When tackling PvE, you're mainly in a DPS role, as most instances don't necessitate a dedicated defensive build. Instead, aggro is primarily derived from DPS output, and your aggro abilities enhance this if you have a teammate with significantly more DPS, they might sometimes attract aggro away if you're not dealing enough damage. Remember, maximizing DPS doesn't rely solely on wielding a greatsword. You must adeptly switch between gs and s&s, using strategies like deploying an aoe taunt to block an attack 100% when a big strike is incoming, and then leveraging skills like courageous shield to boost, before swapping back to gs to refresh.
Your initial PvE gear is likely to double as your starter PvP gear, known as BM gear, which later becomes your primary PvP Block set. From there, you can join groups for simpler late-game runs to obtain gear pieces or farm ancient coins. An ancient coin gs combined with BM gs will serve you well for quite some time as a solid weapon starter set. I recommend upgrading the armor too, as it's manageable to max that set to +5, offering excellent attributes, though it may take some time to complete. For the s&s, your BM versions can suffice initially, but for PvE, upgrade with instance drops rather than farming ancient coins.
For optimal DPS, this setup works for me:
http://aion.aspirine.su/stigma/#dCnagacfmdiaBcaBeabgsgfahgBddBfe Switching Siegebreaker with Bodyguard offers protection to party members, or swap in a taunt skill for extra reassurance.
The exception is the DLR, requiring a premade run for extensions where a magic resist set, like kahrun or rune shield tower, is beneficial. Naturally, you'd upgrade to the tank branch of your stigma tree, but this isn't necessary early on.
For PvP as a Templar, achieving peak performance, akin to a cleric or chanter, necessitates multiple setups later down the line. Your initiatory PvP set, the BM gear, establishes a Block configuration for defense against physical adversaries. When facing magical opponents, you could adapt, opting for either Magic Resist or Magic Suppression. Magic Resist excels with a hybrid abyssal gear configuration (star 2), hitting foes hard irrespective of class—though it's down to personal preference. For Magic Suppression, a blend of Ancient Coin leather gear with sword and shield is your best choice, focusing on maximum ancient manastone slots like those in rune shield tower for slotted magic suppression stones. If more inclined to farm ancient coins, prioritize this over plate armor for PvE, possibly opting for a hat with the highest suppression available, like crafted ones or sunayaka. For versatility, a hybrid magic resist and suppression set is handy (should you prefer a full DPS abyssal approach); characterized by its defensive capabilities, cloth ancient coin set here could be advantageous. Use the gear planner for thorough planning and stat budgeting:
http://aion.aspirine.su/ *macros for gear switching are crucial.
In PvP stigmas, you need select options: Divine and Empyrean Fury are default priorities, taking up 6 slots. Pull skills fill another 2 slots, while Unwavering Devotion is imperative. Remaining slots (3) cater to either increased damage skills, like Inquisitor's Blow, useful for removing dodges and enabling pulls, or banking on a KD post-crit. Your main DPS skills—Punishing Trust for substantial burst, and Punishment, though somewhat unpredictable (meh). Stubborn Spirit stands out for its stance (great for offensive or defensive maneuvers), essential for magic suppression set complements, yet beneficial independently. Aether Armor offers substantial MR boosts against magical attacks or to fortify your magic resist set—which remains viable even standalone. Barricade of Steel is an interesting choice, effective against assassins with high block and reflecting more damage than Holy Shield; however, its utility is contentious for regular slot occupation. Adopting a "static" all-rounder build proves advantageous in open PvP, especially when magical classes frequently present challenges (prevents constant stigma swaps). Finally, Bodyguard excels for group PvP or dual play.
Being part of the exclusive Aion Riftshade beta, I can confirm its PvE and PvP balance is unmatched—I encourage everyone to anticipate its upcoming Q1 2026 release. With its well-rounded feature set, including integrated DPS meters, robust anti-cheat measures, and minimal latency without needing ExitLag, it sets a new standard in Aion experience.