Group Composition... before I start

[Longshot17]

Hi all,

Just got into SWTOR over the past weekend (free trial!) and really enjoy it. Once I found out it was quite multibox-able, I immediately signed up!

Leveled up a few different toons to lvl 10, including a complete set (4) of Troopers.

I want to do all the 4-man PvE content possible, and wanting to do it with the easiest group composition possible (think Prot Pally + 4 Shamans).

From what I've read here sounds like the following group should work:

1) Trooper/Vanguard (Tank)
2) Trooper/Gunnery (Range DPS)
3) Trooper/Gunnery (Range DPS)
4) Jedi Consular/Seer (Heals)

Let me know if there is a better/easier group.

[balrog78]

I play Imperials, I am so to say playing Trooper Tank + 3 Jedi Consular. Your setup looks good. 3 Jedi Consular may be easier since you dont need to watch energy bars of your DDs then.

Generally I'd say you cant multibox with 4 toons:
Operations
Directive 7 FP
Foundry FP (dont know whether this is Imp. only)

[Malgor]

I'm just playing two Consular's right now both sage builds through mostly the telekinetic tree. Right now I'm just having the two companions tank and using force lift for my crowd control X2. So far there isn't a single H2 or H4 I haven't been able to do. I had a bit of trouble with the last boss in the Hammer Station Flashpoint and died the first time I tried it until I changed tactics and stacked my two sages and just moved out of his excessive AE attacks.

I think three Consulars with a Trooper tank would be your best bet. That's three crowd controls per fight. I'd make one of up the healing tree more though.

Good luck, I'm enjoying my two immensely.

Here is the build I'm shooting for with my two sages: http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#600hZfcrbdoMutzZcM0M.1

Good luck!

[Riiker]

Malgor - What level were you when you finally beat HS 2 boxing? That is really impressive. I'm thinking I might try to work a sage into my group of sentinels now.

Longshot - I find that it is easier to box with a group of the same class. I can only assume that if you have good boxing skills that any of the above groups would make it easier to clear a flashpoint.

[OldRod_KS]

Malgor - What level were you when you finally beat HS 2 boxing? That is really impressive. I'm thinking I might try to work a sage into my group of sentinels now.

I would like to know this as well - I've tried it with a Sage/Shadow combo and a Juggernaut/Sorceror combo. Both were unable to kill the final boss before the FP went grey. My two sages were only 1 level grey, but they both had their healer companion which helped a lot. My Juggernaut/Sorceror combo have yet to beat the final boss and it's now 2 levels grey :(

[Malgor]

Malgor - What level were you when you finally beat HS 2 boxing? That is really impressive. I'm thinking I might try to work a sage into my group of sentinels now.

HS is 16 I believe. I think I was 20. Some of the mobs didn't give exp. I'm 25 now and am going to do Athiss next and see how that goes.

What I finally did was stack the two together instead of spreading them apart and then had broadcasting on for both the keyboard and mouse. So instead of having to watch out for the red circle x2 constantly, I just moved them when he targeted it for one spot. I just healed through it when it hit the companions, because having them try to move is insane. When the adds spawn I just targeted them as quickly as I could for the first two or three rounds of them, then ignored them and took down the boss. Granted remember I died the first time I tried it.

[Longshot17]

The Trooper/Vanguard tank with 3 Consular/Sages does make more sense.

I'm going to level up a 4-some of Sages (though I already have one so far), and redo the first lvl 10-12 FP, and compare the two formations.

[Meeo]

In my experience, i started initially with a Vanguard and Commando duo, got them both to 50 and then wanted to try 4 boxing. At this time im currently leveling a Guardian, Sage, Commando, and Shadow, for a completely mixed group, sitting at level 40 atm.

In terms of the tank aspect, i have not decided if i like the Guardian over the Vanguard at this time.

