Hey there,
as we already know, this has become quite a heated topic. Instead of just talking about YES or NO to proc sets, I would like to present some ideas on how to tackle this issue without focusing on the extremes.
The core problem: the (ab)use of multiple proc sets at the same time, e.g. very tanky builds that have three damage proc sets and are almost unkillable; very bursty builds that have three damage proc sets that kill you in an instant and you can't do anything about it; ballgroups full of proc sets were nobody dies anymore (etc).
Important notice: a single proc set is never a problem or an issue. It's the possibility to combine two or three proc sets which can even activate at the same time.
A variety of solutions:1. Only one proc set at a time
In my opinion this is a fairly easy to implement solution. Some proc sets are stronger than others, but if we can have one proc set there will be a huge increase of build diversity as there are multiple very good to great proc sets and people can start to build around them.
You want a Valkyn Skoria build? Go for it. You want an Icy Conjurer build? Go for it. You want a Vateshran Staff build? Go for it. You want a Sheer Venom build? Go for it. You want an Iceheart build? Go for it. The choice is all yours.
There are so many good proc sets in the game that choosing from just one proc set at the same time will on one hand increase build diversity as everyone has other preferences and on the other hand it will fix the issue of proc sets overall.
+ Build diversity
+ No stacking of procs anymore
- Less "fun" proc builds
2. As much proc sets as you want, but their power reduces by the amount of proc sets you're wearing
This is another approach. Instead of reducing the amount of proc sets usable per time to one, you can wear as many proc sets as you want, but their power scales with the amount of proc sets you're wearing. If you're wearing one proc set, it will scale to its full potential, so 100%. If you wear two proc sets, each proc set will scale to 50% of its full potential, so 50+50=100%. If you're wearing three proc sets, each set will scale to 33% of its full potential, so 33+33+33= ~ 100% etc.
This way you keep the status quo, but reduce the impact of proc sets on fighting, because you still have the full power of just one set at a time.
+ Status quo will be kept and people don't need to change their builds / equipment
+ The effect of wearing multiple proc sets in combat will be limited
- Everybody will stick to the same "meta-builds"
3. Let battle spirit reduce the effectiveness of proc sets
Easiest solution: battle spirit now directly reduces the potency of proc sets. This can be done with just one single change. Reduce the power of proc sets by 50% (or 75% or whatever) under the influence of battle spirit and call it a day.
The same advantages and disadvantages as above, but less work required on ZOS side:
+ Status quo will be kept and people don't need to change their builds / equipment
+ The effect of wearing multiple proc sets in combat will be limited
- Everybody will stick to the same "meta-builds"
4. Long term solution: make procs "slottable" like you did with Champion Points
I imagine this similar to the Champion Point system. Everybody has two available slots for proc sets, one for a potency proc set and one for a defensive proc set. Full proc set bonuses are unlocked account-wide and can be used on every character (but only one at the same time if you have the full set once, if you have it twice you can use it on two characters at once etc.). Imagine something a bit similar to Mythics. Then you can slot the bonuses depending on your personal preferences, but you are limited to one damage / healing and one defensive proc set at a time. You cannot build unkillable tanks with massive damage or very burst builds with super high defense anymore.
To be honest, this requires a lot of work and I haven't put that much effort into it yet, this is just a basic idea of what could be.
5. Keep the Status Quo: don't change anything
6. Disable proc sets in PvP (ZOS "solution")
Long story short: removing all proc sets from PvP is no solution to the problem, but keeping the status quo - which is highly problematic - is no option either. Please consider any of the above options (like 1.-3. for short term solutions and something like 4. for long term). 5. + 6. are just here for the pull.
@ZOS_GinaBruno @ZOS_BrianWheeler
Community, what's your opinion on this topic? How do you like some of these ideas? What's your preferred solution?