Item Decay Source 5 (Source)

Decay vs Slicing

I conducted a study to attempt to evaluate the actual decay rate increase, "supposedly" applied to a weapon that has been sliced.

"At least that is the general thing I hear in game, is that slicing weapons makes them decay faster, but weapon powerups slow down the decay."

To test this in game idea I had a weaponsmith friend of mine provide me with the testing equipment.

Here is the list of data, though not as thorough as it could be, I answered the question for me. If anyone wants to do further testing I will provide an explanation of how that can be done at the end of the post.

I am a Master Teras Kasi Artist, so my weapon of choice is Vibronucklers.

Using factory identical vibronucklers I had one sliced for for damage, and one that was unsliced. The unsliced vk is used as the control factor. I had it sliced for dmg, so that weapon speed and therefore attack speed would be identical (though being master tka my speed is maxed out on them anyways).

I also had a factory crate of melee weapon powerups. I am not sure if they type of powerup will have different effects but since they powerups I used where from a crate, I maintain my control factors.

Testing commenced.

Applied weapon power up to sliced vk, which has 100 uses, so I will measure decay rate after the powerup expires. I did the same to the un-sliced vk.I tested this on one hit kill low level mobs, chubas and gnorts.

I USED NO SPECIAL ATTACKS AT ALL!!!

Vk(sliced)Powerup: Starting condition: 950/950 Ending condition: 933/950

Vk(unslided)Powerup Starting condition: 950/950 Ending condition: 933/950

Identical decay rates for 100 hits. This number I believe will not deviate given a thousand hit test, I believe it will remain constant.

I then decided to test again, without using powerups and counting in my chat window the hits, again using low level mobs, this time only 20 hits per vk.

Vk(sliced)Powerup: Starting condition: 933/950 Ending condition: 932/950

Vk(unslided)Powerup Starting condition: 933/950 Ending condition: 932/950

My conclusions are that the weapon slice had nothing to do with the decay rate of the weapon. But that the powerup may have in fact increased the rate of decay.

A one point decrease per 20 hits would put the decay rate at 5 per 100 hits. Instead of the 17 per 100 hits gathered while using powerups. (Note further testing of this is needed, if anyone is willing)

If anyone else would like to continue testing this further please fill free to do so and post your results and your control factors.

Here is a list of things I can think of right now to try:

Test two brand new factory identical weapons, one with powerup the other without powerup and record the hit count either per 100 hits or per 1000 hits. The 100 hits is easy because that is the life of a powerup. Then record the decay rate.

Record the decay rate of a powerup/sliced vs unpowered sliced.

Record powerupsliced vs unpowered unsliced.

Record powerupunsliced vs unpowered sliced.

Record different types of powerups, on factory similar weapons.

I believe that would answer the question to those that need further data. I have answered it enough to my satisfaction.

"I believe that slicing doesnt effect decay rate, but powerups do."

Note: This is my belief and is subject to my limited testing. If you have contradictory data with cold hard facts please post your findings. No assumptions, based on perception without facts. This post will be presented on multiple boards on this site for widest dissemination.