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How I'm I supposed to complete vMA with the current state of MagSorcs?

Istyar
Istyar
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Title.

Just how? I dont have shields anymore!
Should I invest all in health and just ignore DPS? I really don't know what to do. I won't roll a new char, I want to play MY sorcerer ZOS.

Any ideas?
Istyar ~ Sorcerer - Aldmeri Dominion - Savior of Nirn - Hero of Tamriel

Istyar, the old sorcerer from Summerset Isles, Master of the Old Ways of the Psjiic Order and Grand Master of the Illusion and Mysticism Divison of Aldmeri Dominion Army.

Check the UESP and learn more about TES universe: https://www.uesp.net/wiki/Main_Page
  • starkerealm
    starkerealm
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    Put some points in health, sacrifice some DPS. That'll bring up your shields a bit too. You'll be fine.
  • DeadlyRecluse
    DeadlyRecluse
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    Like every other magicka toon does it.

    Healing ward still works fine in there, it's not rocket science. You just have to actually cast responsively instead of proactively.
    Thrice Empress, Forever Scrub
  • ArchMikem
    ArchMikem
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    Slot Power Surge. Use Power Surge. Do Damage.

    If I can manage to get Stormproof on a squishy StamSorc at melee, then you can obviously do it on a MagSorc at range.
    CP2,100 Master Explorer - AvA Two Star Warlord - Console Peasant - Khajiiti Aficionado - The Clan
    Quest Objective: OMG Go Talk To That Kitty!
  • GrigorijMalahevich
    GrigorijMalahevich
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    Whatever build you run - you can always put 3 health enchants on your jewellery (if it is for sale, just buy healthy jewellery it will be cheap as chips) and run chudan, it will affect your DPS but your survivability will just rocket and vMA is not about DPS anyway.

    Run two stat food.
    PC/EU 800 CP.
    PvP MagSorc.
    Pedro Gonzales - Mag Sorc EP vMA Flawless Conqueror clear http://imgur.com/a/CB6j6
    Valera Progib - Stam Sorc DC vMA Flawless Conqueror clear https://i.imgur.com/eYgpXG2.png
    Valera Pozhar - Mag DK EP vMA Flawless Conqueror clear http://imgur.com/a/jrsuK
    Valera Podlechi - Mag Templar AD vMA Flawless Conqueror clear http://imgur.com/a/N0BYq
  • Valrien
    Valrien
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    Whatever build you run - you can always put 3 health enchants on your jewellery (if it is for sale, just buy healthy jewellery it will be cheap as chips) and run chudan, it will affect your DPS but your survivability will just rocket and vMA is not about DPS anyway.

    Run two stat food.

    vMA is 100% about DPS. The more damage you do, the more mechanics you skip
    Valrien Dravic -- Level 50 Dunmeri Sorcerer (EP)
    Garahel Dravic -- Level 50 Bosmeri Nightblade (EP)
    Tamriel Unlimited was a mistake. One Tamriel was a bigger mistake
  • LeagueTroll
    LeagueTroll
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    I duuno man, just got 550k on stam sorc. Too bad you insist to do on mag.
  • SoLooney
    SoLooney
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    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums
  • Androconium
    Androconium
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    Istyar wrote: »
    Title.

    Just how? I dont have shields anymore!
    Should I invest all in health and just ignore DPS? I really don't know what to do. I won't roll a new char, I want to play MY sorcerer ZOS.

    Any ideas?

    You missed it. You are supposed to reinvest time in learning a different strategy.
    Don't forget to renew your subscription.
  • Istyar
    Istyar
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    I duuno man, just got 550k on stam sorc. Too bad you insist to do on mag.

    Might as well just change to stamSorc...
    Istyar ~ Sorcerer - Aldmeri Dominion - Savior of Nirn - Hero of Tamriel

    Istyar, the old sorcerer from Summerset Isles, Master of the Old Ways of the Psjiic Order and Grand Master of the Illusion and Mysticism Divison of Aldmeri Dominion Army.

    Check the UESP and learn more about TES universe: https://www.uesp.net/wiki/Main_Page
  • Istyar
    Istyar
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    Istyar wrote: »
    Title.

    Just how? I dont have shields anymore!
    Should I invest all in health and just ignore DPS? I really don't know what to do. I won't roll a new char, I want to play MY sorcerer ZOS.

    Any ideas?

    You missed it. You are supposed to reinvest time in learning a different strategy.
    Don't forget to renew your subscription.

    Oh yeah, I won't be doing that anytime soon.
    Istyar ~ Sorcerer - Aldmeri Dominion - Savior of Nirn - Hero of Tamriel

    Istyar, the old sorcerer from Summerset Isles, Master of the Old Ways of the Psjiic Order and Grand Master of the Illusion and Mysticism Divison of Aldmeri Dominion Army.

