As a fellow Bard enthusiast, I’m pleased to share some insights that might be helpful to you!
Must-Have Songs: Prioritize these for optimal performance: Harmonic Shield, Tranquility, Rousing Rhythms, Accelerando, Shriek of Weakness.
Solid Song Choices: These are beneficial in various situations: Beats of Alacrity, Allegro, Den of Darkness, Ballad of Courage, Aria of Alacrity.
Specialized Song Options: These cater to specific scenarios: Unchained Harmony, Chorale of Clarity, Song of Shadow.
Less Effective Songs: These might not offer substantial utility: Piercing Shrill, Banshee Howl, and all other Lute Songs.
Given the current emphasis on movement speed in the meta, drum songs tend to shine. I suggest placing all drum songs on Skill 1 for easy access, and having Tranquility, Harmonic Shield, Ballad of Courage, Shriek of Weakness, and Unchained Harmony on Skill 2.
Remember to use Chorale of Clarity when teamed up with Wizards and/or Clerics. You can swap out Den of Darkness for it.
Many Lute songs are overshadowed by more potent options or are simply not as impactful (why slow nearby enemies when you can pre-buff movement speed for you and your allies?). Having an extra tool belt slot outweighs carrying the Lute for its sole notable song, Aria of Alacrity, which primarily accelerates your song-playing speed—helpful but not as compelling as other choices.
Perks:
I recommend Charismatic Performance, Lore Mastery, Dancing Feet, and either War Song (for compositions with two damage-oriented classes like Barb/Ranger/Rogue/Fighter) or Story Teller (if you’re adventuring with a Cleric & Wizard). If desired, consider Wanderer’s Luck, Rapier Mastery (unless you predominantly use the Falchion), or Superior Dexterity.
Although I haven’t extensively tested Melodic Protection, in scenarios where you’re attacked while performing, survival might be unlikely anyway. Yet, it’s worth experimenting; it could prove advantageous in team battles.
Tips:
I typically forgo the Lute due to its lack of value as a slot occupant. I’d rather reserve space for an additional potion or a pickaxe.
Ensure that you maintain your 2-minute buffs—Shield, Courage, Beats of Alacrity—constantly.
During PvE engagements, provide your team with a Shriek of Weakness and Rousing Rhythms to dispatch ordinary foes swiftly and make short work of Champions, Wraiths, Minotaurs, etc.
Intermittently deploy Allegro to enhance your song-playing speed.
In PvP situations, initiate with Rousing Rhythms and Accelerando as soon as you spot opposing players (these should activate rapidly following Allegro usage).
Use Tranquility and Shriek of Weakness during combat, provided you’re not the primary target. If focused, prioritize self-defense and create distance from enemies to revert to buffing your team.
Your commitment to enhancing your Bard playstyle is commendable! By making strategic choices and mastering song usage, you’ll undoubtedly become a significant asset to your team.
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