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Difference between revisions of "Catalyst - Quickness Support Power DPS"
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| specialization = Catalyst
 
| specialization = Catalyst
 
| designed for = Raid
 
| designed for = Raid
−
| rating = Good
+
| rating = Great
 
| focus = Direct Damage, Support
 
| focus = Direct Damage, Support
−
| meta =  
+
| meta = y
 +
| xpac = eod
 
| difficulty = 3
 
| difficulty = 3
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
−
A quickness-providing catalyst build. In addition to offering strong DPS, it provides ~15 {{tooltip|Might}}, permanent {{tooltip|Fury}}, ~80% {{tooltip|Resolution}}, ~80% {{tooltip|Protection}} and ~65% {{tooltip|Vigor}}. It will also occasionally provide {{tooltip|Swiftness}} when it blasts its lightning field.
+
A quickness-providing catalyst build. In addition to offering strong DPS, it provides 16-25 {{tooltip|Might}}, permanent {{tooltip|Fury}}, 85-100% {{tooltip|Resolution}}, 85-100% {{tooltip|Protection}} and 70-85% {{tooltip|Vigor}}. It will also occasionally provide {{tooltip|Swiftness}} when it blasts its lightning field. The '''Arcane''' version of the '''Hammer''' build provides permament uptimes of all these boons.
  
−
The rotation is identical to the DPS build, and the frequent application of {{tooltip|Quickness}} makes it fairly reliable. Like any catalyst build, its will struggle if it is unable to reliably generate energy, which can mean that encounters with phases or disruptive mechanics cause the build to underperform.
+
The use of {{trait|Sphere Specialist}} removes one of the major weaknesses of Catalyst, allowing the build to be very flexible with weapon and rotation choice. It can be played identically to the DPS build, and the frequent application of {{tooltip|Quickness}} makes it fairly reliable.  
  
−
While it can technically provide {{tooltip|Aegis}} from {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}, the rigidity of its rotation makes it difficult in practise.
+
While it can provide {{tooltip|Aegis}} from {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}, you must plan ahead to ensure that {{skill|Earth Attunement}} will be available when you need it.
  
  
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| profession = Elementalist
 
| profession = Elementalist
 
| specialization = Catalyst
 
| specialization = Catalyst
−
| weapon1 = Hammer
+
| weapon1 = Scepter
−
| weapon2 =
+
| weapon2 = Dagger
 
| weapon3 =  
 
| weapon3 =  
 
| weapon4 =  
 
| weapon4 =  
−
| healing = Glyph of Elemental Harmony
+
| healing = Arcane Brilliance
 
| utility1 = Relentless Fire
 
| utility1 = Relentless Fire
−
| utility2 = Shattering Ice
+
| utility2 = Signet of Fire
 
| utility3 = Glyph of Storms
 
| utility3 = Glyph of Storms
−
| elite = Conjure Fiery Greatsword
+
| elite = Glyph of Elementals
 
}}
 
}}
  
  
 
===Weapon Variants===
 
===Weapon Variants===
−
Players who own Secrets of the Obscure can use '''Sword/Warhorn''' instead. This provides slightly better boons, but is also slightly lower damage and requires ~20% boon duration. As energy regeneration is also lower, it can be harder to recover from mistakes if {{skill|Lightning Orb}} is not available.
+
There are multiple weapons that could work. '''Sword''' and '''Scepter''' deal similar damage and provide similar boon uptimes, but '''Scepter''' has the advantage of range as well as being the slightly higher DPS option.
−
* A simple (if suboptimal) swap would be to run {{sigil|Superior Sigil of Impact}} and {{rune|Superior Rune of Fireworks}} instead of {{sigil|Superior Sigil of Concentration}} and {{rune|Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter}}.
+
 
−
* You should also run {{skill|Elemental Celerity}} as your elite.
+
Either of these builds could replace the offhand '''Dagger''' with a '''Warhorn''' for higher boon uptimes, though it is a significant DPS loss.
 +
 
 +
'''Hammer''' can also be taken, using either the '''Fire''' or '''Arcane''' traitlines. Arcane is particularly notable as it has the best boon generation of all options and does as much damage as '''Fire'''. '''Fire''' has the worst boon generation of all the options so isn't recommended.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
As '''Scepter/Dagger''' deals significantly more damage than '''Hammer''' (along with having better ranged capabilities and a simpler rotation), it is chosen as the default. But you can run whatever you prefer.
 +
 
 +
If you play '''Scepter/Warhorn''' and add {{skill|Heat Sync}} and {{skill|Sand Squall}}, you deal very similar damage to the '''Hammer''' build while also providing similar boon generation.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Be aware that '''Hammer''' builds need different gear (see below).
  
  
 
===Skill Variants===
 
===Skill Variants===
−
* {{Skill|Arcane Blast}} will provide more burst damage than {{Skill|Shattering Ice}}.
+
* Any heal skill can be used.
−
* {{Skill|Conjure Lightning Hammer}} will be more damage than {{Skill|Shattering Ice}} on large hitboxes.
+
* {{Skill|Arcane Blast}} or {{Skill|Shattering Ice}} should replace {{skill|Signet of Fire}} when using '''Hammer'''.
−
* {{Skill|Glyph of Elementals}} is a minor DPS loss if you prefer to avoid conjured weapons, or you think you won't get use out of the second one.
+
* {{Skill|Conjure Fiery Greatsword}} is the strongest option when using '''Hammer''', but {{skill|Glyph of Elementals}} still works fine.
−
* Use {{skill|Elemental Celerity}} if using '''Sword/Warhorn'''.
+
* {{skill|Elemental Celerity}} can be taken if using '''Warhorn'''.
  
