Guide to Theorycrafting

Xinthisis

People are always asking for builds, but never asking for concepts. It's like the kid that walks into a Martial Arts gym looking to learn the one inch punch instead of learning the core concepts of that Martial Art. This game is my first MMO, but not the first game with Build/Theorycrafting in it that I've played. Below is an excerpt from a comment I made to a viewer on my youtube channel asking for "a guide". It's simple and gives a good basis for those players that are always asking "Why/what/how are you running in that build?" This game has a wide array of build possibilities and the more people that run something different the more beautiful the game becomes. I want to run into more templar hybrid WW builds that actually compete with in a 1v1 scenario the "stam meta" build.

"1. Min-Max: The way I see this term (phrase) meaning is that you MINIMIZE your weaknesses, then MAXIMIZE your strengths. With any successful build in ESO you will want to first minimize your weaknesses. If you look at my skill bar and know what each skill does you'll start to see why I run those skills. This also applies to any other successful build you will see in ESO. Maximizing your strengths is a bit more intricate in some cases. Its not always as simple as stacking all the weapon or spell damage you can. Often times it takes math and testing to see what's best.

2. Efficiency: Sometimes just because something has the best numbers up front, doesn't always mean its the best for what you're going to do. Math comes into play when calculating the efficiency of your build. Get your calculator, pen, and paper out. You got work to do.

3. Utility: This can be derived from a multitude of sources, from sets, to abilities, to even basic movement and LOS. (Line of sighting/ runnning around a tree with orc speed to avoid damage for instance) Once you feel comfortable with your Min Max/Efficiency of your build, you can then focus on utility which in many cases will actually enhance your overall build. As it should."

Let me know if this concepts are correct or if I'm missing something.

Lexxypwns

You forgot the most important phase of theory crafting

Testing and adjusting

After the conceptualization and math are over it's time to take the build out in the real world, maybe you overlooked something or your perfect math doesn't account for chaos present in live situations, this is where you put your creation through the fire and make adjustments to adapt to a playstyle that you can execute effectively

HoloYoitsu

Don't forget the final step:

Make nerf threads for the counters to your build

If that kinky DK keeps whipping you through your infinite dodge roll build, tell on them to Wrobel!

If that troll sorc manages to blink you out of resources as you crit rush spam to keep up, tell on them to Wrobel!

If you went into that Templar's house and like it was like bad for you, tell on them to Wrobel!

If that NB two shot you with incapac combo then too bad, cuz Wrobel's a NB!

Sweetpea704

LOL! Yes Holo!!! Let's not maybe rethink a build or maybe adjust gear, let's complain about others. Awesome.

Smasherx74

Real Guide:


Quit your job

Live off student loan

Grind for everythign in ESO

Test things out.

Bakven

@Xinthisis this is accurate. Only thing I would add that others did not would be knowing your playstyle. Dps, healer, tank, solo, small group, large group, duels, etc.. I change my skills and gear depending on what I'm trying to achieve. Usually I run solo but if I run in a group, decide to tower farm, etc I can quickly change what I need to be most effective. I know some people build around something other than just their role. Some build off a set, others off certain skills, but the best way imo is to know your playstyle and build around that. If you don't know your playstyle, you won't be able to make a great build. it's also a big reason why most people who copy a streamers or youtuber's build doesn't seem as effective when they play it.

Xinthisis

@HoloYoitsu Ahh, how could I forget.

@Bakven That is very true, I also tell people that the reason they should attempt to make their own unique builds is because they will learn more about what they actually want to do.

Bashev

HoloYoitsu wrote: »

Don't forget the final step:

Make nerf threads for the counters to your build

If that kinky DK keeps whipping you through your infinite dodge roll build, tell on them to Wrobel!

If that troll sorc manages to blink you out of resources as you crit rush spam to keep up, tell on them to Wrobel!

If you went into that Templar's house and like it was like bad for you, tell on them to Wrobel!

If that NB two shot you with incapac combo then too bad, cuz Wrobel's a NB!

I loled so much at the last statement

Xinthisis

@Bashev Yup, lol @HoloYoitsu is definitely a legend on these forums. haha

altemriel

this is also a great tread about theory crafting in terms of PVP builds:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/291865/state-of-learning-in-pvp#latest