The illusion of Meta - The hidden balance.

ThoraxtheDark
ThoraxtheDark
✭✭✭✭
Does anyone else notice that Players seem to deduce all the sets into the game into a few. (That are worth using). Okay this is an obvious one, and this stems from the specific Races, Classes and passives etc that can be selected that are the optimal choice for doing DPS etc (whatever you are trying to do).

The "meta" gets out there and is used by all who want to make their character the "strongest". But in reality there is no strongest build and i will give you examples why -

Enemy has 11k physcial resist, you have spriggans thorns , using your regular debuffs on the enemy, lets say you debuff to 18k. you are wasting 7k pen on air.

using hundings rage for consistent dps ( your fighting is not always consistent , sometimes burst is better rather than over all time. )

Usually the builds intertwine with specific skills , leaving no room for different options when a certain skill has everything you need. You need endless hail with maelstrom bow , doesnt mean you cant have endless hail without the bow. If you are going down that route than yes thats the best option, but it isnt the best option for DPS, just for that situation with those skills and set pieces.

As soon as someone discovers a new "meta" , a build countering it can be created. There is no Meta, rather a elaborate and slow process of rock paper scissors is ensuing. I see so many people limiting themselves to 1 particular play style and i see them lose in pvp or pve and than they wonder why they die.

Situational is the name of the game. Watch the updates and new sets and do not be afraid to try out a set you find interesting, if you have an idea for utilizing a set mechanic its usually worth going for. Those mechanics aren't always the easiest to see.
  • SublimeSparo
    SublimeSparo
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    I take it you're talking with regards to pvp?
    PS4 EU CP900. PS4 NA CP600,
    vAA HM ☆ vHRC HM ☆ vSO HM ☆ vMOL
    4th Console vMOL clear,
    vMA cleared on all classes stam & magic

    My Tribe
    EU
    High Sparo - Altmer - mSo DD.
    Wood Sparo - Bosmer - sNB DD
    Nord Sparo - Nord -sDK DD/Tank.
    Bubble Girl - Imperial -sTe DD
    Succubus Sue - Breton - mNB Tank.
    Andrana Stormlock - Altmer - mTe Healer/ DD
    Elvali Marvani - Dunmer - mDK DD.
    Venemus Draconem - Redguard - sDK DD
    Jayri Leki - Redguard - sSo DD.
    Miss Jabsalot - Altmer - mTe PvP DD/ Tank
    Mireli Hlaano - Dunmer - mNB DD.
    Ms Shanks - Redguard - sNB DD/ le bank

    NA
    Dilemma Dame - Altmer - mDK DD
    Stamsorc Kitty - Redguard - sSor DD
    Aia Draconis - Imperial - sDK Tank
    Decides-Who-Lives - Argonian - mTe Healer
    You wont stop me - Altmer - mSo DD
    Stab in the dark - Khajiit - sNB DD
    Jabjabjab Beambeambeam - Dunmer - mTe DD
    Spatium Auxiliarus - Imperial - hTe Tank&bank
    Spectre - Altmer - mNB DD
    Can't-Main-Tank -Argonian - sDK offTank
  • rain.bird
    rain.bird
    ✭✭
    excellent post, and a silent reason this game is so interesting
  • thankyourat
    thankyourat
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears
  • kaithuzar
    kaithuzar
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    There are two things to this the first best is to build for all situations. This is what I try to do as it's a jack of all trades play style I don't have huge burst I'm not super Tanky my resources are not never ending but somewhere in the middle, I win fights.
    The second is to build based on the speed of what skills animation cancel the best ; if you can get off three skills before your appointment can do one you're just going to win ...

