30 replies to this topic

[MattNo5ss]

The Hybrid Zon

This Zon is great at PvM and okay at PvP by using both Bow and Javelin Skills. In PvM Guided Arrow and/or Charged Strike takes care of Bosses/Super Uniques; Strafe/Multiple Shot and Lightning Fury pretty much take care of crowds. In PvP she uses Guided Arrow against casters and other long range attackers, and when melee fighters get close she switches to Javelin and Shield for block and DR and uses Charged Strike or she can just run to make distance between herself and the enemy and shoot Guided Arrows. She is also great at MF runs such as The Pit and Chaos Sanctuary. The best part about this Zon, in my opinion, is that she never needs any Attack Rating whether it be PvM or PvP. Enjoy.


Skills

Must haves:

20 Guided Arrow - Must have skill for any Bowazon. Use for Bosses and/or PvP.
1-20 Strafe/Multiple Shot - Physical-based crowd control. For PvP I recommend putting some into both.
20 Charged Strike - Great, high damage skill for bosses and PvP.
20 Ligtning Fury - Must have skill for any Javazon. Use for crowd control.
1 Pierce - Must have for PvM. When combined with Razortail 90%+ Pierce is possible.

Leftover Points:

Synergy of Lightning Fury/Charged Strike - More Lightning Fury/Charged Strike damage of course. Helps in PvP against melees when you use Charged Strike.
Freezing Arrow - Good for PvM, freezing and a third damage type. Use cold damage charms to increase the freeze length (If you want a great PvM character max this instead of Strafe/Multishot).
Dodge/Avoid/Evade - Great for avoiding damage, BUT you cannot attack while dodging. If you're in a "dodge lock" you will need to put some distance between you and the enemy before attacking. These are great for PvP though.
Valkyrie - Good and/or Bad. Good = Great Tank. Bad = "Dodge" Skills as prerequisits. If you want this skill make it will get to at least lv 17 after +skills, so she'll get her best equip.
Cold Arrow - Damage synergy to Freezing Arrow (Add to this only if you maxed Freezing Arrow).

Stats

Strength - Enough for equipment.
Dexterity - Enough for equipment (for PvP you may want to get Max Block).
Vitality - Rest.
Energy - None.


Equipment

Weapon #1

"Faith" Grand Matron or Matriarchal Bow - Best Bow Available.
"Harmony" Bow - Great, easy-to-make runeword for people with a low budget.

Weapon #2

Titan's Revenge - Best Javelins IMO.
Any Javelins - Good javelins are hard to come by, so just use what you can find. The damage will be mainly lightning, so look for +Skills, Increased Stack Size, and Mana Leech instead of damage.

Stashed Weapon

"Call to Arms" Crystal Sword/Double Axe - Use before you duel since you want all the life you can get.

Shield w/ Javelins

"Spirit" Monarch - PvM: +Skills is the best way to boost the damage of Jav Skills; Also use with "Call to Arms" to boost Battle Orders.
Stormshield - PvP: Good Blocking, Decent Resists, and 35% DR.

Helm

Kira's Guardian - Huge Resists and Cannot be Frozen.
45ias Helm - This helm or "Treachery" Armor is needed if you want to reach the maximum IAS BP with "Faith".
"Delerium" Helm - Great for crowd control if you don't need resists.
Vampire Gaze - Perfect for Zons. Dual leech, DR, and cold damage.

Armor

"Fortitude" Dusk Shroud - 300% Damage, Life, and Resists.
"Treachery" - Great Armor Here, 5% Fade, 25% Venom, 45% IAS, and 20% FHR; needed if you want max IAS BP with "Faith" and dont use 45% IAS Helm.
"Peace" - +2 Zon Skills, +2 Critical Strike, and 2% cast Lv 15 Valk (Low %, but but once you get her she'll be tough at lv 15).
"Duress" - 40% FHR, Resists, and 10-20 ED.
"Smoke" - 50 Resist all, not bad for Nef+Lum.

