Single blade/Dual pistols DPS

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

Hello. I'm freeform dps single blade:
(Justice and cosmic gear)
but I want to change vorpal blade to "showdown" and also add "relentless pursuit". in this case, my build will change dramatically. And, firstly, I will need a lot of energy and specializations for these two maintain powers, won't I?

jaazaniah1 · April 2022

Can you use https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm to create and post your build so far?

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

> @jaazaniah1 said:
> Can you use https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm to create and post your build so far?

Sure

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

SS DPS - Freeform (Melee Damage)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Savage (Str: 10, Dex: 8, Con: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Tireless (Rec: 8)
Level 9: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 18: Negotiator (Int: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Reaper's Touch
Level 1: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Cleaving Strikes)
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Swordsman
Level 11: Deflect (Rank 2, The Elusive Swordsman)
Level 14: Relentless
Level 17: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge
Level 23: Vicious Descent (Work Up)
Level 26: Reaper's Embrace (Rank 2, No Mercy)
Level 29: Vorpal Blade (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Imbue
Level 35: Rebirth
Level 38:
Adv. Points: 30/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Versatility)
Level 35:

Specializations
Dexterity: Combat Training (2/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (1/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: The Rush of Battle (2/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Slaughter (2/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)

Devices

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

I guess I won't be able to use the old stats, specializations, bleed and reapers embrace, etc anymore. It's difficult for me to create a build myself, adding relentless pursuit and showdown.

flowcyto · April 2022

Well, I would prob pass on things like Deflect's EM adv, esp since you already have BCR and both will give you a dmg penalty (and the EM adv costs 3 points). If keeping the BCR/RR + MD combo, then you'll want R2 in MD so it'll get you past 100% dodge when you use it (w/ R3 WotW). Showdown won't be ideal since it's a ranged attack in a melee build, but you can still add it if you really want to (keep in mind that you'll also have to replace Vorpal Blade w/ it, since you can only have one Ult).

You can always change to FotTempest as your toggle/form (which still scales w/ Dex) and maybe add Power Conversion to help afford the more expensive attacks (for when you aren't getting AoPM and/or AoAC buffs- esp nice for Showdown). Also, although Str PSS can be a fine choice for melee builds, Str SSS won't add much here, due to the DR on damage bonuses- I may just make that Rec SS for Relentless. I'd also pass on Dex PSS's dodge/avoid bonuses, since they aren't that strong and you'll give up Expose Weakness and/or Deadly Aim for them. Here's an example edit of it:

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

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

Talents
Level 1: The Samurai (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 9: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Reaper's Touch
Level 1: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Cleaving Strikes)
Level 6: Relentless
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 17: Masterful Dodge (Rank 2)
Level 20: Relentless Pursuit (Rank 2, Single Minded) (* or get Rank 3)
Level 23: Power Conversion (Rank 2)
Level 26: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29:
Level 32:
Level 35: Fiery Embrace
Level 38: Showdown (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 30/36

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

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)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

The open power slots can be w/e ya want.

For single-target dps, it uses Reaper's Caress to apply and refresh Shredded & Bleed(s), while Relentless Pursuit is your main attack. Reaper's Caress can also be used for basic AoE. You can get either the special adv or R3 on Relentless Pursuit (R3 is a straightforward dmg boost, while the SM adv has higher long-term dps potential, if you can manage it). Gears mostly for Dex, w/ some Rec and Con (and some cost discount on gear).

You can also trade BCR/RR + MD for R2 Resurgence and maybe another minor heal like Endorphin Rush or Conviction (could also then get Unstoppable instead of WotW as the passive if you want some extra knock resist, or get NW), but that's more up to you.

jaazaniah1 · April 2022

In the last 2 slots Flow left you you could take Reaper's Embrace (seems a must) and either Crimson Bloom for some AoE + defense or Dragon's Kick for AoE + a stun.

