test content
Logo
What is the Arc Client?
Install Arc
The Ballad of Bullet Beatdown (a mini-guide)
flowcyto
Posts: 12,848 Arc User
Update (2017): After the changes to Challenge advs, how Manip procs from CC, and the Munitions revamp, much of the info in this post has become outdated. If you want more up-to-date info on making builds centered around Bullet Beatdown (now Bullet Ballet), then its best to ask on these forums and in a new thread. Please don't necro this thread; thank you.
-
(this guide will be split into multiple posts, and will be updated as needed)
- Intro: Gun-Fu, How Do? -
Ah, Bullet Beatdown... how neat of a power you are.
The only power to split ranged and melee hits w/in itself, Bullet Beatdown (or ‘Bullet Ballet’, or just BB) is an interesting beast. Before, like Laser Sword, it was a bit cumbersome to build around.
W/ the Concentration or Enrage aspect removed from the Not W/o Incident adv, building around BB is a bit easier now, as you can get Furious with a simple tap of Burst Shot w/ its advantage that grants Furious. BB is a weird power, and I’m a weirdo, so I figured it’s about time I make a thread on it to help others w/ using it.
Some random and general details on the current state of BB:
`-> BB as a combo is split into 4 separate parts, for the purposes of flagging what is called a ‘hit’ for a general proc. Each part can have multiple hits of dmg contained w/in, however.
- The first part is a 2-hit of spinning elbow strikes that’s flagged as melee.
- The second part is a 3-hit , close-up hip firing of a single pistol that’s flagged as ranged.
- The third part is an aerial kick (ala Dragon Kick’s anim) and a quick pistol shot, which is all flagged as melee and is a 3-hitter. With the recent power changes, this portion (and only this portion) of the combo is also an AoE innately - a 180-degree frontal cone to be exact.
- The fourth and final part is a close-up blast with both pistols, taking the longest to activate and only hitting once, but for one large hit.
(the 2nd and 4th parts also have a 2ft cylinder component, but good luck ever hitting >1 target with them; if you want to try to, get two+ targets in a line close to you, and target the back-most one that’s still w/in reach)
Despite some innate AoE components to the power in places, BB is still flagged as single-target for the entire combo (for the purposes of specs).
Crowd Control and BB: The 1st part has a 50% chance to root per activation (not per hit), and the third part has a 30% chance to stun per activation (not per hit). Because these effects are baseline, this means that the 1st and 3rd parts of BB automatically proc Manipulator (even if neither effect procs), and can count as CC effects for the purposes of flagging. Higher normal ranks of BB also boost the strength of these CC effects (though not the % chance that they proc).
Not Without Incident (Nw/oI) is BB’s 2-pt special adv that causes the combo’s dmg to trigger an extra hit in a small AoE sphere around your target, at a 30% chance per part baseline, and at 100% chance if you are buffed by Furious. The AoE itself is a 10ft sphere centered around you, deals less dmg with more targets hit, has the normal 5-target cap, and this AoE is independent of the innate AoE properties of the combo. What’s extra nice about this adv is that it procs not just an AoE hit, but this AoE hit also counts as an additional hit on your primary target- so it can be both a AoE and single-target dps boost. Although the baseline effect of Nw/oI is decent, what really makes this adv worthwhile is when its boosted to 100% chance to proc via Furious. This is why Burst Shot w/ Taking Names is ideal for optimizing damage from BB.
Note: taking Nw/oI still does not flag the combo as AoE.
Break the Trigger (BtT) is a 1-pt special adv that turns the second and last parts of BB into being melee flagged, meaning that now the entire combo is flagged as melee, instead of only ~half of it. Some implications for this are, for ex, that those parts will now scale w/ the additive melee dmg bonus from Strength, they will scale w/ the 25% base dmg bonus from the Melee dps (brawler) role, and melee passives like WotW and Unstoppable will apply their higher melee dmg bonus to these parts. On the flipside, since these parts are no longer flagged as Ranged, they won’t gain the full benefit from stuff like Concentration, the Ranged dps (avenger) role’s 25% ranged dmg bonus, or Targeting Computer - nor will they proc Targeting Computer’s LockOn anymore, etc.
