With the recent significant nerfs to both the Tumbler and Shirk Heal sets, it’s becoming evident that these options may no longer be the best choices. So, let’s explore alternative options and determine the most effective light armor layout for PvP. For PvE, Featherweight is undoubtedly the top choice.
Option 1: Featherweight
Pros: Approximately 20% additional armor. Additionally, heavy armor pieces are generally more cost-effective, allowing for the crafting of BiS (Best in Slot) two pieces for a maximum of 30k with materials. This makes it a potentially budget-friendly option. A BiS chest piece may cost around 200k New World Coins, but this choice ensures you have three pieces for free or at a very low cost.
Option 2: Attuned Pants
Pros: Easier attainment of 25 stats, leading to increased main stat benefits. For mages, achieving 25 Dexterity and 25 Focus with fewer overall stats is significant. The 5% critical chance and 5% critical damage effectively provide two free perks.
Option 3: Nimble Cloak
Pros: A total cooldown reduction of around 30%, including refreshing perks and a Focus of 25. This choice is the most offensive option. With the Pillar of Fire refreshing perk, you can almost spam the skill when you land hits. However, the question remains: is it worth using just for an 8% refresh rate bonus?
Option 4: Unyielding
Pros: A heavy helmet that reduces critical damage by 20%, doubling the bonus provided by Constitution 150. What’s more, you can still maintain a light armor layout thanks to its lower weight compared to standard heavy helmets. This effectively grants you four free Resilient perks, a perk that no longer exists in the game. The trade-off is whether the 20% reduction in critical damage outweighs the approximately 20% increase in overall armor for PvP. The answer is likely yes, but it’s not entirely certain.
Option 5: Tumbler + Shirk Heal Set
However, it’s worth noting that this set is undergoing significant nerfs and may no longer be a viable option.
I’m unable to think of any other standout layouts. Not using an artifact is likely a poor choice for most scenarios, so it’s not a valid consideration. Or is it? The debate continues.