Varoth Drac
Dead Man's Game
1
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Posted - 2015.09.09 10:56:00 -
[1] - Quote
So OP, just to be clear, you aren't complaining?
My thoughts on shield tanking? Assuming it should be buffed (a little), I think it should be done in a way that maintains the design distinction from armour tanking, i.e. lower hp, higher regen, cover based. Here are some options.
Buffing base regen stats is bad, as it is too draconian. Suits are already sufficiently differentiated by base stats. We should have a reasonable amount of freedom to fit how we like. Also we need to encourage the fitting of shield regen mods to promote variety and discourage dual tanking or hp stacking. If base stats are too good there is no incentive to fit regen mods. The exception is commandos, who should have their shield regen stats buffed to sentinel levels.
Buffing regulators - Possibly a good idea. However, a delay is necessary as having to take cover to regen is central to the design of shield tanking. Currently it is possible to get very low shield delays by fitting complex regulators. I feel that mlt, std and adv regulators need a buff however.
Buffing extenders. I don't support this. Tanking style should be based upon which regen mods you fit. Stacking hp is a boring meta. Encouraging extender stacking works against the design of shield tanking as a high regen style. It also encourages dual tanking and reduces the efficiency of fitting damage mods, or other high slot modules.
Buffing energisers / rechargers. This would be a good option in my opinion. These are good modules to build a distinctly shield based tank. They have good synergy with extenders and regulators, so discourage dual tanking. They also compete in high slots with extenders and damage mods, so they discourage hp stacking, however they need to be a valuable module to be worthwhile. They also exemplify the design goals of shield tanking, providing high regen at the cost of hp stacking, but still requiring the user to find cover. I feel the current potential regen is not enough for the sacrifices you have to make compared to armour, especially the fact you have to take cover and wait to regen.
Another good option would be to nerf armour. I suggest reducing the hp of all plates (including reactive and ferroscale) by 10%. Hp stacking has been the dominant meta for pretty much all of dust. We are moving in the right direction, however hp is still king. Reducing the value of hp mods will in turn increase the value of other mods. Ofcourse, by reducing armour hp, shield tanking automatically becomes a more viable alternative. |