Warden hybrid PvP build?

Malyck

I've seen a few Wardens running around Cyr and IC with what appears to be a hybrid build; i.e. running staff/2hander. Seems like they mainly run crushing, pigeons, and shalk on the staff bar and heals/defense/rally on the 2hand bar. Looks like an interesting build, anyone running this type of build and having success or at least having fun with it? I have a baby warden and would like to do something different build-wise to keep it interesting.

Master_Kas

Make sure you have forward momentum instead of rally. Think the 8 sec snare/root immunity is awsome (specially on a class with no disenage skill like streak / cloak ^^

Waffennacht

It an be potentially a hybrid, or a magicka version running 2H for the ult too.

I'm running a SnB magicka version that maybe like what you saw, bull Netch provides both buffs and a way to gain Stam while blocking

fred4

The two previous replies are correct. I optionally run 2H on all of my magicka builds to avail of Forward Momentum. 8 seconds snare and root immunity keeps you out of reach of Low Slash, Tremorscale or Talon spammers, as well as Sweeps / Jabs. It also allows you more freedom of movement to line up a Deep Fissure.

In addition some people run Onslaught in lieu of the missing Warden execute, and I am currently experimenting with Stampede as well. The burst then becomes Fissure -> Light Attack (berserker enchant / infused weapon) -> Cliff Racer -> Bar Swap -> Stampede -> enemy knocked down and/or snared -> Onslaught. Fissure, Cliff Racer and the sword enchant will hit simultaneously with the Stampede, Onslaught thereafter. I am using a Nirnhoned sword, which actually buffs the damage of these attacks. Fissure calculates it's damage when it goes off, e.g. from the sword bar. It all sounds very good, and works against a target skeleton. Pulling it off in combat is not easy though. Still working on that.

I normally run 5x Necropotence / 5x Shacklebreaker / 1x Domihaus, but am trying Amber Plasm instead of Necropotence for this build. Actually works out as exact same damage (less magicka, more weapon damage / crit), but with more stam regen and smaller shields. Domihaus / Shacklebreaker brings my stamina to 14K without tri-glyphs, and 1K stam regen with Amber Plasm. Bull Netch adds more stam regen, also while blocking, as Waffenacht pointed out, and weapon damage. My light attacks on the sword bar can crit the target skeleton for 3.5K with this setup.

Mine is not a true hybrid build. Check out Kristofer ESO, on YouTube. He's got a true hybrid build using Necropotence / Shacklebreaker, where he stacks magicka and weapon damage.

fred4

I might add that this setup is on the squishy side, for a warden. Defense, in my build, is limited to Harness Magicka, Living Trellis, Northern Storm (Major Protection) and, well, the escapability that comes from Forward Momentum and Immovability pots. The combination of a shield (Harness) and Living Trellis is very good, as long as the incoming damage remains low enough that you can pump Living Trellis underneath the shield. I highly recommend that morph. I think people overlook that it works as a small on-demand heal. In terms of cost / healing ratio it is far better than Enchanted Growth, in solo play.

Your next best healing option I find, funnily enough, is good old Healing Ward, as long as you're not up against the rare Shield Breaker user. I prefer it over all of the Warden's other defensive options. If you have a resto staff, I also prefer Light's Champion over Healing Thicket.

This is from the point of view of a light armor / magicka stacking build, designed to optimise shield size. Of course there are different ways to build. The combination of Shacklebreaker / Necropotence / Domihaus / Mage Mundus / Breton Race (or Altmer) / Full CP / Full Undaunted passive / Inner Light / Northern Storm will get you to 55K magicka and an 11K Harness Magicka shield, in CP PvP.

Waffennacht

I've posted it so much Trellis is the BEST mitigation ability in game.

It and Thicket are my only heal now

Jitterbug

I run 2h on my magden for the ult

Hutch679

Does momentum heal for a decent amount with +50k magicka? Doesn't it scale from stamina? Is it just for the snare immunity?

Malyck

Thanks alot for the replies! Sounds like a really fun build!

fred4

Momentum is only for the root/snare immunity on a magicka build. The heal is pitiful. However, if you are wearing Troll King, the heal serves as a reliable way to activate that set.

Other skills that give you the same immunity, e.g. Shuffle or Retreating Maneuvers, are MUCH more expensive, and not as effective as Forward Momentum.

Waffennacht

fred4 wrote: »

Momentum is only for the root/snare immunity on a magicka build. The heal is pitiful. However, if you are wearing Troll King, the heal serves as a reliable way to activate that set.

Other skills that give you the same immunity, e.g. Shuffle or Retreating Maneuvers, are MUCH more expensive, and not as effective as Forward Momentum.

Hrm, or Transmutation...
Very interesting ideas.

Sandman929

If you make your peace with 11 slots, 2H is more useful than DW on a magicka setup. Follow-Up, Battle Rush and the 5% damage with a greatsword equipped is nice. Forward Momentum is better than anything on the DW line.