[X] My Assistant

As monster parry increases, Overpower gets better. It's good for a high level rapier. The ethereal rapier here is soulfused and probably good to the end of the game, so the main thing is that there is no Swift Strike which is totally useless at high level. Swift Strike actually benefits my rapier, but mine is low level with low stats, and best for temporary usage. After level 300 I will probably start looking for a new weapon or change to mage.

According to the wiki formula, most monsters with reasonable DEX might have 10% parry, going up to 19% parry with max chaos.
Parry = 1 - (1 - min(10 , (DEX/ 100) , (DEX - Level) / 75) / 100) * (1 - chaos_interception_rank * 0.5%)

It also says PFUDOR monsters get additional 10% parry but I don't know how that factors in, would it go up to 29% parry?

What is the calculation to determine that 20% parry and 20% counter-parry gives effective 4% more damage? (1-0.2*0.8)/(1-0.2)=5% more damage?

It also says PFUDOR monsters get additional 10% parry but I don't know how that factors in, would it go up to 29% parry?

It should be 27.1% (19 + (100-19)*0.1).
Source here.

What is the calculation to determine that 20% parry and 20% counter-parry gives effective 4% more damage? (1-0.2*0.8)/(1-0.2)=5% more damage?

You're right, I didn't scale properly so Overpower is even better.
I'll edit the previous post.

This post has been edited by Sapo84: Sep 6 2017, 23:50

Just like penetrator for mages I see no reasons not to go for OP10 with DW, unless you use a club.

I have two ethereal axes

#1
Butcher Lv.2
Swift Strike Lv.2
Fatality Lv.5
Holy Strike

#2
Butcher Lv.3
Swift Strike Lv.2
Fatality Lv.4

I want them for SG arenas, is it worth to reforge? (IMG:[invalid] style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

I have two ethereal axes

#1
Butcher Lv.2
Swift Strike Lv.2
Fatality Lv.5
Holy Strike

#2
Butcher Lv.3
Swift Strike Lv.2
Fatality Lv.4

I want them for SG arenas, is it worth to reforge? (IMG:[invalid] style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

try #1 before reforging it.

I have two ethereal axes
[snip]
I want them for SG arenas, is it worth to reforge? (IMG:[invalid] style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

Swift strike = reforge.
That's how I've always treated 1H/DW IW.

Also you're sure that you want axes for SG?
I would assume it's the kind of arenas where rapiers are probably the strongest.

Swift strike = reforge.
That's how I've always treated 1H/DW IW.

Also you're sure that you want axes for SG?
I would assume it's the kind of arenas where rapiers are probably the strongest.

It's for DW. I use an ethereal axe and a rapier of the nimble

It's for DW. I use an ethereal axe and a rapier of the nimble

usually speed bonus is already enough with DW build. but i wouldn't waste Holy strike in this case. just go for O5 + B4/F4 on offhand.

It's for DW. I use an ethereal axe and a rapier of the nimble

Umh, you still don't want swift strike since action speed reduces the damage from bleeding wounds, but on the other hand holy strike is pretty good.

I would probably still reforge, butcher is ok since an axe has a fuckton of damage, fatality and overpower are a lot stronger with DW, swift strike is really crap, it adds pretty much nothing and takes away damage.

usually speed bonus is already enough with DW build. but i wouldn't waste Holy strike in this case. just go for O5 + B4/F4 on offhand.

Yes, I'm almost ready to waste credits until I get OP5 in my offhand. And that holy strike looks good, but...

Umh, you still don't want swift strike since action speed reduces the damage from bleeding wounds

I was afraid of hearing this (IMG:[invalid] style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

I would probably still reforge, butcher is ok since an axe has a fuckton of damage, fatality and overpower are a lot stronger with DW, swift strike is really crap, it adds pretty much nothing and takes away damage.

