Thread: Cunning attack for dps rotation

I was working on my rotation and I was thinking about why I dont use cunning attack.

Traited cunning attack matches surprise strike on damage after 20 sec more or less, so using it as an opener on large targets should be better, even with the unseen set (cunning attack>CD>surprise strike...). Cunning attack is also better combined with IFA: non crit damage isnt impressive, but its better than suprise strike noncrit damage. Animation is not really fast, but neither is from-stealth surprise strike animation fast, unless you addle it.

Then, why I dont use cunning attack more, mainly as an opener and an IFA buff finisher?

Forgive my english (corrections welcomed)

Better opener also because the damage isn't all on the front end, which mitigates initial aggro issues. Damage over time is greater than Suprise, as you said. Choice is clear from the numbers I've gotten, with or without the bleed legacy.

I usually alternate using Suprise and CA as the FA closer, but probably favor CA.

Originally Posted by Southpa

Better opener also because the damage isn't all on the front end, which mitigates initial aggro issues. Damage over time is greater than Suprise, as you said. Choice is clear from the numbers I've gotten, with or without the bleed legacy.

I usually alternate using Suprise and CA as the FA closer, but probably favor CA.

since I use the Surprise-Strike on CD (Set from the Ettenmoors) I don't use CA any more ^^ (without ettenset I used them 50/50)

Should always try to use Aim with CA while IFA is up (open with SS from stealth).

Aim + CA = All ticks will crit (or dev).


Of course it depends how long the fight is gonna last..

Originally Posted by Evendale

Of course it depends how long the fight is gonna last..

This is what I go by.

Elites / Signatures / Creep I favour CA

Anything that's going to be dead at the end of the first crit chain or before = SS

It's a similar consideration to using Yellow in a CJ. it bugs me seeing people go all Yellows when a mob is down to say 20K morale. I'd rather they kept DPS and kill it in the time it stands there under CJ. Or, do what I like which is wait until the very last second and "steal" a blue for some power.

Originally Posted by Ravenstride

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It's a similar consideration to using Yellow in a CJ. it bugs me seeing people go all Yellows when a mob is down to say 20K morale. I'd rather they kept DPS and kill it in the time it stands there under CJ. Or, do what I like which is wait until the very last second and "steal" a blue for some power.

On a side-note, I'm exactly the same; also same with when I use CA, elites, sigs etc.

Also find that CA needs to be in a specific place in the rotation, after one of the crit-chain skills is fine as it fires off quickly, almost anywhere else and it takes too long to fire, costing dps.

Re: bleeds, can anyone tell me how well the 5-set Tower bonus works for Clever Retort? I like the idea of the CA stealth bleed, Lucky Strike Bleed and CR Bleed stacking up.