Builds for IC - PvP/PvE/or Hybrid?

SmellyUnlimited · November 2023

I’m trying to figure out what kind of build to work with inside IC. I’m Tel Var farming, which of course is largely PvE, then suddenly I’m ganked and lose half my stones. I know I need to find some sort of harmonious middle ground between straight PvE/PvP setup, and wondering what builds you all use. I run mostly a stamina nightblade and magicka dragonknight.

And how is everyone farming so much damn Tel Var at the risk of losing half of it in a gank?!

CameraBeardThePirate · November 2023

Don't go to IC in a PvE build or a "hybrid" PvEvP build. Use a pure PvP build - you'll still have plenty of damage to kill bosses (and more survivability to solo said bosses).

It's a PvP zone first, despite the low population (thanks for all the support and additions to PvP ZOS). You will not have success there on a PvE build.

Build in 35k-40k health, with at least 28k resists. Gankers specifically look for targets under these thresholds, so going into IC with anything less than 35k health is like lighting up a neon sign that says "TAKE MY TEL VAR". Make sure you have all the essentials of a PvP build - a stun/immobilize, a burst heal, a HoT, and a snare removal/mobility tool.

Editing to add: if you're farming solo, always hide the bosses. Buff and pop a HoT before activating doors (ideally throw a ground DoT down too).

SmellyUnlimited · November 2023

This sounds like the right answer! Thanks for the feedback, I’ll follow that advice. Now I need to figure what to build for my stamblade. Or magicka Dk.

Brakkish · November 2023

Not sure which thread you're watching; but you have a few more responses in this one: https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/647884/build-for-imperial-city-a-hybrid-pve-pvp#latest