My first 3 box was an SK,SHM,Bard, which I still play and enjoy a lot. I am starting another 3 box (because I am an alt-aholic). Last night I made a Enchanter, Mage, Cleric with 2 rouges and a cleric merc. I noticed after finishing the merc upgrade quest, that I never switched over to my cleric at all that night, the merc did a great job healing. Granted pulls never got out of hand, it went as smooth as could be. Would I be better playing something else in place of the cleric? Maybe a Druid for ports, speed, buffs or a Wiz for more dps and ports? Also, should I just run 2 caster mercs instead of rouge?
This is one of the most common questions asked here I'd consider doing a search for "box group", and check the "Search titles only" checkbox. But if you aren't playing your cleric, I would drop him. I personally run with a druid when I box, but I also use [Unmentioned 3rd Party Software]. For clarity, that is I S Boxer
Quick answer: yes go with something other than a cleric for that set up. My advice: Druid, Mage, Wizard Druid: Ports, good damage, back up healing, good synergy in a caster group Mage: surprising what can be done when you start stacking mages Wizard: Ports and lots of dead mobs Merc: dps wise = caster mercs have been my preferred choice. Seem to do more damage in the long run.
At level 105 at least, going from a sk/shm/brd to a group without a tank is a pretty huge downgrade. You'll improve your 3box setup by replacing anyone, cleric or no, in your group with your SK (or a warrior). If you're not interested in repeating your previous setup, I'd recommend replacing the cleric with a druid like you're thinking. The druid can provide healing/debuffing on difficult fights, and can support with DPS most of the time. Ports aren't that important, but track is. With a druid healing/debuffing, your enchanter debuffing and your mage cycling their pet cooldowns appropriately I think you'll do OK against EoK (and the next expansion's) named mobs and will be able to sustain OK dps against everything else, but you'll never even approach how strong a sk/shm/bard group is.