Gloves

Crafted "Hit Power" Gloves - Easy-to-make, Knockback and can possibly have +2 Skills (Passive/Javelin are best) and/or 20% IAS.
Cleglaw's Gloves - Knockback and Slows Target; Next best thing to godly crafted gloves.

Boots

Sandstorm Trek - 20% FHR, Str, and Vit.
Aldur's Boots - 40% FRW, Life, and Fire Resist.

Belts

Razortail - PvM. 33% Pierce and +15 Dex
Nosferatu's Coil - PvP. 10% IAS, Good to reach break point.
Verdungo's Hearty Cord - PvP. 10 FHR, 40 Vit, and 15% DR.

Amulets

Cat's Eye - PvM/PvP: 20% IAS, 30% FRW, and +25 Dex. Great for all Zons.
Mara's Kaleidoscope - PvP: Use if Resists are needed.
Crescent Moon - PvM: Great ammy with dual-leech, helps keep mana full while using Javelin Skills.
Angelic - Use for AR when dueling, and Guided isn't working for you.

Rings

Magic/Rare Rings - Look for Life/Mana Leech, Resists, and Str.
Ravenfrost - Use this if you will not be using Kira's Guardian for the "cannot be frozen" mod.
Angelic - Use for AR when dueling, and Guided isn't working for you.

Charms

Annihilus - Obvious reasons; Skills, stats, and resists.
Hellfire Torch - Obvious reasons; Skills, stats, and resists.
Resists SCs - Good for both PvM and PvP.
Javelin Skill GCs - Good for both PvM and PvP.
Max Damage SCs - Used mainly for PvP.
FRW SCs - Used mainly for PvP.
Poison Damage SCs - Used mainly for PvP (If you use a lot of these don't add to Critical Strike b/c poison damage cancels that skill).


Mercenary

Act 2 Holy Freeze or Might

Weapons

Eth Upped Hone Sundan - Good damage, 40% CB, and 3 open sockets. Socket with Amn or Ber Runes.
"Pride" Polearm - Use on Holy Freeze Merc: Concentration Aura.
"Doom" Polearm - Use on Might Merc: Holy Freeze Aura.
"Insight" Polearm - Great for "Infinite" mana from the Meditation Aura.

Armor

"Fortitude" Armor - Same reasons you use it.
See Armor Choices Earlier In Guide

Helm

"Delerium" Helm - Great crowd control.
Guillaume's Face - 35% CB.
Life Leech Helm - Crown of Thieves or Vampire Gaze.

PvP Strategies

Note: I'm not really a PvP person, so any suggestions on better PvP strategies would be greatly appreciated.

Most Casters (Sorcs, Druids, and Necros) - I suggest try Guided Arrow a few times and if that doesn't seem to work, then start spamming Multishot since it covers more area (You'll prolly need Angelic Rings/Ammy if you're gonna use Multishot).

High Block Casters (Hammerdins and some Druids) - Casters with high block and are hard to hit with Guided Arrow, so try Strafe since it fire many arrows rapidly, this can get them in a Block/Hit Recovery Lock so just keep firing away. You can also try to Farcast Charged Strike on the Hammerdins (Druids have Cyclone Armor), but that can be difficult sometimes.

High Block/DR Melees (Most Melees) - Try Strafe to start with for the firing speed, and if you don't seem to be doing much damage, then switch to Javelins for the Block/DR and try to get them with Charged Strike.

Other Melees - All I can say is too spam Guided Arrows until they get close, then switch to Javelins and try to get some Charged Strikes to hit.
_____________________________________________________________________

Edited by mattno5ss, 25 March 2006 - 12:57 PM.

[MattNo5ss]

*Cosmetic Update*

Any comments/suggestions out there?

[koolkat5]

Im working it, and it seems to be doing fine. Ill post an update on me progress for better feedback.

[Bonehead]

Now when it comes to the leftover points, do we put whatever our heart desires into those, or are there a recommended amount for each?

