Can dps ranged builds have some support/utility abilities for groups?

xoriandruid

Basically I dont want to be a one trick pony, and was thinking of putting some of the force buffs into my electric dps guy.

flowcyto

Force buffs? You mean redirect force? Or a bubble like protection field? Or IDF?

I mean, sure ya can, but they all will take away from ur dps in some way.

xoriandruid

Thats fine I dont really want to be pure dps, and honestly im looking for any kind of support so if force is not best please give me your opinions. And probably the bubble.

notyuu

Well if you want to consider having some supportive powers on your electric guy, I suggest taking a res, and packing Empathic healing.... sure it won't be ultra strong, but it can be used to help take the "edge" off, making the healers job that little bit easier..

xoriandruid

Ok cool, is empathic healing really my best option? I hear it roots you in place, any recommended rezzes?

flowcyto

Empathic roots if healing other allies, but not if healing urself. Its not a high-hps heal, so its not gonna be something to save someone from the brink of death, but it is cheap and pretty straightforward to use.

Iniquity is prob the best ally heal for non-healers to use, as it costs health instead of energy, and has high base hps. However, it does dmg urself to heal others, and can't be used to heal urself.

Any of the 3 ally res powers work. Res Serum revives allies w/ the most health baseline, but has no AoE adv, has a short cd, and has shorter reach. If ya want a wider AoE res, then I'd prob take Redemption w/ its special adv- though it won't res allies w/ much health and takes more adv points to be good.

If ya don't want be a straight-up dps, then I'd prob just make a Hybrid AoPM build- that way ya get extra energy for heals and extra bonus heal. A combo of a bubble like Protection field, a spam-able heal like Arcane Vit, and an ally res fill much of a Support's kit in 3 power slots. An example of such a build w/ Elec dps:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Dexterity (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Covert Ops Training
Level 9: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Boundless Reserves
Level 21: Investigator

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Protection Field (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Force Shield (Force Sheathe)
Level 8: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Lightning Arc (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 23: Thunderstrike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Lightning Storm (Rank 2, Stolen Thunder)
Level 29: Arcane Vitality (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Resurrection Serum
Level 35: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 38: Palliate (Absolve)

Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations:
Intelligence: Preparation (2/2)
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (2/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Intelligence Mastery (1/1)

(not an early leveling build, ofc)

Uses Conviction and/or TStrike to roll MSA. Gears mostly for Int and Con, w/ AoPM boosting all stats to help w/ a bit of everything.

xoriandruid

Thats an interesting build, but I really dont think that fits my concept, what about shielding allies? I just want to combine some extra utility for allies along with my neuro ability that drains enemies endurance.

pwestolemyname

Here's the thing, if you want to be any use at shielding or healing friends, you need a decent amount of Pre. Usually for ranged builds, I recommend Ego/Dex/Con or Dex/Ego/Con. For a crossover DPS/Support, you'll need to go something like Ego/Pre/Dex, which means you'll be giving up some durability for your support-ability. If that works for you, go for it. And that makes AoPM even a better choice, too.

pwestolemyname

Just be aware that you won't be as effective as one-trick ponies. DPS will out-DPS you, Healers/Buffers will out Heal/Buff you. So, if being double second pony as opposed to single first pony is okay for you, then it will definitely work fine for the vast majority of content.

flowcyto

xoriandruid said:

Thats an interesting build, but I really dont think that fits my concept, what about shielding allies? I just want to combine some extra utility for allies along with my neuro ability that drains enemies endurance.

Well, Protection Field or Mindful Reinforcement shields their target, if that's what ya mean. They're prob the most straightforward way to give an ally (or you) some breathing room w/o taking too much time away. PF lasts much longer than MR (20 sec), but MR does convert to a heal after 8 sec for any part of it that isn't used. They both cost a good bit of energy, though. As Coach said, the more you divert time/resources to support powers like them, the less focused and efficient ur build will be.

xoriandruid

pwestolemyname said:

Here's the thing, if you want to be any use at shielding or healing friends, you need a decent amount of Pre. Usually for ranged builds, I recommend Ego/Dex/Con or Dex/Ego/Con. For a crossover DPS/Support, you'll need to go something like Ego/Pre/Dex, which means you'll be giving up some durability for your support-ability. If that works for you, go for it. And that makes AoPM even a better choice, too.

Well electric is already very high in consistent dps and you dont need dex for crit chance as a secondary stat, I may just skip out on the dex.

xoriandruid

flowcyto said:

xoriandruid said:

Thats an interesting build, but I really dont think that fits my concept, what about shielding allies? I just want to combine some extra utility for allies along with my neuro ability that drains enemies endurance.

Well, Protection Field or Mindful Reinforcement shields their target, if that's what ya mean. They're prob the most straightforward way to give an ally (or you) some breathing room w/o taking too much time away. PF lasts much longer than MR (20 sec), but MR does convert to a heal after 8 sec for any part of it that isn't used. They both cost a good bit of energy, though. As Coach said, the more you divert time/resources to support powers like them, the less focused and efficient ur build will be.

