Help me choose - Stamina Sorcerer or Stamina Dragonknight

castem · December 2016

I'm a somewhat new player trying to decide which class to play. After trying out some early game stuff and thinking about what kind of character I'd like to play, I've decided on one of two choices: Stamina Sorcerer or Stamina Dragonknight.

I've tried looking at information in other posts and forums, but with so many changes to ESO it's confusing for me to tell what's up to date and what isn't. Some information from 2014 and 2015 still seems relevant, but other information seems wildly inaccurate. Even stuff from earlier this year seems to be hit or miss, making it hard to know which sources to trust and what to believe.

I'm looking for a good comparison between Stamina Sorcerer and Stamina Dragonknight (so I can make a better informed decision on which one I'd like to play more). I did find some discussion similar to what I was looking for at this link (https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/265334/so-stamina-dk-vs-stamina-sorcerer), but I'm not sure if a lot has happened since then and I don't know if the information there is accurate or not.

From what I've seen and read, this is what I understand so far:

both classes would more than likely rely on Rally and/or Vigor for stamina-based healing
if I went Stam Sorc, I'd probably also use Dark Deal (and maybe Surge), but if I went Stam Dk I may or may not use Dragon Blood (not sure if it's really any good or not)
both classes have easy access to additional defenses (Stam Sorc gets Hurricane, Stam Dk gets Hardened Armor)
both classes get easier access to ultimates (Stam Sorc gets reduced cost, Stam Dk gets ultimate generation on Earthen Heart skills)
neither class gets a stamina-based class execute
Rally seems to have some anti-synergy with the Sorcerer's Surge (they don't stack?)
Stam Sorc seems to have better mobility (Hurricane, Bolt Escape), but Stam Dk seems to have better ways of crowd controlling enemies (root, pull, slows on Ardent Flame skills)
Encase and Dark Talons seem to do the same thing (root enemies in an area? could use more clarification on how these work and what they're used for)
Stam Sorc depends on Dark Deal for resource management, and Stam Dk depends Earthen Heart passives

Both classes have abilities that appeal to me, but I don't know enough about both of them to make an informed decision (especially at max level, when you have access to all the skills). Can anyone compare/contrast Stamina Sorcerer & Stamina Dragonknight more in depth? What they're good at, what they're known for, notable playstyles, standout skills/synergies, etc.? What will be staying the same about them, what will probably change? How well they synergize with the new weapon ultimates?

If it matters, I'm planning on eventually enjoying both PVP and PVE (dps & tank; no interest in healing), I like all the weapons except the staves (but 1h & Shield and 2h are my favorites so far), and I greatly prefer heavy armor.

DRXHarbinger · December 2016

My stam sorc is flawless without vigor. Never been to Cyro. They are just plain easy mode. Expect nerfs in next update. No need for 2h weapons. Thirst and craze with surge and hurricane is god mode.

RT_Frank · December 2016

For pve dps and tank, stam dk all the way. Their dots (claw and standard) and earthen heart passives (where you will be using igneous weps) are just insane for dps. Also, battle roar makes them one of the greatest tanks due to the ult meta. As for pvp, the points you make are good enough to where I am undecided. Sorcs have their mobility and dks have their cc's and both are important in pvp. You just have to figure out what playstyle you want for pvp and pick the class that suits it the most.

Izaki · December 2016

DRXHarbinger wrote: »

My stam sorc is flawless without vigor. Never been to Cyro. They are just plain easy mode. Expect nerfs in next update. No need for 2h weapons. Thirst and craze with surge and hurricane is god mode.

You don't need Bloodcraze or Bloodthirst. You just need Crit Surge.

To the OP: Make both, level both, play both, see which one you prefer.

Liofa · December 2016

Stam DK . More Single Target DPS with total of 50k is better than less Single Target DPS with total of 55k .