From the DPS aspect, like a few others have stated, Same class makes is so much more enjoyable. I also find that using Sentinel/Shadow for melee DPS can be a hassle sometimes especially in a mixed composition group. If you go all melee that would be different, but having 2 ranged(healer/ranged dps) and 2 melee(tank/melee) positioning and your keymaps get jacked up and confusing sometimes. I had to rebuild my Keymaps several times learning/trying/design/figuring out even with the input from this forum, and im in the process of planning entirely new keymaps out. As for my currently DPS setup Sage/Healer casting Distrubance when i can afford it, the Shadow DPS, and Gunnery Commando, i usually do not have issues taking on Champions , however i find that some of the champions that have aoe abilities, moving around melee with the current style of follow we have can be a headache sometimes. After this team is 50 i will most likely level 2 more gunnery commandos or 2 more Tele/Balance Sages.

As for the healer, i personally have more experience on a Commando Healer raiding as it was my original main. Commandos are amazing single target healers, currently pre-1.2, commando healers have very very bad aoe healing and quick spot healing they do get an instant heal with a large cooldown, but that's not enough a lot of our current healing revolves around making sure we use another ability prior to enhance the ability of our next heal. In my opinion, and with some reviewing on the PTS, Post 1.2 they are nerfing some of our burst healing for PVP reasons and reducing some of the bonuses we get on healing pvp reasons, which affect the class overall; however even with the increase of 3 to 4 on the kolto bomb, it still will not make our aoe healing any better as the radius of it is so small.

I am currently preferring a Sage healer at this time pre-1.2. Post-1.2 im not sure as im not 50 with my sage yet. The over-all Force management and general abilities are much more direct and efficient when comparing it to a Commandos, not to mention their aoe heal has a larger radius and hits up to 8 people. Sages get force armor that shields for more and longer. Yes commandos get a sort-of-shield, but it requires you do Bacta-Infusion first before being able to shield someone using kolto-bomb.

So all in all, im having an enjoyable time, however i need to really streamline my macros within isboxer to make effort more manageable. Right now i having issues with getting overwhelmed with elite mobs 3 to 4 and i have an issue keeping them on my guardian and off my healer.

[Longshot17]

I have persisted with my first group, Vanguard, Gunnery, Gunnery, Seer. Managed to do the first flash point, and also a few heroic 4 man quests. Having everyone range, is nice. I'm using a crude healing system which might need revamped (Fnc-keys, one for each member, then Shift-Fnc key for big heals).

Trick now is tuning the DPS rotation. This is difficult as in WoW you could go stand in front of a target dummy with a dps meter (was actually one of the more fun things to do in Multiboxing).

Any advice on Gunnery dps that excludes 'focus' abilities? I'm only 18ish, and if the experience is what I'm expecting things will change so much between now and 50 but still fun to tinker and tweak.

[OldRod_KS]

Trick now is tuning the DPS rotation. This is difficult as in WoW you could go stand in front of a target dummy with a dps meter (was actually one of the more fun things to do in Multiboxing).

Can't help with the rest of your questions... but combat training dummies are coming in the 1.2 patch, along with combat logging. Some people on the test server have come up with log parsers, but an in-game meter would be nice obviously :) No word on if they are working on that or not.

[JohnGabriel]

If SWtOR is anything like WoW you will probably change your group composition several times over the years.

[Memooselah]

One thing to consider (although you probably already have)... It might be easier leveling up two groups of two than trying to do all 4 at the same time. Some of the instances throw in a ridiculous amount of adds when you have three or more in the instance. Easiest way around it is to keep all four toons in your group, but only complete the instance with your main and one of the alts.

I just did an instance for the "General Durant" Sith Warrior quest, and with a full group, it added two strongs and an elite to every pull. Like I said, ridiculous.

