I want specialization to have as much of an impact as your passive slot. Maybe they work better for min-maxers, but my experience is they're an afterthought for most builds.
If I want regeneration there's really no alternative to the passive slot. Don't get me wrong, there are some winners in there, but a lot of it is underwhelming. Most of it doesn't feel game-changing, and I feel it should be.
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I like to think I'm a "normal" player, I haven't done the math, I don't know what caps. I just know that if I want to get to end-game, specs aren't really a factor. And I think that's bad for a thing you interact with 31 times.
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No, I've read that and I disagree, obviously. But also, if you read that guide it's purpose is to point out what specs are worth taking, because some are absolute garbage, and I think that shouldn't be the case. I also think this falls under min-maxing, if you have to spend an hour reading an external guide to get the most out of the system the system might be too weak.
Specs can help you do something you're already capable of but they can't help you be a tank for example if you have a powerset that is just DPS.
The idea for this came to me because I've made it to max level a lot of times and most of my characters don't feel that powerful. I've also feel railroaded when leveling. If specialization is more powerful it gives you more option in both instances. All without raising the level cap, which is alternate idea I've had.
If you're playing ATs I can understand feeling 'railroaded'. Freeform is really the fix for that. If you think Specializations are too complicated (for min-maxers only) learn the tried and true ones and stick to them.
If you're leveling to 40 and feel your characters aren't that powerful it's likely the combination of your power choices, Specialization and gear. There are folks that give awesome build advice on the forums. Just post your build and build goals in the Builds and Roles section.
Additional blah blah below.
There are Specializations that they have considered overpowered and nerfed (ex. INT: Revitalize) and there are ones they've buffed or fixed (ex. END: Outburst). And, there are still some Specializations that are broken and should, hopefully, get fixed (ex. Overseer: Administer). From the changes made so far, it seems unlikely they will change them to the degree you seem to be suggesting.
Aside from broken Specializations, there are certainly less used 'garbage' ones but that partly depends on build goals and to some degree opinion. There are a number of easier, no fail builds for tanks, DPS and heals and they include some very popular Specializations. There are also folks on this forum that have demonstrated creative builds that are very strong using very interesting combinations of powers, Specializations and gear. Personally, I like trying to make unique builds to see if I can make them work.
Yes, the Specialization tree won't make you a tank by itself if you've chosen powers and gear more for DPS. They aren't meant to. They're meant to enhance or fill gaps where power choices and gear may fall short depending on your build goals. You can certainly make a DPS character more 'tanky' with Specializations, if that's the direction you would like, or use them to push your glass cannon to the highest levels of DPS.
Overseer and Arbiter needs more love, recently I found out that Arbiter healing bonus are complety broken with Absorb Heat and similar healing power...
Can we all agree that we have a miniscule Dev team working on a shoestring and dealing with competing wish lists of player demands (more costumes, more new content, fix/revamp old content, revamp powers, etc.)
On the other hand, most of the game is bonehead easy after you go through it once (or twice), especially if you have free form. You only have to put on your big boy pants for certain types of endgame content, but even there, having the right other players around can help immensely (e.g. it is possible to tank dino in merc gear with R5 mods if you know what you are doing, have rock solid healers and high end dps who use threat wipes).
Finally, I don't have huge sympathy for players who don't want to put much effort into learning the game and acquiring the in game resources needed to be competent (not top tier by nay means). I mean, I wish I could be a millionaire without having to work, a top level athlete without having to workout, or even a good golfer without practice and the right equipment, but that just doesn't happen. Being decent at a hobby does require some thought and effort.
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No, I feel weak period. It's not like I'm getting left behind in alerts. And that's for straightforward characters. Part of my problem with the status quo is that it limits how you build a character.
More powerful Specs means that sub-optimal builds are more viable, especially in solo pve.
The individual trees are not irrelevant, it's just too bad that you cannot be creative and that most specs are obviously better than others.
However, since they fixed the "Guardicator" loop, the viability of other spec trees has improved.
My Characters
Hmmm. They don't like the spec (crafting) setup. *yoink* Here! Lets try the new spec(crafting) setup! It's easier.
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Why, what do I have to protect?
Then those would become the new optimal builds. I'd rather they just make it fun and impactful for every point spent. You should be able to really feel the improvements.
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It's getting so tiredsome loving this game
If the end results are underwhelming how does changing the manner in which we get to that point matter? I'd also want to avoid "empty" levels if possible.