U51 Comprehensive Guide to Bow DPS

[Carpone]

Complete write up (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wt-SZ3_Vsz88rafyl2fKws4T4R0kWlr1/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106593786693264675822&rtpof=true&sd=true) is available in Google Docs because it is too long for the forum software to handle. It includes three gear sets (good, better and best), different builds for solo vs. group/raid play, frequently asked questions, and a breakdown of all important stats.

[Mindos]

If you find yourself pulling aggro, then drop 2 RP in Soul Eater for 30% Subtle Spellcasting (it affects attacks too).

who knew lol

[Epicsoul]

As always, thanks for doing this. I've enjoyed the previous and current iterations of your bow build.

[achaius]

X2

On your sustained wisdom, you list martial hymn as part of the calculation. Is there still a way to get that without having the twist?

[Carpone]

It was a typo and has been removed.

Weapon Focus: Ranged has been replaced by Nimble Fingers to net +1 SA dice from Shadowdancer Technician 3. Thanks to Keegan for the suggestion.

[Oliphant]

Is swiftness augment still needed on the Best gearset? Quiver seems to cover it now.

Thanks again for the build and update effort.

[Antheal]

Is there a "1st Life" version of this guide, or do they all require having Completionist?

[Oliphant]

@Antheal instead of completionist you could take Weapon Focus: Ranged which got bumped on this edition for Nimble Fingers, but not necessarily taken at early levels like completionist would be.

[Carpone]

Is swiftness augment still needed on the Best gearset? Quiver seems to cover it now.
It's for movement speed, not ranged alacrity.


Is there a "1st Life" version of this guide, or do they all require having Completionist?
The guide isn't geared towards people new to DDO, or starting a fresh toon (such as Hardcore). Like it says at the top of the guide, it's focused on the optimal range damage for end-game play. I also cover this in the FAQ, where the build does scale in power as you gain past lives, enhancement tomes, destiny points, etc.

[Oliphant]

Epic Quiver of Alarcity has Ranged Speed XV, which provides the move speed.

[Carpone]

Huh, so it does. It pays to read item descriptions. Replaced Swiftness +15 with Vitality +20.

[achaius]

So many augments, so little space...

[Hobgoblin]

It's for movement speed, not ranged alacrity.


The guide isn't geared towards people new to DDO, or starting a fresh toon (such as Hardcore). Like it says at the top of the guide, it's focused on the optimal range damage for end-game play. I also cover this in the FAQ, where the build does scale in power as you gain past lives, enhancement tomes, destiny points, etc.

Just as a note, and I am far from the best player, when you play this build, know it I have ran with several people using the lock version that take consume thingee, but don't take the debuff. Also learn what sneak attack range you have and stick with that. Its a huge portion of the damage.

So I'm not saying don't customize it, but read the build and learn why certain things are picked. Sry ying hijack of thread done

[Oliphant]

Have not commented on it before because it's not strictly needed but a brief explanation of why warlock in the FAQ would help. I was unfamiliar and found the answer in the U50 Comprehensive Ranged DPS guide thread discussion but not in the guide document.

Maybe add this to FAQ, just before the question about multiple warlocks in party:

Why 2 Warlock levels for team play?
Warlock Soul Eater enhancements Consume and Taint the Aura together provide -10 PRR/MRR/SR debuff on a target, which provides significant party DPS boost.

[Brac]

Great write up, probably the best bow build at the moment. But you are incorrect on one point. It is not the highest ranged DPS in the game. That title is still held by dagger throwers. I am not referring to the old dagger example you posted. As someone that does the math, I am sure you can figure it out if you try.

[shores11]

It was a typo and has been removed.

Weapon Focus: Ranged has been replaced by Nimble Fingers to net +1 SA dice from Shadowdancer Technician 3. Thanks to Keegan for the suggestion.

Some Notes: Please comment if this makes any sense as I may be misunderstanding something here.
1) I kept Weapon Focus: Ranged and took Power Critical at 30 for added critical confirmations.
2) I removed Watchful Eye for Power Critical since it is granted via an AP in Shiradi Champion.
3) I don't understand Opportunist at level 18 as per the description it effects melee fighting not ranged. Is the description wrong?
4) I subbed Improved Evasion for Opportunist at 18 but that was before I learned it is granted for an AP in Shadowdancer. I will be selecting something else here as a result.

