Blade & Soul is a Wuxia inspired martial arts title that many MMO enthusiasts have spent the last 8 years waiting for. First announced back in 2007 as Project M, both Western and European fans have been patiently waiting for a release in their respective regions, and in 2012 it seemed like our time had finally come... But it had not. Instead another project was announced for the US and EU causing many to fear the worst about their anticipated title. Due to the lack of response over the years about the state of Blade & Soul whenever it was brought up, many had given up hope for the game. It wasn't until August 2014 when B&S fans at bladeandsouldojo.com came across a job posting for Community Manager that people started to believe in what we now felt impossible, and in the following year on May 21, 2015 we were blessed with news that both the US and EU would finally, FINALLY get a regional release by Winter 2016, with CBT preceding it that Fall.
THE WAIT... IS OVER!
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Yura, right hand woman of Jinsoyun.
Avenge the Fallen - A Tale of Loyalty, Morality, Justice, and Redemption
As a promising student of the Hongmoon School, you train your skills in peace. However, when the wicked Jinsoyun arrives to slaughter your fellow students and beloved Master in her search for the legendary blade, the Twilight’s Edge, your story truly begins. Rise in power, seek vengeance, and stop Jinsoyun’s plan to unleash the forces of the Dark Realm upon the world. This is a game with Wuxia at its core. For those who do not know what "Wuxia" is, NCSoft has done an excellent write up explaining it.
The races in Blade & Soul are unique and beautiful in both build and personality. Pair that with an extensive character creator and you can make your martial artist stand out from the rest! Each race has their own defined style when it comes to wearing armor in the game, some of which are more "free spirited" than others. For example, for those who would like to have their character show off their muscles the Gon may be their race of choice, while those who prefer a more reserved style may consider selecting the Yun as their character's race. As with all MMO's, player preference is important and Blade & Soul is no different in making sure options are available for everyone.
Masters of stealth, enemy distraction, and applying afflictions. They are pros at deception and while their blades are something to be feared, they are also equipped with an arsenal of explosives and traps, which depending on the user can either aid them in earning a quick kill or provide them with a hasty escape.
Versatile front-line warriors that have a balance of offensive and defensive tools. They utilize blocking and evading abilities to avoid damage and inflict it with their quick draw sword techniques and stance switching. Their offensive "Lightning Draw" stance can deliver heavy damage up close, while their Flying Sword technique can reach enemies from afar.
Battle-hardened and able to fight effectively alone or in groups. Destroyers have incredible strength, wielding their large axes to deliver devastating blows to their enemies. Unlike other classes, Destroyers have the ability to grab the corpses of their enemies and toss them at other foes. Destroyers may not have the countering/maneuvering abilities that Blade Masters and Kung-Fu Masters have, but their bodies allow them to withstand a substantial amount of damage.
Caster class with ranged Fire-and-Ice abilities that can inflict heavy damage to multiple enemies. Force Masters use their inner Chi to conjure spells that either harms their foes or protect themselves in combat. Their weapon, the Chi bracelet, is the tool that allows them to accomplish such feats. They are the mage class of this game, and as such they are glass cannons, meaning lack of awareness could lead to an early death.
Experts in hand-to-hand fighting, with fast-paced, extravagant attacks. Their notable attribute is their ability to counter, and then punishing with an appropriate skill. Like the Blade Master, Kung-Fu Masters will become very familiar with an enemy's movement and the tells they give before attacking. Along with their counter, they also have a left and right dodge, as well as a backdash, all three of which can be used against skills/aoe that are unblockable. Both their offensive and defensive techniques provide Kung-Fu Masters opportunities to answer with flashy combos, and with how many there are to learn it takes quite a bit of time to use them efficiently.
Support and work together with your damage-dealing cat companion, a trusty feline friend who is ready to fight/tank for you. Summoners have a wide range of abilities, but because of that they don't excel in any particular field.
Lyn exclusive class that are nimble warriors with strong attack chains. They are an easier version of the Blade Master class that deliver powerful melee attacks, can summon swords with both defensive and offensive capabilities, and has a force choke to stop opponents in their tracks. And due to them having a plethora of AoE skills they are both easy to level as well as control.
The Earthen Realm is a place of wonder, teeming with the beauty of the natural world and a wide variety of inhabitants. Mortals live side by side with beasts, spirits, and inexplicable creatures born of the mystical energies of the world. Of course, for every gorgeous sunset beyond lush forests, there are also dangerous mires where hidden threats lurk patiently for the unwary. Only the unwise would dare wander the lands content in their ignorance of the world and its potential threats.
