Alright, I have blown through all of my respecs trying to get this build which was my only cosmic tank, back in working order. The last time I think it was fine was before Form of The Tiger and Defiance was patched/changed and I was able to constantly get the energy I needed from the no cd between stacks plus defiance energy gain.
Valphina Black Pre patch - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6:
Strength (Primary)
Level 10:
Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15:
Constitution (Secondary)Talents
Level 1:
The Devastator (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6:
Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9:
Agile (Dex: 8)
Level 12:
Enduring (Con: 8)
Level 15:
Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 18:
Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21:
Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)Powers
Level 1:
Hawk's Talons
Level 1:
Steadfast
Level 6:
Form of the Tiger
Level 8:
Masterful Dodge
Level 11:
Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 14:
Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 17:
Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20:
Thunderclap (Collateral Damage)
Level 23:
Miniaturization Drive (Reciprocating Gizmo)
Level 26:
Ebon Void (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29:
Dragon's Claws (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 32:
Flashfire (Challenge!)
Level 35:
Fractal Aegis (Chilling Reminder)
Level 38:
Circle of Primal Dominion (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points:
32/36Travel Powers
Level 6:
Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35:
Specializations
Strength:
Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength:
Aggression (2/2)
Strength:
Brutality (2/2)
Strength:
Juggernaut (3/3)
Warden:
Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden:
Ruthless (2/2)
Warden:
Elusive (2/2)
Warden:
The Best Defense (3/3)
Sentinel:
Torment (2/2)
Sentinel:
Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel:
Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentinel:
Wither (2/2)
Mastery:
Sentinel Mastery (1/1)
After that, it felt terrible trying to get anything done plus it felt like I was actually taking more damage (not sure if the cosmics were buffed aswell) so I actually asked
@gentlegiantvexx for help and tried a few different builds but none really felt like they kept the theme of the character which is supposed to have her in human form using two revolvers for mobs and only going "Big Bad" form on bosses. So with my second to last respec it looks like this:
Valphina Black Latest - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6:
Strength (Primary)
Level 10:
Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15:
Recovery (Secondary)Talents
Level 1:
The Behemoth (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6:
Enduring (Con: 8)
Level 9:
Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 12:
Healthy Mind (Con: 5, Int: 5)
Level 15:
Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 18:
Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21:
Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)Powers
Level 1:
Clobber
Level 1:
Pulverizer
Level 6:
Enrage (Rank 2, Rank 3, Giant Growth)
Level 8:
Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11:
Thunderclap (Collateral Damage, Dizzying Impact)
Level 14:
Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17:
Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 20:
Haymaker (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 23:
Hurl (Hard Fall, Didn't See That Coming)
Level 26:
Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 29:
Aggressor
Level 32:
Flashfire (Challenge!)
Level 35:
Fractal Aegis (Chilling Reminder)
Level 38:
Adv. Points:
36/36Travel Powers
Level 6:
Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35:
Specializations
Strength:
Swole (3/3)
Strength:
Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength:
Aggression (1/2)
Strength:
Juggernaut (3/3)
Protector:
Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector:
Unrelenting (1/2)
Protector:
Bulwark (2/2)
Protector:
Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector:
Resolute (2/3)
Sentinel:
Torment (2/2)
Sentinel:
Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel:
Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentinel:
Wither (2/2)
Mastery:
Sentinel Mastery (1/1)
It still feels bad and energy is still a huge issue, plus I really dont like haymaker much especially since it seems cosmics with their attack patterns and all the blocking you are forced to do like with DIno heavily prefer something quick which is really an annoying mechanic and kind of limits what powers seem viable to me for any build for tanking them, in my opinion atleast.
Forgot I should probably mention gear-wise in the prepatch build she had this:
[Justice Gloves of Healing][Justice Tights of Fitness][Justice Mask of Speed][Onslaught Gloves of the Defender][Onslaught Tights of Fitness][Vigilante's Bolstering Eyepiece]
with all of the slots filled with mostly Con, Impact for defense, and cost discount.
