OneWhoRuns
New member
INTRO
First off, this will be a guide for pve dps for the current raid content and will cover the current builds that I am using for single target and multi-target fights. It will also cover information such as the dps rotation of the builds, runes and how they interact, along with some item and amp interactions. I would also like to note that this guide is at an entry level, and does not take into consideration having all Ability tier points as they will more than likely change the build that you will use with the potential bonuses that they unlock.
Both of the builds that will be discussed are modifications and based around tier 8 ignite and how it should be used.
Terms
SS: Spell Surge
AS: Arcane Shock
FB: Flame Burst
QD: Quick Draw
AS: Assassinate
WB: Wild Barrage
Single Target (Bosses & certain trash mobs):
I use this build for all bosses; the twins, reflect, & Plague breeder packs.
LAS
For single target, one of your best bets for giving the most to the raid is running VOID PACT. The extra 9+% assault power is huge for both yourself and those around you. When you should use it is up to your own discretion but should prioritize MOOs (Moments of Opportunity). The build focuses around using ignite in a fashion in which it will have the highest up-time while getting that last bonus tic of damage.
Rotation
Opening up: At the start of the fight, your opening rotation will be different from the rest of the fight for the reason that it is difficult to get the correct input sequence throughout the fight due to the nature of ignite.
So here it is: QD -> Ignite -> (SS) Ignite -> (SS) ASx3 -> FB -> AS
After that first rotation it breaks down to being based around the 6 seconds that ignite lasts. Using addons like AuraMastery, you can set up timers for when you should reapply ignite in order to maximize your dps. Essentially you will now be using QD as a filler until your next time to you apply Ignite. One thing that I do, is now change up the rotation so that you will (SS) ignite before do the regular ignite. Between those two ignites, I will run off my other Cooldowns (AS, FB, AS). This helps provide a buffer inbetween the ignites so you dont end up applying multiple ignites, and it also avoids the bug in which the ignite does not cast because you "dont have enough spell power".
AMPS
The only downside of this build is that you miss out on some key amps that you would be able to have if you were not running void pact. However, your loss is for the greater good because the boost that you give to the other members of the raid far outweighs the cost running it.
Multi-target (Bosses & certain trash mobs):
LAS
This build focuses on hitting mulitple targets and maximizing your uptime and replenishing your own amp/rune buffs.
Rotation: Opener: QD -> Ignite -> (SS) Ignite -> (SS) ASx2 -> (SS) WB
After the opener, it is similar again to the single target rotation where you will be using quick draw and now wild barrage in between Ignite refreshes. Also we will continue with the separated Ignites in the method described above.
AMPS
Nothing really special about the amp setup for this build, it is relatively standard maxing out perks in the assault tree and taking Power Surge in Hybrid.
NOTE: Spellslingers now have the ability to activate Spell surge during any cast! This leads to some important interactions with Wild barrage and will increase your potential dps. One thing that you should attempt to do, is cast WB and in the middle of the cast, cast SS. What this will do is give you all the buffs such as Power Surge, Deadly chain, and Focused surge for each tic that hits, without actually using the cost of a spell surged ability.
Runes
The runes that you will run are very based around the available slots that you have and are up to your own interpretation. The main thing to focus on are what will give you the most assault power. With this said, I currently have points in Focused Surge, Weapon Specialist, and Fusion Blast. My fire and fusion go towards Fusion blast; Air & water towards Focused Surge; and Earth & Logic towards Weapon Specialist. My life runes are currently going into raw finesse to help reach those important milestones.
Closing Thoughts
There are many different ways to play a Spellslinger which is one of the many reasons that Wildstar is so great. This guide was meant to help out those who were struggling with a rotation or looking for a new build to try out. In the end, everything is up for interpretation and this was the method that I used. I chose the above builds because they provided the highest results through my own tests. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to leave them below and I will be sure to get to them.
Happy Slinging
Saken Bake
First off, this will be a guide for pve dps for the current raid content and will cover the current builds that I am using for single target and multi-target fights. It will also cover information such as the dps rotation of the builds, runes and how they interact, along with some item and amp interactions. I would also like to note that this guide is at an entry level, and does not take into consideration having all Ability tier points as they will more than likely change the build that you will use with the potential bonuses that they unlock.
Both of the builds that will be discussed are modifications and based around tier 8 ignite and how it should be used.
Terms
SS: Spell Surge
AS: Arcane Shock
FB: Flame Burst
QD: Quick Draw
AS: Assassinate
WB: Wild Barrage
Single Target (Bosses & certain trash mobs):
I use this build for all bosses; the twins, reflect, & Plague breeder packs.
LAS
For single target, one of your best bets for giving the most to the raid is running VOID PACT. The extra 9+% assault power is huge for both yourself and those around you. When you should use it is up to your own discretion but should prioritize MOOs (Moments of Opportunity). The build focuses around using ignite in a fashion in which it will have the highest up-time while getting that last bonus tic of damage.
Rotation
Opening up: At the start of the fight, your opening rotation will be different from the rest of the fight for the reason that it is difficult to get the correct input sequence throughout the fight due to the nature of ignite.
So here it is: QD -> Ignite -> (SS) Ignite -> (SS) ASx3 -> FB -> AS
After that first rotation it breaks down to being based around the 6 seconds that ignite lasts. Using addons like AuraMastery, you can set up timers for when you should reapply ignite in order to maximize your dps. Essentially you will now be using QD as a filler until your next time to you apply Ignite. One thing that I do, is now change up the rotation so that you will (SS) ignite before do the regular ignite. Between those two ignites, I will run off my other Cooldowns (AS, FB, AS). This helps provide a buffer inbetween the ignites so you dont end up applying multiple ignites, and it also avoids the bug in which the ignite does not cast because you "dont have enough spell power".
AMPS
The only downside of this build is that you miss out on some key amps that you would be able to have if you were not running void pact. However, your loss is for the greater good because the boost that you give to the other members of the raid far outweighs the cost running it.
Multi-target (Bosses & certain trash mobs):
LAS
This build focuses on hitting mulitple targets and maximizing your uptime and replenishing your own amp/rune buffs.
Rotation: Opener: QD -> Ignite -> (SS) Ignite -> (SS) ASx2 -> (SS) WB
After the opener, it is similar again to the single target rotation where you will be using quick draw and now wild barrage in between Ignite refreshes. Also we will continue with the separated Ignites in the method described above.
AMPS
Nothing really special about the amp setup for this build, it is relatively standard maxing out perks in the assault tree and taking Power Surge in Hybrid.
NOTE: Spellslingers now have the ability to activate Spell surge during any cast! This leads to some important interactions with Wild barrage and will increase your potential dps. One thing that you should attempt to do, is cast WB and in the middle of the cast, cast SS. What this will do is give you all the buffs such as Power Surge, Deadly chain, and Focused surge for each tic that hits, without actually using the cost of a spell surged ability.
Runes
The runes that you will run are very based around the available slots that you have and are up to your own interpretation. The main thing to focus on are what will give you the most assault power. With this said, I currently have points in Focused Surge, Weapon Specialist, and Fusion Blast. My fire and fusion go towards Fusion blast; Air & water towards Focused Surge; and Earth & Logic towards Weapon Specialist. My life runes are currently going into raw finesse to help reach those important milestones.
Closing Thoughts
There are many different ways to play a Spellslinger which is one of the many reasons that Wildstar is so great. This guide was meant to help out those who were struggling with a rotation or looking for a new build to try out. In the end, everything is up for interpretation and this was the method that I used. I chose the above builds because they provided the highest results through my own tests. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to leave them below and I will be sure to get to them.
Happy Slinging
Saken Bake