Explanation why noone uses Dark Flare, sustain doesn't matter

lQrukl · May 2022

2 weeks ago first patch notes of new chapter came with this "incredible" balance solution:

In spite of the unequivocal feedback, situation with this spell hasn't changed still, as it hasn't changed for many years. So I has to do this post. It makes me sad that I need to explain to dev game they make.
But I care and I must, even if I would getting ignored again, as all this time before.
Because state of this spell is already on the verge of absurdity.

==== VS ====

Verdiction: Solar/Dark flare is s***. I deeply apologize to the people who designed this ability and probably still think it's pretty well. But no, it's just bad.
Noone uses it, noone has ever used it except for a rarest couple pvp builds that was actual eons ago.
You could make it to cost nothing or even to restore magica. It won't help.

I've been dreaming of rangeplar ever since I started playing eso. Templar is my favorite class. I even completed Godslayer as magplar-dd.
And was terribly hard with my out-of-meta argonian race!
So for me personally, such balance changes look like a mockery.

Please, this ability really needs attention, true attention.
Peace.

Mr_Stach · May 2022

This is a nice breakdown, from this information I would suggest nerfing any skill in that has any use in the Wardens Toolkit, maybe making the Delay on Scorch and it's skills 5 seconds vs 3 that should balance out things nicely, maybe inflict the caster with Major Breach instead of the enemy.

Jokes Aside, I completely agree with your assessment. I'd love to see Dark Flare to get some love..... Also I hate Sweeps. It's too good and it kills me too fast.

James-Wayne · May 2022

Totally agree. This skill is the perfect ranged spammable we need and once upon a time I use it for just that in PvP but its so underwhelming compared to other options its just not used.... maybe change to a stam ability and add some utility if they dont want to change damage.

BalticBlues · May 2022

Totally agree. Nobody uses Solar Flares - A USELESS SKILL FOR YEARS NOW.
In PvP, flares even do not hit targets anymore because these days targets are moving faster...

Two possible suggestions to make flares worthwhile again:
1. Solar Flares should grant Major Brutality/Sorcery to make them worthwhile.
2. Solar Flares travel time needs to be reduced to the same travel time as Crystal Shards.

lQrukl · May 2022

Btw, I just noticed that I didn’t even include monstrous heal from Puncturing Sweep in comparison table imaao
So table was updated ':D

jaws343 · May 2022

Honestly, this and the hard cast frags really just need the interrupt removed. Skills designed as spammables should not be interruptible, even if they have a cast time. The cast time is already the penalty for using the skill.

Necrotech_Master · May 2022

i think the problem i have with dark/solar flare is that it doesnt have the range, with the cast time and dmg and some other effects nearly identical to the bow snipe, this skill could be considered a "magicka" snipe even though its only accessible with a templar it would still give it more use if it had the same range as snipe

snipe currently already has nearly identical stats, except it has a much higher base range (35 meter, or 40 meters if using focused aim morph)

cast times are currently identical, and they do similar dmg

the empower buff on solar flare is useless, but dark flare has major defile, which would be balanced with snipes lethal arrow morph which applies minor defile and poisoned status effect

if solar flare and dark flare were changed to be 35 meter range to compete with snipe, i could see this being somewhat viable in pvp as a magicka version of snipe (since most stam builds are primarily melee outside of the bow it would be even except this is limited to a class, instead of a weapon skill)

starlizard70ub17_ESO · May 2022

I have to agree with your assessment, dark/solar flare's range, cast time and damage are all below average. Once in combat, the cast time takes too long and it's damage is too weak to use as an opener. Every once in a while I try dark/solar flare again and it usually take an hour or so to remind me why I don't use the skill.

tsaescishoeshiner · May 2022

I use Dark Flare for PvP, and am looking forward to the cost reduction. It used to do like 50% more damage, but the AoE major defile is nice.

Personally, all I would like on it is a little self heal or some defense. It's very exposing to cast and lacks nice passives and bonuses like Snipe has.

Imo it shouldn't be balanced for PvE, where there are already good ranged spammable choices.

notyuu · May 2022

Well I don't use dark flare for the following reasons
1: it has a cast time
2: the travel time is bad
3: the animation is stupid
4: the damage is a joke

merpins · May 2022

BalticBlues wrote: »

Totally agree. Nobody uses Solar Flares - A USELESS SKILL FOR YEARS NOW.
In PvP, flares even do not hit targets anymore because these days targets are moving faster...

Two possible suggestions to make flares worthwhile again:
1. Solar Flares should grant Major Brutality/Sorcery to make them worthwhile.
2. Solar Flares travel time needs to be reduced to the same travel time as Crystal Shards.

I use Solar Flare. It's actually a really good DPS increase with 12 seconds of empower, and comparable damage to any decent dot. It's only good if you can fit it on your bar, but I was able to when they nerfed Necrotic Orb.

BlossomDead · May 2022

Why should every templar skill perform exceptionally well? They are already overtuned.

Joosef_Kivikilpi · May 2022

One of many reasons I log into my Nightblade, think about why, then immediately log off and go play a different game.

lQrukl · July 2022

Updated according patch 8.1.0