I really like your build for many many reasons and DPS is a main one. However as I am playing it I find the rogue skills to be superior to many other multiclass builds and almost as good as a pure rogue.

[Hobgoblin]

Some Notes: Please comment if this makes any sense as I may be misunderstanding something here.
1) I kept Weapon Focus: Ranged and took Power Critical at 30 for added critical confirmations.
2) I removed Watchful Eye for Power Critical since it is granted via an AP in Shiradi Champion.
3) I don't understand Opportunist at level 18 as per the description it effects melee fighting not ranged. Is the description wrong?
4) I subbed Improved Evasion for Opportunist at 18 but that was before I learned it is granted for an AP in Shadowdancer. I will be selecting something else here as a result.

I really like your build for many many reasons and DPS is a main one. However as I am playing it I find the rogue skills to be superior to many other multiclass builds and almost as good as a pure rogue.

Nimble fingers now gives you 1 more sneak die in t1 sd
You get a bonus to something if you have watchful eye
the fort bypass is what you are looking for. it most certainly effects ranged
ya thats a good idea. though imp evasion does make so you dont fail on a 1. that may not be relevant to you, but its there. if you read it - if you dont have evasion you get evasion. if you have evasion you get imp, if you have imp you dont fail on a 1.

just some observations

[Brac]

Some Notes
2) I removed Watchful Eye for Power Critical since it is granted via an AP in Shiradi Champion.

Watchful eye is garbage, it is being taken because it grants 5% doubleshot. If you like DPS, stick to the posted build. The changes you listed are DPS losses.

[shores11]

Watchful eye is garbage, it is being taken because it grants 5% doubleshot. If you like DPS, stick to the posted build. The changes you listed are DPS losses.

Thanks but you didn't mention Opportunist. The description implies melee not ranged damage increases. However Watchful Eye does do what it is intended to do with spotting traps.

[Hobgoblin]

Thanks but you didn't mention Opportunist. The description implies melee not ranged damage increases. However Watchful Eye does do what it is intended to do with spotting traps.

A Rogue with this ability gains a 3% chance to double strike with melee weapons and bypasses 10% fortification.

the and makes it two abilities. the second part has no restrictions

[shores11]

A Rogue with this ability gains a 3% chance to double strike with melee weapons and bypasses 10% fortification.

the and makes it two abilities. the second part has no restrictions

Thank you for the response. If the rogue uses lonbows then I am trying to understand why take this feat? Is what your saying is that it is being taken mainly for the -10% fortification bypass since the melee power isn't helpful?

[Hobgoblin]

Thank you for the response. If the rogue uses lonbows then I am trying to understand why take this feat? Is what your saying is that it is being taken mainly for the -10% fortification bypass since the melee power isn't helpful?

yes exactly. rogue splashes get a lot for reducing fort - more crits more sneak damage, and they dont have the ap to take assassins trick which is amazing

it means that you crit more. my build had 140 standing double shot. so double damage automatically with a 40% chance of triple. when you can then crit on that damage it adds up.


it is not a "huge" increase, but all of them and the gear do add up

[Brac]

Thanks but you didn't mention Opportunist. The description implies melee not ranged damage increases. However Watchful Eye does do what it is intended to do with spotting traps.

Hob already covered the why opportunist. The point is that if Watchful Eye did not grant 5% doubleshot in T3 Shiradi, it would not be taken at all. The automatic trap detection is not needed in general and definitely not needed if your goal is high dps. So not taking Watchful equates to, I do not want an extra 5% doubleshot. The write up is clear and correct on how to do top dps, get tons of ranged power, doubleshot, etc. If this build could never find or disable a trap, it would still be played, because the goal is dps.

[shores11]

Hob already covered the why opportunist. The point is that if Watchful Eye did not grant 5% doubleshot in T3 Shiradi, it would not be taken at all. The automatic trap detection is not needed in general and definitely not needed if your goal is high dps. So not taking Watchful equates to, I do not want an extra 5% doubleshot. The write up is clear and correct on how to do top dps, get tons of ranged power, doubleshot, etc. If this build could never find or disable a trap, it would still be played, because the goal is dps.

