Which of these is the best class for first time vMA

Lexxypwns

So, I'm getting ready to start doing vMA for the first time. I've solo'ed several vet dungeons on all my characters and I've just been putting this off for too long. I'm looking for recommendations for class out of the ones I have leveled. I'm not looking for the fastest time, just the easiest completion.

Thankfully, I literally just need a resto staff so the weighted loot table won't murder me too hard.

Bumblebeelzebub

I assume this is a list of all your characters?

I found stamsorc to be by far the easiest. It allowed me to focus on just learning environmental hazards and boss mechanics, rather than managing my health and resources.

Not sure if that helps.

Lexxypwns

Yeah, its just characters I have. I'm a skilled player, so I'm not scared enough to level a new character just for this. I'm just looking for a little guidance on where to start my research, class wise. I'm not going to go in unprepared, but I don't want to watch magplar videos if I'm gonna be better off running it on another class.

Jaronking

Mag Sorc

@Lexxypwns I assumed you done VMA many times by now.The easiest class to learn it on is still Magic sorc.Charge up overload and then nuke final boss of each stage and your golden.

idk

Best class is the one you play best.

Lexxypwns

Jaronking wrote: »

@Lexxypwns I assumed you done VMA many times by now.The easiest class to learn it on is still Magic sorc.Charge up overload and then nuke final boss of each stage and your golden.

I ran it on PTS when it released but didn't complete it then and haven't bothered since. But I really need that maelstrom resto for a build.

Mag sorc seems to be the consensus. Got 3 days off next week and I'm gonna buckle down and do it

Kutsuu

Mag Sorc

I'd prob say Magblade > magsorc > stamsorc > magplar > other classes. Biggest thing is spending the time to learn the mechanics.

lolo_01b16_ESO

Magplar

I'd say magplar. The combination of radiant glory and defensive sigils is really nice and often allows you to ignore most mechanics once the boss reaches 35% hp.

bubbygink

Only ever done it on magblade and it is extremely easy on magblade in my opinion. Didn't take me long at all to beat vMA the first time I ever attempted it and it only took me about 10-15 runs or so to get flawless (actually got it twice but a dc caused it it to not register the first time). Don't know if it is worth it for you to respec your stamblade, but magblade makes it simple. Heard mag sorc is about the same level though so I would go with that.

DHale

MageBlade then stam sorc not one of your choices.

SnubbS

Mag Sorc

I have no idea why everyone always says MagNB -- the rotation is more difficult than MagSorc, and the DPS is lower imo.

code65536

Mag Sorc

I've done vMA on every class/resource combo except stamplar (my stamplar is only level 31), and I would say that, in order of first-clear ease, it's...

• MagBlade
• MagSorc
• StamDK (assuming you have VO and vigor)
• StamSorc (assuming you have VO)
• MagDK
• MagPlar
• StamBlade

I honestly think that most players undervalue the DK in vMA. Being able to reflect ranged enemies is so powerful and makes a number of tough spots much easier to get through. @ZOS_Finn said that ZOS's internal testers cleared vMA with a DK first and that he was surprised at how few people try vMA on a DK. Granted, DKs were pretty hard when vMA launched, but the general stam rebalance has helped the StamDK a lot, and the changes to Blockade, Harness, and Embers have made the MagDK easier.

bubbygink

SnubbS wrote: »

I have no idea why everyone always says MagNB -- the rotation is more difficult than MagSorc, and the DPS is lower imo.

In my opinion its the sustain that puts magblade ahead. Never run out of magicka or stamina with siphoning attacks. And I think having a good amount of stam was important for vMA. Used block and sprint quite a bit. Also the heal from swallow soul is very useful in keeping you alive.

code65536

Mag Sorc

SnubbS wrote: »

I have no idea why everyone always says MagNB -- the rotation is more difficult than MagSorc, and the DPS is lower imo.

And I have no idea why people say sorc.

