Again, I?m writing this guide based on one mentality, that you can possibly look at some of these ideas and alter them & personalize them to fit as your own. If you wish to follow these builds strictly, then go ahead, but that would be rather generic. Anyway, I?m writing this based on my experience since November 5th 2005 until now, I?ll be racking up everything I know about building blades into this guide (including hidden secrets/tactics that were locked away only in the minds of experienced blades for the longest time). I?ll be listing my opinions & such in my commentaries under the builds, you may view them if you wish to, if not, that?s fine too. 

Everything in this guide is probably the most current information you?ll find anywhere. Beware however, this ISa rather long guide, I?ll try to cover everything in here. (Using ctrl + F is recommended to find a specific thing that you?re hoping to look for.) 

1. Builds 
2. Skill points 
3. FAQ?s 
4. Tactics 
5. Equipments 
6. Q&A 

Guide Step 1: Builds. 

Strength Builds: (1v1) (at level 60) 

1a) Sword User: 
Str: 53 
Sta: 40 
Dex: 70 
Commentary: This build takes advantage of the 2nd aspd break point at 67, then pushes a bit further for a 1% higher critical rate. Personally, I believe that 3 points into a stat cannot make any significant changes, so if you wish, you can place those points elsewhere. Perhaps sta if you wish to aoe cranes a bit at 65, perhaps into str if you want a tad bit more str. This is what I mean by you may want to customize your own build. An advantage of this build is that, if you equip 2 guardian swords + get max cannonball?ed, you can push to the 3rd aspd breakpoint. This build progresses by adding further str. 

1b) Sword User: 
Str: 83 
Sta: 40 
Dex: 40 
Commentary: This build is quite a challenge if you wish to use it early on. But your own damage output is something that you WILL be proud of, trust me on this :]. Anyway, this is a rather assist/RM dependent build, if you wish to use this, be warned. Furthermore, this build requires a +8 set asap, so be warned, don?t come [I Have a Potty Mouth] later on because you can?t utilize this build well enough. High str builds all involve quite a pretty penny. If you can?t afford it, I wouldn?t recommend it. However, imo, finding RMs for blades with this build isn?t too hard. What?s so special about this build is that, it utilizes the 38 dex first blade aspd break point. 

1c) Axe User: 
Str: 70 
Sta: 40 
Dex: 53 
Commentary: This is a rather common str-axe build after my original build information was distributed out lol. Anyway, the advantage of this build is that, you hit the first axe aspd breakpoint, have enough sta to survive well + later on, still CW well with just a +8 set as long as you?re over 85 (no eel needed). The higher the str the more benefit from the axes. So overall, it?s a good deal. Only downfall is, it?s a str build, meaning, you WILL need a RM + a good set. What hurts even more about this build is that, you don?t have the accuracy from blazing sword, so for many people, that means missing a lot more. I suggest you only do this build if you know that you?ll be having a RM with you full time + a well upgraded set. For progression in this build, just increase the str. Sta too if you feel the need to. 

1d) Axe User: 
Str: 59 
Sta: 30 
Dex: 74 
Commentary: This build is more versatile than the first axe build. You can hit the 2nd sword apsd breakpoint with this build. Furthermore, with a maxed out cannonball, you can hit the 2nd axe apsd breakpoint. Versatility is definitely useful, and it gives you more options when stuck in a jam. This build relies less on a RM in my opinion, because your accuracy should be fine with a well-upgraded set. However, still, the maximum potential of this build can only be achieved with the help of a RM who has a mastered cannonball. Progression in this build would mean adding more str + sta if needed to. 

