The Archerfish is a Fish build that uses the Perciformes template. Debuting in the Paleocene expansion, it's famous for using [Water Gun] in PvP.
Overview[]
The Archerfish build is a small, omnivorous hunter. Its stats may seem drab at a glance, but their unusual investment into Intelligence is key to their success. At low levels, players can learn how to hunt from each other with little practice. High Intelligence also grants the build several perception and problem-solving perks, all for the sake of perfecting [Water Gun].
The required abilities for archerfish to use [Water Gun]
Their most impressive skill is [Ballistics Calculator]: not only is the build able to consider trajectory, light refraction, draw strength and other attributes to customize its attack, it's shot in such a way that the stream of water clumps into hard-hitting globs right before the stream hits the target. They also use their Evolution Points toward [Keen Eye], letting them track prey both above the water and hiding in silt.
They often use [Water Gun] against Insect builds resting on branches. While the attack has low DPS, it possesses enough knockback to force insects into the water, where they're helpless.
If an Archerfish player is caught, they will quickly swim away from the threat.
Skills and Abilities[]
Water Gun[]
User can spit water at targets. A rare move, the Archerfish build is one of the only ones to use this as an attack.
Contractable Gills[]
Allows the user to breathe underwater while motionless. This Ability is commonplace in the Fish faction, but the Archerfish build also uses gill contractions to propel water from its mouth.
Tongue Rifling[]
Increases [Water Gun] accuracy.
Keen Eye[]
Increase [Vision].
Ballistics Calculator[]
Significantly increases range and accuracy of projectile moves.
Jump[]
Can jump out of the water to catch low-hanging prey.
Tier Placement[]
An archerfish uses [Water Gun] at the surface
The Archerfish is considered a C-tier build. It certainly has a unique niche in hunting insects and small crustaceans, and it can often resort to herbivory if live prey aren't in stock. In addition, earning how to hunt at a relatively early stage in their lives significantly reduces the learning curve on using [Water Gun] offensively.
Despite all of these qualities, the Archerfish build has a fatal flaw. Using [Water Gun] often requires them to approach the surface of the water, and with poor defensive stats, it can often get bodied by threats from above and below. While the move has some utility underwater by creating jets, it's not terribly impressive compared to other bottom-feeding builds.
Pros[]
- [Water Gun]
- High accuracy on attacks
- Decent Mobility for its archetype
- Omnivorous
Cons[]
- Attacking at the water's edge leaves it vulnerable
- Poor perception against stealth-based strategies
- Poor damaging options
- Low bulk