Ok thank you.

xoriandruid

pwestolemyname said:

Just be aware that you won't be as effective as one-trick ponies. DPS will out-DPS you, Healers/Buffers will out Heal/Buff you. So, if being double second pony as opposed to single first pony is okay for you, then it will definitely work fine for the vast majority of content.

Right just like any typical hybrid from an mmorpg, you can still make it where you can do certain things better then others though.

riverocean

One option is to consider a dual build. Below is a suggested option that's close to something I used in the past. It should crit like crazy. This build should perform great in DPS or Hybrid form. You should get crazy self-healing from Conviction crits. Plus Empathic Healing can be used as a self heals as well. Remember, your crit and crit severity effects both Empathic Healing & Conviction.

In DPS role Chilled Form is the toggle. In Hybrid Role Compassion is the toggle. Or you could dump compassion and only run in DPS role. Your crit healing + the energy from Ionic Reverb and Electric form should be enough to fill in for a healer when needed.

Test it on PTS and see if you like it. It's important if you test that you gear yourself for some crit chance and some recovery. Anywhere from 150 to 200 PRE should be more than enough for healing.

I have another build that runs in support mod with Seraphim passive and using TK ranged powers. It does damage that puts DPS role folks to shame - with limitless energy thanks to being in support role. But that might not be what you're looking for.

PowerHouse   (Link to this build)

Name: Crit Electric Healer

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Presence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: Inhuman
Level 6: Acrobat
Level 9: Finesse
Level 12: Lasting Impression
Level 15: Impresario
Level 18: Shrug It Off
Level 21: Quick Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Electric Bolt
Level 1: Electric Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Lightning Arc (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Chilled Form
Level 11: Ionic Reverberation
Level 14: Force Shield (Rank 2, Force Sheathe)
Level 17: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge
Level 23: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Empathic Healing (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Thunderstrike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Protection Field (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Redemption (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Compassion

Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (2/3)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Overseer: Administer (3/3)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Overseer Aura (3/3)
Overseer: Honor (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentinel: Genesis (1/2)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)


Warning: Because of the crazy healing + DPS you will be an aggro magnet. But that's 1/2 the fun. Remember to test this out on PTS before you try it on live.

pantagruel01

You might want to look into team support via debuffing; other than holds, debuffs work at full strength on dps builds, whereas being good at buffing usually seriously compromises your dps. Gravity Driver is a pretty good team support power though I don't know how well it would fit a theme.

xoriandruid

pantagruel01 said:

You might want to look into team support via debuffing; other than holds, debuffs work at full strength on dps builds, whereas being good at buffing usually seriously compromises your dps. Gravity Driver is a pretty good team support power though I don't know how well it would fit a theme.

Hmmm debuffs sound like a good option, not sure what would work though.

xoriandruid

riverocean said:

One option is to consider a dual build. Below is a suggested option that's close to something I used in the past. It should crit like crazy. This build should perform great in DPS or Hybrid form. You should get crazy self-healing from Conviction crits. Plus Empathic Healing can be used as a self heals as well. Remember, your crit and crit severity effects both Empathic Healing & Conviction.

In DPS role Chilled Form is the toggle. In Hybrid Role Compassion is the toggle. Or you could dump compassion and only run in DPS role. Your crit healing + the energy from Ionic Reverb and Electric form should be enough to fill in for a healer when needed.

Test it on PTS and see if you like it. It's important if you test that you gear yourself for some crit chance and some recovery. Anywhere from 150 to 200 PRE should be more than enough for healing.

I have another build that runs in support mod with Seraphim passive and using TK ranged powers. It does damage that puts DPS role folks to shame - with limitless energy thanks to being in support role. But that might not be what you're looking for.

PowerHouse   (Link to this build)

Name: Crit Electric Healer

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Presence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: Inhuman
Level 6: Acrobat
Level 9: Finesse
Level 12: Lasting Impression
Level 15: Impresario
Level 18: Shrug It Off
Level 21: Quick Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Electric Bolt
Level 1: Electric Form (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Lightning Arc (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Chilled Form
Level 11: Ionic Reverberation
Level 14: Force Shield (Rank 2, Force Sheathe)
Level 17: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge
Level 23: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Empathic Healing (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Thunderstrike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Protection Field (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Redemption (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Compassion

Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (2/3)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Overseer: Administer (3/3)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Overseer Aura (3/3)
Overseer: Honor (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentinel: Genesis (1/2)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)


Warning: Because of the crazy healing + DPS you will be an aggro magnet. But that's 1/2 the fun. Remember to test this out on PTS before you try it on live.

Wow and this works really well? Can I see the other build? I am really interested in a tk blades build but I want ranged in wasnt sure what to choose. Also I tried looking into the test server but couldnt for some reason, also I really like lightning storm think I can fit that in there?

I really think the heal/ele is probably the better option its really boring just arcing bosses. Also for this build do you recommend hybrid role or the other?

Unknown

This content has been removed.