The latest build is the same but when I saw how bad energy was plus now Distinguished gear existed, I swapped in a [Distinguished Helmet of Efficiency] and still no luck.
So now, im not really sure what else to try that would fix my issues and finally stopped putting it off and decided to ask for help here before I waste my last respec. Even if nobody can help, atleast I cant guilt myself for not asking lol.
Thanks in advance!
Comments
(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Tank)
v3.44:36
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: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 18: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Powers
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Shred (Rank 2, Penetrating Strikes, Challenge!)
Level 6: Aspect of the Bestial (Giant Growth)
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Wild Thing
Level 14: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Aggression, Challenge!)
Level 17: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Massacre (Rank 2, Bloody Mess)
Level 23: Eviscerate (Rank 2, Messy, Challenge!)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Aggressor
Level 35:
Level 38: Fractal Aegis (Chilling Reminder)
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)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
The open power slot can be w/e ya want.
The AD could instead be R3 MD (R1 doesn't put you past 100% dodge anymore, but R3 will), or you could take both it and Resurgence if you want to option of choosing between a strong healing cd and a strong mitigation cd. Supernatural Power could also work as the EU here (mainly for Massacre's sake), though it won't proc w/ Bullet Hail (Relentless could work too, though you'd be more reliant on crit RNG then, and then you proc want to use Rec SS).
For single-targets, it puts up bleed and Shredded w/ Shred, and then uses Massacre as its main attack when energy is good- while somewhat frequently tapping Eviscerate to proc AotB (and the EU) and refresh both bleeds and Shredded. Bullet Hail can be the main AoE. Gears mostly for Con, w/ some Str and End.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Also I really liked sentinel mastery from when I first made her and was doing really great in cosmics, but it seems now its not such a good idea anymore so I might have to try the spec setup that you have there.
I have been testing out some more things since I posted this and tried doing a modified version of the first build, but using Con, Dex, and Rec instead. Energy management is a bit better I guess (still has to rely on a crit for the EU) but im not sure if it will be sturdy enough to survive really without all the defense from the Juggernaut spec from Str primary.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Edit: Meant 2 R5 Confronts.
Battle Instance in the PH?
https://www.arcgames.com/en/forums/championsonline/#/discussion/239743/pts-opt-in-and-character-copy
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
FWIW, this is my werewolf build. Does just fine energy-wise at cosmics.
Cyperbite 5 - Freeform (Tank)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)
Talents
Level 1: The Protector (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 8)
Level 6: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
Level 18: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Powers
Level 1: Bestial Fury
Level 1: Shred (Rank 2, Penetrating Strikes)
Level 6: Lacerating Cyclone (Rank 2, Vortex Technique)
Level 8: Pulverizer
Level 11: Moonstruck (Lunar Force, Nightmare, Challenge!)
Level 14: Enrage (Giant Growth)
Level 17: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Massacre (Rank 2, Open Wound, Challenge!)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Endorphin Rush
Level 32: Unleashed Rage (Rank 2, Rank 3, Commanding Presence)
Level 35: Eviscerate (Rank 2)
Level 38: Backhand Chop
Adv. Points: 36/36
Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2)
Level 35: Hover Disk
Specializations
Strength: Swole (2/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Beacon of Hope (2/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (1/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
Devices
Slot 1: Primus Spark Shield
Slot 2: Poisoned Shuriken
Slot 4: Will of the Tiger Cub
Slot 5: Heroic Resonance
Reading over your concerns, I'd recommend something like the build below. I added a couple single blade powers to help streamline Bleed/Challenge issues. Hopefully one of the weapon skins fits your concept; or if you have Imaginary Weapons, you could pretend they're claw swipes.
Valphina Black (knock-centric) - Freeform (Tank)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)
Talents
Level 1: The Behemoth (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 21: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Powers
Level 1: Gunslinger
Level 1: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Aggression, Challenge!)
Level 6: Burst Shot (Taking Names, Off Your Feet, Challenge!)
