Vaibility: what is it? (discussion)

RAGUNAnoOne

Just curious because I don't know anymore and I feel no one else knows. When I see threads about class viability one keyword pops up DPS so I would naturally assume that is all it is all it is about. But I would like to believe it is more than that yet it seems like this specific game is forcing viability to be a pure DPS thing.

For example Many armors and sets are DPS based except for heavy which is built on sacrificing DPS to gain defense to cover allies with lower defense from enemies attacks using complimentary skills as it should be. yet reading patch notes on PTS brings ill omen for those who think like me Heavy armor is turning into a "get hit to gain more DPS" set. when I read this it was officially confirmed viability=DPS not how you can preform your roles. As @Wrobel says "We want you to create characters that are fun, while still being successful in combat. To support this goal, all three armor types need to be effective in multiple situations. Our changes to Heavy Armor focused on giving more resources and more damage, while retaining the feel of a character in heavy armor." So even he and the rest of the developers thinks viability is nothing more than who can do the most damage resources would be fine but damage no. The issue is worse in PvP since there is almost no way to protect a weaker ally in combat since you can only block projectiles and anyone can walk around or even through the tank and kill the DPS. Tanks are not needed for most of the game and it shows and my friends who are tanks are getting discouraged and changing roles or leveling DPS alts.

Another issue is healing. One of the reasons why magicka is statistically more "viable" at least in my old view than stamina is THERE IS NO GODAMN STAMINA HEAL BESIDES 2HANDED AND A MOVE LOCKED BEHIND PvP. Plus healers loose a lot of viability in PvP because of all the healing reduction moves and sets that can next to eliminate most heals ad lack of control over who gets it. sure a GOOD healer can save the groups ass but pit 1 DPS vs 2 healers of the same skill level most likely the DPS will win. this issue of role counters also affects tanks with fracture and other counters that I am sure will happen soon yet at the same time there is no reliable DPS counter every role should have one yet all we have is minor maim in moves that are crap in the meta.

In terms of viability I now see it is only on DPS and I like many I know I am leveling a pure DPS for when the healer and tank role is pretty much not even an option to select for the game.