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MMOexp Lineage 2M: Earth Dragon’s Bane - The Shadowstrike Way

Lineage 2M, NCSoft’s expansive mobile MMORPG, offers players a rich world full of sprawling dungeons, massive PvP conflicts, and Lineage 2M Diamonds terrifying world bosses. One of the most legendary foes in the game is Antharas, the Earth Dragon. In "Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening," players must prepare to face this titanic creature while mastering one of the game’s most lethal rogue-style abilities — Shadowstrike. This guide walks you through building for Shadowstrike and defeating Antharas in his awakened form.

Understanding the Shadowstrike Skill

Shadowstrike is a high-damage assassination ability used primarily by dagger-wielding classes such as Treasure Hunter or Abyss Walker. It’s designed for quick burst damage and mobility, ideal for both PvE boss fights and PvP ambushes.

Skill Traits:

Type: Active Melee Skill

Effect: Deals massive critical damage from stealth or behind the target

Bonus: Increased crit rate and chance to ignore defense

Cooldown: Moderate (requires precise timing)

Shadowstrike excels when combined with speed boosts, evasion, and stealth mechanics, allowing you to slip past guards or raid bosses’ AoEs for pinpoint lethal strikes.

Building the Shadowstrike Assassin

To maximize Shadowstrike’s potential, you need to optimize your character for speed, precision, and critical output.

Class Path

Start: Rogue

Advanced: Treasure Hunter / Abyss Walker

Specialization: Choose abilities that boost crit rate, evasion, and stealth duration.

Key Stats to Prioritize:

DEX (Dexterity): Increases accuracy and evasion

STR (Strength): Boosts melee damage and critical power

AGI (Agility): Reduces cooldowns and increases attack speed

Recommended Gear:

Weapon: Dual Daggers or Enhanced Assassin’s Blade

Armor: Light armor sets with evasion, speed, and crit bonuses (e.g., Phantom Set)

Accessories: Crit rings, evasion earrings, and cooldown reduction pendants

Enchantments: Focus on crit rate, movement speed, and backstab damage

Preparing for the Antharas Awakening Raid

Antharas, the Earth Dragon, is one of the mightiest world bosses in Lineage 2M. He awakens periodically and requires a full alliance raid or a highly-coordinated party to bring down. His mechanics challenge even veteran players.

Entry Requirements:

Character level 55+ recommended

Gear enhancement level +6 or higher

Access to the Dragon Valley Cave – Core Chamber

Time-limited event participation (Antharas Awakening events are typically scheduled weekly)

Antharas Awakening Boss Mechanics

Antharas uses a combination of AoE earth magic, tail swipes, summons, and rage phases. Knowing his patterns is critical for survival.

Phase 1: Earth Shockwaves

Antharas uses wide-range ground slams.

Spread out to minimize damage stacking.

Melee DPS should flank the rear and sides.

Phase 2: Stone Summons

He summons golems to protect him.

DPS should quickly clear adds to avoid overwhelming support roles.

Shadowstrike users can burst down casters or healers among the mobs.

Phase 3: Rage Awakening

At 30% HP, Antharas becomes enraged.

Increased damage and faster attack patterns.

He uses Roar of Destruction, which can one-shot undergeared players.

Shadowstrike Strategy vs. Antharas

Using Shadowstrike effectively during the Antharas fight requires both timing and stealth mobility.

Before Combat:

Use stealth abilities to close the gap safely.

Coordinate with your tank to avoid aggroing Antharas prematurely.

Activate buffs and cooldown reduction potions.

During Combat:

Circle around to Antharas’ back and wait for a moment when he’s not performing AoEs.

Use Shadowstrike when your crit chance is boosted (via buffs or class passives).

After attacking, immediately disengage to avoid retaliation — use skills like Evasion Roll or Shadow Retreat.

Mob Control:

During the Stone Summons phase, switch targets and use Shadowstrike to snipe high-priority mobs (casters or healers).

Shadowstrike’s burst makes it ideal for deleting low-HP mobs instantly.

Team Coordination Tips

Assign Shadowstrike users to flank Antharas and handle rear-side DPS responsibilities.

Tanks must maintain threat while leaving the back clear for assassins to operate.

Healers should prioritize movement-based healing to support mobile DPS like Shadowstrikers.

Voice or in-game chat is essential to coordinate AoE avoidance and burst damage phases.

Loot and Rewards

Defeating Antharas offers high-end loot including:

Earth Dragon Jewelry (rare accessories)

Dragon Scale Fragments (used for crafting)

Unique Dagger Blueprints

Antharas Rune Crystals (enhance Earth-elemental resistances and skills)

Shadowstrike assassins especially benefit from the Antharas Cloak, which boosts critical damage from behind and improves stealth duration.

Final Thoughts

In Lineage 2M: Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening, mastering both a deadly assassin build and one of the game’s most dangerous bosses offers a uniquely satisfying experience. Shadowstrike brings high-risk, high-reward gameplay, and when paired with strategic movement and precision, it can turn the tide of the battle.

Antharas may be a colossal threat, but with the right build, smart tactics, and a well-prepared team, even the mightiest dragon can fall to the blade of a silent killer.

So sharpen your daggers, step from the shadows, and buy Lineage 2M Diamonds let the Earth Dragon feel the sting of your Shadowstrike.