  
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==Template Code==
 
==Template Code==
 
{{TemplateCode|
 
{{TemplateCode|
−
code = [&DQYfHSkfQz4XARcB+Br4Gu4a7hq+AVABlwD3GgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
+
code = [&DQYfHSkvQz4nDycP+Br4GssAywC+AVABJgD3GgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAvADMAAA==]
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Specializations==
 
==Specializations==
 
{{Specialization|Fire|top|bot|top|}}
 
{{Specialization|Fire|top|bot|top|}}
−
{{Specialization|Air|bot|bot|top|}}
+
{{Specialization|Air|bot|bot|mid|}}
 
{{Specialization|Catalyst|mid|bot|bot|}}
 
{{Specialization|Catalyst|mid|bot|bot|}}
 +
 +
* {{trait|Inferno}} makes your {{tooltip|Burning}} to scale off power damage. This is a slight DPS increase long-term, but reduces your burst damage. It could be useful on encounters that phase without going invulnerable (such as Dagda or Whisper of Jormag), or have specific interactions with conditions.
 +
** Note that using this trait requires gear changes to be optimal (see below).
 +
* {{trait|Bolt to the Heart}} is very similar damage to {{trait|Fresh Air}} with a different rotation, you can play whichever you prefer.
 +
** {{trait|Bolt to the Heart}} should be used with the '''Hammer''' build and '''Arcane''' specialization below.
 +
 +
 +
===Specialization Variants===
 +
'''Hammer''' should run the '''Arcane''' traitline instead of '''Fire''' for better boon generation.
 +
{{Specialization|Arcane|top|top|bot|variant=y}}
 +
 +
* {{trait|Final Shielding}} could add a small amount of damage if you can block three attacks with the shield.
  
  
  
 
==Equipment==
 
==Equipment==
 +
Due to the lack of crit chance from {{skill|Crescent Wind}}, builds that don't use hammer should run the following:
 +
 
{{PvE equipment
 
{{PvE equipment
 
| weight = Light
 
| weight = Light
 
| stats = Berserker
 
| stats = Berserker
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Scepter
 +
| weapon2 = Dagger
 +
| weapon3 =
 +
| weapon4 = Warhorn
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 +
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 +
| infusion1 = Mighty +9 Agony Infusion
 +
| infusion1-qt = 13
 +
| infusion2 = Precise +9 Agony Infusion
 +
| infusion2-qt = 5
 +
| relic = Relic of Bloodstone
 +
| head =
 +
| shoulders =
 +
| chest =
 +
| hands =
 +
| legs =
 +
| feet =
 +
| backpiece =
 +
| accessory1 =
 +
| accessory2 =
 +
| amulet =
 +
| ring1 =
 +
| ring2 =
 +
}}
 +
 +
* Players without Janthir Wilds should use {{relic|Relic of Fireworks}}. The rotation is almost identical.
 +
* {{rune|Superior Rune of the Scholar}} is a tiny DPS loss.
 +
* If you don't have stat infusions, use an {{tooltip|Assassin stats}} backpiece.
 +
 +
 +
===Inferno Equipment===
 +
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| weight = Light
 +
| stats = Berserker
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of the Flame Legion
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Scepter
 +
| weapon2 = Dagger
 +
| weapon3 =
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 +
| infusion1 = Mighty +9 Agony Infusion
 +
| infusion1-qt = 13
 +
| infusion2 = Precise +9 Agony Infusion
 +
| infusion2-qt = 5
 +
| relic = Relic of Bloodstone
 +
| head =
 +
| shoulders =
 +
| chest =
 +
| hands =
 +
| legs =
 +
| feet =
 +
| backpiece =
 +
| accessory1 =
 +
| accessory2 =
 +
| amulet =
 +
| ring1 =
 +
| ring2 =
 +
}}
 +
 +
 +
===Hammer Equipment===
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| weight = Light
 +
| stats = Berserker
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of the Scholar
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| weapon1 = Hammer
 
| weapon1 = Hammer
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
−
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Concentration
+
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 
| infusion1 = Mighty +9 Agony Infusion
 
| infusion1 = Mighty +9 Agony Infusion
 
| infusion1-qt = 18
 
| infusion1-qt = 18
Line 87: Line 181:
 
| ring2 =  
 
| ring2 =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
−
* {{rune|Superior Rune of the Scholar}} is a tiny DPS loss.
 
  
  
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==Usage==
 
==Usage==
−
Quickness Catalyst uses the same rotation as [[Build:Catalyst_-_Power_DPS|Catalyst - Power DPS]].
 
  
 +
===Rotation fundamentals===
  
−
===Rotation fundamentals===
+
'''Jade Sphere use'''<br>
−
Catalyst's rotation can be varied quite a lot, so an outline is provided rather than a strict skill usage. The fundamental goal is to cycle through all four elements, activating the Circular Projectile in each element before releasing them all with {{Skill|Grand Finale}} and starting the loop again. Jade Sphere is also used in each element for boons.
+
During the loop, you want to deploy your Jade Sphere once in each element. Each one provides {{tooltip|Quickness}} and one other boon upon activation, then pulses additional boons for the duration. Unlike the DPS build, you can gain the energy while one is active, so there is some flexibility with when you use them. {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} generates stacks of {{trait|Persisting Flames}}, and {{Skill|Relentless Fire}} and {{Skill|Shattering Ice}} will last longer if used while standing in {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} and {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}} respectively, so these spheres are best to use as early as possible.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Glyph of Storms use'''<br>
 +
{{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} should be used either in '''Fire''' or '''Air''' attunement. Optimal use will depend on phase timings as well as hitbox size - Fire favouring small hitboxes and Air favouring large. Given the damage and cooldown, Fire should be the more efficient option, but the rotation can line up somewhat awkwardly compared to using it in Air, so consider the following:
 +
* A rule of thumb for elementalist is that your last {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} in each phase should be used in Air, so try to keep an idea of how long you have left when deciding where to use it.
 +
* As the more powerful option, if you can line Air up with your target gaining {{tooltip|Exposed}} this will be greatly beneficial - particularly useful in fractals.
 +
* You may be better off just casting {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} at the earliest possible opportunity, whether you are in Fire or Air.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Inferno'''<br>
 +
If using the {{trait|Inferno}} trait, the rotation is identical with those below with the following exceptions:
 +
* Use {{skill|Signet of Fire}} actively when you're in {{skill|Air Attunement}} (replacing an autoattack).
 +
* Only use {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} in {{skill|Fire Attunement}}.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Scepter/Dagger Rotation===
 +
The '''Scepter/Dagger''' loop is shorter than the cooldown of {{skill|Relentless Fire}}, so this skill will drift in your rotation. Try to use it when your {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} is active, though you don't have to be in {{skill|Fire Attunement}}.
 +
 
 +
Although there are three different '''Air''' sections detailed, they all boil down to using {{skill|Lightning Strike}} once, {{skill|Ride the Lightning}} and {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}} if they're available and otherwise autoattacking until you can swap to the next attunement.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
You can precast {{skill|Rock Barrier}} in {{skill|Earth Attunement}}.
 +
 
