I want to use this post to give feedback on the Summoner and on how the experience of playing the archetype has been so far, currently at level 25.
1) Identity
It has always been very clear that the Summoner would be a versatile archetype, capable of filling multiple roles within a group (DPS, healer, tank), but not excelling at any of them—and that is fair. That is the price paid for versatility.
However, the class seems to lack a clear identity—something that makes it unique and desirable on its own, rather than being seen merely as a weaker substitute for other archetypes.
I know you might think that having a pet would be this differentiating factor, but it isn’t. That alone is not what will make more competitive groups want a Summoner in their composition. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions:
A) Debuff spreading
I really like the mechanic of using Mortal Blast to spread Spirit Shred. Why not apply this same principle to other debuffs such as Hex, Shear, and Spectral Bindings?
In other words, a mechanic where I apply multiple debuffs to a single target and then use Mortal Blast to spread those same debuffs to nearby enemies. This would make the Summoner a real threat in PvP, forcing the enemy team not to clump together to avoid being affected by Mortal Blast.
B) Debuff stacking and interactions
Currently, Spirit Shred already interacts very well with Hex, intensifying its effect and adding new effects. A similar interaction also occurs when the skill Mass Affliction hits targets affected by Spirit Shred.
It would be interesting if similar interactions existed in some way with the other debuffs as well.
2) Pets
I understand how complex it is to balance a class that uses pets. However, my current impression is that they are limited in their potential—not in terms of damage, but in how much advantage they actually bring to the team. With that in mind, I will make suggestions both to improve their role and to enhance quality of life.
A) Guardian
The best design among the spirits.
Role improvement: As a defensive choice, it would be interesting if it had an aura that slightly increased allies’ defenses and, when using the Amplify skill, generated a shield for all nearby allies.
Quality-of-life improvement: This pet has everything needed to be a great mount. It could have the same speed as a horse for balance purposes, but it would be amazing to be able to use it as a mount.
B) Hunter
Role improvement: As an offensive choice, it would be interesting if it had an aura that slightly increased allies’ damage and, when using Amplify, caused allies to apply a DoT when performing auto-attacks.
Quality-of-life improvement: Reduce the cast time of the Evisceration ability in ranged form, or remove the cast time entirely.
C) Mystic
Role improvement: As a support choice, it would be interesting if it had an aura that slightly increased healing received by allies and, when using Amplify, generated a heal-over-time effect for nearby allies.
Quality-of-life improvement: For some reason, this pet insists on healing allies almost as if it were a melee heal, especially when the ally is at range or passes behind something that blocks line of sight. This issue can be worked around, but it takes a lot of time repositioning and issuing the correct commands for the pet to resume long-range healing. Because of this, this interaction needs improvement so that the pet always prioritizes healing from range, unless explicitly commanded to follow in melee mode.
3) Resource management
Even with the Siphon Vessel skill, the Summoner seems to have a disproportionate mana cost for a class that does not have burst damage. Perhaps a slight adjustment to ability costs would already be sufficient.
4) Final considerations
The Summoner is a great archetype and has become my favorite. However, it still needs some adjustments to truly achieve its proper relevance.
Additionally, regarding point 2, I would like to reinforce the excellent suggestions made in this post:
https://forums.ashesofcreation.com/discussion/68858/feedback-for-summoner?utm_source=community-search&utm_medium=organic-search&utm_term=summoner
Have a great game everyone!
