Building the best SW

That helps quite a bit, thanks.

I guess that would also apply with hit points, resistance, etc for the other gear...

 

No, it works only with weapon dmg and defender's belt

 

Next question...

Everyone is in agreement that damage (rubies) is better that critical damage (onyx) but why is damage better than critical damage?

Looking at my current gear, most give a + or % increase in critical damage so it makes some sense to add damage since I am not getting that increase with gear (at the moment) but why isn't adding even more critical damage worth it?

 

First: onyx don't give critical damage, they give critical chance.

Rubies are considered better because they are actual base damage (not just a chance to crit a little more) AND (mainly) because any weapon with a % increased weapon damage enchantment will multiply the damage of any rubies that are socket-ed in that weapon.

 

Hi Rhys. ^^/

Well, since you asked me to look over your thread, even though I am just some level 30, I guess I will give you my opinion. xD

About that, it is handy to have both a block and a crit offhand to swap between. I don't know if you notice, but I am swapping between my orb and book in our runs together. It all depends on the incoming damage and how much I feel like running around dodging it that I will use one or the other offhand.

With regards to the uniques you posted and want me to look at... I haven't got a clue, sorry. I have a preference for legendaries, although I am using Vargulf Staff, Ammon Wings and Witch Chaser Jerkin at the moment, and those seem to be working out fine for me, although like I said, I am level 30, not 42. xD

 

I began this thread on May 20th, now 7 weeks later with many ups and downs as I have combined gems, upgraded or switched gear today here is the comparison from that first day to today.

The biggest change is the 3 million exp points in that time trying to get my gear up to legendary.

I still have a long ways to go, but with so much help I have a plan and couldn't be happier with my progress in such a short time.

Thanks to all that have offered opinions and suggestions, it is really appreciated.

 

Updated...

Been farming a lot these past couple of weeks...

Upgraded to karrabosa wand, withchaser pauldron, dark boots, better legendary orb and better amulet. Got a pretty good extraordinary belt and cloak of enlightenment.

As you can see, my stats are better but still need more base dmg and a little more speed. I have sacrificed a little base for crit dmg, but it's improving.

One odd thing I notice is my magic missile stats are lower while everything else went up ????

 

Well, not having used it myself for the sake of letting the DKs I party with actually tank...
I think you were shuffling your talent tree around not so long ago? So perhaps you don't have the talent that increases magic missile damage by 40% or so anymore?

 

New update...

Still struggling to find base damage, but it's getting better slowly but surely..

I am currently happy with my armor, so my next upgrade (with gems) can be either more health or more resistance... I've sacrificed a ton of resist to boost my dmg but with my armor I haven't noticed too much of a difference with the drop in resist.

So I am looking for suggestions on which to boost first.. Eventually, I would like to end up with around 8000 health, and 2100 resistance.

 

Armor is nowhere as important as blocks, so I'd focus on a new ball before looking to up armor. I was completely reborn when I switched to a new skull a year ago or so. No amount of health/armor can make up for a good blocking item (with high block rate and decent block amount), it is definitely the one item which makes the biggest difference as far as tanking goes.
Also some more crit would be useful to make use of increased critical damage, would focus on that before armor as well. But don't increase critical rate with gems, try to do it with gear so you can use the ten offensive gems on damage and attack speed.

 

Well said Spiro....in general SW is damage dealer....urs is probably average or below, imho.... should try to aim for min 800. A tanky SW but does not damage mobs fast enough is not that helpful in a team... except you prefer solo runs.....but you runs will take longer.....

But criticism aside, keep up the good work.

 

Unless you plan on using sacred gems or something I don't see how you'll get 2.1k resist. First things first, if you just PVE (so far as I can tell) resist is not a main concern. Secondly, with that high def, I'm guessing your offense is gonna be pretty weak which would make a pretty trash SW. Also, a SW with good block rate and some block dmg but only 6k hp will work better than a SW with low block/block dmg and 7k+ hp. For your stats now you should increase a bit more crit value, increase your base dmg, increase your block rate and decrease your armor.

aim for something feasible within a short period of time like 6k hp, 2.5k armor, 750 average dmg, 1.5k crit value, and 900+ block rate.

Would be nice if we can see what your current gears are so we can help make some changes.

 

Very nice, buddy. You've come a long way

In terms of defense, I agree with Spiro; Blocks all the way!
In terms of offense, get some speed, and Critical Rate & Damage.

Speed will give you mobility and reaction time, generally improving your 'survivability' and offense through counterattacks.

 

Now I know that I need dmg and crit, but I can't buy either, I have to find better gear and that is simply luck of the draw (crafting) and so far my luck bites big time.

So in the meantime I can either upgrade my resistance or my health. Those are the only options available for me today.

Unfortunately I cannot buy enough rubies or sapphires to make a true difference in my stats. (see list of rubies in my reply to spiro)

I know that I need dmg and crit, but that comes from good gear, and I am just completely unlucky when it comes to crafting and opening up gear. Until I can find something that gives dmg, I can only focus on the defensive side. I have 4 flawless rubies in my crystal, but the stats are only crit dmg. I have 4 radiant sapphires in my wand to pick up a little speed. Unfortunately both the crystal and wand aren't nearly as good in base stats as I would like, so I deal with it in the meantime.

Thanks.

Since I've reached lvl 45, I've opened more than 30 legendary items and have only kept 1 and didn't really want to keep that one. My goal is to reach 1300-1500 in dmg, but until I find decent gear, that will remain just a wish.

I'm adding an image of my current gear.








Edit to add:

Here is an example of how I've been wasting cots to open gear..

Just wasted 1535 cots on this:

 

New update:

On the gem sale I bought plenty of amethysts and some diamonds giving me a little more health and resist.

Picked up Sargon crystal last night which gave a huge boost for critical while dropping my armor down 1000 points.