Difference between revisions of "Holosmith - Power Sword DPS"

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Line 4: Line 4:
 
| designed for = Raid, Fractal
 
| designed for = Raid, Fractal
 
| rating = Great
 
| rating = Great
| focus = Strike Damage
+
| focus = Direct Damage
 
| xpac = pof
 
| xpac = pof
| meta =  
+
| meta = y
 +
| difficulty = 2
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 24: Line 25:
 
| healing = Healing Turret
 
| healing = Healing Turret
 
| utility1 = Grenade Kit
 
| utility1 = Grenade Kit
| utility2 = Rifle Turret
+
| utility2 = Photon Wall
 
| utility3 = Laser Disk
 
| utility3 = Laser Disk
 
| elite = Prime Light Beam
 
| elite = Prime Light Beam
Line 31: Line 32:
  
 
===Weapon Variants===
 
===Weapon Variants===
* ''Shield'' can be used in the offhand slot of extra CC and/or survivability for a very minor DPS loss.
+
* ''Shield'' can be used in the offhand slot for extra CC and/or survivability, for a small DPS loss.
  
  
 
===Skill Variants===
 
===Skill Variants===
 
 
'''Healing'''
 
'''Healing'''
 
* {{Skill|A.E.D.}} provides a massive amount of healing if you can predict damage spikes (e.g. specific mechanics in raids). It also provides CC with {{Skill|Static Shock}}.
 
* {{Skill|A.E.D.}} provides a massive amount of healing if you can predict damage spikes (e.g. specific mechanics in raids). It also provides CC with {{Skill|Static Shock}}.
Line 41: Line 41:
  
 
'''Utility'''
 
'''Utility'''
 +
* {{skill|Throw Mine}} can replace {{Skill|Photon Wall}} or {{skill|Grenade Kit}} for extra CC or boon rip. Additionally, it will be higher burst damage if you are able to precast {{skill|Throw Mine}} and/or {{Skill|Mine Field}}. {{skill|Grenade Kit}} is the lower DPS option, but offers you ranged damage which can be very valuable in maintaining DPS uptime. You should also switch to {{relic|Relic of the Thief}} if you remove {{skill|Grenade Kit}}.
 +
* {{skill|Rifle Turret}} could replace {{skill|Grenade Kit}} for a much simpler rotation, but with the same caveats as above.
  
You can swap out {{skill|Rifle Turret}}, though it is a large DPS loss and should only be considered as a last ditch option.
+
Other utility options are a much larger DPS loss:
* {{Skill|Throw Mine}} offers some extra CC, and is higher damage on larger hitboxes or where the rifle turret may target adds or be blocked.
 
 
* {{Skill|Hard Light Arena}} can be useful in uncoordinated groups for the protection and pull.
 
* {{Skill|Hard Light Arena}} can be useful in uncoordinated groups for the protection and pull.
 
* {{Skill|Spectrum Shield}} if you don't trust your healer to keep you alive or stunbreak you in high pressure fights.
 
* {{Skill|Spectrum Shield}} if you don't trust your healer to keep you alive or stunbreak you in high pressure fights.
 +
* {{skill|Personal Battering Ram}} for massive amounts of CC.
  
  
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==Template Code==
 
==Template Code==
 
{{TemplateCode|
 
{{TemplateCode|
code = [&DQMGOyYvOSsoARQBhgCGAKMABwFXFlcW8BWJAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
+
code = [&DQMGOyYvOSsoARQBhgCGAOUW5RZXFlcW8BWJAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
 
}}
 
}}
  
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| infusion1 = Mighty +9 Agony Infusion
 
| infusion1 = Mighty +9 Agony Infusion
 
| infusion1-qt = 18
 
| infusion1-qt = 18
 +
| relic = Relic of Fireworks
 
<!-- Custom stats -->
 
<!-- Custom stats -->
 
| head =
 
| head =
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| chest =
 
| chest =
 
| hands =
 
| hands =
| legs =
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| legs = Dragon
 
| feet =
 
| feet =
| backpiece =
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| backpiece = Dragon
 
| accessory1 =
 
| accessory1 =
 
| accessory2 =
 
| accessory2 =
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===Equipment Variants===
 
===Equipment Variants===
 +
* If not using {{skill|Grenade Kit}} and offhand '''Pistol''', {{relic|Relic of the Thief}} will be higher damage.
 +
* The {{tooltip|Dragon stats}} pieces are a tiny dps increase, so you can run full {{tooltip|Berserker stats}} if you prefer.
 
