BLM: What is the proper use of thunder?

I am confused regarding thunder 1, 2, and 3.

Largely because I am a summoner and use to applying both bio 1 and 2, but I am getting the impression that black mages don't actually apply all thunders.

So what is the proper way to play?

-ignore thunder
-apply tunder 2
-use thunder 3 when thunderscloud procs?

Or do you just apply thunder 3, again when clou procs, and ignore thunders 1 and 2?

thanks!

Apply thunder2, use thunder3 with the proc. Unlike bio, none of the thunders stack. A more powerful version of thunder will overwrite another, and a weaker version will have no effect (technically still does its upfront dmg, but what's the point).

Also, all three thunders have the same dot potency. The difference between 1-3 is the initial hit and the length of the dot.

The only time thunder 1 will override the other 2 thunders is if it applies more time to the dot. so if theres 7 seconds of thunder 2 left it will refresh the timer to thunder 1s time.

There's only a small marginal difference between using Thunder 2 and Thunder 3 initially from what i've seen.
I usually like to use T2 because of the lower cast time. But in Coil, I tend to use T3 especially in the start because of threat.
Thunder 1 you can just take off the bars. Of course, use procs for T3.

Aye due to threat i tend to use thunder 3 over 2, especially when quelling strikes is down on mobs the tanks have to switch to keep aggro to the best of their ability in coils.

I use Thunder 2 > Proc 3. No matter where I am, HM Primals, Coil, DF.. Simply because it cost less MP to cast 2, therefor allowing me to optimize my fire 3 > fire~ > proc rotation. Just feels right, and feels better than starting off with thunder 3. IMO

Thunder 3

I have enough mana to B3 > T3 > F3 > F1 > 300 mana >B3

With 1 or 2 procs of Thunder or Fire 3... my cycle rotates just as T3 gets to 1 sec left.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Azoryl

Thunder 3

I have enough mana to B3 > T3 > F3 > F1 > 300 mana >B3

With 1 or 2 procs of Thunder or Fire 3... my cycle rotates just as T3 gets to 1 sec left.

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And with this you are waiting a good 1-2 seconds to get mana back to reapply thunder, wouldn't you? at least that is what I run into, with that using Thun3

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zandervont

There's only a small marginal difference between using Thunder 2 and Thunder 3 initially from what i've seen.
I usually like to use T2 because of the lower cast time. But in Coil, I tend to use T3 especially in the start because of threat.
Thunder 1 you can just take off the bars. Of course, use procs for T3.

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Thanks, that's something I wanted to verify: if it was ok to just remove thunder 1 and forget about it.

My rotation is as follows:

Blizz III > Swiftcast + Raging Strikes + Thunder 3 > Fire III > Fire I spam + Firestarter procs where applicable + Thundercloud procs where applicable > Blizz III when almost out of mana > Reapply Thunder 3 if needed using Swift cast again > If no need to reapply Thunder III, Fire III instead and rinse repeat from Fire I spam applying Raging Strikes always before the Fire I spam.

Apply your oGCD's for damage increase anywhere you wish or want to burst.