Tips for new vMA runners - Please share more!

magicsprout · August 2018

Have just finished for the first time after 3 days of hell on round 9. My biggest tip is leave haste sigil for gold ghosts amd use boundless storm for crystals if ur a sorc that is

magicsprout · August 2018

Oh and infernal guardian whole learning crystals but once u get the hang of it grothdar is so much better

PocketNova · August 2018

I've had my quest stuck on the last boss for about 2 years. Mostly because I took such long breaks. Very tempted to try and beat the final boss given the event is on right now.

Reading all these tips are super helpful. Have to farm a few sets but I think I might give it another go with my mag sorc. Did all the other rounds when I had my character as a stam sorc. I hear mag is easier.

Thanks for all the tips. They're crazy helpful.

LadyLethalla · August 2018

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Step 9. If you died, you did something wrong.

Or... you have lag issues like the clannfear killing you while invisible, spamming break free but it doesn't work for 2-3 secs, or else getting knocked back and sliding across the arena, helpless to react to anything.

@LadyLethalla

Lag can always kill you in any online game, but I stand by my statement, especially when applied to first-timers. I have run this arena hundreds of times and I can count the number of lag or RNG related deaths on one hand (maybe two). It’s easy to blame those things, but a few second hiccup won’t typically kill you if you were on top of the fight. More often than not, these are excuses for and not the cause of deaths.

@Oreyn_Bearclaw True, to a point. I'll bet though, you've never had to deal with Australian lag.

smoothscape · August 2018

Use an addon like 'raid notifier'
It will warn you of some incomming mechanics with an on-screen text.
Also: change the 'red circle' to a color that draws your attention even more. (can be done in game settings)

GreenHere · August 2018

smoothscape wrote: »

Use an addon like 'raid notifier'
It will warn you of some incomming mechanics with an on-screen text.
Also: change the 'red circle' to a color that draws your attention even more. (can be done in game settings)

Two more excellent tips! One only applies to PC players, but turning up the brightness / changing the color on the enemy effects is a HUGE help! Good thing that's an in-game setting. (It's under Gameplay)

I'm glad so many people who are working through Maelstrom are getting some help here

Neoauspex · August 2018

Pro tip: do not try to jump over the picnic table when running back to the portal, the range of the book on there is OP.

Oreyn_Bearclaw · August 2018

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Step 9. If you died, you did something wrong.

Or... you have lag issues like the clannfear killing you while invisible, spamming break free but it doesn't work for 2-3 secs, or else getting knocked back and sliding across the arena, helpless to react to anything.

@LadyLethalla

Lag can always kill you in any online game, but I stand by my statement, especially when applied to first-timers. I have run this arena hundreds of times and I can count the number of lag or RNG related deaths on one hand (maybe two). It’s easy to blame those things, but a few second hiccup won’t typically kill you if you were on top of the fight. More often than not, these are excuses for and not the cause of deaths.

@Oreyn_Bearclaw True, to a point. I'll bet though, you've never had to deal with Australian lag.

I have not, nor do I have much experience on console. My real point was that a lot of new people think that VMA is impossible because of RNG and Lag. 99% of the time, that's not the real issue.

LadyLethalla · August 2018

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Step 9. If you died, you did something wrong.

Or... you have lag issues like the clannfear killing you while invisible, spamming break free but it doesn't work for 2-3 secs, or else getting knocked back and sliding across the arena, helpless to react to anything.

@LadyLethalla

Lag can always kill you in any online game, but I stand by my statement, especially when applied to first-timers. I have run this arena hundreds of times and I can count the number of lag or RNG related deaths on one hand (maybe two). It’s easy to blame those things, but a few second hiccup won’t typically kill you if you were on top of the fight. More often than not, these are excuses for and not the cause of deaths.

@Oreyn_Bearclaw True, to a point. I'll bet though, you've never had to deal with Australian lag.

I have not, nor do I have much experience on console. My real point was that a lot of new people think that VMA is impossible because of RNG and Lag. 99% of the time, that's not the real issue.

