What class is the easiest class to beat VMA on?

mrcomegetsome

My magblade isn't cutting it. I'm 341 CP and would like to at least make it past stage 2.

Voxicity

Magblade is considered one of the easiest at this point. Stam sorc is also in a strong position.

Just keep at it, it just takes time. My first clear last week on my stamblade took me 12 hours. The next day I tried it on my less optimized stam dk which I'm less familiar with and cut the time down to 3 hours.

iRogue32

Honestly, magblade, magicka sorc, and stamina sorc are the "easiest" classes to beat vMA on. That said, you can't expect to just breeze through vMA because you are running a certain spec or class. vMA is mostly based on skill and awareness. It takes a lot of practice.

Insanarchy

Personally I have an easy time on a magicka templar. Not the fastest to do it on but rather smooth. Regardless it's about finding what works best for you. You'll find a class and playstyle that fits you personally. Not always about what works best for the crowd, food for thought.

Milvan

Sorcerers do get a higher score. But I think Templar are far easier because JABS JABS JABS.

rhapsodious

Imo you will want to run with a class you're comfortable with. Sorcs have an "easier" time due to things like Overload and shields, but if you can't play a sorc worth a damn then you're not doing yourself any favors.

What are you having trouble with? VMA is about spawn points, add prioritization, mechanics, and sometimes luck. Also, if you're not, USE THE SIGILS! Get the arenas down first, then work on optimization/scoring.

mrcomegetsome

Not going for score. I just want to not get one hit and at least get something.... Stage one alone was pure luck for the final 30% of the boss.

mrcomegetsome

rhapsodious wrote: »

Imo you will want to run with a class you're comfortable with. Sorcs have an "easier" time due to things like Overload and shields, but if you can't play a sorc worth a damn then you're not doing yourself any favors.

What are you having trouble with? VMA is about spawn points, add prioritization, mechanics, and sometimes luck. Also, if you're not, USE THE SIGILS! Get the arenas down first, then work on optimization/scoring.

Currently having problems with stage 2. I'm using sigils but I'm being 1 hit by something in the first 30 seconds. Those blades aren't helping much, either.

iRogue32

mrcomegetsome wrote: »

rhapsodious wrote: »

Imo you will want to run with a class you're comfortable with. Sorcs have an "easier" time due to things like Overload and shields, but if you can't play a sorc worth a damn then you're not doing yourself any favors.

What are you having trouble with? VMA is about spawn points, add prioritization, mechanics, and sometimes luck. Also, if you're not, USE THE SIGILS! Get the arenas down first, then work on optimization/scoring.

Currently having problems with stage 2. I'm using sigils but I'm being 1 hit by something in the first 30 seconds. Those blades aren't helping much, either.

what is your health and resistances at?

mrcomegetsome

Health is 18k if I remember correctly and resists are 11.5-12.5k (I think)

Insanarchy

Alright I'll be the first to say this, if you're having that hard of a time on the first arena you need to look at the whole picture. Meaning your cp spread, how you have stats allocated, do you have enough health? Running the right food for your build? Using enough abilities that either shield or heal you. The list goes on. First arena doesn't even begin to show you the true challenge of vma

iRogue32

mrcomegetsome wrote: »

Health is 18k if I remember correctly and resists are 11.5-12.5k (I think)

if you are having trouble surviving I would recommend using Harness Magicka as a shield.

rhapsodious

Alright. What does your death recap look like?

For the blades, what you'll want to do is weave your way between them. Sometimes you'll have to eat a hit, but with Healing Ward/Swallow Soul/Refreshing Path/[insert healing move here] you shouldn't be sliced up just passing through the blade and not standing in it.

There are levers along the walls that will temporarily stop the movement of the blades. Use them if you're in a pinch.

You'll want to be mobile constantly in that arena (most arenas, really, but especially that arena). Standing still is an invitation to get rekt.

idk

The easiest class to clear use to clear vMA is the one your kept comfortable with/play the best.

OrphanHelgen

stam sorc with 5 vicious serpent, imperial or redguard

Reorx_Holybeard

Giles.floydub17_ESO wrote: »

The easiest class to clear use to clear vMA is the one your kept comfortable with/play the best.

