Most optimal gear loadout

[Rogann]

Updated for U29. A more in-depth discussion begins here.

Before I begin I just want to say that what is most optimal is usually pretty subjective. Gear load outs aren't as clear cut as they were four years ago. There's just so many different choices and build ideals out there. However I believe the gear below should be the most optimal for the majority of builds. The gear will be focused around a classic THF barb with the intentions of DPS over defense.


GEAR:

• Helm: Sightless
• Necklace: Legendary Pendant of the Warrior's Focus
• Bauble: Epic Litany of the Dead
• Cloak: Adamantine Cloak of the Wolf
• Belt: Knost's Belt
• Ring 1: Encrusted Ring (slot Heal Amp +40)
• Ring 2: Strange Tidings
• Gloves: Epic Gloves of the Claw
• Boots: Deft Boots of Strength (+12 Seeker, +12 Strength Random Gen)
• Bracers: Epic Bracers of the Claw
• Armor: Breastplate of the Celestial Avenger
• Goggles: Deadly Goggles of Accuracy

• Quiver: Epic Quiver of Alacrity

ITEM AUGMENTS:

• Insightful Strength +2
• Fear Immunity
• Blindness Immunity
• Good Luck +2
• Resistance +8
• Wisdom +8
• Charisma +8
• Globe of Imperial Blood
• Draconic Soul Gem

NOTES:

• I listed the most simple versions of the Random Gen items. Note that their values can increase as well as having additional effects such as Insightful Seeker.
• Mysterious Bracers vs Epic Claw Set. The extra healing from Mysterious Bracers is too minimal to justify it over the dps that Epic Claw Set Provides. For a more in-depth look click here.

[the_one_dwarfforged]

i dont see the value of strange tidings/hamp ring over seal of house avithoul, since you dont seem to have sneak attack slotted anywhere else.

also i thought i read that sightless was getting +12 con, not sure sure about that though.

[Rogann]

i dont see the value of strange tidings/hamp ring over seal of house avithoul, since you dont seem to have sneak attack slotted anywhere else.

Strange Tidings offers +16 Sneak Attack Damage compared to Seal of House Avithoul's +13 Damage.

Strange Tidings is superior in every aspect.

[Tscheuss]

Strange Tidings offers +16 Sneak Attack Damage compared to Seal of House Avithoul's +13 Damage.

Strange Tidings is superior in every aspect.

Almost. SoHA is ML 21, so is perfect for ER and new epic characters. Tidings is ML 28.

[Tom116]

I see you left the quiver slot empty. Even if you don't include epic quiver of alacrity, the heroic version is worth slotting :-)

[Rogann]

Almost. SoHA is ML 21, so is perfect for ER and new epic characters. Tidings is ML 28.

Minimal level is irrelevant when talking about an endgame gear load out.

I see you left the quiver slot empty. Even if you don't include epic quiver of alacrity, the heroic version is worth slotting :-)

I wanted to keep this thread as simple as possible. Listing a useless item for the sake of owning it seems arbitrary.

[Tscheuss]

Minimal level is irrelevant when talking about an endgame gear load out.



I wanted to keep this thread as simple as possible. Listing a useless item for the sake of owning it seems arbitrary.

Perhaps, but I see no mention of endgame in either title or OP.

[Vellrad]

Perhaps, but I see no mention of endgame in either title or OP.

This, and also, most people are lvl28 for few minutes, before they teleport to hall of heroes.

[Rogann]

Perhaps, but I see no mention of endgame in either title or OP.

Its self explanatory. Most of the items are level 28 and the title says "most optimal". Why would anyone make a leveling 20-27 gear thread? Seems silly.

[Steve_Howe]

I wanted to keep this thread as simple as possible. Listing a useless item for the sake of owning it seems arbitrary.

ROFL!

You've never seen what happens to your Doublestrike chance when you equip it have you?

[Rogann]

ROFL!

You've never seen what happens to your Doublestrike chance when you equip it have you?

If you're referring to the Epic version then:

Due to the controversy going on with Epic Quiver of Alacrity on whether or not the +8% doublestrike is WAI. I chose not to include it.

[Rogann]

I just realized that Epic Quiver of Alacrity has Insightful Sneak Attack +4 which I believe stacks with Strange Tidings. I'll update the OP.

[the_one_dwarfforged]

Strange Tidings offers +16 Sneak Attack Damage compared to Seal of House Avithoul's +13 Damage.

Strange Tidings is superior in every aspect.

when i looked at strange tidings i didnt see that it gave sneak dmg. it was hiding.

[Rogann]

when i looked at strange tidings i didnt see that it gave sneak dmg. it was hiding.

Yea same thing happened to me at first lol

[the_one_dwarfforged]

also id wear sanctified gages over iron mitts.

not much more dps, but more is more.

id also switch to the hook boots, unless you actually take and use stunning blow. though if you do, id definitely swap to the gages and then put on the new stun 15 goggles.

lastly i think the dr upgrade on the armor is overkill, id take 3% double strike.

[Rogann]

also id wear sanctified gages over iron mitts.

not much more dps, but more is more.

Where else would you slot the +60 Hamp then? Losing 60 Hamp for 2d6 damage doesn't seem worth.

id also switch to the hook boots, unless you actually take and use stunning blow. though if you do, id definitely swap to the gages and then put on the new stun 15 goggles.

Good catch on the boots. I only choose the Innocent Boots for the perma GHeroism/haste and resistance. Can just take Blinding Speed Feat and cast GHeroism via scroll. Ill update the OP.

lastly i think the dr upgrade on the armor is overkill, id take 3% double strike.

Personal preference really. I'll just leave the upgrade blank.

[RTFM]

That's because "endgame" is an oxymoron.

Perhaps, but I see no mention of endgame in either title or OP.

[the_one_dwarfforged]

Where else would you slot the +60 Hamp then? Losing 60 Hamp for 2d6 damage doesn't seem worth.

im going to assume 3 pally lives, and you are wearing tod ring and hamp bracers. why bother with the 60 hamp when you could have more dps? its not make or break either way, but personally ill go with more dps just because.

also it occurred to me, you could wear the claw set if you wanted more dps and the 60 hamp over the 45.

also if you go with shadow striker on the armor, you wouldnt need the stupid haste feat, though its ridiculous the boots dont have speed 15 on them

[tpbtoc]

Does Seal of House Avithoul Improved Deception stacks with Strange Tidings Deception? If they stack that's more DPS because you can have more SA procs.

[Rogann]

im going to assume 3 pally lives, and you are wearing tod ring and hamp bracers. why bother with the 60 hamp when you could have more dps? its not make or break either way, but personally ill go with more dps just because.

also it occurred to me, you could wear the claw set if you wanted more dps and the 60 hamp over the 45.

This is where different gear ideals start to show. Trust me when I say I'm all for 'max dps'. Anyone remember my first build post? However I feel Hamp on barbs is one of the most important things you can slot. Losing 60 Hamp for 2d6 damage or 45 Hamp for 4 extra damage doesnt seem worth it. You have 0 dps when you're dead.

Does Seal of House Avithoul Improved Deception stacks with Strange Tidings Deception? If they stack that's more DPS because you can have more SA procs.

My guess would be it doesn't.