Gunslinger/Cowgirl Build

circleofpsi

Hi

Alright so after toying with my current Void/Munitions build and doing basic alerts I ended up not enjoying the mixture of the two themes into one build, so I've decided to go back to the basic roots of a basic Gunslinger/Cowgirl build instead, so with that being said lets get into the build:

The basics of a Gunslinger/Cowgirl powers have already been set such as: Bullet Hail/Holdout Shot & Composure as the passive, however rather then the Void Powers I went for before, I swapped them around for the following:

Shotgun/w Adv for the Fear Adv (Quick Spamming it) Or Howl/w Adv KD & more Furious buffing
Frag Grenade/w Adv for the AP Buff
Smoke Grenade (R3), this is mostly just for Theme wise (But this power can change if need be)
Sharp Shooter/]Killer Instinct as my EU/Form

Now I'm not sure what other power to go for, I may just end up going for TGM for bosses but I'm not sure how necessary it is for the build and I am unsure if there is another STD Power that can work better, either way I've put it in, so let me know.

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Ranged Damage)
v3.45:38

Super Stats
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Ego (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Gunslinger (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Ego: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Shooter (Dex: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 21: Worldly (Ego: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Rank 3, Boogeyman)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Stim Pack)
Level 8: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Composure (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Smoke Grenade (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Frag Grenade (Cuts and Scrapes)
Level 20: Howl (Rank 2, Rank 3, Make them Tremble)
Level 23: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Resurgence
Level 32: Sharp Shooter
Level 35: Killer Instinct
Level 38: Thundering Return
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Energy Swinging

Specializations
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (2/3)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (3/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (2/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 5: Vehicle Stub



The SS/Specs & Tals are a copy from the older build and are unchanged as they do not need to be.

flowcyto

TGM is the only decent single-target ranged option in Muni if you're using pistols (Bullet Ballet is good too, but it's melee and thus is better suited to a melee-focused build), so I'd recommend keeping it in here.

I'd prob get R2 + the dmg shield adv on Bullet Hail (the dmg shield can be pretty nice, depending on the content), and ditch Howl (you don't really need the extra Furious stacks, since TGM and Bullet Hail will grant Furious as is). If you'd rather ditch the shield on Bullet Hail and keep Boogeyman + R3, then I may just use Shotgun instead of Howl, cause taps of it can Fear and apply the AP debuff w/ the relevant advs (and then you also don't need Frag Grenade's AP adv), and it doesn't have a cd. Taking Smoke Grenade w/o the threat wipe adv is just a waste of 4 adv points here, since it only debuffs enemy stealth detection then- when you aren't using stealth as is, and the effect is of limited use in pve anyways.

Ego as 2ndary SS also isn't adding much dmg here, due to the general dmg DR greatly lowering its benefit (esp when your get your toggle/form stacked up). I'd prob just make that Con SS if keeping Dex PSS (and change the Talents accordingly), so you're more sturdy in general (the extra Con can buff ERush a bit too, and grant more healing from Resurgence, since it's health-based). Targeting Comp is still better for sustained dps than Composure, but I guess you're still set on using the later, so you can keep it if you want. I'd also get Frail Armor on Holdout Shot (if keeping it), and maybe get Resurgence to R2, if you have the spare adv points.

jaazaniah1

Here's another way it could be done.

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Ranged Damage)
v3.45:38

Super Stats
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Gunslinger (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Ego: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Shooter (Dex: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 21: Worldly (Ego: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Rank 3, Boogeyman)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Frail Armor)
Level 8: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Composure (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Concussion Grenade (Stun Grenade)
Level 17: Shotgun Blast (Mind the Uniform, Armor Piercing)
Level 20: Killer Instinct
Level 23: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 32: Concentration
Level 35: Ego Surge (Rank 2)
Level 38: Thundering Return
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Energy Swinging (Rank 2)

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
Arbiter: Enhanced Mending (1/2)
Arbiter: Rend (2/3)
Arbiter: Concussion (2/3)
Arbiter: Enhanced Gear (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 5: Vehicle Stub

Additional Notes:
Ehanced Mending = 1 more in Ruthless.​​

circleofpsi

flowcyto wrote: »

TGM is the only decent single-target ranged option in Muni if you're using pistols (Bullet Ballet is good too, but it's melee and thus is better suited to a melee-focused build), so I'd recommend keeping it in here.

Yeah that's what I was thinking for atleast the decent single-target ranged option, so I'll be keeping it in for sure.

flowcyto wrote: »

I'd prob get R2 + the dmg shield adv on Bullet Hail (the dmg shield can be pretty nice, depending on the content), If you'd rather ditch the shield on Bullet Hail and keep Boogeyman + R3, then I may just use Shotgun instead of Howl, cause taps of it can Fear and apply the AP debuff w/ the relevant advs (and then you also don't need Frag Grenade's AP adv), and it doesn't have a cd.

