The main reason is this: For the first build I wanted the double 100% dodge chance from lunge and esquive toucher. I’m not sure on how the dodge on esquive toucher works, so I’m insecure if it will pay off. Also it feels like a worse version of Lunge, and the animation seems pretty bad.
For the second build I completely drop Esquive Toucher in favor of leveling sept etoiles, which seem to have a better burst (seven hits in a row seems like hurts a lot). Pehaps I will put a level on esquive toucher on this build to add a skill to the rotation, but that’s a minor concern.
So my question is for people who have actually played as fencer: How good is esquive toucher? Is it worth it to level up for the dodge, even if that means my dps will drop somewhat? Also, while fencer seems more like a PVE class, I would also like to have some fun in PVP, so, how good or bad the class iss in pvp? Considering that, should I drop esquive toucher for the better animated sept etoiles? How’s that gonna impact my pvp performance? (If it helps somewhat I’m planning on Sword1/Highlander3/Corsair1 before fencer).
You are correct. It is a skill with long animation that gives your enemy some space to knock you out first before you can even hit them.
This is what I’d recommend. You will use Sept Etoiles very often, both in PvE and PvP because it is a fast, deadly multi hit skills.
Besides, you already have Lunge and you will max it out and use it more often.
Other tips & notes :
-You can’t move nor use another skills while using Preparation. You must cancel it first, then that’s when you can use another skill.
-If you try to use it to defend yourself against physical attacks, the enemy can simply avoid you until the duration ends.
-If you want to use this skill defensively, then you should only take this skill if you take Peltasta at least at c1 as one of your previous classes AND you must equip a shield. Why? Because bonus 55%-75% block from this skill won’t give you enough block to block physical attacks. You can only block 90% of enemy attacks if you have 800-1000+ block. If you take Peltasta, you will have passive 25% bonus block from their attribute. Besides that, Peltasta has a “special treatment” when it comes to the amount of block. With Peltasta, the chance for you to be “almost invisible” against physical attacks while using Preparation will be much higher.
-Despite what I said in tips no 3, this skill is still useful if you only want it for its double damage. You can take it at level 1 if you only want the double damage.
-You might want to consider to take Attaque Composee. It’s a Fencer’s version of Highlander’s Skyliner. The difference is, Attaque Composee deals more damage, consumes more SP, and it is a Pierce type attack.
If I were you, I will go for your 2nd build. But, I will remove 5 points from Sept Etoiles for Attaque Composee. That leaves me level 4 for Sept Etoiles.
Just as other Swordsman classes, Fencer itself can’t do much against CC.
Fencer is only good in PvP to fight against fellow Swordsman, but not other classes. You can still fight Archer if you have shield and take Peltasta c1 to manually block most of their attacks while chasing them.
In other words, if you want to keep playing Fencer and you want to be “good enough” in both PvE and PvP aspects, you must choose the “correct” previous classes to support Fencer’s potential. One of those classes is Peltasta c1. After that, you shall choose between Highlander or Barbarian. Cataphract and Hoplite aren’t your option because you know why. Rodelero isn’t also an option because it’s currently the worst class in this game. Swordsman c2 or c3 isn’t an option either because Barbarian is much better if you just wanna stun your enemy. Peltasta is still an option for its High Guard, but you will have trouble when it comes to grinding and you will not have a maximum damage output.
Highlander gives you an edge in PvE because of their Skyliner-Crosscut combo against boss, Cartar Stroke for easy overkill against mobs, and some other stuffs (Moulinet, etc).
However, Barbarian gives you much more in PvP because of their huge AoE burst damage from Helm Chopper-Cleave combo, huge physical attack buff (Frenzy), and some other great skills (Seism). Barbarian also provides you CC from Helm Chopper and Seism (stun).
My final suggestion? Sword-Pelt-Barb-Barb-Barb-Fencer-Fencer
I played a fencer in icbt2. The extra evasion only applies during the animation of the skill. Sept Etoiles is pretty great burst damage, I would definitely level it. Lunge is good damage with multi hit, but I mainly used it for the [Slash] debuff, which is amazing if your previous classes can take advantage of it.
Thanks for the reply. That was very helpful, and I appreciate you took your time to make an excelent answer.
I’m currently considering Sword-Highlander-Highlander-Highlander-Corsair-Fencer-Fencer. The first build I considered is exactly like you suggested - and I have to admit, it seems much better.
To be honest, there’s no particular reason I’m following the highlander build except for personal taste. I’m very concerned about roleplay whenever I play anything. Playing as a fencer means, to me that is, being elegant and swift. While barbarian skills sound amazing and much more powerful than Highlander’s, picking barbarian as a previous class just doesn’t seem right. Highlander has combo-like skills that seem more appropriate to use as a fencer. I’m even skipping Catar Stroke completely. I plan on getting all of the C3 and C2 Skills to max level and taking 5 points into Wagon Wheel for leveling purposes. And I’m doing that very aware that my performance should be affected.
Hopefully, taking Corsair1 and grabbing iron chain will give me something to play around on PVP. Since I’m far from being a hardcore player, being able to have fun and putting a good fight to someone is more than enough for me
Just for the sake of completion, I didn’t feel the need to level Ataque Composee or Falconnade because I’m already going to have the less costly level 10 Sky Liner. And yes, I’m only planning on preparation 1 for the double damage effect. It seems amazing with Sept Etoiles !
I did the same build in icbt2. Let me tell you, Peltasta is a far better choice than Corsair ( For PvP and PvE ). Block is much more useful than hook in PvP, and being able to taunt is extremely useful. Especially now that the game is mostly dungeon running. Also there are shield being added in that give offensive stats ( so you’re not forced to use arde dagger for damage ). You can also taunt with an offhand dagger now.
I understand. I respect every player who wants to roleplay in this game.
I don’t want to force my opinion on you, but I still think this is need to be addressed.
In this game, playing with a party is very recommended. You won’t solo every single dungeon, you won’t solo every single world boss, you won’t solo grind in every single map to grind especially at higher level maps. In that case, even though you want to roleplay, you should still consider about how you will contribute to your party.
As a Swordsman, these are the things that most people will expect from you : -Swashbuckling
A Swordsman with Swashbuckling always has a place in the party. From early to late game, you will make grinding much easier and faster because of your 11-21 man provoke. You will also allow your other party members to have good positioning in every bossfight with this skill. Overall, this is a golden skill from Swordsman class that you don’t wanna miss. Besides, it’s not like every Fencer in real life only use their rapier as a weapon. You can still roleplay with Peltasta in your Fencer build.
-Dealing damage
In this game (especially in PvE), a tank Swordsman should be able to deal damage, and a damage dealer Swordsman should be able to tank. That’s the best way to play a Swordsman and contribute to the party.
Your can choose Highlander, but you won’t need Corsair that much as zhouyu47 said. Replace Corsair with Peltasta c1 and you are good to go. Swordsman-Peltasta-Highlander-Highlander-Highlander-Fencer-Fencer should be your build.
As a Highlander, Cartar stroke is very important because it is one of your primary source of damage while grinding with your party. And yes, if you already take Highlander’s Skyliner, there is no need for you to take Fencer’s Attaque Composee.
Most people won’t care about your role playing. If they find your build is not that useful in party, they won’t have any doubt to replace you with someone else. Unless you are planning to solo the entire game or playing with your friends, you will have a hard time in this game.
But, it’s your decision in the end. Whatever it is, I shall respect that as long as you can enjoy the game.
