DK Disadvantages in pvp

Hastings88 · July 2015

So i recently have been playing alot of pvp since hitting vet ranks and as a dk i am struggling, i find there alot of nightblades and sorcerers that i never can actually 1v1 they seem to either dash away with bolt escape or there appearing out of stealth hitting me then go back invisible when i start beating them.
There also hitting me from long range and my chains never work to bring them closer. The fights always end up ranged and iv been forced to use desto staff to get some range back on them, as take flight is only a 1 of move and i simply cant go charging around the battlefield it wastes way to much stam and there isnt enough punch in any of the abilitys i can find to kill them in under 3 seconds?. Where as a night blade or sorc they can easily kill someone at that speed if they dont defend right. Im at the point of re rolling to a nightblade as there more suited for pvp. Any experienced dks shed some light here or message me

Lynx7386 · July 2015

Run a sword and shield, and play defensively. The dk's strength is being difficult to kill, enough so that you can wear down your enemies in a war of attrition. You'll probably never match the burst damage ability of a sorc or nb, so you need to play to your own strengths.

Use reflective scales to ward off ranged attacks. Use burning talons to root melee attackers. Keep up defensive buffs and keep your damage over time effects on the enemy

Zsymon · July 2015

Problem is that damage over time is very very weak in ESO, the DPS of any given DOT is incredibly low, you can't use them to kill anyone. Blockcasting Flame Whip won't work much longer either, as they are removing stamina recovery while blocking. Personally I give up on fighting 1vs1 with a DK, I have fun in group too throwing around Molten Armament fireballs and providing healing support.

Joy_Division · July 2015

Yep, DKs have those disadvantages. So you have to play to their advantages as Lynx7386 noted.

Reflective scales is very strong counter to ranged builds. I don't like chains because that skill hands out CC immunity without CCing an opponent. Most DKs use the shield charge ability instead. I do not because of the stamina drain, but other people make it work so it is definitely viable. I use fossilize.

MaxwellC · July 2015

As a frequent PvP player who's also a DK I really haven't had this issue. I've ran into multiple sorcerers and nightblades & if they think they can topple me easily well they've got another thing coming. The reflective ability is a savior in PvP especially if someone has the comet ultimate or anyone who preferably loves staying mid to long range in fights.

My advice is try to see what you're lacking in your skill bar, for example I'm too short to mid range as I have no long ranged weapons because I use 2H on both ability bars. (that run on I know).

Knocking down an enemy is key in PvP since if they break free that's less stamina for them and also try to keep in stealth mode when you see more than one enemy.

Lastly I'd invest in the assault's maneuver ability, it's cowardly but nothing is wrong with running away from a fight you can't win. Imo better to run and fight again than stay and die.
My favorite is when a Vet 14 sorcerer tries to get me and I know I'm out classed since I'm vet 7; I'll use my maneuver ability and reflective scale to run far enough, then attempt to stealth mode while he/she teleports to me. It works most of the time （・ω・）／

Hastings88 · July 2015

Thanks for the advice much appreciated