Summary
Given the unique mechanics of NCSoft’s latest MMO, it’s no surprise that those unfamiliar with the massive-scale PvP ofThrone and Libertywill need all the assistance they can get, whether it’s through the highly customizable builds, powerful skills and flashy weapons - or through one of the game’s more unique mechanics, Guardians.
Guardians are an ultimate ability inThrone and Libertyand can quickly turn the tide of battles. After players finish “Sacred Pledge of Blood - Pledge Loop” in Chapter 5, they unlock the ability totransform into various powerful beingsthat have been defeated along their journey. Each of these Guardians comes with their own unique passive effects and buffs, whether it’s transmuting their pain into power, or just turning invisible after each kill. These transformations each last for thirty seconds and carry a hefty ten-minute cooldown along with them - so making sure that players get the most out of their Guardian choices is absolutely essential for PvP.
How To Acquire
Guardian Effect
The Voice Behind the Mask quest in Stoneguard by Sandworm’s Lair
When using Mana, you recover 26% of the used Mana. 53% of your nearest party member’s Mana is also recovered.
This Guardian suffers from a sad lack of purpose. Though he’s aimed towards magic-based skillsets and his buff is doubled for a party member’s allies - Mana is rarely enough of an issue to warrant an entire Guardian dedicated to its recovery.
For PvP players, it’s beneficial to their allies- but the lack of any versatility in its offensive and defensive capabilities makes the excessively cool Masked Warlock Dantalux little more than a simple fashion-based upgrade. Looking cool for 30 seconds is excellent, but it’s not essential for PvP.
Desert Plunderer Quest in Camel Trade
Accumulates damage when hit up to 4000% of your Max Base Damage. When you inflict Stun, Bind, or Sleep on an enemy, 25% of that accumulated damage is dealt to that enemy.
The main issue with Valkarg is that his ability is only really effective against one enemy. The thirty seconds players get to utilize their Guardians abilities aren’t enough for this Brutal Warrior to really do that much damage.
He can be very effective against one enemy. Still, their tanking capabilities are far outshined. Ifplayers aren’t correctly leveling their health, then they can immediately be squished by enemy teams before being able to benefit from the stacked damage-to-attack ability.
Complete Chapter 5’s Sacred Pledge of Blood
Defense Increases by 400. Deals damage over time equal to 0.6% of your Max Health per second to hostile targets within a 2.5m Radius. Restores Health by 20% of damage dealt to those targets.
This is the first guardian granted to the player in Throne and Liberty’s storyline. He’s well-rounded, and his buffs do sound nice - but they do fall short. The leech effect is useful for restoring some of that health in more desperate situations, but the damage is severely lacking.
There are many Guardians out there that can do what Ezekiel does, but far better. There’s no real PvP situation where Ezekiel’s buffs are mind-blowing, but as a Tank - he can be very useful. The extra defense increase is nice, and the slight health regeneration can help tank some of those beefy player combos - just attempt to stay out of the way of the more ‘lethal’ attacks.
Farewell Quest in The Watcher’s Post
When an enemy target is defeated within 3 seconds, you will Hide for 5 seconds. At night, Hide time is increased to 7.2 seconds. Every first attack made while Hiding lands as Critical Hit.
This guardian excels in PvP play, especially when lining up various low-health players. Though it’s contextual, knowing when to pop this Guardian and effectively weave in and out of an invisible state with a guaranteed critical hit is immensely potent.
Though he lacks versatility, and Hartach definitely lends himself better to dual-dagger, crit-based builds - his potential is immense. In the right hands, this ability is great at taking down one player at a time, thinning the herd from the outside of large skirmishes.
For Whom The Bell Tolls quest inside the Ruins of Turayne
Launches 5 projectiles at random enemies within a 10m range every second. A single enemy may be hit with multiple projectiles at the same time. Each projectile deals 52% of Base Damage.
Shade Revenant Stheno completely melts the health bars of all surrounding enemies. This ability is obviously amplified hugely if the player is in a one-on-one encounter where multiple projectiles can repeatedly barrage their foe.
Great for fast-paced and up-close builds, shifting into this Guardian form is great for taking large chunks of health away from players. When timed correctly, the transformation can lead to devastating yet satisfying plays.It’s always best when grouped with a staff-focusedplayer who can cast some beefy AoE attacks to really crank up the devastation.
Daybreak Shore’s Elemental Tree Harvest Quest
Creates a Shield for 50% of your maximum Mana. While the Shield is up, increases Cooldown Speed by 40%. This Summon will be canceled if the Shield is Removed.
Ideal for tanking, the long-lasting shield combined with the increased cooldown speed can really turn the tide for those surrounded. Whether this Guardian is used as a desperate last stand, or to immediately enter a stacked fight with that extra boost - Lady Knight Kamarshea can turn pretty much any situation in her favor.
Though there’s not much offered in terms of extra offensive abilities - the upsides are just too good to pass up. From saving oneself to saving one’s team, Kamarshea ideally excels in large-scale PvP combat and is consistently reliable in herextreme defensive capabilities.
Guardian Effects
Elemental Tree Harvest Quest in The Nesting Grounds
On Summoning, has an 80% chance to Bind all enemies in a 4m radius for 5s. While Summoned, attacking any targets affected by Bind and Move Speed de-buffs will increase Melee, Range, and Magical Critical Hit by 500
It’s hard to deny that this Guardian is the current meta in Throne and Liberty’s PvP. Typically best saved for short-ranged burst damage in crowds, the constant binding of large groups of enemy players,combined with the increased critical hit, is immensely potent on the battlefield.
There’s no real downside to Elowen, and the community is expecting some form of nerf for this Guardian in the near future, given just how capable she is. The five-second bind is great when coordinated among an effective group of players and can quite literally barrel through most fights with confidence.
