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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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0. QUICK COMBO QUIDE
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BRITTLE
3. DISORIENT
4. STAGGER
5. CLOSING WORDS
6. REVISION HISTORY
To jump to a section: search for "X." For example if you want to jump to the
STAGGER combos, press Ctrl + F then type in "4." ie. the number and the dot.
Dragon Age 2 introduces wicked cross-class combos between Warriors, Rogues
and Mages. Warriors are able to STAGGER enemies, Rogues can DISORIENT them while
Mages turn some foes BRITTLE. All of these status afflictions enhances the
effects of various techniques of the other two classes, encouraging tactical
team play.
Ever wanted a comprehensive list of these combos? Well, here it is! See
section 0. above for the quick guide, and the respective sections for more
detailed info.
Note that NEARLY ALL cross-class combos require upgraded talents both in the
initiating and finishing techniques. For example, you need Disorienting Shot
(upgraded Pinning Shot) to DISORIENT the foe, then you need Disperse (upgraded
Scatter) to complete the combo. The exception to this is Sunder and the talents
from Specialization trees.
So what are the best combos?
The most rewarding has to be the STAGGER combos with either a Primal or
specialized Mage. STAGGER can be easy to set up by using Pummel or Sunder plus
Claymore and can be quickly followed up with Chain Lightning (Reaction upgrade)
or the unique Bloodmage/Forcemage spells for 600% or 900% damage.
DISORIENT combos are a bit tricky to set up. Techniques are either not too
useful, like Chaos, or has many factors like Disorienting Criticals. The rewards
for completing the combo are also dubious. Disperse and Battery are both Weapon
& Shield talents commonly used by tanks who often have mediocre DPS. The bonus
to Insatiable is excellent though!
BRITTLE has some of the best synergies. Winter's Blast followed by Shattering
Blow or Assassinate is great against tough single targets. Deep Freeze can cause
BRITTLE to a line of enemies which can be exploited using Punishing Lance.
# Winter's Blast / Dessicate -> Shattering Blow / Annihilate
This is a massive single target killer. Imagine a 400% Annihilate with
+50% damage to the auto-critical.
# Deep Freeze -> Scythe Punishing Lance / Shattering Arrow
Cast the cone and then have your archer/warrior to Lance or Scythe from
the side. If foes are close together you can use Shattering Arrow too.
# Spirit: Walking Bomb + Virulent Walking Bomb
Bonuses apply to the explosion after the original target (victim) dies
Spirit damage: 200% vs. nearby targets if victim was DISORIENTED
Physical force: 200% vs. nearby targets if victim was DISORIENTED
# Weapon & Shield: Assault + Battery
Physical damage: 400% vs. DISORIENTED targets on final hit
# Reaver: Devour + Insatiable
Physical damage: 300% vs. DISORIENTED targets
Health regeneration: 300% from DISORIENTED targets
Best Combos
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# Disorienting Shot -> Golem's Fist / Spirit Strike / Battery
Great damage against a single target
# Overpowering Fog / Chaos -> Disperse
A more AOE-based solution for Rogue + Shield Warrior
# Overpowering Fog / Chaos -> Corrosive Virulent Walking Bomb + Spirit Strike
A good AOE combo for a Spirit Mage, especially if Chaos works and they
start fighting as they will then be packed close together.
# Forcemage: Fist of the Maker + Maker's Hammer
900% physical damage vs. STAGGERED targets
Best Combos
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# Claymore + Sunder (with Giant's Reach) -> anything
With Claymore & Sunder & Giant's Reach on the warrior, he will STAGGER
enemies quite often and possibly in an AOE. Watch out for the STAGGER
icon then quickly pause and follow up.
# Pummel -> Chain Reaction / Paralyzing Hemorrhage / Maker's Hammer
A tentative AOE option. Unfortunately Aftershock will often send foes
flying too far apart. Pummel can't really hit many enemies at once so
this can be awkward to set up.
# Voracious / Pommel Blow -> Paralyzing Prison / Blood Feud / Merciless Strike
The single target combo. There's a good chance you can pull off all five
components, it should be easier with this combo compared to other combos