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Enrage (Giant Growth)
Level 14: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 20: Massacre (Rank 2, Bloody Mess, Challenge!)
Level 23: Scything Blade (Heavy Blade, Weak Points, Challenge!)
Level 26: Pulverizer
Level 29: Vorpal Blade
Level 32: Backhand Chop
Level 35: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Pounce
Adv. Points: 36/36
Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35:
Specializations
Strength: Swole (2/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Unrelenting (1/2)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
Last couple powers are replaceable.
Scything Blade pulls double-duty as a bleed refresh and secondary Challenge applier; and it can guarantee a bleed on full charge if the target isn't bleeding already. Tap it occasionally while cosmic tanking. Vorpal won't do much damage without Focus, but it's a one-press way to apply a full bleed stack at the start of the fight. Burst Shot can be threaded between Bullet Hail maintains to keep Enrage and Pulverizer rolling when you're sweeping mobs, and it provides a little healing from Furious. Bullet Hail's Aggression could be swapped out, but it's handy for applying a Bleed as you close distance, then finish them off with Massacre.
I didn't worry about applying/maintaining Shredded, but you can do so by adding a Shredded applier (like Shred or a Will of the Tiger Cub device), and swapping Scything Blade's Heavy Blade to Messy.
Energy management tends to feel very different at Cosmics compared to normal content. You'll be frequently blocking large hits, which solves most tanks' energy issues. If energy is frustrating during non-Cosmic play, I'd recommend getting some backup gear that swaps out some CON for more REC and STR. You could also try switching Pulverizer to Wild Thing, swap REC with END, and replace Pounce with Power Conversion (if you don't mind the f/x).
So I think I came up with a build that takes what everyone here has suggested so far stat and spec-wise, and applied @carrionbaggage and @flowcyto sort of power setup or atleast a good mix I think and I think I like it so far but its not really finished.
(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)
Talents
Level 1: The Behemoth (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Level 18: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Powers
Level 1: Bestial Fury
Level 1: Burst Shot (Off Your Feet)
Level 6: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Aggression, Challenge!)
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 17: Pulverizer
Level 20: Enrage (Giant Growth)
Level 23: Massacre (Rank 2, Bloody Mess, Challenge!)
Level 26: Backhand Chop
Level 29: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38:
Adv. Points: 28/36
Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35:
Specializations
Strength: Swole (2/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Unrelenting (1/2)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
A few changes. I feel like applying at least just the one bleed I need for massacre is covered by Bullet Hail's aggression adv and im gonna be up close to enemies, especially cosmics, anyway so that just needs a single tap to apply. I can see the benefit of Vorpal Blade but I feel even with imaginary weapons, aesthetic-wise its way too out of theme unfortunately.
Also one thing I noticed is that the suggestion builds all take the crit severity specs, but I have literally no crit chance coming in from anywhere and have the two R5 Confronts modded in my offensive primary gear. So would it not be more useful to take the specs that increase my Offense like the Agression spec in the Str tree and the Tenacious spec in Warden?
So I think I came up with a build that takes what everyone commonly seems to go here stat and spec-wise and applied @carrionbaggage and @flowcyto sort of power setup or atleast a good mix and I think I like it so far but its not totally finished.
(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)
Talents
Level 1: The Behemoth (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Level 18: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Powers
Level 1: Bestial Fury
Level 1: Burst Shot (Off Your Feet)
Level 6: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Aggression, Challenge!)
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 17: Pulverizer
Level 20: Enrage (Giant Growth)
Level 23: Massacre (Rank 2, Bloody Mess, Challenge!)
Level 26: Backhand Chop
Level 29: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38:
Adv. Points: 28/36
Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35:
Specializations
Strength: Swole (2/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Unrelenting (1/2)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
A few changes though. Though I can see the benefit of having Vorpal Blade, even with imaginary weapons it doesnt really fit the theme and isnt subtle enough for me to keep it without feeling its too outside the box im working with. So the only bleed im focusing on is the one I need for Massacre, so a tap of Bullet Hail with Aggression adv has me covered on that without needing to juggle another power. I like the suggestion of Burst Shot to keep enrage stacks, but is there a reason for getting the Taking Names adv? Im mostly only gonna be using that power for mobs to keep stacks of enrage and Bullet Hail already stacks furious on its own.