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of the Night}} or slaying sigils when applicable.
 
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of the Night}} or slaying sigils when applicable.
  
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==Consumables==
 
==Consumables==
 
 
'''Food'''
 
'''Food'''
 
* {{food|Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup}}
 
* {{food|Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup}}
 
  
 
'''Utility'''
 
'''Utility'''
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<big>'''Opening Rotation'''</big>
+
<big>'''Opener'''</big>
 +
 
 +
Holosmith can vary the length of its opener by starting at different heats. This enables them to maximise damage by ending a phase just after their Photon Forge burst. Choosing the correct opener for the fight is a matter of experience, but 100% heat is a good standard:
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''100% Heat opener'''
  
Start with 90% heat.
+
Try to start with {{skill|Mine Field}} and {{skill|Throw Mine}} pre-placed (if using)
 +
# {{skill|Grenade Kit}} {{to}} {{skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
 
# {{Skill|Engage Photon Forge}}
 
# {{Skill|Engage Photon Forge}}
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
# {{Skill|Grenade Barrage}}
+
# {{skill|Photon Wall}}
# {{Skill|Laser Disk}}
+
# {{Skill|Grenade Barrage}} - triggers {{Relic|Relic of Fireworks}}
 +
# {{Skill|Detonate (engineer)}}, {{skill|Detonate Mine Field}}, {{skill|Particle Accelerator}} and/or {{skill|Blade Burst}} (whichever you have)
 +
# {{skill|Throw Mine}} (if using) directly onto the boss (see ''Notes'' below for details on how to use this during the rest of the rotation)
 +
# {{skill|Launch Wall}}
 +
# {{skill|Laser Disk}}
 +
# {{Skill|Photon Blitz}}
 
# {{Skill|Prime Light Beam}}
 
# {{Skill|Prime Light Beam}}
# {{Skill|Light Strike}} → {{Skill|Bright Slash}} → {{Skill|Flash Cutter}} x2
+
# {{Skill|Light Strike}} → {{Skill|Bright Slash}} → {{Skill|Flash Cutter}}
# {{Skill|Photon Blitz}}
 
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Deactivate Photon Forge}}
 
# {{Skill|Deactivate Photon Forge}}
  
  
<big>'''Loop Rotation'''</big>
+
<big>'''Sword loop'''</big>
 +
 
 +
{{skill|Blowtorch}} has a cooldown slightly longer than the rotation, so you alternate between using it at the start and end of your sword loop, and in the middle.
 +
# {{Skill|Blowtorch}} - skip if it's not off cooldown
 
# {{Skill|Refraction Cutter}}
 
# {{Skill|Refraction Cutter}}
# {{Skill|Blowtorch}}
 
 
# {{Skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
 
# {{Skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
# {{Skill|Poison Grenade}}
+
# {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} - This will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
# {{Skill|Sun Edge}} -> {{Skill|Sun Ripper}} -> {{Skill|Gleam Saber}} x2
+
# {{skill|Radiant Arc}}
 +
# {{Skill|Blowtorch}} - skip if it's not off cooldown
 +
# {{skill|Glue Shot}}
 +
# {{Skill|Sun Edge}} -> {{Skill|Sun Ripper}} -> {{Skill|Gleam Saber}}
 
