Update - Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reformed
I agree. I expected to login today and see 20+ pages of crying farmers. Instead I see 12ish with a smattering of crying farmers, some creative posts and quite a few "experts" doing the finger pointing. The more things change the more they stay the same. Of course it could also be that the mods are deleting posts as fast as they hit the thread? Anyhow, interesting update...off to finally tinker with the skills.
DRGN
Fortunately, my main farm build was left untouched. It's unfortunate that I can't get a good number of greens for friends anymore, though. I do wish I knew why Anet sees all these speed clears(I never actually bothered with any) as a horrible sin and it shouldn't be a way to make money, but making thousands of ectos from cape leechers in bought guilds is acceptable.
On another note, have fun with all these Seeping Wound Assassins running around. A 50% snare with a 1/4s casting time and the same DPS as IoP for 5 energy.
Ironically, this kind of arrogance is the only reason I bothered posting my thoughts in this thread. I think this is a pretty good summary of why a lot of people don't bother posting in community forums anymore. If you disagree with the mob, you get lynched by people like this. It doesn't even matter that his assumption for flaming the person was completely wrong, either, because he thought he was attacking a dissident. That mentality has been around for quite a while, too: People who want SF and 600/smite nerfed are the righteous champions of the community(because casual players never do stuff like run COF...), while anyone who rejects that idea is whining. There's been two pages attacking one guy who exaggerated the situation, and his reaction is being projected by these people onto ANYONE who has any issues with this update.
On another note, have fun with all these Seeping Wound Assassins running around. A 50% snare with a 1/4s casting time and the same DPS as IoP for 5 energy.
Ironically, this kind of arrogance is the only reason I bothered posting my thoughts in this thread. I think this is a pretty good summary of why a lot of people don't bother posting in community forums anymore. If you disagree with the mob, you get lynched by people like this. It doesn't even matter that his assumption for flaming the person was completely wrong, either, because he thought he was attacking a dissident. That mentality has been around for quite a while, too: People who want SF and 600/smite nerfed are the righteous champions of the community(because casual players never do stuff like run COF...), while anyone who rejects that idea is whining. There's been two pages attacking one guy who exaggerated the situation, and his reaction is being projected by these people onto ANYONE who has any issues with this update.
isildorbiafra
Quote:
Fortunately, my main farm build was left untouched. It's unfortunate that I can't get a good number of greens for friends anymore, though. I do wish I knew why Anet sees all these speed clears(I never actually bothered with any) as a horrible sin and it shouldn't be a way to make money, but making thousands of ectos from cape leechers in bought guilds is acceptable.
On another note, have fun with all these Seeping Wound Assassins running around. A 50% snare with a 1/4s casting time and the same DPS as IoP for 5 energy. Ironically, this kind of arrogance is the only reason I bothered posting my thoughts in this thread. I think this is a pretty good summary of why a lot of people don't bother posting in community forums anymore. If you disagree with the mob, you get lynched by people like this. It doesn't even matter that his assumption for flaming the person was completely wrong, either, because he thought he was attacking a dissident. That mentality has been around for quite a while, too: People who want SF and 600/smite nerfed are the righteous champions of the community(because casual players never do stuff like run COF...), while anyone who rejects that idea is whining. There's been two pages attacking one guy who exaggerated the situation, and his reaction is being projected by these people onto ANYONE who has any issues with this update. |
DRGN
Davros Uitar
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SF has been adressed now so can everyone shut the hell up about it from now on? Thanks.
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Observations today - DoASC 1:37 is definitely slower, but will come down with practice and applied ingenuity. Heard of 1 UW completed all but pits and another registering sub 1hr completion. It also looks like most of the FOWSC is already worked out. All still using the adjusted wonders of SF.
Yeah, to be honest I hoped it was going to get the smiters boon treatment. Oh well, maybe next time

Bitoku Kishi
This update is awesome, and going to help tanking a lot. Shadow Form may be difficult to use on an Assassin, but it seems perfectly designed to replace Obsidian Flesh on Warrior or Dervish tanks. In fact, the new W/A or D/A seems like it could be much better than the old W/E or D/E tanking methods.
I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like throwing Shadow Form, Shroud of Distress, and some other random Strength/Tactics/Shadow Arts skills onto a Warrior could make it possibly more durable than the class has ever been in the past.
