Value 1/3: This weapon can go for upwards of 400M. What else goes for upwards of 400M? Well, Skarls Sword, Wand of the Dark Faerie, and the Super Attack Pea come to mind. Let's compare this to these weapons to examine value. Skarls Sword does 20+ more icons and blocks *-light*100%, without the healing. Wand of the Dark Faerie does 20+ more icons and reflects *-light*75%, in addition to multi-healing 25%hp and not counting as your healer. By the time you have enough NP to buy one of these, the healing from Wand of the Dark Faerie will probably blow this out of the water. In addition, you have reflection (not just defense), and deal exponentially more damage.

You can get much better bang for your buck.

Tactics 6/6: 100% defense for 2 icon types is rare. Useful against the most popular of hard-hitting weapons including Sword of Reif, Sword of Skardsen, and Wand of the Dark Faerie (not completely unreasonable that your opponent could own one if you're wealthy enough to own this weapon). It's utility against both 1P and high-tier 2P opponents is difficult to match, as it grants you strict control over which weapons they can use effectively. That's where the real power of this weapon lies, and if your opponent didn't come to the fight with some variable options for damage you can shut them down with this weapon.

Other 1/1: This weapon is a real classic. Multiple capabilities, unique function instead of the usual "tons of icons" seen commonly at this price tier, and very rare and expensive.

Conclusion: If you ever get enough NP to afford this item, there are at least a couple others that might be worth buying before you make this purchase. Nevertheless, it's an incredible weapon.

Rated on September 8, 2013

Rating History ▼

Rating History ▲

Rod of Dark Nova is an absolutely superb weapon with not one, not two, not three, but four components. This rare and retired weapon carries a tremendous price tag, but for those with deep pocketbooks Rod of Dark Nova is a phenomenal luxury item with some unique and powerful effects.

This weapon has four components. Let's examine each of them:

1) Rod of Dark Nova has some significant defensive value. This weapon blocks all Dark icons and all Fire icons. Full defense against a single icon type is nice, but full coverage against two icon types is very rare. Pirate Captains Hat, Alien Aisha Scrambler, and Slippery Floor Potion are the only other weapons with dual full-blocks that I can think of, and only one of those weapons is multiple use. The full Dark defense is nice, but fairly common; weapons like Hanso Charisma Charm and Ghostkershield are much more available. On the other hand, the full Fire defense is very rare. The only other full Fire blocker without any limitations is Frozen Cyodrake Shield.

2) Rod of Dark Nova will heal 6-60HP every time it is used. Oh, and it doesn't count as a healer. The fact that this weapon doesn't count as a healer is great for big pets who won't particularly care for Rod of Dark Nova's heal, but this lack of limitation is useful for small pets as well. With an average heal of 33HP, Rod of Dark Nova boasts the strongest multi-heal in the game ignoring percentage-based multi-healers. The fact that Rod of Dark Nova could be paired with Everlasting Crystal Apple can make a pet almost invincible in low league battling. Rod of Dark Nova's multi-heal capabilities often lead to it being banned in low-league 2-Player events.

3) Rod of Dark Nova will also deal 3.5 icons. These icons are fractional, and this attack is weak, but it is really just icing on the cake with the first two effects in mind.

4) Finally, Rod of Dark Nova generates 3 Dark Novas. Although this effect may sounds cool, Dark Novas are not particularly strong, and their heals are not as strong as the Rod itself. This effect is more of a novelty than anything, but why complain about an extra effect on a superb weapon.

As mentioned earlier, Rod of Dark Nova is oftentimes banned in low-league events thanks to its multi-healing capability, a testament to its extreme power. Rod of Dark Nova is still useful elsewhere, however. The full-Fire defense it provides is a rare, and this weapon is much more appealing than Frozen Cyodrake Shield considering it gives up the small serving of Air and Light defense in exchange for full-Dark defense, 3.5 icons of offense, and some healing. This Dark/Fire defense is very useful in 1-Player; if paired with a full-Physical blocker, the Drenched wouldn't even be able to damage the user after using up their Water Muffin!

In 2-Player, Rod of Dark Nova can shut down Sword of Skardsen and Sword of Reif as well as Wand of the Dark Faerie. It will even weaken Ghostkerbomb and Grapes of Wrath. If a mid-league pet paired this with an Earth or Air full blocker, the pet would be awfully difficult to defeat considering the healing would help mitigate any damage that got through.

I absolutely love weapons like Rod of Dark Nova. Weapons with so many components are rare, and this uniqueness is made all the best considering some of Rod of Dark Nova's effects are best-in-class. Few battlers will ever own this weapon, but those who do will experience a real treat.

Rated on August 18, 2013. Updated December 23, 2024