Dexterity Builds: (1v1) (at level 60) 

2a) Sword User: 
Str: 33 
Sta: 30 
Dex: 100 
Commentary: This is more of a classic generic style blade build. Overtime, however, people realized how this build might not be as efficient as strength builds later on when the player is high-leveled. Anyway, the advantages of this build are: 
1. High block (blades have double u006, highest natural block rate characters ingame) 
2. Breaks 3rd sword apsd breakpoint 
3. Accuracy is relatively high as opposed to strength blade builds 
However, with pros come cons. This build means you shall & will be utterly obliterated in the PvP arena at this level. Your damage output to a knight will be pathetic. Your hp is quite low to endure much. I personally don?t favor this build too much until later on; and by later on, I mean 105+. Because that?s when you have enough points to balance out your sta & str to create a successful PvP build. Progression in this build means adding more dex & str / sta when needed to. Keep on going for the aspd breakpoints. 

2b) Axe User: 
Str: 42 
Sta: 25 
Dex: 94 
Commentary: Hmm.. This build allows you to hit the 2nd axe aspd breakpoint; along with when armed with the guardian axes, you should survive just fine. As for gianting wise, it may not be the best; I definitely wouldn?t recommend you tanking giants at least. The str in this build utilizes the axe-damage formula a tad bit, however, not by much. If you decide to go with this build, Good luck. However, I do recommend innovation; customize this build, my example is your layout. 

AoE Builds: (at level 70) 
For aoe builds, I highly recommend the usage of axes, not swords; due to the following reasons:
1. Level 75 axes are the ideal axes for aoe?ing.
2. Smite axe offers +25 def at level 20.
3. Axe?s formula offers better damage than sword?s formula, even if it?s a tad bit.
4. Skill cast speed is the same for both axes & swords. 
5. The only advantage that a sword has over an axe, is that you?ll be able to aoe five levels earlier. HOWEVER, you also sacrifice 30 skill points while at it. Not a worthy trade off in my opinion. 

3a) Axe User: 
Str: 15 
Sta: 84 
Dex: 84 
Commentary: The 1:1 build. This is an easy to distribute build. It allows easy survival + decent accuracy pre-aoe. Then after receiving AoE, you?ll be able to evade well + have enough hp to cushion hard criticals. The good thing about blade AoE builds is that, no matter what you do, as long as you?re smart with distributing dex & sta, there is no way that you can possibly NOT be able to aoe well. Since even if you shy away from a high sta, your high dex will provide you with additional evade + block to save you. So in the end, you?ll still at a winning situation. Furthermore, this build receives amazing hp bonuses after equipping the level 75 rare axes. 

3b) Axe User: 
Str: 15 
Sta: 68 
Dex: 100 
Commentary: This build takes advantage of a blade?s high block rate. To progress with this build, just keep adding your dex and sta at a 3:2 ratio. Eventually cap sta off at around 100. Your damage will be significantly higher than 3a after a period of leveling. It?s a decent build for aoeing, I believe this is probably one of the most efficient builds for AoE?ing. 

3b) Axe User: 
Str: 15 
Sta: 60 
Dex: 108 
Commentary: In this build, you?re capping your sta at 60, FOREVER. This sounds risky, but don?t worry, after 75 you?ll be doing just fine. You don?t need high sta to aoe big mobs, especially with your insanely high block rate & evasion rate. If you arm yourself with 2 speedo +3s, you?ll be set. Good luck :]. 

Guide Step 2: Skill Points. 

I?ve seen way too many threads with people unsure about how to distribute their skill points. So I?ll make this nice & simple for you guys. all offensive mercenary skills are unnecessary. In fact, if you choose to raise them, you may be harming your skill points, which you?ll need for later on with your blade skills + your essential mercenary buff skills. Here?s the essential?s list: (get these all to 20 asap) 

1.Sword Mastery 
2. Blazing Sword 
3. Axe Mastery 
4. Smite Axe 
5. Impower Weapon 
6. Sneaker (at either 19 or 20) 
7. Berserk 
8. Pan Barrier 

The reason for why you want both sets of self-buffs is because it?s extremely convenient. Furthermore, most people like to start off with swords; however, ALL blades will use axes later on. You want to max out pan barrier because that?s the one skill that will render all BJ?s useless to you. You will be a god in front of them; they will bow down to you & beg you for forgiveness. & the skills that aren?t essential but are helpful/fun later on include: 

1. Hawk Attack 
2. Splmash 
3. Keenwheel 
4. Sonic Blade 
5. Cross Strike 
6. Gullotine 

Again, these skills aren?t necessary, get them if you wish. 