Obsidian Flesh may have been nerfed for tanking, but the new Shadow Form seems like a potentially much better replacement for it anyway. And I see this update as bringing Warriors back into the prime tanking position (where they should be), since I can't really see any distinct advantage to tanking with Shadow Form on an Assassin instead of on a Warrior now. But these are just some random thoughts, I haven't really testing anything yet...
I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like throwing Shadow Form, Shroud of Distress, and some other random Strength/Tactics/Shadow Arts skills onto a Warrior could make it possibly more durable than the class has ever been in the past.
Obsidian Flesh may have been nerfed for tanking, but the new Shadow Form seems like a potentially much better replacement for it anyway. And I see this update as bringing Warriors back into the prime tanking position (where they should be), since I can't really see any distinct advantage to tanking with Shadow Form on an Assassin instead of on a Warrior now. But these are just some random thoughts, I haven't really testing anything yet...
NikonJustus
gerg-nad
One thing is consistant througout GWs, take advantage of good skills or combinations while they last as they will eventually take them away or diminish their effectiveness.
So I hope eveyone got enough ecto and gems/braces while SF was available, I know I did. Now prices will skyrocket for a while, so if you wanted or needed these items now is not a time to buy but a time to sell.
Eventually another set of skills will emerge which often will move the focus from one class to another. For a long time Sins were the shunned class, SF buff and it becomes the class to have. I am just growing tired of game that revolves around changes to skills and not content.
So I hope eveyone got enough ecto and gems/braces while SF was available, I know I did. Now prices will skyrocket for a while, so if you wanted or needed these items now is not a time to buy but a time to sell.
Eventually another set of skills will emerge which often will move the focus from one class to another. For a long time Sins were the shunned class, SF buff and it becomes the class to have. I am just growing tired of game that revolves around changes to skills and not content.
isildorbiafra
I think Anet thought long and hard on how to end elite area speedclears/ solo farming; but still avoid mass exodus from the game by the perma-all community.
Rocky Raccoon
Quote:
Ironically, this kind of arrogance is the only reason I bothered posting my thoughts in this thread. I think this is a pretty good summary of why a lot of people don't bother posting in community forums anymore. If you disagree with the mob, you get lynched by people like this. It doesn't even matter that his assumption for flaming the person was completely wrong, either, because he thought he was attacking a dissident. That mentality has been around for quite a while, too: People who want SF and 600/smite nerfed are the righteous champions of the community(because casual players never do stuff like run COF...), while anyone who rejects that idea is whining. There's been two pages attacking one guy who exaggerated the situation, and his reaction is being projected by these people onto ANYONE who has any issues with this update.
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The update was basically good for the game and that is what matters, not how it affects some abused builds.
instanceskiller
Nice updated overall but I was very disappointed that they didn't implement the damage per second thing with Spirit rift that was stated in the preliminary notes

Tullzinski
So does anyone think that ANET accomplished this with this update?
In tackling Shadow Form, we decided to take a larger look at the issues involved. We didn’t want to simply nerf Shadow Form and cause a mass migration to another overpowered build, only to nerf that after players start using it. It’s not possible to predict all of the clever combinations that players may invent, but we’d like to establish clearer guidelines for ourselves and for players as to what is and isn't acceptable. This should help us with any future buffs or nerfs related to end game PvE.
After seeing some of the discussion here, I do not think they hit this mark...
In tackling Shadow Form, we decided to take a larger look at the issues involved. We didn’t want to simply nerf Shadow Form and cause a mass migration to another overpowered build, only to nerf that after players start using it. It’s not possible to predict all of the clever combinations that players may invent, but we’d like to establish clearer guidelines for ourselves and for players as to what is and isn't acceptable. This should help us with any future buffs or nerfs related to end game PvE.
After seeing some of the discussion here, I do not think they hit this mark...
Sjeng
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Originally Posted by De Maximoff
Thank You Anet for finally nerfing SF, now Assassins have to actually play their class.
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Nah, the real shock will be for the people that need to support the assassin. Because all of a sudden you don't have guy off whom damage just bounces off, but you actually need to make sure he doesn't die.
I guess we'll be seeing much more hero monk use. |
1- Nerfing SF only made solo farming and running dungeons with permasins impossible (or more difficult at least). If you play PvE, you PLAY PvE anyway, and you don't use SF in your build.
2- Supporting melee classes is normal in PvE. Always has been. Nobody uses SF in PvE, so don't tell me assassins take damage "all of a sudden", because they always have. See 1.
