Merciless Companion vs Vicious Companion

[cogwheel]

I may only be able to take one of these talents for Sagani. 

 

Anyone have any thoughts -- or even better, some actual math -- on which of these talents ultimately produces more damage? 

 

Qualifying for sneak attack won't be a problem.  Reliably provided that condition, is Merciless actually better?  Because at a glance, it seems like Vicious is still basically equal to Merciless, only it doesn't require a condition, ofc.

 

 

p.s. While I'm here, I also wanna ask:  does anyone ever take Accurate Wounding Shots?  Is it even worth it, or is the +accuracy it gives ultimately an unnecessary bonus and waste of a talent? I ask because Fortitude is generally one of the higher mob defenses, and I do want Wounding Shot to work almost every time she uses it.

Edited October 3, 2018 by cogwheel

[draego]

i usually take the two animal talents over something like Accurate wounding shots. Its really easy to buff accuracy especially for ranger

Edited October 3, 2018 by draego

[Boeroer]

Accurate Wounding Shots are a bit bugged: the +ACC only counts for the initial hit but not the hobbling. So I never take it.

[cogwheel]

Good to know.  Thank you for the responses, you two.  I know this game is mostly dead now, so I'm grateful.

Edited October 8, 2018 by cogwheel

[Boeroer]

The pet does great dmg if you also use Predator's Sense and Brutal Takedown. Perfect with the Persistence hunting bow.

 

The game is not patched anymore - but it's still a great game.

 

I'm still around - so if you have questions about game mechanics feel free to ask. I know one or two things about PoE.

Edited October 8, 2018 by Boeroer

[cogwheel]

Thank you!  I noticed in google that you're a fount of good information in threads here since 2015.  Hopefully Obsidian puts you in a game soon as an NPC, if they haven't already.  I remember they did that for Gromnir back in Throne of Bhaal. If he deserved it, so do you.