U49 Bow Max DPS Build Complete Guide

[magaiti]

Sorry I meant 20 doubleshot. Mystical Archer in AA gives +20 doubleshot and +4 Dex. I didn't really proofread what I wrote I was just wondering about a few of the choices. Like why VKF over AA. Is it to save on AP?

This is physical DPS build. You want big physical damage numbers, so they can be multiplied further by Adrenaline shots.
AA has nothing to contribute to physical DPS, except 20% doubleshot at capstone, which is definitely not worth 41 AP.

[mckennaric]

This is physical DPS build. You want big physical damage numbers, so they can be multiplied further by Adrenaline shots.
AA has nothing to contribute to physical DPS, except 20% doubleshot at capstone, which is definitely not worth 41 AP.

Thanks for the response. Ok so it's mostly saving AP. I must be reading the VKF tree wrong because it seems like you get like 1 dex and 10 doubleshot from it plus a small amount of PRR and MRR which I would also think didn't qualify as particularly good for boosting the physical damage numbers for the amount of AP invested. Thank you for the response. I'll have to try out the build.

[magaiti]

Thanks for the response. Ok so it's mostly saving AP. I must be reading the VKF tree wrong because it seems like you get like 1 dex and 10 doubleshot from it plus a small amount of PRR and MRR which I would also think didn't qualify as particularly good for boosting the physical damage numbers for the amount of AP invested. Thank you for the response. I'll have to try out the build.

Taking AA capstone not only costs 41 AP, it also prevents from taking DwS capstone, which gives 20 ranged power and 3 sneak dice.

VKF also has Haste Boost which you then don't need to twist in.
This lets the build author to twist in 6% doubleshot from Shiradi instead, though it only works out if you don't run in Shiradi.

While 2 AP per 1% doubleshot doesn't sound good, there's no better way to spend these AP on physical dps. There's some ranged power in HA, but 1 rp for 1 AP is equally bad.

[mikarddo]

On Ghallanda I see very few playing bow builds so in that sense the changes in U49 didnt accomplice much.

Infact, I see only few ranged martial dps builds these days to the point that we often have to skip running LoB, MA and PN when I organise PUG raids simply because we dont any ranged martial dps.

[mckennaric]

Taking AA capstone not only costs 41 AP, it also prevents from taking DwS capstone, which gives 20 ranged power and 3 sneak dice.

VKF also has Haste Boost which you then don't need to twist in.
This lets the build author to twist in 6% doubleshot from Shiradi instead, though it only works out if you don't run in Shiradi.

While 2 AP per 1% doubleshot doesn't sound good, there's no better way to spend these AP on physical dps. There's some ranged power in HA, but 1 rp for 1 AP is equally bad.

Thank you. This makes a lot of sense. Hopefully when they make a new bow enhancement line there will be better options than having to choose between blowing 41 points in AA or spending 2AP per 1% doubleshot. I'll do another rez and try out this new build compared to my current build. I do have a few concerns with some of the choices and am worried that running in Fury with make the damage too inconsistent to be fully effective the whole quest but this is a very interesting idea for a ranged build and hopefully it will be a fun build. What server do you play on?

[Carpone]

Idk if saying that 'it's about math' is exactly what I was looking for but I'll take your word for it that you've done out the math for it.

Perhaps you could read the guide which explicitly addresses the VKF vs AA question with actual numbers.

This is why I wrote the guide. Too many people "think" or "feel" they do more damage, because doing the math is daunting for too much of the player base.

[magaiti]

Thank you. This makes a lot of sense. Hopefully when they make a new bow enhancement line there will be better options than having to choose between blowing 41 points in AA or spending 2AP per 1% doubleshot. I'll do another rez and try out this new build compared to my current build. I do have a few concerns with some of the choices and am worried that running in Fury with make the damage too inconsistent to be fully effective the whole quest but this is a very interesting idea for a ranged build and hopefully it will be a fun build. What server do you play on?

I play on Argonessen.
My guildie is using this build, and he says Shiradi is better for questing/soloing, but Fury is better for raids, where Furyshots can do a lot damage to a boss in a short period of time.