Jamini · December 2016

castem wrote: »

From what I've seen and read, this is what I understand so far:
both classes would more than likely rely on Rally and/or Vigor for stamina-based healing

if I went Stam Sorc, I'd probably also use Dark Deal (and maybe Surge), but if I went Stam Dk I may or may not use Dragon Blood (not sure if it's really any good or not)

both classes have easy access to additional defenses (Stam Sorc gets Hurricane, Stam Dk gets Hardened Armor)

both classes get easier access to ultimates (Stam Sorc gets reduced cost, Stam Dk gets ultimate generation on Earthen Heart skills)

neither class gets a stamina-based class execute

Rally seems to have some anti-synergy with the Sorcerer's Surge (they don't stack?)

Stam Sorc seems to have better mobility (Hurricane, Bolt Escape), but Stam Dk seems to have better ways of crowd controlling enemies (root, pull, slows on Ardent Flame skills)

Encase and Dark Talons seem to do the same thing (root enemies in an area? could use more clarification on how these work and what they're used for)

Stam Sorc depends on Dark Deal for resource management, and Stam Dk depends Earthen Heart passives

Stam DK doesn't really need Rally so much. Vigor is enough for the self-heals, and Igneous weapons is better for resource management. (Buff and gain stamina back in exchange for a magicka dump.) Igneous shield scales from health and grants major mending, buffing our vigors by 20%
Dragon Blood is trash. Do not use it. Use vigor and shield.
The shield on Hardened Armor is sub-par. It can save you, but it probably won't. Volatile armor is better imo. (and I'm using hardened right now). Igneous Shield, Shuffle, and Volatile armor will give you a metric *** of defenses in Solo, PvP, and PvE tanking.
Not just that, but using ultimates as a DK will restore your resources by a healthy chunk. A well-timed Magma armor, Standard, or even dawnbreaker can completely change a fight. Spell Shield is also great with an ultigen build since it's so cheap.
No, but taking a 2H weapon grants you one for PvP
Unrelenting Grip can be a little unreliable. Talons are fantastic and should be used at every opportunity to harvest salt from nightblades who fail ganks on you.
Yes. They do the same thing. Dark Talons do have a minor maim attached, however.
Yes. Correct. StamDK depends on their buffing skills and ultimate use.

Xvorg · December 2016

castem wrote: »

I'm a somewhat new player trying to decide which class to play. After trying out some early game stuff and thinking about what kind of character I'd like to play, I've decided on one of two choices: Stamina Sorcerer or Stamina Dragonknight.

I've tried looking at information in other posts and forums, but with so many changes to ESO it's confusing for me to tell what's up to date and what isn't. Some information from 2014 and 2015 still seems relevant, but other information seems wildly inaccurate. Even stuff from earlier this year seems to be hit or miss, making it hard to know which sources to trust and what to believe.

I'm looking for a good comparison between Stamina Sorcerer and Stamina Dragonknight (so I can make a better informed decision on which one I'd like to play more). I did find some discussion similar to what I was looking for at this link (https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/265334/so-stamina-dk-vs-stamina-sorcerer), but I'm not sure if a lot has happened since then and I don't know if the information there is accurate or not.

From what I've seen and read, this is what I understand so far:
both classes would more than likely rely on Rally and/or Vigor for stamina-based healing

if I went Stam Sorc, I'd probably also use Dark Deal (and maybe Surge), but if I went Stam Dk I may or may not use Dragon Blood (not sure if it's really any good or not)

both classes have easy access to additional defenses (Stam Sorc gets Hurricane, Stam Dk gets Hardened Armor)

both classes get easier access to ultimates (Stam Sorc gets reduced cost, Stam Dk gets ultimate generation on Earthen Heart skills)

neither class gets a stamina-based class execute

Rally seems to have some anti-synergy with the Sorcerer's Surge (they don't stack?)

