Editing D&D Optimization (section)

===Complications with this Optimization Method===

There are, however, predictable issues with simply focusing on accumulating +1 to Hit in a 4e game. In 4e, AC, Fortitude, Reflex, and Will are all static numbers rather than rolled, meaning that defenses, too, can be stacked with +1 bonuses in order to effectively counter the benefit of a character focused on attacks. This makes it rather easy for an asshole GM who is weary of the hit-stacker's antics to simply raise one or more of the monster's defenses in exchange for lowering its hit points, effectively evening out the situation again by making the hit-ratio less in the favor of the players, but also requiring them to do less damage. Unfortunately however, so much devotion to a hit bonus might have limited feat and item choices that could have allowed the party more survivability in the encounter, or more ability to resist negative effects placed on them. Stacking +1 to Hit is a simple and shallow optimization principle that is very risky to dedicate a character to, with low pay off.

Worse, by stacking hit, you limit your damage output severely by using weapons with smaller hit dice - daily and encounter powers generally multiply a weapon's dice but not the ability modifier, so stacking Strength for Hit doesn't benefit damage when using such powers as much as using a weapon with a better damage dice. 

And worst of all, you miss out on one of the most important part of 4E combat - tactics. By focusing too much on +1 to Hit, you gain the ability to use tactics, since very few abilities work without hitting first. Another example would be with classes that move enemy targets by using push/pull/slide mechanics - they almost ALWAYS rely upon an ability modifier unrelated to your attack stat.


So what is one left to do if their +to Hit is behind? Well, you could look to your party, many of them can grant you Combat Advantage or power bonuses that will help you hit your enemies; the game is, after all, balanced around the principle that your allies will be providing you with attack bonuses. Additionally, you could look for more accurate powers, like daily powers that can't miss, at-wills that grant a +2 bonus to Hit, or area powers that hit more foes and therefore are more likely to hit someone. That said, ignoring any source of +1 you can muster isn't always the best strategy, either. If you see a feat that will benefit you in this way, take it - accuracy is everything, and all these tactics only get better if the party is willing to work together after everyone optimizes their to-hit.

(Everything in this page is Aspberger bait, btw. Don't take it too seriously.)