For starters... a bit of background information...
VMware Workstation (from Wikipedia.org): VMware Workstation is a virtual machine software suite for x86 and x86-64 computers from VMware, a division of EMC Corporation. This software suite allows users to set up multiple x86 and x86-64 virtual computers and to use one or more of these virtual machines simultaneously with the hosting operating system. Each virtual machine instance can execute its own guest operating system, such as Windows, Linux, BSD variants, or others. In simple terms, VMware Workstation allows one physical machine to run multiple operating systems simultaneously.
MapleStory (from Wikipedia.org): MapleStory is a free-of-charge, 2D, side-scrolling Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game developed by the South Korean company Wizet. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, and each is published by various companies such as Wizet and Nexon. Although playing the game is free, many player appearances and gameplay enhancements can be purchased from the "Cash Shop" using real money. MapleStory has a combined total of over 50 million subscriber accounts in all of its versions. MapleStory North America (Global), for players mainly in North America and outside of East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, has over three million players.
Now on to the main subject...
I decided to take some time and do some research about the possibility to have multiple "legit" MapleStory applications running simultaneously, on one physical machine. Of course, there are hacks to do that, but, I'm no sponsor of them. So, this topic is not about hacking MapleStory to open several instances at once. I am gonna post about how virtualization can give you more legit advantages for your own educational purposes.
I work with a local company that gives services at enterprise level. We provide server and network configuration, migration, and virtualization, among other things. So, based off the experience I have gained at work, I decided to practice some at home. Recently, I build a new computer setup.
I'm showing off my rig so you can use it as a reference for mileage comparison
Motherboard: Intel DX48BT2
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad @ 2.4 GHz (Overclocked to 3.0 GHz)
RAM: 4 GB DDR3 @ 1333 MHz (Dual Channel)
HDD: Hitachi 320 GB 7200 RPM SATA-II
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 3870 PCI Express 2.0
OS: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2
MapleStory uses very, very few resources of this computer, thus giving me a fair advantage here for what I wanted to do.
I did some research about Direct3D compatibility inside a virtual "guest" operating system environment and, VMware 6.x has experimental support for Direct3D, making it my first (and, so far, the only) option for what I wanted to do. I know that there are other virtualization/emulation programs with Direct3D support but, being VMware what I'm most used to work with, it became my first choice.
I grabbed a copy of VMware Workstation 6.0.4 (latest build) and installed it in this computer. Now, once installed, you'll need to install a new virtual machine (duh!) and, the OS I used is Windows XP Professional Edition SP3 (32 bit). I reserved 512 MB of physical RAM to the virtual machine, since MapleStory does take a big chunk of RAM. I decided to tweak the legit retail disk using nLite. nLite is a customizing application for Windows XP retail discs allowing you to delete unnecessary setup software, and to add drivers for your devices, so you can create a copy of your Windows XP retail disc with all of your drivers included. This greatly reduces time to reinstall Windows by having all of the drivers and apps already installed and customized in one step. So, I took my copy and removed pretty much all of the unnecessary crap but, left DirectX 9.0c, as it is required for Direct3D to work.
Once you have your cleaned XP installation disc, use it to install XP in your virtual machine. Voila! Now you have your first "guest" OS installed. Use Windows Update and update everything, install VMware Tools, and set up anything else you need. Now, by default, you can't run Direct3D applications. To enable Direct3D application support, you must manually edit the *.vmx from your virtual machine to add Direct3D support lines. Once set, Power Up the virtual machine and, if you haven't already, copy your Nexon/MapleStory folder over to the virtual machine's HD by drag and dropping onto the guest VM window. Now, you should be able to play MapleStory on your virtual machine. If you got a computer build similar to my specs, you can even clone that virtual machine, so you can have a 2nd virtual machine that will also have Direct3D support and can be running simultaneously with all other virtual machines running. So far, I only cloned the virtual machine once, and with both VMs running MapleStory, including the host PC MapleStory (making it 3 MapleStorys running at the same time), I still am running at 50%~60% of total CPU usage, and 2.2 GB of RAM consumed. I can probably make a 3rd VM and launch MapleStory and run the 4 of them, including the host PC MS, at full speed.
