Bard
Tideborn · Zither & Sword · Arcane Armor · Melody System · Crazy Madness · Complete Guide
Class Overview
What is the Bard?
The Bard is the newest class in PWI, introduced with the expansion "Song of the Surging Waves" on December 20, 2024. They are a Tideborn class that switches between two weapons: the Zither (ranged magic damage / squad buffs) and the Sword (melee pursuer). The Melody Meter System (9 points) is their unique core: full Melody Points activate the Crazy Madness State – all attacks become guaranteed Crits with increased Crit damage.
Strengths: Targeted squad heals, high PvP survivability, crit chaining for burst damage, can prevent squad wipes. DPS/heal hybrid with unique burst through crit chains.
Important limitations: No squad buffs/debuffs for dungeons. Damage drops sharply in 1v1 PvP or with interrupted channeling. Weak against control skills — stuns and movement CC break the crit chain!
Translation errors in the game! Several Bard skill descriptions in the English client are incorrectly translated according to Patch Notes — consult official skill data when in doubt.
| Stat | Effect for Bard | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| STR | Only for Arcane Armor / Zither / Sword req. – Minimum: 1 STR / 2 levels up to ~50 STR | ★★ Minimum: max. ~50 STR total |
| MAG | Mag. damage, Zither/Sword req., Arcane Armor req. – Main damage stat and main heal stat! | ★★★★★ Max it! |
| VIT | +14 HP – optional for beginners; gear + Citrin more efficient | ★ Optional for beginners only |
| DEX | Useless for Bard – never! | Never! |
The Melody System
Melody Meter – 9 Segments
The Bard has a visible Melody Meter with 9 segments (by default top-left in the UI under the character portrait). Every damage-dealing skill gives Melody Points. Exception: Miao Cang Sea gives no Melody Points despite dealing damage (channel skill).
9/9 Melody Points → CRAZY MADNESS STATE!
Crazy Madness State (confirmed by Patch Notes): "The Bard, who is proficient in music, will definitely deal critical damage and gain additional critical damage after entering the frenzy state, allowing them to cause fatal burst damage." – All attacks in this state are guaranteed Crits with increased Crit damage. This is the Bard's strongest damage moment!
Important: Basic rule — every damage skill grants Melody Points. Only exception: Miao Cang Sea (channel skill). Therefore do NOT use Miao Cang Sea for Melody buildup!
Zither ↔ Sword Switch
The two combat modes of the Bard
Tide Form: Besides Zither/Sword the Bard has a Tide Form transformation – a form with its own bonuses. Check details depending on current server version (new with December 2024 expansion, info still limited).
Stat Scaling per Point
These are the base values you gain per attribute point. Use them for concrete calculations — e.g. +10 VIT = +140 HP.
| Stat | Pro Punkt | Hinweis |
|---|---|---|
| VIT | +14 HP | e.g. +10 VIT = +140 HP |
| STR | Req. only | Armor req. only — no damage bonus |
| DEX | +1 % Crit / 20 DEX | + Accuracy + Evasion (mostly minor for casters) |
| MAG | Mag. ATK ↑ · +MP | Primary stat! Damage + MP pool scale with MAG |
The PvE Builds
Pure MAG Build
- Maximum Mag. damage = strongest Crazy Madness burst
- Maximum heal potential (MAG scales heals!)
- Arcane Armor + high MAG = standard of all mag classes
- Consensus build per class design
- Squishy – Stuns and CC especially dangerous!
- Channeling interruptions = complete DPS collapse
MAG / VIT Hybrid
- More HP – survives Stuns and CC better
- Mistakes during Zither/Sword switching less lethal
- Less damage and less heal strength
- Restat at Rebirth recommended
Stat Progression Table
Pure MAG Build – example progression
Phase 1 (up to ~50 STR): 1 STR + 9 MAG every 2 levels | Phase 2: 10 MAG every 2 levels
| Level | Cum. STR | Cum. MAG | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | Start – equip Zither immediately! |
| 20 | ~14 | ~95 | – |
| 29 | ~19 | ~140 | ★ Single Spark (100 Chi) |
| 50 | ~30 | ~225 | Arcane Armor Lv50 – Melody chains smoother |
| 59 | ~34 | ~270 | ★ Double Spark (200 Chi) |
| 70 | ~40 | ~325 | No Lv79 skill – keep pumping MAG |
| 79 | ~44 | ~370 | No Lv79 skill (PWpedia confirmed) |
| 89 | ~49 | ~420 | ★ Triple Spark! Demon/Sage choice! |
| 100 | ~50 | ~475 | ∆Great Sound of Hope (Homestead) → more skills |
| 105 | ~50 | ~500 | ★ Max Level – Crazy Madness Crit burst at maximum! |
No Lv79 skill! Bards have no Lv79 skills (identical to Technician and Edgerunner). No disadvantage — the Melody System makes the class strong on its own.
