Ward stacking meta

[APESTOGETHERSTRONG]

Something has to be done about ward being the single best defensive option. I am starting to look at possible builds and think about how you could run it as a low life build or abuse Twisted Heart of Uhkeiros. Having 8k+ ward is easily done on basically any build and some can get way more. Even sacrificing quite some damage still makes this a good option, because it is just that strong and not only provides a big EHP pool, but also very high regeneration.
Armor reaches diminishing returns very quickly and block/parry have barely any (interesting) gear support or none at all. Dodge is very dependant on your class and build and besides rogue there really only is one build that can get a meaningful amount.
It would be very nice to see something done about the other options, especially parry, which seems to come out of nowhere with no gear or passive support, besides the only source on weapons.

[Ravenkid9266]

When asked about ward the developer mike seemed to think stacking 10K ward was fine, but if it got to 20K it might need looking at. Proper ward builds can quite easily stack 60K+ ward.

I honestly believe no one at EHG or in the Closed Testing program even though ward could be stacked so high and so easily.

[L O]

I used the Wraith Lord ward build, it's ok for farming but my God is it boring, but if that's how ppl want too play more power to them.

I do agree however some love the opposite way would be welcomed.

[Bludbonez]

Since Ward is in a good spot, Perhaps EHG could put the other defense types into a good spot. Dodge and Armor. That way it balances out between builds.

[APESTOGETHERSTRONG]

Yes not a big fan of powercreep, but in this case buffing the other options should be the first step. To be clear though builds with extreme ward amounts reach EHP numbers no other build can dream of and definitely need nerfs, too.

[tiamats4esgares]

I have a minion build and I'd like my minions to be stronger, but I'm having to sacrifice damage for ward gain and ward retention because that's the only way to survive. :-\ So in turn my minions kill slower and everything is just boring because they designed the game in a way that you have to stack ward to live.

[Quillithe]

I guess so, I doubt this is a big priority for them because this is all ultra ultra lategame stuff. Every defense is very viable through empowered monolith as it is.

Except maybe parry which is really a confusing stat to add. Dodge rating could already be on weapons and already interacted with other systems. I have no idea who or why wants to use a weapon prefix to get a random 10-20% chance to avoid damage that is too low to really depend on anyway.

[nacciw574]

Originally posted by Bludbonez:

Since Ward is in a good spot, Perhaps EHG could put the other defense types into a good spot. Dodge and Armor. That way it balances out between builds.

Ward is not in a good place. There are outliers that need attention. Nice try though.