• The magblade's heal is always there, and continues to tick as a HoT even after you stop attacking. The sorc's heal requires that you continue to do damage (so it stops if you're busy repositioning and don't have DoTs ticking away) and requires that you remember to keep your Surge up--not an issue if you're used to running sorc in the arena, but a first-timer will have so much else to worry about that letting Surge fall off is a common mistake that will almost certainly happen.
• Sorcs used to have the unique advantage of their ward, but now every magicka class has a shield of equal duration, similar strength, that blocks both physical and spell damage.
• Sustain is difficult on a sorc. A first-timer will make mistakes. And those mistakes will cost resources to correct. Someone running sorc for the first time is going to want Ele Drain as a result (but sorcs won't have room for Ele). Overload can also restore magicka, but, again, that's not a realistic option for first-timers because they'll still be figuring out when to save and when to use Overload, and ifwhen they wipe, they may not have enough Overload for the next attempt. Again, this is usually not an issue for experienced vMA runners, but for beginners, it will hurt. Magblades, on the other hand, have Siphoning Attacks that restore both magicka and stamina (no class is easier than the magblade for the crystal phase).
• Sorc's class DoT is ground-based, so you need to be careful about not letting enemies run out of them, and I personally think that LL is clunkier to cast. Magblade's class DoT sticks on the target, is easier to cast, and it grants you Major Expedition (much more reliable source of mobility than Lightning Form).

starkerealm

Giles.floydub17_ESO wrote: »

Best class is the one you play best.

For VMA... that's not exactly true. You can be an excellent nightblade player and still get smeared across the walls in there.

paulsimonps

Stamina Sorc with the Healing Morphs of the Dual Wield single target attacks is how I did it and have been doing since I completed it my first time, goes really well. Getting better and better and soon at scores good enough for weekly.

Lexxypwns

code65536 wrote: »

SnubbS wrote: »

I have no idea why everyone always says MagNB -- the rotation is more difficult than MagSorc, and the DPS is lower imo.

And I have no idea why people say sorc.

• The magblade's heal is always there, and continues to tick as a HoT even after you stop attacking. The sorc's heal requires that you continue to do damage (so it stops if you're busy repositioning and don't have DoTs ticking away) and requires that you remember to keep your Surge up--not an issue if you're used to running sorc in the arena, but a first-timer will have so much else to worry about that letting Surge fall off is a common mistake that will almost certainly happen.
• Sorcs used to have the unique advantage of their ward, but now every magicka class has a shield of equal duration, similar strength, that blocks both physical and spell damage.
• Sustain is difficult on a sorc. A first-timer will make mistakes. And those mistakes will cost resources to correct. Someone running sorc for the first time is going to want Ele Drain as a result (but sorcs won't have room for Ele). Overload can also restore magicka, but, again, that's not a realistic option for first-timers because they'll still be figuring out when to save and when to use Overload, and ifwhen they wipe, they may not have enough Overload for the next attempt. Again, this is usually not an issue for experienced vMA runners, but for beginners, it will hurt. Magblades, on the other hand, have Siphoning Attacks that restore both magicka and stamina (no class is easier than the magblade for the crystal phase).
• Sorc's class DoT is ground-based, so you need to be careful about not letting enemies run out of them, and I personally think that LL is clunkier to cast. Magblade's class DoT sticks on the target, is easier to cast, and it grants you Major Expedition (much more reliable source of mobility than Lightning Form).

I mean, all of this makes sense, but its irrelevant. I don't have a mageblade, but I do appreciate the insight.

I'm not too worried about sustain, I've solo'ed numerous vet dungeons on sorc and it seems that's what I'm gonna end up doing vMA on.

Anyone got advice on build? I wanna run 5 TBS 5 BSW 1 Shadowrend, but I'm not sure if I'd be better off with Illambris

Father_X_Zombie

Mag Sorc

Lexxypwns wrote: »

Jaronking wrote: »

@Lexxypwns I assumed you done VMA many times by now.The easiest class to learn it on is still Magic sorc.Charge up overload and then nuke final boss of each stage and your golden.

