Help me decide on a build

[Deitti]

Im returning to this game after a long break and im trying to decide on a build for my wizard main character and im not sure yet which one should i choose. I either wanna go melee wizard or CC wizard. So couple of questions i wanna ask first before i decide. (didn't use wizards back in first playthrough)

 

Which build would you recommend based on these settings and the classes of my other party members? (Full party going to be Wizard.Priest,Druid,Cipher,Fighter and Paladin and gonna play PotD and Trial of Iron)

 

Does the lack of White March expansion affect the wizard builds a whole lot? (Never got around to buying it as i didn't have time to play when it came out)

 

Based on the builds ive read about, it seems melee wizards use their own summoned weapons as the main weapon, does it then matter what weapon they are using outside battles?

 

Thanks for any answers.

[knownastherat]

It depends, on your play style, how much management you want to invest during fights, equipment (armor) or how you utilize other party members. I do not have any particular build in mind, but you cant go  wrong with CC/damage Wizard, classic. INT, PER and MIG, the Vale talents for high Deflection when needed, extra spell talents, maybe deep pockets, maybe elemental damage talents. I do not think you can really mess up with Wizard the way spells are learned and with possible respec. Wizard is .. versatile. 

 

No it does not matter what weapon/shield you have equipped when you summon weapon. 

Edited January 22, 2016 by knownastherat

[Deitti]

Well, incase it makes a difference, i do usually manage my character and party members quite alot.

 

One question i also started thinking, when it comes to these two builds and when it comes to PER and DEX, should one be chosen over the other or is it simply matter of preference?

[knownastherat]

DEX is basically casting speed, while PER accuracy or chance to hit. I leave defenses alone as that kinda evens out either way. Casting speed can be modified so can be accuracy. Casting speed is influenced by armor and protection influences HP. It is feasible to keep kind of glass cannon more or less alive or better be safe than sorry etc On PotD as you know to hit is important and on Trial of Iron to survive.

 

Personally, I go for PER, leave DEX at 10 or something, and micro a lot to use positioning, environment, buffs, party, and other means to keep Wiz alive. Or you may find that even in heavier armor speed is fine, or buffed, and lets give AI other punching bag. Then you could even melee.  

Edited January 22, 2016 by knownastherat

[AndreaColombo]

Casting speed can be modified so can be accuracy. Casting speed is influenced by armor and protection influences HP.

 

This is only partially accurate. DEX is the only way to shorten your casting animation; anything else will only affect your recovery time between spells. I usually keep DEX high on my casters as there are many ways to buff Accuracy into the stratosphere, but not many to buff DEX, and none to speed up your casting animations besides DEX.

[knownastherat]

Oh thanks for the correction. It is then matter of recovery vs casting speed. I run my solo Wiz around with clothing, switching to appropriate armor when needed but past level 6 or so its not needed much. 

Edited January 23, 2016 by knownastherat