What is Debilitating Smash?

Skill Overview & Effects Debilitating Smash is a Templar skill that offers both damage and utility. The primary effect of this skill is that it deals considerable damage to up to 4 enemies within a 4-meter radius. While the damage itself is useful, the real power of Debilitating Smash lies in its secondary effect: Debilitate.

When you successfully block an enemy attack (which you’ll be doing often as a Templar), Debilitating Smash inflicts the Debilitate status on the enemy for 5 seconds. This status reduces the target’s Defense by 25% and also causes 10 Stagger Gauge Damage. The Stagger Gauge damage is particularly helpful, as it can trigger crowd control effects like stuns or slowdowns, making it easier for your team to take down enemies.

How Does Skill Scaling Work?

Upgraded Scaling While the base version of Debilitating Smash is useful in most situations, the skill can become even more powerful as you level it up. Through Skill Mastery and the Daevanion Board, you can increase the effects of this skill. For instance, high-level versions of Debilitating Smash reduce enemy defense by more than 25%. They can also add a healing debuff, making healing 40% less effective on enemies affected by the skill.

The skill’s effectiveness doesn’t end there. Upgraded versions also offer enhanced damage, and in some cases, additional effects like reducing enemy healing, which can be a game-changer in boss fights or PvP scenarios.

How Do You Level Up Debilitating Smash?

Skill Mastery (Levels 1–10) To level up Debilitating Smash initially, you’ll need to invest in Skill Mastery. To do this, open your Skills menu (default key "K") and spend Mastery Points on improving the skill. Mastery Points are earned through various in-game activities and leveling.

Reaching Level 8 is particularly important because it unlocks the first enhancement slot for Debilitating Smash. This means you can choose a specific perk or upgrade that enhances the skill in a way that suits your playstyle. For example, you might choose an upgrade that increases its damage output or reduces its cooldown.

Daevanion Board (Levels 11–14+) Once you reach Level 10, your progression with Debilitating Smash can continue via the Daevanion Board (default key "U"). This board is where you can invest points beyond the Skill Mastery system to further enhance your skills.

The Daevanion Board is essential for pushing your skills past the initial level 10 cap. By investing in this board, you unlock additional enhancement slots at Levels 12 and 16, which significantly alter how the skill functions. At higher levels, you’ll see changes that can affect your damage output, the range of the skill, and the duration of the debuff. Keep in mind that the Daevanion Board offers more flexibility than Skill Mastery, so it’s worth focusing on for late-game content.

Gear & Arcana (Max Scaling) Finally, the most advanced scaling for Debilitating Smash comes from your gear and Arcana cards. While the previous two methods (Skill Mastery and Daevanion Board) can get your skill up to level 14, additional levels (up to +20) come from the gear stats you equip and the Arcana cards you acquire.

The Transcendence system lets you unlock Arcana cards, which can boost the effects of your skills. For example, Arcana cards might increase the damage output of Debilitating Smash or further enhance the defense debuff, making your tanking even more effective. As a result, having high-quality gear and a solid set of Arcana cards is crucial for maximizing your skill’s potential.

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How Should Debilitating Smash Be Used in Combat?

Combat Synergy and Tanking Debilitating Smash is essential for Templars, especially in high-stakes encounters like boss fights or large-scale PvP. Its defense-shredding debuff makes it invaluable for both PvE and PvP content.

• Tanking Synergy: As a Templar, you’ll be leading the charge on the front lines, drawing the attention of enemies while protecting your team. Using Debilitating Smash early in a fight helps to reduce enemy defense, making it easier for your DPS (damage dealers) to follow up with their attacks and deal more damage. The Debilitate status makes it easier for your team to focus on taking down enemies quickly, which is crucial in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

• Rotation: For optimal use, Debilitating Smash should be part of your standard skill rotation. The best practice is to trigger it after you’ve successfully blocked an enemy attack. This ensures the Debilitate status is applied, and the enemy’s defense is lowered. Once the debuff is in place, follow up with high-damage chain skills to maximize the impact of the debuff. This creates a flow of attacks where your enemies are constantly weakened, allowing your team to inflict devastating amounts of damage.

In PvP, Debilitating Smash can be used to disrupt enemy formations, particularly when dealing with enemy tanks or healers. By reducing their defense and making healing less effective, you can make it harder for the opposing team to sustain their front lines, leading to quicker eliminations.

Debilitating Smash is a skill that’s crucial to the Templar class’s identity. It’s not just a damage-dealing tool; it’s also a strategic asset that can turn the tide of battles. Leveling it up through Skill Mastery, the Daevanion Board, and the right gear/Arcana is key to unlocking its full potential.

Whether you’re tanking a massive raid boss or holding your ground in PvP, using Debilitating Smash at the right moment will provide a noticeable difference in your performance. Maxing out the skill and integrating it into your combat rotation will give you a clear advantage, making you an even more effective Templar.

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