 +
Start in {{skill|Fire Attunement}}. Summon {{skill|Glyph of Elementals}} just before the encounter starts.
 +
 
 +
Throughout the rotation, cast {{skill|Lightning Strike}} and {{skill|Flame Barrage}} off cooldown.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
When using {{relic|Relic of Bloodstone}}, you want to use four blast finishers each loop to trigger the explosion and damage buff. If you miss any of the four, then you should use {{skill|Arcane Brilliance}} instead.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Opener'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# {{skill|Firestorm (Glyph of Storms)}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} - cast this during '''Firestorm''' as you want the fire field to be down before '''Dragon's Tooth''' hits
 +
# {{skill|Relentless Fire}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Grab}}
 +
# {{skill|Ring of Fire (elementalist)}}
 +
# {{skill|Phoenix}}, and {{skill|Air Attunement}} during the cast
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Air 1'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Ride the Lightning}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
 +
# {{skill|Earth Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Earth'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Earthquake}}
 +
# {{skill|Rock Barrier}} - use {{skill|Hurl}} as soon as you can (it has no cast time)
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 +
# {{skill|Dust Devil}}
 +
# {{skill|Churning Earth}} (if available)
 +
# {{skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Air 2'''</big>
 +
# Autoattack, and swap to {{skill|Water Attunement}} as soon as you can - you want to swap to '''Air''' during the cast of the last skill in '''Earth''' to minimise the time spent autoattacking.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Water'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Water Trident}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 +
# {{skill|Shatterstone}}
 +
# {{skill|Frost Aura}} - don't activate the flip skill
 +
# {{skill|Water Trident}} - stay in '''Water''' long enough for a second cast if you have two charges
 +
# {{skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Air 3'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Ride the Lightning}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<big>'''Fire'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# {{skill|Ring of Fire (elementalist)}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# Autoattack until the buff from {{relic|Relic of Bloodstone}} expires
 +
# {{skill|Phoenix}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Grab}}
 +
# {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# {{skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
# Return to start of '''Air 1''' section
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[https://youtu.be/JEQ_9-nfKDs Video example]
  
 +
[https://youtu.be/Lw7ty1j_MpM Video example (Inferno)]
  
−
'''Jade Sphere use'''
 
  
−
During the loop, you also want to deploy your Jade Sphere once in each element. Each one provides {{tooltip|Quickness}} and one other boon upon activation, then pulses additional boons for the duration. You do not regain the energy needed to cast them while one is active, so it's best to cast them in "pairs" as you switch attunements. This creates some gaps in the loop where energy can recharge, and as the most powerful autoattacks are found in '''Fire''' and '''Earth''', these attunements are the best choice to stay in. The sphere does the same amount base damage in each element, but thanks to the damage buffs you gain while in '''Fire''' and '''Air''', these attunements are higher priority. {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} also generates stacks of {{trait|Persisting Flames}}, and {{Skill|Relentless Fire}} and {{Skill|Shattering Ice}} will last longer if used while standing in {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} and {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}.
+
===Bolt to the Heart Rotation===
  
 +
<big>'''Opener'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# {{skill|Firestorm (Glyph of Storms)}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} - cast this during '''Firestorm''' as you want the fire field to be down before '''Dragon's Tooth''' hits
 +
# {{skill|Relentless Fire}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Grab}}
 +
# {{skill|Ring of Fire (elementalist)}}
 +
# {{skill|Phoenix}}, and {{skill|Earth Attunement}} during the cast
  
−
'''Glyph of Storms use'''
 
  
−
{{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} should be used either in '''Fire''' or '''Air''' attunement. Optimal use will depend on phase timings as well as hitbox size - Fire favouring small hitboxes and Air favouring large. Given the damage and cooldown, Fire should be the more efficient option, but the rotation lines up somewhat awkwardly compared to using it in Air, so consider the following:
+
<big>'''Earth'''</big>
−
* A rule of thumb for elementalist is that your last {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} in each phase should be used in Air, so try to keep an idea of how long you have left when deciding where to use it.
+
# {{skill|Earthquake}}
−
* As the more powerful option, if you can line Air up with your target gaining {{tooltip|Exposed}} this will be greatly beneficial - particularly useful in fractals.
+
# {{skill|Rock Barrier}} - use {{skill|Hurl}} as soon as you can (it has no cast time)
−
* If your rotation is not particularly tight, you may be better off just casting {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} at the earliest possible opportunity, whether you are in Fire or Air.
+
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 +
# {{skill|Dust Devil}}
 +
# {{skill|Churning Earth}} (if available)
 +
# {{skill|Air Attunement}}
  
  
−
'''Fiery Greatsword use'''
+
<big>'''Air'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Ride the Lightning}}
 +
# {{skill|Lightning Strike}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
 +
# {{skill|Water Attunement}}
  
−
With the {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} trick (see the '''Earth''' section below), '''Earth''' has the fewest cooldowns to use, and so is the best time to {{Skill|Conjure Fiery Greatsword}}. Summon after using {{Skill|Rocky Loop}} and {{Skill|Ground Pound}} (if available) and use {{Skill|Firestorm}} then drop the weapon and continue your rotation. The next time you reach '''Earth''', pick the second Greatsword up and repeat.
+
 
 +
<big>'''Water'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Water Trident}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 +
# {{skill|Shatterstone}}
 +
# {{skill|Frost Aura}} - don't activate the flip skill
 +
# Autoattack and use {{skill|Water Trident}} if it comes off cooldown
 +
# {{skill|Shatterstone}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Attunement}}
  
  
 
<big>'''Fire'''</big>
 
<big>'''Fire'''</big>
 +
# {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# {{skill|Ring of Fire (elementalist)}}
 +
# {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# Autoattack until the buff from {{relic|Relic of Bloodstone}} expires
 +
# {{skill|Phoenix}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Grab}}
 +
# {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# {{skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
# Return to start of '''Earth''' section
 +
 +
 +
[https://youtu.be/Q57itefXwzA Video example]
 +
 +
[https://youtu.be/JDgbufE6yLc Video example (Inferno)]
  
