Atombomb wrote on Dec 16
th, 2018 at 5:07pm:
Building a toon around Volley, grabbed one a few days ago.
16 rogue/4arti, Int or Dex based? Falcon viable with Wis?
Race doesn't matter, just looking for the best synergy for a Great Xbow. Have not played a ranged toon in a few years.
The TL;DR version:
- Int to hit/dmg - other stats are not optimal
- Pure rogue or 18/2 rogue/artie is the easy, auto-fire option
- 16/4, 12/6/2, and 10/6/4 rogue/artie/x options are more DPS, particularly on bosses, but require some effort
- Race matters a lot - Halfling or Gnome - IPS angle is key for trash clearing
The long version:
There is entirely too much synergy with the Mechanic and Harper trees and Int to-hit/dmg to pass up on any xbow build. Dex and Wis might be viable, but will not be optimal.
Race most definitely does matter. It matters a lot due to the projectile angle and IPS. Halfling and gnome are significantly better than the larger races in this regard. Other races may be more DPS on paper, but being able to IPS a whole line of short-hitbox mobs(wolves, etc.) rather than one or two at a time is a big difference when clearing trash. Even elves usually aren't low enough to hit an entire line of short mobs with IPS.
The 18/2 or pure 20 rogue xbow builds will be easier to run close to their max potential and can provide consistent DPS across a variety of scenarios (trash mobs, bosses, single targets, groups, etc.).
The 16/4, 12/6/2, and 10/6/4 rogue/artie/x versions will provide higher burst DPS due to Endless Fusilade, but are lower DPS than pure Rogue whenever EF is not active. With a solid build and judicious use of action boosts between shrines, these are probably the better overall option, but they do take more work and focus to maximize their potential.