Curse

HalPlantagenet · Feb 12, 2007, 06:16 PM // 18:16

I blush to admit it, but the strength of Needling Shot eludes me.

Lately, I've tried it with a number of builds and a variety of elites (most recently Glass Arrows) in PVE and the result has always been mediocre. The problem is that far to many experienced players on these forums whom I respect for their skill and judgment have a high opinion of the skill.

Obviously, the problem rests with me. I'd be grateful for any insight that would help me make more effective use of it. Thanks.

ZennZero · Feb 12, 2007, 06:44 PM // 18:44

The thing about Needling shot is that is essentially worthless until your target is under 50% health. In a PvE scenario, your targets (occasional bosses aside) go down pretty quickly anyway, meaning the window to use Needling is pretty slim, and generally not too helpful.

In PvP, where the teams can be smaller and a given target can have a *lot* more staying power, sustained needling with a high damage prep can offer pretty substantial pressure (especially against high armor targets, since the damage is armor ignoring).

SnipiousMax · Feb 12, 2007, 07:05 PM // 19:05

Really there are a few things to consider about Needling Shot:

First, its faster than a normal arrow and brings the arc of your bow to almost that of a recurve. So its great to use to hit moving targets with a condition or a prep interrupt like choking gas or incendary arrows.

Second. An average auto-attacking ranger with a preperation, can deal somewhere around 17 or so damage per second, well under that of other proffesions. Needling shot deals about the same as an average bow hit against a 60 armor target, but deals more against an 80 armor target, and alot more against a 100 armor target... In half the time. At worst, it doubles your DPS in a short sustainable burst. Burst is the key word here. It needs to be done in such a way, that you get a number of them in a row or the advantage is minimal.

Third. It is absolutely devestating when paired with a Interruption Prep or Daze.

Evilsod · Feb 13, 2007, 04:45 AM // 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnipiousMax

Third. It is absolutely devestating when paired with a Interruption Prep or Daze.

I've had some good results with Needling Shot and Incendiary Arrows. Can be used with Frenzy/Natural Stride too for the IAS.

centur · Feb 13, 2007, 07:49 AM // 07:49

Needling is useful only against heavy armored targets. Use Weapon spells (Brutal Weapon, you know =) ) or preparations to boost armor ignoring damage.

HalPlantagenet · Feb 13, 2007, 01:59 PM // 13:59

Many thanks to all. ZennZero, you're absolutely right about the rate at which enemies go down in PVE vs. PVP and that explains much. I misspoke to begin with, I was using Needling with Incendiary Arrows, just as Snipious recommends and it works, of course, as he suggests. However, the issue for me, as a player, was timing both the Prep and Needling for optimal effect. As Needling is most useful when the adversary's health is below 50%, it meanth applying the preparation in mid-fight. I was only moderately successful at that. And, I had forgotten Snipious' important point about Needling's effect with respect to different armor levels.

So I feel much better equipped to make effective use of it in the future, which is not to discourage further comment.

XvArchonvX · Feb 13, 2007, 03:35 PM // 15:35

I've personally found that often that Needling really comes in handy when I will be encountering bosses or lvl 28+ enemies since it allows a strong armor ignoring dps. In areas where you encounter mass mobs that fall quickly, it is often hard to put to good use unless it is with something like Incendiary or Choking Gas.

SnipiousMax · Feb 13, 2007, 04:57 PM // 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalPlantagenet

I was using Needling with Incendiary Arrows, just as Snipious recommends and it works, of course, as he suggests. However, the issue for me, as a player, was timing both the Prep and Needling for optimal effect. As Needling is most useful when the adversary's health is below 50%, it meanth applying the preparation in mid-fight.

Yea, that does make it difficult. It's really hard to be precise with Incendiary or Choking Gas while using Needling to its fullest, but against sturdy foes or bosses, it's much easier to get more out of the combo. Against most mobs, you'll use Needling as a more precise way of dealing an interrupt, countering regeneration, and dealing a nice shot to a high armored foe. When both the interrupt and the <50% health sync... then it's that much better. Don't worry that you're having problems getting them both to line up to get the most out of it. Either one by themselves is still worth using, so its better to focus on applying the preperation whenever it recharges than trying to get them both to line up.