Now the act1 merc can use Amazon bows in the coming 2.4 patch and can get +skill from the bow. Just wondering if GMB is the base base for faith?
A +3 skill gmb would be great (don’t matter on Merc, but sells better since bowzons can use)
I always preferred shadow bow, but things could likely be different in 2.4
I’ve seen arguments about whether Matriarchal Bow is better than GMB for Faith–something about IAS breakpoints I think? A bowazon could explain it better.
The latest 2.4 patch says act1 merc can equip Amazon bow and also get the +skill bonus.
Matriarchal Bow for sure .
Never played a bowazon but from what I’ve read/researched, the Matriarchal bow is faster than the GMB so to reach the required breakpoint you have a greater selection of available gear (i.e. it’s easier to reach the necessary breakpoints with a Faith in a mat bow than it is with a GMB).
That said, if you can afford getting the necessary gear with a GMB and get to the needed breakpoint, then the GMB provides better overall dmg. I’ve also heard that Faith in a matbow is better for multi-shot as well.
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From my play experience as a Bowa, here’s the deal: To reach 7 FPS ias breakpoint, you have no gear flexibility using GMB, namely on helm slot. I had to use a Mavina’s socketed with 15% ias to reach it, while having a 14 fana aura Faith GMB.
So it boils down to this from what I understand. You need to have 13(95% IAS needed) or 14(92% IAS needed) fanatism aura minimum on faith and need all the right gear to reach 7 ias break point whereas a matriarcal bow gives you more options.
That said, I also read that even at 8 FPS breakpoint, your overall dmg imput is greater with GMB than Matriarchal…
Don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s what I read left and right, and that’s what I experienced when I was playing bowa, since I wanted 7 FPS anyways, I had no item flexibility.
EDIT: Diablo 2 Attack Speed Calculator | ias calc
I used this site to make my calculations.
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there’s a guide here which recommend diamond bow:
https//www.purediablo.com/strategy/faith-runeword-base-guide/
However, since now the 2.4 Merc can equip a Amazon bow, story might vary.
one of the problems with mat bow is the 187 dex required.
At level 65 (when Faith is available), roque scout has 164 dex.
A GMB Faith can be used by merc at level 65.
Go to Maxroll and play with numbers. With current active patch you cannot do better average dmg/sec than rocking Windforce and Pride+Might Merc. Prove me wrong. Of course, you look less fancy with one less aura and are sacrificing some all res as well as attack rating from Faith but still worth it dmg wise.
i am trying to get this pvm bowzon build , maybe engima change to fort for more damage
Of course! It’s 300% enhanced dmg diff : D I understand how useful tele on Enigma is especially to reposition merc and valk but now with valk cooldown greatly reduced I wouldn’t invest in it. I am actually rocking Naj’s for swap instead of CTA + Lidless just for this Tele.
I am personally playing risky with max dex vs. vitality for extra dmg. With some points in dodge/avoid/evade + chilling armor from Forti you are pretty safe considering ~15% lifeleech from Andy and Ring