My current ranged character has a DPS of just over 41K - https://www.grimtools.com/calc/d2jyEkqN. Primary mechanism is fire damage. This DPS seems pretty useful for clearly most trash mobs, but I seem to be getting bogged down on most mini bosses in Elite (just started Ultimate). It took me about 30 minutes of kiting to down Korvaak for example.
Obviously the number by itself is not a reflection of how hard a character actually hits things, otherwise all builds would be in the 100’s of thousands DPS. I see other grimtools characters with half the DPS I have that more than likely are melting bosses much faster. How should I be looking at DPS and what really drives how hard, and therefore, how quickly a character can nuke a boss ? What should I be adjusting - even if that means a lower DPS on the surface, but a significant hammer blow otherwise. ? Still learning all about the game and any constructive feedback is most welcome so I can get the most out of the Grim Dawn experience !
On a side note - it seems that after a certain point, it’s better to use faction gear (I’m revered status with the 3 FG groups plus most of the good factions in AoM and GD itself) and craft. Is that my imagination or a true reflection for end game builds ?
DPS meter in game is not to be trusted. You should focus on say dummy kill time instead.
Faction items can be a good step-up for you build until you find legendaries or better monster infrequents. Some faction items are used on fully polished end-game builds though.
Dummy kill sometimes fails too. For example if you depend on energy leeching or have many ‘on hit’ procs. Also you need direct your pseudo-pets to attack dummies which is a bummer if you’re constantly resummoning them like skeletons from Revenant.
Err …how do I tell what the dummy kill time is in game ? Is it different depending on what level and location you are in i.e. Elite Devil’s crossing or Ultimate in Conclave of the three
It’s the worst with Necromancer that uses Spectral Wrath. You can’t proc it against dummies because Spectral Wrath procs on you being hit and dummies don’t hit you.
And yes, DPS is not to be used as a measure of your killing speed.
Nevermind … I figured it out. Was not aware dummies had health bars. I’m guessing how fast you wipe health bar to zero is a measure, though not perfect, of how hard your character hits. Mine is not good atm but it will get better.
I’m still not sure what I should focus on instead of DPS to make character hit harder though. What should I be going for ?
You could for example go for gear with resistance reduction procs or gear with skills modifiers and +x to your main skills. Also Offensive Ability and Attack speed. Flat damage