# {{Skill|Refraction Cutter}}
 
# {{Skill|Refraction Cutter}}
 
# {{Skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
 
# {{Skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
 
# {{Skill|Sun Edge}} -> {{Skill|Sun Ripper}} -> {{Skill|Gleam Saber}} x2
 
# {{Skill|Sun Edge}} -> {{Skill|Sun Ripper}} -> {{Skill|Gleam Saber}} x2
 
# {{Skill|Refraction Cutter}}
 
# {{Skill|Refraction Cutter}}
 +
# {{Skill|Blowtorch}} - skip if it's not off cooldown
 
# {{Skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
 
# {{Skill|Shrapnel Grenade}}
 
# {{Skill|Engage Photon Forge}}
 
# {{Skill|Engage Photon Forge}}
 +
 +
 +
<big>'''Photon Forge loop'''</big>
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Photon Blitz}}
 
# {{Skill|Photon Blitz}}
# {{Skill|Grenade Barrage}}
+
# {{skill|Mine Field}} (if using)
# {{Skill|Light Strike}} → {{Skill|Bright Slash}} → {{Skill|Flash Cutter}} x3
+
# {{skill|Photon Wall}} - this will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
 +
# {{Skill|Grenade Barrage}} - this will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
 +
# {{skill|Launch Wall}} - this will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
 +
# {{Skill|Light Strike}} → {{Skill|Bright Slash}} → {{Skill|Flash Cutter}} x2 - ideally you want to be above 140 heat when you use '''Corona Burst''' so depending on your speed you may need to use more or fewer autoattacks
 +
# {{Skill|Detonate (engineer)}} and {{skill|Detonate Mine Field}} (if using)
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Corona Burst}}
 
# {{Skill|Deactivate Photon Forge}}
 
# {{Skill|Deactivate Photon Forge}}
 +
# Return to start of Sword loop
 +
 +
 +
[https://youtu.be/F6A09H0W0B4 Video example]
 +
 +
[https://youtu.be/PPDjSzmuuho Video example (without grenade kit)]
  
  
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* Under no circumstances should you ever overheat as it will massively reduce your damage output. Try to exit photon forge as close to 149 heat as possible.
 
* Under no circumstances should you ever overheat as it will massively reduce your damage output. Try to exit photon forge as close to 149 heat as possible.
 
* {{Skill|Corona Burst}} will continue to generate heat for a short time after it finishes, but it will not trigger an overheat if you are not in forge. For this reason, it should be the last skill you use while in Photon Forge.
 
* {{Skill|Corona Burst}} will continue to generate heat for a short time after it finishes, but it will not trigger an overheat if you are not in forge. For this reason, it should be the last skill you use while in Photon Forge.
* Never interrupt your Photon Forge auto-attack chain.
+
* If you are a little slow with the rotation outside of Photon Forge, you may find that you are not close to 149 heat when you would normally exit. In this case, perform extra Photon Forge autos.
* If you are a little slow with the rotation outside of Photon Forge, you may find that you are not close to 149 heat when you would normally exit. In this case, perform an extra Photon Forge auto-attack chain.  
+
* Use {{Skill|Throw Mine}} off cooldown. To avoid it detonating instantly, you will need to throw the mine to the edge of the target's hitbox. If you struggle with this, just replace {{Skill|Detonate (engineer)}} with {{skill|Throw Mine}} in the loop.
 
* The cooldown on {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} is longer than the loop, so it will change position in the rotation. Whenever you enter {{Skill|Grenade Kit}}, use {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} if it is available. If it is still on cooldown the third time you enter {{Skill|Grenade Kit}} in the loop (just before going into Photon Forge), use {{Skill|Freeze Grenade}} instead. Both {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} and {{Skill|Freeze Grenade}} may be omitted from the rotation if you are losing too much heat between Photon Forge uses.
 
