Since I recently did a Witchblade using the full set, I wanted to try a couple other builds and see how they stack up with the latest patch. Also to give some thoughts on the set in general.
First, I ran the DEE Witchblade again:
GT: Witchblade, Level 100 (GD 1.2.1.6) - Grim Dawn Build Calculator
Video: SR 30-31 (4:32)
I didn’t do a lot of runs but this was the fastest. Previously, the quickest 1.2.1.6 run was just over 4 minutes. Like the other builds I’ll talk about here, it’s hard to nail down an average time because there is quite a wide variance depending on which bosses you run into. If you roll combinations of Zantarin / Alex / Slathsarr for example, that run time can easily extend to 5:30 or more.
Next up, I tried an Aegis spam Sentinel. This build is copied from the old Top 20 RtA Sentinel, except I used the Scepter in place of the Ravna Claw to see how it does. Also, I changed the devotions a bit to include the buffed Dryad.
GT: Sentinel, Level 100 (GD 1.2.1.6) - Grim Dawn Build Calculator
Video: SR 30-31 (5:02)
For reference, I tested this against the 3-piece + Ravna version. Surprisingly, the full set doesn’t perform that much worse than Ravna. But it certainly feels a lot worse due to the loss in cast speed. The Ravna version (with Celerity suffix) is more comfortable and has less micro since you don’t have to worry about the Shard.
As to the tank factor, either one feels much more survivable compared to old patch thanks to the absorb buff to Obelisk, and although Dryad isn’t considered optimal to use under a certain HP threshold, I think it fits well here to survive using Fevered Rage.
Next one is Vire’s Might Sentinel
GT: Sentinel, Level 100 (GD 1.2.1.6) - Grim Dawn Build Calculator
Video: SR 30-31 (5:21)
So to get the most glaring point out of the way: this is a clunky build to play. Because the RtA mod only affects the base Vire skill and not Volcanic Stride, it winds up being a playstyle where you’re not really a skater. Or maybe a half-skater? To explain further, against bosses and other single targets, there isn’t a point to skating through your targets since there’s hardly any DoT to apply.
The other issue is how many buttons there are to manage. The builds recovery is poor, so it really needs that Okaloth helm and sigils to supplement it. Using Pox / Fevered Rage is a death sentence for this build too. Also you’re forced to use a non-retal / non-acid amulet (Shard of Eternal Flame) to get any additional cooldown on Vire’s.
Last point, Vire’s does not synergize well with the Eldritch Shard. You can often skate out of its buff radius unintentionally since it’s only at 8 meters (this happens a lot).
Warlord Aegis spammer
GT: Warlord, Level 100 (GD 1.2.1.6) - Grim Dawn Build Calculator
Vid: SR 30-31 (4:33)
I intended to be done with this set testing but figured I’d try this out, not expecting much. Could use some more tweaking but I think I might prefer this over Aegis Sentinel. Feels generally more comfortable to play and the offensive power is comparable despite having less acid RR. The recent counter strike buffs are likely making up the difference.
Summary & Ideas
I think the set it could benefit from a few things.
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Decrease the cooldown on Eldritch Shard. At 8 seconds, you’re often in situations where you move to the next mob and have to wait to use the signature feature of the set.
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Increase Eldritch Shard buff radius. It’s easy to accidentally move outside of the radius while repositioning.
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Casting Speed roll on the Scepter: even a basic roll like 12 / 16% would really help both DEE and AoM out, especially on the Sentinel side. The Sentinel builds lack HP and freeing up a suffix for vitality could be a big help
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CDR to Vire’s Might. This one is more of an itemization issue. Ideally, I would like to use a different amulet like Pestilence of Dreeg but since Eternal Flame already exists, I think the -0.6 cooldown is always going to be more valuable. Perhaps an additional -0.3 or -0.4 somewhere on the set, OR put a Vire’s Mod on Pestilence of Dreeg (which currently has no skill mods).
I probably forgot some points so if I think of them, I’ll add them here later.
