2.1 Sorcerers: Still the single role class in PVE?

GreyRanger · July 2015

When 1.6 broke stamina sorcerers there was an extensive discussion on the forums about what to do with Sorcerers. In the end @ZOS_GinaBruno said that the communities concerns had been heard and that new and interesting ways would be coming forward in the next update so that Sorcerers could fill all 4 roles in end game PVE. I wanted to share my observations on where we are on that promise:

Magicka DPS: was not the issue, is viable and we can debate the details as to what is over/under powered

Stamina DPS: there are several threads on this pointing out the problems with the changes. I will just point out that all Sorc passives are, (save 1 which is magicka/stamina) are magicka focused. I don't think it has occurred to the devs that anyone would use stamina weapons on a Sorc.

Tank: nothing happened that makes this interesting or viable. Try to get a team as a Sorc tank, lol.

Healer: So 1 power got a minor mending buff, which if you take it forces you to choose the less useful morph. When you compare that to the synergy available for healers from NB (damage + increased heals from siphoning), DK (team shields + mending bonuses), or Templars (don't really need to say anything here) it is just sad.

So I think the message is clear:
Sorcs are designed for magicka PVE DPS or PVP. If you want to play a stamina DPS, tank, or healer play a different class. If you leveled one for one of the other roles prior to 1.6, tough luck.

Dracane · July 2015

But Sorcerer DPS is not good. No matter if magical or stamina.
Lightning splash was an interesting idea, it helps somehow (sometimes) but it's not enough to be on par with other classes.
It's no secret, that Sorcerer is the worst DPS class.

It used to be good before the game was launched. But that was because, people didn't really know how to play and what they should be using. Sorcerer is the worst DPS class since release and this never changed since then. I feel like other classes are getting better and better, while Sorcs only get worse when it comes to this.

SorataArisugawa · July 2015

Dracane wrote: »

But Sorcerer DPS is not good. No matter if magical or stamina.
Lightning splash was an interesting idea, it helps somehow (sometimes) but it's not enough to be on par with other classes.
It's no secret, that Sorcerer is the worst DPS class.

It used to be good before the game was launched. But that was because, people didn't really know how to play and what they should be using. Sorcerer is the worst DPS class since release and this never changed since then. I feel like other classes are getting better and better, while Sorcs only get worse when it comes to this.

And that, because we are so bursty. It is nice in PVP, but in PVE it is a pain...

asteldian · July 2015

Well, Sorcs can be excellent dps, but it relies on storing all ultimate on trash in order to overload the majority of a boss fight.
The Sorc is very much a one trick pony which doesn't even have versatility within its one dps role.
The mending was a nice little tweak, but honestly, nowhere near enough. Given that it is the only useful skill for healing I am surprised it wasn't major mending - sure, maybe 20s is OP for it compared to 7s that DK for, but at least DK actually provides defense to allies.
Heck, need the duration of that particular morph to 10s and make it major mending - you are dividing its energies to give lesser duration in order to enhance your healing. Afterall, no one but a healer would take that morph and I doubt they would mind the reduction.

Dracane · July 2015

I will still use hardened ward when I heal in dungeons, because the defense is still better in my opinion.

Faulgor · July 2015

At what point should someone just give up and tear down the whole class? I mean, there is absolutely no concept in sight outisde of magicka DPS. Every single skill line is dedicated to it.

Templar has one skill line for magicka/stamina dps and tanking, one for magicka dps and utility and one for healing.
Nightblade has magicka/stamina dps, utility and healing in all 3 of its skill lines, and only has to get creative with tanking.
Dragonknight has one skill line for magicka/stamina dps and two for utility and tanking.
Sorcerer has one for magicka dps with pets, one for magicka dps with dark magic, and one for magicka dps with shock magic.

Frankly, I think Dark Magic has got to go. Refurbish the whole skill line with a focus on making stamina dps and healing viable roles for Sorcerers.

I think tanking could be done quite decently with the new Dark Deal (healing Stamina sounds really good with the new block mechanics), but healing and stamina dps are pretty much non-existent for Sorcerers.

Further, summons should be attribute-agnostic so I can use them with any build.

GreyRanger · July 2015

Personally I would vote for dropping the pets to fix things, but that is not going to happen. I really think that it would be possible with series of strategic tweaks to morphs and passives to make tanking, healing, and stamina DPS viable; that just does not seem to be the priority.

The improve Dark Deal is almost progress, but in case you did not notice it has a 1 sec cast time and is interruptible. Good luck getting it off when you actually need it. If it was instant cast like other classes heal skills it might be useful.