Stam Sorc seems to have better mobility (Hurricane, Bolt Escape), but Stam Dk seems to have better ways of crowd controlling enemies (root, pull, slows on Ardent Flame skills)

Encase and Dark Talons seem to do the same thing (root enemies in an area? could use more clarification on how these work and what they're used for)

Stam Sorc depends on Dark Deal for resource management, and Stam Dk depends Earthen Heart passives

Both classes have abilities that appeal to me, but I don't know enough about both of them to make an informed decision (especially at max level, when you have access to all the skills). Can anyone compare/contrast Stamina Sorcerer & Stamina Dragonknight more in depth? What they're good at, what they're known for, notable playstyles, standout skills/synergies, etc.? What will be staying the same about them, what will probably change? How well they synergize with the new weapon ultimates?

If it matters, I'm planning on eventually enjoying both PVP and PVE (dps & tank; no interest in healing), I like all the weapons except the staves (but 1h & Shield and 2h are my favorites so far), and I greatly prefer heavy armor.

As mDK, I can tell you that vigor is a better heal tha GBD even for an mDK

Kutsuu · December 2016

Both are very strong classes, and you would be making a mistake to choose based on some forum people's perception of their strength. You should really choose based on which looks more enjoyable to you or fits your playstyle. It's easy to level a character to 50, so don't hesitate to try both.

Wolfchild07 · December 2016

I agree with trying both. Even if you prefer one over the other, it's nice to switch at times. More characters means more keys from pledges. Also, Dragon Blood is quite bad now, but they're SUPPOSED to be doing something with it next update (Feb?).

RoyalPink06 · December 2016

Seems like you have a pretty solid understanding of both. I would make one of each and see how they fit with your play style. What have you got to lose?

(Personally, I'm in love with my stam sorc

)

Malorey45738 · December 2016

I watched a few Youtube vids on stamsorc and was sold and I've just got mine to the point where I have crit surge and bound armaments (I'm lvl 31 now) and it is such a fun class to play. It can be a bit challenging before that because you don't have much in the way of healing, but I guess it's good practice for learning to dodge and run circles around mobs.

Masel · December 2016

I have both as stamina dds(the imperial stam dk is my tank as well), and I like both. The speed and survivability of stamsorcs is awesome, but nothing tops the dps of a stamina dk with vma weapons. There are just so many skills to empower with cruel flurry on a stam dk. Just make two chars, level them both to 50 within the event and choose the one you liked more during leveling. You can make the stam dk tank if you choose the stam sorc. I really hope they make dragon blood cool for stamina dds as well.

Anti_Virus · December 2016

Pick Magicka DK in U13 they will probably be OP again.

newtinmpls · December 2016

For leveling purposes I'd say go with magicka (either way). and frankly, questions like this is why I have so many characters - I say BOTH!!

Dyride · January 2017

Unstable Clannfear is a great heal for Stam sorcs while in early levels and it will also draw aggro. I basically used that and Blood Craze plus Draining Shot.

kessik221 · January 2017

Both classes have different bonuses. Dragon knights gain a bonus to poison damage while sorcs have a built in passive execute. Sorcs have more damage and recovery passives while dragon knights focus more on survivability. As far as self healing vigor is the ability in PvE . Most class based cc skills are magicka and not worth taking in pve.

sneakymitchell · January 2017

Meta must mostly to stam sorc. DKs need to be very skilled at it in order to succeed. Stam sorc = easy mode and stam DK = take skill and patience with ur burst.

ryanborror · January 2017

Stam sorc will be easier for a new player although I find them kind of boring. Stam dk has more versatility and is more complex. Stam sorc has mobility though and self healing. Using a 2 handed weapon and heavy armor only works well in pvp at end game but for leveling you can do whatever. Sorc has a guaranteed heal with crit rush and crit surge, while dk has class dots that make it do more competitive damage with a 2 handed weapon. I recommend trying them both to at least level 25

JWKe · January 2017

This may sound dumb. But, I actually settled on playing a Sorc over a DK based on me liking the color Blue over Red/orange. LOL.