Guide Step 3: FAQ?s 

1. Why can?t I cast impower weapon? 
- Impower weapon can only be casted when you put an element onto your weapon. In order to do so, you must have a level 2 card in your inventory (touch, gale, voltage, lake, stone), double click on that, then your weapon. (Note: The upgrading might fail, so if your weapon didn’t get +elemented the first time, try again. However I wouldn’t recommend upgrading beyond +3 without a spro, your weapon may break if upgrading failed) 

2. OHNOES~! I ADDED INT WHAT DO I DO!? 
- For most cases, you?re fine. An int or two won?t kill you, however, if you really screwed up a crapload. I recommend restarting if your character is low leveled, or buying a restat if your character is high leveled. 

3. Always keep your dex at an EVEN number, never leave it on an odd number, you only raise evasions on even numbers. 

4. Elemental armors against the element of the monster you’re fighting = Less damage taken per hit from the monster. Same elemental armor as the monster = chances of getting hit for 0′s. 

5. "I’m level <insert level here> and I’m only making <insert % exp here> per kill, what can I do to increase my speed of leveling?" 
- Well first thing you should do is find a party. Not a crappy party that’s below level one, find an advanced party. Since you’re a merc/knight/blade, you’ll be doing the killing, meaning a contribution party benefits you the most. However you do have to be considerate of others, when your partner is an assist or RM, be fair to them. Level in a level distribution party so they can receive a nice amount of exp as well. Also remember this, if the party is full (8 people), then you receive the maximum amount of exp bonuses possible. 

6. What does cheer do? 
- It does many things, one of them is raising your exp per kill. It’s also rumored to help with upgrading, drop rates, etc. 

Guide Step 4: Tactics. 

Ever since the launch of FlyFF, innumerable players have looked down on blades. They thought we were inferior, they thought that we can?t do a plethora of things. They had the nerve to believe that we can?t PvP/Pk/AoE/Solo/Hit hard. Well I?ll give you some pointers on how to prove them wrong. One thing that I love to do is to prove people wrong and show them in their face what idiots they are, so let me help you too :]. 

PvP/PK: 

1. Alright for PvP, first thing you want to do is get a maxed out pan barrier. Yes yes, believe it or not, that skill which you always found to be annoying is now your best friend. This little precious allows you to block immensely against Bow jesters and Rangers that use normal attack. Grab a shield, cast this, and watch the bj?s suffer. 

2. If you?re on PK, anything goes, including the usage of foods. That?s a HUGE advantage to a blade, as that minimizes a blade?s biggest disadvantage in the PvP category. If you?re in PvP, ask for a food duel, trust me, it?s good. :]. 

3. When satan?ed, get on a board/broom. Most of the time the psys are trying too hard to keep you sataned that they usually don?t manage to hit you if you can act fast enough. Anyway, get on board/broom & fly to them then skill them to death. 

4. Go in crit mode if you can, this stuff helps ;D 

5. Don’t run away from an opponent, a blade?s biggest disadvantage is their lack of ranged attacks. With the position lag nowadays, characters can skill you from quite far away. 

Gianting: 

1. Get hawk attack mastered, use it as soon as the giant starts, you’ll have a much easier time tanking it. 

2. Getting crit mode is always helpful. 

3. Sneaker works wonders when trying to compete for giants 

4. If giants are in rage, temporarily forget about minions. See if you can crit it back before worrying about minions. 

5. Pills + food 

6. Same element suit as giant may provide to be helpful if you have a high crit rate + hawk + sneaker. 

CW: 

When it comes to CW, I have quite a bit of knowledge, here are some tips that may help you.. 