    The technical third which often gets played is billed for the newest set gimmick , but only 1% of the people that care this way can take advantage of it everyone else really sucks
    Edited by kaithuzar on October 10, 2016 5:06AM
    Member of:
    Fantasia - osh kosh b-josh
    Just Chill - Crown's house
    GoldCloaks - Durruthy test server penga
    Small Meme Guild - Mano's house

    Former member of:
    Legend - Siffer fan boy club
    TKO (tamriel knight's order) - free bks
    Deviance - Leonard's senche tiger
    Purple - hamNchz is my hero
    Eight Divines - myrlifax stop playing final fantasy
    WKB (we kill bosses) - turd where you go?
    Arcance Council - Klytz Kommander
    World Boss - Mike & Chewy gone EP
    M12 (majestic twelve) - cult of the loli zerg
  • Mettaricana
    Mettaricana
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭
    Kinda why I run a lil outsode the norm on stam sorcs yeah I get need a lot of crit but half the crits being eaten by the cooldon on surge I can still heal just fine on any of the dot ticks and wear a peice of heavy and light to get another 6% max stats
  • hedna123b14_ESO
    hedna123b14_ESO
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Does anyone else notice that Players seem to deduce all the sets into the game into a few. (That are worth using). Okay this is an obvious one, and this stems from the specific Races, Classes and passives etc that can be selected that are the optimal choice for doing DPS etc (whatever you are trying to do).

    The "meta" gets out there and is used by all who want to make their character the "strongest". But in reality there is no strongest build and i will give you examples why -

    Enemy has 11k physcial resist, you have spriggans thorns , using your regular debuffs on the enemy, lets say you debuff to 18k. you are wasting 7k pen on air.

    using hundings rage for consistent dps ( your fighting is not always consistent , sometimes burst is better rather than over all time. )

    Usually the builds intertwine with specific skills , leaving no room for different options when a certain skill has everything you need. You need endless hail with maelstrom bow , doesnt mean you cant have endless hail without the bow. If you are going down that route than yes thats the best option, but it isnt the best option for DPS, just for that situation with those skills and set pieces.

    As soon as someone discovers a new "meta" , a build countering it can be created. There is no Meta, rather a elaborate and slow process of rock paper scissors is ensuing. I see so many people limiting themselves to 1 particular play style and i see them lose in pvp or pve and than they wonder why they die.

    Situational is the name of the game. Watch the updates and new sets and do not be afraid to try out a set you find interesting, if you have an idea for utilizing a set mechanic its usually worth going for. Those mechanics aren't always the easiest to see.

    The problem with your logic is that you assume that people that create the meta arent aware of situational inconsistencies. I assure you they are. As a matter of fact when builds are created and tested they account for the type of overall gameplay that you encounter and the statistical majority of the type of fights you will have. This allows to build a predictive model based on which the PERFECT set is chosen that reflects the best results in the majority of encountered situations.
  • Van_0S
    Van_0S
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use builds that suit my character.
    Like 4 my magplar bosmer, I use magnus instead of kag because of that 8% chance to cast a free spell. That is good 4 a stamina character.
    Edited by Van_0S on October 10, 2016 5:28AM
  • disintegr8
    disintegr8
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears
    He could - but then he'd have to kill you..... >:)
    Australian on PS4 NA server.
    Everyone's entitled to an opinion.
  • SublimeSparo
    SublimeSparo
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    Rune prison, liquid lightning, inevitable det, curse, blockade, mages wrath, elegant+infallible lightning heavy attack. For sorc
    For magblade, dunno lol challenge them to a fist fight and drop bolstering darkness and punch the *** out of them?
    PS4 EU CP900. PS4 NA CP600,
    vAA HM ☆ vHRC HM ☆ vSO HM ☆ vMOL
    4th Console vMOL clear,
    vMA cleared on all classes stam & magic

