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Need help adjusting a build for solo play

danelsan2danelsan2 Posts: 12 Arc User
edited October 2013 in Builds and Roles
Hi! I'm trying to turn a concept into a build that can work for solo play. This is my first character after many years without playing (and my English was terrible back then, so I never did much well or much far in the game, much less understood the system). Any help is appreciated.

So far I've reached level 21, and it is not quite working as well as I hoped. My current build is, I believe, closer to a traditional tank than anything else. I would like some help transforming it into a survivable Melee DPS or (if doable) a survivable Melee/Ranged DPS. Doesn't necessarily need to be good enough for Elite solo (if there is such a thing), but I'll be really happy if it can handle Hard or more.

The idea is a classic "Paragon" such as Superman, Miss Marvel or the like: a flying, super-strong and super-resilient heroine (possibly also with the ability to use energy blasts of some kind).

Here is the build as of the current level:

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name:

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Behemoth
Level 6: Physical Conditioning
Level 9: Enduring
Level 12: Mighty
Level 15: Paramilitary Training
Level 18: Relentless
Level 21: Quick Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Clobber
Level 1: Defensive Combo (Crippling Challenge)
Level 6: Mighty Leap
Level 8: Roomsweeper
Level 11: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Enrage (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Uppercut (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Aggressor
Level 23:
Level 26:
Level 29:
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38:

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Flight (Rank 2)
Level 35:

Specializations:
Strength: Swole (3/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (2/3)
Strength: Quick Recovery (1/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Strength: Overpower (1/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)


Some considerations:

- I've noticed I rarely use Roomsweeper - I like it visually, but I don't like having to pursue after the enemies when they survive (maybe my damage is too low and they are surviving more than they should?). If some ranged attack can be crammed in there it might be better (energy builder, perhaps?). Or maybe could trade it for Thunderclap?

Instead, when dealing with multiple weaker foes in close range I've often used Defensive Combo since it distributes some damage around despite being technically single target (and keeps my Defiance stack full most of the time)

I also commonly pounce dudes with Mighty Leap and finish them off with Uppercut.

- If it doesn't ruin the build, I'd like for conceptual reasons to have some competence in all the stats. Like, using the Hero innate talent and one or two other talents dedicated to those that raise multiple stats. This is, however, low priority compared dishing out damage and surviving attacks.

- If possible to have an energy blast kind of attack, I'd also like to have a Block or some other power that formed a force field of some sort.
Basically, if it doesn't ruin the build, I want a super-strong/resilient heroine that supplements her attack and defense capabilities with some kind of energy manipulation (preferably nothing "dark" or "demonic", but magic would be OK).

But if a vanilla flying brick makes for a superior build for solo play, that is the priority.

- The Strength/Constitution pair is fundamental for the concept, but either could be Primary. The other Secondary Stat doesn't need to be recovery - suggest whatever works.

- My gear is nothing to write home about right now. I probably need to get more stuff with slots and decent-level mods. I wouldn't mind some gear suggestions as well.

- I don't care about PvP. The build should be optimized with PvE in mind

- Finally, I need help with a leveling build for now, but if you also have a build for when I'm higher level, feel free to suggest it.


Well, now let me stop with the wall of text. Let me know if you require any clarifications in order to help me out.
Post edited by danelsan2 on

Comments

  • edited October 2013
    This content has been removed.
  • wimpazoidwimpazoid Posts: 456 Arc User
    edited October 2013
    A solo build following your specifications.

    PowerHouse (Link to this build)

    Name:

    Archetype: Freeform

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

    Talents:
    Level 1: The Behemoth
    Level 6: Physical Conditioning
    Level 9: Bodybuilder
    Level 12: Boundless Reserves
    Level 15: Quick Recovery
    Level 18: Amazing Stamina
    Level 21: Relentless

    Powers:
    Level 1: Force Bolts (Energy Refraction)
    Level 1: Force Shield (Force Sheathe)
    Level 6: Beatdown (Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism)
    Level 8: Defiance
    Level 11: Mighty Leap
    Level 14: Roomsweeper (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 17: Enrage (Endorphin Rush)
    Level 20: Uppercut (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 23: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 26: Force Blast (Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism)
    Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2)
    Level 32: Masterful Dodge
    Level 35: Force Cascade (Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism)
    Level 38: Aggressor

    Travel Powers:
    Level 6: Flight (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 35:

    Specializations:
    Strength: Swole (2/3)
    Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
    Strength: Balance (2/2)
    Strength: Overpower (3/3)
    Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
    Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
    Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
    Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
    Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
    Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
    Vindicator: The Rush of Battle (2/3)
    Vindicator: Mass Destruction (3/3)
    Mastery: Vindicator Mastery (1/1)
  • danelsan2danelsan2 Posts: 12 Arc User
    edited October 2013
    Thanks. These seem to work well for what I had in mind.

