Greetings,

As we’ve mentioned before, the development team would like to add new shields and instruments so that both paladin and bard can have an easier time playing without being too focused on obtaining relics and empyreans. I'd like to share the development team's thoughts at the moment and what is planned for the future.
  • Shields
    Currently, shield blocks and the amount of damage reduced are affected by the following:

    Damage reduced: type of shield and shield defense
    Block rate: type of shield, player shield skill, combat skill attributed to each monster

    Comparing Ochain and the easier to obtain Beatific Shield +1, damage reduction from the Beatific Shield is approximately 50%, while Ochain is around 60%, and the block rate, though it depends on the enemy, is very close between the two. On the other hand, the Killedar Shield’s damage reduction nearly reaches 70%, but the block rate is lower. While Ochain is still more powerful than both of these shields, we've managed to close the large gap that existed in the past.

    We plan on adding new item level 119 shields moving forward to close this gap even more.

  • Instruments
    In the April version update we will be introducing a new instrument that grants an additional song. As this effect is extremely powerful, it won't be so easy to obtain; however, we'd like this to be another option in addition to Daurdabla.

While the treatment of powerful equipment can be difficult, we'd like to continue to increase other choices so that these jobs can join parties easier and have a more comfortable time playing.