Hard Mode Explosive Conflict

[Xzyzz]

So my guild has run thru story mode a load of times and we have been farming that and NM KP for the black hole comms.

That said we are going to try EC Hard mode soon and I wanted to ask for tips and tricks.

Also I play a guardian MT and wanted to know with all the tank swapping and leaping during the boss fights, would it be effective to get Unremitting (the invunerability leap / 20% damage reduction each).

any jugg/guard tanks out there to comment?

[Count Sacula]

You must be one of dem der hybrid tankies?

[Xzyzz]

No I was in a former life - prior to 1.2 when guardian slash was not 2x aggro generation. After 1.2 I went full defensive and its been really solid. I am mostly looking for tips and tricks for hardmode EC because well....its hard and I thought it might be a cool idea to apply the 1.3 hybrid here and if anyone have done it or considered it.

[Count Sacula]

I am with you on the full defense. Before 1.2 my guardian was 22/19 i think. Now 32/9 and I have found it quite enjoyable where before full defense made me cry.

As far as switching builds for EC I would have to ask what is the other tank's AC?

[amsage]

When it comes to strategies, it's important to be flexible...the guilds on our server who struggle with HM EC are the ones who read one strategy and refuse to stray from it, even though they continuously wipe. Most fights, with the exception of vorgath, we had to adapt our strategy. This is largely attributed to certain fights being bugged, but they are still winnable.

[Count Sacula]

When it comes to strategies, it's important to be flexible...the guilds on our server who struggle with HM EC are the ones who read one strategy and refuse to stray from it, even though they continuously wipe. Most fights, with the exception of vorgath, we had to adapt our strategy. This is largely attributed to certain fights being bugged, but they are still winnable.

::Waves hand at you:: There are no bugs in this game...This isn't the bug you are looking for...Move along now.

We once had a HM Soa fight where after the floor falling phases he never came down for me to drag him under the falling pillars. That was quite amusing to watch. He just stayed way up at the top of the room.

I have found that group comp comes into play with which strategy works best for each boss. Also things like how good your heals are and how much your dps can push the fights into certain phases.

[FalseHope4829]

It sounds so cliche but teamwork makes the dream work. It's kind one of those raids where the group has to be comfortable with eachother. Like, you guys have raided together before plenty of times. EC in general isn't an Op to be pugging, whether with new guildies or from fleet so HM makes a bigger difference. Definitely read the strategies so you have an idea as to what's coming. Also, meter your dps for this one. Make sure everyone is hitting like 1300 dps no problem on the training dummys so your not hitting your heads against the wall over the super super tight enrage timers.

Also, bro tip, if/when you get to Kephess on HM, its good to have a Mara/Sent with you to pop their Predation so everyone can run out of Kephess' aoe Gift of the Masters when everyone gets pulled in.