Thunder I vs Thunder II: Which is best for BLM rotation?

I figured this needs its own topic since it's one of the biggest topics for BLM.

You will find everything you need in this sexy spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...zg4cnZxTDVkM1E

Questions and comments are always welcomed.

Cheers.

Slow down with the comments guys, it's getting a little overwhelming in here. >.<

Anyways, here's some great discussions about the topic if you need a bedtime reading material:

http://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/commen..._best_for_blm/

:cool:

I don't think this topic is as important as you think. Thunder is a time-gap filler in a single target rotation. The only real difference between the three spells is duration. As such it will depend on how fast your get through your rotation so you don't clip your Thunder when recasting a new. Things like Firestarter and Thundercloud procs will increase the total time of your rotation by 1 GCD each cast. If you're looking for a quick rotation, use T1. If you want a happy medium, use T2. If the battle is starting toss a T3. Of course, always use T3 for the Thundercloud procs themselves and watch the debuff timer when choosing to recast. Personally I use T1 most of the time since that's the way my MP usually works out to with 251 Piety I have atm.

I only use T3. Here's why.

I will open with a Bliz 3 and then Thunder 3 all mobs I can(Normal pulling, not AE pulling)... This gives the tank enough time to get decent agro on the mobs plus increase my chance at procs. Using this method, I can useally get one mobs dead and a 2nd mob almost dead before I have to Bliz 3 again. The third mob usually still has 1 sec tick of T3 on it when i get to it. So my rotation cycle is good.

On single mobs (bosses) depending on procs.. I usually have 1-4 sec left on a T3 when I go to Bliz 3 for mana regen. Which means I am stable in my rotation, variance depending on procs.

In addition, casting Bliz 3 followed by a T3 usually gives me enough time to regen full mana vs a T2 I might have to hold cast for a sec or so.

Wrong forum.