Hit/Focus still working in pvp?

[lgw]

Perhaps I don't. But do enlighten me, since you apparently do.

Very well.

Valor (and any %reduction from Souls like 0p Void Knight) are additive.
How does that matter ? Because each point you get is worth more than the last point.

Some math, always considering a 1000 dmg hit pre-Valor mitigation.
* 0% Valor -> 5% Valor => 1000 dmg -> 950 dmg => 5% less effective damage
* 20% Valor -> 25% Valor => 800 dmg -> 750 dmg => 6.25% less effective damage
* 40% Valor -> 45% Valor => 600 dmg -> 550 dmg => 8.33% less effective damage
* 50% Valor -> 55% Valor => 500 dmg -> 450 dmg => 10% less effective damage
* 60% Valor -> 65% Valor => 400 dmg -> 350 dmg => 12.5% less effective damage
* 65% Valor -> 70% Valor => 350 dmg -> 300 dmg => 14.29% less effective damage
* 70% Valor -> 75% Valor => 300 dmg -> 250 dmg => 16.66% less effective damage

Max Valor is just above 56% these days, with drink at 58%.
Total mitigation from Valor and %talents (passive, procced, active, buffed) is capped at 75%.

With the right build you can get well into the range of 65-70% on general mitigation, and hit 75% at least situational (vs AOE attacks, with defensive procs active, when under the influence of 5% reduction from Bard / Sentinel, etc). These things make a huuuge difference.
NB: I'm speaking of dedicated damage / healer builds here, not any tank builds (which can hit 75% even with comperatively bad gear).

Hence Valor is indeed the be-all end-all stat for PVP... when you face competent opposition who exploits the hell out of your squishiness. That won't usually show in random PVP, but thanks to the merc system we regularly get some nice 5v5 or 10v10 these days again, and there these people spend most of their time respawning.

Now there are indeed some exception where skipping Valour makes sense.
* Having a significantly better weapon available (either as Akylios relic or because you're simply not high-ranked enough) are well worth it.
* Greater Essences / Trinkets that provide self healing or strong offensive boost can be worth it depending on build.
* Sometimes using a HK crystal for cerntain synergy bonuses might be worth it, in particular as you get slightly improved overall stats and easy access to hit / focus.
Some classes of course can get away easier with skipping than other - but even then the general rule applys: sacrafise as little Valor as possible.

[MoonfireSpam]

Very well.

Valor (and any %reduction from Souls like 0p Void Knight) are additive.
How does that matter ? Because each point you get is worth more than the last point.

Some math, always considering a 1000 dmg hit pre-Valor mitigation.
* 0% Valor -> 5% Valor => 1000 dmg -> 950 dmg => 5% less effective damage
* 20% Valor -> 25% Valor => 800 dmg -> 750 dmg => 6.25% less effective damage
* 40% Valor -> 45% Valor => 600 dmg -> 550 dmg => 8.33% less effective damage
* 50% Valor -> 55% Valor => 500 dmg -> 450 dmg => 10% less effective damage
* 60% Valor -> 65% Valor => 400 dmg -> 350 dmg => 12.5% less effective damage
* 65% Valor -> 70% Valor => 350 dmg -> 300 dmg => 14.29% less effective damage
* 70% Valor -> 75% Valor => 300 dmg -> 250 dmg => 16.66% less effective damage

Max Valor is just above 56% these days, with drink at 58%.
Total mitigation from Valor and %talents (passive, procced, active, buffed) is capped at 75%.

With the right build you can get well into the range of 65-70% on general mitigation, and hit 75% at least situational (vs AOE attacks, with defensive procs active, when under the influence of 5% reduction from Bard / Sentinel, etc). These things make a huuuge difference.
NB: I'm speaking of dedicated damage / healer builds here, not any tank builds (which can hit 75% even with comperatively bad gear).

Hence Valor is indeed the be-all end-all stat for PVP... when you face competent opposition who exploits the hell out of your squishiness. That won't usually show in random PVP, but thanks to the merc system we regularly get some nice 5v5 or 10v10 these days again, and there these people spend most of their time respawning.

Now there are indeed some exception where skipping Valour makes sense.
* Having a significantly better weapon available (either as Akylios relic or because you're simply not high-ranked enough) are well worth it.
* Greater Essences / Trinkets that provide self healing or strong offensive boost can be worth it depending on build.
* Sometimes using a HK crystal for cerntain synergy bonuses might be worth it, in particular as you get slightly improved overall stats and easy access to hit / focus.
Some classes of course can get away easier with skipping than other - but even then the general rule applys: sacrafise as little Valor as possible.

So, in essence, we're in agreement that its situationally feasible to skip out on valor for dps increases. But I'm wrong for not having explained it explicitly and just stating that maxed valor isn't always the way to go? =P