Also one more thing, I noticed that the suggestion builds all take the crit severity specs, but I have 0 crit chance coming from anywhere since I have the two R5 Confronts slotted in my offensive primary gear. So would it not be more useful to take specs that increase my Offense stat instead like Aggression in the Str tree and Tenacious in the Warden tree?
Or should I instead drop my confronts and use gambler mods and keep the severity specs?
Taking Names isn't necessary. Its guaranteed Furious is nice if you want to get the mini-heal rolling against a single enemy with one tap, but it's definitely droppable.
I tend to prefer the Severity specs over the Offense ones. With the Justice set bonus and The Best Defense, you're already fairly deep into diminishing returns on Offense. The Aggression spec and Tenacious would increase your damage, but only a little. If you want to keep the Justice set, I'd recommend Precision over Healing to give you a little crit. And if you're planning a gear-swap for non-Cosmic content, you can drop some Confront in favor of Gambler. I would keep both Confronts in the Cosmic gear. Aura of Primal Majesty is also popular among Cosmic healers, offering teammates a good chunk of DEX. You could also tweak your talents to give a little DEX.
Since you weren't lycan Scything Blade, maybe Moonstruck/Havoc Stomp/Inexorable Tides as a source of secondary Challenge?
oh you
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
I get your point about the severity specs. Prefer this to be a true tank as in literally there to be the center of attention and survive while all the damage dealers throw down on the enemies so I never planned on using two different sets of gear with one for doing more damage or anything like that. I only have the Justice set because it was the only gold recog set at the time (Healing mostly cause I didnt really know what would be good for the build I had at the time) but since Distinguished focuses on defense would that be more ideal for me instead as a cosmic tank?
If im not mistaken a power that actually applies the Interrupted status specifically is needed rather than any other effect like stun. For the secondary challenge, would challenge on Burst Shot not count? Its an AoE or am I missing something?
Anyways, i'm lycan all this help you guys are giving me! No?....I'll stop.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Is it that you just want a ranged pistol attack that has a change of applying a Bleed? You could use Holdout Shot for that (with Open Wound). Or is it that you just want the visual thrill of blazing a way with a couple guns? You can always just use Bullet Hail as a brief opener to give you the feel you want, then fall back more on beastial powers.
Thunderclap's AoE nature makes it difficult to interrupt the first howl without hitting the other dogs. You can get around that by using a Poisoned Shuriken device on the first howl, or coordinating with the CCer to have them move to the hero mob before you poke the dog (the dog will close distance with its threat target before activating the howl).
Dog howls can be stopped by either a Hold effect (stun/paralyze/incapacitate/hold), or by an Interrupt effect (Backhand Chop/Ice Cage/advantaged Mighty Kick/Power Gauntlet). The issue with a Hold effect is that anyone in the hero mob can stack Hold Resistance on the dog. Once that reaches 3, Hold effects will do nothing for 15 seconds until the resistance stack expires (which is also roughly the cooldown between howls). Interrupt powers apply a brief period of Interrupt immunity, but a player taking an Interrupt power usually knows what's up. I currently use a stun on my own tank; and despite zone-chat reminders, it's usually a coin flip whether the mob holds off on Hold effects. When I get around to retconning, I'm probably going to pick up Backhand Chop to save myself the headache.
