PvP Sustain, PvE Spell/Wpn Dmg

Heindrich

Before my break from ESO shortly after 1.3, being a DD was all about crits... Spell Crit for Magicka builds, Wpn Crits for Stamina builds. On my return following 1.6 crits seem to have gone out of fashion in favour of pure spell/wpn dmg + max primary attribute. I have also noticed that different meta has developed between PvP and PvE, namely PvP'ers are focused on sustainability and recovery, whilst PvE seems to be all about Spell/Wpn dmg.

For example, on my Stamina NB, I was encouraged to use Ravager + Morag Tong for maximum Wpn Dmg for PvE, and Air + Shadow Walker for sustain in PvP. For my Magicka Sorc, the meta for PvE seems to be Martial Knowledge, Adroitness and Light of Cyrodil, whilst PvP'ers recommend Seducer/Magnus/Warlock type sets.

I trust that the meta has developed for a reason and I doubt I will try to reinvent the wheel. I am curious however, does anyone have a guide or comparison of how a sustain vs "max dmg" build performs in endgame PvE (vet dungeons, trials and DSA). Is there a "middle way" that would excel for both PvP and PvE or does optimal performance obligates you to prioritise different stats? Are there any among you that can achieve top-end dps (15k+ on Bloodspawn seems a good benchmark) with sustain builds or perform competitively in PvP with a "max-dmg" build?

Snit

Magicka builds can switch from Sustain to Max Damage by switching out one or two pieces of gear and changing consumables, if you start by gearing up as Max Damage. I'm built for spell power. When it's time for serious group PvE, I rely on potion spam and maintaining Elemental Drain on the boss. Between those two, I can maintain my DPS rotation just fine.

For PvP, I change one piece of gear to exchange a spell damage set bonus for a magicka recovery bonus, and I switch from food to drink. Beer helps you PvP, now more than ever.

I assume stamina builds can accomplish something similar with a bit of thought. Farming a Bloodspawn helm would probably be first on my list, were I you.