Not too excited about dpsing as healer endgame, better go WHM ?

[Quyn]

I am new to this game, have brought the WHM to 33 and SCH to 37.

So far, I am enjoying the SCH a tad more, as it basically feels a bit more interesting in theme and toolkit.

However, when I roll my healer, I am really only, mostly, interested in being that.
I dread feeling forced to hybrid into dps or not feeling like a main, or full, healer.

From reading discussions here on lategame content, it seems the whm usually takes the full healer role, while SCH switch between dps and healing as required ?

With my preferences, it seems I would be better served as a WHM main, is that the case ?

[Sumimi]

There are scholars out there who don't dps while the WHMs do dps instead. It largely depends on your group's willingness to push all the boundaries.

The main reason why scholars are the one dpsing is because of their MP generation as well as general skill set (Dots remain on the boss while the SCH is healing, etc.). Even then, DPSing as a healer isn't a hard set requirement for endgame.

It is true that WHMs end up doing the bulk of the healing, however. And it is true that a majority of SCHs do some dps throughout their endgame career.

[Lyrica_Ashtine]

Well, it's not that odd that you find scholar more interesting or enjoyable at that level. You don't get to "play" the class till level 50. I'll just link you to this post rather than reposting it here.

So bottom line: Take both classes to 50 first and do some content, if you can stomache the grind.

[Cynfael]

I dread feeling forced to hybrid into dps or not feeling like a main, or full, healer.

The SCH's more flexible GCD-management game aside, this is a feature of the system, not the Job.

Either healer role is perfectly capable as a "full healer." The thing is that the pace of combat in this game is based more or less around a 2.5s GCD, meaning that healers who choose to pretend that their DPS abilities don't exist are literally standing around doing nothing when there's healing downtime or are slopping unnecessary heals or buffs just to give the appearance of being busy.

[Magusrex]

The SCH's more flexible GCD-management game aside, this is a feature of the system, not the Job.

Either healer role is perfectly capable as a "full healer." The thing is that the pace of combat in this game is based more or less around a 2.5s GCD, meaning that healers who choose to pretend that their DPS abilities don't exist are literally standing around doing nothing when there's healing downtime or are slopping unnecessary heals or buffs just to give the appearance of being busy.

This is the single best thing about being a healer in this game, you can really help your group and stand out by doing more than just heal. I get a lot of nice compliments for fast and safe runs. Feels great!!!

[Quyn]

The SCH's more flexible GCD-management game aside, this is a feature of the system, not the Job.

Either healer role is perfectly capable as a "full healer." The thing is that the pace of combat in this game is based more or less around a 2.5s GCD, meaning that healers who choose to pretend that their DPS abilities don't exist are literally standing around doing nothing when there's healing downtime or are slopping unnecessary heals or buffs just to give the appearance of being busy.

I am referring specifically to challenging endgame runs rather than trash clearing btw.
In such cases, wouldnt the WHM mana be too precious to spend on dps ?

I can see how this is very viable for the SCH since mana isnt such a limitation.

[Magusrex]

SNIP
So far, I am enjoying the SCH a tad more, as it basically feels a bit more interesting in theme and toolkit.SNIP
From reading discussions here on lategame content, it seems the whm usually takes the full healer role, while SCH switch between dps and healing as required ?
With my preferences, it seems I would be better served as a WHM main, is that the case ?

I am referring specifically to challenging endgame runs rather than trash clearing btw.
In such cases, wouldnt the WHM mana be too precious to spend on dps ?

I can see how this is very viable for the SCH since mana isnt such a limitation.

If you like your Shaman more, actually get to the challenging endgame content, IF you get there you will probably be good enough to pull it off and might actually find you like it I have found that stretching yourself or going outside your comfort zone in life or games is actually quite rewarding.

[Delily]

I am referring specifically to challenging endgame runs rather than trash clearing btw.
In such cases, wouldnt the WHM mana be too precious to spend on dps ?

I can see how this is very viable for the SCH since mana isnt such a limitation.

It depends on the encounter and your group.

There have been times when as SCH, I find myself spamming Rouse+Whispering Wind and Physick as often as I can, praying the damage dealers can actually finish the damn encounter before I run out of mana. There are times when as a WHM, I am bored, since I find myself sitting around waiting to heal someone.

In general, I find myself able to do damage and heal better as a SCH than a WHM, but it just depends on how well your group is with the fight. I think for what you want, WHM is better suited, but I'd recommend getting both to 50.

[Cynfael]

I am referring specifically to challenging endgame runs rather than trash clearing btw.
In such cases, wouldnt the WHM mana be too precious to spend on dps ?

I can see how this is very viable for the SCH since mana isnt such a limitation.

The same rule applies to end-game. WHMs who build well and manage MP properly have no issues with occasional DPS support. Even in Final Coil you can take advantage of a few GCDs worth of lull in incoming damage to throw out Aero 2 and Aero and a Fluid Aura for free damage on a boss.

Off the top of my head, T11 Nerve Gas provides a surprising amount of leisure time to stack DoTs if you place yourself correctly. T10 not only turns the boss into a sitting duck at the end of each add phase, it's a fight with fairly low healing requirements overall if handled properly. SCH is more likely to suffer MP issues than WHM if they are maximizing their DPS opportunities while also maintaining shields for important mechanics.

No matter which healer you play, your comfort level in providing support DPS at all levels of the game depends partly on your own knowledge of the fight and partly on how well your party plays. Neither healer is going to be DPSing very much if their fellows insist on taking avoidable damage, or worse, requiring multiple rezzes.

[Quyn]

snip

Right, I understand that as it seems logical and thank you for the reply.

However, do you think the SCH is more likely to be called upon lending extra DPS in certain phases while the WHM stays on healing ?