Curious about this heavy attack staff build

WalksonGraves

So mag dk with lighting staff, I keep seeing people giggling about this.

Is the damage worth it?
Is there finally a use for that worthless cloak on hvy kill cp cap skill?

fred4

I tried this before 1T. As far as I recall the DPS against giants in Wrothgar was around 10k from heavy attacks alone. This was with Molten Armaments (the 40% version, not the old up to 150% version) and Elegance set. DOTS may have boosted it up to 13k, maybe 15k tops, but my memory is hazy. The splash damage was very nice.

It was not a good build for 1v1 PvP. You needed to use shields (not surprising for a magicka build), but I felt very exposed during the heavy attacks. The real problem was that the magicka return only happens when the attack completes, and with CC and bashing that didn't always happen, especially against a 1H + Shield user. In the end it did neither enough damage, nor offer good resource management in solo PvP. It would probably fare a lot better in group play or shooting from the top of a keep, for example. It was nice in trials, but not a top DPS build.

I'm a better player now than I was then, more comfortable with shields, so I can't totally dismiss the build, but I switched my Nord back to stam DK. With Viper, Red Mountain and Skoria she does around 20k DPS in the short Wrothgar giant test fights. I doubt the lightning staff build could ever compete with that.

I couldn't find a use for the cloak on kill CP passive. Maybe with that set that, when you stand still and you are cloaked, you gain resources very fast.

Xsorus

you can't bash heavy attack

WalksonGraves

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Tremors

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

AverageJo3Gam3r

Better with inferno staff so the damage hits all at once.

jakeedmundson

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/294724/magicka-sorc-heavy-attack-build#latest

I use the heavy attack build for my sorc and it really does wreck stuff.

the sustain is ridiculous, extremely tough, single target damage is above average but not the best, aoe damage though is pretty much A #1.


I don't take credit for this build but it was easier to link my own post. (there are other links in the comments to other people builds prior to mine)
While i did make it my own... i based it off other builds.

just some basic info to add...
easily do 40k dps or even push to 50k during execute
i've seen the heavy attack dots crit for about 18k but usually sit around 10-13k in trials with buffs
add in your dots and your normal damage is pushing 30k dps easy.

WalksonGraves

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

jakeedmundson

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

Asardes

May work in PvP but I swear to The Eight that I'll kick anyone who tries that in dungeons. Had a group with 2 such DDs for Veteran Wayrest Sewers II and they took ages to kill even the trash. Gave me a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome by taunting, retaunting and CC-ing the same mobs over the course of 2 minutes at every pull.

WalksonGraves

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Pallio

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Best build would be anything other than this

WalksonGraves

Pallio wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Best build would be anything other than this

You actually have something to add or are you just assuming things beyond your knowledge?

Alanar

Getting this build right isn't as easy as it sounds and there are a lot of small details that make a difference. That said, I pull 25-30k on boss fights in vet Maw and 50-65k sustained on trash fights. Can be a powerful build.

http://tamrielfoundry.com/topic/alanarres-shockknight-pve-dk-dps-update-12-ready/

jefwparkub17_ESO

I use something similar to Alanar above, with some major modifications. I run all endgame PvE content with this setup, and I have not yet had the chance to use Burning Spellweave since its been changed. Typically 30-35k on bosses, 50k+ on all aoe pulls.

Currently:

2x Skoria (BiS Grothdarr - need helm Divines still) Divines
5x Twice Born Star (Burning Spellweave is also being debated as BiS just don't have Divines to test yet) all Divines
4x Infallible Aether - will be only 3 when fully maximized (3 jewelry plus boots right now, will lose boots when RNG decides to stop giving me stam weapons from vMA)
All damage enchants on jewelry, all magicka enchants on gear.

Front bar Destro Inferno Staff Wep/Spell damage enchant

Elemental Blockade, Whip, Engulfing Flames, Burning Embers, Inner Light, Ultimate - Shooting Star

Back bar Destro Lightning Staff poison enchant - both currently TBS, due to RNG not blessing me with vMA destros yet

Flex Spot first (Inner light in trials for more mag, chains as necessary, etc.), Eruption, Rearming trap (minor force is essential), Molten Armaments (flex spot 2 for Twins in vMoL when Deep Breath is needed), Flames of Oblivion (underrated DoT, adds ~2k DPS) Ultimate - Standard of Might.

Mundus: Thief/Shadow

Key is maintaining all DoTs, Whip in downtime for single target, Heavy attack on back bar (lightning) in AoE pulls.

Tremors

Asardes wrote: »

May work in PvP but I swear to The Eight that I'll kick anyone who tries that in dungeons. Had a group with 2 such DDs for Veteran Wayrest Sewers II and they took ages to kill even the trash. Gave me a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome by taunting, retaunting and CC-ing the same mobs over the course of 2 minutes at every pull.

