How to fix 3.0 Bard.

[Intellion]

So after browsing these forums and seeing a lot of (justified) anger towards the "new" Bard (Wanderer's Minuet), I myself couldn't help but agree with all of those complaints. And this is coming from a Bard who has defeated all EX Primals and Coils in ARR.

Since trying to turn a class whose core gameplay revolves around mobility and control into something that it's not (a caster) ended up being a terrible idea, I have come up with a potential idea on how Bards can be fixed.

1.) Remove Wanderer's Minuet. Or turn it into a damage buff that boosts the damage of your next attack skill by 20%, but has to recharge for a long time after said skill is used (similar to the new Barrage).

2.) Make Empyreal Arrow and Iron Jaws usable anytime, even while moving.

This is all they have to do to enhance Bards while staying faithful and true to what the class is from the start and even now: an archer, not a caster. Think Legolas, not Gandalf.

[Ephier]

You guys are stuck with WM just like MCN is stuck with GB. I think the only thing I could with for is a higher multiplier so I do more damage while under its effect.

[Crazypluto]

All they had to do was Buff the dmg and add a cast time to EA but SE can't do anything right when it comes to Ranged Classes like bard, They broke ranger/Cor for years in FFXI.

[Intellion]

You guys are stuck with WM just like MCN is stuck with GB. I think the only thing I could with for is a higher multiplier so I do more damage while under its effect.

Yeah, I know we are stuck with WM.

That's why a fix like the one I posted is very much needed.

If PLDs were forced into becoming healers, that would be breaking its core gameplay.
If MNKs were given casting times, that would be breaking its core gameplay.
If BLMs and SMNs were forced to go to melee range to use any of their spells, that would be breaking its core gameplay.
If BRDs had their speed and mobility taken away, that would be breaking its core gameplay.

People would most likely protest if PLDs, MNKs, and casters got the forced changes above. Yet somehow, they think it's A-OK to take away a BRD's core gameplay.

I don't understand, really.

[StrejdaTom]

Yeah, I know we are stuck with WM.

That's why a fix like the one I posted is very much needed.

If PLDs were forced into becoming healers, that would be breaking its core gameplay.
If MNKs were given casting times, that would be breaking its core gameplay.
If BLMs and SMNs were forced to go to melee range to use any of their spells, that would be breaking its core gameplay.
If BRDs had their speed and mobility taken away, that would be breaking its core gameplay.

People would most likely protest if PLDs, MNKs, and casters got the forced changes above. Yet somehow, they think it's A-OK to take away a BRD's core gameplay.

I don't understand, really.

They don't understand it for one simple reason, because they don't get that BLM can move and still do a huge DPS. But when BRD moves now, he doesn't do good DPS at all. That is the only reason why people use WM only for an opening rotation, because the 20% isn't enough when you compare it to autoattack, mobility and ability to cast 2 Off GCD skills between GCDs.

[awesomeuno]

so you're saying WM could simply be another buff that makes our next skill 20% stronger with say...a 1 minute CD? could be cool, and remove all cast times and allow all new skills to be used while moving. Yes, i would be happy.

[Ephier]

They don't understand it for one simple reason, because they don't get that BLM can move and still do a huge DPS. But when BRD moves now, he doesn't do good DPS at all. That is the only reason why people use WM only for an opening rotation, because the 20% isn't enough when you compare it to autoattack, mobility and ability to cast 2 Off GCD skills between GCDs.

I currently understand that I am playing the most underpowered class in the game, machinist. Seeing you bards cry like babies over a new toy you do not even have to use is quit irksome when MCN dmg is low and we have to deal with the same thing.

[Jinfire]

I currently understand that I am playing the most underpowered class in the game, machinist. Seeing you bards cry like babies over a new toy you do not even have to use is quit irksome when MCN dmg is low and we have to deal with the same thing.

Except when MCH procs (or force proc with ammo) its instant cast in GB so they are more mobile then what brds will be, I think brds do more dps though

[StrejdaTom]

I currently understand that I am playing the most underpowered class in the game, machinist. Seeing you bards cry like babies over a new toy you do not even have to use is quit irksome when MCN dmg is low and we have to deal with the same thing.

And only because your class is even worse, we cannot ask for BRD fix? Should everyone who is unsettled with BRD being what it is now just stop trying to make SE fix it and rather beg for MCH fixes? Usually when they do class fixes, they fix almost all at the same time. Don't worry, they won't decide to "balance" only BRD when the fix comes out, there will be time for you too. So there is no need to undermine BRDs only because they are doing a bit better than you.

[Ephier]

And only because your class is even worse, we cannot ask for BRD fix? Should everyone who is unsettled with BRD being what it is now just stop trying to make SE fix it and rather beg for MCH fixes? Usually when they do class fixes, they fix almost all at the same time. Don't worry, they won't decide to "balance" only BRD when the fix comes out, there will be time for you too. So there is no need to undermine BRDs only because they are doing a bit better than you.

You guys have a personal problem with play style. We have a problem with lack of damage. Which do you believe is more of a problem? Fun or viability?