Well, good thing I asked before soulfusing with that axe. I'll start with my offhand and do some testing with the other axe

Thank you guys

I think lololo is still medium level? Until you've become invincible, speed helps you live. If you need to decrease your speed to increase bleeding wound (DW) or counter-attack (1H) damage, you could use DW with plate/power armor to burden yourself to 0% speed. Your Swift Strike would be a wasted potency but at least not negatively useful.

How much speed does a high level DW player get? I only had 16% speed bonus before switching to 1H, and I had decent DW equipment. I guess if you attained 100% speed bonus, Swift Strike 5 would dilute to 5% effectiveness. I just remembered I only had superior wakizashi, that's probably why I was so slow.

(IMG:[i.imgur.com] https://i.imgur.com/nHXIf9ah.png)

This post has been edited by Scremaz: Sep 7 2017, 10:41

(IMG:[i.imgur.com] https://i.imgur.com/dZ7wZfVh.png)
(IMG:[i.imgur.com] https://i.imgur.com/hNpYwcNh.png)
(IMG:[i.imgur.com] https://i.imgur.com/vzR1XYoh.png)

So, I've been reading up on the wiki, and following the advice section therein, and gone with 2h + light armor playstyle.

I seem to be spending the bulk of my stamina on arenas, and finding myself not having enough hours in the day to devote to doing much else. Should I be focusing more in grindfest, item world, or some mix?

I've been reading up on 1h playstyle and it looks appealing, in particular due to counters giving overcharge pips and allowing me to use spirit stance for as long as I have spirit to fuel it. Can't currently do that with 2h style. Would 1h + shade armor work well, or should I transition armor over to power if I am going to do so? Should I wait until around level 200 to do so, or is transitioning over sooner fine?

I am concerned about the loss of melee AoE from 2h. Will the counters/playstyle in general make up for that? Or will this transition wind up slowing down my already sloth-like clear speed?

Independently of the 1h transition question, I am also curious if I am running my toon well with my current build. It feels like I am super-reliant on a lot of buffs, which take a lot of mana draughts/potions to get through even slightly difficult/lengthy content. I run Haste, Protection, Veil of Shadows, Regen, and Heartseeker. In early rounds, I use regular attacks and rely on domino strikes to clear things out quickly until overcharge gets to the 8-10 pip region, then I start working rending blow and shatter strike into the rotation, balancing overcharge pips and cooldowns. If I face boss monsters, then I work in spirit stance and/or imperil/weakness.

If I did transition over to 1h, what kind of rotation would I look at getting used to using? None of the 1h skills are AoE, so they appear more situational to me on paper. Maybe helpful vs bosses.

When I get into the 320-region I'd like to switch over to mage. The wiki says mage playstyle is "expensive" but doesn't really explain too much why. Does the cost of MP potions keep the price higher than melee, or are we talking about high-demand gear in player to player economy?

This post has been edited by Scremaz: Sep 7 2017, 10:40

you could use DW with plate/power armor to burden yourself to 0% speed. Your Swift Strike would be a wasted potency but at least not negatively useful.

I have one agile piece in my DW set, maybe I need to get a replacement. Would it be an improvement if I do that?

Also, I'm not far from 40% speed bonus with my niten set, now I wonder how much speed is enough for that style and how much for DW

As a perennial 1H melee player myself, I'll try to answer some of your questions.

Should I be focusing more in grindfest, item world, or some mix?

For a beginner, arenas are usually the best choice. Item world can get fairly brutal with the damage increase on monsters and you shouldn't even worry about getting potencies on your equipment at your level just yet. Grindfest is okay after you've done all the daily arenas, but don't expect to get too far without proper gear.

Would 1h + shade armor work well, or should I transition armor over to power if I am going to do so? Should I wait until around level 200 to do so, or is transitioning over sooner fine?

Haven't played 1H + full shade myself. I also started out as 2H + leather/shade, switched to plate/power at around 150-200 and have never looked back.

I am concerned about the loss of melee AoE from 2h. Will the counters/playstyle in general make up for that? Or will this transition wind up slowing down my already sloth-like clear speed?