    Check the UESP and learn more about TES universe: https://www.uesp.net/wiki/Main_Page
  • Istyar
    Istyar
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    I duuno man, just got 550k on stam sorc. Too bad you insist to do on mag.

    Do you mind sharing your build? Would it work on a altmer?
    Istyar ~ Sorcerer - Aldmeri Dominion - Savior of Nirn - Hero of Tamriel

    Istyar, the old sorcerer from Summerset Isles, Master of the Old Ways of the Psjiic Order and Grand Master of the Illusion and Mysticism Divison of Aldmeri Dominion Army.

    Check the UESP and learn more about TES universe: https://www.uesp.net/wiki/Main_Page
  • code65536
    code65536
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    Just play as before. You'll have less margin of error, and it'll require more careful play.

    The people at the top of the vMA leaderboards rarely use their shields and sometimes don't even slot a shield.

    I'm not saying that it'll be easy, though. It'll take a bit of getting used to and more awareness about the sources of damage. But it's doable, no changes necessary.

    Also, as someone pointed out, the best way to avoid damage in vMA is to kill things before they can damage you. So sacrificing DPS is not recommended.
    Nightfighters ― PC/NA and PC/EU

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    Media: YouTubeTwitch
  • GrigorijMalahevich
    GrigorijMalahevich
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Whatever build you run - you can always put 3 health enchants on your jewellery (if it is for sale, just buy healthy jewellery it will be cheap as chips) and run chudan, it will affect your DPS but your survivability will just rocket and vMA is not about DPS anyway.

    Run two stat food.

    vMA is 100% about DPS. The more damage you do, the more mechanics you skip

    If this guy can’t complete it on magsorc - he definitely doesn’t need more damage. It becomes about damage when you know priority of every round then you start skipping mechanics by overdpsing.
    PC/EU 800 CP.
    PvP MagSorc.
    Pedro Gonzales - Mag Sorc EP vMA Flawless Conqueror clear http://imgur.com/a/CB6j6
    Valera Progib - Stam Sorc DC vMA Flawless Conqueror clear https://i.imgur.com/eYgpXG2.png
    Valera Pozhar - Mag DK EP vMA Flawless Conqueror clear http://imgur.com/a/jrsuK
    Valera Podlechi - Mag Templar AD vMA Flawless Conqueror clear http://imgur.com/a/N0BYq
  • LeagueTroll
    LeagueTroll
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    Istyar wrote: »
    I duuno man, just got 550k on stam sorc. Too bad you insist to do on mag.

    Do you mind sharing your build? Would it work on a altmer?

    Vo and night mother gaze, i used kragh but slime claw will be better. Altmer will def not be ideal. Pots run weapon crit / stam / health.
  • Valrien
    Valrien
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    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC
    Valrien Dravic -- Level 50 Dunmeri Sorcerer (EP)
    Garahel Dravic -- Level 50 Bosmeri Nightblade (EP)
    Tamriel Unlimited was a mistake. One Tamriel was a bigger mistake
  • ccmedaddy
    ccmedaddy
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    Few suggestions (while I resist the urge to join the snark train):
    1) Pay more attention to mechanics. Stuff like Crematorial Guard flame breath is easily avoidable if you know how--that's how stam chars survive it.
    2) Wear a defensive monster set. I'm partial to Iceheart on mag toons because it's a free 8k shield every rotation and the shield value can ben brought up to over 10k if you put points into Bastion.
    3) Make sure to have Major Ward/Resolve up at all times.
    4) Slot Temporal Guard on the front bar, and destro ult back bar. It gives you a free shield w/ block AND minor protection. Can be clutch af at times.
    Edited by ccmedaddy on October 26, 2018 8:13PM
  • Caligamy_ESO
    Caligamy_ESO
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    Well since they made pets complete and total trash in vMA you now have 4 slots to work in psijic skills into your bars for the barrier passive you get for blocking, it makes a 6.2k shield with 40k magicka and 17k health that stacks with empowered/hardened ward quite easily.
    love is love
  • Toc de Malsvi
    Toc de Malsvi
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Whatever build you run - you can always put 3 health enchants on your jewellery (if it is for sale, just buy healthy jewellery it will be cheap as chips) and run chudan, it will affect your DPS but your survivability will just rocket and vMA is not about DPS anyway.