So, you might be wondering, what's the point of this? Well, it's basically for my own practicing. I wanted to get the most of my new PC, so I started thinking ways to do it, and this was one of them. And, yes, I used to have 2 PCs, and one of them was my HB mule, and sometimes my FM mule. But now, with VMware, you can do it all with one physical PC, assuming yours has enough horsepower to load virtual machines without lagging your host application.
Advantages? Less power consumption (you're only using ONE PC). Less space occupied in your room with multiple physical PCs (again, you're only using ONE PC). Less real-world money waste (Building a good/decent computer is cheaper/faster/better than building 2 POS PCs). It's legal (you're not hacking, you're using several virtual PCs, which is legit).
Not quite a guide but rather an outline but still. This shows the easiest (in my mind) way to be dexless and still able to equip the current LVL knuckle and so forth.
LVL 20
At lvl 20, continue as normal, only adding str. There are no new equips needed.
UPDATED: From LVL 10 (job advance) you should already have 20 Base Dex, leaving all added points to STR. With 10-20, a 100%ed overall with DEX can help with hitting higher LVLed mobs, but the difference might not be very noticeable. Euips til now should be the basic Pirate Equips you can buy at the Nautalis, or a Showa Bathrobe for some extra speed.
LVL 25
You will be stuck with the lvl 20 overall still, unless you have a 5 or 10 Dex cape that you could use. 100% Dex scroll the lvl 20 overall to be able to use the LVL 25 knuckle.
UPDATED: From 25-30, obtaining a Squishy Shoe from Kerning PQ will help slightly by giving a low LVL stat shoe to use from 30 til a replacement shoe is obtained (either at LVL 50 for a Facestomper, or 60 for a Black Basile).
LVL 30
Here is where you will start to lag behind normal and low Dex builds, seeing as you are limited to using an lvl 20-30 depending on what Dex ragged cape you have. This is also the last LVL weapon you will use until you either scroll a SS with 5-10 Dex, in which case you will be able to move up to the 35 and/or 40 overall and weapons.
LVL 35 + 40
Here is the current run down of equips and stats that will be needed to use anything at this LVL with the dexless base of 20 Dex:
Cape: 5-10 Dex
Snowshoes: 5-10 Dex
Highest LVL Overalls Equipable: LVL 20-40 depending on equips.
Highest LVL Weapons Equipable: LVL 30-50 depending on equips and assuming currently equipped overall is +10 Dex.
Summary: With the 100%ed minimalist route, with a 5Dex cape, no Dex shoes, and 10 Dex overall, you should be wearing the LVL 25 Overall, while using the LVL 35 knuckle. With the moderate spenders route, you should be able to equip the LVL 40 Overall, while being able to use the LVLs 40 and 50 Knuckles when applicable.
UPDATED: Here is where the fun starts, as you are now able to create equips with Maker Skill to have better stats on your equips clean, as well as actually being able to obtain them, as compared to when this build was first written, equips were really only obtainable from drops.
With 50 DEX total from all equips above, you should now be set until LVL 50.
LVL 50-60
This is where it starts to get interesting and good, as well as where more Dex equips should be brought into play, as, with all non-job Dex equips are brought into play, we will reach the highest LVL Overall to be used.
New Dex Equips: Earrings, YAC, Att PAC, Zhelm! Job shoes with Dex clean!
Figures: Earrings you should aim for 10 at best, but 8-9 will be cheap and easier to find. If you pan to get a YAC, 12-14 Dex is a good number to shoot for, meaning out of the 8 slots, you only have to pass 6-7 to get your goal, which should be extremely hard, and is doable. If you plan to skip the YAC and go for a PAC, 8 Dex is what you should aim for, and anywhere from 2 Att to 4 Att would be good. Zhelm, of course, will bring you a hefty 15 Dex clean alone. The Best part about this LVL area, is with enough Dex from other equips, you will be able to wear the LVL 60 Pirate shoes, which have 3 Dex clean, making it easier to shoot for ~10 dex to get an even higher LVL weapon later on.
Equips
Earrings: 8-10 Dex
Cape: 8-14 Dex
Shoes 9-12 Dex
Helm: At Least 14 Dex
Necklace At Least 1 Dex
OPTIONAL: 5 Dex Face/Eye Equip.