A proper 1H build can clear rounds quite quickly. I don't remember there being too much of a drop in terms of clear speed after switching over from 2H.

If I did transition over to 1h, what kind of rotation would I look at getting used to using? None of the 1h skills are AoE, so they appear more situational to me on paper. Maybe helpful vs bosses.

As for the rotation, I'm using Spirit Shield, Protection and Spark of Life with Innate Arcana. If you don't yet have the IA hath perks, I suggest you start saving hath for them. Best early investment you can make.

My typical combat looks like this:

Enter combat, cast Regen, cast Heartseeker, start hitting monsters. With high counter-strike, it's like you're hitting 3-4 monsters per turn. Once I get enough pips, I activate spirit stance. As 1H, you can remain in spirit stance indefinitely thanks to the constant counters. Whenever I get enough spirit, I use OFC to one-shot the next round. Occasionally I also use mana draughts. For grindfests, I also use health/spirit draughts and Cure/Full Cure. There's really no need for potions/elixirs as 1H.

When I get into the 320-region I'd like to switch over to mage. The wiki says mage playstyle is "expensive" but doesn't really explain too much why. Does the cost of MP potions keep the price higher than melee, or are we talking about high-demand gear in player to player economy?

The cost of potions, scrolls and other mage consumables is largely irrelevant to high-end mages, since they're making so much cash that they can easily afford those.

The main difference is the cost of equipment and upgrading. A high-end Power Armor of Slaughter piece can go for 10m+ at auctions, while high-end Charged mage armor can go for 40m+ and Radiant pieces can fetch 100m+. Upgrading also is a huge factor. A full set of power armor requires Repurposed Actuators (about 60k each) and thousands of High-Grade Metals (about 800 each), while a full set of cotton/phase armor requires Cristallized Phazons (about 200k each) and thousands of High-Grade Cloth (about 18k each). So the overall upgrade cost is insanely higher for mages. And you need good upgrades to get good clear speeds.

Hope that answered it for you (IMG:[invalid] style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think lololo is still medium level? Until you've become invincible, speed helps you live. If you need to decrease your speed to increase bleeding wound (DW) or counter-attack (1H) damage, you could use DW with plate/power armor to burden yourself to 0% speed. Your Swift Strike would be a wasted potency but at least not negatively useful.

How much speed does a high level DW player get? I only had 16% speed bonus before switching to 1H, and I had decent DW equipment. I guess if you attained 100% speed bonus, Swift Strike 5 would dilute to 5% effectiveness. I just remembered I only had superior wakizashi, that's probably why I was so slow.

No, speed doesn't help you to live that much. OK, attack speed will probably reduce the amount of attacks (in particular spirits) that you will receive, but it will also reduce the amount of BW damage you'll inflict and will allow you to get Regen+Health draught heal less often.

I don't think even high level can reach 100% speed bonus, even with a full forged Peerless Shadowdancer and all the things.

There's really no need for potions/elixirs as 1H.

Not if you over purchased health potions (like me). I use potion instead of Cure and yet my potion count is standing still at 30k.

As a perennial 1H melee player myself, I'll try to answer some of your questions.
For a beginner, arenas are usually the best choice. Item world can get fairly brutal with the damage increase on monsters and you shouldn't even worry about getting potencies on your equipment at your level just yet. Grindfest is okay after you've done all the daily arenas, but don't expect to get too far without proper gear.
Haven't played 1H + full shade myself. I also started out as 2H + leather/shade, switched to plate/power at around 150-200 and have never looked back.
A proper 1H build can clear rounds quite quickly. I don't remember there being too much of a drop in terms of clear speed after switching over from 2H.
As for the rotation, I'm using Spirit Shield, Protection and Spark of Life with Innate Arcana. If you don't yet have the IA hath perks, I suggest you start saving hath for them. Best early investment you can make.