* The cooldown on {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} is longer than the loop, so it will change position in the rotation. Whenever you enter {{Skill|Grenade Kit}}, use {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} if it is available. If it is still on cooldown the third time you enter {{Skill|Grenade Kit}} in the loop (just before going into Photon Forge), use {{Skill|Freeze Grenade}} instead. Both {{Skill|Poison Grenade}} and {{Skill|Freeze Grenade}} may be omitted from the rotation if you are losing too much heat between Photon Forge uses.
* {{Skill|Blade Burst}} should be used off cooldown. Try to stand inside the boss' hitbox when you cast this, to ensure all projectiles hit the boss.
+
* Use {{skill|Laser Disk}}, {{skill|Photon Wall}} {{to}} {{Skill|Grenade Barrage}} {{to}} {{skill|Launch Wall}}, {{skill|Blade Burst}}, {{skill|Particle Accelerator}} and {{skill|Surprise Shot}} (if using) off cooldown.
** {{Skill|Surprise Shot}}, {{Skill|Grenade Barrage}}, {{Skill|Laser Disk}} and {{Skill|Prime Light Beam}} should also be used off cooldown.
+
* Use {{skill|Prime Light Beam}} off cooldown, but only while in '''Photon Forge''' so that you benefit from {{trait|Laser's Edge}}.

Revision as of 22:30, 12 April 2024

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

Designed for: Raids and Fractals

Expansions required: Path of Fire Builds

Difficulty:
Normal
This build was last updated on April 12, 2024 and is up to date for the March 19, 2024 patch.

Overview

A power DPS Holosmith build for fractals and raids. This build brings good burst and sustained AoE damage.

While this build deals good damage on its own, it excels when there are lots of conditions on the boss for Modified Ammunition.


Skill Bar

Sword/Pistol
Utility


Weapon Variants

  • Shield can be used in the offhand slot for extra CC and/or survivability, for a small DPS loss.


Skill Variants

Healing

  • A.E.D. provides a massive amount of healing if you can predict damage spikes (e.g. specific mechanics in raids). It also provides CC with Static Shock.


Utility

  • Throw Mine can replace Photon Wall or Grenade Kit for extra CC or boon rip. Additionally, it will be higher burst damage if you are able to precast Throw Mine and/or Mine Field. Grenade Kit is the lower DPS option, but offers you ranged damage which can be very valuable in maintaining DPS uptime. You should also switch to Relic of the Thief if you remove Grenade Kit.
  • Rifle Turret could replace Grenade Kit for a much simpler rotation, but with the same caveats as above.

Other utility options are a much larger DPS loss:

  • Hard Light Arena can be useful in uncoordinated groups for the protection and pull.
  • Spectrum Shield if you don't trust your healer to keep you alive or stunbreak you in high pressure fights.
  • Personal Battering Ram for massive amounts of CC.


Template Code

[&DQMGOyYvOSsoARQBhgCGAOUW5RZXFlcW8BWJAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Copy Template Code


Specializations


Equipment

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


Equipment Variants

  • If not using Grenade Kit and offhand Pistol, Relic of the Thief will be higher damage.
  • The Dragon stats Dragon stats pieces are a tiny dps increase, so you can run full Berserker stats Berserker stats if you prefer.
  • Sigil of Superior Sigil of the Night or slaying sigils when applicable.


Consumables

Food

Utility

  • Slaying potions when applicable.


Usage

Rotation

The logic behind this rotation is to maximize your Photon Forge and Laser's Edge uptime. You build heat in Photon Forge with Corona Burst, Photon Blitz, and autoattack chains. Using Corona Burst as your last skill and exiting Photon Forge will continue to generate heat for a few seconds without causing you to overheat. Then fill the time cooling down with Sword auto-attacks and your high damage skills such as Shrapnel Grenade and Refraction Cutter. Rinse and repeat when you fall below 100 heat.