Important Skills
Zither Skills (Damage + Heals + Buffs)
| Skill | Type | Effect | Melody? | Prio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ΨRoaming Dragon Blessing | Zither | Strong survivability buff on the Bard — core class defense, makes them particularly hard to kill. | – | ★★★★★ |
| ΨUpstream Glow | Zither | Temporarily prevents enemies from running away. Cooldown 30 sec — due to long CD only situational as a stop-gap. Important for completing Crit chains! | – | ★★★★★ |
| ΨClouds Encompassing the Sea | Zither | 5 seconds enemy control — best CC skill of the Bard, enables uninterrupted crit chain buildup. | – | ★★★★★ |
| Miao Cang Sea | Zither | Continuous channel damage skill. Gives NO Melody Points (exception rule!). Can become Demon or Sage, but NOT Sanctified. Strong sustained damage. | No! | ★★★★★ |
| Dragon Soul Control | Zither | Gives Melody Points + damage. Can become Demon/Sage but not Sanctified. Important for Melody buildup rotation. | Ja | ★★★★★ |
| Strumming the Cool Strings | Zither | AoE damage skill. Can become Demon/Sage but not Sanctified. With good positioning, large damage potential in TW. | Ja | ★★★★★ |
| Water Mastery (Passive) | Passive | +Water Mag. damage. Can become Demon/Sage but not Sanctified. Essential passive for Zither damage. | – | ★★★★★ |
| ∆Great Sound of Hope | Homestead | Main Homestead skill. Prerequisite for many other Bard skills — prioritise Homestead quests. | – | ★★★★★ |
Melody → Crazy Madness Rotation
Crazy Madness State sequence: Cast damage skills → build Melody Points (9 segments) → at 9/9: activate Crazy Madness State → all attacks = guaranteed Crit + increased Crit damage → maximum burst! Then refill meter and repeat.
| Phase | Skill | Type | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Buff | ΨRoaming Dragon Blessing | Zither | Always first: keep Survivability buff active |
| 2. CC (if needed) | ΨClouds Encompassing the Sea | Zither | ★ 5 sec. enemy control – secure channeling! |
| 3. Build Melody | Dragon Soul Control → Strumming the Cool Strings → other damage skills | Zither | ★ Cast every damage skill = build Melody Points. Do NOT use Miao Cang Sea for buildup! |
| 4. Crazy Madness! | At 9/9 Melody: Burst rotation | Crit! | ★★ All attacks = guaranteed Crit + increased Crit damage! Strongest DPS phase! |
| 5. Channel damage | Miao Cang Sea | Zither | Continuous damage while other skills are on CD; no Melody buildup from this |
| 6. Pursuit | Sword switch + melee skills | Sword | When enemy creates distance: Sword mode for gap close |
| 7. Chain security | ΨUpstream Glow (CD: 30 sec.) | Zither | When enemy runs while Crazy Madness is active: use Upstream Glow! |
| 8. Ultimate | Triple Spark (Lv89+) | Both | ★ 300 Chi → 500% weapon damage 15 sec. – during Crazy Madness for maximum effect! |
Demon · Sage · Cultivation
Cultivation from Lv89 – Demon or Sage?
Four Bard skills can become Demon or Sage, but not Sanctified: Miao Cang Sea, Water Mastery, Dragon Soul Control and Strumming the Cool Strings.
PvE recommendation: Sage – Sage Water Mastery (consistently more damage), stronger ΨRoaming Dragon Blessing (more survival against CC) and larger AoE from Strumming the Cool Strings are stronger for PvE instances. Demon for faster Crazy Madness cycles and PvP.
Not Sanctified possible! The four skills Miao Cang Sea, Water Mastery, Dragon Soul Control and Strumming the Cool Strings can ONLY become Demon or Sage – no Sanctified option. All other Bard skills can normally become Sanctified.
Gem Guide
Beginner
| Slot | Gem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Armor | Citrin Shard Lv1–3 | +HP – Arcane has little HP! |
| Armor Alt. | Garnet Shard Lv1–3 | +Phys. Def. – Arcane has little Phys. Def. |
| Weapon (Zither) | Sapphire Shard Lv1–3 | +Mag. Atk – scales damage AND heals! |
| Jewelry | Citrin Lv1–2 | +HP |
Pro / Whale
| Slot | Gem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Armor | Citrin Lv8–9 | +2,000–3,000 HP/slot |
| Armor Alt. | Garnet Lv5–6 | +Phys. Def. – against melee fighters |
| Zither early | Sapphire Lv7–8 | +enormous Mag. Atk → Crazy Madness stronger! |
| Zither Endgame | Deity Shard Lv6+ | +Mag. Atk% – scales with high Mag. damage! |
| Jewelry | JOSD / Diamond of Tiger | +Def Level / +Atk Level |
Zither gem tip: Sapphire Shard (Mag. Atk) is the best Zither choice – scales both damage and squad heals! In endgame switch to Deity Shard for Mag. Atk%. Armor primarily Citrin (HP) since Arcane Armor naturally has little HP.