    My Tribe
    EU
    High Sparo - Altmer - mSo DD.
    Wood Sparo - Bosmer - sNB DD
    Nord Sparo - Nord -sDK DD/Tank.
    Bubble Girl - Imperial -sTe DD
    Succubus Sue - Breton - mNB Tank.
    Andrana Stormlock - Altmer - mTe Healer/ DD
    Elvali Marvani - Dunmer - mDK DD.
    Venemus Draconem - Redguard - sDK DD
    Jayri Leki - Redguard - sSo DD.
    Miss Jabsalot - Altmer - mTe PvP DD/ Tank
    Mireli Hlaano - Dunmer - mNB DD.
    Ms Shanks - Redguard - sNB DD/ le bank

    NA
    Dilemma Dame - Altmer - mDK DD
    Stamsorc Kitty - Redguard - sSor DD
    Aia Draconis - Imperial - sDK Tank
    Decides-Who-Lives - Argonian - mTe Healer
    You wont stop me - Altmer - mSo DD
    Stab in the dark - Khajiit - sNB DD
    Jabjabjab Beambeambeam - Dunmer - mTe DD
    Spatium Auxiliarus - Imperial - hTe Tank&bank
    Spectre - Altmer - mNB DD
    Can't-Main-Tank -Argonian - sDK offTank
  • Sharee
    Sharee
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    I would just ignore him. You can port to shade and cloak, and there's nothing he can do to prevent it once detection potion duration runs out.
  • thankyourat
    thankyourat
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    .
    Sharee wrote: »
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    I would just ignore him. You can port to shade and cloak, and there's nothing he can do to prevent it once detection potion duration runs out.

    That's usually what I do unless I'm dueling than I pretty much know I'm going to lose before the fight starts. I was just pointing out that there is no hidden balance sometimes, and sometimes there is no way to combat the meta
    Edited by thankyourat on October 10, 2016 6:54AM
  • leepalmer95
    leepalmer95
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sharee wrote: »
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    I would just ignore him. You can port to shade and cloak, and there's nothing he can do to prevent it once detection potion duration runs out.

    Apart from:

    Any aoe
    Caltraps
    Poisons
    If someone marks you
    Camo hunter
    The fact your going to be snared by 50-70% so your literally going to stand still and get no where.
    The fact you'll be spending half your time healing because stamina can be tanks and damage with OP proc sets so even a light attack can take 50% of your hp nowdays..
    Etc....

    But yeah, it's not like the wings will be up 24/7 , oh wait with heavy they are.
    It's not like they counter everything a typical mag nb has... oh wait, swallow, light attacks, crippling, assassins will... it does.

    Err you'll catch them via burst with your 4k crit swallows and there 27k + hp and 30k resist...

    Err GL i guess...

    #Balance.
    Edited by leepalmer95 on October 10, 2016 7:24AM
    PS4 EU DC

    Current CP : 756+

    I have every character level 50, both a magicka and stamina version.


    RIP my effort to get 5x v16 characters...
  • SublimeSparo
    SublimeSparo
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Find a Templar get them to spam jesus beam, apparently it's OP. Or something.
    Ah wait i got it, reroll a stam dk and have a wrecking blow-off
    PS4 EU CP900. PS4 NA CP600,
    vAA HM ☆ vHRC HM ☆ vSO HM ☆ vMOL
    4th Console vMOL clear,
    vMA cleared on all classes stam & magic

    My Tribe
    EU
    High Sparo - Altmer - mSo DD.
    Wood Sparo - Bosmer - sNB DD
    Nord Sparo - Nord -sDK DD/Tank.
    Bubble Girl - Imperial -sTe DD
    Succubus Sue - Breton - mNB Tank.
    Andrana Stormlock - Altmer - mTe Healer/ DD
    Elvali Marvani - Dunmer - mDK DD.
    Venemus Draconem - Redguard - sDK DD
    Jayri Leki - Redguard - sSo DD.
    Miss Jabsalot - Altmer - mTe PvP DD/ Tank
    Mireli Hlaano - Dunmer - mNB DD.
    Ms Shanks - Redguard - sNB DD/ le bank

