How to Win Apex and Influence Commanders: Landius Edition
-Written by Leumas
Factions: Protagonists, Legends (F)
Talent: United Will
After taking action, if there is an ally within (1, 2, 2, 3) blocks, ATK increases by (10%, 13%, 16%, 20%) and (5%, 8%, 11%, 15%) of ATK is added to DEF & MDEF. Lasts 1 turn. When hit by a ranged attack, reduces damage taken by (10%, 13%, 16%, 20%) and launches a counterattack within 2 blocks.
Landius is one of the premier tanks in the game for both PvE and PvP content.
He is currently the only tank that can counterattack at 2 range and has an incredible amount of ranged damage reduction. Unlike most conversion units, Landius actually converts his ATK into more DEF and MDEF (amount is dependent on his number of stars). His ATK stat is quite important to build, though not as much as his HP stat. Landius does require at least 2 runes, as his primary skill loadout requires skills from both his T3 classes.
His talent
United Will can be prompted by ending a turn having an ally within a certain range of Landius. At 6*, he can be up to 3 squares away, giving commanders significantly more flexibility on how they move their units. It’s crucial to make sure he can proc his talent, as he gets both an ATK boost and the defensive conversion from his talent.
Skills-wise
He is always going to bring the passive skill Indomitable. This passive allows Landius to revive at 20% HP once per match; another reason why Landius is so hard to take down. Generally speaking, he is going to run his faction buff Resplendent Legend and his guard skill Tranquility as his other two abilities. Outside of the normal faction buff stat ups, Resplendent Legend gives a 15% damage boost when attacking a unit that you do not have type advantage over. If Landius were to attack a mage, he gets the boost, but if he attacks an infantry unit, he will not.
Tranquility is not only a guard skill, but a command aura as well. The command aura gives all allies within a 2 square radius a -30% crit rate buff and 15% less ranged damage taken. When he uses the active guard skill, the range of the command aura expands to 3 squares. Landius himself also gets this command buff, so between his talent and Tranquility will always take 35% less ranged damage at 6*! In a situation where you do not need to bring either the faction buff or the guard skill (though, even in a double tank team, I’d recommend bringing Tranquility),
Landius has two attacking skill options. The first option is Rout, a skill that gives no extra damage mods, but pushes a unit back 2 squares and stuns them. This stun can be dispelled, so it’s important to use it strategically. The other attacking skill he has is Sun Slash, though it’s only unlocked through his third T2 path. Sun Slash gives a 1.5x damage mod and heals back 30% of the damage dealt; however, many commanders may not have the ability to afford Landius a third runestone and can understandably skip this promotion path.
Best In Slot Equipment
Secondary Equipment Options
The most important stat for Landius to stack is HP.
As such, you’ll want to run the Thorns enchant for two reasons. First, it gives 10% HP. Second, Landius cannot deal as much damage as a high attack tank like Ledin or Vargas, so he appreciates any extra damage he can get. Plus, it lets him potentially punish mages/Elwins that try and oneshot him.
The desire to stack HP is why Dragonslayer Gram is preferred over Seal Guardian. The 8% HP is much more valuable than the 5% DEF (the 2% drop in ATK is more than negated by the extra HP).
Like most tanks, Landius likes Bloodline so he can potentially tank melee hits better. Mirror is a fine substitute as Landius can get strong defense numbers post-conversion and give a big pre-battle fixed damage hit.
Aeneas and Chief are both fine options for Landius as they both give 10% HP. The choice is up to the commander as to whether an additional self 5% DEF boost or the 10% DEF buff plus the one turn DEF/MDEF/Anti-Heal immunity for an ally unit is worth more to them. Carbon Fiber is much less desirable due to it not giving any HP, but it works in a pinch. Lastly, as a unit that uses all of his stats,
Overlord’s Badge gives Landius extra stats across the board, and the immunity to stat down is more desirable on him than many other units. Like many tanks, Landius also appreciates the mobility down immunity. For anyone who does not have an Overlord’s, Winged Shin Guards work fine as they give flat and % ATK and the +10% DEF when attacked is useful.