Begin your journey with Kahrun gear, focusing on HP for your support set. Prioritize obtaining basic gear for your mace and shield, as the investment can be high. A starting shield from level 1 and any mace offering cast speed should be sufficient. Ultimately, aim for superior equipment from Rune Shield Tower or Illuminary Obelisk for your spec as you progress.
For your DPS ensemble, initiating with Blood Mark gear is wise since accessories are essential both for PvE and PvP in any class setup at the start. Make sure to socket crit until reaching cap, then focus on attack. Precision should naturally suffice. Pursue a solid weapon, which can vary based on preference. Accumulate and use ancient coins to obtain a weapon and merge it with a BM weapon; this setup is excellent for DPS starting out and will stay relevant as a PvP weapon for some time. Engaging in high-level instance groups could yield fortuitous drops. As a support, you should have little trouble joining instances with Kahrun gear and appropriate support stigmas.
That's the foundation for PvE. In PvP, as a Chanter, you'll require various gear sets: after establishing your DPS set, create a block set next, followed by a magic resist set if desired. Acquire the specific parts for each intended build. A block set parallels the Cleric set with magical boost (not forgetting the necessity of the shield, although a PvE mace should suffice for a support PvP set). The Chanter's set focuses on parry, suitable for DPS.
Playing as a Chanter offers various approaches and stigma builds, dependent on preference. For complete support, embrace the full support branch and standard support stigmas. Your role involves equipping the right mantras based on group activities, consistently implementing words of encouragement, managing mana, ensuring buffs for the deceased, and primarily handling resurrections in lieu of the Cleric—who needs to focus on continuous healing. If the Cleric resumes rezzing, others risk dying; they should only rezz groups of deceased, with your protective support. The main duty is to focus healing on the tank and Cleric while providing group buffs for DPS and defense. Of course, adapt to the situation to offer healing when necessary.
Once comfy and confident, aim to further unlock the full potential of the Chanter. Be aware that some scenarios still call for absolute support roles. Once PvE gear improves and HP concerns diminish, strive to enhance DPS as a primary approach. Master weaving, which benefits from good ping, and optimize your rotation. Full DPS stigmas are unsuitable here—best for solo PvP. Opt for a hybrid role: achieve DPS while uplifting group performance with buffs, administering occasional heals, and rezzing. In typical boss engagements, mix your rotation, insert strategic words of encouragement, weave within your spells, and ensure recovery spells fortify the tank. Playing Chanter this way is engaging and surpasses emulating a fixed-at-one-spot Cleric.
Utilize default keys (F1-F6) for ally selection, where F1 is self-targeted. Adjust keybindings or party arrangements in the UI to swiftly conduct actions as needed. While buff pets are more reliable than macros for scrolls/food, macros can effectively switch gear. If circumstances abruptly shift, switching from DPS to your healing set (using a mace with cast speed) is beneficial. A crucial trick includes right-clicking to disable rage spells upon transitioning to healing gear since these reduce casting speed. Furthermore, adding a cast-speed scroll can enhance performance in demanding scenarios.
A premium server like the upcoming Aion Riftshade takes these gameplay possibilities a notch higher. As an admired beta tester, I have firsthand experience with their unique features including an integrated MyAion-like DPS Meter, robust server-side anticheat measures, and top-tier EU hosting from Frankfurt, Germany ensuring low ping without ExitLag. You'll find support from active GMs/Devs and a dedication to an anti P2W environment. Come Q1 2026, the launch of Aion Riftshade will redefine expectations, promising a high-population server and balanced gameplay beyond former versions.
