Grim Focus -- You like?

deepseamk20b14_ESO · March 2015

Worthless skill in PvP. I have not used it in PvE.

Orihara_Izaya · March 2015

deepseamk20b14_ESO wrote: »

Worthless skill in PvP. I have not used it in PvE.

It's equally useless in it's current state for PvE.

Cody · March 2015

Orihara_Izaya wrote: »

I don't think they should replace the skill with a shield or heal, all they need to do is fix the skill. I think it's interesting and would be a fun skill if it was useable.

Well the skill is unsuable right now due to the fact we need 8 light or heavy attacks in its 20 second duration to get the high damage spectral bow.

As anyone who has played this game knows, one cant just sit there and make use of light/heavy attacks only, just for the spectral bow. One will also be using abilities, dodge rolling, healing, blocking, and other things. Weaving Light attacks in is not fast enough.

Reduce the charges required, do something like what the OP said, anything really, but in its current state, grim focus is mediocre.
.

Panda244 · March 2015

I can easily get off 8 Light Attacks in PvE weaving and what not... But by the time I do, everything will already be dead... So... Yeah... Honestly neither Haste nor Grim Focus was ever worth slotting on my NB, it's not worth slotting on 90% of NB builds, so many more useful skills you can put in that slot.

Orihara_Izaya · March 2015

Cody wrote: »

Orihara_Izaya wrote: »

I don't think they should replace the skill with a shield or heal, all they need to do is fix the skill. I think it's interesting and would be a fun skill if it was useable.

Well the skill is unsuable right now due to the fact we need 8 light or heavy attacks in its 20 second duration to get the high damage spectral bow.

As anyone who has played this game knows, one cant just sit there and make use of light/heavy attacks only, just for the spectral bow. One will also be using abilities, dodge rolling, healing, blocking, and other things. Weaving Light attacks in is not fast enough.

Reduce the charges required, do something like what the OP said, anything really, but in its current state, grim focus is mediocre.
.

Ya and I said they shouldn't replace it but they need to fix it. I'm fully aware the skill is broken since I've been asking the dev's to fix it since patch 1.6 hit the pts. Also see the huge block of text I wrote on the first page explaining in detail why this skill doesn't work.

So ya I don't really need a explanation of why it's broken.

Athas24 · May 2015

Mr_Gallows wrote: »

It's the most annoying skill I've had. Works somewhat when using a bow, but for daggers the ranged attacks is pointless. Still having to weave 8 attacks in between my skills, means the enemy will be dead before I use it. Against groups it can work, but it's just such a boring skill and not worth the space on my bar. I'd rather have something cool, more utility, self heal... anything but another attack that is just annoying to use.

So, I just got this ability last night hoping that it would work with skills like rapid strikes or something...nope. Once I realized I actually have to just white hit heavy or light I thought...when would I EVER do 7 hits like that in any fight within 20 seconds? Terrible. I don't know that I often do more than 2-3 light or heavy attacks in 20 seconds in any fight at all. I mean, that's what my skills are there for. Super disappointing skill to have just earned on my NB. :'( I completely agree with Mr Gallows, boring skill, able to be used with a bow easily enough (though still boring) and the damage output is sub-par when built for stamina to use said bow. Also, why would I want a spectral bow when I am already using a bow? It would be cool for daggers but it would need to proc off of skills to be useful.

Athas24 · May 2015

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

I have been messing around with this as Haste was a staple of my 1.5 Trials Bow build. First, i am pretty sure that my bow build and all my hawks eye pieces are worthless for trials at this point, but that's a different rant.

This skill basically forces you to light weave, which I do anyway.

My old rotation was Mark target, Haste, LAW (light attack weave) venom arrow, LAW Snipe x4. I found that I could get 4 LAW Snipes before recasting Venom Arrow to keep it up 100%. I could get 2 Venom Arrow LAWs, and 8 Snipes LAWs total before needing to recast Haste. Basically every forth LAW snipe, i would recast VA, and every 8th LAW Snipe, I would recast both Venom arrow and haste, thus keeping a DOT and Player Buff up 100%.

In theory: I was previously casting between 9-10 Light Attacks during the normal duration of Haste (assuming I didnt miss any), so that should translate into the Assassins Will being up at the end of your 20 second rotation. This might be what they are going for.