[balrog78]

Can't help with the rest of your questions... but combat training dummies are coming in the 1.2 patch, along with combat logging. Some people on the test server have come up with log parsers, but an in-game meter would be nice obviously :) No word on if they are working on that or not.I started a new thread for that: http://www.dual-boxing.com/threads/46926-Training-Dummy-for-testing-DPS-rotation

[Riiker]

From what I've read here sounds like the following group should work:

1) Trooper/Vanguard (Tank)
2) Trooper/Gunnery (Range DPS)
3) Trooper/Gunnery (Range DPS)
4) Jedi Consular/Seer (Heals)

Let me know if there is a better/easier group.

Im making a group of just like the above, but with a combat medic for the heals.

[Meeo]

Im making a group of just like the above, but with a combat medic for the heals.

I've tested the similar setup with a Combat Medic, not to mention a combat medic being my main i ran into issues multiboxing ot as my healer. Great features but when it comes to healing a Sage is far superior. Shield + HoT on demand vs needing to Trigger another ability first then being able to Shield&HoT with your Kolto bomb is not very effective. Especially with their burst healing PVP Nerf in 1.2 it will affect their burst healing in PvE.

[Riiker]

I've tested the similar setup with a Combat Medic, not to mention a combat medic being my main i ran into issues multiboxing ot as my healer. Great features but when it comes to healing a Sage is far superior. Shield + HoT on demand vs needing to Trigger another ability first then being able to Shield&HoT with your Kolto bomb is not very effective. Especially with their burst healing PVP Nerf in 1.2 it will affect their burst healing in PvE.

That is gonna make class quests a pain in the butt! Oh well. I'll take your word for it and run a sage asmy healer.

[Mercurio]

Actually, I really enjoy NOT having to do all my class quests four times in a row every single time. My primary group has three of the same class and it is always a relief to get to the last toon and do something different, even if it is a short run/ride away.

[Riiker]

Actually, I really enjoy NOT having to do all my class quests four times in a row every single time. My primary group has three of the same class and it is always a relief to get to the last toon and do something different, even if it is a short run/ride away.

Good point. The pain comes from the side quests which are kinda designed to be on your way for the class quests. Also, if you get ahead in one class quest then those side quests won't be available to the toon that is behind. It'll just take a bit of planning, but the payoff will be successfully completing those heroics and flashpoints.

[Longshot17]

Sage healer is really simple to heal as a multiboxer... I use to run a holy priest for my WoW 5-man. Basically I use have the same keyboard setup (minus the group heals which I don't have on my Sage yet). Also I second the benefit of not having all 4 of the same class in my group, as it gives you a second storyline/questline to follow... and weirdly enough I do enjoy the storylines/questlines.

My only concern with running Trooper Gunnery toons, is their potential heavy reliance on Full-Auto for thier DPS output?? I'd really rather use a toon that did not rely on a Channeled ability, though thanks to Riiker, I do have a good option to incorporate it into my setup now.

[Meeo]

Sage healer is really simple to heal as a multiboxer... I use to run a holy priest for my WoW 5-man. Basically I use have the same keyboard setup (minus the group heals which I don't have on my Sage yet). Also I second the benefit of not having all 4 of the same class in my group, as it gives you a second storyline/questline to follow... and weirdly enough I do enjoy the storylines/questlines.

My only concern with running Trooper Gunnery toons, is their potential heavy reliance on Full-Auto for thier DPS output?? I'd really rather use a toon that did not rely on a Channeled ability, though thanks to Riiker, I do have a good option to incorporate it into my setup now.

When your dealing with a same dps classes ie: Multiple Commandos, it would easier to setup for specific channeled abilities. Currently with my Commandos i have their Grav Round, Demo Round, and Full auto on separate buttons, when i spam those specific buttons my vanguard is still spamming his rotation, while the commandos are doing their channel. I even have my sage do Disturbance spam while doing Full Grav and Demo Rounds to add in extra dps.

[Riiker]

@meeo - I would really really really like it if you could post your ISBoxer setup and a brief description/ video of how to use it. I'm trying to do exactly what you described and not doing too well. I know it can be more efficient.

