Luck

Luck, usually abbreviated as LCK, is a recurring statistic featured in the Castlevania series. The higher the Luck, the more likely it is that an enemy will drop certain items. It also may affect the frequency of critical hits, which deal much higher damage to an enemy than normal. There also may be some items that activate more frequently depending on Luck.
==Game specific information==
===Castlevania: Symphony of the Night===
*In this game, the player can deal Critical Hits, which have their frequency and damage affected by the LCK stat. The damage seems to vary as follows:
**If the total ATT is equal to or greater than the total LCK, a critical hit will do a random amount of damage between 1× to 2×ATT.
**If the total ATT is less than the total LCK, a critical hit will do a random amount of damage between the normal ATT value and ATT + LCK.
*The Talisman accessory will shield Alucard from damage more often the higher the LCK stat is.
*The drop rate of items will increase as the LCK stat increases (see "SOTN Drop Calculator" on External links).
===Castlevania: Circle of the Moon===
Each enemy may have two item drops: A common drop and a rare drop. Basic item drop rates on different enemies may vary.
The actual item drop rate is determined by the LCK stat. The formula is:
:Actual drop rate = Basic drop rate * LCK / 100
However, actual drop rate is capped at 50% for normal drop, and 25% for rare drop.
===Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance===
In this game, the LCK stat has no effect on enemies' item drops nor on Critical Hits (which deal double damage). It only affects one thing in the whole game, the chance of the Rare Ghost enemy spawning.
===Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow===
In this game, the LCK stat barely has an effect on item and Soul drop chances. It would take thousands of LCK points to significantly increase the item and soul drop chances.
Even if the stat does not work as expected, items like the Rare Ring and Soul Eater Ring still work as they should.
===Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow===
As with the previous game, the LCK stat barely has an effect on item and Tactical Soul drop chances.
*Soma Cruz's starting LCK is always 3, while the maximum possible LCK is 102. This requires the player to be at Level 99, have the Joyeuse, Death's Robe and either the Rare Ring or Soul Eater Ring equipped, LCK Boost active at the maximum level, and Blessed Wings active at its maximum charge level.
*The drop rate formulas are reciprocal functions. The effects of LCK scale with enemy drop rates, and each individual point of LCK provides a slightly higher increase than the last. However, the latter does not have a tangible impact on drop rates until LCK has reached values that are far beyond what is possible during normal gameplay.
*For soul drops, the maximum possible increase in drop rates that LCK grants (at 102) is only ~2.55% of the base drop rate on Normal Mode, and ~11.06% on Hard Mode. For example, the soul drop rate for the Peeping Eye is increased by less than 0.0097% on Normal difficulty, and ~0.042% on Hard Mode, while the drop rate for the Black Panther soul is increased by ~0.31% on Normal Mode and ~1.35% on Hard Mode.
**On Normal Mode, each point of LCK provides average increases of ~0.000098%-0.003131%, depending on the soul's base drop rate. On Hard Mode, this range is ~0.00043-~0.013646%.
As with Aria of Sorrow, items like the Rare Ring and Soul Eater Ring work as they should.
==Luck related items==
The following is a list of items and powers that affect luck in different Castlevania games. Please note that for the purpose of this list, an "armor" is considered any equipment that is not a weapon that you can only equip one of at a time. An "accessory" is considered any equipment that is not a weapon which you can equip two of at the same time if you had two of it.
===Increase only Luck===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Pendant (AoS, DoS) - A plain pendant. LCK +1.
*Lucky Charm (HoD, AoS, DoS) - A good luck charm for prosperity. LCK +10(HoD)/+3(AoS)/+1(DoS).
*Lucky Clover (OoE) - Earrings shaped like four-leaf clovers. Luck up by 3.
*Coin of Happiness (LoI) - A coin rumored to bring happiness. LCK +5.
*Raccoon Charm (LoI) - A charm that brings great fortune. Sometimes available by mail order. LCK +10.
*Lucky Ring (HoD) - LCK +20.
*Lapis Lazuli (SotN) - Jewel which brings luck. LCK +20.
