Rifle DPS?

[LordRaeth]

I was wondering is it possible to make an effective rifle dps build? I really want to use a rifle like clone troopers or storm troopers do and don't really want to use the assault cannons, so was wondering whether it was possible to make a vanguard who does damage from range?

[Boldfury]

I was wondering is it possible to make an effective rifle dps build? I really want to use a rifle like clone troopers or storm troopers do and don't really want to use the assault cannons, so was wondering whether it was possible to make a vanguard who does damage from range?

 

It's possible to do decent ranged dps using the Assault build since most of your damage comes from ranged (10m+) abilties. But you will only do your highest possible dps if you use the melee ability, stockstrike.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Boldfury

[Philosomanic]

There has actually been some testing done on this elsewhere. Shield Specialist is horrible at any kind of range, but they have lots of closers and the ability to survive the dangers of melee range, so that's okay. Tactics is crippled at long range, but can actually manage fairly well from mid-range. Some Tactics builds actually focus on 10m attacks and ignore melee attacks. Assault is the most flexible of the three.

 

For Assault: Let's say you can do 1000 DPS at melee (4m) range. Testing shows you could do 900-950 DPS from mid-range (10m), and 600-750 DPS from range (30m). So for PvE, you're going to want to be no further than mid-range, because that's too big of a DPS drop at 30m. However, for PvP it's often okay to stay at 30m, especially if you're defending a node or playing Huttball. You can do really close to max damage while kiting a melee class from 10m away.

 

If you're looking for a ranged trooper, Commando is going to be your best bet. Vanguards are a melee/range hybrid rather than a true ranged damage class. However, if like me you can't stand the comically oversized cannons, Assault Vanguard should work for you. It's definitely a fun class to play.

[LordRaeth]

I tried the commando before and really hated the grav shot spam and wanted to be a bit more mobile as well as not looking like an idiot while I do it which is why I want to use a rifle.

[Keypek]

Assault is very mobile and fun imo. You never have to stop moving and can perma snare anyone you are fighting. You destroy in the 0-10M range but are decent at range. Just make sure you have Incendiary Round ticking on a guy for full duration which will boost your hammer shot and HiB damage by 9% and inter weave high impact bolt and assault plastique when it's up and go to town on someone. That is more then enough damage to take someone down if you are able to stay in ranged mode. Get someone to 30% health and watch your DoTs burn them down.