The nerf was only meant to put a halt to the excessive dungeon running and perhaps solo farming, and it did just that. I can still run from place to place with an assassin using SF, and in normal PvE I still need a bit of protection/healing, just like always.
And besides, there will be plenty of different ways to solo farm or run dungeons within the week.
All in all, I give this update a big thumbs up.
asb
Not really. I have the impression that former Meta build are now combined to create what is left of their brokenness. 600/SF for example. People are already starting to run dungeons again, so it can't be that bad. We'll see how UW/DoA/FoW teams will evolve, but I'm certain a new revised meta isn't too far around the corner..
DRGN
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Wow, this the first time I have ever been included as an arrogant member of the mob, thank you. As far as posting on forums you need a thick skin, as the old saying says, "if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen".
The update was basically good for the game and that is what matters, not how it affects some abused builds. |
As for the update itself being good for the game: Putting aside the farming stuff(that's hard to do, but it helps for this purpose), there wasn't really anything earth shattering about it, was there? Warriors, necros, and rits got more options. Rits were kind of shoehorned into SoS before, but were Warriors and Necros actually LACKING options before this? It really could have been better targeted at the classes that have actual issues with stuff like getting groups, rather than focusing on a class like the Necro which already has a HUGE number of options from which to choose.
Commander Kanen
WTB Better Paragon Update !!!!
Love the updates... exept you missed buffs for Paragon, Dervish, Mesmer, Ele, Ranger (yes pets suck) and Monk.
You nerfed 600, SF, made hammers blood magic and rits better.
Uhhh... i think paragons in general need more of a update than hammers....
Love the updates... exept you missed buffs for Paragon, Dervish, Mesmer, Ele, Ranger (yes pets suck) and Monk.
You nerfed 600, SF, made hammers blood magic and rits better.
Uhhh... i think paragons in general need more of a update than hammers....
Kenzo Skunk
Gogogo spirit spamming UW farmers!
Orry
This update did a good job of opening up new options, but the most powerful skills post-update are still a bit overpowered. This will be good in the short term, but we better have a lot more balance updates now.
Improvavel
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Fortunately, my main farm build was left untouched. It's unfortunate that I can't get a good number of greens for friends anymore, though.
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Don't know why.
To farm greens you:
a) take your h/h team;
b) kill everyone but the boss;
c) flag the h/h away until their names are greyed out so they don't steal your drop, since;
d) green items are exempt of loot scaling;
e) kill the boss on your own (not hard to have a build tailored to kill a single boss - I fancy Dslash perma knock myself) or use leftover spirits/minions;
f) repeat until you get your green.
Garreth MacLeod
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I wonder if Anet employees play GW meaningfully anymore. Probably not, because then they wouldn't post tard updates.
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The update itself really does nothing for me one way or the other. I haven't used a perma in ages and even then only tried it a few times. Stopped 600/smiting months ago and hadn't used my Obby Ele for event drops since last year some time. All in all a "meh" from me. I am finding that I spend less time playing gw these days and that probably has a lot to do with the "meh".
One last thing I have to get off my chest. Some of you need to stop acting as childish as the permasins used to. Instead of flaunting what the permas have lost, just keep your comments to yourself. You end up looking foolish. Does it really make you feel that much better/superior?
Aba
Earthshaker Nom Nom
Love the update.
Love the update.
DRGN
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I've read a few people complaining about farming greens in this thread.
Don't know why. To farm greens you: a) take your h/h team; b) kill everyone but the boss; c) flag the h/h away until their names are greyed out so they don't steal your drop, since; d) green items are exempt of loot scaling; e) kill the boss on your own (not hard to have a build tailored to kill a single boss - I fancy Dslash perma knock myself) or use leftover spirits/minions; f) repeat until you get your green. |
Improvavel
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Yes, we know about this. It's a very old method; I actually did it a lot when NF first came out with the Junundu. It's also painfully time consuming since you might have to do this dozens of times. There are other builds that farm bosses, fortunately(and do better against some like Exuro and Snapjaw), but a lot of them are pretty limited in their capacity. I would have been happy to have the old Shadow Form that had the same functionality, but was impossible to maintain permanently.
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And it wasn't directed at you only.
Dark Paladin X
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I've read a few people complaining about farming greens in this thread.
