Options for ranged dps

Joxer61 · September 2020

So.....in looking at what the options are for ranged dps (sans bow, just cuz), what we got....
Sorc
Magblade
Warden
Necro
Thats it right? I mean to me it is kinda silly that the magic versions of Templar and Dk (i really love fire damage)are melee, kinda defeats the purpose and the feel of being a "mage" Yes, i could use good ol Force Pulse or that yucky Ele Weapon and stay ranged but not really, not with those two.
Where am I headed with all this...not sure really. Trying to talk myself into a class I reckon. Necro is still clunky, NB visually is just blah although damage is hooray and Sorc....not a fan of pets and I have a Warden...looking for a change.
SO what have folks found to both beneficial and "fun"? And I know that fun word is very subjective in that everyones version of it is different. But why do you play which ranged class/build? What brought you to it and what keeps you playing it?

Joxer61 · September 2020

Nevermind…sorted it. But feel free to comment if so moved...

Atherakhia · September 2020

I'd be hesitant to include Warden and Necro on this list. The main damage mechanic for Warden is the shalk and they are mid range at best. Necromancer blast bones have a similar problem. You can only ever have 1 blast bone out at a time, so the further away from the target you are the longer the 'cooldown' for when you can recast this. If you're in PvE, you'll want to be near melee range at all times so you can maximize your DPS by casting 1 blast bone every 3rd skill. If you're not in melee rangte you'd have to cast these every 4th skill. Nightblade has options as they don't need to use concealed weapon as a spammable in PvE, but in PvP they most certainly will. Not class specific, but another concern is the orb in the undaunted line. You will need to be mid range to make use of this as well.

When all is said and done, Sorc is really the only true 'long range' magic DPS in this game while the other classes have significant trade offs attached to them. It's also worth noting that in PvE, regardless of stam or mag, you're all balled up on a boss's butt regardless so you're really not playing at range anyway.

Vevvev · September 2020

I don't believe magDK defeats the purpose of being a mage. Some of the most powerful spells in the Elder Scrolls are touch spells, and I used them heavily in Morrowind and Oblivion. MagDKs thrive in CQC as well making ranged options actually a detriment to their fighting style.

I understand the desire for a ranged option for the class but the old Stone Giant was taken and turned into a stamina ability. The class is just not designed for long range because of the fact all its ardent flame abilities snare targets so they struggle to get away, and then they get powerful gap closers like leap and chains to go with their melee ranged skills.

That being said... I do sometimes run Force Shock for the 10% spell resistance ignore even at melee range. Combine it with Degeneration and it does give you a nice ranged opener before you close the gap.