Lol... You probably had people simply heavy attacking... which is not acceptable. I'm confident my heavy attack build and rotation would outperform 95% of the magic DPS in the game (prior to Illambris) and even more so now with Illambris.

WalksonGraves

Does destructive mage work with the aoe?

Stoopid_Nwah

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Dunmer over high elf due to bonus fire damage and additional bonus to shock damage. Only lose out on a bit of max magicka in comparison.

Asardes

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

Asardes wrote: »

May work in PvP but I swear to The Eight that I'll kick anyone who tries that in dungeons. Had a group with 2 such DDs for Veteran Wayrest Sewers II and they took ages to kill even the trash. Gave me a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome by taunting, retaunting and CC-ing the same mobs over the course of 2 minutes at every pull.

Lol... You probably had people simply heavy attacking... which is not acceptable. I'm confident my heavy attack build and rotation would outperform 95% of the magic DPS in the game (prior to Illambris) and even more so now with Illambris.

Exactly. They spammed it and did funnel health in between. Didn't notice other spells.

Tremors

Asardes wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

Asardes wrote: »

May work in PvP but I swear to The Eight that I'll kick anyone who tries that in dungeons. Had a group with 2 such DDs for Veteran Wayrest Sewers II and they took ages to kill even the trash. Gave me a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome by taunting, retaunting and CC-ing the same mobs over the course of 2 minutes at every pull.

Lol... You probably had people simply heavy attacking... which is not acceptable. I'm confident my heavy attack build and rotation would outperform 95% of the magic DPS in the game (prior to Illambris) and even more so now with Illambris.

Exactly. They spammed it and did funnel health in between. Didn't notice other spells.

Sickening

WalksonGraves

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Dunmer over high elf due to bonus fire damage and additional bonus to shock damage. Only lose out on a bit of max magicka in comparison.

I'm going altmer because I'm trying to build around the lightning aoe, 5% dmg loss basically for fire but at least I got extra mag to counter the loss.

Hibernato

Asardes wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

Asardes wrote: »

May work in PvP but I swear to The Eight that I'll kick anyone who tries that in dungeons. Had a group with 2 such DDs for Veteran Wayrest Sewers II and they took ages to kill even the trash. Gave me a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome by taunting, retaunting and CC-ing the same mobs over the course of 2 minutes at every pull.

Lol... You probably had people simply heavy attacking... which is not acceptable. I'm confident my heavy attack build and rotation would outperform 95% of the magic DPS in the game (prior to Illambris) and even more so now with Illambris.

Exactly. They spammed it and did funnel health in between. Didn't notice other spells.

You're either blind or a liar. Me and my friend were said DDs, playing on chars we made for TG for dlc for fun - argonian nightblades. My dps is not 40k+++ omgl33t on this character but you are straight up lying. I keep my ice blockade and crippling grasp down on single targets and trash mobs. I use sap essence as my trash aoe with twisting path and my friend does the same. I weave swallow soul with light attacks to proc merciless. I may not be the best dps but I know I pull my weight. If our dps was bad why did you stay til final boss? Why did you not say anything about our bad dps? You were rude to us before we even started and we all mentioned it in guild chat but no, we carried on. Even when you dc'd in the middle of a fight we didn't even kick you - we waited. We were still able to complete this dungeon on hard mode under 35 mins even though we had to find a new tank because you left for whatever reason. You pulled the first zombie group to activate hard mode and when I pulled second (as this dungeon doesn't even require a tank, before this I've only did it as 3dd+healer) you said "wait" so I stood there spamming my shield and we all died (the only time we did wipe in whole dungeon). Thanks for leaving though, we got a cp 180 tank that was 10x better than you, we killed boss and left with our 2 undaunted keys and malubeth. Your lack of communication with us when playing as a group was disgusting and I feel sorry for whoever has to play with you

oh btw we constantly used our destro ults because we only put skill points in them on that day so if you only saw funnel and heavy attacks (I didn't heavy attack once, siphoning attacks and pots is enough sustain) you really should go to the opticians.

I insta blocked you in-game so I never had a chance of partying with you again after you left but after seeing this post I just had to respond and speak my mind.

Sorry op

Stoopid_Nwah

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Dunmer over high elf due to bonus fire damage and additional bonus to shock damage. Only lose out on a bit of max magicka in comparison.

I'm going altmer because I'm trying to build around the lightning aoe, 5% dmg loss basically for fire but at least I got extra mag to counter the loss.