    NA
    Dilemma Dame - Altmer - mDK DD
    Stamsorc Kitty - Redguard - sSor DD
    Aia Draconis - Imperial - sDK Tank
    Decides-Who-Lives - Argonian - mTe Healer
    You wont stop me - Altmer - mSo DD
    Stab in the dark - Khajiit - sNB DD
    Jabjabjab Beambeambeam - Dunmer - mTe DD
    Spatium Auxiliarus - Imperial - hTe Tank&bank
    Spectre - Altmer - mNB DD
    Can't-Main-Tank -Argonian - sDK offTank
  • Sharee
    Sharee
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sharee wrote: »
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    I would just ignore him. You can port to shade and cloak, and there's nothing he can do to prevent it once detection potion duration runs out.

    Apart from:

    Any aoe
    Caltraps
    Poisons
    If someone marks you
    Camo hunter

    That's why you use a shade to teleport to first. Shade, run around a tree, port, cloak. No AOE will be able to hit you because he has no LOS on your position, and by the time he circles around you will be over the hills (cloaked NB with concealed weapon/major expedition from double take moves at mach 5). That takes care of everything except the mark, but we're talking about a DK enemy. Camo hunter detection radius is shorter than the shade port range.
  • LegacyDM
    LegacyDM
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Does anyone else notice that Players seem to deduce all the sets into the game into a few. (That are worth using). Okay this is an obvious one, and this stems from the specific Races, Classes and passives etc that can be selected that are the optimal choice for doing DPS etc (whatever you are trying to do).

    The "meta" gets out there and is used by all who want to make their character the "strongest". But in reality there is no strongest build and i will give you examples why -

    Enemy has 11k physcial resist, you have spriggans thorns , using your regular debuffs on the enemy, lets say you debuff to 18k. you are wasting 7k pen on air.

    using hundings rage for consistent dps ( your fighting is not always consistent , sometimes burst is better rather than over all time. )

    Usually the builds intertwine with specific skills , leaving no room for different options when a certain skill has everything you need. You need endless hail with maelstrom bow , doesnt mean you cant have endless hail without the bow. If you are going down that route than yes thats the best option, but it isnt the best option for DPS, just for that situation with those skills and set pieces.

    As soon as someone discovers a new "meta" , a build countering it can be created. There is no Meta, rather a elaborate and slow process of rock paper scissors is ensuing. I see so many people limiting themselves to 1 particular play style and i see them lose in pvp or pve and than they wonder why they die.

    Situational is the name of the game. Watch the updates and new sets and do not be afraid to try out a set you find interesting, if you have an idea for utilizing a set mechanic its usually worth going for. Those mechanics aren't always the easiest to see.

    Fact of the matter is you can't have 100% balance with a game this complex. Too many variables and qualitative analysis often comes into play by devs. When you have as many combination of skills and armor types as this game has there is bound to be better builds and armor combos than others. As others have pointed out above, clearly there is a meta. When weapon burst, high proc set burst, instant smart healing, tankiness, and mobility can all be combined on a specific class build that = the meta. All other builds are inferior.

    Examples of past metas:
    Remember when vampire shield stacking DKs were invincible?
    Remember when invincible Templars would have perm blazing shield?
    Remember when shield stacking sorcs were invincible?
    Remember when nb could pop alchemist, proximity det, soul tether, and vicious death and wipe zergs?
    Remember when everyone was running around with cc and 10k wrecking blows before they changed the morphs?
    Remember when everyone was rocking skoria and malubeth before nerfs?

    Examples of current meta:
    Now we have stam nb using valedreth, viper, and eternal hunt just wrecking people.
    Now we have impossible to kill stam DKs.
    Now we have hurricane two handed stam sorcs either popping alchemist or using duel wield bleeds with speed pots.
    now we have stam bow builds wrecking people with poison injections, widow maker, lethal arrow, and etc.
    Now we have heavy armor wearing black rose...
    Now we have instant healing impossible to kill magplars that dish out crazy damage. Jesus beam anyone?See the video in another thread?
    And of course, stam builds if done right can easily get over 6k weapon damage while still maintaining mobility.