Very true. It does make the learning curve a lot steeper, too, of course - I imagine that would make a certain percentage quit. It took me months to get my first clear (albeit with several long breaks btw) but I'm either overly persistent or stupidly stubborn... but eventually I got there, on an ADSL connection, and have done it over a dozen times since. (Fortunately I now have cable broadband, but at peak times I can still have an awful run.)

dangutang · August 2018

Not sure if anyone else posted these tips, but these were the 2 things that put me over the tipping point and allowed me to actually beat vMA (with an argonian magblade, which is admittedly already relatively easy from what i understand...but some of this will still apply).

1. Use a prismatic enchant on daedra rounds. Specifically, for burning those crematorial guards in the last round. This made a HUGE difference for me.

2. Optimizing skillbar / simplifying rotation. There's so much to pay attention to, I just wanted to be able to throw down my aoe dots, shoot things, and shield/heal. No worrying about maintaining buffs or weapon-swapping. Unsure if this works well for others since I'm a magblade and can reliably heal from shielding while having swallow soul ticking away (also argonian potion passive....using cheap magicka pots also gives back some health and stamina). But essentially, I ran slimecraw to avoid recasting merciless resolve, then just ran around throwing out twisting path and elemental blockade, firing off swallow soul, and shielding when i needed to. Slotted inner light for the passive. Ultimates were soul harvest (front bar) and destro ult (backbar).

Runefang · August 2018

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Step 9. If you died, you did something wrong.

Or... you have lag issues like the clannfear killing you while invisible, spamming break free but it doesn't work for 2-3 secs, or else getting knocked back and sliding across the arena, helpless to react to anything.

@LadyLethalla

Lag can always kill you in any online game, but I stand by my statement, especially when applied to first-timers. I have run this arena hundreds of times and I can count the number of lag or RNG related deaths on one hand (maybe two). It’s easy to blame those things, but a few second hiccup won’t typically kill you if you were on top of the fight. More often than not, these are excuses for and not the cause of deaths.

@Oreyn_Bearclaw True, to a point. I'll bet though, you've never had to deal with Australian lag.

I know some Aussies who consistently get 580k+ scores in vMA. Lag spikes are a real problem but high ping isn't and you can learn to deal with it.

AndyMac · August 2018

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

LadyLethalla wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Step 9. If you died, you did something wrong.

Or... you have lag issues like the clannfear killing you while invisible, spamming break free but it doesn't work for 2-3 secs, or else getting knocked back and sliding across the arena, helpless to react to anything.

@LadyLethalla

Lag can always kill you in any online game, but I stand by my statement, especially when applied to first-timers. I have run this arena hundreds of times and I can count the number of lag or RNG related deaths on one hand (maybe two). It’s easy to blame those things, but a few second hiccup won’t typically kill you if you were on top of the fight. More often than not, these are excuses for and not the cause of deaths.

@Oreyn_Bearclaw True, to a point. I'll bet though, you've never had to deal with Australian lag.

Yes, I run at 290 ping from Melbourne if I'm lucky. Skills fire eventually and you've got to watch those double casts lol.

I always make sure I switch off all add-ons but the combat ones.

Even so I got caught in the gold ghost stun cast against the last boss yesterday - lag bombed again .

I find it's helpful to play more defensive and try to range wherever possible - especially against mobs and bosses with heavy melee damage or aoe casts.

Inarre · August 2018

My tip (for mag builds) if you are having trouble getting a complete:

Don't underestimate the resto staff.

Seriously, if you're dying a lot, backbar healing ward. Hell, FRONT bar healing ward.

Double destro is meta, and sure, it's effective. But if you don't know spawns or don't have enough power to stack and burn, the shield/heal combo (as long as you USE it) is going to save you a hell of a lot more than the dmg boost on your front bar. It can also help if your class has two skills (one heal and one shield) to condense your skill bars and invest in more dots. Slot comet in your ult slot instead of obligatory destro skill and run sharpened if needed to get close to pen cap (12.8k for most rounds).

I've cleared many a time and STILL prefer to run front bar resto.

Bevik · August 2018

For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them.

