Why do seemingly useless skills still exist?

ArchMikem

Shouldnt every ability available be a capable skill to make use of even in the end game? Take Scalding Rune in the Mages tree as an example. I decided to use it on my MagSorc for its aoe flame damage so i can have a better way of proccing the fire damage of Ilambris as well as getting a passive max magic boost.

"When triggered, the rune blasts all enemies in the target area for 7,528 Flame damage (cool enough) and an additional 4,625 flame damage over 11.6 seconds."

Thats an apalling 400 damage per tick. How is that supposed to be helpful in say a vet dungeon when the trash mobs have 100k health? Yeah i know, short answer, it isnt, just dont use it. But a shorter answer is thats really upsetting. When we have enemies with such high health pools, why do we have skills that do so little?

Smaxx

Most of those "Spend x points in this constellation." bonuses are really just that: small and extra bonuses. I agree, some are pretty much pointless, but even 400 damage per tick are still 400 damage per tick you get for free. Consider those bonuses as a bonus – not something you're aiming for (at least for the less effective ones).

Dracindo

The only "skill" that is useless, is the Argonian swimming speed passive.

vyndral13preub18_ESO

To me it is the sad side affect of these action rpg mmos. The design theory is with less skills they have to make meaningful choices in the skills the choose, so they can't be everything all at once.

But what always ends up happening is that a handful of skills end up getting the most attention and end up being 'best'. While the others just sort of fade away.

So then it becomes do I want to build my characters to be the best they can be, or do I want to take the hit to do something a little off the path.

bebynnag

Smaxx wrote: »

Most of those "Spend x points in this constellation." bonuses are really just that: small and extra bonuses. I agree, some are pretty much pointless, but even 400 damage per tick are still 400 damage per tick you get for free. Consider those bonuses as a bonus – not something you're aiming for (at least for the less effective ones).

the mages guild skill is just that a skill from the mages guild skill line, that needs be slotted on your bar, activated and costs magic to cast

i have found a use for this skill, in vet aa placing underneath a 'shade' to keep BSW procced &/or to proc my helm/shoulder set on all my mage dd's although it may not be as usefull in morrowind