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

> @flowcyto said:
> Well, I would prob pass on things like Deflect's EM adv, esp since you already have BCR and both will give you a dmg penalty (and the EM adv costs 3 points). If keeping the BCR/RR + MD combo, then you'll want R2 in MD so it'll get you past 100% dodge when you use it (w/ R3 WotW). Showdown won't be ideal since it's a ranged attack in a melee build, but you can still add it if you really want to (keep in mind that you'll also have to replace Vorpal Blade w/ it, since you can only have one Ult).
>
> You can always change to FotTempest as your toggle/form (which still scales w/ Dex) and maybe add Power Conversion to help afford the more expensive attacks (for when you aren't getting AoPM and/or AoAC buffs- esp nice for Showdown). Also, although Str PSS can be a fine choice for melee builds, Str SSS won't add much here, due to the DR on damage bonuses- I may just make that Rec SS for Relentless. I'd also pass on Dex PSS's dodge/avoid bonuses, since they aren't that strong and you'll give up Expose Weakness and/or Deadly Aim for them. Here's an example edit of it:
>
> (Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Melee Damage)
> v3.45:38
>
> Super Stats
> Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
> Level 10: Recovery (Secondary)
> Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)
>
> Talents
> Level 1: The Samurai (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
> Level 6: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
> Level 9: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
> Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
> Level 15: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
> Level 18: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
> Level 21: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
>
> Powers
> Level 1: Reaper's Touch
> Level 1: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Cleaving Strikes)
> Level 6: Relentless
> Level 8: Form of the Tempest
> Level 11: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
> Level 14: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
> Level 17: Masterful Dodge (Rank 2)
> Level 20: Relentless Pursuit (Rank 2, Single Minded) (* or get Rank 3)
> Level 23: Power Conversion (Rank 2)
> Level 26: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
> Level 29:
> Level 32:
> Level 35: Fiery Embrace
> Level 38: Showdown (Rank 2, Rank 3)
> Adv. Points: 30/36
>
> Travel Powers
> Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Rank 3)
> Level 35:
>
> 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)
> Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
> Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
> Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
> Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
> Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)
>
> The open power slots can be w/e ya want.
>
> For single-target dps, it uses Reaper's Caress to apply and refresh Shredded & Bleed(s), while Relentless Pursuit is your main attack. Reaper's Caress can also be used for basic AoE. You can get either the special adv or R3 on Relentless Pursuit (R3 is a straightforward dmg boost, while the SM adv has higher long-term dps potential, if you can manage it). Gears mostly for Dex, w/ some Rec and Con (and some cost discount on gear).
>
> You can also trade BCR/RR + MD for R2 Resurgence and maybe another minor heal like Endorphin Rush or Conviction (could also then get Unstoppable instead of WotW as the passive if you want some extra knock resist, or get NW), but that's more up to you.

I usually test the strength of my build by completing missions in the QRealm, without using BCR and MD (as a last resort). But, for example, Worms or Trey kings don't crowd around me, so I'm starting to think that Reaper's caress is useless. Can I refuse Reaper's caress ( or should I leave it for Cleaving strikes?) and use only Relentless pursuit (with Hardy, Respite mods and Rush of Battle spec, which will also help for Showdown), and, of course, take any useful AoE?
By the way, even with Power Conversation, I don't have enough energy for "Showdown".
(Maybe I should fill the last slot with Burst Shot and armor piercing)?)

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

> @jaazaniah1 said:
> In the last 2 slots Flow left you you could take Reaper's Embrace (seems a must) and either Crimson Bloom for some AoE + defense or Dragon's Kick for AoE + a stun.

Does it make sense to consider any control powers (knock or stun or...etc) instead of dmg AoE? To suppress enemies that deal damage from the side or knock me down?

flowcyto · April 2022

lynxeyed86 wrote: »

I usually test the strength of my build by completing missions in the QRealm, without using BCR and MD (as a last resort). But, for example, Worms or Trey kings don't crowd around me, so I'm starting to think that Reaper's caress is useless. Can I refuse Reaper's caress ( or should I leave it for Cleaving strikes?) and use only Relentless pursuit (with Hardy, Respite mods and Rush of Battle spec, which will also help for Showdown), and, of course, take any useful AoE?

Well, w/o more info at the time, I assumed that you were building for stuff like optimizing general PvE dps, not for soloing QWZ. Reaper's Caress was included mostly for Shredded, and thus boosting Relentless Pursuit's single-target dmg; it also being AoE was for normal PvE content where trash is generally easy (and/or you're in a group w/ a tank holding aggro). You can change it if you like, but it will mean that the build takes a hit to its sustained single-target dmg (unless you replace it w/ another power that applies Shredded).

Jaaz's suggestion for Crimson Bloom or Dragon Kick are pretty good to help w/ harder stuff like the QWZ, though, cause you'll prob need more CC, healing, and/or defenses to help hold up to those mobs (and stuff like Dragon Kick or Crimson Bloom can also function as basic dps AoEs anyways). He can prob give you more insight if you need more help w/ that in particular.

By the way, even with Power Conversation, I don't have enough energy for "Showdown".

Energy can be very gear-dependent, so you may have to have more stats into Dex, Rec, End, and/or cost discount, but I don't know your particular situation there. But yes, Showdown is a very expensive power to fully maintain, and even for a proper ranged build that better supports it, so it's not that surprising to hear that you're struggling w/ it. If you also don't have a Wound effect on a target first then you won't be getting Relentless procs when using it, which can also make it more difficult to use here.

(Maybe I should fill the last slot with Burst Shot and armor piercing)?)

Armor Piercing doesn't benefit Slashing dmg, and it's likely only going to debuff one target for Showdown's Piercing dmg (since Burst Shot's AoE coverage is small), so I don't see much point to including Burst Shot here.

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

Thank you very much! I would like to know about Might/Fire build, but I'd rather create a new post.

jaazaniah1 · April 2022

If energy is a big issue, and you are level 40 already, you want to grab the OSV secondary utility piece called Onslaught Mask of Efficiency and a primary utility piece like Justice Mask of Efficiency with maybe a R7 gamblers gem. Those will help a lot. Or, if you just want a power that looks kind of like Showdown that is much cheaper you could go for Bullet Hail and maybe use the Wall of Bullets adv.

Personally, I'd go for Steadfast over Relentless.