BB also has Crippling Challenge (CripC, or CC) available, which is important if you want to try to build a tank using BB. As a rapid-hitting combo power, BB is strong at building threat w/ CripC, since CripC’s added threat is flat and added per hit. Note that CripC is only applied to the primary target, and its effects canNOT hit in an AoE (unlike with Challenging Strikes, which BB cannot have). This means that BB w/ CripC isn’t quite as good at building AoE threat, but its high base dps can still make it a solid AoE tanking tool regardless, and one can always tab around different targets to hit CripC with.
Regardless of the odd minutia, BB remains as a Muni power that can thus also still proc Killer Instinct, even if the Ego scaling isn’t always convenient for BB. It’s a high cost, but high baseline dps 'melee' combo stuck in a mostly Ranged powerset, and that makes building around it an interesting affair...
(continued..)
-
(this guide will be split into multiple posts, and will be updated as needed)
- Intro: Gun-Fu, How Do? -
Ah, Bullet Beatdown... how neat of a power you are.
The only power to split ranged and melee hits w/in itself, Bullet Beatdown (or ‘Bullet Ballet’, or just BB) is an interesting beast. Before, like Laser Sword, it was a bit cumbersome to build around.
W/ the Concentration or Enrage aspect removed from the Not W/o Incident adv, building around BB is a bit easier now, as you can get Furious with a simple tap of Burst Shot w/ its advantage that grants Furious. BB is a weird power, and I’m a weirdo, so I figured it’s about time I make a thread on it to help others w/ using it.
Some random and general details on the current state of BB:
`-> BB as a combo is split into 4 separate parts, for the purposes of flagging what is called a ‘hit’ for a general proc. Each part can have multiple hits of dmg contained w/in, however.
- The first part is a 2-hit of spinning elbow strikes that’s flagged as melee.
- The second part is a 3-hit , close-up hip firing of a single pistol that’s flagged as ranged.
- The third part is an aerial kick (ala Dragon Kick’s anim) and a quick pistol shot, which is all flagged as melee and is a 3-hitter. With the recent power changes, this portion (and only this portion) of the combo is also an AoE innately - a 180-degree frontal cone to be exact.
- The fourth and final part is a close-up blast with both pistols, taking the longest to activate and only hitting once, but for one large hit.
(the 2nd and 4th parts also have a 2ft cylinder component, but good luck ever hitting >1 target with them; if you want to try to, get two+ targets in a line close to you, and target the back-most one that’s still w/in reach)
Despite some innate AoE components to the power in places, BB is still flagged as single-target for the entire combo (for the purposes of specs).
Crowd Control and BB: The 1st part has a 50% chance to root per activation (not per hit), and the third part has a 30% chance to stun per activation (not per hit). Because these effects are baseline, this means that the 1st and 3rd parts of BB automatically proc Manipulator (even if neither effect procs), and can count as CC effects for the purposes of flagging. Higher normal ranks of BB also boost the strength of these CC effects (though not the % chance that they proc).
Not Without Incident (Nw/oI) is BB’s 2-pt special adv that causes the combo’s dmg to trigger an extra hit in a small AoE sphere around your target, at a 30% chance per part baseline, and at 100% chance if you are buffed by Furious. The AoE itself is a 10ft sphere centered around you, deals less dmg with more targets hit, has the normal 5-target cap, and this AoE is independent of the innate AoE properties of the combo. What’s extra nice about this adv is that it procs not just an AoE hit, but this AoE hit also counts as an additional hit on your primary target- so it can be both a AoE and single-target dps boost. Although the baseline effect of Nw/oI is decent, what really makes this adv worthwhile is when its boosted to 100% chance to proc via Furious. This is why Burst Shot w/ Taking Names is ideal for optimizing damage from BB.
Note: taking Nw/oI still does not flag the combo as AoE.
Break the Trigger (BtT) is a 1-pt special adv that turns the second and last parts of BB into being melee flagged, meaning that now the entire combo is flagged as melee, instead of only ~half of it. Some implications for this are, for ex, that those parts will now scale w/ the additive melee dmg bonus from Strength, they will scale w/ the 25% base dmg bonus from the Melee dps (brawler) role, and melee passives like WotW and Unstoppable will apply their higher melee dmg bonus to these parts. On the flipside, since these parts are no longer flagged as Ranged, they won’t gain the full benefit from stuff like Concentration, the Ranged dps (avenger) role’s 25% ranged dmg bonus, or Targeting Computer - nor will they proc Targeting Computer’s LockOn anymore, etc.
