The Engineer's Guide to Pvp
The Situation
As requested, I will endeavour to keep this updated with upcoming patches and content, so I'll date stamp this section and post updates as required :)
13/12/11 (I'm Aussie)
With the general consensus being that engineers in pvp are [insert synonym for "crap"], I've decided to stick up for us engineers attempting to give pvp a shot. Even though we are in need of some serious attention for pvp skill fixes (transference anyone?), there is great fun to be had when pvping as an engineer. Damage Over Time kills after you've already died is one of the greatest feelings ever, second to winning I guess :)
There are battles that you simply just won't be able to win, but there are a few tactics that we can use to win some (read: few) battles. As a previous PL pvp player, I was accustomed to my 4:1 KD ratio, but this just isn't happening for me at the moment in SL (almost 1:1 lol), but I'm ok with that because of my <3 for the Engie.
This guide will focus mainly on duelling, but most of the tactics will apply to larger 3v3 scenarios.
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17/12/11
Winter update didn't bring any fixes :( extra skill points are great though, but not enough to bump us up. I've been using Protection and Force Shield maxxed out, and it's working great so far. But it seems that other classes have obviously gotten stronger also, and if anything, I have found it harder to win more duels. I'll update the build notes below. Plat armour is also cheaper now too. Win!
I think it is important to note that when it comes down to the nitty gritty, implants can make or break you. You need to test which implant works best against your opponent, as one will certainly stand out as being the winner.
How, you ask? Whilst in the "I'm Dead!" position, type "HP%?" and gauge the outcome. A great performance review!
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The Gear
Plat 40 Armor
Blackstar Shield
Nova
Plat Dodge Implant
As of now, the best armor I've found that works in most scenarios is the 40 Platinum Armor, Blackstar Shield and Plat Dodge Implant. You'll need 40 plat to get it all; 35 dodge doesn't come cheap.
This gear is all used to max dodge. You'll need it so survive and it has worked well for me so far.
As mentioned in posts below, switching out with the DPS Implant also has its advantages in some duels. Even the Hit% has also worked well for me depending on the opponent. I usually test them all out against each opponent, and one usually stands out as the winner :) Trial and error my friends!
26/12/11
Through further testing, Damage implant is definitely the best performing implant.
The Build
My build is no secret, and I encourage you all to provide input as to what you've found to work best. Knowledge is power! I've respecced many times, so to save your plat, here's what I've found that works best for me, with reasoning:
Statistics
I've been running a 50-50 split between Strength and Intelligence. Strength engineers definitely beat Intelligence engineers, so I'm testing the hybrid and it's working well so far.
Skill Points
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Wither - 6
Main damage skill, solid damage for the DoT at level 6.
Leech - 6
Combined with Empathy, this will contribute to your ability to heal, so maxxing is a must.
Empathy - 6
Have this on your first page as you -will- be spamming it.
Revive - 1
Gives 1 DPS, Mana Regen & Armor. They all help!
Update 17/12/11: Not using this at the moment, as I don't have enough room on screen with Protection now maxxed out.
Force Shield - 6
I run with Dodge gear, so FS at 6 gives the max buffer to help us survive. You can substitute this for 6 protection if you want to go the +60 armor route also.
Suppression - 2
Suppression at 2 lets you stun all opponents if needed. You only really need one point for duels. Read next skill.
Protection - 6
I've already got 8 skills on my screen, so putting the extra point from suppression into here really wasn't worth it for me. Drop it into pain if you want. Max this instead of Force Shield for 3v3. Test it out if you want and report back!
Update 17/12/11: Maxxed out now with the extra skill points. 60 extra armour works well.
Transference - 0
Um, it heals your opponent. Stay away until fix!
Pain - 1
Maxing it out gives you minimal damage increase over just having one point. Can't remember exact numbers atm, but we mainly use this for the stun.
Sonic Boom - 0
Not worth it due to the long recharge duration.
Decay - 6
The best skill in our arsenal. Reduces armor and gives a DoT. Max it.
The Tactics
Alright, right off the bat let me tell you that you will need to kite. You will be running alot to survive and using your stuns to keep your opponent at range. Always, always, always keep them as far away as possible. Our DoTs reach them from 12m.
Use Suppression to stun the target. Remember that any damage will break the stun. I usually use this when I see my opponent buffing and DoTs are not currently on the target.
So far for my combo, what I've been using is this... it really depends on who you're facing though, be it op, comm or engie. The longer the battle, the higher your chances are of winning so just remember that.
Change it up when you analyse your opponents strategy. Here is what you can base your own combo off.
Alpha:
Revival, Protection and Force Shield before match, Empathy, Decay, Wither, Leech, Pain.
Beta:
Empathy, Wither, Pain, Leech, Empathy, Decay, Pain.
Use Suppression when DoTs wear off or as required. Time your Pain so that you hit them just as you run around a corner. Have your skills go from bottom to top on the first page then top to bottom on the second. This will ensure that you get them off as quickly as possible. Keep them at range, learn that range, and practice using your range. That's the best advice I can give you.
The Battle
- Use stuns from far away and run out of their range.
- Keep corners close to get out of their line of sight.
- Manage your auto so you don't break stun from suppression (it doesn't auto off like in pve).
- Force Shield will help you after you take on their alpha and will help your empathy heal you up by providing a buffer.
I don't have enough time to finish this off but most of my strategies are here. I've been able to defeat commandos and operatives, some that are quite good also with this build. But like I said, there are some battles that you just will not be able to win, regardless of your strategy - those comms and ops are brutal! We do need fixes and until then, this guide should be able to help with your engineer pvp craving :)
Kudos to Kanra, Hellcharger, Bubu, Mrsberry, Morfic, Secretagent, Gilmo & Bigbangtheory for test dummying! Couldn't have done it without you :)
I look forward to hearing your input and suggestions!! And most importantly, (as the cliche goes) have fun!!!
