Hybrid Skill Lines?

GrumpyDuckling · February 2016

With the recent PTS changes to class skill lines making each class more capable at a variety of roles (healing/tanking/dps), why can't we simply choose 3 of the 12 class skills lines for our character? Allowing us to mix and match the skills lines between classes would allow us to create more interesting builds and fully develop the character the way we want.

For example, why can't I run with the Daedric Summoning, Shadow, and Earthen Heart skill lines all rolled into one character so I can be a super tank?

Lysette · February 2016

People would choose those combinations which are "best" then - and it would be even harder to balance.

Callous2208 · February 2016

Lysette wrote: »

People would choose those combinations which are "best" then - and it would be even harder to balance.

Tis true. There would be one dps spec, one healing spec, one tanking spec. Maybe 2 each due to the stam/mag choice.

GrumpyDuckling · February 2016

Lysette wrote: »

People would choose those combinations which are "best" then - and it would be even harder to balance.

You're right that people would choose combinations that are "best," but is that any different than what we have now? At least if we had more options (such as mixing skill lines) then we're given the chance to be more creative and come up with our own unique combinations that fit our style.

In having 3 class-locked skill lines, nothing frustrates me more than having a skill line that is wasted because it doesn't fit the play style that I want. For example, the DK's Ardent Flame skill line just takes up valuable skill space because it doesn't fit the gameplay style I'd want from my tank. I'd much rather have access to a skill line that contains skills I actually want to use rather than only use 2/3 skill lines.

Lysette · February 2016

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

People would choose those combinations which are "best" then - and it would be even harder to balance.

You're right that people would choose combinations that are "best," but is that any different than what we have now? At least if we had more options (such as mixing skill lines) then we're given the chance to be more creative and come up with our own unique combinations that fit our style.

In having 3 class-locked skill lines, nothing frustrates me more than having a skill line that is wasted because it doesn't fit the play style that I want. For example, the DK's Ardent Flame skill line just takes up valuable skill space because it doesn't fit the gameplay style I'd want from my tank. I'd much rather have access to a skill line that contains skills I actually want to use rather than only use 2/3 skill lines.

That is the concept of role play - you do not have just beneficial traits, but as well some disadvantages or skills, which are not that useful. Ask Argonians what they think about their racial abilities for example - but if you want to play an Argonian you have to live with it. That is role play, you live with what you got and take it from there.

Edit. you can use both - stamina and magicka based skills, on the same character, but this comes with the disadvantage to either have one or the other to a lesser extend or you sacrify max builds and go for hybrid. Then you can use all to an extend but you will not have max damage in any of them. This is intended role play.

teladoy · February 2016

Yeah why not a sorcerer that can teleport and use cloak!!

TheShadowScout · February 2016

Very bad idea. The game needs less FotM, not more. Allowing people to cherry pick the skill lines they want for the super-effective setup would end up in the game getting super-boring rather quick...

For class diversity, I'd much rather see them add more skill lines, perhaps done like that Class Morph Idea I keep talking about...

khele23eb17_ESO · February 2016

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

At least if we had more options (such as mixing skill lines) then we're given the chance to be more creative and come up with our own unique combinations that fit our style.

This would not happen. People would crunch the numbers very quickly and come up with 2-3 builds that would outclass anything else.

Id rather they added more skill lines to each class. Maybe some stam focused ones.

Mettaricana · February 2016

Yes ill take my siphoning dark magic daedric summoning combo lol

strikeback1247 · February 2016

The PvP chaos this would unleash...

Lysette · February 2016

TheShadowScout wrote: »

Very bad idea. The game needs less FotM, not more. Allowing people to cherry pick the skill lines they want for the super-effective setup would end up in the game getting super-boring rather quick...

For class diversity, I'd much rather see them add more skill lines, perhaps done like that Class Morph Idea I keep talking about...

To avoid FotM classes would not require equivalent abilities but more abilities in the style of "rock, paper, scissors", where one class can overcome another one consistently, if one class gets too many members. In this case it would give that class, which has the appropriate counter to it an edge, because most enemies would have the class, where they have the perfect counter to. This way the game would become self-balancing, but well, the Devs did not think of it and the trend of their changes is pointing into the wrong direction - they make all classes look much of the same ability-wise, which does not help.

Fallen_Ray · February 2016

That would break the game. This is an mmo, something like that is great on a single player game (IE: Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, etc.). Your suggestion captures the true essence of an Elder Scrolls game, "be whatever you want to be" but in a online game I don't think it would work even if we want it to. Can you imagine every single player using cloak?

Volkodav · February 2016

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

People would choose those combinations which are "best" then - and it would be even harder to balance.

You're right that people would choose combinations that are "best," but is that any different than what we have now? At least if we had more options (such as mixing skill lines) then we're given the chance to be more creative and come up with our own unique combinations that fit our style.

In having 3 class-locked skill lines, nothing frustrates me more than having a skill line that is wasted because it doesn't fit the play style that I want. For example, the DK's Ardent Flame skill line just takes up valuable skill space because it doesn't fit the gameplay style I'd want from my tank. I'd much rather have access to a skill line that contains skills I actually want to use rather than only use 2/3 skill lines.

If you dont want the Arden Flame skill line,just dont slot them. I dont use the Earthen skills,well,.only one.T

Volkodav · February 2016

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

People would choose those combinations which are "best" then - and it would be even harder to balance.

You're right that people would choose combinations that are "best," but is that any different than what we have now? At least if we had more options (such as mixing skill lines) then we're given the chance to be more creative and come up with our own unique combinations that fit our style.

In having 3 class-locked skill lines, nothing frustrates me more than having a skill line that is wasted because it doesn't fit the play style that I want. For example, the DK's Ardent Flame skill line just takes up valuable skill space because it doesn't fit the gameplay style I'd want from my tank. I'd much rather have access to a skill line that contains skills I actually want to use rather than only use 2/3 skill lines.

Just dont slot the skills you dont want to use. Morph the ones you do. When running my DK, only use just one of the dont use the Earthen Heart skills.The Stonefist. This way those other skills that II dont like wont take up my slots uselessly.

GrumpyDuckling · February 2016

TheShadowScout wrote: »

Very bad idea. The game needs less FotM, not more. Allowing people to cherry pick the skill lines they want for the super-effective setup would end up in the game getting super-boring rather quick...

For class diversity, I'd much rather see them add more skill lines, perhaps done like that Class Morph Idea I keep talking about...

Your class morph idea is spot on. That would help reduce the chance that we'd have a wasted skill line. My only concern about it, when I think realistically, is that it would be too much for ZOS to implement. If it were something they could and would implement, I'm 100% in your corner.

As far as cherry-picking skill lines goes, I would love to see people making super-effective builds. That would force ZOS to balance PVP as it relates to damage/tank builds. In it's current state it is ridiculous that we can spec our character for max damage yet also be so tanky. It would be fantastic to see someone stack a super-effective damage dealer, but also be incredibly vulnerable defensively, if that was the route they chose to go in with their build.