WHM 2nd ability focus?

[Brises]

As a WHM for secondary stats, you're currently looking at det > SpS > crit. Here's what I posted as to why in a previous thread.



In other words, because of the scripted nature of these fights, SpS is not as useful as it would be in other MMORPGs. Now, that doesn't mean it will always be this way. For example, we may get a Patchwerk-style encounter in the future that requires constant spam healing, and that would (probably) favor SpS. But with the encounters currently in-game, SpS is not very useful.

On speed runs where the tank pulls several groups of mobs at once, sometimes I am at the limit of my cool down just to keep the tank alive. In these situations, yes I would like a little more speed.

How much does det really boost potency? I haven't seen any reliable data on this.

As far as crit... I wouldn't want to rely on a critical chance in a pinch. It seem like even when buffed, criticals are pretty rare in this game.

[MartaDemireux]

Also take into account how little SpS contributes on a per point basis. If you're going to gear for it you have to go all out to get the most from it. It's similar to Haste in FFXI where if you had a piece of gear with 2% Haste it wouldn't really do much (or anything) on its own and you'd benefit from more damage. If you got to the cap of ~25% however you would notice monumental changes. Same deal applies here. Stack it or ignore it, unless secondarying it can give you a noticeable reduction that is. Likely be the superior stat in the game's future when more is available.

[dragonflyseksparade]

Also take into account how little SpS contributes on a per point basis.

The exact same thing can be said about determination. Except nobody seems to care how little their heals are actually affected by determination. But everybody seems obsessed with how a small 0.1s GCD reduction seems to them. I cannot wait for accurate parsers to get here so there's less misinformation spewed on these forums.

[Eriane]

The exact same thing can be said about determination. Except nobody seems to care how little their heals are actually affected by determination. But everybody seems obsessed with how a small 0.1s GCD reduction seems to them. I cannot wait for accurate parsers to get here so there's less misinformation spewed on these forums.

Try a few tests where you remove anywhere from 30-40 det while maintaining mind values and you will notice a difference in healing potency. Stacking det is no different from stacking mind, just a smaller value obviously.

The other reason why spell speed isn't as useful is most bosses attack on a timer anyway. You have to be constantly healing for the spell speed to give you any kind of return. Even on titan there is no problem getting heals, stoneskin or whatever you need on tanks before mountain buster if you understand the fight. And in fights like twintania i'm thankful for any potency i can get.

I still take spell speed over crit because i don't want my GCD to fall behind. I just don't see a reason to chose it over det.

[Nathanmg]

I've not really "prioritised" anything myself (barring my vanya head where ive chucked det+sp into), just been grabbing whatever ilvl90 I can get hold of.

my T4 experience has been somewhat limited so I've not had many "spam heal" situations yet have had a fair amount of idle time where I've been switching to cleric stance and getting some dps in (not really needed but I do it in T1+2 and in my titan sell runs).

I really quite enjoy whm dps tbh, as limited as it may be, so I've gone for det just for an overall heal+dmg boost.

Does sps affect dot timers btw? Considering I rarely get more time than enough to chuck up aero 1+2 and lightning 1 before switching back to heal (and then reapplying dots when I switch back) I can see sps not really helping me on this side of things.

[Menae]

I've not really "prioritised" anything myself (barring my vanya head where ive chucked det+sp into), just been grabbing whatever ilvl90 I can get hold of.

my T4 experience has been somewhat limited so I've not had many "spam heal" situations yet have had a fair amount of idle time where I've been switching to cleric stance and getting some dps in (not really needed but I do it in T1+2 and in my titan sell runs).

I really quite enjoy whm dps tbh, as limited as it may be, so I've gone for det just for an overall heal+dmg boost.

Does sps affect dot timers btw? Considering I rarely get more time than enough to chuck up aero 1+2 and lightning 1 before switching back to heal (and then reapplying dots when I switch back) I can see sps not really helping me on this side of things.

I don't THINK it does, but considering how much you need for it to have a real impact on cast times, I can't imagine it would do much for them (or Regen) either.

[Eriane]

Does sps affect dot timers btw? Considering I rarely get more time than enough to chuck up aero 1+2 and lightning 1 before switching back to heal (and then reapplying dots when I switch back) I can see sps not really helping me on this side of things.

As far as i know spell speed does not affect dots or hots, but crit and det do so it does seem odd to me that there is a secondary stat that is worthless to dot classes...

[MartaDemireux]

.

I'm not obsessed with it just giving accurate information. You can directly see how much benefit SpS gives you by equipping the gear and looking at the ability, no need for a parser. If you stack a ton of SpS and your cast time/recast time drop by a significant amount (at least 1s/.5s respectively) then I'd say go for SpS but if you stack it and you only see minimal change, it's likely better to gear for determination until you can get more SpS to make a difference. This is because a .4s reduction in cast time shouldn't make or break you in a good design. Determination over crit because it gives ensured benefit. Also, I do believe I read testing that said there is a crit cap and of a low % which made gearing for crit on any job (BRD included) a bad idea.

Edit: And for an example: I equipped the Moogle CNJ weapon and compared to the Garuda. Since there's a small amount of SpS given I was able to find out it would take around 100 casts of a cure in succession to gain an extra cure. Doesn't seem worth it to me in that isntance, but if I had a ton of SpS to reduce casting by a noticeable amount then you know I'd be using SpS.

[Fiosha_Maureiba]

I started to write a book. This is my abridged version howe’er.

Preference for Critical as long as I’m in Cleric’s Stance, which is almost everywhere else except Coil and most of a Wanderer’s Palace run.

Preference for Spell Speed over Determination. Neither of them come in large amounts and I would hate to think that a single battle could be overturned by a single 0.1 second faster heal or 20 more HP for a heal (stacking iLevel 90 items that have Mind and Determination).

[Nettle]

It's called a secondary stat for a reason. Though, I would say the argument against crit for a WHM is legit.

You can clear all content with a focus on determination.
You can clear all content with a focus on spell speed.

Both sides have their benefits. Pick your preference. Or go totally crazy and stack crit just to say you can.