This is an advanced guide for a ton of setups that can be used to maximize DPS in most PvE content
For a simpler option with a bit less variety, please see the Easier Guide

Remember to treat this as a base to work from…
Always adjust as needed for YOUR specific situation!

For more info, check out my YouTube video guide for the Update 40! Most of the info is still the same.

the build basics

This basic information that is consistent across all of the DPS Builds has been moved!
Check out this page here for the Top Races, Mundus Stone, Food/Drinks, and Potions

 

champion points

IMPORTANT NODES

Backstabber/Fighting Finesse
Top priorities over the 4 shown if under the Crit Dmg cap

Force of Nature
Priority over the 4 shown if more Penetration is needed

Exploiter
Drop for Untamed Aggression if under 25% Off Balance uptime

 

Need help with the Penetration and Crit Damage caps? Check out these charts

 

TOP GEAR Setups

For a full list of the best DPS sets, check out my tier list
For more details on when to use what, check out top DPS sets video

setup #1: TRADITIONAL

TWO 5 PC SETS, 1PC MONSTER SET + MYTHIC, ARENA SET BACKBARRED

Most common setups for both Bosses and AoE Trash Encounters
(click the left/right arrows to cycle through examples)

Dual Wield Front-Bar Template

Dual Wield Front-Bar Template

Standard Boss Example

Standard Boss Example

Boss Example 2

Boss Example 2

AoE Heavy Boss Example

AoE Heavy Boss Example

AoE Trash / Short Burst Example

AoE Trash / Short Burst Example

AoE Trash / Ult Dump Example

AoE Trash / Ult Dump Example

Dual Wield Backbar Template (1.5 Bar Build Compatible)

Dual Wield Backbar Template (1.5 Bar Build Compatible)

Dual Wield Both Bars Template (1.5 Bar Build Compatible)

Dual Wield Both Bars Template (1.5 Bar Build Compatible)

Non-Dual Wield Template

Non-Dual Wield Template

setup #2: NO ARENA SETS

TWO 5 PC SETS (1 FRONT BAR + 1 BACK BAR) + 2PC MONSTER SET + MYTHIC

On Arcanist, this type of setup is usually for short burst scenarios
(click the left/right arrows to cycle through examples)

No Arena Set Template

No Arena Set Template

Short Burst Setup Example (Solo / Small Group / Support)

Short Burst Setup Example (Solo / Small Group / Support)

Slightly Longer Burst Setup Example (Solo / Small Group / Support)

Slightly Longer Burst Setup Example (Solo / Small Group / Support)

Medium Length Burst Setup Example (Great with Archive Visions/Verses)

Medium Length Burst Setup Example (Great with Archive Visions/Verses)

Non-Dual Wield Front-Bar Template

Non-Dual Wield Front-Bar Template

additional gear setup NOTES

  • The 1pc monster set can also be run in the “shoulder” slot instead of the “head” slot - both options are equal

  • If running staves, Flame is usually the preferred options for both the front and the back bar, but Lightning has uses too

  • Configure the # of Medium/Light Armor pieces to your needs to fully penetrate for the content you are doing

  • Body and jewelry pieces are always interchangeable as long as you are keeping the weights that you want

  • Charged off-hand is preferred for Single Target focused encounters, while Precise tends to do better for AoE

  • If your Ultimate is not ready on the Setup #2 burst setups, Prior Thierric is a nice Monster Set option

skill bar setups

SETUP A - STANDARD ARCANIST LOADOUTS

(click the left/right arrows to cycle through examples)

Staff Backbar (Most Common)

Staff Backbar (Most Common)

Example without Barbed Trap (If You Need Less Melee or More AoE)

Example without Barbed Trap (If You Need Less Melee or More AoE)

AoE Heavy Example

AoE Heavy Example

Ranged Example

Ranged Example

  • Flex skills are just examples - run what best fits your situation

  • Both Fatecarver and Ultimate morphs are excellent situationally

  • For Contingency you’ll take the Flame Damage/Lingering Torment

SETUP b - 1.5 bAR LOADOUT

Great results, lots of flexibility, and easy to manage

  • Quick Cloak and Inspired Scholarship are each 30s long!

  • Both Fatecarver and Ultimate morphs are excellent situationally

  • If using a Staff or Bow Front-Bar, you could move Fulminating to the Back-Bar and slot Elemental Blockade or Endless Hail

SETUP C - other BACKBAR options

(click the left/right arrows to cycle through examples)

Bow Backbar (Great Single Target)

Bow Backbar (Great Single Target)

Two Handed Backbar (Not as Common)

Two Handed Backbar (Not as Common)

  • Flex skills are just examples - run what best fits your situation

  • Both Fatecarver and Ultimate morphs are excellent situationally

  • Two Handed backbar can still get solid results, but not the meta

CRUX BUILDERS AND SPENDERS

VIDEO GUIDE

For more info, check out my YouTube video guide for the Update 40! Most of the info is still the same.

Thanks for stopping by

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