Hybrid builds?

Mhylton44142 · July 2015

I'm currently running a level 8 DW Dunmer DK. My goal right now is to mainly PvE and sprinkle in a little PvP while leveling. Does a hybrid build (build up stamina and magicka together) make any kind of sense, for leveling and/or end-game content? It seems it would be beneficial to have 2 skills that hit somewhat hard as opposed to one that hits really hard (I.e if I focus only on magic or stamina). Is my thinking off on this? I'm not looking to be a jack of all trades, but don't want to find myself lacking either damage or survivability later on (by this I mean if my magic runs low, then I switch over to my weapon skills). For example, I was playing a level 10 DW DK not too long ago and seemed to be doing just fine with a 60-40 split of magic and stamina attribute upgrades, however, a lot of the builds I've seen so far seem to focus on one attribute over another. What do you guys think, does a hybrid build offer any sustainability or should I remain singular in focus--i.e upgrade magic or stamina?

bowmanz607 · July 2015

hybrids are gimp right now for end game. works fine for non-vet and pve leveling content. In fact i love my non-vet hybrids more than focused. However, for vet pvp and end game pve you will gimp yourself. although it may be workable you will lose out in the benefits of stacking which far outweigh hybrids. That said, the new update is suppose to come out with new gear for hybrid builds. so this is a plus. I would also say that once battle leveling for vet toons, then you might have a more viable platform to build a hybrid.

Ffastyl · July 2015

Hybrids work in endgame PvP and to a lesser degree in endgame PvE.

In PvP, it is far better to pull from two resources than one - ESO has resource based combat. Being able to manage resources better by splitting the burden will set you head and shoulders above the competition, assuming you have the skill to back it up. However, it is better to draw your damage from one stat rather than two, as Ultimates and certain other abilities use your highest stats to calculate their damage. So hybridizing for PvP is more of delegating one resource to damage and the other to utility and defense.

In PvE, it depends on the role you wish to fulfill. Hybrids are most viable as tanks, since damage output is not as important as survival. Most endgame tanks have about equal amounts of Magicka and Stamina. For healing Magicka is your go to resource, but a few builds and Templars can focus on Stamina or split between the two. DPS is almost required you focus on once resource to maximize damage. If you do not mind sacrificing firepower for more utility, divide your stats to a degree. But splitting half and half is generally not the best idea (cannot say if it is a bad idea).

So being a competitive hybrid is a difficult thing to accomplish right now, but not impossible. Your stat distribution will likely not be 50-50, but you will dip into both pools equally.
It takes skill more than anything to make a hybrid build viable.

bowmanz607 · July 2015

Ffastyl wrote: »

Hybrids work in endgame PvP and to a lesser degree in endgame PvE.

In PvP, it is far better to pull from two resources than one - ESO has resource based combat. Being able to manage resources better by splitting the burden will set you head and shoulders above the competition, assuming you have the skill to back it up. However, it is better to draw your damage from one stat rather than two, as Ultimates and certain other abilities use your highest stats to calculate their damage. So hybridizing for PvP is more of delegating one resource to damage and the other to utility and defense.

In PvE, it depends on the role you wish to fulfill. Hybrids are most viable as tanks, since damage output is not as important as survival. Most endgame tanks have about equal amounts of Magicka and Stamina. For healing Magicka is your go to resource, but a few builds and Templars can focus on Stamina or split between the two. DPS is almost required you focus on once resource to maximize damage. If you do not mind sacrificing firepower for more utility, divide your stats to a degree. But splitting half and half is generally not the best idea (cannot say if it is a bad idea).

So being a competitive hybrid is a difficult thing to accomplish right now, but not impossible. Your stat distribution will likely not be 50-50, but you will dip into both pools equally.
It takes skill more than anything to make a hybrid build viable.

yes i agree. all builds require one resource as your buffs or and other as damage.I guess in my mind when i think of a hybrid build I think of pulling damage and buffs from both resources. for instance, before 1.6 i had a hybrid build where my weapon damage and spell damge were maxed out with about 40% crit in both and decent resource pools. in that case i could buff, evade, dps etc from any pool effectivley. today, it is much more limited. i cant stack solid damge in both resources now.

Ffastyl · July 2015

All builds these days are hybrid in some degree because they use both resource pools. Pure builds (100% one resource) are a bad idea in games that allow / encourage you to hybridize, so I doubt any use them outside of PvE Healers and PvE DPS.

But pure hybrids, as we had in pre-1.6, are a near impossibility now on the competitive scene. 'Tis a shame they are less viable, but I doubt they will ever be gone completely from ESO. The Devs themselves said they like seeing hybrid builds.

bowmanz607 · July 2015

ya it promotes versatility and customization. like i said there is suppose to be some armor sets to be released to help hybrids. I think ultimately a pure hybrid build will eventually be possible in pvp again but for max dps in trials it can be real tough.

mcurley · July 2015

@Mhylton44142 You shouldn't worry too much about end-game content at level 8. You will have plenty of time to try out as many build types as you want while you max your level. Leveling up a lot of skills will never hurt you in the end either so just pick something that looks cool and try it out. Respecing in this game is very affordable too.

I play a few heros and the one I have the most fun playing is my Battlemage Sorc. He doesn't PvP though so I can't speak on that point yet. He split stat points 1:1:1, wears 3 heavy, 2 medium, and 2 light, and has never had a problem with any content so far (he's vr3). I've leveled nearly all of his skills so when the time comes to min/max I'll be able to do anything I want with him.

Mhylton44142 · July 2015

mcurley wrote: »

@Mhylton44142 You shouldn't worry too much about end-game content at level 8. You will have plenty of time to try out as many build types as you want while you max your level. Leveling up a lot of skills will never hurt you in the end either so just pick something that looks cool and try it out. Respecing in this game is very affordable too.

I play a few heros and the one I have the most fun playing is my Battlemage Sorc. He doesn't PvP though so I can't speak on that point yet. He split stat points 1:1:1, wears 3 heavy, 2 medium, and 2 light, and has never had a problem with any content so far (he's vr3). I've leveled nearly all of his skills so when the time comes to min/max I'll be able to do anything I want with him.

Thanks so much. I think what I am going to do is level up my dual wield and magic abilities like I originally planned. You're right not to worry about end-game content just yet. Thanks for reminding me...even though I should know cuz this isn't my first go-around with MMO's. I think I am going to go with a 5:1:4 ratio of magic, health, and stamina. Should help me to be pretty strong as I level up. Once I get to endgame, will simply respec. I'm going to focus on having fun as I level up. Thanks again.

ADarklore · July 2015

Instead of creating a new thread I thought I'd add to this one...

I'm also working on a hybrid- Dual Wield High Elf Sorc. I have grown tired of the typical Inferno staff builds that I've been running on my two characters, but I love being a Sorc, so with my third I've gone hybrid. Now, I'm focusing mainly on Magicka, because that is my primary ability usage, however, I also want to use a couple of DW abilities- which of course have damage based off Stamina. So I'm trying to figure out how to get the best combination of Magicka/Stamina ratio to make sure my Spells are strong but my two DW abilities are also effective.

As for armor, I'm running two Heavy and five Light... not sure if I should drop to two Medium and five Light, but I want to keep the five Light for the passives. I also run food buffs that increase Health and Magicka, so what are your thoughts in regards to putting either more attribute points into Stamina, using more Stamina Jewelry, or replacing the Heavy armor with Medium??

Oh, and I only PvE, I don't PvP... so keep that in mind with your suggestions.