BB also has Crippling Challenge (CripC, or CC) available, which is important if you want to try to build a tank using BB. As a rapid-hitting combo power, BB is strong at building threat w/ CripC, since CripC’s added threat is flat and added per hit. Note that CripC is only applied to the primary target, and its effects canNOT hit in an AoE (unlike with Challenging Strikes, which BB cannot have). This means that BB w/ CripC isn’t quite as good at building AoE threat, but its high base dps can still make it a solid AoE tanking tool regardless, and one can always tab around different targets to hit CripC with.
Regardless of the odd minutia, BB remains as a Muni power that can thus also still proc Killer Instinct, even if the Ego scaling isn’t always convenient for BB. It’s a high cost, but high baseline dps 'melee' combo stuck in a mostly Ranged powerset, and that makes building around it an interesting affair...
(continued..)
<CO stuff> .: Petco :. // A basic FF building guide (see 1st reply) // PSA on Power Activation Delay // Ayonachan's Gift Horse (misc stat data)
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Post edited by flowcyto on
Tagged:
0
Comments
Also note that the PH Planner links are not fully up-to-date w/ the current powers. I have edited the exported text here to reflect the actual builds.
- Basic Bullet Ballet Builds, part 1 -
#1: Melee-focused BB dps:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Melee BB
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Covert Ops Training
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Impresario
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Burst Shot (Rank 2, Taking Names)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Rank 2, Stim Pack)
Level 8: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Form of the Tempest
Level 14: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident, Break the Trigger)
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Energy Wave (Rank 2, Reverse Polarity)
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 32: Thunderbolt Lunge
Level 35:
Level 38:
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)
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: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)
This template tries to optimize BB for melee dps in a concise build, and for that purpose it would be run in the Melee DPS role.
Note the inclusion of Burst Shot w/ adv for a quick and easy way to put up Furious, and that BB has both Nw/oI and BtT advs, plus rank 2. This build uses BB perhaps the heaviest, as it can function as both your AoE and boss-killer here, and to facilitate using it often, Energy Wave w/ Rev Polarity was included to gets mobs to cluster around you for BB’s tight AoE. Any one of Holdout Shot, the lunge, and EWave can be used to proc MSA for this build for extra energy.
Gear mostly for Dex, with a bit of Con and Int thrown in. STR/Dex/Con or INT/Dex/Con (both still with a Dex focus) are good alternative SS setups here.
-~-~
#2: Ranged-focused BB dps:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Ranged BB
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: Acrobat
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Impresario
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Burst Shot (Rank 2, Taking Names)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Rank 2, Stim Pack)
Level 8: Killer Instinct
Level 11: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Form of the Tempest
Level 17: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident)
Level 20: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38:
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Tactician (2/2)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
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: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)
Technically, the highest dps from BB is by making it melee only w/ BtT, as the ranged+melee split means you will never get truly optimal dmg form the combo otherwise. However, one can still make BB hit very hard in a Ranged build. Ranged builds innately tend to have better AoE options for reach and coverage, and can be a bit more versatile than a pure melee build. For this build, you’d ideally want to be in the Ranged DPS role.
Aside from not getting BtT, this template doesn’t use BB much differently than the melee one. While BB can handle AoE for clumped up mobs, it’s nice to have a Ranged AoE w/ more coverage to fall back on for scattered groups - hence Lead Tempest’s inclusion. Getting Quarry and Int gearing means Audacity boosts Ego w/o having to gear for (or SS) Ego, and this also helps w/ energy from Killer Instinct.
Gear mostly for Int here, w/ a side of Con and Dex. EGO/Int/Con or DEX/Int/Con (both still w/ an Int focus) are also good SS setups for this template.
-~-~
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
#3: Specialist AT w/ a BB focus:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Archetype: The Specialist
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Ego (Secondary)
Level 15: Strength (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Specialist
Level 7: Relentless
Level 12: Impresario
Level 15: Shooter
Level 20: Acrobat
Level 25: Physical Conditioning
Level 30: Martial Focus
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Burst Shot (Rank 2, Taking Names)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Rank 2, Stim Pack)
Level 8: Lightning Reflexes or Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Form of the Tempest
Level 14: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Strike Down
Level 21: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident, Break the Trigger)
Level 30: Parry (Rank 2, The Elusive Monk)
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 40: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Tread Softly)
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (2/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
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: Tenacious (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)
The revamped Specialist AT can now be built for a variety of playstyles, which is neat. Here, we’re taking a focus on BB (ofc), which means that the build is mostly going to be melee-focused. It still includes some ranged dps options, though, w/ Burst Shot and Lead Tempest.
