Mag DD and weapon choice?

AnduinTryggva

I have to admit that I frequently consult build guides as I am so overwhelmed by the choices one has and I always feel pretty lost about it.

These guides all suggest to use destros on front and back bar for any magicka-focused damage dealer. But I wonder if I could have a competitive dd with some melee weapons too. I really mean competitive that is being able to do vet trials (not necessarily hard mode). What is the comunity's pov on this?

Agenericname

In most cases melee weapons, specifically daggers and 2H, are out parsing staves.

You can complete vet trials with either playstyle.

If melee is what you want, and I typically do, then its a good time for that.

It sounds to me like you are probably looking at either older builds, or those designed around a theme. Try broadening your and you should find plenty that incorporate melee weapons.

El_Borracho

Yes, but I like to back bar a staff. I run a Mag DK (Nirn weapons/Whorl body) and a Magblade (Nirn weapons/Relequen body) with daggers on the front. Both have no problem with vet content, although the Mag DK is better in vet trials since the last few updates. Tons of damage, but sustain can be an issue, hence the destro back bar for the occasional heavy attack. Obviously, both of those builds require you to be in melee range to be effective. I run with a tri-stat food. Can also run Bahsei effectively as your magicka will constantly be at a lower level than if you double-barred staves.

The daggers give you more crit. I haven't run a 2H mag build in PVE, so I don't know how that compares to a DW or traditional destro build.