 +
 +
===Hammmer Fundamentals===
 +
{{Collapse start|Click to view}}
 +
Catalyst's rotation can be varied quite a lot, so an outline is provided rather than a strict skill usage. The fundamental goal is to cycle through all four elements, activating the ''Circular Projectile'' in each element before releasing them all with {{Skill|Grand Finale}} and starting the loop again. Jade Sphere is also used in each element for boons. Downtime can be minimised by using the skills with the longest cast times last in each attunement and immediately swapping.
 +
 +
 +
'''Fiery Greatsword use'''<br>
 +
Summon after swapping to {{skill|Fire Attunement}} and use {{Skill|Firestorm}}, then drop the weapon and continue your rotation. The next time you reach {{skill|Fire Attunement}}, pick the second Greatsword up and repeat. Cast {{skill|Relentless Fire}} (make sure your {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} is already down) as soon as you can, and it will buff the ticking damage.
 +
 +
 +
<big>'''Fire'''</big><br>
 
In '''Fire''' you want to use:
 
In '''Fire''' you want to use:
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
Line 139: Line 365:
  
  
−
<big>'''Water'''</big>
+
<big>'''Water'''</big><br>
−
 
 
 
In '''Water''' you want to use:
 
In '''Water''' you want to use:
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
Line 150: Line 375:
  
  
−
<big>'''Air'''</big>
+
<big>'''Air'''</big><br>
−
 
 
 
In '''Air''' you want to use:
 
In '''Air''' you want to use:
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
Line 159: Line 383:
  
  
−
<big>'''Earth'''</big>
+
<big>'''Earth'''</big><br>
−
 
 
 
In '''Earth''' you want to use:
 
In '''Earth''' you want to use:
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 
* {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 
* {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} - as {{Skill|Stonestrike}} is a powerful autoattack, it is a good idea to delay this until your attunement swap is available, then use {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} and immediately swap (this will not interrupt the cast)
 
* {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} - as {{Skill|Stonestrike}} is a powerful autoattack, it is a good idea to delay this until your attunement swap is available, then use {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} and immediately swap (this will not interrupt the cast)
−
* {{Skill|Rocky Loop}}
+
* {{Skill|Rocky Loop}} - this refreshes the duration on your ''Circular Projectiles'', so activate it as late as you can to extend the time you have to use '''Grand Finale'''
−
* {{Skill|Ground Pound}} - use if available, but don't delay your attunement swap for it
+
* {{Skill|Ground Pound}}  
  
  
−
===Rotation example===
+
<big>'''Arcane Adjustments'''</big><br>
 +
If running '''Arcane''', the cooldowns of your attunements and Jade Spheres are reduced. This means that you arrive back in your starting attunement before  your ''Circular Projectile'' is available. Rather than wait, it is better to do another quick loop through all the available attunements. Performed quickly enough, you can get back to your starting attunement before {{skill|Grand Finale}} expires. As you can get a whole extra set of Jade Spheres off, this substantially increases your boon generation (though the full loop itself takes ~35% longer), albeit with a notable difficulty increase.
  
−
While you have opportunities to adjust the element order as needed, in most cases you want your first two attunements to be '''Fire''' and '''Air''', followed by '''Water''' and lastly '''Earth'''. Your choice of starting attunement is largely up to you, but it might be best to base it upon which {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} you wish to open with.  
+
During this shorter loop, only your 2-skills will be off cooldown ({{Skill|Surging Flames}}, {{Skill|Rain of Blows}}, {{Skill|Hurricane of Pain}} and {{Skill|Whirling Stones}}). However as the full loop is longer, you can use {{Skill|Cleansing Typhoon}} once every full loop, making it optimal to "shift" {{skill|Crashing Font}} to the shorter loop instead. See below for an example.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Rotation example====
 +
While you have opportunities to adjust the element order as needed, you want your first two attunements to be '''Fire''' and '''Air''' (for {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} and the potent ''Circular Projectile'' buffs), followed by '''Water''' and lastly '''Earth'''. Your choice of starting attunement is largely up to you, but it might be best to base it upon which {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} you wish to open with.
 +
 
 +
Be aware that many of the longer skills will interrupt each other rather than queue, so be careful to let such skills finish.
  
  
 
'''Opener in Fire'''
 
'''Opener in Fire'''
 
# {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} (optional)
 
# {{Skill|Glyph of Storms}} (optional)
 +
# {{Skill|Flame Wheel}}
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
−
# {{Skill|Flame Wheel}}
 
 
# {{Skill|Relentless Fire}}
 
# {{Skill|Relentless Fire}}
 
# {{Skill|Molten End}}
 
# {{Skill|Molten End}}
Line 186: Line 416:
 
'''Air'''
 
'''Air'''
 
# {{Skill|Crescent Wind}}
 
# {{Skill|Crescent Wind}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
 
# {{Skill|Shock Blast}}
 
# {{Skill|Shock Blast}}
−
# {{Skill|Hurricane of Pain}}  
+
# {{Skill|Hurricane of Pain}} - swap to {{tooltip|Water Attunement}} once the cast begins
−
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}} once you pass 20 energy (2/3rds of the energy bar) and swap to {{tooltip|Water Attunement}}
 
  
  
Line 195: Line 425:
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 
# {{Skill|Shattering Ice}}
 
# {{Skill|Shattering Ice}}
−
# {{Skill|Cleansing Typhoon}}
+
# {{Skill|Crashing Font}}  
−
# {{Skill|Crashing Font}} - if available
+
# {{Skill|Cleansing Typhoon}} (if available)
 
# {{Skill|Rain of Blows}} - swap to {{tooltip|Earth Attunement}} once the cast begins
 
# {{Skill|Rain of Blows}} - swap to {{tooltip|Earth Attunement}} once the cast begins
 
# {{Skill|Earth Attunement}}
 
# {{Skill|Earth Attunement}}
Line 203: Line 433:
 
'''Earth'''
 
'''Earth'''
 
# {{Skill|Rocky Loop}}
 
# {{Skill|Rocky Loop}}
−
# {{Skill|Ground Pound}} - if available
 
−
# {{Skill|Conjure Fiery Greatsword}} (if available)
 
−
# {{Skill|Firestorm}} - drop Fiery Greastword immediately after the cast
 
−
# {{Skill|Stonestrike}} until you are at full energy and {{skill|Relentless Fire}} is nearly off cooldown
 