The choice of WotW or LR for the passive will just depend on how much ya wanna focus on having more dps vs. being more tanky. Regardless, I’d focus mostly on Dex and Con + maxHP gearing for this AT when using BB.
-~-~
#4: BB dodge tank (mostly melee):
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: BB Dodge Tank (melee)
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Constitution (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Covert Ops Training
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Negotiator
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Thundering Kicks (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 14: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 17: Burst Shot (Rank 2, Taking Names)
Level 20: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Tread Softly, Challenging Strikes)
Level 23: Bullet Beatdown (Not Without Incident, Crippling Challenge)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Thunderbolt Lunge
Level 32: Holdout Shot (Stim Pack)
Level 35: Parry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Constitution: Unyielding (1/2)
Constitution: Fuel My Fire (2/3)
Constitution: Resilient (2/2)
Constitution: Deflection (3/3)
Constitution: Adrenaline Rush (2/2)
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: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Constitution Mastery (1/1)
Tanking w/ BB, as outlined a bit under the CripC section, is ofc not out of question. This build takes a dodge and melee focused approach, though there’s obv other ways around this. Uses the Tank or Hybrid role, though the former is better for holding agro and the latter is better for dps.
I added Thundering Kicks to help boost dodge. Alternatives or additions to this could be Crashing Wave Kick w/ adv, Evasive Maneuvers, and/or Parry w/ Elusive Monk- all of these will lower ur threat and dps gen a bit to boost ur dodge and/or avoid even more.
Gear mostly for Con and Dex here. STR/Dex/Con w/ Juggernaut can also work for a tanky SS setup.
-~-~
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Odd-ball BB Builds, part 1 -
#5: BB Tech Combo-Blaster
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Combo-Blast BB
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Covert Ops Training
Level 9: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Negotiator
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Burst Shot (Rank 2, Taking Names)
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Rank 2, Stim Pack)
Level 8: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Concentration
Level 14: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident)
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Rocket (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38: Tactical Missiles (Rank 2, Rank 3)
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)
Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Avenger: Preemptive Strike (3/3)
Mastery: Avenger Mastery (1/1)
Ofc I’d lead w/ my bias: the combo-blaster :x For more info on this sort of build, please see this thread:
http://www.arcgames.com/en/forums/championsonline/#/discussion/251205/the-combo-blaster-a-short-guide/p1
This build variant uses BB as its main filler attack to proc Avenger Mastery (AvM), which it then consumes by casting Tactical Missiles. Preemptive Strikes (from casting the blast) can be used on Rocket, Burst Shot, and/or Holdout Shot (two of which also will proc MSA). Rocket can also be used as a nice alpha strike. The suggested role for this build is the Ranged dps role. As w/ all combo-blaster builds, this build is only fully realized at lvl 40, as ya can’t get spec masteries before then.
This build will gear mostly for Int and Con. INT/Con/Dex can also work as the SS setup, with the same gear focus.
-~-~
#6: Mind Bullets (combo-blaster):
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: Mind Bullets Combo-Blaster
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Presence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Grimoire
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Shrug It Off
Level 12: Diplomatic
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Lasting Impression
Powers:
Level 1: Psi Lash
Level 1: Ego Blast (Rank 2, Mind Opener)
Level 6: Telepathic Reverberation
Level 8: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Manipulator
Level 14: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Mental Leech (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Mental Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Ego Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Masterful Dodge
Level 29: Palliate (Absolve)
Level 32: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 35:
Level 38:
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Battle of Wits (2/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Warden: Fortified Gear (2/3)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Round 'em Up (3/3)
Avenger: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Avenger: Preemptive Strike (3/3)
Mastery: Avenger Mastery (1/1)
And another one.. this time mixing Mentalist stuff w/ BB to make a brawling crowd controller. This build uses Manipulator to boost its CC strength while still boosting its dmg. BB, Mental Leech, Mental Storm, and Ego Storm can all proc/stack Manip (and Ego Storm can do it even when out of combat). BB can randomly proc stuns to lockout targets ur hitting with, and Ego Storm can lockout mobs in AoE, though a good alternative to this is TK Maelstrom.
Here, BB is used till AvM procs, AvM is used on a charged Ego Blast, and Mental Leech and/or Mental Storm uses Preemptive Strikes (prioritize Mental Storm when its available, due to its stacking debuff). Shadow of Doubt can sub for Mental Leech, if you want the dmgRes debuff that SoD provides instead of ML’s heal + larger radius. Ranged dps role is suggested.