    Run two stat food.

    vMA is 100% about DPS. The more damage you do, the more mechanics you skip

    No, just no. Scoreboard runs are about dps, doing VMA for gear or completion has nothing to do with dps. It can reliably be completed in an hour and a half with setups doing only 20-25k dps. Skipping mechanics is only cheesing it, if you know the mechanics its incredibly easy as highlighted by all those doing weird runs like using the broom as a weapon.
    Legendary Archer of Valenwood
    Bosmer Dragon Knight Archer. XBox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Nightblade Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Sorcerer Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Warden Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Templar's are evil..
  • Toc de Malsvi
    Toc de Malsvi
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    Valrien wrote: »
    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC

    Magicka Sorcerer is more than viable and doesn't need shields to complete VMA. Claiming Mag Sorc isn't viable in VMA is 100% L2P.
    Legendary Archer of Valenwood
    Bosmer Dragon Knight Archer. XBox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Nightblade Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Sorcerer Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Warden Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Templar's are evil..
  • jaws343
    jaws343
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    code65536 wrote: »
    Just play as before. You'll have less margin of error, and it'll require more careful play.

    The people at the top of the vMA leaderboards rarely use their shields and sometimes don't even slot a shield.

    I'm not saying that it'll be easy, though. It'll take a bit of getting used to and more awareness about the sources of damage. But it's doable, no changes necessary.

    Also, as someone pointed out, the best way to avoid damage in vMA is to kill things before they can damage you. So sacrificing DPS is not recommended.

    Lol. The ridiculousness of this post.

    OP "I am having a hard time playing with the shield changes"

    This post: "Well you just have to perform like someone at the top of the leaderboards"

    I am sure those top tier leaderboards players all started out playing like that immediately and didn't need any time to get better with their build, more likely than not using shields to do so.
  • Kingslayer513
    Kingslayer513
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    Istyar wrote: »
    Title.

    Just how? I dont have shields anymore!
    Should I invest all in health and just ignore DPS? I really don't know what to do. I won't roll a new char, I want to play MY sorcerer ZOS.

    Any ideas?

    L2P? Shields were always just training wheels for difficult PVE content. Once you git gud you won't even need to use shields anymore.

    If you aren't already at cp cap, maybe level up more. That'll also make vMA a walk in the park.
  • Valrien
    Valrien
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    Valrien wrote: »
    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC

    Magicka Sorcerer is more than viable and doesn't need shields to complete VMA. Claiming Mag Sorc isn't viable in VMA is 100% L2P.

    And that's not what I responded to. I responded to a post saying that because OP doesn't want to switch to a new class he/she is "whining"
    Edited by Valrien on October 26, 2018 9:01PM
    Valrien Dravic -- Level 50 Dunmeri Sorcerer (EP)
    Garahel Dravic -- Level 50 Bosmeri Nightblade (EP)
    Tamriel Unlimited was a mistake. One Tamriel was a bigger mistake
  • ZonasArch
    ZonasArch
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    Istyar wrote: »
    Title.

    Just how? I dont have shields anymore!
    Should I invest all in health and just ignore DPS? I really don't know what to do. I won't roll a new char, I want to play MY sorcerer ZOS.

    Any ideas?

    Try, maybe, getting self-heals, don't stand in stupid, boost health to boost both Shields and your own survivability and finally, understand that all that together means adapting/l2p. Giving up some damage for survivability is exactly what the devs wanted since you should absolutely not be able to go full damage without sacrifices on other aspects. Otherwise you would have everyone full damage, full tank and full heal, at once. If it sounds stupid, that's because it is.

    So yeah... It'll take you a little bit longer but you'll be just fine like everyone else. Not as dynamic but a little more challenging as you now have to actually play some strats using environment, positioning and watching for you butt. You're a mag sorc DPS, not a tank. You're supposed to be squishy and work around it.


    Btw... All other mags, they also run light armor, but not shield stacking, and it was never an issue. Just takes a bit of practice to play the actual game as a whole instead of playing just the character.
    Edited by ZonasArch on October 26, 2018 9:08PM
  • Kingslayer513
    Kingslayer513
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Whatever build you run - you can always put 3 health enchants on your jewellery (if it is for sale, just buy healthy jewellery it will be cheap as chips) and run chudan, it will affect your DPS but your survivability will just rocket and vMA is not about DPS anyway.

    Run two stat food.

    vMA is 100% about DPS. The more damage you do, the more mechanics you skip

    No, just no. Scoreboard runs are about dps, doing VMA for gear or completion has nothing to do with dps. It can reliably be completed in an hour and a half with setups doing only 20-25k dps. Skipping mechanics is only cheesing it, if you know the mechanics its incredibly easy as highlighted by all those doing weird runs like using the broom as a weapon.

    Skipping mechanics is the wrong way to put it. However, the more dps you do, the less time you spend facing difficult mechanics. The less time spent facing mechanics, the less errors you make.

    vMA is orders of magnitude easier if you're pumping out high damage.
  • Toc de Malsvi
    Toc de Malsvi
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Valrien wrote: »
    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC

    Magicka Sorcerer is more than viable and doesn't need shields to complete VMA. Claiming Mag Sorc isn't viable in VMA is 100% L2P.

