evilharb Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Hi folks I sort of gave up on my other characters recently (some updates really put a spanner in the works) but then I though if I can't use the level 50's why not try another character class? That got me thinking about the Vanguard - not tried that even in beta. So here's where I could really use some friendly advice from someone (hopefully) that has levelled to 50 with the Vanguard, that wouldn't mind helping advise me on this interesting looking class. With that in mind, here's a few questions... 1 - what are the main preferred stats for the Trooper/Vanguard class, gear wise? 2 - once I hit the level I can specialize the Vanguard at, where should I start placing my skill points into to teally make this a worth while playing character? (this sort of leads to the next question... ) 3 - is there a good suggested levelling build someone can recommend following? I'm looking to make this character a real tank if I can, or atleast someone that can dish out some real damage in the front line and keep standing. 4 - I was thinking of taking the armourmech/scavenging crew skills so I can make armour - is that a good combo? If anyone can help I'll say thanks now in advance. I've not played the game in a month or so as I was a buit annoyed with some of the recent changes to the classes but hopefully some kind person out there can help me resurrect my SWTOR experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilharb Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Can anyone please help out here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spootoo Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I have a 50 vanguard and have been regularly tanking/offtanking hm ops for the past month or so. I have tried all 3 spec lines and several hybrids (rip parakeet) Stats will depend if you are dps or tank, (this is at least in my opinion) tank: End>aim>defense>absorb>shield>power>crit>surge dps: Aim>power>crit>surge>end>defense? Leveling up as SS spec will probably be the easiest, though assault will likely burn down mobs the fastest (especially post level 40) but you would likely have a little more down time in between fights. If you're mostly going to be leveling solo, then I do not recommend the tactics spec. It has very good ammo management/sustained dps, but the spec really shines in group situations, where you fight mobs with lots of hp. It lacks the survivability of ss or the burst of assault to optimize leveling solo. However the first respec is free, the next one is very cheap, and the price resets every week. I strongly recommend leveling to ~30 with any spec, then try the other 2 out as you go through the later planets. All 3 lines start to really take shape post 30, and it will give you a good chance to learn the best one for you. armormech will be nice as you level up as you will be able to gear your companions out quite nicely. At 50 the tradeskill is fairly lackluster as pve/pvp gear is far superior. However I do believe that 1.2 is going to help change this. cheers, hope this is helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilharb Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) That sounds like great advice - thankyou. SS spec - is that shield specialist? Sounds good - I do solo alot and only group when necessary to be honest. I guess it would also be good for starting out in pvp aswell once I get past the first levels beyond level 20. What was your skill spec for this? Any suggestions as to where to put the first load of skills points? Right now I have 3 to spend but haven;t been sure where to put them yet. One thing I've read about trade skills for us over the weekend is that it might be worth going for cybertech (if that's the right name) as eventually with the mods you make you can get goos results for putting into thigns like pvp gear and maybe pve gear too. If that's the case maybe Cybertech/Scavenging/Underworld trading might be good? I'll hold off spending the points in the hope you might be able to recommend where to put the points into the skills trees for this spec choice Thanks again! Edited March 19, 2012 by evilharb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spootoo Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Here is a link to the spec that I use. This spec is 100% for pve tanking. There are many better pvp specs. http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#801G0GrdorogzZMcbZ0c.1 You should probably hold off on maxing steely resolve until later, and you may want to put a point in neural overload as you level up because it's very very useful in pvp and for kiting mobs and marauders. (it's not so useful for ops) I'd recommend starting w/ 2 points in static field and the rest in intimidation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aeryl Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I sort of gave up on my other characters recently (some updates really put a spanner in the works) but then I though if I can't use the level 50's why not try another character class? You have multiple level 50s and don't know things like crew skills or how to just read the descriptions and figure out what would make the good tank that you want? I don't think it's updates that made your characters bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomtazz Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 heh /567890 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilharb Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) Thanks for the help so far folks - it's much apprciated. You have multiple level 50s and don't know things like crew skills or how to just read the descriptions and figure out what would make the good tank that you want? I don't think it's updates that made your characters bad. Erm...never did I say I know nothing - this is a different character class from something I've tried before - since when is it a crime to ask about a relevant choice? And who are you to say suggest that it's me making my characters bad? Does that mean everyone else that has had issues with updates screwing up their characters is also responsible for their characters no longer working as they should? If you didn't (and in the future) have anything helpful to say then maybe you should keep quiet and troll somewhere else. Edited March 19, 2012 by evilharb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mozivicus Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Level 50 Battlemaster vanguard here. I leveled up using the shield spec in PvE, then switched to DPS due to guild needs for PvE. I love using the DPS for PvP, and am getting pretty good at it in PvE also. But, trying to be a tank in PvP is pretty darn rough (our "tank" stats don't work/function correctly there). Being a vanguard tank in PvE, however, is a lot of fun That said, I think the previously mentioned preference of tank stats is off,imo. I think (have heard/read) it should be more along the lines of End>Aim>Shield>Absorption>defense I've also read/heard that one should strive for (roughly) 50% damage reduction 14-20% defense 40% shield 40% absorption Those numbers aren't actually terribly difficult to obtain either....once you're getting into higher level gears and abilities. As for the crew skills, I think it would be an injustice to yourself and to your group (in raids or guild) for you to NOT go biochem as a tank. Having the stims and medpacks readily available will only ease the job of your healers, which will in turn help your DPS stay alive and do more DPS. Having the adrenals available will also help you with your aggro when your taunts are on cooldown. Just my quick opinion, hope it helps...and good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilharb Posted March 20, 2012 Author Share Posted March 20, 2012 Thanks for the reply, Moz - very useful. I've sent you a pm if that's ok - hope you don't mind... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mozivicus Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 you're welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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