You can choose from various vocations or classes in Dragon’s Dogma 2. There are those that focus primarily on physical attacks, and others that are suited for spellcasters. Still, there’s one that combines multiple to great effect, harnessing the power of the elements to strike down enemies from afar. Here’s our guide on how to unlock the Magick-Archer vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2.

How to unlock the Magick-Archer vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2

The Arisen-only Magick-Archer vocation is unlocked upon completing a quest called Put a Spring in Thy Step. Be forewarned, however, that the journey to start this quest is long and arduous, and it will likely take you several hours into the campaign before you’re ready. You can see the notable locations on the map below:

Put a Spring in Thy Step: Meeting Cliodhna and Gautstafr

If you want to unlock the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Magick-Archer vocation, you must travel to Agamen Volcanic Island. The southwestern gate in Bakbattahl is barred, and going through it requires the completion of a main quest. There are certain ramifications we won’t spoil here, but suffice it to say you don’t want to advance too far into the campaign.

As such, you have to head southwest of Bakbattahl. You can use the ropeway system to take you there, and then pass through the Drabnir’s Grotto dungeon.

Here’s what you need to do upon reaching Agamen Volcanic Island:

• Talk to the old dwarf, Gautstafr, who does not want to be bothered.
• Follow the path along the coast that leads to the lone hut. This is the Windwalker’s Home.
• Knock on the door and an elf named Cliodhna will tell you to bugger off.
• Return to Gautstafr and aid him. You need to give him three wildflowers. These are basically any type of herb–i.e. Greenwarish, Syrupwort Leaf, and the like. You can find a lot of these growing on the grassy fields nearby.
• Revisit the Windwalker’s Home and talk to Cliodhna. It’s revealed that she and Gautstafr are husband and wife.
• Gautstafr says he wants to visit the Hot Springs, and you should agree to help him.

How to reach the Hot Springs

The Hot Springs is all the way to the east in the Volcanic Islands Camp. Apart from the long trek, Gautstafr can’t sprint for prolonged periods. As such, you may want to carry him most of the way. There are also elite monsters to contend with, such as a Goreminotaur in the northern path and a Golem in the southern path.

Regardless of the road you choose, you should find yourself in the Volcanic Islands Camp eventually. Climb the ladder to the south and make your way to the Hot Springs.

Cliodhna suddenly appears, as though she’s been there the entire time. She realizes that you’re a truly helpful person. She then rewards you with the Magick-Archer vocation, as well as a scroll that teaches you the Martyr’s Bolt ultimate technique. Yes, she’s actually the Magick-Archer Maister. In any case, this completes the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Put a Spring in Thy Step quest.

Likewise, you might notice an interesting individual in the Hot Springs. The fella’s name is Lamond, and he’s the one who can grant you the Warfarer vocation.

Magick-Archer playstyle and skills

The Dragon’s Dogma 2 Magick-Archer is a unique class since it utilizes the lock-on system. The longer you hold down the aim button, the more “pips” will appear, representing how many homing projectiles you can fire. You have two lock-on types:

• Rivet Shot usually locks on at a single target since it can only focus fire in a narrower area.
• Pinpoint Volley, meanwhile, has a wider radius, and can lock on to multiple targets. However, it also has a slower charge time.

The lock-on system is also utilized whenever you need to shoot arrows that have multiple projectiles. Basically, you have to press the lock-on button, followed by the corresponding weapon skill button, and then wait for that elemental skill to be fully charged. For instance, if you fully lock-on with the Frosthunter Bolt, you can loose multiple magical projectiles that home in and hit targets multiple times.

The major downside to the Magick-Archer, at least when compared to the (regular) Archer, is that the former has no defensive or avoidance skills to speak of. Even the Archer can kick enemies that get too close. The Magick-Archer, however, has to sidestep and run around consistently in case enemies are nearby.

Magick-Archer ultimate skill

Regardless of those qualms, the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Magick-Archer can be considered as one of the strongest classes. That’s primarily because of the ultimate skill: Martyr’s Bolt. When activated, you start to lock on multiple targets or parts of an enemy’s body. While charging, your maximum health will be drained–the more HP is lost, the higher the damage. Once you fire your shot, you’ll see countless bolts flying around, hitting your foes numerous times.

Using Martyr’s Bolt is certainly risky, since you won’t be able to heal through the “loss” mechanic outside of sleeping or using an Allheal Elixir. Still, the amount of damage it deals makes it an unparalleled technique. It’s even possible to one-shot some monstrous creatures with this ability.

In any case, that’s everything you need to know about the Magick-Archer in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Make use of its unique playstyle and devastating moves to bring down foes swiftly. If you’re keen on learning about the other classes, you can check our unlockable vocations guide and class tier list.