My typical combat looks like this:

Enter combat, cast Regen, cast Heartseeker, start hitting monsters. With high counter-strike, it's like you're hitting 3-4 monsters per turn. Once I get enough pips, I activate spirit stance. As 1H, you can remain in spirit stance indefinitely thanks to the constant counters. Whenever I get enough spirit, I use OFC to one-shot the next round. Occasionally I also use mana draughts. For grindfests, I also use health/spirit draughts and Cure/Full Cure. There's really no need for potions/elixirs as 1H.
The cost of potions, scrolls and other mage consumables is largely irrelevant to high-end mages, since they're making so much cash that they can easily afford those.

The main difference is the cost of equipment and upgrading. A high-end Power Armor of Slaughter piece can go for 10m+ at auctions, while high-end Charged mage armor can go for 40m+ and Radiant pieces can fetch 100m+. Upgrading also is a huge factor. A full set of power armor requires Repurposed Actuators (about 60k each) and thousands of High-Grade Metals (about 800 each), while a full set of cotton/phase armor requires Cristallized Phazons (about 200k each) and thousands of High-Grade Cloth (about 18k each). So the overall upgrade cost is insanely higher for mages. And you need good upgrades to get good clear speeds.

Hope that answered it for you :)

Sounds to me like I ought to plan to move into 1h power armor, and grind out the credits I need for: hath, auctions, and so on. Consider mage an end-goal.

I'll start looking out for useful pieces of power armor, a good rapier, and a good shield. Thanks for the detailed answer.

Edit: I reset and am now packing a spiffy rapier, shield, and armor. Some pieces are power, some pieces are protection. Slowly working on making all five pieces both. Really digging the counterattacks. They're easily generating the kind of damage output I was doing with Domino Strikes before, and now I'm much tankier in plate. Plus all the stuns being dished out makes the build really survivable. I'm going to try increase difficulty tomorrow.

This post has been edited by Cryosite: Sep 7 2017, 13:59

Also, I'm not far from 40% speed bonus with my niten set, now I wonder how much speed is enough for that style and how much for DW

afaik 30 is enough for 2H FRD - which should the most speed-demanding style.

No, speed doesn't help you to live that much. OK, attack speed will probably reduce the amount of attacks (in particular spirits) that you will receive, but it will also reduce the amount of BW damage you'll inflict and will allow you to get Regen+Health draught heal less often.

30% here. i cast Heartseeker only twice or thrice during the whole PF T&T, iirc.
as for BW damage, well... guess it matters especially if you're using an Axe. expendable for Waki.

Being a free player and having no hath or Innate Arcana, I've never casted Heartseeker normally before, and Regen only a few times. My tactic is to keep spamming Protection, Absorb, Haste, Spark, and Shadow Veil until I get Channeling and I use that or Mystic Gems to cast Heartseeker and then Regen for free. It almost always works, and when it doesn't I use Cure until it does. I tend to get by with few or no draughts this way.

Now that I think about it further, the Bleeding Wound damage loss from Swift Strike or Haste should be irrelevant. It doesn't matter that Bleeding Wound gets slower, all that matters is that the monster dies in the end. As soon as you have beaten a monster close enough to death that he will bleed out and die, move on to the next monster. Bleeding Wound is therefore only slower on the last monster in every round, and it's an extremely marginal loss.

I never thought about speed increasing the apparent duration of Heartseeker, that's cool. I suppose Swift Strike even has a side effect similar to Overpower with 1H or DW Club because you can get more hits in on each stunned enemy.

hello, guys.
i want to ask is there any way to calculate how many materials will it need to forge a Mag gear, including catalyst. it seems that Scremaz's Forge Cost Calculator only apply to Leg+ gears.

hello, guys.
i want to ask is there any way to calculate how many materials will it need to forge a Mag gear, including catalyst. it seems that Scremaz's Forge Cost Calculator only apply to Leg+ gears.

yes, i always forgot to add a Mag section. thank you for remembering me.

use this table meanwhile: [docs.google.com] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gpJ...#gid=1334359925

This post has been edited by Scremaz: Sep 7 2017, 15:50