Echo of Star Traces is a game with high freedom and rich construction. Different professions have completely different positions and combat methods. So, what is the strongest profession in Echo of Star Traces? In the current version, the "Blocking Flow" of the Greatblade Guardian can be said to be a very strong professional style, balancing output and defense, with high operational feedback and tactical depth. It not only stands out on a personalized route in the traditional T position but also finds a subtle balance between output and survival.
Positioning of Blocking Flow:
The "Blocking Flow" of the Greatblade Guardian is a tank-type output system built around the blocking mechanism. Unlike conventional pure tank builds, it excels in output efficiency and rhythm control. Blocking itself is a damage reduction mechanism triggered by probability, but when combined with the talent system, it can evolve into a complete set of effects such as enhancing block rate, energy recovery during blocks, and even burst damage upon blocking. Although the Greatblade Guardian has two main routes: Rock Shield (focusing on defense and survival) and Blocking Flow (focusing on counterattack and output), in most dungeons and practical battles, Blocking Flow, with its higher output frequency and good resource cycling ability, becomes the main choice for many players, especially those who want to take on the T role responsibilities without giving up the joy of output.
Resource Mechanism Breakdown:
Blocking Flow does not rely on a single resource system but instead uses two clearly divided and mutually supportive resources: Rage and Sandstone. Rage is mainly used to trigger "Block Impact" type skills, which are key to maintaining the block state, and can be obtained through normal attacks, skills, and some buffs; Sandstone is primarily used for offensive skills like "Rock Fury Strike," serving as the core consumable for Blocking Flow's output. The advantage of Blocking Flow lies in the fact that these two resources do not interfere with each other and operate independently, allowing players to flexibly allocate skill release order and output rhythm, rarely encountering the awkward situation of resource overflow or depletion, thus maintaining the stability of skill combos and the continuity of battle.
Core Skill Combination
Blocking Flow has highly targeted and logically closed skill combinations, with core skills including:
Block Impact: By consuming Rage to enhance block rate, successfully blocking returns Sandstone, acting as the starting point of the cycle;
Brave Barrier: Provides significant damage reduction while triggering burst skills; with talents, it improves rotation and damage, being a key means of survival and burst;
Rock Fury Strike: The main output skill, frequently used in combination with Sand Cloak, is the primary source of damage for Blocking Flow;
Sand Cloak: Short CD, high production, serves as a dual resource cycling skill for both Sandstone and Rage;
Shattered Star Rush/Sandstone Guardian: Mobility and invincibility damage reduction, used flexibly based on battlefield conditions;
Rock Defense - Crumbling Loop (Ultimate): A multi-functional skill, combining taunt, super armor, energy recovery, and output, serving as a stable pivot for Blocking Flow in complex situations.
Attribute and Talent Construction:
Unlike most output professions that pursue critical hits, the main attribute recommended for Blocking Flow Greatblade is Mastery. Although the benefit of Mastery in increasing block rate is relatively limited, due to the current system allowing Mastery to also increase physical attack power (shared with Rock Shield), its value significantly rises. With the frequent use of "Rock Fury Strike" and guaranteed critical hit mechanism, the secondary attribute recommendation is Critical Hit, further enhancing the overall burst capability of Blocking Flow. There is no fixed solution for talents, but the following are recommended as the core for most builds: Rage Strike Enhancement, Smashing Fist, Magic Block/Barrier Fury, Enemy Shadow Shield/Resonance Field, Desperate Survival/Block Blessing. Overall, the talent choices for Blocking Flow are extremely flexible, offering great freedom in choosing to strengthen either output or defense based on the type of dungeon boss.
Practical Performance and Strategy:
Blocking Flow mainly consists of two core cycles:
Resource Production Cycle: Sand Cloak + Wind of Ceasefire + Shattered Star Rush, ensuring a continuous generation of Rage and Sandstone;
Burst Output Cycle: Rock Fury Strike + Block Impact + Brave Barrier, using the resources provided by the former for high-frequency strikes and counterattacks.
Note that you should not let Sand Cloak and Shattered Star Rush idle, as this will disrupt the resource cycle. Reasonably utilizing Block Impact to increase block coverage can effectively resist high-frequency damage, but when facing single high-damage hits, you must rely on "Sandstone Guardian" or the ultimate to avoid/take the hit.
This is an introduction to the strongest profession in Echo of Star Traces. The Blocking Flow of the Greatblade Guardian, with its clear division of dual resources, smooth skill cycles, and balanced output and survival, has become one of the strongest and most growth-oriented professions in the game. For players who enjoy taking and dealing damage, Blocking Flow is undoubtedly the most worthwhile professional choice to invest in.