In Practice: The problem is that Grim focus no longer seems to trigger any of my buff trackers, so i never have any idea where I am at with the skill. It forces you to count and stare at your skill bar to know when to hit. You then need to waste time casting the assassins will, and recasting Grim Focus. It is very clunky and hard to use. And if you wait too long, it resets and cant be used until you do it all over again. I found in practice I was getting Assassins will to fire maybe 50% of the time I casted grim focus. This % might get better with more practice, but at that rate, it has no place on my bar. Any time you are forced to maneuver(dodge roll, block, whatever), you probably aren't going to make the 8 LAW in the 20 seconds.

IMO I think this is an interesting ability and there is potential but a few things need to change.

1. The ability should proc automatically on the last required LA hit!
2. I would like to see them reduce the number of hits by a few to 5 or 6. Being able to get 8 light attack weaves in the 20 second duration, will be really tough for a lot of players from a skill standpoint, and difficult for anyone if the fight requires you to do more than stand in one spot.
3. There needs to be some sort of animation that lets you know what hit you are on. Its hard to tell in real time, how many LAW you are actually getting off.
4. It needs to hit harder, especially with the HUGE nerf to bows.

great points but how boring is using a spectral bow with your bow? IMO its lame. Maybe if the arrow you shot screamed demonically at your foe or something crazy ha-ha. Also, it's way more feasible with a bow than dual wield or 2h were getting a spectral bow in your hands looks and feels cooler.

Varicite · May 2015

Athas24 wrote: »

So, I just got this ability last night hoping that it would work with skills like rapid strikes or something...nope. Once I realized I actually have to just white hit heavy or light I thought...when would I EVER do 7 hits like that in any fight within 20 seconds? Terrible. I don't know that I often do more than 2-3 light or heavy attacks in 20 seconds in any fight at all. I mean, that's what my skills are there for. Super disappointing skill to have just earned on my NB. :'( I completely agree with Mr Gallows, boring skill, able to be used with a bow easily enough (though still boring) and the damage output is sub-par when built for stamina to use said bow. Also, why would I want a spectral bow when I am already using a bow? It would be cool for daggers but it would need to proc off of skills to be useful.

Eh, for anybody who uses attack weaving, it's easy enough to do that many attacks while in PvE. Especially as a ranged dps.

Probably not in PvP, though.

Jando · May 2015

It would be cool if the jabs from Rapid Strikes counted towards the proc. That might make a cool combo. Currently, i don't think they do.

Stannum · May 2015

I use relentless Focus in PvE and PvP both for Minor Berserk and Minor Endurance 20sec buffs. AndAssasins will does not bother me..

Shunravi · May 2015

Athas24 wrote: »

Mr_Gallows wrote: »

It's the most annoying skill I've had. Works somewhat when using a bow, but for daggers the ranged attacks is pointless. Still having to weave 8 attacks in between my skills, means the enemy will be dead before I use it. Against groups it can work, but it's just such a boring skill and not worth the space on my bar. I'd rather have something cool, more utility, self heal... anything but another attack that is just annoying to use.

So, I just got this ability last night hoping that it would work with skills like rapid strikes or something...nope. Once I realized I actually have to just white hit heavy or light I thought...when would I EVER do 7 hits like that in any fight within 20 seconds? Terrible. I don't know that I often do more than 2-3 light or heavy attacks in 20 seconds in any fight at all. I mean, that's what my skills are there for. Super disappointing skill to have just earned on my NB. :'( I completely agree with Mr Gallows, boring skill, able to be used with a bow easily enough (though still boring) and the damage output is sub-par when built for stamina to use said bow. Also, why would I want a spectral bow when I am already using a bow? It would be cool for daggers but it would need to proc off of skills to be useful.

It's designed to be used with attack weaving.

kendellking_chaosb14_ESO · May 2015

The best way to Fix Grim Focus is to add the 10% Stamina regen and 8% damage buff to the base power and both morphs with one morph keeping the 10% regen with a more powerful bow and the with a NO BOW AT ALL but it get the old haste bonus. IMO that would fix it I used Haste as a core of my build then it got nerfed into the ground with whatever the hell this thing is

Varicite · May 2015

Shunravi wrote: »

Athas24 wrote: »

Mr_Gallows wrote: »

It's the most annoying skill I've had. Works somewhat when using a bow, but for daggers the ranged attacks is pointless. Still having to weave 8 attacks in between my skills, means the enemy will be dead before I use it. Against groups it can work, but it's just such a boring skill and not worth the space on my bar. I'd rather have something cool, more utility, self heal... anything but another attack that is just annoying to use.