Don't know why. To farm greens you: a) take your h/h team; b) kill everyone but the boss; c) flag the h/h away until their names are greyed out so they don't steal your drop, since; d) green items are exempt of loot scaling; e) kill the boss on your own (not hard to have a build tailored to kill a single boss - I fancy Dslash perma knock myself) or use leftover spirits/minions; f) repeat until you get your green. |
EDIT: In others, boss farming MUST be done in HM and NO h/h must be in your party.
DRGN
Perhaps I should have added the qualifier of "practically" to farming the greens. If the post earlier accurate, you can DoASC in 1:37. It could easily take that long to farm one green with these methods, given how bosses are very often stingy or are way out in the middle of nowhere. Do you think getting a random boss' green and clearing all of DoA should take the same amount of time?
Ravious
instanceskiller
Whilst these changes are good for us, I have found that some Rt skills are atrocious for heroes.
They rarely if ever use destructive was glaive, and the same for Ritual lord.
They only ever seem to use ritual lord when they've summoned all their spirits which I find pointless.
I really hope Anet fixes this as this could give rt heroes some advantage over nec heroes...
They rarely if ever use destructive was glaive, and the same for Ritual lord.
They only ever seem to use ritual lord when they've summoned all their spirits which I find pointless.
I really hope Anet fixes this as this could give rt heroes some advantage over nec heroes...
Yasmine
Dark Paladin X
less people in your party+HM= higher chances of getting a green weapon (and higher chances of getting good loot). That's the general rule of thumb.
Okay, I'm going to set aside from Raptor farming thing, but boss farming in HM is DEFINITELY impossible. I can guarantee you that there is no build that can farm bosses in HM AND protect you from spells and interrupts at the same time.
HBlix
Why is green farming so important? When they nerfed shadow form they didn't delete all your heroes' weapons. If you really want to farm for weapons still, you can still use spirit spam, 55, 330, traps, or any of the other various ways you can still farm. The only difference is now you can't just use the same build for every single thing in the entire game.
Reformed
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less people in your party+HM= higher chances of getting a green weapon (and higher chances of getting good loot). That's the general rule of thumb.
Okay, I'm going to set aside from Raptor farming thing, but boss farming in HM is DEFINITELY impossible. I can guarantee you that there is no build that can farm bosses in HM AND protect you from spells and interrupts at the same time. |
kade
wonder what everyone will do with their sins now...
Yasmine
vandevere
Shadowhaze
Kumu Honua
Brute of Balthazar
Anyone got a muzzle for Dark Paladin ( << Troll less please).... he's kinda irritating
More to the point, this new update is a breath of fresh air, it's been so long since any new pve builds have circulated, i'm looking foward to what creativity brings. And by that i mean what new farming builds come out
Plus i know running places was something that really only mattered when GW wasn't dead and customers happened, but is no one else seeing a really good side to SF in the running respect? (or did i miss something).
Also can anyone answer me this:
The SF damage reduction, at what stage in the damage process is that applied?
to elaborate, does this mean that sliver can only deal 20 damage before an enemies armour is applied, i.e. it will be reduced to like 6 damage in HM. OR, is it applied after armour (if this is the case then it's not so bad) so like the enemy can only recieve 20 damage from you?
sorry if that sounds kinda dumb, just wondering.
More to the point, this new update is a breath of fresh air, it's been so long since any new pve builds have circulated, i'm looking foward to what creativity brings. And by that i mean what new farming builds come out
Also can anyone answer me this:
The SF damage reduction, at what stage in the damage process is that applied?
to elaborate, does this mean that sliver can only deal 20 damage before an enemies armour is applied, i.e. it will be reduced to like 6 damage in HM. OR, is it applied after armour (if this is the case then it's not so bad) so like the enemy can only recieve 20 damage from you?
sorry if that sounds kinda dumb, just wondering.
Rocky Raccoon
Tom Swift
Played sin as my main long before perma came along.
Haven't used him for farming in months as there was nothing else I wanted to buy.
So will continue to use him as my main like always.
I might miss being able to use him to run my secondary account places - but no biggy.
Haven't used him for farming in months as there was nothing else I wanted to buy.
So will continue to use him as my main like always.
I might miss being able to use him to run my secondary account places - but no biggy.
Droven
I think SF is still good, it's just not powerful as before. It will be more tanking and less damage now, though we can still tank 'n spank as mentioned in developer updates, just wait for the new builds =)