***PEW-PEW!! A Comprehensive Analysis of Dexterity (Dex) Sets: AO3 to Humania***

[CrimsonTider]

INTRODUCTION

Since the introduction of my last guide, I got many requests to do a similar guide for other classes. While I am not as knowledgeable in the other two classes, I have decided to make this guide regarding dex gear. I made my first bird midway through the Balefort Sewers campaign and immediately fell in love. I have experimented with both warbird and pure dex, and being a pure bird, IMO, is much more fun and challenging.

Through the next few sections, we will look at all of the "endgame" dex sets and the progression of each set from AO3 to Humania. I will focus on bows/guns as it is widely known these items provide the most "pop" and improvement to skill damage. This discussion will not be like the discussion on strength gear as it this thread will focus more on overall set strengths and weakness and not just one main issue.

A LOOK INTO DEXTERITY GEAR: AO3 TO HUMANIA

This section is to provide statistical data on dex gear to allow the reader to analyze the evolution of these sets. As stated before, the focus will be on bows/guns. Statistical data will be provided for each "endgame", or "best", set and then followed with screenshots to allow the reader to see visual representation of the information being provided.

NOTE: Talons/daggers/shanks are not being analyzed at this time. Upon request through discussion, this may be revisited.

AO3

Void Set - Lootable:

Wraith Armor of the Void Req: Level 50, 158 Dex 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 41 Armor [Part of a Set, From T'Paxx the Executioner]
Overlord's Helmet of the Void Req: Level 50, 154 Dex 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 21 Armor [Part of a Set, From Galactic Overlord]
Mega Blaster of the Void Req: Level 50, 158 Dex 120-165 Damage, 1.0 Speed, 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 6 Armor [Part of a Set, From Galactic Overlord]
Sunblessed Bow of the Void Req: Level 50, 158 Dex 135-180 Damage, 0.9 Speed, 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 6 Armor [Part of a Set, From King Mynas, Alien Minibosses]

Set Bonuses:

Void Set I Jacob's Helmet of the Void, Wraith Armor of the Void, Mega Blaster of the Void +5% Hit, +5% Crit, +2 H/s, +2 M/s, +10 Damage, +5 Armor
Void Set II - "Sunblessed Archer" Overlord's Helmet of the Void, Wraith Armor of the Void, Sunblessed Bow of the Void+3 h/s, +10 DMG, +7 Armor



Cyber Set - Quests:

Cyber Armor of the Void Req: Level 50, 157 Dex 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 43 Armor [From 100 "Ok'tal Totems" Quest]
Cyber Skull of the Void Req: Level 50, 154 Dex 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 22 Armor [From 50 "Cyber Shards" Quest]
Cyber Blaster of the Void Req: Level 50, 158 Dex 126-171 Damage, 1.0 Speed, 11 Dex, 3% Dodge, 8% Hit, 2% Crit, 1 H/s, 2 M/s, 6 Armor [From 25 "Captive Shadows" Quest]

Set Bonuses:

Cyber Void Set Cyber Skull of the Void, Cyber Armor of the Void, Cyber Blaster of the Void +2% Hit, +1% Dodge, +1 H/s, +9 Damage, +3 Armor



SHADOW CAVES

Death Set:

Sentinel's Armor of Death Req: Level 50, 157 Dex 12 Dex, 3% Dodge, 5% Hit, 4% Crit, 3 M/s, 4 Damage, 44 Armor [From Shadow Anubis & others, Cave V]
Sentinel's Helmet of Death Req: Level 50, 157 Dex 12 Dex, 3% Dodge, 5% Hit, 4% Crit, 3 M/s, 4 Damage, 23 Armor [From the Shadow Lord & others, Cave IV]
Sentinel's Shotgun of Death Req: Level 50, 158 Dex 130-175 Damage, 1.0 Speed, 12 Dex, 3% Dodge, 5% Hit, 4% Crit, 3 M/s, 7 Armor [From The Dark Archer, Cave I]

Set Bonuses:

Sentinel Gun Set Sentinel's Helmet of Death, Sentinel's Armor of Death, Sentinel's Shotgun of Death +2 Crit, +2 M/s, +8 Damage



BALEFORT SEWERS

Customized Sets:

