How to spec your end game bear
I think the most discussed topic in this warrior forum is the old question, how much str and how much dex a bear should have. This is just my opinion to the topic. I never tried int, but when I do, I will update this post.
The level 56 bear has choices between a 282 str / 2 dex spec and a 7 str /277 dex - and of course every combination in between. Ellyidol already wrote some lines to the different builds in his Attack Bear and Bow Bear Guides.
My history started as a full str bear, adding some dex with level 50, going full dex a little later, then to hybrid dex and finally dual spec since level 55. So - I’ve seen it all :-)
To take a look what all these build types mean for your stats and skills, I respeced for the most common combinations. To show realistic numbers, I wore my normal gear. And so I made two charts, one for those who want to use str gear, one for the dex gear fans.
I compared three specifications each:
- Full: All there is into the desired stat
- 173: This is the minimum stat for wearing level 55 sets without having to use boost gear
- 142: My example for dual spec, there are other combinations possible as well, see Elly’s Dual Spec Guide
First for the classic warrior, the comparison for str gear: (click for big pic)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/...0b8b9c15_z.jpg
My opinion:
When wearing str, I would expect a bear to tank for the group. My idea of tanking is lots of beckons, stuns and stomps. As a full str bear, you have a terribly low hit percentage, so chances are good many of your beckons lead to nowhere. You have lower skill damage, the damage you will most likely use the most. So in my opinion, full str is the worst choice for tanking. The only plus is the significantly higher health.
The differences between the 173 and 142 spec are very small. So that’s an easy decision to make: If you don’t want to think about boost sets and loadouts, go 173. If you want to be versatile and switch between sword and bow, go dual spec.
Now for the ursan damage dealer, the comparison for dex gear: (click for big pic)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/...870a725a_z.jpg
My opinion:
Actually, full dex isn’t as bad as I had it in memory. The only real sacrifice is health. As full dex, you die a lot - or spam pots real fast. So tanking wont probably be what you can do for your group. But what do you gain compared to the 173 specification? A lot of hit percentage and 15 DPS. That sounds terrific, but: As far as I know, hit percentage is capped anyway, so the crazy high 151 % is just a number. And talking about just numbers, 15 extra DPS aren’t that big a deal.
The stats of the 173 and 142 spec are really close here too. So it’ the same decision as for str gear: Want stress free? Go 173. Want versatile? Go 142.
So my specing advise:
If you only want to use either str or dex weapons, chose the 173 specification. If you want to play in both worlds, go dual spec.
I will stay dual spec. It’s not only the versatility I like: I think the stat mix is perfect for most situations, as tank and damage dealer.
And no matter which spec you chose, you should tweak it with a ring if you have some platinum left. Rings can help you find some of your missing damage, health or anything else.
