* **Trance Arrow:** Sacrifices some health to fire a powerful arrow that deals massive damage. This is a high-risk, high-reward ability.
* **Seeker Mine:** Plants a magical mine that explodes when an enemy approaches, dealing significant damage.
* **Hailstorm Volley:** Fires a barrage of arrows into the air, which rain down on enemies over a wide area. This is useful for targeting multiple enemies or hitting enemies behind cover.
Core Skills and Playstyle:
* **Mobility:** The Magic Archer is a mobile class. Use dodge rolls and quick movements to stay out of harm’s way while maintaining a good firing position.
* **Stamina Management:** Managing your stamina is crucial, as firing arrows and using magical abilities consume stamina. Keep an eye on your stamina bar and use stamina recovery items when needed.
* **Elemental Exploitation:** Exploit enemy weaknesses by using arrows imbued with the appropriate elemental damage (fire, ice, lightning). Experiment with different arrow types to find the most effective combinations.
* **Strategic Positioning:** Position yourself strategically on the battlefield to maximize your effectiveness. Use high ground to gain a better vantage point, or stay behind cover to avoid enemy attacks.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Magic Archer
Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the Magic Archer vocation:
* **Experiment with Different Arrow Types:** Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a variety of arrow types, each with its own unique properties. Experiment with different arrow types to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and the enemies you’re facing. Some arrows may inflict status effects, while others may deal increased damage to specific types of enemies.
* **Upgrade Your Equipment:** Regularly upgrade your bow and daggers to increase your damage output. Visit blacksmiths in major cities to upgrade your equipment.
* **Utilize Pawns Effectively:** Recruit pawns with complementary skills to enhance your combat capabilities. For example, a pawn with healing abilities can keep you alive during tough battles, while a pawn with melee skills can draw enemy aggro and allow you to focus on ranged attacks.
* **Master the Art of Aiming:** Aiming is crucial for landing accurate shots and maximizing your damage output. Practice aiming at different ranges and learn to compensate for arrow drop and wind resistance.
* **Learn Enemy Weaknesses:** Each enemy in Dragon’s Dogma 2 has its own unique weaknesses. Learn the weaknesses of different enemies and exploit them by using arrows imbued with the appropriate elemental damage.
* **Utilize the Environment:** Take advantage of the environment to gain an edge in combat. Use obstacles as cover, or position yourself on high ground to gain a better vantage point.
* **Combine Magic and Physical Attacks:** The Magic Archer excels at combining magic and physical attacks. Use magical abilities to debuff enemies or create opportunities for physical attacks. For example, you can use a fire arrow to ignite an oil slick, or use an ice arrow to freeze an enemy in place.
* **Don’t Neglect Your Daggers:** While the Magic Archer is primarily a ranged vocation, your daggers can be useful in close-quarters combat. Learn to use your daggers effectively to defend yourself against enemies that get too close.
* **Use Augments from Other Vocations:** Augments are passive abilities that can be equipped to enhance your character’s stats and skills. Experiment with augments from other vocations to find the ones that best complement your Magic Archer playstyle. For example, augments that increase your stamina recovery or your elemental damage can be particularly useful.
Equipment Recommendations for the Magic Archer
Choosing the right equipment is essential for maximizing the Magic Archer’s effectiveness. Here are some equipment recommendations:
* **Bows:** Look for bows that offer a balance of damage, range, and accuracy. Some bows may also have unique properties, such as increased elemental damage or a chance to inflict status effects.
* **Daggers:** Choose daggers that offer good damage and speed. Daggers with elemental damage or status effects can also be useful.
* **Armor:** Prioritize armor that offers good protection against physical and magical attacks. Armor that increases your stamina recovery or your elemental resistance can also be beneficial.
* **Rings and Accessories:** Equip rings and accessories that enhance your stats and skills. Rings that increase your damage output, your stamina recovery, or your elemental resistance can be particularly useful.
Conclusion
The Magic Archer is a rewarding and versatile vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Unlocking it requires dedication and exploration, but the effort is well worth it. By following this guide, you can unlock the Magic Archer vocation and master its unique abilities, becoming a formidable force on the battlefield. Experiment with different skills, equipment, and strategies to find the playstyle that best suits you, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true Magic Archer master.