Not dumb at all; power phrasing is often confusing. You're correct that you only need one bleed to trigger Massacre's advantage. The Aggression advantage guarantees one bleed at melee range if the target is not already bleeding. Once it applies that bleed, it doesn't guarantee a bleed (only a small % chance) until the current bleed drops, and it doesn't refresh bleeds. If you're relying on it against a Cosmic, you'd find yourself in this situation:
Tap Bullet Hail for the bleed, then spam charged Massacre between blocks. 16 seconds later, you tap Bullet Hail to reapply bleed. If you're a second too early, the current bleed is still active, you don't get a guaranteed bleed, and the current bleed falls off in the following second. If you're several seconds late, then your Massacre has been doing 30% less damage in the interim.
Since you aren't juggling Shredded and there's wiggle room left in your build, I would probably opt for the bleed synergies (Aggression and Bloody Mess) along with Rank 3 Tear Down. Tear Down offers one guaranteed bleed on tap with no conditional circumstances, and has a base 15-second cooldown that roughly coincides with the bleed duration.
I agree with Jaazaniah that Moonstruck is a very werewolf-thematic source of secondary Challenge. I'd consider the advantages optional, as long as Challenge is on there. If it's something you think you might want and don't already have, I'll second the recommendation to get the perk now while it's available.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
I guess i'll be going with the second adv setup I mentioned and also will take a look at Tear Down. I'll have to find something still for the secondary challenge though.
Well, I wanted a power(s) to make use exclusively or atleast for the most part of her human form which she starts in on say regular alert content, usually just spamming her AoE so no need to use anything besial looking or if so not really that much. But then transform with a bind once she fights bosses and pretty much focus on single target stuff and not have to bring her guns out if possible since it would look silly, but anyway thats how shes meant to play and I had it working before, but that fell apart after some things were changed in a patch which lead me to making this thread finally.
Its why I have only done OSV stuff only once specifically for this tank and that was for the crucial defender gloves which I felt I really needed for cosmic tanking and keeping threat. That was back when the two groups in front of the UNTIL Building would respawn instantly if you just backed away to the CHQ a bit plus the tons of questionite I used to keep getting the tokens to do it more than once a day...and it was still torture and the most unfun thing ever. Adding collusion would have have killed me. Plus im already bothering people enough here asking for help. Ok I just derailed the thread lol
Alright so I think im gonna just take Thunderclap for the secondary challenge. Lastly, I wanted to post the stats im at right now with all my gear and specs and see if any cosmic tankers think I should change something:
Str 182, Con 568, Rec 98, Crit chance 3.8% (I guess im going to try to get the justice precision piece now),
Crit Severity 88.6%, Offense 152, and Defense 414.
Back when I asked @gentlegiantvexx for help he was saying he used all Con in his slots and I figured I might as well do that also to make sure I stayed alive. Should I not?
Anyway, I cant believe we been at this for a week already, thanks for sticking in there with me everyone!
If you should decide you want to pick up Moonstruck I'd be happy to help you. Just let me know.
With the above stats I would feel comfortable tanking ape, certainly baby dino (maybe mom if the healing is good and/or I had a soak with me) and probably kiga. What level mods are you using? For a Defiance tank I usually go for for 6 R7 Con mods in primary gear; a R7-8 aggro mod (some people used 2 R5 aggro mods; rich people have been known to use 2 R9 mods) and R7 Gambler gem in primary off; 1 R7 Growth and 1 R7 Prism in def (many people like 2 Growth); 1 R7 mod to boost damage and a R7 Gambler in the Utility piece. In my OSV secondaries I opt for a mix of Con and whatever stat ties into my toggle form. Remember, that if you want to hold aggro you need to also do some damage.
While Def and HP are important for tanking it is also important to have a solid feel for the enemy's attack pattern and timing so that you know when to block and when to attack. Your blocks are really what save you and mitigate most of the damage. So, get that block timing down.
Thanks for the offer though!
For mods, I have four R7 and four R5 Cons total, two R7 Impacts for defense, two R5 confronts, and two R7 Gamblers in Utility.
I think I have block timing down for the most part but I think haymaker was messing me up since it charges too slow and also needs a sec to actually follow though after you let go. Back when I had everything working fine, I was able to get Dragon's Claws charged atleast half way and still have time to block so my aggro and blocking didnt suffer too much. I think Massacre should be ok too, or atleast way better than Haymaker for me.
