Ever wanted to learn more about the turn-based MMO, Atlantica Online? This week ZAM is showcasing the Swordsmen, one of the first mercenaries you'll encounter in Atlantica Online.

Ever wanted to learn more about the turn-based MMO, Atlantica Online? Haven't found any clear information on the title yet? You may be in luck because the Atlantica Online developers have decided to begin a weekly journal at ZAM.com, which features facts straight from the mouths of the developers!

This week we're showcasing the Swordsmen, one of the first mercenaries you'll encounter in Atlantica Online. The devs go over this trooper's role in the greater scheme of combat and what you can expect when you start upgrading him. Don't hesitate now, keep on reading!

In Atlantica Online, you can recruit up eight mercenaries to fight alongside you in your travels. These mercenaries are divided into multiple grades, with grade D composing the lowest tier of mercenaries. D-grade mercenaries are also the first mercenaries that you will be able to acquire at the outset of your adventures. The starting mercenaries are the Spearman, Swordsman, Archer and Gunner, with the Shaman becoming available at level 10, the Monk at level 18 and the Viking at level 20. For this first feature, we would like to introduce you to the Swordsman.

The Swordsman is a highly defensive mercenary with the ability to carry shields for additional protection. Combined with high defensive stats and high HP, having a Swordsman to protect you on the front lines is crucial—especially in the early stages of the game. They make for great tanks because of their ability to take hits, and will be a challenge for any person or creature to take down. And although a D-grade mercenary, the Swordsman has the third highest base defense of all mercenaries. However, the Swordsman has weak attack power in exchange for their high defense, and he can only strike a single enemy at a time. With the use of upgrade stones —in this case, Ashen Crystals and Ashen Jewels—even D-grade mercenaries can become quite formidable. The Swordsman has four advancements: the Sword Fighter, the Sword Warrior, Gyebaek, and Hero Gyebaek.

The Swordsman has three spells in his offensive arsenal: Flame Sword, Deadly Strike and Dark Seed. Flame Sword is a spell that engulfs the Swordsman’s sword in flame, dealing damage greater than a normal strike. Deadly Strike is an attack available to the Swordsman while on the verge of death. It deals massive damage, but it skips the Swordsman’s next turn as a result. Thus, it’s a great skill to use if you are using it to finish off another target low on health.  Dark Seed is DoT spell that chips away at the enemy’s health. Dark Seed is unique in that it can combo off of the Shaman’s Hex of Darkness spell, to cast Hell Flame, a spell that debuffs vitality in addition to dealing damage.

Although a very solid and consistent mercenary, the Swordsman is less utilized and substituted for higher-grade mercenary at the later levels. For example, the Spartan and Lady Knight are frequently placed in the front row because of their ability deal massive damage while still carrying shields to protect the line. Still, the Swordsman can be utilized in a variety of ways. One of the Swordsman’s strengths, especially in PvP, is its ability to cast Flame Sword twice in one turn—one of the few mercenaries who can cast twice because of his Action Power, which are points needed to perform an action. Still, it would be wise to avoid targeting the Swordsman because it won’t be an easy task going through him. Save time and focus on the glass cannons.

Next week, we will discuss the mighty Spearman and reveal his strengths and how to utilize him best.  Keep an eye out for next Friday’s feature on this mighty mercenary.