    Looking at your suggestions, I got wondering some things (keep in mind that my familiarity with the system is still limited, so feel free to correct me If I say something stupid)


    Is Defensive Combo really worth it (especially with 3 points for Crippling Challenge) or if I should just get better at using Roomsweeper...hmm, I could use it with Thunderclap to make the knock into a knockup, right?

    I friend of mine suggested I could go with Invulnerability instead of Defiance. Does it perform better, all things considered? Her costume does look somewhat armored ^_^

    What about trading Bountiful Chi Resurgence for Conviction? I think it is more thematically appropriate (and the shorter recharge goes well with Molecular Self Assembly)

    Any opinions on changing Force Detonation to Force Cascade? It is costly, but I like the visual (and the high damage is not bad either) and Ego Surge is an Energy Form, so it cuts that cost at about half.

    On the other hand, Haymaker is more than enough for ridiculous damage and Force Detonation is more likely to hit multiple mooks. And Cascade's Knockback is variable while detonation is more assured - which is likely better for Enrage

    Speaking of causing monstrous damage and considering she will have high Constitution, anyone seeing a way to cram Imbue in there somewhere?


    Wimpazoid - Would Masterful Dodge still work on this build once the dodge nerf hits?

    Also, your build might be a bit overboard on the Force "laser shooting". Would it work to take out Force Blast for the Imbue I wanted, or maybe Force Detonation so I can have both that and Cascade (no Ego Surge to cut costs, though). Or is it there for a tactical reason beyond keeping the theme I wanted?

    I don't have much experience with Accelerated Metabolism. Is it a reliable way to get energy?

    Also, the same question to you regarding Defiance compared to Invulnerability
  • wimpazoidwimpazoid Posts: 456 Arc User
    edited October 2013
    danelsan2 wrote: »


    Wimpazoid - Would Masterful Dodge still work on this build once the dodge nerf hits?

    200% dodge is still 200% dodge, why not? You still get around 55% avoidance without needing to gear for it.

    Also, your build might be a bit overboard on the Force "laser shooting". Would it work to take out Force Blast for the Imbue I wanted, or maybe Force Detonation so I can have both that and Cascade (no Ego Surge to cut costs, though). Or is it there for a tactical reason beyond keeping the theme I wanted?

    Not sure if your understanding of Imbue is current, but 12% crit chance + 12% severity and as an AO that doesn't work as a breakfree when held. It's not really useful in this build.

    Feel free to change Force Blast to anything, it's your build. I put it there as a low cost 100ft tap spam to pick off weak enemies after they fly everywhere from Roomsweeper.


    I don't have much experience with Accelerated Metabolism. Is it a reliable way to get energy?

    It is, as far as combos and tap spams go.


    Also, the same question to you regarding Defiance compared to Invulnerability

    This build uses force sheathe and defiance for energy to fire off cascade. It also helps that knocks get energy from enrage. Energy refraction procs an energy form from your force bolts. If you want invul, switch to Typhoon and get Wind reverberation for energy.
    Replies in bold.
  • danelsan2danelsan2 Posts: 12 Arc User
    edited October 2013
    Hmm...Yeah, I probably have various outdated ideas for powers stuck in my head. And the wiki I had saved on my favorites from back then is likely not up to date either...

    Is there a reliable wiki or database I can check with updated mechanics for all the powers? I don't wanna plan builds in the future based on faulty knowledge.


    Also, any particulars of equipment you'd suggest for your build?
  • wimpazoidwimpazoid Posts: 456 Arc User
    edited October 2013
    CO-Wiki seems updated to the first half of this year.

    Gear for critical strike, and cost reduction. Defense piece can be anything you prfer, dodge/defense/+health.
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