    Do you see a trend here with the exception to magplar?

    Ill tell you what's not the meta.
    Magicka DKs
    Magicka sorcs
    Magicka nb
    Or any magicka class not a magplar that relies on dots (damage over time) because dots are far inferior to burst in the current "meta"

    Now you think it's rock, vs paper, vs scissors? It's more like rock crushing paper and scissors shredding paper
    Edited by LegacyDM on October 10, 2016 9:12AM
    Legacy of Kain
    Vicious Carnage
    ¥ampire Lord of the South
  • zzz
    zzz
    ✭✭✭
    There's a meta-assertion around Volley's morphs that always makes me chuckle. Apparently, Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage because it's higher DPS.

    The truth: they both have exactly the same DPS! They differ in duration of the DoT and cost (2 seconds extra for Endless Hail, lowered cost) vs area of the DoT (almost twice the coverage for Arrow Barrage). By all means, advocate Endless Hail over Arrow Barrage, but don't tell us it's for greater DPS (they're both instant cast). That just makes you look... silly. And in need of a maths refresher.
  • Wollust
    Wollust
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭
    zzz wrote: »
    There's a meta-assertion around Volley's morphs that always makes me chuckle. Apparently, Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage because it's higher DPS.

    The truth: they both have exactly the same DPS! They differ in duration of the DoT and cost (2 seconds extra for Endless Hail, lowered cost) vs area of the DoT (almost twice the coverage for Arrow Barrage). By all means, advocate Endless Hail over Arrow Barrage, but don't tell us it's for greater DPS (they're both instant cast). That just makes you look... silly. And in need of a maths refresher.

    Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage.
    Hint: Maelstrom Bow.

    I think you need a maths refresher.
    Susano'o

    Zerg Squad
  • zzz
    zzz
    ✭✭✭
    Wollust wrote: »
    Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage.
    Hint: Maelstrom Bow.

    I think you need a maths refresher.

    I really don't =P

    5m radius is almost half the area of 7m radius. That extra few hundred damage per target is dependant on a particular situation, one that has people stating with absolute authority that Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage. And it's usually wrapped up as "If you're a skillful player". It's rubbish advice, in my opinion.

    This thread is about skills/equipment meta builds not being absolute. This is a perfect example. There are many situations where greater coverage, irrespective of how 'skillful' you are, will out DPS the other morph.

    Hint: I'm not saying Endless Hail < Arrow Barrage, I'm saying !(Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage)
    Edited by zzz on October 10, 2016 1:24PM
  • xblackroxe
    xblackroxe
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ]
    zzz wrote: »
    Wollust wrote: »
    Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage.
    Hint: Maelstrom Bow.

    I think you need a maths refresher.

    I really don't =P

    5m radius is almost half the area of 7m radius. That extra few hundred damage per target is dependant on a particular situation, one that has people stating with absolute authority that Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage. And it's usually wrapped up as "If you're a skillful player". It's rubbish advice, in my opinion.

    This thread is about skills/equipment meta builds not being absolute. This is a perfect example. There are many situations where greater coverage, irrespective of how 'skillful' you are, will out DPS the other morph.

    Hint: I'm not saying Endless Hail < Arrow Barrage, I'm saying !(Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage)

    Its not rubish advice its l2p issue. There are two scenarios: 1) mobs are stacked up -> both hit all the targets anyways -> hail is better 2) mobs cant be stacked which means both still hit the same number of targets -> hail is better. If your tank can't stack mobs properly then this dps loss is on him not your choice of skills.
    Also singletarget dps is much more important anyways as there a few % can make the difference between skipping mechanics or not. And in ST you also benefit from the fact that hail fits better inti your rotation which also makes a dps boost.
    Conclusion: Hail is better in every scenario execpt when your tank is bad.
    Member of HODOR

    Dro-m'Athra Destroyer
  • hedna123b14_ESO
    hedna123b14_ESO
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    xblackroxe wrote: »
    ]
    zzz wrote: »
    Wollust wrote: »
    Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage.
    Hint: Maelstrom Bow.