Customized Gemstone Leather Req: Level 55, 173 Dex 14 Dex, 12% Hit, 10% Crit, 6 H/s, 46 Armor Levels: 55 Recipe
Customized Gemstone Cap Req: Level 55, 173 Dex 14 Dex, 12% Hit, 10% Crit, 6 H/s, 21 Armor Levels: 55 Recipe
Customized Gemstone Auto-Bow Req: Level 55, 173 Dex 137-182 Damage, 1.0 Speed, 14 Dex, 12% Hit, 10% Crit, 6 H/s, 10 Armor Levels: 55 Recipe
Customized Gemstone Recurve Req: Level 55, 173 Dex 146-191 Damage, 0.9 Speed, 14 Dex, 12% Hit, 10% Crit, 5 H/s, 5 Armor Levels: 55 Recipe

Set Bonuses:

Customized Auto-Bow Set Customized Gemstone Leather, Customized Gemstone Cap, Customized Gemstone Auto-Bow +2 Crit, +5 H/s, +4 M/s, +6 Damage
Customized Recurve Set Customized Gemstone Leather, Customized Gemstone Cap, Customized Gemstone Recurve +7 Crit, +2 Dodge, +5 H/s, +6 M/s, +13 Damage, +2 Armor



NURI'S HALLOWS

Demonic Set:

Demonic Glyph Armor Req: Level 60, 140 Dex 23 Dex, 5% Hit, 6% Crit, 7 H/s, 5 M/s, 10 Damage, 59 Armor Levels: 60 Recipe
Demonic Glyph Helmet Req: Level 60, 140 Dex 23 Dex, 5% Hit, 6% Crit, 7 H/s, 5 M/s, 10 Damage, 36 Armor Levels: 60 Recipe
Demonic Glyph Auto-Crossbow Req: Level 60, 140 Dex 158-170 Damage, 0.8 Speed, 23 Dex, 5% Hit, 6% Crit, 7 H/s, 5 M/s, 4 Armor Levels: 60 Recipe

Set Bonuses:

Demonic DEX Set 2H Demonic Glyph Armor, Demonic Glyph Helmet, Demonic Glyph Auto-Crossbow+6 Hit, +4 Dodge, +6 H/s, +6 Damage, +6 Armor



MT. FANG

Crafted Sanguine Sets:

L65 Crafted Sanguine Chiroptera Leather Req: Level 65, 150 Dex 25 Dex, 7% Hit, 7% Crit, 5 H/s, 5 M/s, 13 Damage, 67 Armor
Vampiric Leather Fiber (3), Vampiric Bloodstone Setting
L65 Crafted Sanguine Chiroptera Hood Req: Level 65, 150 Dex 25 Dex, 7% Hit, 7% Crit, 5 H/s, 5 M/s, 13 Damage, 43 Armor
Vampiric Leather Fiber (3), Vampiric Bloodstone Setting
L65 Crafted Sanguine Chiroptera Crossbow Req: Level 65, 150 Dex 178-212 Damage, 1.1 Speed, 25 Dex, 7% Hit, 7% Crit, 5 H/s, 5 M/s, 8 Armor
Glyph Crossbow Body Base (2), Vampiric Bloodstone Setting, Vampiric Weapon Wood
L65 Crafted Sanguine Chiroptera Longbow Req: Level 65, 150 Dex 194-239 Damage, 0.9 Speed, 25 Dex, 7% Hit, 7% Crit, 5 H/s, 5 M/s, 8 Armor
Sanguine Bow Body Base (2), Vampiric Bloodstone Setting, Vampiric Weapon Wood

Set Bonuses:

L65 Crafted Sanguine Crossbow Set - 3 Dex, 4% Hit, 5% Crit, 6 H/s, 12 Damage, 1 Armor
L65 Crafted Sanguine Longbow Set - 3 Dex, 4% Hit, 5% Crit, 6 H/s, 12 Damage, 1 Armor



HUMANIA

"Of Tiki" Set:

Beach Bum's Bow of Tiki - Req: Level 70/160 Base DEX Stats: 209-249 Damage, 0.9 Speed, 31 Dex, 8% Hit, 10% Crit, 4 H/s, 4 M/s, 10 Armor
Tiki Malo Wear of Tiki - Req: Level 70/160 Base DEX Stats: 31 Dex, 8% Hit, 10% Crit, 4 H/s, 4 M/s, 23 Damage, 75 Armor
Feather Headdress of Tiki - Req: Level 70/160 Base DEX Stats: 31 Dex, 8% Hit, 10% Crit, 4 H/s, 4 M/s, 23 Damage, 55 Armor