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 +
# {{Skill|Ground Pound}}
 
# {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} - swap to {{tooltip|Fire Attunement}} once the cast begins
 
# {{Skill|Whirling Stones}} - swap to {{tooltip|Fire Attunement}} once the cast begins
  
Line 213: Line 440:
 
'''Fire'''
 
'''Fire'''
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# {{Skill|Conjure Fiery Greatsword}} (if available, or pick up a previously placed one)
 +
## {{Skill|Firestorm}} - drop Fiery Greastword immediately after the cast
 
# {{Skill|Relentless Fire}}
 
# {{Skill|Relentless Fire}}
 
# {{skill|Grand Finale}}
 
# {{skill|Grand Finale}}
Line 225: Line 454:
  
  
−
[https://youtu.be/Oofjr2p8hEQ Video example (DPS)]
+
'''Arcane Loop'''<br>
 +
If running '''Arcane''', replace the '''Fire''' section above with the one below. Speed is crucial, so you want to be swapping attunements during skill casts.
 +
# {{Skill|Surging Flames}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# {{Skill|Conjure Fiery Greatsword}} (if available, or pick up a previously placed one)
 +
## {{Skill|Firestorm}} - drop Fiery Greastword immediately after the cast
 +
# {{skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
 +
# {{skill|Wind Storm}}
 +
# {{skill|Hurricane of Pain}}
 +
# {{skill|Water Attunement}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 +
# {{skill|Rain of Blows}}
 +
# {{skill|Earth Attunement}}
 +
# {{skill|Stonestrike}} until '''Fire Attunement''' is available
 +
# {{Skill|Whirling Stones}}
 +
# {{skill|Fire Attunement}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# {{Skill|Relentless Fire}}
 +
# {{skill|Grand Finale}}
 +
# {{Skill|Molten End}}
 +
# {{Skill|Triple Sear}}
 +
# {{Skill|Flame Wheel}}
 +
# {{Skill|Surging Flames}}
 +
# {{Skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
# Return to the start of the '''Air''' Section
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[https://youtu.be/9yfD7efYo2A Video example]
 +
{{Collapse end}}
  
  
−
[https://youtu.be/gmARoVMVUUI Video example (DPS, using earth elemental)]
+
===Sword/Dagger Rotation===
 +
[https://youtu.be/4rU2Ng6A89o Video example]
  
  
 
===Sword/Warhorn Rotation===
 
===Sword/Warhorn Rotation===
−
[https://youtu.be/v12oxRwdUxA Video example (DPS)]
+
{{Collapse start|Click to view}}
 +
The quickness rotation is almost identical to the DPS one, with the exception that you use {{skill|Water Attunement}} every loop. You can add {{skill|Heat Sync}}, {{skill|Cyclone}} or {{skill|Sand Squall}} into the relevant attunements if you want more boon generation.
 +
 
 +
'''Opener in Air'''
 +
# {{skill|Glyph of Storms}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}}
 +
# {{skill|Lightning Orb}}
 +
# {{skill|Polaric Leap}}
 +
# {{skill|Quantum Strike}}
 +
# {{Skill|Fire Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Fire'''
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# {{Skill|Relentless Fire}}
 +
# {{skill|Flame Uprising}}
 +
# {{skill|Cauterizing Strike}}
 +
# {{skill|Wildfire}} when ready
 +
# {{skill|Elemental Celerity}} (if available), followed by
 +
## {{skill|Wildfire}}
 +
## {{skill|Cauterizing Strike}}
 +
## Otherwise, autoattack until '''Flame Uprising''' is available
 +
# {{skill|Flame Uprising}}
 +
# {{Skill|Earth Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Earth'''
 +
# {{skill|Dust Storm}} (if available)
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}}
 +
# {{skill|Rust Frenzy}}
 +
# {{Skill|Water Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Water'''
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 +
# {{skill|Shattering Ice}}
 +
# {{skill|Tidal Surge}} if available, otherwise autoattack until '''Air Attunement''' is ready
 +
# {{Skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Air'''
 +
# Autoattack and use {{skill|Polaric Leap}}, {{skill|Quantum Strike}} and {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}} as they come off cooldown
 +
# {{skill|Lightning Orb}}
 +
# {{Skill|Fire Attunement}}
 +
# Return to the start of the '''Fire''' Section
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[https://youtu.be/PA_Ln8l92cc Video example (with Claw relic)]
 +
{{Collapse end}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Scepter/Warhorn Rotation===
 +
{{Collapse start|Click to View}}
 +
You can add {{skill|Heat Sync}}, {{skill|Cyclone}} or {{skill|Sand Squall}} into the relevant attunements if you want more boon generation.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Opener in Fire'''
 +
# {{skill|Firestorm (Glyph of Storms)}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}
 +
# {{skill|Relentless Fire}}
 +
# {{skill|Phoenix}}
 +
# {{Skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Air'''
 +
# Autoattack and use {{skill|Lightning Strike}}, {{skill|Cyclone}} {{skill|Lightning Orb}} and {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)}} as they come off cooldown
 +
# If {{skill|Elemental Celerity}} is available, use it immediately after {{skill|Lightning Orb}}, then cast it again
 +
# {{Skill|Water Attunement}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Water'''
 +
# {{skill|Shatterstone}}
 +
# {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)}}
 +
# {{skill|Water Trident}}
 +
# {{skill|Tidal Surge}} (if available)
 +
# {{skill|Water Trident}} (if available)
 +
# {{skill|Shatterstone}}
 +
# {{Skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
# Repeat '''Air''' section as above, but switch to {{skill|Earth Attunement}} at the end
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Earth'''
 +
# Use {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)}} and whichever of {{skill|Rock Barrier}} {{to}} {{skill|Hurl}}, {{skill|Dust Devil}} and {{skill|Dust Storm}} are available
 +
# {{Skill|Air Attunement}}
 +
# Repeat '''Air''' section as above, but switch to {{skill|Fire Attunement}} at the end
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Fire'''<br>
 +
The '''Scepter/Warhorn''' loop is shorter than the cooldown of {{skill|Relentless Fire}}, so this skill will drift in your rotation. Try to use it when your {{skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}} is active, though you don't have to be in {{skill|Fire Attunement}}.
 +
# Use {{Skill|Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)}}, {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}, {{skill|Phoenix}} and {{skill|Wildfire}} (if available)
 +
# {{Skill|Air Attunement}} after using {{skill|Dragon's Tooth}}
 +
# Return to start of the '''Air''' section and repeat the loop
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[https://youtu.be/TBhLaEiQCNM Video example]
 +
{{Collapse end}}

Latest revision as of 21:13, 8 August 2025

Part of the current metagame

Our curator decided this build is in the current metagame regardless of rating. The community gave this build a rating, making it top-tier: Great

Focused on: Direct damage and Support

Designed for: Raids

Expansions required: End of Dragons builds

Difficulty:
Hard
This build was last updated on August 08, 2025 and is up to date for the June 24, 2025 patch.