    I think you need a maths refresher.

    I really don't =P

    5m radius is almost half the area of 7m radius. That extra few hundred damage per target is dependant on a particular situation, one that has people stating with absolute authority that Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage. And it's usually wrapped up as "If you're a skillful player". It's rubbish advice, in my opinion.

    This thread is about skills/equipment meta builds not being absolute. This is a perfect example. There are many situations where greater coverage, irrespective of how 'skillful' you are, will out DPS the other morph.

    Hint: I'm not saying Endless Hail < Arrow Barrage, I'm saying !(Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage)

    Its not rubish advice its l2p issue. There are two scenarios: 1) mobs are stacked up -> both hit all the targets anyways -> hail is better 2) mobs cant be stacked which means both still hit the same number of targets -> hail is better. If your tank can't stack mobs properly then this dps loss is on him not your choice of skills.
    Also singletarget dps is much more important anyways as there a few % can make the difference between skipping mechanics or not. And in ST you also benefit from the fact that hail fits better inti your rotation which also makes a dps boost.
    Conclusion: Hail is better in every scenario execpt when your tank is bad.

    What he said
  • Izaki
    Izaki
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭
    Sharee wrote: »
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    I would just ignore him. You can port to shade and cloak, and there's nothing he can do to prevent it once detection potion duration runs out.

    Apart from:

    Any aoe
    Caltraps
    Poisons
    If someone marks you
    Camo hunter
    The fact your going to be snared by 50-70% so your literally going to stand still and get no where.
    The fact you'll be spending half your time healing because stamina can be tanks and damage with OP proc sets so even a light attack can take 50% of your hp nowdays..
    Etc....

    But yeah, it's not like the wings will be up 24/7 , oh wait with heavy they are.
    It's not like they counter everything a typical mag nb has... oh wait, swallow, light attacks, crippling, assassins will... it does.

    Err you'll catch them via burst with your 4k crit swallows and there 27k + hp and 30k resist...

    Err GL i guess...

    #Balance.

    Concealed weapon?...
    @ Izaki #PCEU
    #FrenchKiss #GoneFor2YearsAndMyGuildDoesn'tRaidAnymore
    #MoreDPSthanYou
    #Stamblade
  • Izaki
    Izaki
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭
    zzz wrote: »
    There's a meta-assertion around Volley's morphs that always makes me chuckle. Apparently, Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage because it's higher DPS.

    The truth: they both have exactly the same DPS! They differ in duration of the DoT and cost (2 seconds extra for Endless Hail, lowered cost) vs area of the DoT (almost twice the coverage for Arrow Barrage). By all means, advocate Endless Hail over Arrow Barrage, but don't tell us it's for greater DPS (they're both instant cast). That just makes you look... silly. And in need of a maths refresher.


    You're the one who looks silly here. They don't have the same DPS at all. Do your maths and maybe you'll understand (also there might be a good reason why all the best stamina DPS in the best raid groups all use Endless Hail and not Arrow Barrage).
    Endless Hail lasts for 10 seconds as opposed to 8. So you have 2 extra seconds to do something else than refresh the DoT. The more often you have to refresh a DoT the more DPS you lose. Why? Because instead of reapplying Arrow Barrage you could be using a skill that does more damage, for example Rapid Strikes or putting down a different DoT.

    Also with the Maelstrom bow, your ticks get stronger every 0.5 seconds. Which means that in the 2 extra seconds you get 4 more ticks from Endless Hail.

    The larger AoE could be better for anything other than Boss fights, but your DPS mostly matters in boss fights right? You aren't going to wipe to trash right? No you're going to wipe to Rakkhat or the Warrior or the Mage or the Serpent. So your DPS matters more in boss fights and Endless Hail has 4 extra ticks that all get empowered by the vMA bow (aka more DPS).

