An AoE party is the fastest way to level in Interlude. The idea is simple: a tank gathers a big pack of mobs, holds it on itself, and AoE mages or a Warlord delete them all at once. A well-built group gives many times the XP per hour of solo farming. Let us cover the composition and the routine.
AoE party composition
| Role | Class | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Tank | Paladin/Dark Avenger | Gather and hold the pack's aggro |
| AoE damage | Spellhowler/Sorcerer or Warlord | Delete the pack at once |
| Buffer | Prophet + EE/SE | Buffs, MP recharge, heals |
| Dances/songs | Bladedancer + Swordsinger | Speed up damage and defense |
| Healer | Bishop (optional) | Backup for the tank |
The core is a tank + AoE damage. Damage comes from either AoE mages or a Warlord with a polearm. Support is covered by a buffer and dances/songs.
The pack-gathering routine
- 1The tank runs the zone and pulls a large group of mobs onto itself (aggression + running).
- 2Gathers the pack at a convenient spot and locks aggro on itself.
- 3AoE mages/Warlord hit the whole pack; the healer keeps the tank up.
- 4The pack drops almost simultaneously — move to the next wave.
Damage discipline is everything: DDs must not attack until the tank has gathered and locked aggro, or the mobs scatter across the party and kill the fragile mages. Give the tank 2–3 seconds to gather.
Best AoE zones
The Interlude classics are Cruma Tower, the Catacombs and Necropolises (access via Seven Signs), plus dense outdoor spots. A full map of zones by level is in the best farming spots guide.
AoE parties are MP-sensitive: mages burn out fast without recharge. Always bring an Elven/Shillien Elder for recharge, or after two packs the group stalls out regenerating.