Its all just a matter of trying to find the sweet spot of stat, which im not sure about.
Then there's the resistance mods for specific damage types. Some tanks use different defense-slot gear depending on what they're fighting. Cold resist for facetanking Kigatilik, slashing resist for Teleiosaurus...Qwyjibo doesn't really warrant a tanking swap-set, in my opinion. Magic resist is useful against certain Therakiel's Temple bosses.
None of that is necessary to succeed, but making an endgame tank as sturdy as it can be becomes a large investment.
If you're looking to slot the Justice set now for a general-purpose tank that can also solo tank Cosmics, I'd recommend switching out those two rank 5 CON mods in the primaries, for a mixture of STR and REC (I'd probably do 1 STR 1 REC). That would keep you well above 16k health, with around 240% resistance and a Rank 3 block. I'd also make room for 1 Teleiosaurus's Rage (Bestial damage boost, as high a rank as you can get) mod in your Utility gear. You'll still need to tap the energy builder or block occasionally to generate energy, but it'll feel smoother than running full CON. Speaking of the energy builder, I'd recommend choosing something that's theme-appropriate for both your human and wolf forms (then Burst Shot/Bullet Hail to fill the early-level requirements).
If I was in your situation, I would give myself the long-term goal of completing the Distinguished set, slotting it with full CON and better Confronts (to help offset the damage loss), and using that against Cosmics. I'd keep the Justice set, slotted with enough STR/REC to fully stabilize energy plus some crit modding, and use that in non-Cosmic content.
On the subject of energy builder, im kind of overly always concerned with making it fit the theme of whatever build im making so I always make sure its good before anything else even though I might not be using it alot. I'm going with Bestial Fury since it can look like punching when not in wolf form and the intended slashing while in it.
This is the final-final build I guess:
(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.44:36
Super Stats
Level 6: Strength (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Recovery (Secondary)
Talents
Level 1: The Behemoth (Str: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
Level 18: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Powers
Level 1: Bestial Fury
Level 1: Burst Shot (Off Your Feet)
Level 6: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Aggression, Challenge!)
Level 8: Defiance (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Antagonize (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 17: Pulverizer
Level 20: Enrage (Giant Growth)
Level 23: Massacre (Rank 2, Bloody Mess, Challenge!)
Level 26: Backhand Chop
Level 29: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Tear Down (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Thunderclap (Challenge!)
Level 38: Fractal Aegis (Chilling Reminder)
Adv. Points: 34/36
Travel Powers
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35:
Specializations
Strength: Swole (2/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Juggernaut (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Unrelenting (1/2)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Protector Mastery (1/1)
I only really took Fractal Aegis since it seems like the fastest power to throw on the threat adv with and looks pretty subtle, but i'm open to swapping it out if anyone thinks something would be more useful there that I may have forgotten.
Im gonna go with your suggestions for my Justice gear slotting until I can afford the two Distinguished pieces I need to complete the set then do what you said for the multiple gear set setup for non cosmic/cosmic content, then finally look into the specific boss resistance mod setups to maximize my effectiveness, but thats way off from now. Its good to atleast have a plan though.
I hope this turns out good for me after you guys all took the time to help me out! I'll try not to mess up too badly.
It's usually pretty easy to weave in a fully charged haymaker at kiga and ape. Dino is trickier because she has faster and more frequent attacks. Her breath attach phase has a pause part way. After the pause you will see that she isn't doing damage at some point and you can start winding up a haymaker then. Also during the dps check. Massacre is faster and you should be able to use it more often, once you have the timing down. Otherwise, just tap your charged attacks.
Secondaries: all CON
Justice Healing and Fitness: 2 STR 2 CON, any order
Justice Efficiency: 2 REC
Distinguished Efficiency: 2 CON
With Physical Peak and the cost discount from your gear, 2 STR 2 REC from the Justice set should stabilize your energy for Massacre charge-spam against regular content. Swap in the Distinguished Efficiency for Cosmics, to trade the REC for extra CON. You'll lose the Offense set bonus, but it's not a big deal. Then just swap out a Justice piece for a CON-slotted Distinguished piece as you get them.
