Precise Shot/Imp. Precise shot required?

[Detton]

For a crossbow-focused Arty, of course. Are peoples' experience with these feats (imp. precise shot more-so) that they are essential to the class?

I am looking for ways to free up some of those points I have in dex for more con. I don't seem to have the hang of lining up enemies to mow down with imp. precise shot, but I can work on that. I could also pick up more caster-related feats, so I can cash in on some of those big-damage blade barriers I hear so much about. =)

[karl_k0ch]

One answer to that is:

No IPS, no DPS.

(Which was a reply to a ranged build of mine which did not include IPS.)

IPS increases your damage output by factor 2, 3 or 4 (or more), depending on how well you can place yourself in relation to the mobs. I consider it to be pretty viable.

If you plan to use your repeater only against single targets, however, it is useless.

[RandomKeypress]

Agree that IPS is essential for trash-killing DPS. There was some talk by a dev on the Lammania forums about a counter-stance for single-target DPS, but that hasn't been implemented yet.
Unless you decide that you artificer is not going to shoot anything, get IPS.

[Detton]

Roger Roger, thanks for the quick replies =)

[krackythehoodedone]

If you are serious about having a ''ranged'' focus toon then PS & IPS are absolutely integral.

If you have a toon whose major focus is elsewhere but shoots a bit then not so much.