*Miracle Armband (CotM) - Luck increases while equipped. LCK +10.
====When equipped (armor)====
*Ribbon (OoE) - An adorable ribbon. LCK +10.
====When equipped (power)====
*Ghost Dancer Soul (AoS, DoS) - LCK +4(AoS)/+2 x [#Ghost Dancer Souls, up to 9] (DoS).
*Gremlin Soul (AoS) - LCK +8.
====While activated (consumes resources)====
*Venus + Mandragora (CotM) - Increases luck by 25%, consumes 4 MP/sec.
====When charged (consumes resources, temporary)====
*LUCK Boost (PoR) - Boost LUCK temporarily - LCK +30 (half charged) or +60 (fully charged), consumes 10 MP.
====When used (consumes resources, temporary)====
*Felicem Fio (OoE) - Increases LUCK .uses 80 MP, LCK + #of hours of gameplay. lasts for a while.
====When used (one time only)====
*Luck Potion (SotN) - Temporarily raises LCK [use]. LCK +20.
====When multiple items are equipped====
*Alucart status (SotN) - Equip Alucart Sword, Alucart Mail, and Alucart Shield for LCK +30 bonus.
====When turned on====
*Eye of Vlad (SotN) - LCK +10.
*Vlad's Ring (HoD) - One of Dracula's worldly possessions. LCK +10.
====When possess====
*Vic Viper (PoR) - LCK +50 (to obtain, beat hard mode level 50 cap or lower).
===Increase Luck and chances something will happen===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Heart Pendant (AoS, DoS) - A heart shaped pendant. Increases chances and size of randomly dropped hearts. LCK +1.
*Rare Ring (AoS, DoS) - A ring that raises the appearance of rare items. LCK +5.
*Rare Ring (CoD) - Wearing this, enemies become more likely to drop items. LCK +15.
*Thief Ring (OoE) - Increases the drop rate of rare items. LCK +7.
*Soul Eater Ring (AoS, DoS) - A ring that increases the appearance of souls. LCK +5.
===Increase Luck at expense of other statistics===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Luck Ring (CotM) - Luck increases while equipped. DEF -10, INT -10, LCK +50.
*Gambler Armband (CotM) - Luck increases greatly while equipped. STR -25, DEF -25, INT -25, LCK +100.
*Fool Ring (OoE)- Ring of "The Fool". LCK +7, STR -3, CON -3, INT -3, MND -3.
===Increase Luck with other stats roughly evenly===
====When equipped (armor)====
*Three 7s (DoS) - Clothes that summon luck. CON +7, INT +7, LCK +7.
*Royal Crown (PoR) - A crown encrusted with precious jewels from all over the world. DEF +2, INT +2, MND +2, LCK +2.
*Royal Crown (OoE) - A jewel-encrusted tiara. DEF +5, STR +5, CON +5, INT +5, MND +5, LCK +5.
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Heart Pendant (AoS) - DEF +1, LCK +1.
*Ring of Pales (SotN) - ATK +1, STR +1, DEF +1, CON +1, LCK +1.
*Temperance Ring (OoE) - STR +1, DEF +1, CON +1, INT +1, MND +1, LCK +1.
*Venus Brooch (PoR) - DEF +3, INT +3, MND +3, LCK +3.
====When equipped and conditions met====
*Moonstone (SotN) - Improves status after sunset - ATK +5, STR +5, DEF +2, CON +5, INT +5, LCK +5.
*Sunstone (SotN) - Improves status after sunrise - ATK +5, STR +5, DEF +2, CON +5, INT +5, LCK +5.
*Star Bracelet (CotM) - Its dark power depends on which arm it is on. STR +25 (left), DEF +25 (right), INT +25 (left), LCK +25 (right).
*Double Grips (CotM) - Their power is released when both are equipped. STR +75, DEF +75, INT +75, LCK +75.
====When activated (consumes resources)====
*Blessed Wings (Flying Humanoid Soul) (DoS) - Increases luck and intelligence greatly, but consumes MP very quickly (15 MP/Sec) and cannot be deactivated without switching soul set.