Opener

Holosmith can vary the length of its opener by starting at different heats. This enables them to maximise damage by ending a phase just after their Photon Forge burst. Choosing the correct opener for the fight is a matter of experience, but 100% heat is a good standard:


100% Heat opener

Try to start with Mine Field and Throw Mine pre-placed (if using)

  1. Grenade Kit Shrapnel Grenade
  2. Engage Photon Forge
  3. Corona Burst
  4. Photon Wall
  5. Grenade Barrage - triggers Relic of Fireworks
  6. Detonate (engineer), Detonate Mine Field, Particle Accelerator and/or Blade Burst (whichever you have)
  7. Throw Mine (if using) directly onto the boss (see Notes below for details on how to use this during the rest of the rotation)
  8. Launch Wall
  9. Laser Disk
  10. Photon Blitz
  11. Prime Light Beam
  12. Light StrikeBright SlashFlash Cutter
  13. Corona Burst
  14. Deactivate Photon Forge


Sword loop

Blowtorch has a cooldown slightly longer than the rotation, so you alternate between using it at the start and end of your sword loop, and in the middle.

  1. Blowtorch - skip if it's not off cooldown
  2. Refraction Cutter
  3. Shrapnel Grenade
  4. Poison Grenade - This will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
  5. Radiant Arc
  6. Blowtorch - skip if it's not off cooldown
  7. Glue Shot
  8. Sun Edge -> Sun Ripper -> Gleam Saber
  9. Refraction Cutter
  10. Shrapnel Grenade
  11. Sun Edge -> Sun Ripper -> Gleam Saber x2
  12. Refraction Cutter
  13. Blowtorch - skip if it's not off cooldown
  14. Shrapnel Grenade
  15. Engage Photon Forge


Photon Forge loop

  1. Corona Burst
  2. Photon Blitz
  3. Mine Field (if using)
  4. Photon Wall - this will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
  5. Grenade Barrage - this will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
  6. Launch Wall - this will drift backwards in the loop over time, so use whenever it is available
  7. Light StrikeBright SlashFlash Cutter x2 - ideally you want to be above 140 heat when you use Corona Burst so depending on your speed you may need to use more or fewer autoattacks
  8. Detonate (engineer) and Detonate Mine Field (if using)
  9. Corona Burst
  10. Deactivate Photon Forge
  11. Return to start of Sword loop


Video example

Video example (without grenade kit)


Notes

  • Under no circumstances should you ever overheat as it will massively reduce your damage output. Try to exit photon forge as close to 149 heat as possible.
  • Corona Burst will continue to generate heat for a short time after it finishes, but it will not trigger an overheat if you are not in forge. For this reason, it should be the last skill you use while in Photon Forge.
  • If you are a little slow with the rotation outside of Photon Forge, you may find that you are not close to 149 heat when you would normally exit. In this case, perform extra Photon Forge autos.
  • Use Throw Mine off cooldown. To avoid it detonating instantly, you will need to throw the mine to the edge of the target's hitbox. If you struggle with this, just replace Detonate (engineer) with Throw Mine in the loop.
  • The cooldown on Poison Grenade is longer than the loop, so it will change position in the rotation. Whenever you enter Grenade Kit, use Poison Grenade if it is available. If it is still on cooldown the third time you enter Grenade Kit in the loop (just before going into Photon Forge), use Freeze Grenade instead. Both Poison Grenade and Freeze Grenade may be omitted from the rotation if you are losing too much heat between Photon Forge uses.
  • Use Laser Disk, Photon Wall Grenade Barrage Launch Wall, Blade Burst, Particle Accelerator and Surprise Shot (if using) off cooldown.
  • Use Prime Light Beam off cooldown, but only while in Photon Forge so that you benefit from Laser's Edge.


Ratings

This build has a rating of 5 stars based on 3 votes.
Log in or register to rate this build.
5 stars
OfficerAndyGentleman gave this build 5 stars • May 2023
Decent burst and incredible cleave, holosmith outshines other power engineer builds. Performs well in fractals and in raids.
5 stars
DeDoctor gave this build 5 stars • October 2019
Still very much holds up in fractals. Great burst and sustained damage. Excellent utility with cleave and vulnerability. Very great and underrated build.
5 stars
Chinkeeyong gave this build 5 stars • September 2018
A very solid DPS in its own right, Holosmith becomes amazing when you take into account the amount of utility it brings: vulnerability, cleave, CC, and high mobility for doing mechanics.

Comments

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