So, I just got this ability last night hoping that it would work with skills like rapid strikes or something...nope. Once I realized I actually have to just white hit heavy or light I thought...when would I EVER do 7 hits like that in any fight within 20 seconds? Terrible. I don't know that I often do more than 2-3 light or heavy attacks in 20 seconds in any fight at all. I mean, that's what my skills are there for. Super disappointing skill to have just earned on my NB. :'( I completely agree with Mr Gallows, boring skill, able to be used with a bow easily enough (though still boring) and the damage output is sub-par when built for stamina to use said bow. Also, why would I want a spectral bow when I am already using a bow? It would be cool for daggers but it would need to proc off of skills to be useful.

It's designed to be used with attack weaving.

This.

The ability that it replaced (Haste) was removed for a version that the devs specifically said would be more friendly when attack weaving, and thus Grim Focus was born. It is probably the only ability in the game that has been specifically designed to take advantage of animation cancelling.

Athas24 · May 2015

Jando wrote: »

It would be cool if the jabs from Rapid Strikes counted towards the proc. That might make a cool combo. Currently, i don't think they do.

Unfortunately they don't count. I tested it last night multiple times. You can get 20 hits off with rapid strikes and no bow. Would have been a sweet combo though.
Also, Ranged attack weaving light hits is easy in pve, so is melee but the point is why would you put That many hits in for either? There's just more effective ways to down mobs. In pvp, it's also possible but again, unless I'm fighting 20 people I'm not going to run out of stamina or magicka during the fight where I'm concerned with light/heavy attacks being woven into my strategy, especially in 20 seconds time.
The skill was just a huge disappointment to me personally. I thought it might work off rapid strikes and that I could combo a neat little bow hit in there but nope. :'(

Shunravi · May 2015

I use relentless focus on my endgame bow build (and my melee build too, it's just as easy). It helps me maintain respectable dps in sub optimal gear. The spectral arrow can hit for nearly as much as snipe, and barring lockdown mechanics I can use the arrow every time I refresh the buff.

Varicite · May 2015

Athas24 wrote: »

Jando wrote: »

It would be cool if the jabs from Rapid Strikes counted towards the proc. That might make a cool combo. Currently, i don't think they do.

Unfortunately they don't count. I tested it last night multiple times. You can get 20 hits off with rapid strikes and no bow. Would have been a sweet combo though.
Also, Ranged attack weaving light hits is easy in pve, so is melee but the point is why would you put That many hits in for either? There's just more effective ways to down mobs. In pvp, it's also possible but again, unless I'm fighting 20 people I'm not going to run out of stamina or magicka during the fight where I'm concerned with light/heavy attacks being woven into my strategy, especially in 20 seconds time.
The skill was just a huge disappointment to me personally. I thought it might work off rapid strikes and that I could combo a neat little bow hit in there but nope. :'(

See, I think there's a disconnect here. For you, PvE seems to mean "casual soloing quest mobs". For me, PvP means Trials / Dungeons / endgame activities.

You probably wouldn't put that many hits in if you're just casually soloing Cadwell's Silver or AoE grinding mobs. But against harder bosses, you could easily achieve that many hits and then some.

Vizier · May 2015

Grim Focus is barely usable. Sure it gives an ok boost to stam regen and an 8% damage bonus but there are better damage buffs out there.

It is nice for the stackable damage buff but I find it's pretty much a waste unless you are buffing from stealth with other damage buffs. And since I usually don't have time to hit, Grim Focus, Momentum, Camo hunter AND a mage guild skill before 80% of the folks I engage, I have to choose the best 1 or 2 which are not Grim Focus. Therefore there is this skill that doesn't get used much taking up valuable real estate on my action bar.

Oh and I've never seen it proc spectral bow after 7 light or hvy attacks..ever. It's just a stupid skill design in almost every way.

I think the only way it would stay on my bar was if I absolutely needed the 10% stam regen. It's off my bar.

Athas24 · May 2015

Varicite wrote: »

Athas24 wrote: »

Jando wrote: »

It would be cool if the jabs from Rapid Strikes counted towards the proc. That might make a cool combo. Currently, i don't think they do.