====When charged (consumes resources, temporary)====
*Sky Fish Soul (AoS) - While praying, both STR and LCK increase for a moment. (60 MP/Sec) The longer you pray (use MP), the higher your STR and LCK are afterward (up to 150 STR boost and 300 LCK boost).
*ALL Boost (PoR) - Boost all status attributes temporarily. STR/CON/INT/MND/LCK +7 (half charged) or +15 (fully charged), consumes 30 MP.
===Increase Luck with other stats unevenly===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Moon Brooch (PoR) - An elegant brooch that shines with the light of the moon. DEF +3, LCK +5.
===Defensive equipment with Luck boost===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Crimson Cloak (HoD) - DEF +12, LCK +3.
*Ninja Cloak (HoD) - DEF +15, LCK +5.
*Twilight Cloak (HoD) - DEF +18, LCK +8.
====When equipped (armor)====
*Clown Suit (CoD) - DEF +3, LCK +5.
*Clown Shirt (PoR) - DEF +12, LCK +3.
*Prince's Clothes (CoD) - DEF +3, LCK +10.
*Glass Shoes (PoR) - An impractically fragile pair of shoes. DEF +2, LCK +5.
*Princess Tiara (PoR) A tiara covered with brilliant gems. DEF +5, LCK +7.
*Uraeus (PoR) An Egyptian royal crown decorated with a golden cobra. DEF +3, LCK +5.
*Bathrobe (PoR) - A soft, luxurious terrycloth robe. DEF +6, LCK +5.
*Tuxedo Coat (PoR) - The finest in formal wear (in classic black, of course) - DEF +10, LCK +2.
*Dancer's Blouse (PoR) - A light blouse favored by dancers. DEF +10, LCK +1.
*Princess Coat (PoR) A coat with an ornate, feminine cut. DEF +25, LCK +10.
*Stone Mask (PoR) A creepy mask used in ancient rituals. DEF +3, LCK +1.
*Glamorous Pumps (PoR) Gorgeous high-heeled shoes worn by celebrities. DEF +3, LCK +3.
===Defensive equipment with even multiple stat boost===
====When equipped (armor)====
*Shining Armor (CotM) - STR +10, DEF +500, INT +10, LCK +10.
*Kaiser Mail (HoD) - DEF +75, STR +5, INT +5, LCK +5.
*Europa's Dress - A beautiful one-piece dress blessed by a goddess. STR +3, DEF +23, CON +3, INT +3, MND +3, LCK +3.
*Robe Decollete - An elegant dress for the most formal of events. DEF +30, INT +5, MND +5, LCK +5.
*Dracula's Tunic (AoS, DoS) - A tunic imbued with Dracula's powers. ATK +6 (AoS), DEF +41(AoS)/+44(DoS), STR +6, DEF +6, CON +6, INT +6, LCK +6.
*Arachne Hennin (PoR) - A beautiful hat created by Arachne the weaver. DEF +7, INT +3, MND +3, LCK +3.
*Artemis Shoes (PoR) - Shoes bless by a goddess. DEF +4, INT +2, MND +2, LCK +2.
===Defensive equipment with uneven multiple stat boost===
====When equipped (armor)====
*Soldier Fatigues (CotM) - STR +50, DEF +120, LCK +10.
*Rainbow Robe (CotM) - DEF +140, INT +250, LCK +15.
*Death's Robe (AoS) - Robe once worn by Death himself. ATK +3, DEF +44, STR +4, CON +4, INT +13, LCK +13.
*Garbo Hat (OoE) - An elegant hat, in a style actresses will wear one day. DEF +5, INT +2, MND +2, LCK +3.
*Sequined Dress (OoE) - A dress embroidered with dazzling sequins. DEF +12, INT +3, MND +7, LCK +2.
*Robe Decollete (OoE) - This luxurious formal dress will have everyone talking. DEF +32, INT +6, MND +30, LCK +5.
