[Runepriest] Is DPS Viable Now? - Patch Notes 22/08/2024

[phoramix87]

Hey everyone,

With the recent changes to the Runepriest's DPS abilities, I'm curious if the DPS spec is now viable and enjoyable to play.

Has anyone tried it out yet?
What are your thoughts?
Does it feel more effective in warbands or solo play?

Thanks in advance!

[Lion1986]

is very viable now. Be sure to get int sets and start aoe trolling enemy melees.

[phoramix87]

is very viable now. Be sure to get int sets and start aoe trolling enemy melees.

so happy to hear that.

I hope it is viable also for some solo roaming fun :>

[what63]

The ST spec is very marginally better, it's not very noticeable outside of the middle tree DoT hitting every 3 seconds instead of every 4. It's most certainly buffed, but not in any way past its old slot as the by far worst DPS in the game. It's still "AM at home" at best.

For AoE, it's mostly just slightly better at debuffing than before, but really its peak throughput is lower damage wise assuming WW in party. More consistent, but lower. The new right tree 13pt is probably fine and all, but opportunity cost is too high to be a net gain to take. You simply aren't a DPS pick anyways.

And honestly insofar as WB play, I mean honestly, that 2 sec stationary cast on Rune of Battle just makes it an utter slog to play. I pity the fool stuck in that situation long term because it simply doesn't click with the speedy MDPS heavy parties we have now as opposed to the far more balanced warbands ran when zealot was last a feasible pick.

But yeah, on paper it's better than before for solo play, but not by any significant margin.

[Scientific]

by far worst DPS in the game.

I would not say "by far" but yeah it's not in a great spot. Zealot is better for ST, and I would argue that roaming it's a fairly competitive class with the right build and game knowledge. RP solo isn't bad, but Zealot just feels way nicer with the instant cast Scourge proc, Talon, and a better buff on Mark of Demonic Fury (the Oath Rune of Power mirror).

The Changes to RP AoE were QoL. The Right tree ability is not very good, I almost never recommend taking it. The changes to Rune of Might made RP playable in warbands without winds, but it did lower it's peak damage output, which wasn't a great move on a class that's not usually topping DPS charts.

Generally I would say that you need to put a lot more into a DPS RP/Zeal to get what you would get out of many other classes, however, I would also argue that DPS RP/Zealot has found a nice niche as a warband debuffer, and is fairly competent solo roaming. Things could be worse (and they were pre-update, when healdebuff was ST only and RP required ww to function)