For the ice stage I suggest to go for the ice mages as fast as possible if no trolls around. Then archers and close combat mobs. Leave the big mobs. They are slow and easy to dodge their attacks.

One of the best tip is NEVER STOP MOVING! Seriously running around and putting dots down burning mobs down need you to be focused and never stationary.

Have a strong skill like Force Pulse on your bar to fast kill some mobs.

GreenHere · August 2018

Bevik wrote: »

For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them.

For the ice stage I suggest to go for the ice mages as fast as possible if no trolls around. Then archers and close combat mobs. Leave the big mobs. They are slow and easy to dodge their attacks.

One of the best tip is NEVER STOP MOVING! Seriously running around and putting dots down burning mobs down need you to be focused and never stationary.

Have a strong skill like Force Pulse on your bar to fast kill some mobs.

I know for a fact all those other tips are solid, but this...

"For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them."

DOES THAT ACTUALLY WORK?!?! How have I never known this?! lol

You just strafe closely around them? I know running away doesn't avoid the fire well.

Bevik · August 2018

GreenHere wrote: »

Bevik wrote: »

For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them.

For the ice stage I suggest to go for the ice mages as fast as possible if no trolls around. Then archers and close combat mobs. Leave the big mobs. They are slow and easy to dodge their attacks.

One of the best tip is NEVER STOP MOVING! Seriously running around and putting dots down burning mobs down need you to be focused and never stationary.

Have a strong skill like Force Pulse on your bar to fast kill some mobs.

I know for a fact all those other tips are solid, but this...

"For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them."

DOES THAT ACTUALLY WORK?!?! How have I never known this?! lol

You just strafe closely around them? I know running away doesn't avoid the fire well.

Run around them. They turn slower than you can run around.

GreenHere · August 2018

Bevik wrote: »

GreenHere wrote: »

Bevik wrote: »

For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them.

For the ice stage I suggest to go for the ice mages as fast as possible if no trolls around. Then archers and close combat mobs. Leave the big mobs. They are slow and easy to dodge their attacks.

One of the best tip is NEVER STOP MOVING! Seriously running around and putting dots down burning mobs down need you to be focused and never stationary.

Have a strong skill like Force Pulse on your bar to fast kill some mobs.

I know for a fact all those other tips are solid, but this...

"For killing the Crematorium Guard in the last round best tip is when they heat up they are going red and flames around them. Then they start spitting fire on your face. Just run around them closely. Fire won't touch you. This way is so easy to kill them."

DOES THAT ACTUALLY WORK?!?! How have I never known this?! lol

You just strafe closely around them? I know running away doesn't avoid the fire well.

Run around them. They turn slower than you can run around.

lol... Wish I knew this so long ago! Thanks for the tip, that's a good one.

Those big ol' crocodile hulks used to give me serious trouble.

ramasurinenpreub18_ESO · August 2018

One tip for stage 6 that I never see in these tip threads is to use the hoarvors for more than just unwebbing the pillars. If you have time lure one close to whatever boss you're fighting and kill it. Grab the green blob it leaves behind with the synergy key and throw it on the boss, or wait for it to explode underneath them. It debuffs them massively, for about 10 seconds, making them *much* easier to kill. It works especially well on the final boss and her little spit-snaring minion. Can usually get them both with one toss.

This same mechanic works for killing the flesh atronachs fast in ICP.

GreenHere · August 2018

ramasurinenpreub18_ESO wrote: »

One tip for stage 6 that I never see in these tip threads is to use the hoarvors for more than just unwebbing the pillars. If you have time lure one close to whatever boss you're fighting and kill it. Grab the green blob it leaves behind with the synergy key and throw it on the boss, or wait for it to explode underneath them. It debuffs them massively, for about 10 seconds, making them *much* easier to kill. It works especially well on the final boss and her little spit-snaring minion. Can usually get them both with one toss.

This same mechanic works for killing the flesh atronachs fast in ICP.

Definitely gonna try this! Never knew this was a thing, thanks.