[mckennaric]

Perhaps you could read the guide which explicitly addresses the VKF vs AA question with actual numbers.

This is why I wrote the guide. Too many people "think" or "feel" they do more damage, because doing the math is daunting for too much of the player base.

Thank you. I read the guide many times over. That's why I thought it would be a good idea to ask for some clarification since the very beginning of the guide says that if there was something wrong, or if there were feedback or questions that we could ask. Unfortunately I thought that applied to asking for some simple questions. According to the guide and the math that is presented in the guide, VKF gives 10 doubleshot, 1 Dex, and 2 Favored enemy damage. AA gives (among other things) 20 doubleshot and 4 dex. Maybe my math is wrong but I do know a little bit about which number is bigger than the other number and so I was curious because 20>10 and 4>1. I was not doubting your claim that you had found the best build, I was just wondering about the build and thought I would ask some questions to see what the other benefits were, if it was an AP consideration, if there were other things to consider, or if I simply was missing something very obvious. I hope that I didn't come across as rude or as anything other than having a genuine curiosity for your build and what made it the "best DPS ranged build". Every time I tried to ask a question I was given flippant responses. I can't stress this enough, I have played this game exclusively as a bow using pure ranger for a decade, if you have the best build for it then I am 100% on board and want to play it and continue to play a bow character until the servers finally shut down. But if you don't want to explain anything and you just want to make claims that this is the best then you should really remove the part of the guide at the beginning that makes it seem like you are open to discussion. This isn't a case of me being too lazy to do the math. I do Math often for the game. I've done a lot of math for my bow user and have what I consider to be an extremely strong bow character which leads the kill counts in groups, stays alive like it's their job, and can solo legendary raids. If this build is better I'd have no issue switching. I don't feel any attachment to certain feats or races or enhancements or epic destinies. I exclusively play a pure 20th level bow ranger and have done so for over a decade, trying many different builds and combinations of feats/enhancements/gear/etc. I didn't just start the game decide to play a bow character, not read the document you made and then ask random questions. I understand people just "feeling" or "thinking" that they have figured something out without doing the work. I was kind of hoping that wasn't the case with you. Like I said early on, I think you did a lot of work and I think there are a lot of good and interesting things in your guide. I wish you a lot of luck in your DDO gaming and hope you have fun. I'm sorry if this response seems a little snarky but I'm just tired of the responses of "I'm right and there's no need to discuss why I'm right" or "um it's math" when there are things that are not clear like why 10>20. I am sorry that you took my questions to be annoying or however you took them, if you ever want to discuss bows or how to get the most out of a bow build I am always around. I hope you have a great time with the build and with DDO in general.

Rich

[mckennaric]

I play on Argonessen.
My guildie is using this build, and he says Shiradi is better for questing/soloing, but Fury is better for raids, where Furyshots can do a lot damage to a boss in a short period of time.

Thank you,
I have enjoyed your thoughtful responses and they have given me some good insight into this build. You have certainly helped me a lot with some of my questions and I thank you for that. I play on Orien but if they ever end up doing a server merge I'd be happy to do some questing with you.

Rich

[Hawkwier]