Overview

A quickness-providing catalyst build. In addition to offering strong DPS, it provides 16-25 Might Might, permanent Fury Fury, 85-100% Resolution Resolution, 85-100% Protection Protection and 70-85% Vigor Vigor. It will also occasionally provide Swiftness Swiftness when it blasts its lightning field. The Arcane version of the Hammer build provides permament uptimes of all these boons.

The use of Sphere Specialist removes one of the major weaknesses of Catalyst, allowing the build to be very flexible with weapon and rotation choice. It can be played identically to the DPS build, and the frequent application of Quickness Quickness makes it fairly reliable.

While it can provide Aegis Aegis from Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth), you must plan ahead to ensure that Earth Attunement will be available when you need it.


Skill Bar

Scepter/Dagger
Utility


Weapon Variants

There are multiple weapons that could work. Sword and Scepter deal similar damage and provide similar boon uptimes, but Scepter has the advantage of range as well as being the slightly higher DPS option.

Either of these builds could replace the offhand Dagger with a Warhorn for higher boon uptimes, though it is a significant DPS loss.

Hammer can also be taken, using either the Fire or Arcane traitlines. Arcane is particularly notable as it has the best boon generation of all options and does as much damage as Fire. Fire has the worst boon generation of all the options so isn't recommended.


As Scepter/Dagger deals significantly more damage than Hammer (along with having better ranged capabilities and a simpler rotation), it is chosen as the default. But you can run whatever you prefer.

If you play Scepter/Warhorn and add Heat Sync and Sand Squall, you deal very similar damage to the Hammer build while also providing similar boon generation.


Be aware that Hammer builds need different gear (see below).


Skill Variants

  • Any heal skill can be used.
  • Arcane Blast or Shattering Ice should replace Signet of Fire when using Hammer.
  • Conjure Fiery Greatsword is the strongest option when using Hammer, but Glyph of Elementals still works fine.
  • Elemental Celerity can be taken if using Warhorn.


Template Code

[&DQYfHSkvQz4nDycP+Br4GssAywC+AVABJgD3GgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAvADMAAA==]
Copy Template Code


Specializations

  • Inferno makes your Burning Burning to scale off power damage. This is a slight DPS increase long-term, but reduces your burst damage. It could be useful on encounters that phase without going invulnerable (such as Dagda or Whisper of Jormag), or have specific interactions with conditions.
    • Note that using this trait requires gear changes to be optimal (see below).
  • Bolt to the Heart is very similar damage to Fresh Air with a different rotation, you can play whichever you prefer.
    • Bolt to the Heart should be used with the Hammer build and Arcane specialization below.


Specialization Variants

Hammer should run the Arcane traitline instead of Fire for better boon generation.

  • Final Shielding could add a small amount of damage if you can block three attacks with the shield.


Equipment

Due to the lack of crit chance from Crescent Wind, builds that don't use hammer should run the following:

Head
Berserker
Shoulders
Berserker
Chest
Berserker
Hands
Berserker
Legs
Berserker
Feet
Berserker
Backpiece
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Scepter
Berserker
Dagger
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Warhorn
Berserker
Sigil
Rune
x6
Infusion
x13
Infusion
x5
Relic
  • Players without Janthir Wilds should use Relic of Fireworks. The rotation is almost identical.
  • Rune of Superior Rune of the Scholar is a tiny DPS loss.
  • If you don't have stat infusions, use an Assassin stats Assassin stats backpiece.


Inferno Equipment

Head
Berserker
Shoulders
Berserker
Chest
Berserker
Hands
Berserker
Legs
Berserker
Feet
Berserker
Backpiece
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Scepter
Berserker
Dagger
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6
Infusion
x13
Infusion
x5
Relic


Hammer Equipment

Head
Berserker
Shoulders
Berserker
Chest
Berserker
Hands
Berserker
Legs
Berserker
Feet
Berserker
Backpiece
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Hammer
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6
Infusion
x18
Relic


Consumables

Food:

  • or ascended versions


Utility:


Usage

Rotation fundamentals

Jade Sphere use
During the loop, you want to deploy your Jade Sphere once in each element. Each one provides Quickness Quickness and one other boon upon activation, then pulses additional boons for the duration. Unlike the DPS build, you can gain the energy while one is active, so there is some flexibility with when you use them. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) generates stacks of Persisting Flames, and Relentless Fire and Shattering Ice will last longer if used while standing in Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) and Deploy Jade Sphere (Water) respectively, so these spheres are best to use as early as possible.


Glyph of Storms use
Glyph of Storms should be used either in Fire or Air attunement. Optimal use will depend on phase timings as well as hitbox size - Fire favouring small hitboxes and Air favouring large. Given the damage and cooldown, Fire should be the more efficient option, but the rotation can line up somewhat awkwardly compared to using it in Air, so consider the following:

  • A rule of thumb for elementalist is that your last Glyph of Storms in each phase should be used in Air, so try to keep an idea of how long you have left when deciding where to use it.
  • As the more powerful option, if you can line Air up with your target gaining Exposed Exposed this will be greatly beneficial - particularly useful in fractals.
  • You may be better off just casting Glyph of Storms at the earliest possible opportunity, whether you are in Fire or Air.


Inferno
If using the Inferno trait, the rotation is identical with those below with the following exceptions:

  • Use Signet of Fire actively when you're in Air Attunement (replacing an autoattack).
  • Only use Glyph of Storms in Fire Attunement.


Scepter/Dagger Rotation

The Scepter/Dagger loop is shorter than the cooldown of Relentless Fire, so this skill will drift in your rotation. Try to use it when your Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) is active, though you don't have to be in Fire Attunement.

Although there are three different Air sections detailed, they all boil down to using Lightning Strike once, Ride the Lightning and Deploy Jade Sphere (Air) if they're available and otherwise autoattacking until you can swap to the next attunement.