[MattNo5ss]

The leftover points "section" just explains some options. Just put pts into whatever you think that you will need and want. Me personally, i add to a Lit Fury/Charged Strike synergy, because i dont need Valkyrie and i cant stand that "dodge lock." Also, I usually put 1 pt into Freezing Arrow just for the freeze effect.

[ducko]

O_o

With Faith now, Zons are once again powerful. I have met several powerful Zons that are "Hybrid". I believe its similar to yours, just that they have 1 Point in CS only. Also, you have not stated your Charms. Fine SCs of Inertia Similar are best for Zons or if you are ZvZ, use Flaming SCs of Inertia.

For PvP, GMB only. Mat does too little Damage. If I'm not wrong, 92IAS is required for Faith GMB if Aura is 15. Using those 20Ias Stat CB Gloves, you would require 72 IAS more. It can be hit using Cat Eye and 120-45/30FRW Helm. If you are in NL, I would suggest getting those GG Rare Duped Boots (FRW, Dual Stat, Resist). Raven Frost and Dual Stat/Resist/Life Rings are great for Zons too.

*Can only spawn 3FRW now.

[MattNo5ss]

Remember this isnt just a PvP char, it's supposed to be good at both PvM and PvP. Also remeber that this Zon will use Faith against casters and ranged attackers, and switches to jav/shield and CS for melee if needed. She isnt focused on Bow only.

Ill add a charm section:

Anni
Torch
Max Damage SCs
FRW SCs
Poison Damage SCs
Resist SCs
Javelin Skill GCs

Ok about GM or Mat for PvP hmm....

RESISTS
----------
Resists with GM: Faith-15, Fort-30, Ring-15, Anni-20, Torch-20, Quests-30. Only 30 Resists in Hell, but last IAS BP.
(Only 15 from rings b/c ull need raven frost for cannot be frozen mod since we will wear 120/45 Helm)

Resists with Mat: Faith-15, Fort-30, Kira's-70, Ring-30, Anni-20, Torch-20, Quests-30.
Max Resists with 40 stacked in Hell, but dont achieve last IAS BP.

IAS
----
NOTE: 120/45 Helm is needed for last BP.

Needed IAS with GM: 92 (Based on Ducko). Need 120/45 Helm, Cat's Eye-20, Nos Belt-10, and 20 IAS Gloves.

Needed IAS with Mat: 20 less than GM, so 72 (Based on Ducko). Cat's Eye-20, Gloves-20, 120/45 Helm.


GENERAL
------------
If you want highest IAS BP, use 120/45 Helm and Charms to boost resists.

If you use Faith Mat Bow you will be able to use Verdungo's Coil instead of Nosferatu's Coil for PvP which will allow you to get 50% DR and more life.

MY OPINION
----------------
I would much rather have max+ resists and less damage than 15 resists and higher damage. I think it is easier to make up damage b/c there are many different types of damage charms to choose from (max damage, poison, elemental). Also i bieleve that speed is what wins duels, so if two ppl have last IAS BP and one uses Faith GM and one uses Faith Mat, then the person with GM should win. On the other hand, if the person with GM doesnt attack as fast as the guy with Mat, then the guy with Mat should win.

Ill prolly add some of this post to the guide.
Any more input would be great.

[koolkat5]

koolkat5 said:

Im working it, and it seems to be doing fine.  Ill post an update on me progress for better feedback.

And so I said this, and that time has come. 8)

So far this build has has done nothing but make me think: Why didnt I make a javazon?

My current arsenal on me zon with this build is:
167 ed Titans w/ Lidless as shield
Zephyr Edge bow (Still working on that Harmony)
Skin of the Flayed One (Lost me Spirit Shroud)
Peasent Crown (ULTIMATE PWNAGE!! 8))
14 dr String of Ears
Mahim-Oak Curio (Haven't got better)
197 ed Lava Gout, very nice
Sh*tty rare bots, looking for better, trying to get gores
197/19 Raven Frost
Rare life steal/strength/mana ring

In Inventory:
2/37/7 frw gc
random assortment of str/dex scs, lcs and gcs, some with dmg mods

I am currently dealing 1-857 CS and 1-811 Fury.