Yeah, I rather not take the dmg shield adv on Bullet Hail since it'll mean that I'll be sacrificing the damage of Bullet Hail & I rather not since that is my main attack, while TGM is my main single-target for boss-units, as for the Shotgun, after testing it appears that Shotgun does seem to more-reliably apply AP/Fear then How/FG does so I'll be keeping it for sure. (I just want a a level-action shotgun skin dammit)

flowcyto wrote: »

Taking Smoke Grenade w/o the threat wipe adv is just a waste of 4 adv points here, since it only debuffs enemy stealth detection then- when you aren't using stealth as is, and the effect is of limited use in pve anyways..

Shame it's not that great, I could go for the TW but I may just outright ditch it for something else, I am thinking Concussion Grenade w/ it's Advs (Stun/Disorient) overall, since both Advs are great to have, even if Disorient/Stun not applies to bosses.

flowcyto wrote: »

Ego as 2ndary SS also isn't adding much dmg here, due to the general dmg DR greatly lowering its benefit (esp when your get your toggle/form stacked up).

What do you mean by this, I did have Ego SS for mostly the Range Cost but you're telling me that Ego reduces DR greatly, or am I misunderstanding something here.

Also quick question, the PSS Ego Spec gives me 20+ to my 2nd SS, does that stack with how much PSS Ego I have?

Either way here is the new build:


(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Ranged Damage)
v3.45:38

Super Stats
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Gunslinger (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Ego: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Shooter (Dex: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 21: Worldly (Ego: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Rank 3, Boogeyman)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Stim Pack)
Level 8: Composure (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Shotgun Blast (Mind the Uniform, Armor Piercing, Accelerated Metabolism)
Level 17:
Level 20: Concussion Grenade (Stun Grenade, Dizzying Impact)
Level 23: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Resurgence
Level 32: Sharp Shooter
Level 35: Killer Instinct
Level 38: Thundering Return
Adv. Points: 34/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Energy Swinging

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Anguish (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 5: Vehicle Stub

Last power I'm not sure yet

flowcyto

What do you mean by this, I did have Ego SS for mostly the Range Cost but you're telling me that Ego reduces DR greatly, or am I misunderstanding something here.

Ego doesn't innately affect the cost of ranged spells. It can reduce costs via Ego PSS's Insight, if you take that option (you took Dex PSS in your initial build instead), but not as is.

Damage bonuses in CO are layered, and the most general dmg bonus (from stuff like SSs, slotted passives, toggle/forms, and Ego_Str's innate dmg bonuses) is in its own layer that has a heavy imposed diminished return (DR) placed on it. Basically, getting more of such bonuses has a smaller and smaller effect on final dmg as you get more. In having the most dmg bonuses, a dps build is going to be affected by this DR the most of all, and can make it such that, say, a 50% listed dmg bonus only ends up boosting your final dmg by ~4-8% (somewhat depending on your gear quality and your toggle/form stacks). So, Ego's small innate boost to ranged dmg would prob only raise final dmg by a few %age points. You can still take Ego as a 2ndary SS, but unless you're trying to min-max your dmg it's generally something you can pass on.

Ego PSS is still fine as an option, though, but more for its PSS tree than for its small extra bonus to ranged dmg.

Also quick question, the PSS Ego Spec gives me 20+ to my 2nd SS, does that stack with how much PSS Ego I have?

It applies to your 2ndary SSs, and w/ Ego PSS that means it'd boost the other two SSs by 20 points each, and not boost Ego itself. It's a solid Mastery overall, regardless.

-

Also, for the latest build: you can prob drop the Accel Metab adv on Shotgun (could just get R2 of the other travel power instead), and the Disorient adv on Concussion Grenade isn't really worth the 2 adv points, imo. You should prob get the Frail Armor adv on Holdout Shot instead, and prob also get R2 of Resurgence with the other 2 adv points (or potentially use them for w/e power you want to fill in the empty slot). Since Dex is still your main stat (due to Sharp Shooter) you'll also want to max Sixth Sense in Ego PSS, and get 2/3 in Follow Through.

Keep in mind that you also don't need to use Sharpshooter (and thus a Dex focus) as the toggle/form here. You could instead use either Concentration or Chilled Form, as Jaaz did in his build (Conc scales w/ either Ego or Int; CF scales w/ either Ego or Dex; they are the same toggle/form otherwise).

circleofpsi

flowcyto wrote: »

What do you mean by this, I did have Ego SS for mostly the Range Cost but you're telling me that Ego reduces DR greatly, or am I misunderstanding something here.

Ego doesn't innately affect the cost of ranged spells. It can reduce costs via Ego PSS's Insight, if you take that option, but not as is. You can still take Ego as a 2ndary SS, but unless you're trying to min-max your dmg it's generally something you can pass on.