You can precast Rock Barrier in Earth Attunement.

Start in Fire Attunement. Summon Glyph of Elementals just before the encounter starts.

Throughout the rotation, cast Lightning Strike and Flame Barrage off cooldown.


When using Relic of Bloodstone, you want to use four blast finishers each loop to trigger the explosion and damage buff. If you miss any of the four, then you should use Arcane Brilliance instead.


Opener

  1. Dragon's Tooth
  2. Firestorm (Glyph of Storms)
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) - cast this during Firestorm as you want the fire field to be down before Dragon's Tooth hits
  4. Relentless Fire
  5. Fire Grab
  6. Ring of Fire (elementalist)
  7. Phoenix, and Air Attunement during the cast


Air 1

  1. Ride the Lightning
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)
  3. Earth Attunement


Earth

  1. Earthquake
  2. Rock Barrier - use Hurl as soon as you can (it has no cast time)
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)
  4. Dust Devil
  5. Churning Earth (if available)
  6. Air Attunement


Air 2

  1. Autoattack, and swap to Water Attunement as soon as you can - you want to swap to Air during the cast of the last skill in Earth to minimise the time spent autoattacking.


Water

  1. Water Trident
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  3. Shatterstone
  4. Frost Aura - don't activate the flip skill
  5. Water Trident - stay in Water long enough for a second cast if you have two charges
  6. Air Attunement


Air 3

  1. Ride the Lightning
  2. Fire Attunement


Fire

  1. Dragon's Tooth
  2. Ring of Fire (elementalist)
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  4. Autoattack until the buff from Relic of Bloodstone expires
  5. Phoenix
  6. Fire Grab
  7. Dragon's Tooth
  8. Air Attunement
  9. Return to start of Air 1 section


Video example

Video example (Inferno)


Bolt to the Heart Rotation

Opener

  1. Dragon's Tooth
  2. Firestorm (Glyph of Storms)
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) - cast this during Firestorm as you want the fire field to be down before Dragon's Tooth hits
  4. Relentless Fire
  5. Fire Grab
  6. Ring of Fire (elementalist)
  7. Phoenix, and Earth Attunement during the cast


Earth

  1. Earthquake
  2. Rock Barrier - use Hurl as soon as you can (it has no cast time)
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)
  4. Dust Devil
  5. Churning Earth (if available)
  6. Air Attunement


Air

  1. Ride the Lightning
  2. Lightning Strike
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)
  4. Water Attunement


Water

  1. Water Trident
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  3. Shatterstone
  4. Frost Aura - don't activate the flip skill
  5. Autoattack and use Water Trident if it comes off cooldown
  6. Shatterstone
  7. Fire Attunement


Fire

  1. Dragon's Tooth
  2. Ring of Fire (elementalist)
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  4. Autoattack until the buff from Relic of Bloodstone expires
  5. Phoenix
  6. Fire Grab
  7. Dragon's Tooth
  8. Air Attunement
  9. Return to start of Earth section


Video example

Video example (Inferno)


Hammmer Fundamentals

Click to view Toggle

Catalyst's rotation can be varied quite a lot, so an outline is provided rather than a strict skill usage. The fundamental goal is to cycle through all four elements, activating the Circular Projectile in each element before releasing them all with Grand Finale and starting the loop again. Jade Sphere is also used in each element for boons. Downtime can be minimised by using the skills with the longest cast times last in each attunement and immediately swapping.


Fiery Greatsword use
Summon after swapping to Fire Attunement and use Firestorm, then drop the weapon and continue your rotation. The next time you reach Fire Attunement, pick the second Greatsword up and repeat. Cast Relentless Fire (make sure your Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) is already down) as soon as you can, and it will buff the ticking damage.


Fire
In Fire you want to use:

  • Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  • Surging Flames
  • Flame Wheel
  • Triple Sear
  • Molten End
  • Relentless Fire


Water
In Water you want to use:

  • Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  • Rain of Blows
  • Icy Coil
  • Crashing Font
  • Cleansing Typhoon - use if available, but don't delay your attunement swap for it
  • Shattering Ice


Air
In Air you want to use:

  • Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)
  • Hurricane of Pain
  • Crescent Wind
  • Shock Blast.


Earth
In Earth you want to use:

  • Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)
  • Whirling Stones - as Stonestrike is a powerful autoattack, it is a good idea to delay this until your attunement swap is available, then use Whirling Stones and immediately swap (this will not interrupt the cast)
  • Rocky Loop - this refreshes the duration on your Circular Projectiles, so activate it as late as you can to extend the time you have to use Grand Finale
  • Ground Pound


Arcane Adjustments
If running Arcane, the cooldowns of your attunements and Jade Spheres are reduced. This means that you arrive back in your starting attunement before your Circular Projectile is available. Rather than wait, it is better to do another quick loop through all the available attunements. Performed quickly enough, you can get back to your starting attunement before Grand Finale expires. As you can get a whole extra set of Jade Spheres off, this substantially increases your boon generation (though the full loop itself takes ~35% longer), albeit with a notable difficulty increase.

During this shorter loop, only your 2-skills will be off cooldown (Surging Flames, Rain of Blows, Hurricane of Pain and Whirling Stones). However as the full loop is longer, you can use Cleansing Typhoon once every full loop, making it optimal to "shift" Crashing Font to the shorter loop instead. See below for an example.


Rotation example

While you have opportunities to adjust the element order as needed, you want your first two attunements to be Fire and Air (for Glyph of Storms and the potent Circular Projectile buffs), followed by Water and lastly Earth. Your choice of starting attunement is largely up to you, but it might be best to base it upon which Glyph of Storms you wish to open with.

Be aware that many of the longer skills will interrupt each other rather than queue, so be careful to let such skills finish.


