In Lineage 2M, few weapons inspire awe and dread quite like the Shadowbrand, a legendary darkblade tied to the feared Abyssal Knight, an endgame boss that stalks the void-ridden catacombs beneath the Continent of Aden. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about acquiring the Shadowbrand, preparing for the Abyssal Knight encounter, and Lineage 2M Diamonds building your character around the unique power this weapon offers.

1. Introduction to the Shadowbrand
The Shadowbrand is a rare, boss-drop greatsword that boasts devastating dark-element damage and unique life-leech properties. It is only obtainable by defeating the Abyssal Knight, a level 85 world boss located in the Crypt of Hollow Suffering — a twisted dungeon sealed beneath the ruins of Ancient Elmoreden.

Weapon Highlights:

Attack Power: +410

Dark Element Bonus: +35%

Passive Effect: 8% chance to activate Void Rend (inflicts AOE dark damage + silence)

Life Leech: 5% HP steal on hit

Requirement: Level 82+, Two-handed weapon proficiency

2. Preparing for the Abyssal Knight
Party Composition
Defeating the Abyssal Knight is no solo feat. A well-coordinated party of 5–8 players is ideal, with the following roles:

Main Tank: High physical defense and aggro control (Paladin, Warlord)

Off-Tank / Support DPS: Hybrid damage and minor control (Death Knight, Sword Muse)

Healer: Vital for cleansing debuffs and healing (Bishop or Elder)

Debuffer / Control: Necromancer or Dark Wizard to reduce Knight’s resistances

High DPS: Archers or dual-wielders with holy or fire-based damage to counter the Knight’s darkness

Gear Recommendations
Due to the dark-elemental nature of the boss, players should aim for:

Holy Resistance Cloaks or Talismans

Dark Resist Potions or Scrolls

Blessed Armor Sets (Light or Heavy) with anti-debuff sockets

Holy or Light-imbued Weapons (at least +8 enhancement)

Consumables
HP and MP potions

Resurrection scrolls (in case of wipes)

Soulshots/Spiritshots (to maximize DPS)

Buff scrolls (if party lacks certain classes)

3. The Crypt of Hollow Suffering
To reach the Abyssal Knight, navigate through five levels of the dungeon filled with undead sentinels, cursed souls, and shadow beasts. Each floor features a miniboss with a mechanic related to the Abyssal Knight:

Floor 1–2: Watch for patrol mechanics; use stealth or aggro management.

Floor 3: Defeat the Soul Guardian to unlock dark resistance barriers.

Floor 4: Avoid cursed zones that drain MP.

Floor 5: Battle the Abyssal Warden; his death unlocks the Abyssal Knight’s crypt.

Respawn timers in this dungeon are brutal (20–30 minutes per floor), so speed and coordination are essential.

4. Abyssal Knight Encounter Guide
Phase 1 – Darkness Unbound
Abilities:

Void Slash: Frontal cone AOE. Dodge or block.

Dark Shackles: Debuffs movement speed and skill cast speed.

Strategy:

Keep the Knight facing away from your team.

Cleanse debuffs quickly.

Spread out to avoid AOE stacking.

Phase 2 – Void Eruption
At 60% HP, he enters phase 2, gaining:

Abyssal Flames: DOT fire-dark hybrid zones on the ground.

Summon Shadows: Calls forth 3 Shadow Constructs that buff him if not killed.

Strategy:

Assign DPS to immediately focus the Constructs.

Use AOE heals and holy damage to counter the DOTs.

Phase 3 – The Final Embrace
At 25% HP, Knight’s blade glows with Shadowbrand energy.

Void Rend becomes active (silences and stuns in large radius).

Enraged state: Increased attack and movement speed.

Strategy:

Keep mobile.

Save defensive ults and invulnerability skills for this stage.

Stagger your healing cooldowns to avoid party wipes.

5. Claiming the Shadowbrand
The Shadowbrand has a 4% drop rate from the Knight's corpse. However, you must meet the following criteria:

Be in the top 3 contributors to the boss’s HP depletion.

Deal at least 5% of total damage.

Be within proximity when the Knight dies.

If it drops, it will appear in the loot pool and must be rolled for via group distribution unless your group has a prearranged loot rule.

6. Building Around the Shadowbrand
Once you obtain the Shadowbrand, you’ll want to tailor your build around its unique dark and life-leech properties.

Recommended Classes
Dark Avenger: Amplifies dark-elemental attacks and has excellent AOE synergy.

Tyrant: Fast two-handed melee style benefits from Shadowbrand’s passive.

Phantom Knight: Natural affinity with void and stealth abilities enhances the weapon’s effectiveness.

Skill Priorities
Maximize Dark Mastery and Weapon Mastery for your class.

Invest in Voidborn Resilience (for survivability and cooldown reduction).

Slot Blood Offering if available — synergizes with life-leech to keep you alive in extended fights.

7. PvP & PvE Uses
The Shadowbrand excels in both PvE and PvP.

PvE:

Great for clearing dungeons with undead or light-sensitive enemies.

Self-sustain from life-leech allows longer grinding sessions.

PvP:

Silence effect from Void Rend can shut down casters and healers.

High burst potential when combined with damage buffs and crit runes.

Final Thoughts
Conquering the Abyssal Knight and buy Lineage 2M Diamonds wielding the Shadowbrand is a testament to a player's skill, teamwork, and persistence in Lineage 2M. With its dark power, you’ll stand as a feared warrior in both PvE expeditions and PvP arenas. Gather your allies, sharpen your blades, and prepare to face the abyss — glory and shadow await.