Ahh I see understood and thanks for the info

flowcyto wrote: »

Also, for the latest build: you can prob drop the Accel Metab adv on Shotgun (could just get R2 of the other travel power instead), and the Disorient adv on Concussion Grenade isn't really worth the 2 adv points, imo. You should prob get the Frail Armor adv on Holdout Shot instead, and prob also get R2 of Resurgence with the other 2 adv points (or potentially use them for w/e power you want to fill in the empty slot). Since Dex is still your main stat (due to Sharp Shooter) you'll also want to max Sixth Sense in Ego PSS, and get 2/3 in Follow Through.

Keep in mind that you also don't need to use Sharpshooter (and thus a Dex focus) as the toggle/form here. You could instead use either Concentration or Chilled Form, as Jaaz did in his build (Conc scales w/ either Ego or Int; CF scales w/ either Ego or Dex; they are the same toggle/form otherwise).

Either way here is the build I went for:

As suggested I've swapped Sharpshooter for Chilled Form since that might work better in my build then Sharpshooter, so thanks for reminding me about that, I also ditched Accel Metab adv on Shotgun for the TP since it's more useful on there and I can only porc Accel Metab every 15 seconds, I'm useing it way more then that.

However I did decide to stick with Disorient adv on Concussion Grenade while not too useful, it's nice in a pinch and for other mobs and such. I've also gone for Shadow of Doubt as the last power as I do like the Debuffing it adds, likewise to the Disorient adv.

As for TGM, I went for the new Adv it has called "Single Minded" it boosts the damage up to 10% (to 30%) the longer I am holding the maintain and it can stack, so that is quite nice.

Overall this is the build, I did end up sticking with Ego PSS for it's Specs and the nice 20+ is always nice to have.

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Ranged Damage)
v3.45:38

Super Stats
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Gunslinger (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Ego: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Ascetic (Con: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 18: Shooter (Dex: 5, Ego: 5)
Level 21: Worldly (Ego: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Rank 3, Boogeyman)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Stim Pack)
Level 8: Composure (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Shotgun Blast (Mind the Uniform, Armor Piercing)
Level 17: Shadow of Doubt
Level 20: Concussion Grenade (Stun Grenade, Dizzying Impact)
Level 23: Two-Gun Mojo (Rank 2, Close the Gap)
Level 26: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 32: Chilled Form
Level 35: Killer Instinct
Level 38: Thundering Return
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Energy Swinging (Rank 2)

Specializations
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (3/3)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Anguish (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Relentless Assault (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 5: Vehicle Stub

flowcyto

So, it'll only boost it by 20+ and nothing else, or will it be 20 point each depending on how high my Ego PSS is, I assume that's what you mean?.

Eh, I think you're reading too much into it. Ego Mastery raises both of your 2ndary SS's by 20 each, and that's all there is too it.

Anyways, with Chilled Form you can keep a Dex focus, or you can switch to an Ego focus (and then you'd want 2/3 in 6th Sense and 3/3 in Follow Through, assuming Ego PSS). Either option can work well, so it's just up to you.

circleofpsi

flowcyto wrote: »

So, it'll only boost it by 20+ and nothing else, or will it be 20 point each depending on how high my Ego PSS is, I assume that's what you mean?.

Eh, I think you're reading too much into it. Ego Mastery raises both of your 2ndary SS's by 20 each, and that's all there is too it.

Anyways, with Chilled Form you can keep the Dex focus, or you can switch to an Ego focus (and then you'd want 2/3 in 6th Sense and 3/3 in Follow Through, assuming Ego PSS). Either option can work well, so it's just up to you.

Yeah, I edited my post just as you posted, I asked a friend and he told me the exactly same thing xD


P,S: I found myself a lever-action shotgun!, while it's classed as "Western Rifle" it can be used as a Shotgun and now I am very happy.

flowcyto

Alright, cool. Hope w/e build you end up with works well for you.

circleofpsi

flowcyto wrote: »

Alright, cool. Hope w/e build you end up with works well for you.

Yup thanks again flow o7

Tho very quick question, I forgot that Burst Shot was a thing, there isn't too much difference between the two builds right? (Besides the lack of Fear Proc from Shotgun)

flowcyto

Yea, for single-targets they basically can accomplish the same thing (AP debuff and/or Furious, w/ CC potential), but for AoE and the Fear interaction w/ Bullet Hail you prob should favor Shotgun w/ advs here.

circleofpsi

flowcyto wrote: »

Yea, for single-targets they basically can accomplish the same thing (AP debuff and/or Furious, w/ CC potential), but for AoE and the Fear interaction w/ Bullet Hail you prob should favor Shotgun w/ advs here.

Hm alright, I've been tossing the pair around a few times and overall Shotgun feels stronger

flowcyto

Sure, Burst Shot is technically an AoE, but its AoE is so narrow that I don't think in practice one should treat it as such (it's more like a nice side bonus if you happen to tag >1 target w/ it). You could get Burst Shot for AP and another power to apply AoE Fear; it's prob more efficient and convenient to get both w/ Shotgun, but it is up to you.

(edit: oh, you edited out part of the post I was replying to. It pointed out that Burst Shot was also an AoE. Anyways, yea Shotgun is prob the better choice here.)