How to optimize DPS as a MT in HW (PLD)?

[Cyrus-Wallace]

Hello, everybody. I'm struggling here to find a decent DPS rotation and avoid compromising my aggro generation. I leveled up DRK and I just got PLD to 60, been running some tests on dummies (As I know that's not enough). I now require your feedback as players who were playing the class since launch. Disclaimer: This is mostly for progression in 3 weeks, all the feedback is more than welcome.

What I tried:

Single target puller: Fight or Flight + Shield Lob + Spirits Within + Circle of Scorn + Fast Blade + Sheltron + Shield Swipe + Riot Blade + Goring Blade + Rage of Halone Combo + Royal Authority Combo.

I keep it up by having STR down 100% of the time, the Goring blade dot all the time and just spam Royal Authority. Using Spirits Within and Circle of Scorn whenever they're available. Also Sheltron to have a free Shield Swipe. With Shield Swipe now generating emnity, it helps a lot to keep up the DPS combos. I'm using 2 or 3 STR accesories, so the DPS that comes out from the emnity combos, can mantain certain level of aggro on the boss/monster.

What's your experience so far? How did you increase the DPS output while MTing?

[Ippiki]

If you can't remember which abilities combo off of each other, progression isn't for you.

Reread your opening rotation.

[Cyrus-Wallace]

If you can't remember which abilities combo off of each other, progression isn't for you.

Reread your opening rotation.

That wasn't a very helpful? I mean, mistaking Savage Blade for Riot Blade was a light mistake I did because I was going to type something else. Mistakes happen, buddy. I'll correct it. Still waiting for some input.

[Wordlaw]

I generally start with a pull with Fight or Flight > Shield Lob > Spirits Within & Circle of Scorn > Fast Blade > Savage Blade > Shelltron > Halone > Shield Swipe > Goring Blade combo > Royal combo > Halone Combo. I also make sure to keep Spirits and Circle on CD or saving it if I need it for some reason. I try to Shelltron at the end of a combo so I can use Shield Swipe as a filler in between combos. If I do get a shield swipe from natural blocking, I try to use it asap however as to not let it go to waste. Not sure if that's optimal or not, but I don't have any issues with my current rotation on enmity, debuff upkeep or DPS.

I found this order upkeeps both Halone and Goring 100% of the fight from the beginning. You can put out 2 combos before having to refresh Halone and the Goring dot. The shield swipe GCDs might mess with this a bit depending on how often you block/use shield swipe.

[shinros]

As a casual player can someone please explain to me what so important about tank dps? I mean we are a tank we are meant to take punches in the face and survive especially as a MT.

[NeaturalBomber]

Tank dps is for more hardcore raiding groups due to the time limit to boss enrage extra dps that the tank can output can be the decider of a clear or a wipe due to the content needing to be done almost perfect pre echo

[shinros]

Tank dps is for more hardcore raiding groups due to the time limit to boss enrage extra dps that the tank can output can be the decider of a clear or a wipe due to the content needing to be done almost perfect pre echo

Ok that is a fair enough answer.

[repoe]

As a casual player can someone please explain to me what so important about tank dps? I mean we are a tank we are meant to take punches in the face and survive especially as a MT.

Their is more then one way to approach fights, tank dps as some one stated can also correlate to time limit checks in raid, Efficiency, and people aiming improve their gameplay by Challenging themselves to be better and more wellk rounded player by experimenting with different play styles.

That being said, one should always focus on maintaining their main function of threat and damage mitigation prior to looking into improving their dps. Dps will improve with experience and understanding of the mechanics of the fight and their class. In my opinion at least

[Seku]

As a casual player can someone please explain to me what so important about tank dps? I mean we are a tank we are meant to take punches in the face and survive especially as a MT.

1. We're factored in by the developers into the damage calculations for raid DPS, stated in a live letter from the creator of the game.
2. More damage = more hate
3. More damage = monster dead faster = less damage you take. This is easily seen in almost any mass pull as when you start killing off mobs, it becomes drastically easier for the healer to keep the tank up.

[Duelle]

As a casual player can someone please explain to me what so important about tank dps? I mean we are a tank we are meant to take punches in the face and survive especially as a MT.

It is possible to tune boss HP and DPS checks around tank (and healer) DPS in addition to what your MNKs, DRGs, BLMs and so on are contributing.

Not to mention that tank DPS goes hand in hand with enmity modifiers and thus help us hold aggro. The more DPS you do as a tank, the easier it is to hold aggro. Hence why a tank with a 142 weapon will sometimes have to do nothing but Halone combos to hold off aggro from a good DRG or BLM.