I ran it on PTS when it released but didn't complete it then and haven't bothered since. But I really need that maelstrom resto for a build.

Mag sorc seems to be the consensus. Got 3 days off next week and I'm gonna buckle down and do it

If all you need is the resto then you should be good, it's the most common drop.

Watch you get a sharp inferno on your 1st try

Ghettokid

0 votes for stamplar. Woa I'm so surprised.

Valencer

Mag Sorc

code65536 wrote: »

I've done vMA on every class/resource combo except stamplar (my stamplar is only level 31), and I would say that, in order of first-clear ease, it's...

• MagBlade
• MagSorc
• StamDK (assuming you have VO and vigor)
• StamSorc (assuming you have VO)
• MagDK
• MagPlar
• StamBlade

I honestly think that most players undervalue the DK in vMA. Being able to reflect ranged enemies is so powerful and makes a number of tough spots much easier to get through. @ZOS_Finn said that ZOS's internal testers cleared vMA with a DK first and that he was surprised at how few people try vMA on a DK. Granted, DKs were pretty hard when vMA launched, but the general stam rebalance has helped the StamDK a lot, and the changes to Blockade, Harness, and Embers have made the MagDK easier.

I main a stam DK, have flawless conqueror on her and everything, but still find my magicka sorc to be way easier in there. I got Flawless Conqueror on my mag sorc on the first vMA run I ever did with her.

It just seems way more difficult to mess up badly enough that you end up actually dying. Shields + Surge is so forgiving and Overload pretty much feels like cheating with how easy it makes certain boss fights. Maybe magicka DK is comparable since you'd then have access to harness magicka too, but Im not so sure.

MakoFore

Mag Sorc

the winner is sorc- mag and stam- by far. u just need to see the weekly leaderboards . 100 people in sorc with at least scores of 500k.
for every other class barely 50 people complete it.
the reason? crit surge- power surge. being able to not worry about healing- and just attack and heal thru mobs is a great relief.

code65536

Mag Sorc

Lexxypwns wrote: »

code65536 wrote: »

SnubbS wrote: »

I have no idea why everyone always says MagNB -- the rotation is more difficult than MagSorc, and the DPS is lower imo.

And I have no idea why people say sorc.

• The magblade's heal is always there, and continues to tick as a HoT even after you stop attacking. The sorc's heal requires that you continue to do damage (so it stops if you're busy repositioning and don't have DoTs ticking away) and requires that you remember to keep your Surge up--not an issue if you're used to running sorc in the arena, but a first-timer will have so much else to worry about that letting Surge fall off is a common mistake that will almost certainly happen.
• Sorcs used to have the unique advantage of their ward, but now every magicka class has a shield of equal duration, similar strength, that blocks both physical and spell damage.
• Sustain is difficult on a sorc. A first-timer will make mistakes. And those mistakes will cost resources to correct. Someone running sorc for the first time is going to want Ele Drain as a result (but sorcs won't have room for Ele). Overload can also restore magicka, but, again, that's not a realistic option for first-timers because they'll still be figuring out when to save and when to use Overload, and ifwhen they wipe, they may not have enough Overload for the next attempt. Again, this is usually not an issue for experienced vMA runners, but for beginners, it will hurt. Magblades, on the other hand, have Siphoning Attacks that restore both magicka and stamina (no class is easier than the magblade for the crystal phase).
• Sorc's class DoT is ground-based, so you need to be careful about not letting enemies run out of them, and I personally think that LL is clunkier to cast. Magblade's class DoT sticks on the target, is easier to cast, and it grants you Major Expedition (much more reliable source of mobility than Lightning Form).

I mean, all of this makes sense, but its irrelevant. I don't have a mageblade, but I do appreciate the insight.

