Thoughts on a DB DPS build

metalheadbeta

I tried my hand at making my own DB build, wanted to get some opinions on it.

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Blade (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
Level 9: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Swordsman
Level 11: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Strike Down
Level 20: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 23: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 26: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Lightning Reflexes
Level 32: Fluidity
Level 35: Intensity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 32/36

Travel Powers
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Aggression (2/2)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (3/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)

flowcyto

FotS as a toggle/form won't work well w/ DB builds, since they don't generally use bleeds. You prob want FotTempest here (or possibly FotTiger, if focusing more on just DW use). I would also not get a 2nd passive like LR unless you plan on ranking it and actually using it sometimes (ie. if this is a dual-passive build, and I'm not sure if it's meant to be), and even then it may be better to get Invuln or Regen as the defensive passive since they are more reliable than LR for a hybrid-dps.

I'd also prob pick a different block enhancer than Fluidity, since Fluidity doesn't have the usual large dmgRes bonus that normal blocks provide. I'd also prob get the new block enhancer to R2 at least (ranking- or even having- an Active Offense like Intensity is less important, due to the DR on general dmg bonuses and the AO's limited uptime). I'm also a bit iffy on including BCR here when you already have Conviction, Resurgence, EotS's shield, and any healing devices, but it is up to you on how much healing is sufficient. Lastly, if you are having energy issues using DW then you could consider including another Dragon power w/ the Rush adv on it.

metalheadbeta

How about something more like this?

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

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

Talents
Level 1: The Blade (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 21: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Form of the Tempest
Level 8: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Steadfast
Level 14: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 26: Strike Down (Nailed to the Ground)
Level 29: Deflect (Rank 2)
Level 32: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Blender)
Level 35: Rebirth
Level 38: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
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: Overpower (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)

flowcyto

Just as a aside, in the future, it's helpful to also include the link to the build when exporting it here.

Anyways, that build looks a bit better overall. You may want a different self-rez than Rebirth, since Rebirth deals your full health in dmg over time, and that's harder to heal as a non-Support. I'd prob also get the Tiger's Courage adv on DW (vs. R3), assuming you'll have a >20% base crit. I'm still unsure if you'll have enough energy in this build, but that does depend on the content you run (getting ally buffs like AoPM/AoAC) and the gear quality. If you somehow are struggling w/ energy for heavy DW use, then you could still add something like Dragon's Bite or Dragon Kick w/ the Rush adv (could replace the lunge, Sword Cyclone, or the self-rez for it, if needed).