[Stormfade]

I'm coming from running a six-man on an EQemu server using Isboxer. Started playing swtor last week and just went out and grabbed my second copy of ToR to give 2boxing a run.. I strictly PVE and wanted to get some feedback on a good duo to smash content (most content) and have a blast - not really concerned about being able to waltz through 4+ heroics at level or anything, but maybe right before they grey out.

On my first account, I've leveled a few classes into the 20's: Sith Inquisitor/Sorc, SI/Assassin and a Jedi Sentinel. I was leaning towards rolling another Sentinel on my new account to pair with my first. Is that a viable set up? From what I've read here, I might be best served by running two of the same class. I don't mind doing content twice for class quests.. I think it would be awesome with 2xKira to see all those lightsabers tearing things up. Has anyone tried two sorceres.. Or two Assassins?

Based on what I am seeing so far, a duo should be able to handle most content. I'm really curious on what you guys have experienced and had the most fun using.

Thanks for any feedback!

[Riiker]

Two sentinels will be good until around lvl 25 then they'll be ok but then around 40 you will absolutely kick butt! Especially using the tank companion. Kira won't help as much b/c she is DPS just like the sentinel. I think the tank companions are really usefull for the DPS class.

You might have better success with a sage/ guardian team with DPS companions for a more well rounded team.

I know you were asking ppl to speak from experience, but you should know that I've only 4 boxed this game. I do have a 4x sentinel team though.

[Stormfade]

Awesome! Thanks Riiker. I will give a same class duo a run for a little while then switch it up. Seems like it will be easy to line up all the actions, stagering things like stuns to keep mobs on lockdown.

[Mercurio]

You might also consider an assassin/operative combo. That way you can tank/heal or DPS/DPS or a some other combination. Also, you'll get stealth and can skip past the vast majority of mobs that everyone else has to slog through.

[LanceTBD]

I like multi-boxing. I've always done it that way since UO, EQ days and I always though it was only way to play MMO.

My setup is straightforward. I have 1 complete computer for each account I play. so when I play

2-box, I play with 2 pc, 2 monitor, 2 keyboard, 2 mouse.

When I 4-Box, I play with 4 PC, 4 monitor, 4 keyboard, 4 mouse.

in SWTOR, I've 2-boxed all 4 sets of base imperial class to 50. Here is my experience.

Powertech + mercenary - First set, and strongest combo. TONS of CC, great AOE makes leveling as well as Heroic 2 super easy. 99% of the times I attack from range so very little effort to play this set.

Sorcerer + Assassin - Second set. Stronger than PT+Merc set in terms of raw power. Just as much CC and AoE which makes doing everything breeze. Only second place because Assassin is melee class so there is whole lot more running in to Melee range. With Stealth, doing Heroic 2 Dailies in Belsavis is breeze.

Sniper + Operative - third set. on paper it looks very good, with CC, Heal and lot of DPS with 2 Tanking pet to soak up damage. Ended up being the most disappointing combo due to lack of easy on-demand AoE, strangely weak DPS for some encounters for some reason, and all in all, most complicated combo to play effectively. Leveling from 30 - 50 was struggle and not fun. Stealth makes up for weak combo for doing Heroic 2 Dailies

Juggernaut + Marauder - Final set. On paper it looked like total loser. I was dreading leveling and it was fairly rough until I got my healer comp (Malavi) early on. After that it was by far the easiest leveling all the way till 50. It wasn't the fastest, and there were lot more button pressing than BH set or Inq set, but absolutely solid combo with zero worries. One HUGE drawback. no CC, which makes it almost painful, to do any lvl 50 Daily Heroic 2.

Currently doing same thing on Republican side.

Future plan, 2-box another 2 account then try to do 4-box (fyi I am no longer fan of 4 box ever since I got burned out of it with WOW)

[Riiker]

@lanceTBD - That is awesome! Have you done any pvp?