    Please don't say that the boss might move so the extra radius will have an advantage. Any tank who knows wtf he's doing will keep the boss nice and still.
    @ Izaki #PCEU
    #FrenchKiss #GoneFor2YearsAndMyGuildDoesn'tRaidAnymore
    #MoreDPSthanYou
    #Stamblade
  • Izaki
    Izaki
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭
    xblackroxe wrote: »
    ]
    zzz wrote: »
    Wollust wrote: »
    Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage.
    Hint: Maelstrom Bow.

    I think you need a maths refresher.

    I really don't =P

    5m radius is almost half the area of 7m radius. That extra few hundred damage per target is dependant on a particular situation, one that has people stating with absolute authority that Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage. And it's usually wrapped up as "If you're a skillful player". It's rubbish advice, in my opinion.

    This thread is about skills/equipment meta builds not being absolute. This is a perfect example. There are many situations where greater coverage, irrespective of how 'skillful' you are, will out DPS the other morph.

    Hint: I'm not saying Endless Hail < Arrow Barrage, I'm saying !(Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage)

    Its not rubish advice its l2p issue. There are two scenarios: 1) mobs are stacked up -> both hit all the targets anyways -> hail is better 2) mobs cant be stacked which means both still hit the same number of targets -> hail is better. If your tank can't stack mobs properly then this dps loss is on him not your choice of skills.
    Also singletarget dps is much more important anyways as there a few % can make the difference between skipping mechanics or not. And in ST you also benefit from the fact that hail fits better inti your rotation which also makes a dps boost.
    Conclusion: Hail is better in every scenario execpt when your tank is bad.


    Oh wow I just wrote up my thing for nothing.... But yeah what he said ^^^^^^^^
    @ Izaki #PCEU
    #FrenchKiss #GoneFor2YearsAndMyGuildDoesn'tRaidAnymore
    #MoreDPSthanYou
    #Stamblade
  • Own
    Own
    ✭✭✭✭
    Well if you can tell me how to counter a black rose and viper 5 heavy stamina dk with shuffle, wings, and sword and board on my magblade I'm all ears

    You should ask fright, @KenaPKK
    They can be destroyed, you just have to be inventive.
  • Rohamad_Ali
    Rohamad_Ali
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't know , the hidden balance seems really well hidden sometimes .
  • Savos_Saren
    Savos_Saren
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭
    I just use whatever build that enhances my ERP. ;)
    Want to enjoy the game more? Try both PvP (crybabies) and PvE (carebears). You'll get a better perspective on everyone's opinion.

    PC NA AD
    Savos Saren
  • Rohamad_Ali
    Rohamad_Ali
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    jaburns wrote: »
    I just use whatever build that enhances my ERP. ;)

    That prosperous build probably be best for this with 100 points in the Lover tree .
  • idk
    idk
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    zzz wrote: »
    There's a meta-assertion around Volley's morphs that always makes me chuckle. Apparently, Endless Hail > Arrow Barrage because it's higher DPS.

    The truth: they both have exactly the same DPS! They differ in duration of the DoT and cost (2 seconds extra for Endless Hail, lowered cost) vs area of the DoT (almost twice the coverage for Arrow Barrage). By all means, advocate Endless Hail over Arrow Barrage, but don't tell us it's for greater DPS (they're both instant cast). That just makes you look... silly. And in need of a maths refresher.

    @zzz

    Actually, endless hail is for better dps on bosses. It matches poison arrow duration and as such works better in a rotation.

    Further, the longer duration means more ticks which means more dps/stamina spent and more dps/time spent casting it. Instant doesn't mean instant in this game. Animation time plays a big role though the animation for this skill can be canceled with a bar swap.

