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Updated on 31 January 2025

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Basic Lightning Build – How to Build Lightning from Preperation into Seasons

Lightning may seem like a build that requires heavy spending due to the power of Genghis Khan, Louis, and Tokugawa, but in reality, it is one of the best Free-to-Play (F2P) friendly setups in the game. Lightning offers a highly effective alternative build that can be strong even without massive investment. In this guide, we’ll go over how to use Lightning early on and how to adjust and improve it through the seasons.

Early Days in Preparation

Lightning teams are extremely versatile, which makes them one of the best options for F2P players and low spenders. Unlike some other elements that have rigid compositions, Lightning allows for multiple competitive setups.

Early Game Lineup Options to aim for as you develop and summon new Immortals:

  • Frontline: Richard & Tokugawa or Richard & Peter
  • Backline: Louis & Tokugawa (solid starter combo) OR YSG & Gilgamesh (if you get lucky with summons)
  • Alternative: If you pull Hammurabi early, he can be a fantastic backline addition.

Genghis Khan is obviously one of the most powerful backline damage dealers, but you can perform well without him. If you get Gilgamesh or Hammurabi early on, you can substitute him in until you acquire Khan. The beauty of Lightning is that many of its key immortals are accessible through events, summons, and the Golden Path.

Understanding the Lightning Dragon

One of the most important things to keep in mind when running Lightning is how the Lightning Dragon‘s passive works. Every time you apply a debuff to the enemy, you gain a stacking damage buff. This means that skills like Novas, Garrote, and Chaotic Blade are extremely valuable because they trigger the Lightning Dragon’s bonus damage.

If you build your Lightning team without enough debuffs, you’re leaving a lot of damage on the table. Prioritize immortals and skills that help stack the dragon buff.

Skill Setup for Early Game

I was asked by a player using this to recommend progression for him. I think this information could be valuable for others building their lightning.Player is using these now (image below) which are quite good to be honest. I would recommend that Peter or alternatively Louis is better suited for some debuffs.

Dropping Life-Link and Duel Master for Garrote and Chaotic Blade will serve well. Remember to position him not against enemy Alexanders.

  • Genghis Khan: Anger, Adrenaline Rush, Fighting Master
  • YSG: Coercion, Assist, Absolute Defense
  • Richard/Tokugawa: Oaken Guard, Sacrifice, Rage Blessing
  • Peter/Louis: Malice, Chaotic Blade, Garrote

Notes:

  • If you’re running Gilgamesh instead of Genghis Khan, build him with Anger, Chaotic Blade, and Garrote. Then move Physical Shield and another defensive skill to Louis/Peter.
  • If using Louis, he should focus on debuffs like Weakness, Chaotic Blade, and Garrote (until Executioner and Blade Vortex become available).

Mid to Late Game Lightning Progression

As you move into later stages of the game, your goal should be to secure Hammurabi and optimize your damage output. A strong mid-game Lightning team could look like this:

  • Hammurabi: Annihilation, Nova, Chase/Concentration (based on crit tech)
  • Genghis Khan: Death Breath, Anger, Adrenaline Rush
  • Richard/Tokugawa: Oaken Guard, Malice, Energy Suppression/Life Link (Defense vs. Offense)
  • Louis/Peter:
    • If using Peter: Fighting Will, Weakness, Cleave
    • If using Louis: Weakness, Chaotic Blade, Garrote (until Executioner & Blade Vortex become available)

Progression Notes:

  • Mid-Game Buffs: Garrote and Chaotic Blade become even stronger as your dragon gets better.
  • End-Game Adaptation: Louis can be swapped out for Khubilai Khan once Holy comes out, giving a substantial boost.
  • Late KVK Skills: Executioner & Blade Vortex become core picks, making Louis even more devastating.

Final Thoughts

Lightning is an extremely fun and flexible team to play, with strong early-game performance and great adaptability through the seasons. While the spender-builds will have a natural edge, F2P and low-spenders can still build highly competitive Lightning teams by focusing on debuff stacking, dragon synergy, and skill optimization.

If you want to play a F2P-friendly, high-damage setup that scales well into the later stages of the game, Lightning is a fantastic choice. Get started, experiment with your summons, and adapt your strategy as your server evolves!

Published: 31-01-2025