Set Bonuses:

8% Hit, 10% Crit, 4 H/s, 4 M/s

Sand Skipper:
Tiki God's Sand Skipper Wear
Req: Level 70/160 Base DEX Stats: 33 Dex, 4% Dodge, 9% Hit, 10% Crit, 5 H/s, 4 M/s, 16 Damage, 79 Armor
Tiki God's Sand Skipper Headdress
Req: Level 70/160 Base DEX Stats: 33 Dex, 4% Dodge, 9% Hit, 10% Crit, 5 H/s, 4 M/s, 16 Damage, 59 Armor
Phantom Pirate's Crossbone
Req: Level 70/160 Base DEX Stats: 209-249 Damage, 0.9 Speed, 33 Dex, 4% Dodge, 9% Hit, 10% Crit, 5 H/s, 4 M/s, 14 Armor

Set Bonuses:

+5 hit, +6 critical hit, +9 dodge, +3 health regeneration, +8 mana

ANALYSIS

Now that we can see the data, we need analyze the data to see what, if any, improvements have been made over time. (It should be noted from this point on that I am still level 70 and use the "Eagle" face. Stats can be skewed slightly based on level and face.) As with my bear guide, I will group the three main defensive (dodge, h/s, and armor) and offensive (hit, crit, damage) in each set, and then compare and contrast the stats to see if there truly is an "evolution."

Defensive Categories

Dodge:

Void: 15, 15
Cyber: 15
Death: 15
Custom: 6, 8
Demonic: 6
Crafted Sanguine: 6, 6
Of Tiki: 7
Sand Skipper: 19

H/S:

Void: 10, 9
Cyber: 8
Death: 10
Custom: 26, 26
Demonic: 32
Crafted Sanguine: 26, 26
Of Tiki: 17
Sand Skipper: 20

Armor:

Void: 86, 84
Cyber: 86
Death: 86
Custom: 89, 85
Demonic: 111
Crafted Sanguine: 131, 131
Of Tiki: 153
Sand Skipper: 165

Though dex gear is not desired for it's defensive abilities, there are a few observations to be made. Dodge since AO3 has stayed relatively low until the bump to 19 with the Sand Skipper set. Looking at H/S, there has been a steady decline since the Demonic set, yet armor sees a steady increase.

Offensive Categories

Hit%:

Void: 151, 156
Cyber: 151
Death: 143
Custom: 165, 165
Demonic: 148
Crafted Sanguine: 155, 155
Of Tiki: 161
Sand Skipper: 165

Crit:

Void: 19, 24
Cyber: 19
Death: 28
Custom: 46, 51
Demonic: 37
Crafted Sanguine: 40, 40
Of Tiki: 50
Sand Skipper: 51

Damage:

Void: 211-256, 196-241
Cyber: 199-244
Death: 213-258
Custom: 210-255, 227-272
Demonic: 259-271
Crafted Sanguine: 286-321, 302-347
Of Tiki: 337-377
Sand Skipper: 331-371

When looking at the offensive categories, a lot of inconsistency can be seen. Hit percentage and critical hit seems to cycle up and down. Damage, though steadily rises as it should, has seen changes in efficiency (or damage range between low and high base damage.)

Blast Shot

Below is a look at Blast Shot at L70.

"Of Tiki"



Sand Skipper



Considering both sets have similar crit, the uncrafted "Of Tiki" set has higher skill damage.

CONCLUSION

We see a gradual increase in stats "overall" for the dex sets. However, for the first time since set bonuses were implemented, an argument can be made that the L70 Crafted Sand Skipper set is inferior to the uncrafted "Of Tiki". This can also lead to confusion as to the cost comparison. Is there a misconception on "best" just because of the "look" of the crafted set over the uncrafted?

This is where the community comes in. I want to hear constructive feedback on the matter. Should the set bonuses have been different? Should we revisit AO3 where we had two different looks to the sets? (looks like the L70 def/off sets are a throwback of this time)

Please remember to keep it clean and constructive.

SPECIAL THANKS AND RECOGNITION

I again want to give recognition to Yanis, Drewcapu, Whirlz, and JaytB for the statistical information.

I also want to thank JaytB and Riccits for allowing me to borrow the two sets I did not have to take screenshots with.

I sincerely hope this helps, especially new players, in deciding gear and looking at what the future may hold. Thank you all and enjoy!!

