Potency/ Efficacy Stacking

[Oolathek]

If I'm carrying a Potency item in one hand that increases lv 4 spells and below by 20% and an Efficacy item in the other hand that increases lv 3 spells and below by 10%, does that mean my lv 4 spell damage is increased by 20% and lv 3 and below are increased by 30%, or are the lv 3 and below spells only increased by 20%? If so, would both items still stack if they were both Efficacy or both Potency items?

[Symar-FangofLloth]

Bear in mind that efficacy is a clicky buff you need to activate. If they don't stack the clickies are more worthless than... power 1 on a greatsword. No clue, though.

[Delzon]

I don't think they stack. Usually items don't stack together but an item and enhancements do. It would be like a +4 strength item and a potion of bulls strength, the potion adds nothing more.

In your example only the highest takes effect so all your 4th spells and lower will be at 20% and the 10% will do nothing more. Now if you had a superior efficacy 3rd level then when you activate it your 4th would still be at 20% but your 3rd down would be at 50% for the 30 seconds that efficacy lasts.

edit: if you do a search in some of the caster class forums you should find more info.

[Locathus]

If I'm carrying a Potency item in one hand that increases lv 4 spells and below by 20% and an Efficacy item in the other hand that increases lv 3 spells and below by 10%, does that mean my lv 4 spell damage is increased by 20% and lv 3 and below are increased by 30%, or are the lv 3 and below spells only increased by 20%? If so, would both items still stack if they were both Efficacy or both Potency items?

In the case above, your Efficacy item is worthless. Potency will not stack with Efficacy, Combustion, etc. - DDO uses whichever item is "better" each time you cast a spell. Potency and other items will also not stack with themselves.

Enhancements WILL stack with items, however, so you can use a combination of enhancements and items to improve your damage.

As mentioned above, there are a couple of threads in the Classes >> Wizard forum about this issue that will provide some more detail.

Good luck!
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[Mad_Bombardier]

If they don't stack the clickies are more worthless than... power 1 on a greatsword. No clue, though.Before we had potency scepters of all levels, Efficacy clickies *used to be* useful for a few long lasting damage spells. The prime example was Extended Blade Barrier with a Superior Efficacy VI clicky. Click, cast the spell, 2 minutes of +50% damage ginzu goodness.

But now that Potency grows on trees, the clickies are utterly useless. Sell them to the Brokers and be happy with the coin.

[tihocan]

Actually efficacy clickies can still be useful when you're the kind to also swing a weapon. So during a fight a cleric for instance may boost his heals with a sup efficacy VI clicky, and also participate into the fight.