The Ultimate Guide to DPS Warrior Armor in Dragon Age: Inquisition
For aspiring damage-dealing warriors in Dragon Age: Inquisition, choosing the right armor is as crucial as mastering your combat abilities. While there isn’t one single, universally agreed upon “best” armor, the Battlemaster Armor Tier 3 Schematic, combined with strategic crafting and upgrades, stands out as the prime choice for optimizing your DPS. This armor, purchased from the Canyon Merchant in the Hissing Wastes for 3,839 gold, provides the foundation for a formidable warrior build. However, understanding its strengths and how it fits into a larger combat strategy is key to unlocking its full potential. This article will delve into why the Battlemaster Armor is so effective and answer some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of warrior armor in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Why the Battlemaster Armor is a Top Choice for DPS Warriors
The Battlemaster Armor Tier 3 Schematic is not inherently the most powerful armor in the game in terms of raw defensive stats. Its real strength lies in its high number of utility and offense-oriented material slots. These slots allow players to heavily customize the armor with materials that provide significant damage increases, critical hit bonuses, and stat boosts critical for a DPS-focused build.
Here’s why it’s considered a top choice:
- Versatile Material Slots: Unlike some armors that focus primarily on defense, the Battlemaster Armor offers a balanced number of both leather and metal slots. This flexibility is essential for stacking materials that boost attack, critical chance, and critical damage.
- Availability: While it is not a guaranteed drop, purchasing the schematic at the Hissing Wastes merchant makes it reliably accessible. This ensures that you can begin crafting this armor relatively early, provided you have sufficient gold.
- Tier 3 Power: Being a Tier 3 schematic, it possesses a solid base armor rating that can be further improved with upgrades and material selection.
- Mid-Game Progression: The Battlemaster Armor helps warriors significantly ramp up their damage dealing potential during the mid to late game. It is a pivotal progression step before endgame gear is obtainable.
To maximize its DPS potential, warriors should focus on crafting the Battlemaster Armor with materials that boost critical damage, critical hit chance, and attack power. Leather materials like Dragon Hide and Great Bear Hide are excellent for filling the leather slots, while metal materials such as Obsidian and Silverite can amplify your attack and critical hit chance in the metal slots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I get the Battlemaster Armor Tier 3 Schematic?
The Battlemaster Armor Tier 3 Schematic can be purchased from the Canyon Merchant in the Hissing Wastes for 3,839 gold. This vendor’s stock refreshes by leaving and re-entering the area.
2. Is the Battlemaster Armor the best armor in the game for warriors?
While not boasting the highest base defense, the Battlemaster Armor Tier 3 Schematic is the best for DPS focused warriors due to its large amount of material slots for customization. It is a great choice to help you dominate combat. Other armor sets may offer better defensive properties, but they lack the versatility that the Battlemaster provides for damage output.
3. What materials should I use for crafting the Battlemaster Armor for DPS?
Prioritize materials that boost critical hit chance, critical damage, and attack power. Recommended materials include:
- Leather: Dragon Hide, Great Bear Hide, Enhanced Lyrium Skin
- Metal: Obsidian, Silverite, Masterwork materials like Fade-Touched Silverite
4. Can you re-roll the attributes of crafted armor?
No, you cannot re-roll the attributes of crafted armor. The materials you use at the time of crafting determine the attributes. However, crafted armor can be upgraded with further crafting, and through the use of masterwork materials.
5. What is the best single-handed weapon to pair with the Battlemaster Armor?
The Griffon Mace Tier 3 Schematic is often considered the best single-handed weapon in the base game. Its high damage output complements the Battlemaster Armor’s DPS focus.
6. Is there a better two-handed weapon option than a one-handed weapon and shield for DPS?
For a dedicated DPS build, two-handed weapons like the Prismatic Greataxe or Axe of the Dragon Hunter often outclass one-handed options, offering significantly higher base damage. However, the single-hand and shield will provide much better defense.
7. How can I refresh the Canyon Merchant’s inventory to get the Battlemaster Armor Schematic?
To refresh the merchant’s inventory, simply leave the Hissing Wastes area and then re-enter. This will cycle through the available items for sale.
8. What is the best alternative if I can’t find or afford the Battlemaster Armor?
The Superior Prowler Armor Schematic and the Superior Battlemaster Armor Schematic are both excellent alternatives, with Superior Prowler focusing on crit damage, while Superior Battlemaster is more well rounded, but still very offense focused. These can be a reliable pick until you get the Battlemaster Armor Tier 3 Schematic.
9. How does the Battlemaster Armor compare to dragon armor for DPS?
Dragon armor (like Strong Dragon Armor) can offer unique benefits such as bonuses related to teleportation and raw damage against dragons, but the Battlemaster Armor allows for more flexible customization and can often achieve higher DPS through material usage. The specific dragon armor can be better for a dedicated dragon fighting build, however.
10. Is there a specific warrior specialization that pairs best with the Battlemaster Armor?
All warrior specializations benefit from the high DPS of a well crafted Battlemaster Armor, but Reavers and Champions synergize particularly well due to the nature of their skill trees. They have talents that greatly enhance DPS.
11. Is the Shadow Assassin Armor better for DPS than the Battlemaster Armor?
The Shadow Assassin Armor is good for increasing damage if you teleport towards a dragon using Aspect of the End. For general DPS, Battlemaster Armor provides greater consistent damage due to its flexible customization.
12. What other equipment should I look for to enhance DPS alongside the Battlemaster Armor?
Focus on items that increase critical hit chance, critical damage, and attack power. Consider unique accessories, rings, and amulets that complement your damage output. Pay attention to weapon pommels as well.
13. Does race affect how well a warrior performs with the Battlemaster Armor?
Race provides minor statistical bonuses (e.g., Humans get an additional ability point, Dwarves get better resistance to magic), but these are relatively insignificant compared to gear and skill choices. Any race can excel with the Battlemaster Armor.
14. Is the Superior Battlemage Armor Schematic the best for mages in a DPS build?
Yes, the Superior Battlemage Armor Schematic is generally considered the best for offensive mages in the base game. Mages will want to focus on maximizing their critical damage and spell damage output.
15. Can masterwork crafting materials make a large difference in DPS output?
Absolutely. Masterwork materials, particularly those with unique bonuses, can significantly enhance your DPS. Focus on acquiring materials with powerful masterwork procs for the best results.