Dark Protection is a skill in Metin2's skill system available to Warriors following the Mental doctrine. To use it, you distribute skill points from level 5 onwards on your class abilities – you gain one point per level gained, receiving four points directly at level 5. This guide explains how the skill system works fundamentally, how to distribute skill points sensibly, and what you can do if you mis-skill.
What is Dark Protection?
Dark Protection is a class skill of the Metin2 Warrior within the Mental doctrine. In Metin2, each of the five classes has two different doctrines with six special skills each. The Warrior chooses either the Body doctrine or the Mental doctrine – this choice is made in the quest "Training" from level 5 onwards.
The Mental doctrine of the Warrior focuses on defence, stuns, and area damage. The available skills of this doctrine include:
- Strong Body – Defence increases, movement speed decreases; at Master level no knockdown
- Sword Strike – Stun and area damage
- Stomp – Stun chance and area damage
- Pierce – Area damage
- Heavy Strike – Area damage
- Dark Protection – Protection skill of the Mental doctrine
Dark Protection complements the defensive playstyle of the Mental Warrior and works well with skills like Strong Body, which are also designed for durability and damage reduction.
Metin2's Skill System – Basics
The skill system in Metin2 is closely tied to your character level. Here are the most important rules at a glance:
- From level 5 onwards you can choose your doctrine and receive your first four skill points.
- With each further level you receive an additional skill point.
- Skill points are managed in the Skills window and distributed among individual skills.
- Once at least one point has been distributed to a skill, you can drag it to the hotkey bar and activate it with keys 1–4 or F1–F4.
- Skills cost mana points when used; after use there is a cooldown.
- The higher the skill level, the stronger the effect of the skill.
Distributing Skill Points Wisely
Distributing skill points is a long-term decision. Distributed incorrectly – meaning more than 17 points on a single skill – counts as "mis-skilled" and can only be corrected through a reset. The following basic rules help avoid mistakes:
| Skill | Type | Main Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Protection | Protection | Protection effect (Mental doctrine) |
| Strong Body | Passive/Active | Defence increases, movement decreases; at Master level no knockdown |
| Sword Strike | Attack | Stun + area damage |
| Stomp | Attack | Stun chance + area damage |
| Pierce | Attack | Area damage |
| Heavy Strike | Attack | Area damage |
Important: Distribute a maximum of 17 points per skill. If a skill does not jump to the next level after 17 points, there may be a "mis-skilled" error – in this case you should use a skill reset or an Exorcism Scroll.
Skill Levels and Skill Books
In addition to distributing skill points, Metin2 offers a second way to improve skills: Skill books. These allow you to train skills beyond normal point distribution, up to Master and Grand Master levels.
What you need to know about skill books:
- You can read all skill books on a 24-hour cycle.
- Depending on the elapsed time, different messages appear explaining why you must still wait.
- With an Exorcism Scroll, you can bypass the waiting period.
- Master levels range from M1 to M10, Grand Master levels follow thereafter.
In the Skills window, a distinction is made between class-specific skills and pet skills. Achieved Master levels are not returned upon reset by the Old Woman – this point is particularly important before performing a reset.
Counter and Boost Skills
The Skills window contains, in addition to the six core skills, so-called counter and boost skills. These are only unlocked after a counter skill has been mastered. For the Mental Warrior, this opens up an additional adjustment level for playstyle.
Additionally, the Combo function in the Skills window allows you to extend your attack sequence by up to two strikes. This is especially relevant for Warrior builds that rely on quick attack sequences.
Resetting Skills – Costs and Process
If you have distributed your skill points incorrectly or want to switch doctrines, you can have your skills reset by the Old Woman – however, only up to and including level 30 for a Yang fee.
| Level | Cost (Yang) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 20,000 Yang |
| 6 | 22,000 Yang |
| 7 | 24,000 Yang |
| 10 | 30,000 Yang |
| 20 | 50,000 Yang |
| 30 | 70,000 Yang |
The cost is 20,000 Yang at level 5 and increases by 2,000 Yang per level. Upon reset, you receive all distributed skill points back. Attention: Achieved Master levels (M2–M10) and Grand Master levels are lost. Also, an already achieved Grand Master level before level 30 will not be returned.
If the skill does not jump correctly at 17 points after reset, you can repeat the reset directly from the Old Woman without losing a skill point. However, it is not guaranteed that 17 points will always trigger the jump.
As an alternative to the Old Woman, there is the Skill Redistribution Document, which has the same effect and is not bound by the level 30 limit.
Tips for the Dark Protection Build
If you want to play the Mental Warrior with a focus on Dark Protection, you should consider the following points:
- Decide on a doctrine early: The quest "Training" from level 5 locks you into a doctrine. Consider beforehand which Body or Mental doctrine suits your playstyle better.
- Maximum 17 points per skill: Avoid mis-skilling. If you distribute more than 17 points to a skill, you may waste valuable points.
- Use synergies: Dark Protection unfolds its usefulness best in combination with defensive skills like Strong Body, since the Mental doctrine is generally designed for endurance and damage mitigation.
- Read skill books regularly: The 24-hour cycle means you should log in daily and read skill books to get the most out of your character.
- Use Exorcism Scrolls sparingly: They bypass the 24-hour wait when reading books – useful if you want to level quickly, but they are consumable items.
- Don't forget Combo: The Combo function extends your attack sequence by up to two strikes – also a useful tool for Mental Warriors in combat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Protection and the Skill System
What is Dark Protection in Metin2?
Dark Protection is a skill of the Metin2 Warrior in the Mental doctrine. It provides a protection effect and complements the defensive playstyle of the Mental specialisation.
From what level can I skill Dark Protection?
From level 5 onwards you choose your doctrine and receive your first four skill points. From then on, you can distribute points to Dark Protection and other Mental Warrior skills.
How many skill points do I get per level?
You receive four skill points at level 5 all at once, then one point per level gained. Exception: Level 5 is the starting point of the "Training" quest.
What does "mis-skilled" mean and how do I fix it?
Mis-skilled means you have distributed more than 17 skill points to a single skill. To correct this, you can visit the Old Woman up to level 30 (from 20,000 Yang) or use a Skill Redistribution Document.
Do I lose Master levels when resetting skills?
Yes. When reset by the Old Woman, you receive all skill points back, but lose the achieved Master levels M2–M10 as well as any already achieved Grand Master levels. Consider the reset carefully.
How do skill books work in Metin2?
Skill books increase your skills beyond normal point distribution up to Master and Grand Master levels. You can read all books on a 24-hour cycle; with an Exorcism Scroll, you can skip the wait.
Can I change doctrines later?
Yes, but with limitations. Up to level 30, you can visit the Old Woman to reset your skill points and redistribute them. Acquired Master and Grand Master levels are lost. A Skill Redistribution Document offers another option.
How do I activate skills quickly in combat?
Drag the skill to the hotkey bar at the bottom of the screen. There you can activate it with keys 1–4 or F1–F4. Alternatively, right-click directly on the skill in the Skills window.