===Offensive equipment with small Luck boost===
====When equipped (weapon)====
*Joyeuse (DoS)- An extravagantly beautiful sword. ATK +43, LCK +5.
*Death's Sickle (AoS)- Soul-hunting scythe of Death. ATK +130, LCK +13.
===Multiple stat increases with small Luck boost===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Ancient Belt (AoS) - ATK +1, DEF +7, STR +1, CON +5, LCK +1.
*Ring of Feanor (SotN) - Increases overall strength. ATK +8, STR +7, DEF +3, CONT +7, LCK +2.
*Ring of Varda (SotN) - Golden ring to rule over all! ATK +40, STR +30, DEF +14, CON +10, LCK +5.
===Increase Luck a little but with another primary effect===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Night Goggles (HoD) - Used to see further in dark rooms. INT +2, LCK +1.
*Chaos Ring (AoS)- Contains the power of chaos. Infinite MP. ATK +1, DEF +2, STR +1, CON +1, INT +1, LCK +1.
*Gambler Glasses (PoR) - Enable the wearer to see enemy drop percentages. LCK +2.
*Queen of Hearts (OoE) - This unique helmet reduces heart consumption by half. ATK +10, DEF +12, STR +7, INT +7, LCK +7.
===Reduce Luck greatly but gain other stats evenly===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Cursed Ring (CotM) - Luck decreases greatly while equipped. STR +30, DEF +30, LCK -100.
*Skull Ring (PoR) - A ring that curses the wearer. STR +6, CON +6, INT +6, MND +6, LCK -13.
===Reduce Luck but gain other stats unevenly===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Skull Necklace (AoS, DoS) - A macabre necklace. DEF +3(AoS)/+5(DoS), INT +2(DoS), LCK -1.
====When equipped (armor)====
*Dracula's Clothes (CoD) - STR +10, DEF +30, CON +10, LCK -5.
*Stone Mask (CoD) - STR +5, DEF +2, CON +5, LCK -5.
===Gain high stat but reduce others evenly===
====When equipped (armor)====
*Dark Armor (CotM) - STR -10, DEF +550, INT -10, LCK -10.
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Strength Ring (CotM) - Strength increases while equipped. STR +50, DEF -10, LCK -10.
*Hard Ring (CotM) - Defense increases while equipped. STR -10, DEF +50, LCK -10.
*Intelligence Ring (CotM) - Intelligence increases while equipped. STR -10, INT +50, LCK -10.
*Strength Armband (CotM) - Strength increases greatly while equipped. STR +100, DEF -25, INT -25, LCK -25.
*Defense Armband (CotM) - Defense increases greatly while equipped. STR -25, DEF +100, INT -25, LCK -25.
*Sage Armband (CotM) - Intelligence increases greatly while equipped. STR -25, DEF -25, INT +100, LCK -25.
*Stone Mask (PoR) - DEF +13, INT -3, MND -3, LCK -3.
===Reduce Luck in exchange for another benefit===
====When equipped (accessory)====
*Blood Cloak (SotN) - Converts damage to hearts. DEF +1, CON +4, LCK -1.
*Duplicator (SotN) - Duplicates [use] items. CON -10, INT -10, LCK -10, DEF -28.
*Tower Ring (OoE) - Ring of "The Tower". Less likely to be blown away. STR -10, CON -10, INT -10, MND -10, LCK -10.
*Bear Ring (CotM) - Ring with the curse of the bear. STR -100, DEF -100, INT -100, LCK -100. Turn into a bear with the Pluto + Black Dog combo.
===Items that depend on Luck===
*Talisman (SotN) - May absorb damage taken (Talisman destroyed when it absorbs damage).
===Modes of play affecting Luck===
*Luck Mode (SotN) - Start new game with the name " X-X!V''Q ". Start with HP=25, MaxHearts=5, STR=1, CON=0, INT=0, LCK=99 and a Lapis Lazuli.
*Thief Mode (CotM) - Start a new game after beating Shooter Mode and enter the password "DAGGER". Luck is much higher, but everything else is lower.
==External links==
*SOTN Drop Calculator
Category:Statistics