[SuperGotenks]

nicely done! +1

[bramer]

Great guide! What noise are you going to do for your into guide? Fwoosh? Lol

This is Bramer - signing out

[JaytB]

Nice work!

For the Lv.70 crafted bow set, I think it should have more dmg. It's supposed to be the attack set as compared to shanks being the defense set. It's a bit like the crafted staff vs the Hula staff set, were the crafted set only adds a bit to defensive stats. That said, the stats do make kind of sense when you're running unpotted. The extra armor and dodge definitely help to keep your bird alive (As mage you'll just die a lot lol).

Edit: and mana regen sucks on crafted bow set too. 12m/s isn't enough to spam skills non stop, and very annoying during fast consecutive farming sessions.

[CrimsonTider]

Nice work!

For the Lv.70 crafted bow set, I think it should have more dmg. It's supposed to be the attack set as compared to shanks being the defense set. It's a bit like the crafted staff vs the Hula staff set, were the crafted set only adds a bit to defensive stats. That said, the stats do make kind of sense when you're running unpotted. The extra armor and dodge definitely help to keep your bird alive (As mage you'll just die a lot lol).

Edit: and mana regen sucks on crafted bow set too. 12m/s isn't enough to spam skills non stop, and very annoying during fast consecutive farming sessions.

I didn't think of looking at m/s. This is the first update in a while this has been an issue for birds.

[Dynastu]

Awesome, thanks!!!

I think the crafted set should still, perhaps, have lower skill damage than uncrafted, but I think the crafted set should have a lot more H/s. As much as 10 more.

[Phoenixking]

Great guide! What noise are you going to do for your into guide? Fwoosh? Lol

This is Bramer - signing out

No, boom

[Twinklaser]

Demo still>Crafted Sanguine IMO

[Jcyee]

Im loving these guides

Well done!

[Chopper]

Your analysis is right. People are wasting millions on the Sand Skipper sets while the of Tiki offensive sets are better for most birds.

If only there was a crafted one handed weapon option so we could use shields, which would make a huge difference.

[Suentous PO]

Excellent work, Ty. Yeah I would have liked a little more damage on the sand skipper set. I thought it odd that in humania we basically have 2 two handed options, and neither is a good defensive option (discounting angel).
Personally I would like to see you put up the stats for shanks and even angel as is it such a contrast to others.
Cheers

[CrimsonTider]

Excellent work, Ty. Yeah I would have liked a little more damage on the sand skipper set. I thought it odd that in humania we basically have 2 two handed options, and neither is a good defensive option (discounting angel).
Personally I would like to see you put up the stats for shanks and even angel as is it such a contrast to others.
Cheers

I can arrange that. Might be tomorrow but I will add it all in. Thanks for the support guys. Anything else you would like to see?

[WhoIsThis]

Interesting. Thoughts:

As expected
- Weapons and skill damage would increase generation to generation
- Hit% seems to be going up

Other
- There does not seem a trend with mana and health regeneration.
- Survivability-wise, armor seems to be going up, but dodge is not
- Crit does not have a trend between levels


For the most part, this is fairly consistent with what a bird should be lore-wise. I do however think that the 65 and 70 sets could probably use a buff in damage.

[CrimsonTider]

Interesting. Thoughts:

As expected
- Weapons and skill damage would increase generation to generation
- Hit% seems to be going up

Other
- There does not seem a trend with mana and health regeneration.
- Survivability-wise, armor seems to be going up, but dodge is not
- Crit does not have a trend between levels


For the most part, this is fairly consistent with what a bird should be lore-wise. I do however think that the 65 and 70 sets could probably use a buff in damage.

A lot of what I have seen in forums and heard in game as far as your list of "other" go seem to be the biggest issues currently. Most birds do not complain about lack of armor or dodge, but would like to see a bump in damage considering that IS their primary role. Also, as pointed out in the initial post, many attributes do appear to be very erratic and not a lot of consistency (such as mana, h/s, dodge).

Thanks for the input bud!

[NotYoCookiez]

I know you are doing the "best" sets for each level but what's the difference stats wise between raid and custom? Also glyph and demonic? I think it would be cool if you added it so people don't spend like 3m + on demonic when glyph is almost the same if this in fact is the case .

[JaytB]

I know you are doing the "best" sets for each level but what's the difference stats wise between raid and custom? Also glyph and demonic? I think it would be cool if you added it so people don't spend like 3m + on demonic when glyph is almost the same if this in fact is the case .