Hostee · August 2018

"Difficulty is not the primary obstacle you will face. Rather you will be challenged mentally because vMA will attack your self-confidence, your patience, and your fortitude. You will die. Repeatedly. You will be humbled. You will doubt your ESO competence." - the best statement i have seen about VMA

Thogard · August 2018

For final stage, an infused weapon/staff with a prismatic onslaught glyph will work wonders.

Mureel · August 2018

Alcest wrote: »

my firsts VMA runs i finished with very easy sorc pet build: elegant+necropotence+monster set i dont remember what exactly it was.. it was super easy build cus all what i had to do is click left mouse button and empowered ward button so all my attention concentrated on environment, not on complicated rotations.on last arena i was using overload ulti to destroy those stones asap..

also, use blood mara for last 2 arenas...

You can just use the bloody mara (1 per vamp level) to drop vamp lvl then go back to your preferred food.

Mureel · August 2018

mocap wrote: »

colossalvoids wrote: »

And if you enraged before your enemy does - just leave it for some time and get your head clear before stepping again. Drink something or go outside, it will really help to stay sane here;)

good advice. More mistakes -> more rage -> even more mistakes. Take a lil break between stages.
Also, start arena only when login! Not after you already played like 3 hours )

I beat this arena today for the first time with idiotic gear and without using Sigils most of the time. It's not that hard, especially the fact that you continue from last round, not from the beginning.

Yeah if you're already screen worn, or say helping people clear something else, that's the worst time to learn VMA.

Agree 100%

Huyen · August 2018

Last time I did it and got stuck at the poison stage. That was about a year ago. Might try it again on my magdk, but as the vMA weapon messes with my gearbuild right now, I dont see myself doing it soon...

visionality · August 2018

Only one tip - read this guide: https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/381682/joys-new-and-improved-guide-to-beating-maelstrom-arena

The absolutely best guide around for vMA-beginners. It's honest and straightforward und teaches you all the mechanics that you need to know. And most importantly its absolutely open about one basic wisdom: You cannot beat vMA with some great build and some cool tips, you have to learn it stage for stage (and suffer while doing that - like everybody else)

rumple9 · August 2018

Thogard wrote: »

For final stage, an infused weapon/staff with a prismatic onslaught glyph will work wonders.

Going to be expensive to put a 14k rune on evetytime just for one fight and you will gimp yourself against the crystal stage which is the hardest part

Splattercat_83 · August 2018

notyuu wrote: »

Stinkyremy wrote: »

I don't understand why people say it is so hard.
I tried it at a stam dk at 300cp with mediocre gear, got to round 3 then gave up. Did it today with a mag dk (orc) 4 hours 15 mins, then just respec my main (nord) dk to get the achievement on my main, did it in 2 hours 10 mins.
I'm sure after perfecting the spawn and refining my build I could get the flawless and get my time down to at least 1 hour 30 mins after only a few more tries.

EDIT: I didn't touch a sigil in any of my runs too

becasue I'm a templar and get turned into a pincushon every time there's so much as 3 enemy archers..

Perfect time to pick up the shield sigil and let them kill themselves.

nickl413 · August 2018

For those of you who have lag issues, unless you're on the other side of the planet from the server, the issues are probably on your end. Turn off all unnecessary add-ons, especially those that store a lot of info. Master Merchant, Inventory Insight and Harvest Map are some of the worst offenders when it comes to lag issues. Keep your PC's back ground processes to a minimum. Set your graphics to a lower setting.

Bevik · August 2018

nickl413 wrote: »

For those of you who have lag issues, unless you're on the other side of the planet from the server, the issues are probably on your end. Turn off all unnecessary add-ons, especially those that store a lot of info. Master Merchant, Inventory Insight and Harvest Map are some of the worst offenders when it comes to lag issues. Keep your PC's back ground processes to a minimum. Set your graphics to a lower setting.

If you are not new to this game you should know that every single event generate a ridiculous amount of server side lag and delay. Nothing we can do about it. I mean seriously. EVERY SINGLE TIME when we have any event or just free weekend or whatever couple of things are going wrong. One is skill delay and lag spikes. And to be honest they are the worst during vMA event in vMA. I was doing vMA every day since the event is going and it is a pure joke.