Combat Endgame PVE

[harleyandsmokey]

I know combat got a little nerf in 2.5, but it is still viable in PvE content? Combat is mostly proc-based, so how often do the procs proc. If combat isn't an option I might go focus.

[Aelanis]

Honestly, there was no nerf to Sentinels that affect PVE much. You just can't stack Inspiration, which is a raid team strategy, and has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the Sentinel. Also, Guarded by the Force is now a bit worse, but it's largely unnoticeable in PVE. Overall: No real nerfs for PVE.

 

Sentinels place #3 in overall dps on the training dummy after 2.5. Among Sentinels, Combat has 3 of the top 5 dummy parses, with the number 1 spot being a Combat Sentinel. Combat continues to be extremely competitive in endgame PVE.

 

Honestly, though, each class is viable for endgame PVE content. If you're capable of playing your class to within 10% of it's top potential, you can clear any content currently in the game without holding back your group. Some just have a higher potential, and Sentinels are way up there.

[harleyandsmokey]

Thanks! This helped a lot.

EDIT: Is Combat spec easy to handle and learn?

Edited December 29, 2013 by harleyandsmokey
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[Aelanis]

...

EDIT: Is Combat spec easy to handle and learn?

 

Not at all. Combat is an RNG monster, and very rough to wrangle.

[venomlash]

Combat has the most ridiculous burst* in the game, but is very very squirrely on some points. Namely the Hand of Justice proc, which has an annoying habit of proccing too soon (45% chance to proc from Ataru form damage).

 

*Force Leap->Zealous Strike->Zen->Valorous Call->Inspiration->(relic/adrenal to taste)->Precision Slash->Blade Rush->Master Strike->(if Hand of Justice procs)->Precision Slash->Blade Storm->Dispatch->Blade Rush spam as focus allows before using Zealous Strike and launching back into non-burst mode again.

[harleyandsmokey]

Thanks i'll be sure to keep that in mind