I'm not too worried about sustain, I've solo'ed numerous vet dungeons on sorc and it seems that's what I'm gonna end up doing vMA on.

Anyone got advice on build? I wanna run 5 TBS 5 BSW 1 Shadowrend, but I'm not sure if I'd be better off with Illambris

Well, yes, which is why I voted magsorc in your poll. My post that you quoted was just a response to someone who was wondering why people think magblade is easier.

As for build, Ilambris is very good, particularly if you're using it for portal kills--lay down blockade and LL on a portal, watch Ilambris proc, and the enemy gets nuked down as they materialize out of the portal. Now, the problem is that camping spawn points is something that you likely will not be doing in your first clear. It requires that you know where the spawns are, that you know which one is the priority that you should camp, and that you even have the opportunity to camp (i.e., that you are killing each wave fast enough that you have the time and opportunity to prep for the next wave). So if you're not going to be camping spawn points, Ilambris loses some of its punch. Plus, the 1p Shadowrend would be very nice because, as I said earlier, you will be making mistakes, and you will be spending resources to fix those mistakes.

So I would say Ilambris once you're more comfortable with the arena, and 5/5/1 for starting out.

Valencer wrote: »

code65536 wrote: »

I've done vMA on every class/resource combo except stamplar (my stamplar is only level 31), and I would say that, in order of first-clear ease, it's...

• MagBlade
• MagSorc
• StamDK (assuming you have VO and vigor)
• StamSorc (assuming you have VO)
• MagDK
• MagPlar
• StamBlade

I honestly think that most players undervalue the DK in vMA. Being able to reflect ranged enemies is so powerful and makes a number of tough spots much easier to get through. @ZOS_Finn said that ZOS's internal testers cleared vMA with a DK first and that he was surprised at how few people try vMA on a DK. Granted, DKs were pretty hard when vMA launched, but the general stam rebalance has helped the StamDK a lot, and the changes to Blockade, Harness, and Embers have made the MagDK easier.

I main a stam DK, have flawless conqueror on her and everything, but still find my magicka sorc to be way easier in there. I got Flawless Conqueror on my mag sorc on the first vMA run I ever did with her.

It just seems way more difficult to mess up badly enough that you end up actually dying. Shields + Surge is so forgiving and Overload pretty much feels like cheating with how easy it makes certain boss fights. Maybe magicka DK is comparable since you'd then have access to harness magicka too, but Im not so sure.

Well, I did rate magsorc above stamdk. My comment about DKs were really about stamdk vs. stamsorc and magdk vs. magplar; in both cases, it's about the usefulness of reflect vs. the extra healing of stamsorc/magplar. I personally prefer the reflect more, though I know many prefer the extra healing more. There's a lot of personal preference regarding which of these two features is more useful; I made that comment largely because a lot of people don't even consider the DK (e.g., while the NA/PC sorc weekly board needs 520K scores to get on, any completion on a DK will qualify for the weekly because the board doesn't even come to being filled, and having completed vMA on everything but stamplar, I don't think stamsorc/magplar are really much easier than stamdk/magdk).

Metafae

Mag Sorc

I always did it on Magsorc, Magplar and Magblades back in the day.

Recently I do it mostly on Stamsorcs. ez mode.

I only have 3 flawless, they're 2 stamsorcs and 1 stamplar.

The stamplar flawless was probably a fluke, first time I run it in there for months and get a flawless. That restoring focus is OP

ragingruby1991

Mag Sorc

My first vMA clear was on a magblade. With 5 tbs, 2 kena, 3 willpower, and crafted inferno staves. It was not hard at all.

I completed it on magsorc as well after that, and it felt even easier than magblade.

Now when I run vMA I always do it on my magsorc with 5 julianos, 5 elegant, and 2 ilambris. The damage is ridiculous and the sustain is fine as long as you know when to use overload (and the destro passives will make sustain pretty easy as long as you are killing quickly).