Unfortunately they don't count. I tested it last night multiple times. You can get 20 hits off with rapid strikes and no bow. Would have been a sweet combo though.
Also, Ranged attack weaving light hits is easy in pve, so is melee but the point is why would you put That many hits in for either? There's just more effective ways to down mobs. In pvp, it's also possible but again, unless I'm fighting 20 people I'm not going to run out of stamina or magicka during the fight where I'm concerned with light/heavy attacks being woven into my strategy, especially in 20 seconds time.
The skill was just a huge disappointment to me personally. I thought it might work off rapid strikes and that I could combo a neat little bow hit in there but nope. :'(

See, I think there's a disconnect here. For you, PvE seems to mean "casual soloing quest mobs". For me, PvP means Trials / Dungeons / endgame activities.

You probably wouldn't put that many hits in if you're just casually soloing Cadwell's Silver or AoE grinding mobs. But against harder bosses, you could easily achieve that many hits and then some.

This is true. I'm not talking about Trials but even in dungeons it would only matter for me against bosses. I would imagine there I suppose it would be more beneficial but over all it seems lack luster. I'll keep working with it to morph it and see if I like that better I suppose. I appreciate the feedback and insight from everyone on it though!

AngersRevenge · May 2015

Don't use the Spectral Bow portion of it often at all. I usually use it for the Stam and Damage bonus. It gets me the minor buffs while other abilities get me the major buffs.

Shunravi · May 2015

AngersRevenge wrote: »

Don't use the Spectral Bow portion of it often at all. I usually use it for the Stam and Damage bonus. It gets me the minor buffs while other abilities get me the major buffs.

Don't forget the passive crit bonus...

Samuel_Bantien · May 2015

Varicite wrote: »

Shunravi wrote: »

Athas24 wrote: »

Mr_Gallows wrote: »

It's the most annoying skill I've had. Works somewhat when using a bow, but for daggers the ranged attacks is pointless. Still having to weave 8 attacks in between my skills, means the enemy will be dead before I use it. Against groups it can work, but it's just such a boring skill and not worth the space on my bar. I'd rather have something cool, more utility, self heal... anything but another attack that is just annoying to use.

So, I just got this ability last night hoping that it would work with skills like rapid strikes or something...nope. Once I realized I actually have to just white hit heavy or light I thought...when would I EVER do 7 hits like that in any fight within 20 seconds? Terrible. I don't know that I often do more than 2-3 light or heavy attacks in 20 seconds in any fight at all. I mean, that's what my skills are there for. Super disappointing skill to have just earned on my NB. :'( I completely agree with Mr Gallows, boring skill, able to be used with a bow easily enough (though still boring) and the damage output is sub-par when built for stamina to use said bow. Also, why would I want a spectral bow when I am already using a bow? It would be cool for daggers but it would need to proc off of skills to be useful.

It's designed to be used with attack weaving.

This.

The ability that it replaced (Haste) was removed for a version that the devs specifically said would be more friendly when attack weaving, and thus Grim Focus was born. It is probably the only ability in the game that has been specifically designed to take advantage of animation cancelling.

Samuel_Bantien wrote: »

I have placed feedback that Grim Focus (and morphs) should be a toggle. Grim Focus was hyped beyond the capabilities it is at right now, which is only the 8% damage boost:
“We have gone through pretty much every ability in the game to make sure that it’s something that you wanted to use, to make sure that each ability has a use in a certain situation, rather than some abilities and morphs being obviously better than others.'
Specifically Haste got rework, here is how:
Haste (Nightblade) – this was a cool concept, but because of light attack weaving this ability was never really useful or powerful. We replaced this ability with “Grim Focus” which is a duration buff which grants the “Minor Damage Done” buff for around 20 seconds. It tracks how many times you have attacked your target. Once you have done 8 attacks, it swaps to a new attack that allows you to summon a spectral bow which shoots the enemy for a high amount of damage. This is really cool because it’s a highly interactive ability."

Grim Focus would have been made to its full potential if it were a toggle like Siphoning Strikes, where you had to place it on both bars. If Grim Focus was designed like it was stated, "Once you have done 8 attacks", and not 8 Light or Heavy attacks, Magicka Nightblades could finally have a quality burst like a Sorcerer's Crystal Fragment proc. Another way to revamp Grim Focus is to allow it to not refresh the amount of Light or Heavy attacks you've done once you refresh the 20 second spell, although when the spell turns into Assassin's Will players are not allowed to refresh anymore which is depressing, thus toggle is the only way to fix this hyped spell.