I get the goal and that is one of the reasons I like the DPS part. However for me I really like rogue abilities also and is important to me. Thanks again.

[KardKing]

The Arrows from Void, Frozen Terror gives silver. Would you change your level 22 feat or is there something I don't understand?'

Thanks.

[Dragbon]

The benefits of swapping LD over to Fatesinger would be:
Reign - Adds about 400 damage per hit before debuffs
Harmonic Resonance - Gives Sonic Vulnerability and reduces AC by 5 up to 3 times
What's lost from LD
6% Doubleshot
+2 Hit and Damage
+3 Dex during boosts
Adding it up about 3.81% dps loss.

I am not sure how to value -15 AC but it could be better than LD if even some people in your group are still grazing.

Also for future renditions of your build could you add a bit at the bottom showing what an average boosted shots damage is. Thanks, I really like that you put these builds together in such a comprehensive manner.

[Carpone]

I've been playing around with a Slaver's Belt: 142% fort, 20% armor piercing, 20 Listen, 5 Q Listen to maximize DCs for Banish the Quarry and Otto's. That allows me to use the +3 skills martial PL, so it nets +9 Listen. I'll probably make it a permanent gear change.


But you are incorrect on one point. It is not the highest ranged DPS in the game. That title is still held by dagger throwers. I am not referring to the old dagger example you posted. As someone that does the math, I am sure you can figure it out if you try.
Post a build split and I'll run the numbers.


The Arrows from Void, Frozen Terror gives silver. Would you change your level 22 feat or is there something I don't understand?'
It doesn't provide silver bypass.


The benefits of swapping LD over to Fatesinger would be:
I can see it for steamrolling high skull RXP, where you aren't exhausting your boosts or have easy access to shrines. For shortman reaper raids or high skull raids, I'll keep the additional Haste Boosts where I prefer the burst (VOD Orthons, LOB dogs + pillars, etc).

[Carpone]

Made the slavers belt part of the best gear set, and squeezed in a Cracked Core augment. Changed the martial stance from Fortification to Skills.

Also added a great question to the FAQ:

Q: Should I keep up the 30 RP from Misty Step all the time?

A: Yes. Even though activating Misty Step on cooldown results in 4 fewer arrows each minute while auto-attacking, the damage increase from your active attacks (Hunt’s End, Corner the Quarry, Sniper Shot, etc) makes up the difference. Without active attacks, it's less damage.

[achaius]

Tumble procs misty step too. Before encounters, tumble around to fill the 25 stacks range power. Technically you don’t need to tumble, just move and stop. But I do it as part of some ocd need to keep misty step up and deflection up.

[Hobgoblin]

Tumble procs misty step too. Before encounters, tumble around to fill the 25 stacks range power. Technically you don’t need to tumble, just move and stop. But I do it as part of some ocd need to keep misty step up and deflection up.

something i found, that op may already do, is that i dont put points into tumble. makes a short hop and back to shooting

[achaius]

This build has tumble hop built in :)

[Carpone]

The best gearset now uses Legendary Kundark Delving Boots. If you have mythic 3 or reaper power boosted Thorn Boots, you're better off using those instead. Perhaps one day the devs will provide a way to upgrade crafted raid loot with mythic/reaper bonuses.

Updated the FAQ:
* Redid ranged power calcs to reflect Shiradi procs which bumps +1 RP from +0.19% to +0.22%.
* Included a note about salting clouds.

And yes, it's still worth going T5 Shiradi for the epic moment even after the nerf. The cold/light procs now inflict 160k.

[Epicsoul]

Great write up, probably the best bow build at the moment. But you are incorrect on one point. It is not the highest ranged DPS in the game. That title is still held by dagger throwers. I am not referring to the old dagger example you posted. As someone that does the math, I am sure you can figure it out if you try.

You make a bold statement without any proof to back it up. Unhelpful. Lazy.

[Carpone]

I've added a Starter/Hardcore gearset which has zero raid gear. For hardcore, I recommend the Solo build for maximum movement speed, IPS, and the ability to use Blood Feast 5pc for 1k temp HP. For your second ED go with Shadowdancer over Legendary Dreadnought for Dimension Door, SA dice, -Threat and permanent Nightshield.

