VW spec

[Nausilus^^]

My valewalker is soon lvl 50, so I have to decide on my final spec soon. My 3 options are the fotm ones, but I can't decide what I want to go for.

It's one of these 3:

1) 49 scythe, 44 arboreal, 4 parry; mostly group oriented, high arboreal to lower dmg variance in lifetap, yet still high scythe for muchos weaponskill

2) 50 scythe, 38 arboreal, 20 parry; semi-high arboreal, getting second best haste iirc, decent parry for when/if I run solo, high scythe for the weaponskill and dmg

3) 50 scythe, 34 arboreal, 26 parry; best ABS buff, high scythe, decent parry, could work well with buffbot haste.

At first I wanted 2) because that's what I heard was the best overall spec, however I kinda already planned to be running on spec druid haste to keep it up at all times, so I may as well just lower to 34. But then again, as most ppl would say, parry skill really doesn't have any impact on RvR experience on any classes unless one spends a high amount of time running solo, which I don't think I'll be doing a whole lot. Last option is 1), but with that I'll get a few abilities in arboreal I wont even be using (atleast the haste), low parry and I'll lose the lvl 50 style, which I don't really have any idea about how important it's going to be to me, and I don't know how much I'll be lifetapping in a fight, as this is my first valewalker obviously


I'd appreciate any advice, people's experiences with either 3 or maybe even other specs or just if anyone can say for sure which would be best for a valewalker that hopes to be running in groups most of the time

Thx in advance.

 

[Tierce_]

Been running with the 2nd spec for ages now, and I recon it's the best if you like to solo a lot, but still group up. The haste doesn't make a whole lot of difference unless you don't group or have a BB, but the ABS is great. I still find myself parrying an awful lot, so I don't think I'll bother increasing it when there's no real need.

 

[Mirt]

>2) 50 scythe, 38 arboreal, 20 parry

In OF when respecs where cheap I went through 20p's worth of specs on my VW. I've tryed everything from 44s through to 44p and 50a, and the cookie cutter specs are the best, specifically:

If you have a BB, I think 50s 34a 26p is the "best" spec.

Honestly though, VW sepecs are all so simmilar, there's realy no point trying to differenciate yourself. Go 50s 38a 20p or 50s 34a 26p and be happy in the knowledge that these are basically the best vw specs, even if there's not a lot in it.

 

[TriggerHappy]

imo wen running solo the first spec would be the best cause i beleif u get the higher haste or DoT, but the 2nd spec is the one i use perrsonally, its much better for PvE and a healthy spec for RvR also but either way dont go for the third one, I personally evade or parry most hits fully buffed and with the self haste theres is no getting hit and that is with 20parry

 

[Burnwall]

50 S 42 A - rest parry

 

[Frozensolid]

Aye the good specs have been mentioned already:

50/38/20 or 50/34/26 are both good (/best) specs, cant go wrong there.
50/43/2 might seem a decent spec since parry isnt worth that much rvr, but above 38 arb isnt aswell

 

[Hollomere]

Here are a few thoughts I have had on my VW - I posted it on another forum a little while ago - hope it helps

I have my VW that I use as my main toon - and as I have little opportunity to play for hours at a stretch, I solo quite a lot. I don't have a BB, and my VW is still a machine for soloing yellows/oranges without any real downtime. LT -> LT -> LT (mob down to @50%) then get the ol'grass cutter out and slice'n'dice time. Rinse and repeat.

HOWEVER - I have run a lot of time (when I can) with another Warden from my Guild (hiya Ardmor) and occasionally with my friends 50 Druid (hiya Biratan). Then - I have to admit - the VW as a class really shines because we can hit for insane levels of damage, speed and defensive capabilities (PBT, evade, parry, self-absorb, ablative).

I will admit that the class as a whole takes some thinking to play - we are good at a lot of things but not great.

Melee ? - pretty good except we are lacking an 'anytime' style and the miss rate (which can be somewhat avoided if you keep your skill +'s maxxed each level and make sure you have a good str/dex). We do a good amount of damage (but only in my experience with a scythe of 4.1 or slower. 3.7 is good, but 5.5 hits like a freight train... the only problems are getting the reactionaries off in time), and the back stun -> entire side chain is just SICK amounts of damage.

Casting? - LT does quite a lot, gives you life, not resisted very much (in PvE anyways) and the snare/DoT useful in slowing things down the rare times you have to run away. Also, pretty tasty in RvR for keeping people close when you are saving the ass of your healer.

Survivability? - Well - its OK. We have self buffs for ablative, damage absorb and have the (great) self-haste. The only downside I can see is that we are a hybrid melee/caster, so because of that we have to wear cloth armour. I know that with the buffs we have it acts like plate, but even leather would be nice

Spec? - Personally I have gone for 50 Scythe / 38 Arb / 20 Parry as I really like the melee side of a VW. I really like the range of scythe styles (back stun AND side stun... nice!) and the chains are easy to pull off, especially in PvE. I can't see the point of speccing past 38 Arb and 20 Parry gives me plenty of chance to stop being hit.

Bring a Friend? - It is a sad fact, unfortunately, that VW's are not good at getting groups especially in RvR. We can do everything everyone else can, but not to the best degree. PvE groups are not a problem but finding a good group for RvR proves difficult (especially in Hib/Excalibur)

Overall - from experience I know that VW's work really well both solo and groups. They take a bit of getting used to and hard work, but I love using my VW - all I have to do now is the long slog getting arti's sorted out ...