Take notice at the unspecific "8 attacks" - no words about Grim Focus being designed for weaving or anything of that sort. Just "8 attacks". - http://tamrielfoundry.com/topic/haste-rework-grim-focus/ - and was quoted/stated from an ESO live.

Quoted from a different thread I wrote in concerning this skill. Grim Focus is pretty sub-par in PvE land is that once you use it, you need to reapply the 8% damage buff which actually reduces your total dps output - Assassin's Will has finally procced after the 8 light attack hits (which also has a pretty long animation), then you must refresh Grim Focus to keep the 8% damage. In PvP, there is no chance to getting Assassin's Will to toggle and no chance of using it either. Cool concept and all, but it did not deliver, nor was it the spell promised to many of us. This spell could work like Crystal Fragments: "Casting other spells has a 35% chance of causing your next Crystal Fragment to be instant, doing 20% more damage, and costing 50% less Magicka". Make this spell a toggle, or even keep the duration but allow it to proc like Crystal Fragments (i.e. 35% chance when casting other spells) - it will not need a 20% more damage although in the current meta it would be useful.

5 Light attack hits would still make this skill useless in PvP, and in PvE you would still need to go through the animation and have to replace the buff so it would equal out to reduced damage output - but just a little more than the 8 but still a burden and not worth anything on a PvE skill bar. This skill does have a place on your skill bar though - if all you do is 1 shot Willy everything, and even then Assassin's Will never procs on these builds either. Make it a toggle that actually tracks all attacks (abilities and light/heavy attacks), then when Assassin's Will is up it does not disappear when not used for a while - saving for a burst. Or make Grim Focus similar to the way it is now (20 seconds), but have the 35% chance to proc Assassin's Will - like Crystal Fragment.

Also buff/replace Agony.

Shunravi · May 2015

Samuel_Bantien wrote: »

Varicite wrote: »

Shunravi wrote: »

Athas24 wrote: »

Mr_Gallows wrote: »

It's the most annoying skill I've had. Works somewhat when using a bow, but for daggers the ranged attacks is pointless. Still having to weave 8 attacks in between my skills, means the enemy will be dead before I use it. Against groups it can work, but it's just such a boring skill and not worth the space on my bar. I'd rather have something cool, more utility, self heal... anything but another attack that is just annoying to use.

So, I just got this ability last night hoping that it would work with skills like rapid strikes or something...nope. Once I realized I actually have to just white hit heavy or light I thought...when would I EVER do 7 hits like that in any fight within 20 seconds? Terrible. I don't know that I often do more than 2-3 light or heavy attacks in 20 seconds in any fight at all. I mean, that's what my skills are there for. Super disappointing skill to have just earned on my NB. :'( I completely agree with Mr Gallows, boring skill, able to be used with a bow easily enough (though still boring) and the damage output is sub-par when built for stamina to use said bow. Also, why would I want a spectral bow when I am already using a bow? It would be cool for daggers but it would need to proc off of skills to be useful.

It's designed to be used with attack weaving.

This.

The ability that it replaced (Haste) was removed for a version that the devs specifically said would be more friendly when attack weaving, and thus Grim Focus was born. It is probably the only ability in the game that has been specifically designed to take advantage of animation cancelling.

Samuel_Bantien wrote: »

I have placed feedback that Grim Focus (and morphs) should be a toggle. Grim Focus was hyped beyond the capabilities it is at right now, which is only the 8% damage boost:
“We have gone through pretty much every ability in the game to make sure that it’s something that you wanted to use, to make sure that each ability has a use in a certain situation, rather than some abilities and morphs being obviously better than others.'
Specifically Haste got rework, here is how:
Haste (Nightblade) – this was a cool concept, but because of light attack weaving this ability was never really useful or powerful. We replaced this ability with “Grim Focus” which is a duration buff which grants the “Minor Damage Done” buff for around 20 seconds. It tracks how many times you have attacked your target. Once you have done 8 attacks, it swaps to a new attack that allows you to summon a spectral bow which shoots the enemy for a high amount of damage. This is really cool because it’s a highly interactive ability."