Gearing here is mostly focused on Int, though all 3 SS’s are good for the build. As usual, get a bit of Rec on the side to help w/ equilibrium, and maybe consider getting some Dex for the crit%. PRES/Int/Con can also work for the SS setup here.
-~-~
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
#7: BB and Manip and YOU!
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: The Dazzler
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Intelligence (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Presence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Hero
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Shrug It Off
Level 12: Diplomatic
Level 15: Acrobat
Level 18: Coordinated
Level 21: Finesse
Powers:
Level 1: Eldritch Bolts
Level 1: Eldritch Blast (Rank 2, Sorcerer's Whim)
Level 6: Aura of Primal Majesty (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Manipulator
Level 11: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Thunderclap (Rank 2, Collateral Damage)
Level 23: Hex of Suffering (Rune of Lethargy)
Level 26: Masterful Dodge
Level 29: Palliate (Absolve)
Level 32: Mighty Leap
Level 35: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 38:
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Intelligence: Enlightened (3/3)
Intelligence: Battle of Wits (2/3)
Intelligence: Detect Vulnerability (3/3)
Intelligence: Expertise (2/2)
Sentinel: Torment (2/2)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentinel: Wither (2/2)
Overseer: Administer (3/3)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Impact (2/2)
Overseer: Trapped (3/3)
Mastery: Sentinel Mastery (1/1)
Another CC, Manip-based BB build! This one is more of a Hybrid-dps that can lockdown CC-vulnerable mobs, and provide some buffs and debuffs to boost the team. Since the build is using AoPM, it should be run in the Hybrid role. This build uses TClap and Hex to proc MSA, Wither, Sentinel Mastery, and Trapped - while using BB as filler. Eld Blast w/ adv is used as a long range dps option, but also for a burst of dmg on targets that you’ve stunned w/ TClap or Mighty Leap.
The build doesn’t do anything particularly well, though it does have the ability to lockdown trash mobs, has passable dps w/ BB, and can bring some nice buffs and debuffs for team support. Try it out if ya want a weird, but fun playstyle.
Gear is mostly focused on Int and Con for this one. PRES/Int/Con is again another good choice for the SS setup.
-~-~
#8: A BB Healer? Yup..
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name: The Mending Mosh Pit
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Presence (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Endurance (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Hero
Level 6: Shrug It Off
Level 9: Boundless Reserves
Level 12: Prodigy
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Lasting Impression
Level 21: Amazing Stamina
Powers:
Level 1: Eldritch Bolts
Level 1: Compassion
Level 6: Aura of Radiant Protection (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Conviction (Rank 2, Reverence)
Level 11: Iniquity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Eruption (Magma Burst)
Level 20: Thermal Reverberation
Level 23: Brimstone (Rank 2, Aftershock)
Level 26: Absorb Heat (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Redemption (Rank 2, Salvation)
Level 32: Palliate (Absolve)
Level 35: Parry (Rank 2)
Level 38: Rebirth
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (2/3)
Sentinel: Wither (2/2)
Arbiter: Enforcer (3/3)
Arbiter: Ruthless (2/2)
Arbiter: Rend (2/2)
Arbiter: Concussion (3/3)
Mastery: Arbiter Mastery (1/1)
(note: not an early leveling build, ofc; for that, ya may to pick up diff powers to grind with early on and then retrain around the mid-levels)
Healing and bashing faces? Yea sure, why not..
And you thought some of the other builds were weird? Well this one uses BB’s melee reach to specialize in close-range splash healing for melee and melee tanks, while still having enough healing and support to fall back on for everything else. Finishing BB combos will proc a heal aura around you via Arbiter Mastery, Conviction’s Reverence gives a minor heal around you, and Absorb Heat can also be used for a burst of healing for stuff that’s nearby. BB can also randomly stun ur target to proc Wither and Concussion- although its not reliable, it is a nice perk.
Apply Clinging Flames (CF) w/ Eruption and/or Brimstone charges, so you have Thermal Reverb going and so CF is available for Absorb Heat. Brimstone is also ur main AoE attack. Run this in the Support role for groups, though for soloing ya may want to switch to the Hybrid role for faster grinding.