Total Dex Added to Base: 40 Dex Min-50+ Dex Max
Summary: This now tells us what the final overalls to be equipped will be. For the minimalists, the Black Royal Barone overall is the last overall you should be wearing. For the sky high seekers, Red Viska is your new overall, but wait, if you plan to shoot for the stars, scrolling your zhelm with at least 10 more Dex will more you 1 further, making the dex needed from the overall to equip the highest LVL knuckle even less.
LVL 70+
Congrats, you've made it to 3rd Job as a dexless! Now, with regards to the only equips that have not been mentioned much: overall stats, and end-game knuckle.
LVL 60 Overall: The LVL 60 overall comes with 1 Dex clean. This isn't much, but as a dexless, every Dex counts. With this overall, 100%ing it for Dex will only allow you to equip the LVL 70 knuckle, still a good place to end as a dexless (think of dexless-rab sins). But, with even a little bit of luck and scrolling funding, getting an 20 Dex overall would produce the best bang for the buck. Putting you 2 LVLs over you overall, and at a weapon most other classes would be happy to end at even using low stat builds. But to be dreaming, but still within the limits, 30 Dex is the way to fly, allowing the use of the LVL 90 knuckle, and most likely out damaging the average dexless, low Dex Infighter.
LVL 70 Overall: If you had the good equips to end up here, you are already ahead of the curve. 100%s set you at the LVL 80 knuckle with very little work put into it at all. Again, the 20 Dex sweet spot is where it would be best to aim for, and with the 2 Dex clean, it will be slightly easier than the 60 overall, allowing the use of the LVL 90 knuckle, where most other high LVL rangers, and other classes would end they're secondary stat adding. Like to dream bigger than big? 30 Dex is for you, hell, even 40 if you can, both being able to push the limits beyond what most to all others will hit, allowing the use of the LVL 100 and 110 knuckles while still being dexless!
The only downside to relying on Dex earrings, is that if you pla to GPQ, you will be forced to use a lower LVL knuckle.
Maker Addition
Overall Update: With the release of the Maker Skill, clean class equips are now easily made to be godly.
With the following Comon Class equips, you can easily start out with just a few godly stat'd equips made with Maker, and easily put yourself higher than what the first outline of this guide provides.
Zhelm - 15 Dex
Pac/Yac - ~10 Dex/14+ Dex
Earring - ~10 Dex
Black Belt - 5 Dex Clean
Pendant - 5 or 22 Dex
Eye Acc. - 1 Dex Clean
Along with a base of 20, thats 66 low 82 high.
Black Basile Shoes - Clean-8 Dex, Scrolled-12+ Dex
74 total low, 94 high.
Going with a Maker'd Red Viska will net 1 crystal use on it, giving an average of 5 Dex clean (intermediate crystal) to 7 Dex clean (advanced). From there, a somewhat easy target to attain is 20+ dex scrolled, giving a total of 94 Dex on a low end.
Making a White Marquini will net the use of 2 crystals. The first choice of Dex will get an average of 6 Dex (intermediate) to 8 Dex (advanced) clean. From there, you can use a Str crystal for an average total Str of 9 to 11 Str. Again, 20+ Dex is an easy target for scrolling, ending with a total of 114 Dex on the high end. Its also possible to risk using a Dark Crystal instead of the Str crystal, which could possibly add even more Dex on top of everything else, as well as add some Str as well, but in the same light, it can also take it away.
94 Low, 114 High.
For the final equip of gloves, Maker'ing it give it a really good use over a normal WG at the cost to some, of a higher attack glove. On the low end, a LVL 90 Red Martier works fine, and is actually on the edge, as the LVL 80 glove has considerably less Dex clean than the Red Martier. This allow you to use 2 crystals as well, having 7 to 9 dex clean on average, as well as 5 to 7 Str clean when using a Str crystal. As with the White Marquini, a Dark Crystal is possible instead of the Str, but the same risk applies. With this glove, you should have between 101 and 103 Dex total, and should scroll the glove for Attack.
On the high end, there is a choice between the Black Skellduke (easier to make) and the Canopus Glove (better stats clean). The Black Skellduke has 3 Str and 4 Dex clean, while the Canopus Glove has 5 Str 5 Dex clean, while also being able to use 3 crystals on it, while the Skellduke only has 2 slots for crystals.