[Caarb]

I would be interested to see your current Destiny setup even if they are subject to more testing/changes.

[Carpone]

Whoops, I guess I fat fingered it. The ED screenshot is back in the guide.

[Swimms]

If the single barbarian level on the solo build is simply for the move speed, what about taking one monk level instead for the option of running in GMoF? You would get the monk feat (Zen Archery or Discipline), free up some of the "pierce xxxx" feats to take adept and master of forms for the goodies in fire stance. I am not a build expert by any means so I am sure there is something I am missing with this as an option but it seems like it should work fine and possibly provide some added defenses? I should also add that I do not typically run R10's and tend to hang out at end game running R4-5's with a small group of friends so my perspective is certainly different from the builds intent.

[Carpone]

Been busy calculating numbers for other ranged builds (repeater post (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/529136-U52-Three-repeater-builds-with-damage-calcs), other weapon types are forthcoming). I haven't had time to revisit the gear set to see if there's a more optimal setup now that ranged power can be slotted via an augment. The new necklace from Dread Sea Scrolls looks interesting.

I did spend time running the numbers for HW T5/Capstone with AA instead of DWS. I thought AA had a chance with 600 Fire Spell Power, but Tier 3 Elemental Arrow isn't enough to overcome the mighty Sniper Snot. Aside from the Sniper Shot damage, ensuring you can remove SA immunity is a huge deal.


If the single barbarian level on the solo build is simply for the move speed, what about taking one monk level instead for the option of running in GMoF?
Rogue 13/Ranger 6/Monk 1 is viable when playing in Fire stance for the crit multipler and +6 hit/dmg from Flickering Flame. If our guild had any active warlocks, it's what I'd play over the Warlock 2 split.

For soloing don't underestimate having +24% runspeed with Barbarian vs. +13% with Monk. There are plenty of quests were you can perch, but you're going to be kiting a fair bit and runspeed = life. I played an Inquisitive with +28% runspeed until it was gutted, and I miss that runspeed.

Monk gains a little Dodge over the Warlock split, but loses 50 MRR cap. In the reaper challenge raids we run, MRR cap doesn't matter because Horrid Wilting doesn't care. For raids like LOB, wear spell absorb. Monk is also slightly annoying, as any swap items (like your sentience weapon) or offhand LGS +2 exception DEX weapon have to be ki weapons. If you didn't foresee that problem ahead of time, it's costly to reslot/remake those items.

[Swimms]

Rogue 13/Ranger 6/Monk 1 is viable when playing in Fire stance for the crit multipler and +6 hit/dmg from Flickering Flame. If our guild had any active warlocks, it's what I'd play over the Warlock 2 split.

For soloing don't underestimate having +24% runspeed with Barbarian vs. +13% with Monk. There are plenty of quests were you can perch, but you're going to be kiting a fair bit and runspeed = life. I played an Inquisitive with +28% runspeed until it was gutted, and I miss that runspeed.

Monk gains a little Dodge over the Warlock split, but loses 50 MRR cap. In the reaper challenge raids we run, MRR cap doesn't matter because Horrid Wilting doesn't care. For raids like LOB, wear spell absorb. Monk is also slightly annoying, as any swap items (like your sentience weapon) or offhand LGS +2 exception DEX weapon have to be ki weapons. If you didn't foresee that problem ahead of time, it's costly to reslot/remake those items.


Thank you for the thoughtful reply and analysis

[Carpone]

The new Raptor Teeth Necklace (https://ddocompendium.com/w/Legendary_Raptor_Teeth_Necklace) definitely belongs in the gear set for solo play, though you'll need to farm up a Healing Amp augment first. Since I'm not going to maintain separate gear lists for Group/Raid vs Solo, I'll just point it out here.

[achaius]

Is bow still looking like the highest ranger damage? I see other repeater and stuff mention but wasn’t sure about the monk comparison for damage over the warlock only that you would use it if you had a warlock in the guild.

[Carpone]

It depends on the context. U51 Epic Destiny changes have made other ranged builds viable, which is a good thing. I'll be posting a summary for bows in a couple of days, similar to what I've done for repeaters and shurikens. Gear tetris, build guides, validating theories and debugging code is time intensive.