I'd have to agree with this here. I've tried it with my Magicka Templar, Sorc and Nightblades and it is *way* easier with my Templar as that is my main and I don't have much experience playing the other two. Will be trying with a Stam Sorc soon to see how that compares.

Insanarchy

Yeah will admit it's a breeze on my imperial stam sorc with 5 viscous ophidian, 5 nightmothers and maelstrom weps.. Like completely doable without vigor whatsoever easy..

caperon

Insanarchy wrote: »

Yeah will admit it's a breeze on my imperial stam sorc with 5 viscous ophidian, 5 nightmothers and maelstrom weps.. Like completely doable without vigor whatsoever easy..

I agree, since i started to do it with orc stamsorc (same gear setup) i stoped doing it on magtemplar, magDK and stamdk(this is not bad, you can use burn mecanics, but you need to use vigor). I dont even care about the weekly reward, its just the same crap than the last chest. At least with stamsorc i finish each run in 47-50 min and my blood pressure stays low.

And yes, you dont need vigor, i keep it in my overload bar but i never use it.

ValkynSketha

Stam sorc, crazy damage, crazy heals, less stress, stay safe and main stam sorc.

Insanarchy

Yeah can't really go wrong with stam sorc as they sit right now unless it's a playstyle you just can't grasp.

luen79rwb17_ESO

mrcomegetsome wrote: »

rhapsodious wrote: »

Imo you will want to run with a class you're comfortable with. Sorcs have an "easier" time due to things like Overload and shields, but if you can't play a sorc worth a damn then you're not doing yourself any favors.

What are you having trouble with? VMA is about spawn points, add prioritization, mechanics, and sometimes luck. Also, if you're not, USE THE SIGILS! Get the arenas down first, then work on optimization/scoring.

Currently having problems with stage 2. I'm using sigils but I'm being 1 hit by something in the first 30 seconds. Those blades aren't helping much, either.

Ok stage 2, you're probably getting killed by the dwemer spheres' ground AoE projectile or their ranged attack.

My trick on stage 2. As soon as you enter the stage run to your right until you get to the spawn point, it's right on top of a lever.

Stay right there for all rounds (except boss ofc), land your AoEs ontop of the spawn point and most of the spheres/sentries will spawn to your left or your front. You'll clearly see any projectile attack comming to you and you can range kill the spheres if they haven't run to you already.

Also l centurions (that's their name? Lol) will always spawn to your front and the spinning blade will come to your front too giving you time to shield or roll dodge them. You can also use the lever as you see convenient.

Wrecking_Blow_Spam

Challenge yourself and do Mag DK.
I recently got Flawless Conqueror on mine

Wrecking_Blow_Spam

But for first times:
Stam Sorc
Mag Sorc
Mag nightblade
Mag Templar

Totalitarian

Giles.floydub17_ESO wrote: »

The easiest class to clear use to clear vMA is the one your kept comfortable with/play the best.

This.

Tried doing vMA on my magicka Sorcerer, which is one of the easier ones, but I kept on having mechanical issues and stuff like that because I'm a Templar player.

Gonna have to attempt it again on my Templar.

Still need to finish final boss on my Sorcerer. It's just...I don't wanna

Pallio

The magplar is most forgiving, but, they move so slow.. Really you just need good dps, steady healing and most of all you need to be really comfortable with the class. Then is it all about learning the mechanics of the fight.. The better your gear is the more effective you will be, gold 160lvl weapons etc.

Dubhliam

Magblades are really good in vMA.

If you can't get past the second level with a magblade, then there is no class that would help you.
Sad but true, I know.

vMA is a 'sanity check' dungeon where you get an evaluation of how good you really are.

Ch4mpTW

Insanarchy wrote: »

Personally I have an easy time on a magicka templar. Not the fastest to do it on but rather smooth. Regardless it's about finding what works best for you. You'll find a class and playstyle that fits you personally. Not always about what works best for the crowd, food for thought.

@Insanarchy You have a forum account? Interesting...

Anyway. To answer your question OP, go with whatever class you're most comfortable with. At the end of the day, it all boils down to what you're going to be the most comfortable with using as you learn. Some feel a Nightblade will offer smooth sailing, as others may say Sorcerer, or Templar. Some may even say Dragonknight. But trust me when I say, go with what you're the most comfortable with. Go with what "feels" right.