With the Skellduke, the outcome stats range from 6 Str 7 Dex (intermediate) to 8 Str 9 Dex (advanced). Giving an overall total of 123 Dex, enough to use a Reverse/Timeless Equinox. Total Dex with Skellduke 121~124
With the Canopus Glove, overkill ensues with the Dex, but it has other uses with it. With an intermediate set of Str and Dex, the outcome is 8 Str 8 Dex, and advanced gives a whopping 10 Str 10 Dex and is essentially worth its weight in stats. But you have a third slot still to use, giving you the ability to use a Dark Crystal on top of the already added stats. If your luck is good, you could easily make a GLOVE that would rival clean most overalls that are already scrolled! Total Dex with Canopus 122~125
Overall, the main idea of this build is to have the ability to equip the highest lvl knuckle without adding extra Dex beyond the 20 needed to be a pirate. This is essentially a kind of achievement for some, to be able to wear some weapon that would give a nice attack boost with the base Dex you already have. This shows you what could be the best equips to go with to achieve that goal, using Maker to somewhat of its fullest potential along the way to the goal. If you have an awesome attack glove already, then use it, youll only lose a few attack or so from your weapon in its place. Already got a nice 25 dex sauna robe? use it, you will only miss out on the Def as well as extra Str that comes from the pirate overall. This is merely a suggestive thread, not a mandate.
Maple Knuckle Build
I'll skip the spoilers, this is pretty straight forward enough.
LVL 10-60+
Up until LVL 20, you will be able to move along to the current LVL Knuckle, as well as overall and any other job specific equips. Once past LVL 20 though, you cannot equip any higher equips, unless you scroll your overall with Dex. To last until the first maple knuckle at LVL 35, 100%ing the LVL 20 overall, or even a bathrobe will be enough to equip the LVL 30 knuckle. One major benefit to using maple knuckles is the fact that being dexless, you may have some minor issues with ACC. Similar to dexless warriors, the lack of Dex becomes a small problem in higher LVLs when trying to hit stronger monsters. The maple knuckles give a 10 ACC boost for each LVL of knuckle. This build should still need the Dex equips to be able to equip at least the LVL 60 overall. But because you are able to get an ACC boost from the maple knuckles, you scroll the overall for Str, giving yet another major increase to attack. Another good thing about this build, is that it is very easy to switch back to the normal dexless build, just by simply scrolling another overall for Dex and using the highest LVL knuckle you are able to equip.
Edit: I am now assuming this guide/outline as final, but if there is some update down the road that requires a fine tuning of this, then I'll tackle it when it comes.
Well, first off, I wasn't sure whether to throw this into PC gaming or console gaming. I figured console, as ROMs and the like can be included in the section. A mod may feel free to move it wherever they see fit if need be.
I think the title speaks for itself fairly well. Just post whatever games you're playing at the moment, maybe a couple lines about the game or why you like it, etc.
Right now I'm working my way through Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth(Hard mode) on my PSP. You have no idea how annoying it is having every character starting at level one.
I've been wondering what games SP's been playing, especially the hard ones. Probably the hardest game I've ever played is the Touhou bullet hell shooter series.
I've never Zakumed before, and I want to buy a Z-Helm, but I am unsure of the requirements to actually survive Zakum, and also where to find them on my computer so I can check if I can survive Zakum.
Posted by: Mark - 2008-07-07, 03:12 AM - Forum: Bowman
- Replies (76)
Note: This guide assumes you're level 120+ and/or capable of keeping Pap cornered, but have lousy HP.
As you can see, I suffer from erectile dysfunction in the HP department. (I have washed a little, but clearly not enough to survive a bomb explosion.) It's rather depressing that at 141 I still can't tank bombs. But this doesn't stop me from soloing Pap efficiently whenever I feel like it. So if you know you're strong enough, but still worried about dying, then keep reading.
Just so you can get a feeling for how strong you have to be, I'll show you my damage range with a Warrior Elixir:
It has seen better days, but it gets the job done. I can KB Pap about 90% of the time. I assume you can keep Pap KB'd with 3.5k range at the least. Though, keep in mind my SE is at level 20.
Here's some things about Pap you should know about:
-At about 95% HP is when he'll start healing/summoning Bombs.
-Pap can only summon 4 at a time, and 50 on the screen at one time.
-Bombs will only spawn on the top or bottom. Never on both.
-Bomb explosions are Weapon Attack. So Pain Relievers from Omega Sector will help bring down the damage in case your HP is close enough to survive.