    The other morph is better for AoE, however, dps on bosses is if higher importance due to mechanics in many fights.
  • ThoraxtheDark
    ThoraxtheDark
    ✭✭✭✭
    LegacyDM wrote: »
    Does anyone else notice that Players seem to deduce all the sets into the game into a few. (That are worth using). Okay this is an obvious one, and this stems from the specific Races, Classes and passives etc that can be selected that are the optimal choice for doing DPS etc (whatever you are trying to do).

    The "meta" gets out there and is used by all who want to make their character the "strongest". But in reality there is no strongest build and i will give you examples why -

    Enemy has 11k physcial resist, you have spriggans thorns , using your regular debuffs on the enemy, lets say you debuff to 18k. you are wasting 7k pen on air.

    using hundings rage for consistent dps ( your fighting is not always consistent , sometimes burst is better rather than over all time. )

    Usually the builds intertwine with specific skills , leaving no room for different options when a certain skill has everything you need. You need endless hail with maelstrom bow , doesnt mean you cant have endless hail without the bow. If you are going down that route than yes thats the best option, but it isnt the best option for DPS, just for that situation with those skills and set pieces.

    As soon as someone discovers a new "meta" , a build countering it can be created. There is no Meta, rather a elaborate and slow process of rock paper scissors is ensuing. I see so many people limiting themselves to 1 particular play style and i see them lose in pvp or pve and than they wonder why they die.

    Situational is the name of the game. Watch the updates and new sets and do not be afraid to try out a set you find interesting, if you have an idea for utilizing a set mechanic its usually worth going for. Those mechanics aren't always the easiest to see.

    Fact of the matter is you can't have 100% balance with a game this complex. Too many variables and qualitative analysis often comes into play by devs. When you have as many combination of skills and armor types as this game has there is bound to be better builds and armor combos than others. As others have pointed out above, clearly there is a meta. When weapon burst, high proc set burst, instant smart healing, tankiness, and mobility can all be combined on a specific class build that = the meta. All other builds are inferior.

    Examples of past metas:
    Remember when vampire shield stacking DKs were invincible?
    Remember when invincible Templars would have perm blazing shield?
    Remember when shield stacking sorcs were invincible?
    Remember when nb could pop alchemist, proximity det, soul tether, and vicious death and wipe zergs?
    Remember when everyone was running around with cc and 10k wrecking blows before they changed the morphs?
    Remember when everyone was rocking skoria and malubeth before nerfs?

    Examples of current meta:
    Now we have stam nb using valedreth, viper, and eternal hunt just wrecking people.
    Now we have impossible to kill stam DKs.
    Now we have hurricane two handed stam sorcs either popping alchemist or using duel wield bleeds with speed pots.
    now we have stam bow builds wrecking people with poison injections, widow maker, lethal arrow, and etc.
    Now we have heavy armor wearing black rose...
    Now we have instant healing impossible to kill magplars that dish out crazy damage. Jesus beam anyone?See the video in another thread?
    And of course, stam builds if done right can easily get over 6k weapon damage while still maintaining mobility.

    Do you see a trend here with the exception to magplar?

    Ill tell you what's not the meta.
    Magicka DKs
    Magicka sorcs
    Magicka nb
    Or any magicka class not a magplar that relies on dots (damage over time) because dots are far inferior to burst in the current "meta"

    Now you think it's rock, vs paper, vs scissors? It's more like rock crushing paper and scissors shredding paper

    All of the "Past Metas" always had a counter though. Just because a build is good doesn't mean its the meta, just means its a good build. Popularity doesn't mean definitive evidence of best in slot. I would argue most people aren't above average in intelligence, most people are just going to go with what is a good build rather than figure out a counter to the "current meta".
    As time progresses there are always new metas because people eventually play around with different sets, put it on forums or youtube or some kind of social media and people get a hold of it.

    Also i would argue that when people are "testing" the meta they cannot expect every variable of combat, and if they are just structuring their builds around the metas than they are never truly Bulletproofing there build (not that you can). Theres always people who use a different niche set or build that you would never expect.
Sign In or Register to comment.