Is an ally badly injured and/or far away from you? That’s alright- just use Iniquity to patch them up, since Conviction can easily heal the self-dmg. All the while, AoRP is giving you and ur allies a nice passive defensive boost. Med Nanites can be used as a decent alternative to AoRP here, and with MN ya can also grab Honor in Arbiter.
I wanted to include a pure Support build in here just to cover all bases. And hey, I actually am suggesting Arbiter spec and Mastery! Strange times indeed..
Gearing for this mostly focused on Pres and Con, with End being there in case ya want more energy from Thermal Reverb.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Posts will be updated for formatting and whatnot.
Thanks for reading!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Edit:
also didn't BB 's AoE used to be 100% when enraged? that was why back in the old days you took Howl too get that AoE, is that still the same or is that gone for good now?
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
__________________________________________________________________
Alts:
Lord Sans (Full Healer FF)/Axel Leonard (Crowd Controller/Off-Tank)
- - - - - -
Feel free to visit my websites!^^:
DeviantART|FurAffinity|
Twitter
As far as using Enrage w/ BB: wouldn't be as simple, but w/ a Defiance tank you'd have enough energy even w/o a steady energy stream from the toggle, and then ya just need to stick an occasional knock in there for upkeep. For other builds it may be a bit trickier.
Burst Shot is a handy paired power w/ BB, and its other special adv can knock for Enrage, so maybe start there? Could envision a 1-2xBB -> 1x BShot rotation, though ya still want a good EU.
On example:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Master
Level 6: Covert Ops Training
Level 9: Physical Conditioning
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Body and Mind
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Relentless
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1:
Level 6: Holdout Shot (Stim Pack)
Level 8: Unstoppable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Pounce
Level 14: Enrage (Endorphin Rush)
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident, Break the Trigger)
Level 23: Energy Wave (Rank 2, Reverse Polarity)
Level 26: Aggressor (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 35: Howl (Rank 2, Make them Tremble)
Level 38: Unleashed Rage (Rank 2, Rank 3)
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 (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: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)
(Burst Shot w/ both special advs in the empty slot)
Could also do stuff like mix the new HW w/ TReverb, BB, and Enrage. For ex:
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
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: Boundless Reserves
Level 12: Bodybuilder
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Relentless
Level 21: Amazing Stamina
Powers:
Level 1: Bludgeon
Level 1: Eruption (Rank 2, Magma Burst)
Level 6: Unstoppable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Thermal Reverberation
Level 11: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Enrage (Endorphin Rush)
Level 17: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident, Break the Trigger)
Level 20: Pyre (Rank 2, Backdraft)
Level 23:
Level 26: Masterful Dodge
Level 29: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38: Unleashed Rage (Rank 2, Rank 3)
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 (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: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)
(uses Eruption for Enrage and TReverb. Burst Shot again in the empty slot)
Can also make a BB combo-blaster using a blast that knocks (ie. Force Blast).
So, There's a few good routes out there, even if they aren't the most standard ones.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
__________________________________________________
Most often Slice N Dice@zap-the-eradicator in-game.
For theme (or builds w/o Con), sure take LnL w/ the adv (it has the special anim w/ dual pistols besides)- it works alright and fits, but optimally ES/NM is still the pick.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
I'd prob go w/ TK Maelstrom or Ego Storm first.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Ego (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Void
Level 6: Acrobat
Level 9: Ascetic
Level 12: Shooter
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Impresario
Level 21: Wordly
Powers:
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Burst Shot (R2, Taking Names)
Level 6: Killer Instinct
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Bullet Beatdown (Rank 2, Not Without Incident)
Level 17: Holdout Shot (Stim Pack)
Level 20: Lead Tempest (Rank 2, Tread Softly)
Level 23: Thunderbolt Lunge
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Parry (Rank 2)
Level 32: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 35:
Level 38:
Travel Powers:
Level 6:
Level 35:
Specializations:
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Dexterity: Power Swell (2/2)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
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: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)
Can make a more dps focused version using WotW as the passive and the melee dps role (would get Break the Trigger on BBeatdown then). Last 2 power slots can be w/e. Gears mostly for the 3 SS's here.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Burst Shot w/ its knock adv alone is enough to keep Enrage fueled, as long as ya just get into the habit of using every 1-2 combos or so. If one can get adjusted to that then ur gtg for a Str-based variant of BB.
Also, w/ the Muni rework, you'll have to re-order the powers a bit, as BB was moved to a higher tier. It can be as simple as swapping Holdout and BB's places, though.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!