Module 13 State of Balance: Scourge Warlock

Next to Trickster Rogues, the Scourge Warlock class was the other one that received some major tweaks to all sorts of feats and power in Module 13. Most of the changes where made to the Temptation feat tree in an attempt “to make Temptation viable once more in the endgame environment”. So it’s time to evaluate how that worked out and what else changed for Scourges!

[su_box title=”More on Lost City of Omu!” radius=”0″]Want all the latest on the new Lost City of Omu update? Click here for the full coverage![/su_box]

R.I.P DPS?

In terms of DPS, Scourges needed some help since Module 12. The best damage build was a high Power, low Critical Strike one that utilized the Owlbear Cub‘s active bonus and the fact that Pillar of Power could proc it rapidly. The devs however changed the functionality and left Scourges without a competitive DPS setup. It’s kind of the same situation Control Wizards are in right now as they saw their only viable build taken away with the tweaks to how often powers proc Weapon Enchantments.

Albeit a lot of changes, Module 13 didn’t really drastically alter the scenery for our devilish casters. DPS got a little better, but not as good to really challenge other classes and builds. As of right now, in terms of the meta depth chart, damage Warlocks are no longer a thing. That being said however, and I can’t stress that enough, the difference in your everyday runs is marginal. Using a Warlock and main DPS vs. a GWF does not make or break a run, it just means you’ll be a couple minutes slower. That might hurt groups going for world records, but if you can live with 20-25 minute TONG runs, a SW will do just fine. It simply doesn’t matter what DPS you take with you if your buff setup is solid.

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjiyVL–j7U” https=”yes”]

Hello Temptation?

What the changes did do however was bringing the Hellbringer Temptation builds to live in the support bracket. You are currently seeing much more requests for “buff SWs”. They are frequently used as fourth class next to the usual OP/DC/DC setup and occasionally even replace one of the clerics. The reason ist that the Temptation tree now features a wide range of buffs, which pushed MoF CWs even further down the depth chart. Pretty much any feat at tier 3 or higher now features some sort of ally buff or enemy debuff with the strongest ones being Soul Bonding (20%), Eldritch Momentum (CA), Aura of Despair (5%), and Dark Revelry (20% Power share). Additionally allies get +18% damage from staying inside Pillar of Power.

Temptation builds could have always been able to challenge DCs in the healing category, but that isn’t something that most groups need in endgame content. But now that Scourges can also be buff/debuff machines, they offer an intriguing package.

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9Q-_htZsv4″ https=”yes”]

Conclusion

I’m sure players argue whether the changes to Scourge Warlocks really improved the class’ overall state. While DPS builds are still nowhere near the top, Temptation Warlocks are very viable now and enhance groups in more than one area. So even if you don’t like to play your toon this way, you at least have a way to get into endgame content fairly easy. While that’s a plus, the devs still have to find ways to utilize the class in more than one way. Since Pillar of Power is essential to most builds, the Soulbinder Paragon only has situational use (single target DPS for example, maybe PVP?). And the Damnation feat tree is searching for a purpose as well. That’s not optimal, but something not exclusive to SWs.

Overall I’d say the class is moving into the right direction, but definitely needs a few more tweaks going forward.


What’s your take on the current state of the Scourge Warlock class? Share your thoughts on our social channels, in the comments below, or the corresponding thread on our message board!

Neverwinter UN:Blogged is always looking for writers to contribute to the blog. If you are an active player and search for a way to spread your opinions, analysis, diaries or reviews to more than 40,000 regular visitors, then don’t hesitate and get in touch with us on our contact page or message board! We are currently especially looking for console and PVP content, but that’s not exclusive. There is no frequency requirement, you post how often you want.

j0Shi

j0Shi plays the Neverwinter MMORPG since the open BETA in 2013 and is a regular contributor to the blog and the whole UN:Project. Originally a Guardian Fighter, he has built up ALTs of all classes and plays on BIS/near-BIS level.

3 thoughts on “Module 13 State of Balance: Scourge Warlock

  • April 11, 2018 at 7:33 am
    Permalink

    Actually the DPS is not one of the best, but with 1 “bis group”, everything is easy. I do TonG of main DPS and it takes about 18 minutes, if it is to make a comparison against GWF with the same group, it should do in 14 minutes. But for now I am satisfied with my damage, as I do not have DPS companions.

    Selûne – DC
    Morgana – SW

  • April 12, 2018 at 12:40 pm
    Permalink

    Powerful buffing team + you doing the 500% + effectiveness bug which is triggered by Brood of Hadar. With videos like that one (abusing the dps bug), devs may hesitate to further tweak the class so that would prevent legit dps to get to be on a similar level to that of other strikers.

  • April 16, 2018 at 1:10 am
    Permalink

    And Hades@bloodyspammer done his job. Temptation tree is alive.
    Yet funny, that in early mod 10, this build where consider as dead, abandoned by devs and by players alike.

Comments are closed.