You'd be surprised how useful even a minor CC effect, like a stun can be in a place like the QWZ. Dragon Kick has saved my squishy dps many times.

E.g.

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

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

Talents
Level 1: The Samurai (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 9: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Reaper's Touch
Level 1: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Cleaving Strikes)
Level 6: Steadfast
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 17: Masterful Dodge (Rank 2)
Level 20: Relentless Pursuit (Rank 2, Single Minded)
Level 23: Power Conversion (Rank 2)
Level 26: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Reaper's Embrace (Rank 2, No Mercy)
Level 32: Dragon Kick (Spectral Dragon Tail)
Level 35: Fiery Embrace
Level 38: Bullet Hail (Rank 2, Wall of Bullets)
Adv. Points: 36/36

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

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)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

Devices

If you don't want to worry about stacking and rupturing bleeds you can use Dragon's Bite instead.

lynxeyed86 · April 2022

Ok, im working on it. I also posted about Might/Fire build.

lynxeyed86 · May 2022

I removed Power conversation, replaced the block with force shield and force sheath (energy for showdown), and I choose Vicious decent into an empty slot (to break into battle with additional protection). Maybe I should use energy absorbing crashsuit?

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

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

Talents
Level 1: The Samurai (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
Level 6: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Boundless Reserves (Con: 5, End: 5)
Level 18: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 21: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Reaper's Touch
Level 1: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Cleaving Strikes, Accelerated Metabolism)
Level 6: Relentless
Level 8: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 11: Masterful Dodge
Level 14: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Form of the Swordsman
Level 20: Relentless Pursuit (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Reaper's Embrace (Rank 2, No Mercy)
Level 26: Imbue
Level 29: Showdown (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Fiery Embrace
Level 35: Vicious Descent (Work Up)
Level 38: Force Shield (Rank 2, Force Sheathe)
Adv. Points: 35/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Acrobatics (Rank 2, Versatility)
Level 35:

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)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

flowcyto · May 2022

Well, Relentless Pursuit and Showdown won't work w/ FotS as the toggle/form, since neither of them Bleed. I'd prob go back to FotTempest here, assuming you are keeping those attacks. Also, you'll need R2 of MD if you want it to bring you past 100% dodge w/ R3 WotW now. The Accel Metab adv is pretty weak and can prob be skipped, and I'd prob get R3 in Acrobatics (instead of Versatility), and those will save you some adv points for ranking other things.

If you are still trying out different powers and still need more energy for Showdown, then you could try using SB's Tornado Slash to put up a Bleed from ranged, so Showdown then works w/ Relentless. If not doing that, then you may want to use Steadfast as the EU and just accept that it won't work w/ Showdown (STR/Dex/Con, w/ a Dex-focus, is also a decent SS setup then- if you want more defense via Juggernaut). Also, Crimson Bloom or Dragon Kick are still good choices if you are still having issues w/ the QWZ mobs. If you need to free up a power slot then you could prob replace the R1 AO.

lynxeyed86 · May 2022

Main attacks: reapers care and reapers embrace. Will FotT (or FotSM) not be enough for energy? Can I replace Steadfast or Relentless with Killer Instinct (for showdown).

I almost forgot: should I keep Force Sheathe?

flowcyto · May 2022

Well, if you're using Reaper's Caress and Reaper's Embrace mostly, then I don't see much point in keeping Relentless Pursuit. Caress + Embrace's playstyle is all about building bleeds to rupture frequently, which Relentless Pursuit doesn't do. Also, I prob would not replace an MA EU for Killer Instinct, cause you'll prob still need the extra energy for your SB attacks, whereas KI would only help the Ult.

In truth, Showdown is just not a good fit for the build mechanically, so if you're still unable to make energy work for it then maybe it's better to replace it w/ something else (maybe Bullet Hail, as Jaaz mentioned, or maybe Holdout Shot w/ Stim Pack, Pistol Whip, or even Execution Shot), and save Showdown for a proper Muni build (where it can potentially do much more dmg anyways). Going back to Vorpal Blade as the Ult would be pretty nice w/ Reaper's Embrace, since you can also rupture its bleeds then. Regardless, Force Sheathe can still be okay to keep for solo play, if you are fine w/ keeping its linger effect rolling.

lynxeyed86 · May 2022

The fact is that showdown deals as much damage as vorpal blade and has a much larger radius of defeat, although it takes more time. I checked.
About EU: when I use Reapers care/embrace, I have a lot of energy left, so I don't see the point in Relentless EU.

It looks like I'm really going to remove Relentless Pursuit.

flowcyto · May 2022

Well, energy issues aside, Vorpal Blade comes out after a short activation time, and doesn't have a long cast time or channel time (so you can do other things after you've used it) - plus you can rupture its bleeds, so I'd still say it's better than Showdown here (AoE coverage aside, but that just means you'll want to use Vorpal Blade a bit after engagement rather than beforehand). But you seem really set on using Showdown, so go head and take KI w/ it if you're not having energy issues otherwise, and hopefully that can help fix the energy problem w/ it.

Single blade/Dual pistols DPS

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