    And that's not what I responded to. I responded to a post saying that because OP doesn't want to switch to a new class he/she is "whining"

    I think the point of the post you responded to was that the OP should spec for more damage. If the OP still had trouble with more damage in his/her spec, then maybe switch classes as it might be a user problem related to how the class is being played more so than the viability of the class to do the content. I do not read that as the poster claiming that the OP should only switch, but should switch if more damage does not fix the situation.
    Legendary Archer of Valenwood
    Bosmer Dragon Knight Archer. XBox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Nightblade Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Sorcerer Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Bosmer Warden Archer. Xbox One. (Flawless Conqueror Bow/Bow)
    Templar's are evil..
  • Kingslayer513
    Kingslayer513
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Valrien wrote: »
    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC

    Magicka Sorcerer is more than viable and doesn't need shields to complete VMA. Claiming Mag Sorc isn't viable in VMA is 100% L2P.

    And that's not what I responded to. I responded to a post saying that because OP doesn't want to switch to a new class he/she is "whining"

    Nah, you responded to a post saying spec more damage or make a new class instead of whining. Don't exaggerate.
  • ZonasArch
    ZonasArch
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Whatever build you run - you can always put 3 health enchants on your jewellery (if it is for sale, just buy healthy jewellery it will be cheap as chips) and run chudan, it will affect your DPS but your survivability will just rocket and vMA is not about DPS anyway.

    Run two stat food.

    vMA is 100% about DPS. The more damage you do, the more mechanics you skip

    No, just no. Scoreboard runs are about dps, doing VMA for gear or completion has nothing to do with dps. It can reliably be completed in an hour and a half with setups doing only 20-25k dps. Skipping mechanics is only cheesing it, if you know the mechanics its incredibly easy as highlighted by all those doing weird runs like using the broom as a weapon.

    Let me stop you right there. Broom, weird?! So that's why people look at me funny in dungeons!!!
  • Valrien
    Valrien
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    Valrien wrote: »
    Valrien wrote: »
    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC

    Magicka Sorcerer is more than viable and doesn't need shields to complete VMA. Claiming Mag Sorc isn't viable in VMA is 100% L2P.

    And that's not what I responded to. I responded to a post saying that because OP doesn't want to switch to a new class he/she is "whining"

    I think the point of the post you responded to was that the OP should spec for more damage. If the OP still had trouble with more damage in his/her spec, then maybe switch classes as it might be a user problem related to how the class is being played more so than the viability of the class to do the content. I do not read that as the poster claiming that the OP should only switch, but should switch if more damage does not fix the situation.
    Valrien wrote: »
    Valrien wrote: »
    SoLooney wrote: »
    Spec more damage or make a new class

    "I'm too stubborn to make changes"

    Sounds like the typical whiner on the forums

    To be fair, why shouldn't his magicka Sorcerer be viable?

    There is no GOOD reason why even one class has to be unplayable, let alone at least one per DLC

    Magicka Sorcerer is more than viable and doesn't need shields to complete VMA. Claiming Mag Sorc isn't viable in VMA is 100% L2P.

    And that's not what I responded to. I responded to a post saying that because OP doesn't want to switch to a new class he/she is "whining"

    Nah, you responded to a post saying spec more damage or make a new class instead of whining. Don't exaggerate.

    The OP is speccing for damage. He is wondering if he should spec more into defense because he doesn't have his shields anymore
    Edited by Valrien on October 26, 2018 9:10PM
    Valrien Dravic -- Level 50 Dunmeri Sorcerer (EP)
    Garahel Dravic -- Level 50 Bosmeri Nightblade (EP)
    Tamriel Unlimited was a mistake. One Tamriel was a bigger mistake
  • Daedric_NB_187
    Daedric_NB_187
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    ZonasArch wrote: »
    Istyar wrote: »
    Title.

    Just how? I dont have shields anymore!
    Should I invest all in health and just ignore DPS? I really don't know what to do. I won't roll a new char, I want to play MY sorcerer ZOS.

    Any ideas?

    Giving up some damage for survivability is exactly what the devs wanted since you should absolutely not be able to go full damage without sacrifices on other aspects. Otherwise you would have everyone full damage, full tank and full heal, at once. If it sounds stupid, that's because it is.

    Stamblade and Stamsorc would like a word with you.
  • MaleAmazon
    MaleAmazon
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    Just how? I dont have shields anymore!

    You have shields. You just don´t have light armor and 17k hp and big shields. Use heavy armor, use crit surge, invest in health, go to uesp or elderscrollsonline.wiki.fextralife.com and do a pass looking at all sets to adapt.

    "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, but the one most adaptable to change" - Someone, not Charles Darwin, but still true.
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