Build for a Bestial Based Tank

alisonkaufmann

I'm not too bound to the Bestial theme, I just wanted the claws and bleeds. The character is cybernetically enhanced and a weapons master, so I've taken things like Energy Shield and Eye of the Storm, but the build is definitely in need of some tidying, as it's all over the place now (I took Bolas and Miniaturization Drive for some reason...). I would like to be able to use it to tank Cosmics one day.

flowcyto

Invuln may be better passive to handle tough trash packs like that, though the basics of surviving would be the same.

Conviction is just a maintenance heal; should not be needed most of the time you can just use Thrash to stay up, but there may be times where its not easy to get or stay in melee range and the extra healing can help in between your longer cds. Keep in mind those packs aren't really balanced for solo play, but can be a sort of stress test. You could maybe try a heal like Bionic Shielding for solo, though in groups its better for Support to use that on you. Changing your block could also help in some areas (dmg block or something like Ebon Void's VD), though again the disparity in solo vs. team practices may impact the build.

flowcyto

Here's a Bestial tank build using Thrash, since its a nice dps + heal move for a tank:

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform
v2.3.2-28

Super Stats
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Behemoth (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 18: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Infernal Bolts
Level 1: Shred (Rank 2, Penetrating Strikes, Challenge!)
Level 6: Supernatural Power
Level 8: Aspect of the Bestial
Level 11: Defiance
Level 14: Venomous Breath (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Thrash (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 23: Eviscerate (Rank 2, Messy)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Energy Shield (Rank 2, Laser Knight)
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Pounce (Furious Rush)
Level 38: Aggressor (Rank 2)
Adv. Points: 34/36

Travel Powers
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations
Strength: Swole (2/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
Warden: 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: Strength Mastery (1/1)

Sets up Bleeds and Shredded w/ Shred, and then channels Thrash, while tapping Evis every 1-2 channels to refresh debuffs and proc AotB. I used a Supernatural AoE to fit the build's framework, and also cause EotS won't proc AotB here. Gears mostly for Con, w/ some Str and End/Rec.

alisonkaufmann

I haven't used Thrash and Evis much, but are they enough to make up for not having Massacre? Thanks for the work, by the way.

flowcyto

Yea, Thrash is akin to DE in Infernal- high base dps and some decent self-healing to boot. Its a nice main attack to tank with. Just keep in mind that it alone can't proc AotB (which Shred and Evis help with).

alisonkaufmann

Alright, so after playing with the build a bit in QWZ, I have some questions.

1) How am I supposed to use Conviction? I'm not sure I understand it... the CD is short, but the heal is small (like 7-8%?), and the bonus health is wiped out immediately. Maybe I misunderstood a mechanic.

2) On the tough QWZ packs solo, I was able to keep myself alive with a lot of EotS spam and Shredding. I struggle against those packs now (granted, I have 10 min experience with this build). Are there some tricks for soloing tougher packs, or a way to alter my pack mechanics, or is this build meant to have support like a team would?

Thanks again!