Grim Focus would have been made to its full potential if it were a toggle like Siphoning Strikes, where you had to place it on both bars. If Grim Focus was designed like it was stated, "Once you have done 8 attacks", and not 8 Light or Heavy attacks, Magicka Nightblades could finally have a quality burst like a Sorcerer's Crystal Fragment proc. Another way to revamp Grim Focus is to allow it to not refresh the amount of Light or Heavy attacks you've done once you refresh the 20 second spell, although when the spell turns into Assassin's Will players are not allowed to refresh anymore which is depressing, thus toggle is the only way to fix this hyped spell.

Take notice at the unspecific "8 attacks" - no words about Grim Focus being designed for weaving or anything of that sort. Just "8 attacks". - http://tamrielfoundry.com/topic/haste-rework-grim-focus/ - and was quoted/stated from an ESO live.

you are correct, there is nothing official saying that it is for canceling. I guess you could say it's solid conjecture on our part based on game mechanics and things like

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

BIG CHANGES / UPDATES / NEW FEATURES

Animation Updates
We have updated and polished all player character animations in both first- and third-person animations, which includes the following:
Slightly quicker light and heavy attacks, block, and interrupt animations.

Smoother blending between attacks and abilities, particularly those that get interrupted.

So, yea, it is speculation on our part, but it is the only way the skill works.

Quoted from a different thread I wrote in concerning this skill. Grim Focus is pretty sub-par in PvE land is that once you use it, you need to reapply the 8% damage buff which actually reduces your total dps output - Assassin's Will has finally procced after the 8 light attack hits (which also has a pretty long animation),

the animation is short, if not instantaneous, and with weaving it's easy to get those 8 attacks.I maintain that it doesn't negatively effect my dps when I use it, and my dps actually suffers without it. It hits as hard as snipe on an instant cast, and I can proc it every time I refresh. I double tap the ability key, and it fires and rebuffs in a second.

then you must refresh Grim Focus to keep the 8% damage.

granted

In PvP, there is no chance to getting Assassin's Will to toggle and no chance of using it either.

I have used it in PvP. It has worked for me. More often that not I use it simply for buffs, but it works.

Cool concept and all, but it did not deliver, nor was it the spell promised to many of us. This spell could work like Crystal Fragments: "Casting other spells has a 35% chance of causing your next Crystal Fragment to be instant, doing 20% more damage, and costing 50% less Magicka". Make this spell a toggle, or even keep the duration but allow it to proc like Crystal Fragments (i.e. 35% chance when casting other spells) - it will not need a 20% more damage although in the current meta it would be useful.

yes, and I'm not opposed to such a change. Merely stating it's current use.

5 Light attack hits would still make this skill useless in PvP, and in PvE you would still need to go through the animation and have to replace the buff so it would equal out to reduced damage output - but just a little more than the 8 but still a burden and not worth anything on a PvE skill bar.

In the videos they posted, the nb dps who got top times in dsa use the skill and it's proc. Thought I would point that out. 5hits would also make it far worse, as the time it takes to proc allows for the buff to be up longer before resetting.

This skill does have a place on your skill bar though - if all you do is 1 shot Willy everything, and even then Assassin's Will never procs on these builds either. Make it a toggle that actually tracks all attacks (abilities and light/heavy attacks), then when Assassin's Will is up it does not disappear when not used for a while - saving for a burst. Or make Grim Focus similar to the way it is now (20 seconds), but have the 35% chance to proc Assassin's Will - like Crystal Fragment.

wouldn't be opposed, but I use it effectively now.

Also buff/replace Agony.

*** agony. Gimme a shield.

tintin_milou · May 2015

OK I have a question...

For endgame PVE boss fights (trials/vet pledget etc), on my bow bar, I have Relentless Focus and Flawless Dawnbreaker for their respective 8% damage increase. I hope they stack. Do they?

Thanks for your help!

As an improvement to Grim Focus, I wish to see the uptime for Assassin's Will (or Spectral Bow) get longer. Sometimes I have so many buff/DOT timers to keep track of and avoiding AOE's I notice too late to use the Spectral Bow.

wraith808 · May 2015

8 stacks is waaaay too much for what you get IMO. And the fact that it is a ranged attack that works with a melee light/medium (if you aren't using a bow) hasn't made any sense either.

RavenSworn · May 2015

Imo, two changes should be made:

1) stick the amount of attacks to 8 but open it to any attacks, rather than light or heavy attacks.

