Decoding the DPS Enigma in SWTOR: A No-Nonsense Guide
So, you have jumped into Star Wars: The Old Republic. Now, you want to deal damage, right? The main question is: “What class does the most DPS in SWTOR?” or “Which class will destroy everything?”
Let’s get straight to it. In SWTOR, “DPS” means Damage Per Second. This is how much damage you do to enemies every second. A higher DPS means faster enemy takedowns. Easy to understand, right? Higher DPS is better. Lower DPS is worse. You want to be on the ‘better’ side.
Before we pick a class to be the best DPS, let’s clear some things up. Choosing a class based only on maximum possible DPS is like choosing a car only for top speed. This is good for a racetrack, but not for city traffic.
What Makes a “Good” DPS Anyway?
Good DPS is not just about damage numbers on a log. It includes:
- Sustained Damage: Can you keep damaging enemies over time, or are you just a burst damage type?
- Burst Damage: Sometimes, you need to deal high damage quickly. Burst damage helps in these cases.
- Mobility: Staying still isn’t good with lasers flying. How well can you deal damage while moving?
- Utility: Do you provide anything other than damage? Crowd control, buffs, or healing can enhance a DPS class’s value.
- Survivability: Dead DPS can’t deal damage. Can you withstand hits while attacking?
- Complexity (or Simplicity): Do you want a simple class or one that needs skillful play?
SWTOR DPS Classes: A Quick Overview
SWTOR offers a range of classes. Each class has its DPS styles. Let’s break down the main contenders. Remember, “best” depends on the game patch, your playstyle, and if you prefer PvE or PvP.
Jedi Knight/Sith Warrior
These classes excel at melee combat. They wield lightsabers and use force powers. They are tough and deal both sustained and burst damage.
- Jedi Knight Disciplines:
- Guardian (Defense/Focus/Vigilance): Vigilance is the DPS spec here. It is mobile and delivers strong hits.
- Sentinel (Combat/Concentration/Watchman): Watchman and Combat are solid DPS specs with unique melee styles.
- Sith Warrior Disciplines:
- Juggernaut (Immortal/Rage/Vengeance): Vengeance is similar to Vigilance in gameplay and damage.
- Marauder (Annihilation/Carnage/Fury): Annihilation and Carnage match Sentinel in dual-wielding damage.
Jedi Consular/Sith Inquisitor
These classes use the force from a distance. They deal burst and sustained damage, but their mobility varies by discipline.
- Jedi Consular Disciplines:
- Sage (Seer/Telekinetics/Balance): Telekinetics and Balance are the DPS specs. Telekinetics is a classic ranged caster, while Balance is hybrid.
- Shadow (Kinetic Combat/Infiltration/Serenity): Infiltration is the sneaky burst melee DPS spec.
- Sith Inquisitor Disciplines:
- Sorcerer (Corruption/Lightning/Madness): Lightning and Madness are like Sage’s Telekinetics and Balance. They focus on ranged Force damage.
- Assassin (Darkness/Deception/Hatred): Deception is the Inquisitor’s melee DPS, similar to Shadow’s Infiltration.
Trooper/Bounty Hunter
These classes, armed with technology, deal ranged damage with blasters. They usually have good mobility and can deal burst and sustained damage.
- Trooper Disciplines:
- Commando (Combat Medic/Gunnery/Assault Specialist): Gunnery and Assault Specialist are the ranged DPS specs. Gunnery is sustained, while Assault Specialist is bursty.
- Vanguard (Shield Specialist/Tactics/Plasmatech): Tactics is the melee-range tech DPS spec, using a blaster up close.
- Bounty Hunter Disciplines:
- Mercenary (Bodyguard/Arsenal/Innovative Ordnance): Arsenal and Innovative Ordnance are ranged specs, like Gunnery and Assault Specialist.
- Powertech (Shield Tech/Advanced Prototype/Pyrotech): Pyrotech is the Bounty Hunter’s melee tech DPS with a fiery touch.
Smuggler/Imperial Agent
These classes are stealthy and often use gadgets. They can be ranged or melee. They rely on positions and strategy to maximize damage.
- Smuggler Disciplines:
- Gunslinger (Grit Dancers/Sharpshooter/Saboteur): Sharpshooter and Saboteur are the ranged specs. Sharpshooter is classic sniping, while Saboteur focuses on area damage.
- Scoundrel (Sawbones/Scrapper/Ruffian): Scrapper and Ruffian are the melee DPS specs. Scrapper is bursty, while Ruffian focuses on damage over time.
- Imperial Agent Disciplines:
- Sniper (Lethality/Engineering/Marksmanship): Marksmanship and Engineering mimic Gunslinger’s specs. They specialize in ranged tactical damage.
- Operative (Medicine/Concealment/Lethality): Concealment and Lethality are the melee DPS, similar to Scoundrel’s specs.
So, Back to the “Best” DPS…
The truth? There isn’t a single “best.” Class balance changes with patches often. What’s best now might be average later. More importantly, the “best” class is one you enjoy playing. If a class is effective but feels boring, your real DPS will drop compared to a class you enjoy.
Tips for Choosing Your DPS Class:
- Think about your playstyle: Do you like melee or ranged? Burst or sustained? Stealth or aggression?
- Try different classes: Character creation is free! Make multiple characters, play through starters, and find what clicks.
- Avoid chasing the meta: Meta changes, but skill should remain consistent! Focus on mastering a class that excites you.
- Check Utility: Some DPS classes offer more than just damage. Utility can matter in group content.
- Read Class Guides critically: Guides help, but take them with caution. Ideal scenarios vary from personal play experiences.
Final Word: Play What’s Fun!
SWTOR is about fun. If tracking DPS makes it unenjoyable, you’re missing the point. Experiment and find a class you love. Then learn that class well. That is how to be a top DPS in SWTOR or any game.
Now go forth, young Padawan (or Sith…), and deal out those hits! Remember, it is not just about numbers, it’s how cool you look. Because honestly, style points matter in SWTOR too.