-After healing, Pap has about 1 second of invincibility. Keep this in mind before you go wasting Snipe.
-Pap can, and has double-casted before. It's hard to explain, but I know it wasn't lag. First he used the Lightning skill, then immediately after summoned bombs. It caught me off guard, almost killing me. So keep your eyes peeled.
-Keep your sounds on! When avoiding bombs you won't always be able to see Pap. Keeping your sounds on will help you notice when bombs are being summoned off screen so you don't accidentally run into them while getting back into position.
Now for the most important part of any unwashed Papulatus solo... BOMB DODGING
Spoiler
Looking at that image that I have provided for you, the red circle is where you should be standing at all times. While standing there and keeping Pap KB'd up against the wall his Stun or Dispel can't reach you. The green circle represents your "Danger Zone." After Pap summons bombs, they'll spawn as far back as the edge of the circle. Which could pose troublesome if you don't run away in time. The key is to run away as soon as you see the summoning animation. When I mean run, I mean RUN. Don't jump either. Jumping can cause you to set off a bomb prematurely and thus pwning you when you land. However just running allows for bomb bump damage and lovely temporary invincibility. It helps to have a mount in this situation, but don't stay on it too long as you can't use pots on them. After 50 bombs have been summoned on top, the rest is easy until second form.
Tip from Aids: If you are able to knock back Pap consistently during the first form, I have a very useful technique. As you pin Pap in a corner of your pleasing, once he hides, you run/hog over to the opposite side and place Puppet. Quickly run back and continue pinning. What this does is it allows you to continuously shoot Pap and it "disables" his ability to hide / use magic which allows more time shooting and less time waiting. Make sure the Puppet is as far as possible and it will only be beneficial if you can knock back repeatedly. Test it out and stay a safe distance but make sure to re-Puppet after it expires while Pap hides again. Only do this while bombs are maxed, or else you're going to have problems.
What should happen if Pap breaks free or you're not able to constantly KB:
Before 4th job came around I was around 132 when I first successfully soloed Pap. Back then, Pap walked all over you. Unless you had a bunch of Onyx Apples on you, you were at the mercy of Pap and his bombs. If you're unable to keep Pap up against the wall, your best bet is to keep your distance. Never let him get close enough to stun you. If you should get cornered against the wall, quickly run through him or pray he uses 1/1 and hides in his Clock. As always, utilize your Puppet. It's your best friend. Whenever Pap hides in his Clock, run as close as you can and Puppet behind him. While Pap is focused on your Puppet he actually spawns bombs further away from you. Really not much I can say about this. Just gauge your distance, and use the same bomb dodging techniques I explained previously.
Killing Second form:
Might as well cover this too. As soon as you kill the first form, Strafe the second form and immediately turn behind you and Puppet. Now that you have Pap locked in your clutches, it's smooth sailing. Unless you f'uck up and get pinned. Then you're in trouble.
Spoiler
It helps to keep an eye on how much damage your Puppet is taking so you can back off and prepare your next Puppet. Pap does around 300 to 2,400 damage to a Puppet, so pay attention. As soon as your Puppet dies, Strafe Pap one last time, and turn around and Puppet behind you again, and duck to let Pap float over you, then begin your assault again. Don't try to outrun him, he's faster than you. If you fail to keep Pap locked one of two things will happen:
He'll pin you which could very easily end your solo right then and there.
He'll float up to the top and hover around the platforms.
Worst case scenario is when you get pinned. Only advice I can give when that happens is to stay calm, and wait for him to drift off far enough for you to escape. When you do find your chance to escape, jump cast Puppet as soon as you can, and duck. With enough patience and dexterity (lol) you'll eventually emerge the victor. With a bunch of free pots, mesos and the ever annoying Ice Demon 30 (Brandish pls) you should have actually profited.
Well, if you've even bothered reading this far, then you must be interested in soloing Pap. So, good luck and stay calm.
![[Image: Pap1.png]](http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Unholy_Abyssion/Pap1.png)
![[Image: Pap3.png]](http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Unholy_Abyssion/Pap3.png)
![[Image: Pap2.png]](http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Unholy_Abyssion/Pap2.png)
![[Image: Pap4.png]](http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Unholy_Abyssion/Pap4.png)
![[Image: Pap5.png]](http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Unholy_Abyssion/Pap5.png)