2) make the proc an auto cast. This will allow better rotations, better buffs management.

Not only will this help the ability be better, it will also be within the theme of nightblades having good resource management.

Shunravi · May 2015

tintin_milou wrote: »

OK I have a question...

For endgame PVE boss fights (trials/vet pledget etc), on my bow bar, I have Relentless Focus and Flawless Dawnbreaker for their respective 8% damage increase. I hope they stack. Do they?

Thanks for your help!

As an improvement to Grim Focus, I wish to see the uptime for Assassin's Will (or Spectral Bow) get longer. Sometimes I have so many buff/DOT timers to keep track of and avoiding AOE's I notice too late to use the Spectral Bow.

I don't think they stack. If you are melee, I recommend using the assassination ultimate on cd if you are going for a boosting ult.

AngersRevenge · May 2015

Shunravi wrote: »

tintin_milou wrote: »

OK I have a question...

For endgame PVE boss fights (trials/vet pledget etc), on my bow bar, I have Relentless Focus and Flawless Dawnbreaker for their respective 8% damage increase. I hope they stack. Do they?

Thanks for your help!

As an improvement to Grim Focus, I wish to see the uptime for Assassin's Will (or Spectral Bow) get longer. Sometimes I have so many buff/DOT timers to keep track of and avoiding AOE's I notice too late to use the Spectral Bow.

I don't think they stack. If you are melee, I recommend using the assassination ultimate on cd if you are going for a boosting ult.

They stack. Focus is a minor berserk buff so it doesn't stack with any other minor berserk buffing. Dawnbreaker, on the other hand, is a flat damage increase, not minor berserk, it stacks with everything, weapon damage wise.

Edit: I constantly use Momentum (2H), Focus, and Flawless Dawnbreaker. They all stack.

Shunravi · May 2015

AngersRevenge wrote: »

Shunravi wrote: »

tintin_milou wrote: »

OK I have a question...

For endgame PVE boss fights (trials/vet pledget etc), on my bow bar, I have Relentless Focus and Flawless Dawnbreaker for their respective 8% damage increase. I hope they stack. Do they?

Thanks for your help!

As an improvement to Grim Focus, I wish to see the uptime for Assassin's Will (or Spectral Bow) get longer. Sometimes I have so many buff/DOT timers to keep track of and avoiding AOE's I notice too late to use the Spectral Bow.

I don't think they stack. If you are melee, I recommend using the assassination ultimate on cd if you are going for a boosting ult.

They stack. Focus is a minor berserk buff so it doesn't stack with any other minor berserk buffing. Dawnbreaker, on the other hand, is a flat damage increase, not minor berserk, it stacks with everything, weapon damage wise.

Edit: I constantly use Momentum (2H), Focus, and Flawless Dawnbreaker. They all stack.

Ah, ty for the correction.

TheSunAlsoRises · May 2015

what am i missing? I use this only for the dmg buff and the stamina regen morph in PvE.

Samuel_Bantien wrote: »

Quoted from a different thread I wrote in concerning this skill. Grim Focus is pretty sub-par in PvE land is that once you use it, you need to reapply the 8% damage buff which actually reduces your total dps output - Assassin's Will has finally procced after the 8 light attack hits (which also has a pretty long animation), then you must refresh Grim Focus to keep the 8% damage.

how does your dps output go down? because of having to toggle it back on once it wears off?

Varicite · May 2015

Shunravi wrote: »

So, yea, it is speculation on our part, but it is the only way the skill works..

It actually is NOT speculation whatsoever. How is the developers themselves talking about why the ability was changed on ESO Live not an official source, considering how sparse any information regarding the game coming directly from the devs is?

ZOS told us very specifically that the ability "Haste" was going to be reworked into something that was more friendly to animation cancelling, as the old haste buffs were pretty much moot when everybody was attack weaving anyway.

Then Grim Focus was born, incorporating many of the buffs that were a part of the original ability "Haste".

"Haste (Nightblade) – this was a cool concept, but because of light attack weaving this ability was never really useful or powerful. We replaced this ability with “Grim Focus” which is a duration buff which grants the “Minor Damage Done” buff for around 20 seconds. It tracks how many times you have attacked your target. Once you have done 8 attacks, it swaps to a new attack that allows you to summon a spectral bow which shoots the enemy for a high amount of damage. This is really cool because it’s a highly interactive ability."