Do not do a great xbow build without 18 rogue. I like 18/2, but pure is good too. Int synergy with harper, no falcon.

http://www.ddovault.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1443343697/75

Atombomb wrote on Dec 16^th, 2018 at 5:07pm:

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.

Meh, it's really not that big of a deal, as long as you aren't Warforged/Bladeforged/Half Orc/PDK/Dragonborn.

5 Foot Step wrote on Dec 18^th, 2018 at 10:14am:

I disagree.

I've run ranged builds on Halfling, Gnomes, Human, Half-Elf, Aasimar, etc.  There is a noticeable difference in IPS effectiveness on Halflings and Gnomes versus the rest.  Even Elves have IPS angle problems.

5 Foot Step wrote on Dec 21^st, 2018 at 11:45am:

seems even worse. I have though. I have had a mech robot and pdk when mech was updated. Little races fire lower.

Digimonk wrote on Dec 21^st, 2018 at 10:51pm:

nah, we are witnessing dementia set in on an old autistic granny.

10 rogue, T5 in mechanic,  6 fighter (for critical multiplier in kensei), 4 artificier for fussilade.

Rubbinns wrote on Dec 17^th, 2018 at 11:36am:


Yes. I run 10/6/4 as I like leading the kill count, something I could not achieve with 18/2.