Thank you. I read the guide many times over. That's why I thought it would be a good idea to ask for some clarification since the very beginning of the guide says that if there was something wrong, or if there were feedback or questions that we could ask. Unfortunately I thought that applied to asking for some simple questions. According to the guide and the math that is presented in the guide, VKF gives 10 doubleshot, 1 Dex, and 2 Favored enemy damage. AA gives (among other things) 20 doubleshot and 4 dex. Maybe my math is wrong but I do know a little bit about which number is bigger than the other number and so I was curious because 20>10 and 4>1. I was not doubting your claim that you had found the best build, I was just wondering about the build and thought I would ask some questions to see what the other benefits were, if it was an AP consideration, if there were other things to consider, or if I simply was missing something very obvious. I hope that I didn't come across as rude or as anything other than having a genuine curiosity for your build and what made it the "best DPS ranged build". Every time I tried to ask a question I was given flippant responses. I can't stress this enough, I have played this game exclusively as a bow using pure ranger for a decade, if you have the best build for it then I am 100% on board and want to play it and continue to play a bow character until the servers finally shut down. But if you don't want to explain anything and you just want to make claims that this is the best then you should really remove the part of the guide at the beginning that makes it seem like you are open to discussion. This isn't a case of me being too lazy to do the math. I do Math often for the game. I've done a lot of math for my bow user and have what I consider to be an extremely strong bow character which leads the kill counts in groups, stays alive like it's their job, and can solo legendary raids. If this build is better I'd have no issue switching. I don't feel any attachment to certain feats or races or enhancements or epic destinies. I exclusively play a pure 20th level bow ranger and have done so for over a decade, trying many different builds and combinations of feats/enhancements/gear/etc. I didn't just start the game decide to play a bow character, not read the document you made and then ask random questions. I understand people just "feeling" or "thinking" that they have figured something out without doing the work. I was kind of hoping that wasn't the case with you. Like I said early on, I think you did a lot of work and I think there are a lot of good and interesting things in your guide. I wish you a lot of luck in your DDO gaming and hope you have fun. I'm sorry if this response seems a little snarky but I'm just tired of the responses of "I'm right and there's no need to discuss why I'm right" or "um it's math" when there are things that are not clear like why 10>20. I am sorry that you took my questions to be annoying or however you took them, if you ever want to discuss bows or how to get the most out of a bow build I am always around. I hope you have a great time with the build and with DDO in general.

Rich

Soloing legendary raids is impressive. Be interested to see what you consider the principal differences are between your current build and this guide.

[Artos_Fabril]

According to the guide and the math that is presented in the guide, VKF gives 10 doubleshot, 1 Dex, and 2 Favored enemy damage. AA gives (among other things) 20 doubleshot and 4 dex. Maybe my math is wrong but I do know a little bit about which number is bigger than the other number

What you seem to have missed is the number 43. As in the number of AP spent in DWS. AA doesn't give 4 dex and 20 doubleshot for 20AP, it requires you to take AP out of DWS as well, losing you 4 Dex, 3 sneak dice, 20 range power, and the de-limiter allowing your sneak dice apply at any range (within obvious SA limitations)

[Vorachtin]

Maybe not the place for this, but looking to u50 item changes it appears to me that Chaos bow from KT will pull ahead of Aerania. Aerania loses its keen and they have the same base damage and Chaos bow has fetters. I failed to test that on u50 preview, anyone else have the chance?

[achaius]

I haven’t been watching some lam threads. Where does it say Aerania is losing its keen?

[Mindos]

Chaos bow from KT will pull ahead of Aerania.

I always thought it was ahead already? /shrug

I haven’t been watching some lam threads. Where does it say Aerania is losing its keen?

I think keen is being changed to no longer give +W and instead stuns? on a natural 20?

[Vorachtin]

I always thought it was ahead already? /shrug

No the Keen makes DnD bow surpass KT bow by a decent margin.

With the change to keen i think KT bow will pull ahead. just didn't test it and wondered if anyone else had.

[achaius]

I went back and looked at the u50 notes and read about the keen after you brought it up.

Going with the chaosbow will require chaotic alignment too right? Are any of the abilities or gear in this setup dependent on lawful good alignment?

[Mindos]

I went back and looked at the u50 notes and read about the keen after you brought it up.

Going with the chaosbow will require chaotic alignment too right? Are any of the abilities or gear in this setup dependent on lawful good alignment?

Not require but I think it will give you a negative level. I could be wrong.

[unbongwah]

Going with the chaosbow will require chaotic alignment too right?

It's not a hard requirement but equipping an Anarchic weapon like Chaosbow gives a negative level to Lawful characters; likewise if Chaotic characters equip an Axiomatic weapon.

[Carpone]

Going with the chaosbow will require chaotic alignment too right?

No. Choose Neutral. There's no reason to choose otherwise.

Plenty of changes with U50. Yes, Chaosbow will likely be the bow of choice due to Fetters and the Keen change. DWS T5/capstone is still preferred in preview 1, but there are needed improvements coming to Horizon Walker in preview 2.

[Magdragons]

So when u50 comes out, are you gonna drop KtA for the Dex based trance?