Spark vs Arc

[Space Cowboy]

So, generally the Arc seems to have more ooomph which makes sense cause it comes later, but it's not by THAT much - sometimes Spark actually seems to outperform it for some reason I couldn't quite identify. Both do similar things so I can't tell if it's worth investing into both. Btw, my sorceress does a mix between ice and lightning and it worked surprisingly well so far although it doesn't sound like it. Maybe Spark and Arc have different synergies (I I'd think Spark might work better with firewall but I can't really test that with my current build). Or maybe one crits more than the other?
So, what do you think?

[BobOnix]

i play lightening arc, 2x orb of storms and that swirly storm thing (lol i forget what its called) that turns you into a nuke, then lightening explodes periodically on crits and procs storms on target from ascendancy and then curse that weakens lightening resistance.

its a pain in the ass to really layer all these multipliers but for single target it chunks and beats most bosses that arn't too mobile with ease.

also this is a blind build so its probs not Meta nor do i care for that.

sparks would probs be better in confined areas with high mob density.

[5ean5ean]

Spark is probably the 2nd best skill in thre game right now. Stack cast speed, skill effect duration and it clears maps and melts bosses.

[Space Cowboy]

Originally posted by BobOnix:

i play lightening arc, 2x orb of storms and that swirly storm thing (lol i forget what its called) that turns you into a nuke, then lightening explodes periodically on crits and procs storms on target from ascendancy and then curse that weakens lightening resistance.

its a pain in the ass to really layer all these multipliers but for single target it chunks and beats most bosses that arn't too mobile with ease.

also this is a blind build so its probs not Meta nor do i care for that.

sparks would probs be better in confined areas with high mob density.

Originally posted by 5ean5ean:

Spark is probably the 2nd best skill in thre game right now. Stack cast speed, skill effect duration and it clears maps and melts bosses.

Alright, I just put a third gem into it and now it REALLY rips. I'm using this mostly for short range, now and Arc for slightly longer range. And some monsters still die easier from Arc and others from Spark. Not sure why that is but someone will figure it out eventually.

[Matty101]

Think it's just numbers, spark does way less damage per hit but puts out a lot per cast, in open areas where it can spread it won't do much but get it into tight areas where it can be funnelled and it will rip into enemy way faster.
If you have any effects on hit they will also proc a lot more with spark.

[chelleren2]

Originally posted by Space Cowboy:

So, generally the Arc seems to have more ooomph which makes sense cause it comes later, but it's not by THAT much - sometimes Spark actually seems to outperform it for some reason I couldn't quite identify. Both do similar things so I can't tell if it's worth investing into both. Btw, my sorceress does a mix between ice and lightning and it worked surprisingly well so far although it doesn't sound like it. Maybe Spark and Arc have different synergies (I I'd think Spark might work better with firewall but I can't really test that with my current build). Or maybe one crits more than the other?
So, what do you think?

I go Spark (162dps) for mobs, and Arc (336dps) for boss. currently lv 25 and only two support gems

[Sage]

Spark is wide spread aoe.

Arc is single target (or minor splash from chains). Arc gets bonus damage if it doesn't chain.

[Vulf]

Originally posted by Sage:

Arc gets bonus damage if it doesn't chain.

The description of Arc is extra damage for each remaining chain. Meaning the first enemy hit takes the most bonus damage, and the next in the line takes slightly less.

[Illumina]

Arc is radically worse if you have any gear at all.

[Empukris]

Spark is good because of archmage. Without it, it is trash. The problem with spark is that its base damage is pathetic. So anything that add flat damage is great for spark. Firewall is such spell. Early game, dont use spark if you are not going to use firewall. Firewall easile double spark damage early. End game archmage boost spark to obscene level as it is a flat boost to its damage and spark hit more than once. But to really boost spark you need faster projectile and longer spell duration.

As for ark, if your gear havent there yet. Ark will outdps your spark especially if you dont use archmage+mom and decide for whatever reason to use mana tempest instead. It damage is decent and unlike spark that is not as good if your fighting bosses in an open area, ark is good anywhere and can stun or electrocute much easier.

Spark is great spell but it is good because of archmage which most definitely going to get nerf.

[Illumina]

Archmage doesn't add flat damage in PoE2.

[bustamanteverde]

Arc is mid tier compared to top tier Spark. chain gem cuts arc dmg by 50% which is insane and never a good idea. Spark just does everything better. I hate it and wish Arc could complete but nope. You just gimp yourself if you use Arc instead of Spark, which I tried and switched back to Spark after a few hours.

[Space Cowboy]

Originally posted by bustamanteverde:

Arc is mid tier compared to top tier Spark. chain gem cuts arc dmg by 50% which is insane and never a good idea. Spark just does everything better. I hate it and wish Arc could complete but nope. You just gimp yourself if you use Arc instead of Spark, which I tried and switched back to Spark after a few hours.

I gotcha, but a huge drawback for Spark for me personally is that it makes the screen basically unreadable, especially if there's enemy lightning spells involved. Like those lightning orbs that are stationary and kinda hard to spot anyway sometimes. And, unfortunately these and many other hard to read attacks are often the most devastating leading to those one shots.

[Dregora]

Originally posted by Space Cowboy:

Originally posted by bustamanteverde:

Arc is mid tier compared to top tier Spark. chain gem cuts arc dmg by 50% which is insane and never a good idea. Spark just does everything better. I hate it and wish Arc could complete but nope. You just gimp yourself if you use Arc instead of Spark, which I tried and switched back to Spark after a few hours.

I gotcha, but a huge drawback for Spark for me personally is that it makes the screen basically unreadable, especially if there's enemy lightning spells involved. Like those lightning orbs that are stationary and kinda hard to spot anyway sometimes. And, unfortunately these and many other hard to read attacks are often the most devastating leading to those one shots.

Welcome to PoE lol, but I agree, it really needs better visuals.

[Piggy]

Im lvl86. Been spark since day 1, wanted to go cold but lack of gear changed the plan. Tried changing to arc last night and hated it. I run archmage, cast on shock, mana remnants and clarity. I got chaos inoc, eldritch battery, and the other mana one...can't think of the name. My dps unbuffed is 16kish and with sigil and mana tempest it gets around mid 30k right now....my gear is decent i guess? Most of my stuff I traded for 1 divine each or around 20 ex's.

[Operation40]

I love Arc in poe1, but man they really did it dirty here. and what's up with not being able to support it with spell Echo !?