1. CW’ing before 80 = eel, DO IT! 

2. After 80, 7k hp is all you really need. 

3. Stuns & shit don’t work on him. Don’t bother. 

4. 65 million hp, Rage when his name is on the capital "C" in "Clockworks". His crits go for as high as 6.8k at this point. 

5. Stay under him. You block his leg attacks then (til rage at least). 

6. Don’t run in & out, it triggers Laser 

7. Empty bar has over 2mil hp left. 

8. Don’t run straight to someone, if he cannons, he’ll kill your friend as well. 

Guide Step 5: Equipments. 

Level 60 equips: 

- The set is good, get it. Useful til 75 IMO. I suggest +5 on this minimum. 

- Axe vs. Swords: I can’t tell you based on this, I myself actually have very little experience with them. But use them based on your build. 

Level 75 equips: 

- Set = GODLY, get it & +8 ~ +10. Depending on what you can afford. This stuff helps with pinkys for sure! 

- Axe: +20% Hp +7% aspd each. Good for AoE’ing, aoers, this is your ultimate axe pair. I personally think these > the swords, but your choice! 

- Swords: +5 str +7% crits. Good pvp weapons for bps / eles/etc. Use them if you wish, I personally think the 75 set is all good. 

Level 90 equips: 

- Set = Your set for the remainder of your levels. I personally still use this for everything. PvPing sometimes, CWing all the time, Training = half the time. Great set. Definitely worth of +8, even +10 if you’re rich enough. 

- Axes: You’ve waited 90 levels, they’re your godsent present. Cherish these, armed with these, you’re to be feared in the arena. +20% crits +7 dex EACH. You can do 36 dex with a +8 set . You can get first sword aspd break & your axe aspd break with these. 

- Swords: HP wise, purty good. Good if you’re short on money. 

Level 105 equips: 

- Old 105 set: dont get it, it sucks. 
- New 105 set: Great for PvP, definitely useful. Get it & upgrade it like crazy. 

- Swords: screw this, ignore them. 

- Axes: if you make it to this level, you’re good forever. These axes make everything worth it. All that grinding, all those levels of "yousuck". It all paid off. Get them and get them at +10 kthx. 

Level 90 equips (mix): 

- Dest Helm 
- Dest Gaunts 
- Dest Suit 
- Shaentra Boots 

This set up only works for female blades, but with this, you’re set. If the set is at +10, you can go full str without having to worry very much about accuracy. 

+45% accuracy from +10 set, and +20% accuracy from shaentra boots. 

You still receive the critical bonus of the 90 set, but you gain a crazy lot of accuracy in return. Best set up ever. 

Guide Step 6: Q&A. 

1.

at which lvl i canCW without dieing at rage mode ..or at which lvl i can go CW with RM only =D

- 7k is the minimal HP for Rage at level 80. Anything over 7k hp and level 80 or beyond will do. 

And I don’t really recommend CW’ing with just a RM until after 105.

2.

are AoE blades any good?

- It’s all based on preference, their advantage is that they have an easier time with balancing AoE builds. Evasions + Block rate helps AoE blades immensely, while the Dex also packs quite a punch for damage dealing. The overall damage is rather impressive with a high dex. However, only flaw is that the blade AoE’s are relatively slow + it becomes quite a hassle when your mobs are like pinkys, which have a high crit rate.

3.

Full Dex = Good or bad?

- I personally have never tried it before, I’ve tried a high dex build before, pre-v6. But that’s different. I personally can’t find any advantages of having a full dex blade. 

If you had 195 dex or so, it’s possible to get 100% critical rate with dual lga’s, 90 set, and crit mode. Which should be enough, and the rest of the points can go into either str for damage, or sta for tanking abilities if you want to aoe. However going into all DEX is just pointless imo. 

This took me a while, hope this helps. Hf.

Credits go to ephhh.