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Combat Art ordering.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 6:46 pm
by Gaylon
I recently did some parsing trying to optimize the order in which I use my various taunts and damage arts...

For both tanking single mobs and multiples...

I thought it might be useful for some...and I am hoping to here what others are doing.


Keep in mind that at 77 I still do not have the final upgrades to several abilities and CAs..and of the ones I have some are not AD3 or better.

This is the order I have come up with which has yielded me the best aggro and the best DPS.

For Tanking

After the pull..either body or bow...

-Impede as soon as I can
-Guard...although its an encounter taunt it still has a good range and no reason not to use it on singles.

At this point..for most fights...is where the rest of the group as started doing their stuff...

If Single MOB:
-Reinforcement...if its UP and I think I need it



If Multiple Mobs:
-Reinforcement...if its up (*note* I highly recommend all guards get AA to reduce reuse of Reinforcements)
-Slanderous Assault
-Siege (Blue AOE)
-Dragoon Spin (AGI line AA)


-Decimate...I like to start out with this because its nice DMG and it lowers mobs Def which helps subsequent attacks

the next two I like to use early because they are dots and small debuffs..

- Sever
- Merciless Charge
- Lore and Legend Mastery if its applicable.

the next ones are dependent on my current AA spec:

- Accelleration Strike (INT AA line)
- Executioners Strike (STR AA line)
- Mar (If I am lucky and chain this correctly after executioners strike..it can be a nice crit dmg hit)
- Lay Waste

At this point I have the remaining dmg arts ordered based the average parse DPS...this is where spending some doing some parsing helps in determining what order.

For the duration of the fight I usually rinse and repeat, using arts as they become available...only difference is when tanking multiples..as I rinse and repeat I am also cycling thru the targets.

With regards to our buffs...primarily the short duration ones...I tend to only use those when I need...or on a tough mob...I will pop them on incoming..casting buffs after the pull tend s to net a bit of extra aggro.

Also, I know alot of people prefer to only use Reinforcments when needed so as I start tanking harder stuff I might need to rethink my current use.
As it is..with the reuse AA...I almost always have reinforcments when I need it...so if I use it at the start so far its not been big deal.


When not tanking I just skip over any taunts or arts that have a threat component to them.

After hit 80 and start getting better gear and such..I am sure I will have to redo some things.


I am curious to see what other Guards are doing :)