This is the answer to a SINGLE TARGET HUNT.
First up, to answer this question we have to consider what factors have an impact on economical efficient of mana imbuements.
After some research I have found three main groups of factors:
I. MAX POTENTIAL TO DEAL DAMAGE
- character level
- skills/magic level
- equipment
- type of attacks (the strongest are the most efficient)
- total speed
- frequency of attacks
II. TOTAL COST OF IMBUEMENTS
- cost of creature products
- fees to make an imbuement
III. ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF MANA (COST)
- different types of mana potions and their cost
Having this knowledge we can calculate when mana imbuements are economical worthy.
By using "in-game hunt analyzer" we can deduct our TOTAL DAMAGE DEALT DURING A HUNT. 2*8% gives us 16% (of damage dealt) mana back.
The first step is to calculate - how much mana points do I get each hour of a hunt.
Total damage dealt per hour * 0,16 = Recovered mana points per hour
The second step - calculate the value of this mana points if I would use an alternative source of mana- different types of potions.
(Recovered mana points per hour/Average amount of mana points given by specific mana potion) * Price of specific mana potion = Value of recovered mana points
The third step - calculate the cost of imbuements per hour.
(Cost of creature products + imbuements fees)/20 = Cost of imbuements per hour
Fourth step and the ANSWER :)
Let's make a comparison between the Value of recovered mana points and Cost of imbuements per hour.
If
Value of recovered mana points > Cost of imbuements per hour
That means IT IS ECONOMICALLY VIABLE.
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ANSWER FOR AREA DAMAGE HUNT
Precise formula for mana back from area damage is unknown, but I have an idea how to calculate it approximately.
I suggest You make two attempts at Your favorite spawn, one hour each:
- with imbuements
- without imbuements
Then make the comparison how many mana potions were used in both cases separately.
Mana potions used with imbuements - Mana potions used without imbuements = -Mana potions saved thanks to Imbuements (take an absolute value)
Mana potions saved thanks to Imbuements * Price of specific mana potion = Value got thanks to imbuements
Now, let's make the next comparison:
If
Value got thanks to imbuements > Cost of imbuements per hour
Then IT IS WORTH :)
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Of course, there are other benefits coming out from imbuements, like the comfort of gameplay. We don't like to refill supplies every single hour, right? ;)