Oreyn_Bearclaw

I would probably say: Magic Sorc>Magic NB>Stam Sorc would be my top 3 in terms of ease. Magic Templar is also really easy on every fight except the last boss. Magic Sorc and Magic NB are really close. They play almost the exact same way except for boss rounds. I give the edge to sorcs because of overload on bosses, but NBs have better heals and AoE so they are better on non boss rounds. I only ran Stam Sorc through one time, and it was ridiculous. I could see it becoming my favorite with a little practice.

If you cant get past round 2 on a magic NB, switching to sorc is not going to fix your problem. You either need a lot of practice or you have a fundamental problem with your build. Putting a shield on your front bar will help a lot in stage 2, just FYI. Once you learn the pattern of the spinning blades, it is not needed.

General Tips for Magic NB:
-You should always be DPSing and standing in your refreshing path. Funnel Health/Swallow soul is your best heal.
-The best defense is a good offense. Stay on the offensive and spec for damage. Things cant kill you if they are dead.
-Use your utility skills. Prolonged Suffering and Mass Hysteria can be really handy while learning. Crippling grasp is good for damage and mobility.
-Come prepared. You need at least purple gear and gold weapons. You also need soul gems and a lot of potions.
-USE SIGILS. Until you can clear this place in under an hour, use the damn sigils. They are extremely powerful.
-Look at your death recaps. Figure out what the hell is killing you and kill it first. Other than bosses, pretty much everything in this arena can be killed in 2-3 seconds.
-Pay attention to kill priority. A general rule of thumb is Kill: Healers, Archers, Mages, 2Handers, sword and boards. Dont spread your damage around. Tab target the healer, DPS it until it is dead, and move on to the next highest threat.
-Pay attention to mechanics. Every stage has a base mechanic that needs to be dealt with as priority number one. Most things that need to be killed as part of the stage mechanic will die really fast if you focus them:

Basic Mechanics by stage"
1. Avoid the glowing void that follows you around. The last boss is a DPS check. If he ports more than twice, your DPS is low.
2. Avoid the spinning blades and take out the small spheres that go to the center. Use the levers to stop the blades when you can.
3. Kill the stranglers or they will snare you. Dont hang out in the water. I typically roll from island to island if I need to move.
4. Kill the small spheres (look like the guys in 2). They get a huge shield after a while and can one shot you.
5. Kill the trolls that smash the islands. When islands explode, you usually die. Its certainly a wipe on the boss round.
6. Kill the spiders and keep the pedestals uncovered by webs. Get to the gold pedestal when red spiders come.
7. Avoid the poison and kill the summoner ASAP when she spawns.
8. Kill the crystals for each mini boss (especially important hear to take out healers). Also interrupt the flame shapers.
9. Collect gold ghosts to stun the guards when they spawn. Big trick here is learning to deal with the guards without a stun. Veil of blades is the easy answer on a night blade.

You are going to have to bang your head against this place for a while. Unless you are unusually talented, I would expect to spend 10-20 hours in this place for your first clear.

Insanarchy

Ch4mpTW wrote: »

Insanarchy wrote: »

Personally I have an easy time on a magicka templar. Not the fastest to do it on but rather smooth. Regardless it's about finding what works best for you. You'll find a class and playstyle that fits you personally. Not always about what works best for the crowd, food for thought.

@Insanarchy You have a forum account? Interesting...


Yes sir I sure do. What's up?

Oreyn_Bearclaw

Update: I might move stam sorc into first place. Haha. Just got my hands on 2 pieces of Velidreth. Oh man does that absolutely wreck stuff in there. Not even running VMA weapons any more. Stuff dies too fast for them to be useful. Stam DK is also really similar. Stam Sorc gets a better heals, defense, and mobility, and Stam DK does more damage and can reflect range attacks. I think Stam Sorc is probably better for most players and stam DK is better for people really pushing the envelope.

Brutusmax1mus

Did it on my magicka Templar for the first time last week. Took about a week of trying, about 3 hours a day. I needed to look at the guide for stage 6. I felt i cheated lol. Need harness magicka on at all times.

SAT down last night with my stam sorc, switched some morphs and started. Got to stage 9 in 5 hours woot. Gonna beat it tonight. Stage 7 is a pain with out shield though. Just gotta flat out be more cautious.