Opener in Fire

  1. Glyph of Storms (optional)
  2. Flame Wheel
  3. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  4. Relentless Fire
  5. Molten End
  6. Triple Sear
  7. Surging Flames
  8. Air Attunement


Air

  1. Crescent Wind
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)
  3. Shock Blast
  4. Hurricane of Pain - swap to Water Attunement Water Attunement once the cast begins


Water

  1. Icy Coil
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  3. Shattering Ice
  4. Crashing Font
  5. Cleansing Typhoon (if available)
  6. Rain of Blows - swap to Earth Attunement Earth Attunement once the cast begins
  7. Earth Attunement


Earth

  1. Rocky Loop
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)
  3. Ground Pound
  4. Whirling Stones - swap to Fire Attunement Fire Attunement once the cast begins


Fire

  1. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  2. Conjure Fiery Greatsword (if available, or pick up a previously placed one)
    1. Firestorm - drop Fiery Greastword immediately after the cast
  3. Relentless Fire
  4. Grand Finale
  5. Molten End
  6. Triple Sear
  7. Flame Wheel
  8. Surging Flames
  9. Air Attunement
  10. Return to the start of the Air Section

Keep looping between the four elements, following the advice in the Rotation fundamentals section and adjusting as necessary.


Arcane Loop
If running Arcane, replace the Fire section above with the one below. Speed is crucial, so you want to be swapping attunements during skill casts.

  1. Surging Flames
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  3. Conjure Fiery Greatsword (if available, or pick up a previously placed one)
    1. Firestorm - drop Fiery Greastword immediately after the cast
  4. Air Attunement
  5. Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)
  6. Wind Storm
  7. Hurricane of Pain
  8. Water Attunement
  9. Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  10. Rain of Blows
  11. Earth Attunement
  12. Stonestrike until Fire Attunement is available
  13. Whirling Stones
  14. Fire Attunement
  15. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  16. Relentless Fire
  17. Grand Finale
  18. Molten End
  19. Triple Sear
  20. Flame Wheel
  21. Surging Flames
  22. Air Attunement
  23. Return to the start of the Air Section


Video example


Sword/Dagger Rotation

Video example


Sword/Warhorn Rotation

Click to view Toggle

The quickness rotation is almost identical to the DPS one, with the exception that you use Water Attunement every loop. You can add Heat Sync, Cyclone or Sand Squall into the relevant attunements if you want more boon generation.

Opener in Air

  1. Glyph of Storms
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Air)
  3. Lightning Orb
  4. Polaric Leap
  5. Quantum Strike
  6. Fire Attunement


Fire

  1. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  2. Relentless Fire
  3. Flame Uprising
  4. Cauterizing Strike
  5. Wildfire when ready
  6. Elemental Celerity (if available), followed by
    1. Wildfire
    2. Cauterizing Strike
    3. Otherwise, autoattack until Flame Uprising is available
  7. Flame Uprising
  8. Earth Attunement


Earth

  1. Dust Storm (if available)
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth)
  3. Rust Frenzy
  4. Water Attunement


Water

  1. Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  2. Shattering Ice
  3. Tidal Surge if available, otherwise autoattack until Air Attunement is ready
  4. Air Attunement


Air

  1. Autoattack and use Polaric Leap, Quantum Strike and Deploy Jade Sphere (Air) as they come off cooldown
  2. Lightning Orb
  3. Fire Attunement
  4. Return to the start of the Fire Section


Video example (with Claw relic)


Scepter/Warhorn Rotation

Click to View Toggle

You can add Heat Sync, Cyclone or Sand Squall into the relevant attunements if you want more boon generation.


Opener in Fire

  1. Firestorm (Glyph of Storms)
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire)
  3. Relentless Fire
  4. Phoenix
  5. Air Attunement


Air

  1. Autoattack and use Lightning Strike, Cyclone Lightning Orb and Deploy Jade Sphere (Air) as they come off cooldown
  2. If Elemental Celerity is available, use it immediately after Lightning Orb, then cast it again
  3. Water Attunement


Water

  1. Shatterstone
  2. Deploy Jade Sphere (Water)
  3. Water Trident
  4. Tidal Surge (if available)
  5. Water Trident (if available)
  6. Shatterstone
  7. Air Attunement
  8. Repeat Air section as above, but switch to Earth Attunement at the end


Earth

  1. Use Deploy Jade Sphere (Earth) and whichever of Rock Barrier ⇒ Hurl, Dust Devil and Dust Storm are available
  2. Air Attunement
  3. Repeat Air section as above, but switch to Fire Attunement at the end


Fire
The Scepter/Warhorn loop is shorter than the cooldown of Relentless Fire, so this skill will drift in your rotation. Try to use it when your Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire) is active, though you don't have to be in Fire Attunement.

  1. Use Deploy Jade Sphere (Fire), Dragon's Tooth, Phoenix and Wildfire (if available)
  2. Air Attunement after using Dragon's Tooth
  3. Return to start of the Air section and repeat the loop


Video example

Retrieved from "https://metabattle.com/wiki/index.php?title=Build:Catalyst_-_Quickness_Support_Power_DPS&oldid=22448"


Ratings

This build has a rating of 4 stars based on 4 votes.
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5 stars
Velkix gave this build 5 stars • December 2023
Arcane precision doesn't provide much value, but this build is pretty solid. People can pick S/D and tweak some traits to solo open-world bosses. Bountiful Power is a perfect match for Catalyst and the best for daily usage. You can provide 20+ mights, perm quickness, decent protection, vigor, and minor regen. I personally prefer S/D because hammer has a fixed rotation, and you may lose Sphere energy due to some circumstances. Update: Fire/Air is better and easier. Pick cele/divin trinkets except rings. You get 100% cirt chance and 25-35% boon duration. Enough for stikes.
3 stars
Wolfsen gave this build 3 stars • November 2023
A kinda mediocre build due to energy management not fitting well with a support role.
3 stars
OfficerAndyGentleman gave this build 3 stars • August 2023
On paper, a very strong option that provides a range of useful boons and deals great DPS. Unfortunately, the nature of its rotation makes it rather inflexible in its quickness provision and it struggles noticeably on bosses that move a lot.
5 stars
MechaOG gave this build 5 stars • August 2022
This build can easily keep up perma quickness while managing to do a very decent dps. The cleave is amazing as is with Catalyst in general, so in fractals, you can mow down mobs. It works amazingly in most fractals, so I will only be rating it based on the fractals where it can work (Looking at you sunqua peak). It is easy to maintain quickness on it, so even if you mess up your rotations and get little less dps, you can still keep quickness up. One of the biggest thing with catalyst is, understanding combos. You put down many combo fields and have many finishers. Learning what each does, will allow a player to use the most out of this build. Can it go toe to toe with other quickness builds? I'd say, yes for the most part. You will have to spend sometime to learn it, but once you manage to understand it, you will be able to challenge the meta.

Comments

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