DPSing as AST

[SleepyNeko]

Hey all, just a quick question about AST dps.

I was leveling WHM and AST and I noticed at the lvl 30 range (really low, so that is why I am asking) as WHM I was definitely doing more damage. Fast-forward to now I had chosen to level AST to 70 and it still feels like I'm tickling the mobs (especially on the adds that actual DPS classes can two-shot).

So the question is, does WHM do a significant amount more damage compared to AST? Also is it worth spending much time DPSing as AST? Feels like dpsing as AST drains your MP too quickly while still offering tickledamge.

Thanks in advance!

[Jollyy5]

Yes, WHM is the most potent DPS out of the three healing classes, while AST I believe is the weakest.

AST's power is mostly tied to their cards, any DPS increase to party/raid members could technically be considered to be your damage.

An AST is definitely a good choice for dungeons and raids if played well, but soloing anything sucks, unfortunately. Par for the course for SE's tendency to only care about raid data when balancing classes.

[Lynesse]

Have you watched Tsuki's videos? He's Baka Games on Youtube. He makes really good content and is a player worth studying.

Search up his Kugane Castle gameplay.

He seems to focus on heals and cards, Combusting everything, and using Malefic as a last resort when he has nothing to spend a GCD on.

[Exiled_Tonberry]

Yes, WHM is about twice as strong than AST in single target, and even more in AOE.
AST however, has added dmg from their cards. It evens out that way, but don't expect their personal DPS to ever come close to a WHM or SCH

[era1Ne]

So the question is, does WHM do a significant amount more damage compared to AST? Also is it worth spending much time DPSing as AST? Feels like dpsing as AST drains your MP too quickly while still offering tickledamge. !

AST ist the weakest healer talking about his own dmg, but he can provide raid utility with balance for example and his dmg still is strong enough to be worth it. The mana should be fine aswell, if you use your mana reduction or reggen skills in a good way.

Yes, WHM is about twice as strong than AST in single target, and even more in AOE.
AST however, has added dmg from their cards. It evens out that way, but don't expect their personal DPS to ever come close to a WHM or SCH

You are exaggerate here a bit, since an whm isn't twice as strong in single target.

[Teraluna]

The problem when comparing the two - WHM & AST - is the card rng.
This type of rng mechanic should never be tied to healing performance.

This apparent love of gambling, often prevalent in eastern games, has insinuated itself into the Ast like an awful online card game.

For me, it is the single worst decision they have made for any of their classes. To have performance linked to a roll of the electronic dice - completely and utterly wrong.

[SleepyNeko]

Have you watched Tsuki's videos? He's Baka Games on Youtube. He makes really good content and is a player worth studying.Snip.

Thanks, I'll go check those out, so it is better to use a combust over a malefic during single target? Also how about gravity vs combust multiple mobs? how many mobs do you need for gravity to be better than combust?

[Jollyy5]

Thanks, I'll go check those out, so it is better to use a combust over a malefic during single target? Also how about gravity vs combust multiple mobs? how many mobs do you need for gravity to be better than combust?

It's more or less a math problem, Combust II has 500 potency on it over 30 seconds, so you will always want to use it on single and double targets before spamming Malefic if it has time to tick.

Gravity has 200 potency, but it's damage that comes out instantly, so technically you could use it on two targets for more damage than either of the single target spells, but it's really expensive to use, I would only use it on 3 targets or more, personally.

You could Combust three, maybe four targets before you start spamming Gravity, but any more than 3-4 targets, and you should probably just spam Gravity.

Don't forget about you Minor Arcana cards and Stellar Explosion.

[Draxis_Fallspear]

I'm not super optimized, but my general strat:
1- Healing
2- Cards + extension buffs
3- Gravity if 3+ mobs
4- Combust if the mob will live for the full duration
5 Malefic

I'm sure there are more specific timings if you want to really optimize.

[Lynesse]

Thanks, I'll go check those out, so it is better to use a combust over a malefic during single target? Also how about gravity vs combust multiple mobs? how many mobs do you need for gravity to be better than combust?

I can't answer these questions. ^^ But Jolly5 and everyone else provided really great explanations.

Just adhere to the ABC philosophy. Make sure you're always using your GCDs on something. If Draw is on cooldown, no one needs heals, things have Combust on them, and everything else is taken care of, casting Malefic is better than waiting for something to happen.

I wouldn't stress too much over it otherwise.