The Viridian Coast
The Southern Continent is home to some of the most lovely and abundant regions in the world. There is little that can compare to the serene Viridian Coast. From the sandy beaches outside of picturesque Bamboo Village, to the eerie depths of the Gloomdross Forest where phantoms play, to the towering coastal cliffs of Songshu Isle.
The Viridian Coast lives up to its name with its lush green plains, cool bamboo forests, and valleys where fragments of the earth float into the sky to dizzying heights. It is home to Jadestone Village, a bustling lakeside community where business thrives in the region, and the prestigious Hongmoon School tucked away in Heaven’s Reach beyond the shore. But for all its peaceful beauty, there’s always the looming threat of the devious Blackram Marauders waiting to strike at the unsuspecting coastal towns, or the restless spirits haunting the Gloomdross Forest.
The Cinderlands
The Southern Continent’s mainland was once the proud heart of civilization, where the mighty Naryu Empire stood uncontested for centuries. The Naryu Empire became a battleground to hold back the invading demons from the Dark Realm, and was blighted during the Four Guardian’s fight against the great corrupted energy. Deep forests and surging rivers dried up, leaving a vast wasteland where only the strong and stubborn can possibly survive. Yet in every endless desert there always lies an oasis. Yehara’s Mirage is the hub of all activity in the region, welcoming travelers in from near and far to experience a bit of luxury amid desolation with its fine dining and strong drinks.
Away from the Scorching Sands, the bestial Jaofang Village rests safe in its valley, while not far beyond is the Blindeye Bazaar where shady dealings of a less savory crowd operate outside the law. There are even rumors of the tomb of Mushin himself buried somewhere amid the ruins of the Naryu Empire, where a treasure beyond all imagination waits to be claimed. That is, if daring adventurers could first survive the vicious Bonemask Tribe warriors, the giant scorpions, and the bands of tomb raiders along the way.
The Moonwater Plains
After surviving the desolate heat of the Cinderlands, a bit of water is a relief! Upon the Eastern Continent, The Moonwater Plains has a surplus of mighty rivers, crashing waterfalls, and vast lakes as clear as a cloudless sky. The sprawling Lycandi Foothills are home to the native people of the region who live side-by-side with the Lyn of Brightstone Village and the farming community of Hogshead Pastures. The glorious Sapphire Basin is home to many curious species such as the frog-like Ploggles and the brutish Hoglin.
But a shadow always lurks nearby: The Haunted Necropolis, stained by corrupted energy some 30 years past, is where a demonic outbreak is endlessly held back by the brave Snapjaw Tribe. As the Eastern Continent is also territory of the Talus Empire, one must always be wary of the outbreak of violence where the Talus Army clashes with the rebellious Skyhaven Resistance.
The Silverfrost Mountains
Further north on the Eastern Continent are the Skypetal Plains: gorgeous fields of swaying grass and fragrant wildflowers caressed by the ocean winds. It is home to Zaiwei, capital city of the Talus Dominion, standing as a beacon of wealth and power among nature’s bounty. But it is a city endlessly challenged by the thieving Lumang Syndicate, the corrupt Hao Society, and a bevy of powerful monsters who call Skypetal Plains their home.
Beyond the city awaits frozen mountains full of treacherous heights, blistering snowstorms, and ancient temples of long-slumbering gods waiting to awaken once more. But for all the mystery and intrigue the region has to offer, it is the grand capital city itself that holds the darkest secrets.
As a rising Martial Artist, you will be asked to join one of the elite Factions: they share a goal of eliminating evil, but differ in their views on how the realm shall operate. Choose wisely! Who you align with will determine the Clans you can join.
A group that seeks to remove the corrupt from the government and replace them with strong, unified, diligent individuals in order to better the lives of everyday people.
A group that believe that any form of government is pointless and that people should be free from such authority.
NA SERVER: MUSHIN
EU SERVER: WINDREST
GAF will be joining the Cerulean Order Faction. The individuals at the head of the clan have a great deal of experience with the game by having played the Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and/or Taiwan clients previously. Feel free to use them as resources for any questions you may have and do not hesitate to ask for help, and with the recently established B&SGAF server (courtesy of ShinMaruku), groups, raids, etc can be set up with ease. To get an invite to the clan be sure to either contact one of the following people below in-game or on Discord (Names may change due name reservation):
PvP in Blade & Soul is quite different in comparison to other NCsoft titles. PvP can be engaged in either the Arena or while freeroaming the world while wearing a Dobok (costume) of a specific faction. If you wear a Cerulean Order Dobok while you're out questing be aware that members of the Crimson Legion will be able to engage you if they too are wearing their faction uniform. If you are wearing a pirate dobok, anyone wearing their Marine costume will have the same opportunity and vice versa. There are no PvP servers in Blade & Soul, meaning people will not have the ability to freely gank others when they are questing out in the world. For it to occur they must be wearing a costume that opposes the faction you represent.
