U51 Comprehensive Guide to Bow DPS

[Carpone]

Complete write up 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Weapon Focus: Ranged has been replaced by Nimble Fingers to net +1 SA dice from Shadowdancer Technician 3.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.

[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Weapon Focus: Ranged has been replaced by Nimble Fingers to net +1 SA dice from Shadowdancer Technician 3.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.

[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.