Actually it's a 7% loss to fire and 2% loss to Lightning and frost for only a 1% gain in max magicka. Will it really matter? Probably not, but if you want maxed out dps for magdk I'm pretty sure nothing beats dunmer.
EDIT: ignore this. Thinking of Breton passives instead of Altmer passives .

WalksonGraves

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Dunmer over high elf due to bonus fire damage and additional bonus to shock damage. Only lose out on a bit of max magicka in comparison.

I'm going altmer because I'm trying to build around the lightning aoe, 5% dmg loss basically for fire but at least I got extra mag to counter the loss.

Actually it's a 7% loss to fire and 2% loss to Lightning and frost for only a 1% gain in max magicka. Will it really matter? Probably not, but if you want maxed out dps for magdk I'm pretty sure nothing beats dunmer.

so altmer gets 4% fire/lightning/frost, dunmer gets 7% fire 2% lightning/frost.

7-4=3.

I'll take max mag and lightning damage.

Stoopid_Nwah

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

jakeedmundson wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

RedVyperOfDorne wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Nm ZOS already nerfed it out of existence.

Lol no they didn't...why would it be nerfed. If anything, it's better than ever with illambris hanging about.

So the thread about lightning staff no longer aoeing or getting boosted by igneous weapons on anythjng but the last tick is outdated?

They reversed that "fix" in the pts... they were planning on taking away the constant splash damage but they decided to leave it in to keep some builds open.

So best possible set up is what, altmer mag dk?

Dunmer over high elf due to bonus fire damage and additional bonus to shock damage. Only lose out on a bit of max magicka in comparison.

I'm going altmer because I'm trying to build around the lightning aoe, 5% dmg loss basically for fire but at least I got extra mag to counter the loss.

Actually it's a 7% loss to fire and 2% loss to Lightning and frost for only a 1% gain in max magicka. Will it really matter? Probably not, but if you want maxed out dps for magdk I'm pretty sure nothing beats dunmer.

so altmer gets 4% fire/lightning/frost, dunmer gets 7% fire 2% lightning/frost.

7-4=3.

I'll take max mag and lightning damage.

My bad, for some reason I was thinking of breton's last passive over altmer's hence the messed up numbers on my end, but it doesn't change my vote for dunmer. It isn't as simple as looking at percentage bonuses, and even if you do, you get +3% flame versus +1% magicka and +2% lightning/frost.

As a mdk, you have to keep your dots up so think engulfing flames, burning embers, flames of oblivion, elemental blockade. If you insist on just using a lightning staff, you'll suffer on single target fights.

I would say use an inferno and a lightning staff. Elemental blockade is better coming from a fire staff (more damage), use the lightning staff heavy attacks for trash pulls/aoe, use the inferno for single target fights. No one is going to want you in their group if you sit there doing just lightning heavy attacks. You need an actual rotation, and for mdks, this involves a lot of fire.

PS thanks for clearing up that 7-4=3, I didn't learn that in math grad courses.

WalksonGraves

Hey I'm just as shocked that I need to clarify that

Stoopid_Nwah

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Hey I'm just as shocked that I need to clarify that

Dude, chill out. You asked for advice, I gave you some. After realizing I mixed up passives, I recognized that, and gave you reasoning for why I still went dunmer. Building something around a heavy attack alone is ridiculous, but I doubt anyone will get through to you. Good luck finding end game raids, with your both your build and your attitude.

Masel

I use a similar build on my magsorc, 5 aether, 5 elegance and a sharpened vma lightning (on main) and inferno (on back) staff. It is the most versatile build I ever used. you can do vma easily, I've done all vet trials except vmol with it, vDSA, and the regular dungeons are a breeze. It just melts everything. For some occasions, I switch the elegant hat and shoulders for illambris. You need 3 abilities for sufficient dps: blockade, liquid lightning and surge. On top, you can slot a shield to never die at all.

WalksonGraves

Stoopid_Nwah wrote: »

WalksonGraves wrote: »

Hey I'm just as shocked that I need to clarify that

Dude, chill out. You asked for advice, I gave you some. After realizing I mixed up passives, I recognized that, and gave you reasoning for why I still went dunmer. Building something around a heavy attack alone is ridiculous, but I doubt anyone will get through to you. Good luck finding end game raids, with your both your build and your attitude.

lol yeah this is totally going to be my raid build. Clearly it's for fun.

Thrasher91604

AverageJo3Gam3r wrote: »

Better with inferno staff so the damage hits all at once.

On PvP, the channeling of the lightning staff heavy attack can't be dodged by dodge spammers. Always nice to surprise a habitual dodge spammer with a kill this way.

ashdstampede1

It works. I run it on my mage blade with cloak and dots. Fun in pvp. Got vids on my Xbox one account. Ashthestampede1. Ep hadarus.