In endgame PvP, there has been a huge overhaul in terms of what has been good in the past. From lower levels of PvP all the way up to 76 cap, we learned that bear was overpowered due to its insane utility while also having the inherent damage of having an endgame set. However, that has all been changed.Originally Posted by Befs
This next paragraph will be a reiteration of a previous post I did, so if it seems familiar that may be why.
With each level cap, we will see more polarizing examples of each class. This is because now, we have more attributes at our disposal for our classes. Birds are getting more dex, mages are getting more int, and bears are getting more str. Thus, with these increases in attributes, we will see the benefits of these attributes take hold in PvP.
For example, a birds damage scales with its dex, the auto damage, the skill damage, all of it. Thus, with more dex at its disposal to put into its build, it will do more damage than any cap before it. A mage uses int, int drastically increases the power of heal. With more int at a mages disposal, the heals of a mage will become more and more potent. That is why Cinco had to nerf the mage heal during 80 cap. The amount of int mages were getting had scaled to a proportion where out-damaging a mage's heal was too difficult. I hope that makes some sort of sense.
Nowadays in PvP, each class can be seen as a specific archetype that is looking to fulfill a certain goal. While PvP had each class generally trying to do the same thing in the past, deal damage and don't die, we now see the arena taking a more team-based approach. For example, the bear, which many see as the weakest class of 85 PvP, does very little damage while having a hard time get to their opponents. But that isn't truly what the class is meant to do in a team oriented setting.
In the 85 cap, the bear is a true tank, has lots of cc and debuffs, has an insane amount of durability, while also being able to soak up hits for the carries behind him/her. Because of this switch in the feel of PvP, people see certain classes as op, when in reality the player base is just more attuned to achieving the goals of certain classes.
A great example of this is the popularity of the dex mage right now. Ever since the heal debuff in 80 cap, the mages heal has become more about releasing negative effects from its allies. This is a team oriented goal. Int mage has become a pure support class, the heal is now mostly meant to heal and un-stun allies. While dex mage still remains a class that has the goals of doing damage while just staying alive. These ideals are similar to the bird, and I believe that their continued success is due the mind set of the PL player base.
In the past, PvP as been a fast paced, free for all style in which people don't necessarily need to work as a team. The mind set or goal of every class in older caps of PvP has been to do damage and simply stay alive. This mind set easily transitions into the Dex mage and Bird classes, which is why they are so high in popularity at the moment.
Dex mages and birds are seen as the most potent of the classes at endgame right now. However, if you are looking for a fun experience at endgame. Simply ask yourself what kind of play style do you enjoy? Do you enjoy being a tank, soaking up hits for those behind you? Do you like to deal massive amounts of damage from the back line? or do you prefer to do competent damage while keeping your team alive? Those are the critical questions I suggest asking yourself before leveling to endgame. (As each class has a very specific role)
Finally, I would like to open your mind to leveling one of the side classes. I know, I know, "fox and rhino suck", but please hear this out. With more specific roles for each class being laid out, I believe that paladin and ranger are the strongest that they have ever been.
Fox now has the same damage output as a bird, but in a more bursty manner. It of course still has the trademark mobility which allows it to weave its way around any fight. I truly believe this is the hardest class to play, but it can't unstun itself so if that annoys you don't play fox :P. (I will stop here seeing as I may be biased towards fox from maining it)
Paladin has finally found its niche. It is a tanky healer that accomplishes much of what a bear looks to do while also having the healing qualities of a mage. Is it as good as a bear at tanking? In some scenarios where it is continuous damage rather than burst, yes. Is it as good a healer as the mage? In situations where the team is somewhat far back, yes. But all in all, the paladin will always be an ambivalent class by nature. If you like classes that have mixed goals (healing and tanking) then this may be for you.
All in all, I hope that I didn't bore you too much. You asked for in depth, and you got in depth xDDDD! I hope this helps and if you have any other questions you can hit me up with a reply or contact me in game @ Walie.
Take Care <3
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