Your build looks solid. Fractal Aegis is a fine choice for a filler power. For your final two advantage points, I'd look at either Thunderclap's Collateral Damage for a larger radius or Rank 3 Resurgence for an increased regeneration effect (Unchained also has some niche merit if you screw up the block timing on a dino hold).
For a Cosmic tank, a damage shield device is very handy for building threat. Primus Spark Shield from the Questionite store is the most readily available, but Thorn Shield is also available now at the Bloodmoon vendor (they don't stack).
I understand that you're not keen on BITE farming for Moonstruck, but I'll volunteer my corpses alongside Jaazaniah's if you change your mind before the event ends. My ingame handle is the same as my forum name.
Sounds like you're nearing the finish line on a fun character.
YOU guys on the other hand have been amazing with all your input! Don't mean to sound like a broken record but im really thankful for all of you taking the time to help me and even offering to help bypass a system (pvp) which I hate but you've done enough already and im happy with the end result!
Seriously its feeling as good, and if I dont suck in cosmics, even better than the first incarnation of my build was. Back then I had no real issue tanking every cosmic (never desired to try eido though), but I did feel energy could be better even before the patch when doing non-cosmic content. Now though, its running pretty smooth!
Right now im running with the first suggestion for mod composition that was made and its been great in alerts so I might keep running it a bit longer before trying this new one. Also I used the remaining points for the Collateral Damage adv which is good.
Sorry I had forgot to include what my devices were this whole time:
[Triumphant Recovery 4-Pack][PRIMUS Spark Shield][Inborn Tenacity][Eruption][Necrullitic Elixir]
@jaazaniah1 I usually don't do cosmics/go for gold recog gear and just stick to heroic unless there is a specific case like this one or for my PA character who I put the Distinguished Efficiency piece on for better maintaining 3 toggles. Cosmics can be very time consuming with the waiting for the right amount of roles to show up and I rather spend my time doing something else than waiting so I dont have to just sit there the whole time. I do really like TA though since its a simple team setup and way more manageable, but people don't seem to run it as often as Cosmics. I still havent tried Therakiel's Temple since they rebooted it though so not sure how good it is. Also I really just tend to get online and play whichever character is calling my name at the time so I never really focus purely on playing one.
Now that you are a formidable, hard-hitting, full of energy tank your next task will be to start soloing the QWZ. Thta's usually what I end up doing when cosmics are not on tap since one needs twice as much scr as gcr and QWZ drips with scr.
Good news update! I finally was able to be online during 2 cosmics, Kiga and Ape, though I know they arent either of the toughest to get through, but I survived and held aggro perfectly! I will say though Tear Down has a weird activation timing that was messing with my block timing but really I dont need it in cosmics since there was always someone applying bleeds already but I really like it in non-cosmic content when im the only one with them so im keeping it.
I finally feel like i'm lycan my lycan again! Still need to try Dino but probably wont happen until the event is over and people get back to cosmics, but its all good!
You guys are seriously the best and I never thought I was gonna end up with something I liked this much and actually fixed all of my issues, but you all managed it even with all my nitpicky theme things. Sorry again lol
I was thinking of bringing some of my builds I still haven't either gotten fixed/ optimal here and just getting some opinions. I have alot of builds I love and that are working good for my tastes but maybe they could be better.
Anyways, thanks again and hopefully I will be able to tank for you guys (or heal or dps) now if you need. See you in the field heroes!
https://imgur.com/a/ISEjwLj
Also, feel free to make new posts in the future if you want to explore any other build(s).
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
If you have imaginary weapons or don't mind the fx of some weapon, you might try Scything Blade (it's a pbaoe so it can also replace thunderclap).
Epic Stronghold
Block timing explained