Genie Guide
Complete skill list, Aff values and genie selection: Genie Guide.
| Skill | Effect | Rec. Lv | Prio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Domain | 5 sec. immunity – critical! Stuns break Crit chains. AD protects against this! | Lv10 | ★★★★★ |
| Cloud Eruption | +1 Spark – accelerate Triple Spark for combo with Crazy Madness | Lv1 (!) | ★★★★★ |
| Tangling Mire | −35% Phys. Def. + 100% Acc. – useful even for mag class against mobs | Lv10 | ★★★★★ |
| Holy Path | Max. movement speed – kiting when CC hits the Bard | Lv10 | ★★★★ |
| Second Wind / Tree of Protection | Emergency heal when channeling is interrupted and HP is critical | Lv10 | ★★★★ |
| Extreme Poison | +20% damage on target – combined with Crazy Madness very strong | Lv10 | ★★★★ |
★ Absolute Domain as Priority #1! Since Stuns and Movement CC are the Bard's greatest weakness (they interrupt channeling and Crit chains), AD is the most important Genie skill. Always keep ready when CC threatens! Recommended Genie: Infliction (red) for TM + AD.
Important Tips
- Miao Cang Sea builds NO Melody! Miao Cang Sea is the only exception — gives no Melody Points despite dealing damage. Never use as primary Melody buildup skill! Use for channel damage while other skills are on CD.
- ΨRoaming Dragon Blessing always active! This buff makes the Bard particularly hard to kill. Always cast first and continuously refresh — primary defensive ability against burst.
- Stuns = main threat! AD immediately! Bards are particularly weak against movement control and stuns. As soon as a Stun threatens: activate Absolute Domain. CC interrupts channeling and destroys the Crazy Madness Crit chain.
- ΨClouds Encompassing the Sea = 5 sec. safety! When channeling comes under pressure: first cast Clouds Encompassing the Sea for 5 sec. CC on the enemy, then calmly build Melody and start Crazy Madness.
- Triple Spark + Crazy Madness = maximum burst! Activate Triple Spark (300 Chi) during Crazy Madness State = 500% weapon damage + guaranteed Crit + increased Crit damage. One-shot potential against weaker enemies!
- Watch out for translation errors in the client! Several Bard skills have incorrect text descriptions in the English client per Patch Notes. Consult official skill data when in doubt.
- Sword mode for pursuer role! When enemy flees from Zither range: immediately switch to Sword for melee pursuit. Use ΨUpstream Glow (30 sec. CD) beforehand to prevent running away.
- No Lv79 skill – no problem! Bard has no Lv79 skill (identical to Technician and Edgerunner). The ∆Great Sound of Hope Homestead skill unlocks many more important skills instead. Prioritize Homestead quests!
- ΨRoaming Dragon Blessing always active! This buff makes the Bard particularly hard to kill. Always cast first and continuously refresh — primary defensive ability against burst.
- Stuns = main threat! AD immediately! Bards are particularly weak against movement control and stuns. As soon as a Stun threatens: activate Absolute Domain. CC interrupts channeling and destroys the Crazy Madness Crit chain.
- ΨClouds Encompassing the Sea = 5 sec. safety! When channeling comes under pressure: first cast Clouds Encompassing the Sea for 5 sec. CC on the enemy, then calmly build Melody and start Crazy Madness.
- Triple Spark + Crazy Madness = maximum burst! Activate Triple Spark (300 Chi) during Crazy Madness State = 500% weapon damage + guaranteed Crit + increased Crit damage. One-shot potential against weaker enemies!
- Watch out for translation errors in the client! Several Bard skills have incorrect text descriptions in the English client per Patch Notes. Consult official skill data when in doubt.
- Sword mode for pursuer role! When enemy flees from Zither range: immediately switch to Sword for melee pursuit. Use ΨUpstream Glow (30 sec. CD) beforehand to prevent running away.
- No Lv79 skill – no problem! Bard has no Lv79 skill (identical to Technician and Edgerunner). The ∆Great Sound of Hope Homestead skill unlocks many more important skills instead. Prioritize Homestead quests!
Summary
Pure MAG Build – Tideborn Melody Crit-Chain Mage
Golden rule: ΨRoaming Dragon Blessing always active. Spam damage skills (except Miao Cang Sea) for Melody Points. At 9/9: Crazy Madness State = all attacks guaranteed Crit! ΨClouds Encompassing the Sea for 5 sec. CC protection. AD immediately when Stun threatens. Triple Spark during Crazy Madness for maximum burst.