My stats (Base/Now):
Str: approx 70/110, dont know exact
Dex: 100/147
Vita: 100/165
Energy: Base/65

Skills:
Javelin/Spear:
Jab: 1
Power Strike: 1
Poison Javelin: 1
Lightning Bolt: 1
Charged Strike: 8
Plague Javelin: 1
Lightning Fury: 17

Bow/XBow:
Magic Arrow: 1
Cold Arrow: 1
Multi-Shot: 1
Guided Arrow: 6

Passive/Magic:
Critical Strike: 6
Dodge: 1
Penetrate: 1

As you can see, I've been working on Java skills the most. They're the most beneficial in the beginning. I've been doing just PvM, so I don't know the full extent of PvP.

I will post another update when I complete the build.

[MattNo5ss]

Thx for the input.

Ill build her using zonfire to see how good she could get with the best gear. ill post it in a little while.

[koolkat5]

You should also put in some budget alts. Like Harmony instead of Faith.

[ducko]

mattno5ss said:

Needed IAS with GM: 92 (Based on Ducko). Need 120/45 Helm, Cat's Eye-20, Nos Belt-10, and 20 IAS Gloves.

Needed IAS with Mat: 20 less than GM, so 72 (Based on Ducko). Cat's Eye-20, Gloves-20, 120/45 Helm.

I think you got me wrong. I mean't with your Gloves, you will need 72% IAS more to reach BP for GMB (92-20).

For Mat Bow, you need 44%IAS. Also, Zons are not tanks, so I seriously would not consider using CS when nearby. If you insist on CS, Farcast (no need the hack, there's a legit method) would be a much better option.

[thumper4570]

You stated "Energy ... None"

You have obviously never run any kind of BowaZon. It takes a ton of Mana to constantly fire Strafe/Multi-shot. The only way to counter this is a combination of pts. to Mana & leach.

This looks like a theoretical build that will come up short in the long run.

Edit: After a re-read of your Stats/Skills ... only 6 to Critcal Strike?

The only way this build has a chance is if you're already ultra-rich & can equip with the absolute best gear.

In any other circumstance ... it's a waste of time.

[ducko]

thumper4570 said:

You stated "Energy ... None"

You have obviously never run any kind of BowaZon. It takes a ton of Mana to constantly fire Strafe/Multi-shot. The only way to counter this is a combination of pts. to Mana & leach.

This looks like a theoretical build that will come up short in the long run.

Edit: After a re-read of your Stats/Skills ... only 6 to Critcal Strike?

The only way this build has a chance is if you're already ultra-rich & can equip with the absolute best gear.

In any other circumstance ... it's a waste of time.

You obviously do not have a GG Zon. Mana ain't really a problem. In PvM, just get Leech. In PvP, Mana Pots. Simple...

And yeah, this Zon I believe, works only for the Rich..

[thumper4570]

ducko said:

You obviously do not have a GG Zon. Mana ain't really a problem. In PvM, just get Leech. In PvP, Mana Pots. Simple...

I really hate that "GG" garbage.

There are some monsters you can't steal Mana from ... or very little. Skeletons are a good example.

My zon is a lvl 90 Strafe with weak weaponry, yet still going. I know how important pts. to Mana & Mana steal are.

[ducko]

thumper4570 said:

ducko said:

You obviously do not have a GG Zon. Mana ain't really a problem. In PvM, just get Leech. In PvP, Mana Pots. Simple...

Fine, perhaps you have more "experience" in PvM with your Zon whereas I'm a PvP only person and when it comes to PvM, I just use my HDin...
I really hate that "GG" garbage.

There are some monsters you can't steal Mana from ... or very little. Skeletons are a good example.

