Why does it seem that there are only 2 0r 3 dominant character/race builds?

Grimtooth

There is 40 character/race options, but it seems that only 2-3 are more dominant than all the rest. There needs to be better balance so that there is no one build that dominants all others. Example, my Templars and Nightblades can kill an enemy with just a couple of hits yet my Dragonknights have to hit an enemy a dozen times with his highest level attacks to kill someone.

Kragorn

ESO is no different from any other RPG, on-line or off-line, a handful of specs are the most 'optimum', 'efficient', 'OP' or however you choose to view it. Developers are incapable of 'balancing' across a plethora of variables, no matter how much fiddling they do.

Those NB players will likely in turn point out how hard it is to kill a DK so their lack of DPS is the price they pay for survivability.

Grimtooth

That's disheartening, as the game goes on there will be nothing but one race/character build playing the game.

PKMN12

Kragorn wrote: »

ESO is no different from any other RPG, on-line or off-line, a handful of specs are the most 'optimum', 'efficient', 'OP' or however you choose to view it. Developers are incapable of 'balancing' across a plethora of variables, no matter how much fiddling they do.
.

Essentially this.

For all the people who say that MMOs need more choices and that strict class systems are terrible and should not exist, the simple fact is, a strict class based system similar to WOW, Final Fantasty, etc, actually ends up having more variety in the long run, since it is so much easier to balance and because each class brings SOMETHING to the table.

With more choices comes that simple fact that certain choices are simply going to be better than others. Go play a game with no restrictions at all like Runescape and you will realize that despite the supposed "Choice" everyone is using the same build, everyone ends up pretty much using the same stuff at the end of the game because that is what ends up being the best and anything else would likely be useless.

It is actually why combined Elder Scrolls into an MMO was likely not the greatest idea, because the skill system that Elder scrolls fans like about those game will never work in an MMO, especially one with so much emphasis on PVP. There were choices that ZOS had here, either make it stictly class base, have balance, have variety and make the MMO players happy. Or they could have had the skill system Elder scrolls had, have a medicocre MMO, but make the ES fans happy.

They tried to combine the two, and it only kind of, partially worked, While still more balanced than it would have been with no restrictions, You will Still never have any real sense of balance in this game, something you are simply just going to have to deal with.

What they could have done, and probably should have done is something similar to what DCUO did. Each set of powers has a role + DPS abilty. for example, ONLY a Templar would be able to heal, ONLY a Dragon knight could really tank, etc, but still have the ability to use whatever weapon you want, changing the skills for the weapons around enough that all roles get some benefit from it.

driosketch

I'm sorry what 2-3 race/class combos do you think are dominate? I imagine you'll get quite a few more suggestions on builds than 2-3.

Also I get the feeling you just barely scratched the surface of the class skills. Like you're maybe comparing searing strike with bitting jabs. DKs are a very strong class, though the early few skills are mostly centered around CC and survivalbilty.

Burst damage against trash mobs in the 1-17 zones might seem strong now, but once you start hitting bosses that won't go down in 2 hits, your DK is really going to shine. That is, as long as you learn to make the most of the none dps skills.

Grimtooth

driosketch, I'll have to disagree with you on that. Out the 16 character builds that I have my Darkelf Templar is without a doubt my most powerful. Able to kill with 1-3 blows and takes no damage or very little. Were as my Dragonknight, Nord or Orc if they have more than one opponent they are taking damage heavy armor be dammed. My only saving grace with my DK's is being able to turn in to a werewolf. Which can deliver more damage and can heal in combat. When it comes to weapons, as to real life. Two-handed weapons were the most dangerous. Making most armor and shields virtually useless. Examples, the Samurai' katana, the European warhammer and claymore. Weapons that could slice through armor and smash shields and break bones with one swing. Sorry about going on there, got caught up in the moment and got a little off topic.

driosketch

Are you relying on werewolf abilities to heal. Didn't you unlock dragon blood yet?

Lord Xanhorn

The fact of the matter is that skill of the player is more 'dominate' than a race/class combo. Meaning your race offers such a little difference in the over all effectiveness. In other words, a Redguard healing Templar at the hands of a good player will be far more 'dominate' than a Breton healing Templar at the hands of a bad player.

Grimtooth

driosketch, yes I have but for some reason beyond me it doesn't seem to work as well as the werewolf ability. I've noticed since the update that most skills and or abilities only work once per enemy in combat and my magic won't work until an enemy hit's me first. Before you ask, I've sent this in to ESO through the game as a bug report and haven't been answered back.

Jules

If your Dragonknight has to hit something a dozen times to kill it, then I don't think you're playing a Dragonknight right. Our dots in conjuncture with the s&s or destro staff or 2h give us an incredibly strong offense and defense.

guybrushtb16_ESO

Lord Xanhorn wrote: »

The fact of the matter is that skill of the player is more 'dominate' than a race/class combo. Meaning your race offers such a little difference in the over all effectiveness. In other words, a Redguard healing Templar at the hands of a good player will be far more 'dominate' than a Breton healing Templar at the hands of a bad player.

Tell that to yourself if you like, but the difference between say, a breton and an imp for stamina builds is massive. Bretons get practically nothing, whereas imp gets a whoppping +22% stats and a self heal proc. Just to keep things in perspective, this is in the region of difference that going from full basic green trash equip to full gold is.

Sure, someone who knows what they are doing will certainly smash a total scrub anyway, but between good players that is pretty decisive.