Dark and Darker Best Bard Build (2024): Guide to Perks and Songs
Dark and Darker introduces a thrilling twist to the extraction battle royale genre, immersing players in a dark fantasy dungeon filled with both PvE monsters and PvP encounters. While no longer available on Steam, the game has built a passionate community due to its intense, skill-based gameplay. Among the game's eight classes, the Bard stands out for its hybrid role, mixing magic, support, and melee abilities. This guide will help you master the Bard with the best perks, songs, and builds for various playstyles.
Bard Class Overview
The Bard is a unique class that channels magic through music, performing songs via a rhythm-based mini-game. A Bard's success in these rhythm challenges is graded as Poor, Good, or Perfect, directly impacting the strength of their buffs and debuffs. The Bard's high Strength and Agility make them more durable and faster than most magic users, though their low Will reduces their magical resistance and spell power.
Mastering the Bard means balancing between support and offense, efficiently switching between instruments and melee weapons to maximize your effectiveness in battle.
Bard Perks
Perks passively improve your abilities and unlock at the following levels:
Level 0: 1 slot
Level 5: 2 slots
Level 10: 3 slots
Level 15: 4 slots
Level 20: 5 slots
Recommended Perks for Bards:
Superior Dexterity - Increases the speed of swapping between weapons and instruments.
Reinforced Instruments - Boosts instrument durability, keeping them functional for longer.
Melodic Protection - Reduces incoming damage while performing songs.
War Song - Grants an offensive boost to nearby allies during performances.
Story Teller - Increases Will and Knowledge, enhancing spell potency and effectiveness.
Wanderer's Luck - Increases the drop rate of rare Dark and Darker items, improving your loot progression.
Bard Sheet Music (Songs)
The Bard's spells are songs, performed via Sheet Music. To use these effectively, you'll need to equip Musical Memory skills, which unlock additional slots as you level up.
Example Songs:
Tranquility - Heals allies over time.
Harmonic Shield - Adds a temporary shield to allies.
Accelerando - Increases movement speed for quick escapes.
Lament of Languor - Slows enemy movement and attack speed.
Chaotic Discord - Disrupts enemies, causing panic.
Piercing Shrill - Reduces enemy defenses.
Best Bard Builds for Different Playstyles
1. Beginner Bard Build
Perfect for new players learning to juggle instruments and melee combat.
Loadout:
Weapon: Rapier - Fast, easy-to-use melee weapon.
Armor: Doublet - Keeps mobility high.
Perks:
Superior Dexterity - Streamlines weapon swaps.
Skills:
Encore - Grants one free Perfect performance, ideal for beginners.
Musical Memory:
Tranquility
Harmonic Shield
Accelerando
Shriek of Weakness
Unchained Harmony
2. Support Bard Build
This build focuses on healing and buffing your team, making the Bard indispensable in group runs.
Loadout:
Weapon: Rapier - A reliable melee option for emergencies.
Armor: Doublet - Light armor to maintain movement speed.
Perks:
Melodic Protection - Reduces incoming damage while performing.
Superior Dexterity - Ensures smooth weapon swaps.
Story Teller - Boosts Will and Knowledge.
Wanderer's Luck - Increases loot quality for better progression.
Skills:
Musical Memory (two slots):
Harmonic Shield
Tranquility
Beats of Alacrity - Boosts allies' movement speed.
Rousing Rhythms - Increases allies' attack speed.
Song of Silence - Suppresses enemy spellcasting.
3. Beastly Bard Build
An aggressive, combat-focused build that disrupts enemies and strengthens your own combat abilities.
Loadout:
Weapon: Falchion - A hard-hitting sword with high damage output.
Armor: Regal Gambeson - Provides the best protection available for Bards.
Perks:
Superior Dexterity - Ensures fast swaps between instruments and melee weapons.
Reinforced Instruments - Prevents your instruments from breaking mid-fight.
War Song - Buffs nearby allies' damage.
Wanderer's Luck - Enhances loot drops for better gear.
Skills:
Musical Memory (two slots):
Lament of Languor
Chaotic Discord
Banshee's Howl - Causes enemies to flee.
Din of Darkness - Reduces enemy vision.
Piercing Shrill
Ballad of Courage - Removes fear effects from allies.
Pro-Tip: Spend Dark and Darker Gold Wisely
To optimize your Bard, invest your Dark and Darker Gold in upgrading key Dark and Darker items like instruments, weapons, and armor. High-quality gear will significantly improve both your support and combat abilities, giving you an edge in tough encounters.
Conclusion
The Bard in Dark and Darker offers unparalleled versatility, capable of excelling as both a supportive healer and an aggressive disruptor. Mastering the rhythm mini-game is crucial, but with practice, the Bard becomes a powerful addition to any party. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, these builds will help you maximize your Bard's potential and adapt to a different scenarios.
Equip the right perks, master your songs, and use your Dark and Darker Gold strategically to become a legendary Bard in the world of Dark and Darker!