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Credit to Felipe Bonon Gonçalves
Blade & Soul has the familiar setup of dungeons where you enter with a party to complete in order to get loot, but it also differs from its siblings with providing solo end game content as well, specifically Mushin's Tower. Mushin's Tower is an end game solo dungeon, where completing levels will grant epic rewards.
Blade & Soul utilizes an action combat system, allowing you to truly feel like a martial artist. Being aware of your surroundings, correctly positioning yourself, knowing when to defend, when to attack, and choosing the best response to your opponent are all key to being able to truly master your martial prowess.In order for your attacks to have their intended impact, you generally need to be facing your opponent. Some skills have a ranged impact, where everyone who’s standing in front of you will be damaged as long as they’re within range. These can generally be used at any time, and anyone who gets in your way will be hit.
The combat in Blade & Soul is dependent on your actions and reaction, and many of your martial abilities are triggered upon certain events. Your action bar at the bottom of the screen shows the skills you have available in general situations; however, these skill bars will shift to display abilities that are available to take advantage of a given situation. For example, if you’re knocked down as a Destroyer, your skill options will change to a give you a number of different abilities that allow you to jump back up into the battle. But be quick, or you could lose your chance to respond.
Unlike other MMORPGs where your stat boosts (str, def, agi, crit, etc) came from the armor you had equipped, Blade & Soul utilizes a bopae or soul shield system where your stats are determined by the 8 pie shaped pieces that are slotted in your character's medallion. Every soul shield piece you encounter comes from a set, and piecing 3, 5, or all 8 them together grants you additional bonuses. With this system, it also means players won't be forced to wear gear they may find visually unappealing just for the sake of it having better stats than what they were wearing before it. Rejoice!
Early in game you'll be rewarded a weapon that is unique among the many you can come across in Blade & Soul, for good reason. This item is called a Hongmoon weapon, a tool that is incredibly powerful and one that you will maintain, feed, and evolve as you progress through the game. When defeating enemies in the world they have a chance of dropping a random weapon, which can be sacrificed to increase the power of your Hongmoon weapon. As you continue to feed your weapon it will increase in levels, granting better attributes and gaining more power.
Once a weapon has reached Stage 5, it can be coaxed to breakthrough to Stage 6 after feeding it a specific rare weapon and rare reagents. Following the breakthrough you can level it to Stage 10 and evolve it into a different weapon after feeding it another specific rare weapon and rare reagents. Once it has evolved it will go back to Stage 1 with a different look and a new name. Challenging enemies are the ones that hold the specific weapons required to cause a breakthrough or transformation, while the rare reagents can be found through repeatable quests in certain parts of the world.
Blade & Soul will be Free to Play, and will have a monthly subscription for Premium Member Access. Premium Membership will provide you with quality of life benefits, such as:
- Priority Login: skip login queues
- Slight boost in getting XP, Gold, and Hongmoon Coin from quests and drops
- More slots available for use when selling items on the Auction House
- Reduced cooldown on Windstride (teleporth/hearth ability)
Unique Head Accessory
Receive the exclusive "High Noon" head accessory for your character only available through a Master Pack. Delivered at Head Start.
Unique Weapon Skin
Receive this exclusive weapon skin for your character only available through a Master Pack. Delivered at Head Start. *This art is not final.
Unique Costumes
Receive these exclusive costumes for your character only available through a Master Pack. Delivered at Head Start. *This art is not final.[/I]
Blade and Soul Teaser
Blade and Soul GStar 2009 Announcement Trailer
Blade and Soul GStar 2010 Trailer
Blade and Soul Qing Gong Movement
Blade and Soul GStar 2014 Warlock Teaser
Blade & Soul: Four Great Guardians (English Announcement Trailer) May 20, 2015
Blade & Soul: Follow My Blade June 23, 2015
Blade & Soul: Warring Factions August 18, 2015
Find Your Soul - GIRLS GENERATION
Dancing Trailer "Good Time" (Unofficial)
PvE Gearing Guide - ZiggyD
Twitch Channel
Official Website
Dedicated Fansite
Steparu - The "World" webms came from their videos. Incredible individual who spends an insane amount of their time beta testing and reviewing MMOs for our sake. Thank you Steparu!
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A very special thanks to ShinMaruku and Ultimadrago. Ultimadrago, thank you for being an incredible friend, one that I had the pleasure of knowing for 5+ years and one that I could talk about anything with. You're the best!