Things like set bonusses and stats have already been posted on these forums. But yeah, it could be cool to have that all together.

For demonic vs glyph, I made a thread for that a long time ago. You can find it in the link below...

http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?t=37954

Crim, if you want to use any info from the thread above, feel free to do so.

[NotYoCookiez]

Things like set bonusses and stats have already been posted on these forums. But yeah, it could be cool to have that all together.

For demonic vs glyph, I made a thread for that a long time ago. You can find it in the link below...

http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?t=37954

Crim, if you want to use any info from the thread above, feel free to do so.

Sweet just what I was looking for! I guess it's worth the price difference then haha

Thanks and yeah It would be cool to have everything on one thread

[CrimsonTider]

I appreciate the suggestion, but the purpose of the thread is to compare what many consider the "best" gear and see how it has changed over time. To compare ALL endgame gear from AO3 til now... good grief. This just ONLY took me 3 hours. I think the threads by Yanis and Drew give a sufficient amount of info for sets in each campaign for people looking to compare stats before making transactions.

[CrimsonTider]

Hmmm... Not sure why this was moved. Not a true "guide" as it was made for discussion and for recommended future changes to dex gear. Oh well. LOL

[WhoIsThis]

A lot of what I have seen in forums and heard in game as far as your list of "other" go seem to be the biggest issues currently. Most birds do not complain about lack of armor or dodge, but would like to see a bump in damage considering that IS their primary role. Also, as pointed out in the initial post, many attributes do appear to be very erratic and not a lot of consistency (such as mana, h/s, dodge).

Thanks for the input bud!

So would I - I'd actually support reducing dodge in favor of more armor and dodge. I don't support stacking dodge or crit and would support a consistent amount of it between the gear.

Ideally:
- Birds have a fairly consistent damage, even when unbuffed (+5% crit per focus point) versus say mage (+10% crit and +5 damage per point in blessings); which means that they are not as buff dependent (mages more or less double their damage buffed)
- Low dodge means that player skill will play an important part, but the high damage will allow truly good players to shine (in other words, a dex bird will be a build that will require a lot of skill to play to it's potential, especially in PvE); I imagine that the newer generation of players won't like this one, although on the upside, with my suggested reform, damage will be relatively consistent (important for potion usage in PvE and restoration timing in PvP)
- The Physiologic style will be optimal for play
- Potion usage will remain fairly high absent of a bear, especially for hp; with a bear, it should be low to moderate; mana potions will be a must in PvE; again see Physiologic's old videos from the sewers era
- Birds have a total excess of hit %; there does not appear to be a benefit in PvE, except in the few cases where debuffs go out; in PvP though it is much more essential; I don't think this needs to be changed
- Birds will have a moderate degree of health regeneration as well; which should be useful in PvP and could ease potion usage in long walks in PvE, but in tight dungeons will still need health potion usage

The other is that crafting sets should be clearly superior to the uncrafted, but not so much that they trump all skill. The differences shouldn't be too big.

All of this would make what is pretty consistent with bird lore. It won't be a build for everyone though - newer players in high end dungeons will find that a dex - str mix will probably be best until they adapt. I doubt that given the direction that STS has turned that they will listen, but if they did, I imagine that many players would complain or respec to warbird for PvE. Many mages became pallys when Nuri first came out (before the nerfs) and many have stayed that way (although I would argue that overall in terms of survivability and damage, the 70 str set is overall vastly superior to the 70 int set).

A final problem consideration is that there should be easy to get sets that are almost as good as the pinks (consider Bagmans vs Raid Roach for PvE and for PvP, Drainers vs Raid Roach/Custom) that are common drops and should sell for no more than 1,000 gold. Player skill not gear should be the deciding factor in performance. Merchants who game the auction house might be able to get the best pinks and craft them, but if they don't have skill, they will be VASTLY outperformed by people in cheap blues who spent their time farming and maximizing their skills rather than playing the AH.

Expected results? To begin with, the majority of bird players will probably spec warbird. Dex bird would not a forgiving build, but one that if learned properly allows for much faster, smoother runs. PvP wise, there needs to be a general nerf in the dodge of all classes.



Admittedly perhaps all of this is moot. I haven't been on much in 6 months. The times I logged on, I was just shocked at how much people are using elixirs. There are people who have spent in excess of $5,000 USD on plat. Elixir usage - not gear these days decides performance.