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Weapon Focus: Ranged has been replaced by Nimble Fingers to net +1 SA dice from Shadowdancer Technician 3.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

[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