[polymath]

It depends on the context. U51 Epic Destiny changes have made other ranged builds viable, which is a good thing. I'll be posting a summary for bows in a couple of days, similar to what I've done for repeaters and shurikens. Gear tetris, build guides, validating theories and debugging code is time intensive.

I appreciate all of your effort in making these guides.

[achaius]

Playing with any of the new augments yet? I don’t have any of them yet. Wondering if you should convince me that I need them.

[Oliphant]

Probably doing an Alch Epic Reincarnation today. Been doing bomber but might go thrower today. Occurs to me these gearsets might be appropriate for Alch thrower but I need to think a bit more on that.

[FrancisSmall]

I'm a bit mystified why the 4 APs on the solo build in Tempest for improved defense. It seems to only apply when dual-wielding, which makes no sense. What am I missing?

[kaipan]

I'm a bit mystified why the 4 APs on the solo build in Tempest for improved defense. It seems to only apply when dual-wielding, which makes no sense. What am I missing?

The deflect arrows upgrade works independently.

[Carpone]

The deflect arrows upgrade works independently.
Correct.

When you're soloing, you're dealing with multiple archers at once. So the 2 sec deflect is much more useful than 6 seconds. If you're stretched on AP b/c you don't have racial lives, then by all means drop the 4 AP in Tempest.

[dgtgtd]

Is the Ring of Prowess just for the Ranged Power and the Green Slot? If so, now that the Ranged Power augments are a thing and soon to be barterable, is there another ring you would slot in there?

[Carpone]

Is the Ring of Prowess just for the Ranged Power and the Green Slot? If so, now that the Ranged Power augments are a thing and soon to be barterable, is there another ring you would slot in there?
Bound Elemental Ring of Acid.

I'll post a U53 gearset soon.

[Mindos]

Bound Elemental Ring of Acid.

I'll post a U53 gearset soon.

What's the damage range of this ring?

[Carpone]

AFAIK there is no known dice damage formula. Approx 300-500/tick at max ticks (5). I model it at 80 acid damage per attack.

[Noir]

Carpone, The guide seems to have been deleted off Google Docs.
If anyone saved a copy I'd very much like to get it.
Just got to level 20 and wanted to review the ED's

[Swimms]

Bound Elemental Ring of Acid.

I'll post a U53 gearset soon.

I believe the Ring of Prowess is the only source of deadly in the good, better and best gearsets (once one drops Sailcloth cloak)? Maybe there is a newer augment for this but I am still holding on to the Ring of Prowess now solely for deadly.

[Snuffelupecus]

Has the gear list been updated yet? Just got my alt ranger to 30 and am now lookin to start acquiring gear

[Carpone]

The build in this thread is outdated, and the guide has been deleted. Builds have a shelf life, and I don't want people referencing this thread years from now like other outdated threads here.

The latest bow builds for U53 are posted here: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/530531-U53-Ranged-Showdown-Damage-Calculations-for-17-Builds

Check the build links in the spreadsheet for the build you're interested in.

[Snuffelupecus]

The build in this thread is outdated, and the guide has been deleted. Builds have a shelf life, and I don't want people referencing this thread years from now like other outdated threads here.

The latest bow builds for U53 are posted here: https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/530531-U53-Ranged-Showdown-Damage-Calculations-for-17-Builds

Check the build links in the spreadsheet for the build you're interested in.

I've looked at those but none match what i have. im just a 20/10 ranger

[Swimms]

I've looked at those but none match what i have. im just a 20/10 ranger

The gear is going to be more or less the same, use this one...

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ke2gpZak0rkdLNedcGfpHQFuwHkNTn806qHPaXgh-wQ/edit

[Snuffelupecus]

The gear is going to be more or less the same, use this one...

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ke2gpZak0rkdLNedcGfpHQFuwHkNTn806qHPaXgh-wQ/edit

Thanks!

[spifflove]

Could someone please list top 5 to 10 builds and
1) level split 2) weapon type 3) race 4) main tree
????????[Beggin hands]

[Carpone]

This thread is dead. Check out this instead: https://forums.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/530531-U53-Ranged-Showdown-Damage-Calculations-for-17-Builds