Bards feel like a given in a fantasy-based game like Dark and Darker; however, their passive nature and need to boost other players’ attributes make Bards one of the stranger additions. Even still, there are certain Perks and Skills that make them a standout should you decide to tackle the Bard.
Dark and Darker: How to Play as Bard
There’s no denying that playing as a Bard is unconventional, to say the least. Bards are best known for passive buffs and access to a wide array of melee weapons. However, the Bard’s greatest strength, music, is also going to be your biggest challenge. As a result, there are certain skills that will make a difference for a character that thrives on buffs.
| Skills | Effects |
|---|---|
| Dissonance | For 3 seconds, an unpleasant sound will silence and keep enemies from using spells. |
| Encore | The next song played by a Bard will play to he end without inputs at the maximum 50% play speed |
| Music Memory | Can store 5 sheets of music |
| Music Memory 2 | Can store 5 sheets of music |
| Party Maker | Removes drunk effects from allies |
Best Bard Perks in Dark and Darker
By being a support character, Bards have to be used in a way where you are versatile enough to cover all bases and have a bit of advantage from every class. This includes buffing allies while also being capable enough in your own skills to fight off enemies. However, there’s also the added benefit of luck that helps parse through Bard’s long list of perks.
| Perks | Effects |
|---|---|
| Reinforced Instruments | Physical Power Bonus increased by 50% when using an instrument as a weapon. |
| Melodic Protection | Physical Damage Reduction is increased by an additional flat +30% while playing an instrument. |
| Superior Dexterity | 50% faster switching between utility items and weapons |
| War Song | “Buff” Weapon Damage increases for you and allies within 4.5 meters by +3 for 6 seconds when playing an instrument. |
Best Bard Songs in Dark and Darker
Bards come with instruments that play songs, rather than spells like a Warlock, that can impact a player and their team when played correctly. Of course, there’s an inherent risk while playing the minigame in battle, and as such, hitting the notes perfectly isn’t always guaranteed. However, with four instruments to choose from, these are the ones I feel are the best choices for each instrument.
| Music | Instrument | Effects | Range | Dmg/Persuasiveness/Scaling | Cast Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beats of Alacrity | Drum | Grants yourself +5/+7/+9 additional flat Move Speed for 30/60/120 seconds but doesn’t stack | 3/4.5/6 meters | Persuasiveness: 2x/4x/8x | Total: 2.4s Intervals: 1.2 > 0.6 > 0.3 > 0.3 | 1 |
| Piercing Shrill | Flute | 15/20/25 Physical Damage to enemy and 3 seconds of the echo effect if the target is another player | 5.5/5.5/5.5 meters | Physical Damage: 100% | Total: 6.2s Intervals: 1.0 > 1.0 > 1.0 > 1.0 > 1.0 > 1.0 | 3 |
| Song of Silence | Lute | Keeps enemies from using magic for 1/1.5/2 seconds | 4.5/4.5/4.5 meters | No Persuasiveness scaling | Total: 3.83s Intervals: 0.8 > 1.0 > 1.0 > 1.0 | 2 |
| Tranquility | Lyre | Restores 1 Recoverable Health every 10/20/30 seconds | 3/4.5/6 meters | Persuasiveness: 0.667x/1.333x/2x Any Healing: 0% | Total: 3.38s Intervals: 0.8 > 0.8 > 0.8 > 0.4 > 1.1 | 3 |
There are other classes to explore in Dark and Darker besides a Bard. Be sure to stay tuned for more Dark and Darker tips and tricks articles right here.