My zon is a lvl 90 Strafe with weak weaponry, yet still going. I know how important pts. to Mana & Mana steal are.

[MattNo5ss]

This is a build for the rich....LOL, if you want to own at PvP you will need to be rich but this is a great build for ppl with no hi runes or "elite" runewords whatsoever. Harmony is a great low budget alternate, and fortitude isnt "required" either. As i said before, if you want to own at PvP you will need to be rich. Remeber, this isnt a strictly PvP build (maybe it's just me but, it seems a lot of ppl base a build's quality on its PvP skills).

I have had plenty of bowazons and i always put none in energy and use a ring with about 7% mana leech, and im fine. Also, on the enemies u cant leech from and dont kill easily just use pots.

Critical strike will be lv 1+8(+Skills)=9 (54%)
(Faith/Titan's-2, Gloves-2, Torch-3, Anni-1)

Harmony is a good suggestion for a low budget bow ill add it, and ill try to find some budget armor to add too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zonfire tested builds at lvl 99 (110 Skill Pts).

NOTE: Any suggestions would be great.

Skills

PvM Hybrid
Great at PvM b/c of her 3 damage types.

Bow

1 Magic Arrow
1 Multiple Shot (Lv 10 after +Skills)
19 Cold Arrow
20 Guided Arrow (800-3.8k damage)
20 Freezing Arrow (1.6k cold damage added)

Javelin

1 Jab
1 Power Strike
1 Poison Javelin
1 Lightning Bolt
1 Plague Javelin
20 Charged Strike (1-1700 dmg per bolt with 8 bolts)
20 Lightning Fury (1-1200 lightning damage)

Passive

1 Critical Strike
1 Penetrate
1 Pierce (Lv 9 after +Skills, 69%)

PvP Hybrid?
I consider this the PvP version b/c of the increased Charged Strike damage, if you happen to use it.

Bow

1 Magic Arrow
1 Multiple Shot (Lv 10 after +Skills)
1 Cold Arrow
20 Guided Arrow (800-3.8k damage)

Javelin

1 Jab
1 Poison Javelin
1 Plague Javelin
1 Lightning Strike
20 Lightning Bolt
20 Power Strike
20 Charged Strike (1-3700 dmg per bolt with 8 bolts)
20 Lightning Fury (1-1600 lightning damage)

Passive

1 Critical Strike
1 Penetrate
1 Pierce (Lv 9 after +Skills, 69%)

Equipment

"Faith" Grand Matron Bow

Titan's Revenge

"Spirit" Monarch (PvM)/Stormshield (PvP)

"Fortitude" Dusk Shroud

120ED/45IAS Tiara

Nosferatu's Coil

Hit Power Crafted Gloves

Sandstorm Trek

Cat's Eye

Ravenfrost

Raven Spiral

[ducko]

Farcast them and they go WTF OMG NOOB AAer!! Lol. Alot of people don't know how to Legit Farcast. Its difficult to do it, but its GG...

[MattNo5ss]

UPDATE
----------
-Added the following budget equipment:
"Harmony" Bow - Great, easy-to-make runeword for ppl with a low budget.
Vampire Gaze - Perfect for Zons. Dual leech, DR, and cold damage.
"Treachery" - Great Armor Here; 5% Fade - Resists, 25% Venom - Damage, 45% IAS, and 20% FHR.
"Peace" - +2 Zon Skills, +2 Critical Strike, and 2% cast Lv 15 Valk (Low %, but but once you get her she'll be tough at lv 15).
"Duress" - 40% FHR, Resists, and 10-20 ED.
"Smoke" - 50 Resist all, not bad for Nef+Lum.

[MattNo5ss]

I found this earlier and I noticed that I haven't updated this guide in a while so I skimmed over it for possible changes/updates. Peace.

Added a few more equip suggestions.
Added more strategies into the skills/equip recommendations.

[Tbs191919]

Possibly add a more in-depth pvp section as I'm pretty sure that spamming guideds will work for every caster or that quickly switching to CS will work with every melee.