Thief/Ranger Gear Guide

Category:Guides
==Purpose of this Guide==
This Guide will serve as a resource for those wishing to follow in the same path which I did, choosing to use the subjob Ranger for their Thief while leveling. It is this players opinion that the subjob of Ranger has more to offer in a party situation than the more popular choice of Ninja. I will use my experience to build a gear set for any level which makes the best use of both jobs' abilities.
==Gear Focus==
The focus of your gear while playing as a Thief/Ranger is to make the best combination possible to play off your two major roles:
*Spike Damage/Hate Control
*Damage (particularly ranged attack damage)
As such, it is best to be able to have 2 sets of gear to macro in for each situation. While I was leveling, This was my first job, so I could not easily afford to have to gear sets. As such, I used a hybrid method, which attempted to do well in both aspects.
==The Gear==
::Daggers don't truly become useful until you can either use Viper Bite (level 33), or until you get some with useful status enhancements. as such, I recommend the use of either Swords or Hand-to-Hand until that level. It is, however, vital that you keep your dagger skill capped, so that once you hit level 33, you will be able to move on to using Viper Bite quickly.
 	Weapon 	Shield 		Ranged 	Ammo
Lv 1 	Wax Sword +1
If you can afford the +1, the extra accuracy is very helpful at this level. If not, the NQ is the best DPS for your first 10 levels.	Lauan Shield/Lauan Shield +1
The +1 is always the better option in the pre-level 40 shields, as it adds an extra defense.		nothing new	nothing new
Lv 8 	nothing new 	Maple Shield/Maple Shield +1 		nothing new	nothing new
Lv 10	Royal Archer's Sword
Relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, particularly if you are from San d'Oria	nothing new 		Legionnaire's Crossbow
This is the first Crossbow you are able to equip as a Thief. I recommend waiting until level 12, though.	Blind Bolt
Very useful status bolt. Not the highest damage, but having a blinded enemy is extremely useful.
Lv 12	nothing new 	nothing new 		Crossbow +1
The +1's of all the crossbows I list are worth saving up the money for, due to the +Ranged Attack on them.	nothing new
Lv 13	Scimitar +1
This weapon has enough of a damage increase to warrant the upgrade after only 3 levels.	Elm Shield/Elm Shield +1 		nothing new	nothing new
Lv 15	nothing new 	nothing new 		nothing new	Acid Bolt
This will be your staple ammunition throughout the remainder of the game
Lv 18	Iron Sword +1	nothing new 		nothing new	nothing new
Lv 19	Small Sword
Reward from a quest series. Less Damage than the Iron Sword +1, but the +2 Dexterity will help your Sneak Attack.	nothing new 		nothing new	nothing new
Lv 20	nothing new 	Mahogany Shield/Strong Shield		Almogavar Bow
This is a possible upgrade. For the benefits it offers, I would wait until one of the next 2 crossbows.	Sleep Bolt
Very Useful status bolt, but somewhat situational. I always carry a stack on me to macro in in case of trouble.
Lv 24	Nadrs
Drop from a rarely camped NM crab in Korroloka Tunnel. Very nice if you can get it.	nothing new 		nothing new	nothing new
Lv 25	nothing new 	nothing new 		Power Crossbow
A very solid upgrade from the Crossbow +1. However, with only being used for 5 levels, you may choose to wait until the next upgrade. If you can afford the double upgrade (keep in mind that you can sell it back), it is worth the money.	Bloody Bolt
Possibly the single most useful bolt you can carry, particularly for solo. The HP drain will proc off almost every shot. You do, however, need to learn which mobs cannot be drain (undead, primarily)
Venom Bolt
Situationally useful. For parties, I preferred to use this as my DD ammo, due to it being less expensive, dealing more damage, and adding a Damage Over Time effect.
Lv 30	 	 		 	
Lv 36	 	Oak Shield/Oak Shield +1 		 	
Lv 40	 	Strike Shield
This could very well be one of your last Shield upgrades. The +6 Attack on this makes it the second best option until late in the game.		 	
Lv 45	 	Viking Shield
The Best Shield option until the 70's. 6 attack more than the Strike Shield means even more damage output.		 	
Lv 	 	 		 	
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