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A Hero that can Solo Cosmics

monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
in Builds and Roles
I was thinking of the stories of the lone hero who has to defend until help arrives, the one who must single handedly hold back disaster, etc. For gameplay, I'm thinking of a hero who can solo Cosmics for extended periods with only self heals (i.e. no healer or the healer disconnects). Was fun going through lots of ideas on PTS, obviously the hero needs good heals. Tried Hybrids for the higher healing bonuses, Defiance vs. Lightning Reflexes. (Can't outheal 7+ Hungering Maws on Defiance, and need lots of HP so ruled out 100% dodge builds).

I settled on a Tank role with Lightning Reflexes to get to 90.1% dodge and using DEX spec Brush It Off (it works very well BTW) to get over 100% for AoE's. Less healing power but I discovered I need to be able to survive a missed block w/dodge and also to survive a block w/no dodge on the Cosmics biggest attack which is the Hungering Maw of the Teleiosaurus and the Punch of Qwyjibo which are physical damage so I took Telekinetic Shield R3. So far, I can do Dino and Ape for over 30 min. (Ape actually more tricky with the cylinders knocking you).

So I need help and advice on the last three powers and 4 advantage points. Candidates include: Ascension w/or w/out Judgment/Illumination, Lock N Load w/Two Smoking Barrels for the Furious heal; Willpower, maybe Absorb Heat if I can find an Inner Flame device etc. Open to all sorts of ideas, even a good spike damage power. Also looking at devices too.

Using Distinguished set w/Intimidation and 2 Growth R9s. Secondary offense is a Cosmic Fang of Rage w/Healing R5, but I could swap for an OV Defender gloves since I have sufficient healing.

Thanks everyone!

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Tank)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: Divinity (Con: 12, Pre: 12)
Level 6: Survival Training (Dex: 3, Con: 3, Pre: 3, Rec: 2, End: 2)
Level 9: Intimidating (Pre: 8)
Level 12: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 21: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Vicious Strikes
Level 1: Thundering Kicks (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
Level 6: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Chi Manipulation
Level 11: Compassion
Level 14: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Bionic Shielding (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Fractal Aegis (Rank 2, Rank 3, Chilling Reminder)
Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 29: Telekinetic Shield (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32:
Level 35:
Level 38:
Adv. Points: 32/36

Specializations
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
Dexterity: Evasion (2/2) -- Adds less than 1% but it's a lot when you miss a block
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
Protector: Resolute (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2) -- Very helpful when you miss a block
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)

Devices
Slot 1: Heroic Elixir -- VIP Lounge
Slot 2: Esoteric Deliverance
Slot 3: Elder Worm Humidity Dome
Slot 4: Necrullitic Elixir
Slot 5: Primus Spark Shield

Comments

  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Well, since you mentioned to being open to many different types of powers and devices, a main question is what extra functionality would you like to have on top of what's already there? This is assuming you've mostly met the main goal that you wanted for the build (at least it sounds like it, if you can survive for over 30 mins). Or perhaps a better question is what (if any) regular problems are you still experiencing w/ the build in practice that you'd want to try to shore up? I can't help much w/ the fights themselves, but maybe the extra info could help others give more detailed advice.

    Also, since you took Pres and Compassion, and are high in dodge%, maybe you want to consider BCR/RR over ERush, but I dunno how their relative healing values stack up for you atm (if ER is still better, or if you just want its reliability and no dmg penalty, then ofc you can just keep that). For spike dmg, Dragon's Wrath is nice, cause of its built-in defense ignore, but you do have a lot of other options there too.
    <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!
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Hi flowcyto, so it's been interesting testing to say the least.

    For damage, I was wondering what 0.5-1.0 activation time powers would be good. Probably have a cool down because it is high damage. Dragon's Wrath I probably could not do a full charge without risking missing a block at Dino. I can barely fit in a full combo of Thundering Kicks and my timing has to be right.

    I considered BCR but after fighting Dino, the extra dodge heal seems weak for Hungering Maw. For the breath it would definitely heal me up to max but then I found myself near full health anyways with ER/dodge/block. (I actually save Bionic Shielding for after breath attack because the attack is so weak).

    Furious seems interesting, Lock N Load with Two Smoking Barrels almost seems to have Furious all most of the time Adding Pounce w/Furious Rush would make it 100% and 3 stacks. But not sure if it's work the extra clicks for Pounce. And not sure why sometimes I get 1x 300 heal and other times I get multiple heals.

    On having an extra heal, a spike like Absorb Heat R3 or Electrical Siphon R3 would be nice for emergencies but not sure how to get the Negative Ions or Clinging Flames (Inner Flame device if I can find one could work). I considered Flashfire, the ticks from the Pyre and Clinging Flames would trigger Mend from Illumination (from another player).

    Seems like a gazillion ideas could be had so I'm hoping someone finds something I've missed. So many devices and powers seem to have been created in my 3 year absence.
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Well, you don't necessarily need to fully charge something like DW either (its not like you need Rush here, and you aren't using an MA toggle for that anyways). But yea, an instant cd power could be good if you have limited windows w/ blocking- like Rimefire Burst, or maybe something like Frag Grenade or Incendiary Grenade, since they can deal some dmg in the background and their advs can give you a Crushing debuff for TKicks (Might's Hurl can also be made to quickly apply Demolish, though the power itself is low dmg). Most of the AOs aren't that great, though LNL as you said has potential, as could Imbue. Ofc you also have the Sparkstorm toggle adv as an option, though micro-managing that w/ the other stuff may be a bit too annoying here.

    For other cds, Eruption can also be made put up CFlames, NI, and/or Reckless now. Thunderstrike can put up NI on tap and also has a self-heal adv. The Wisp in Infernal can apply Illum and/or CFlames (+Fear) w/ its advs. You also have powers that can be summoned and function in the background, like Fire Snake (CFlames), Ball Lit (NI), Dust Devil, Soul Vortex, Wall of Ice, and Ego Storm w/ its MM adv. Or other DoTs like Mental Storm, MLeech (Dependency), Shadow of Doubt (Regret), Flashfire (CF), Hex of Suffering, Dimensional Collapse, Gas Arrow, or Toxic Nanites. IDK, it feels like I'm just rattling off powers here, but when you have all sets available to you the amount of options becomes a bit too much, lol. Anyways, I'll stop just brainstorming for now, but I hope you find something that really sticks when exploring all the different options.
    <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!
  • guardiannexusguardiannexus Posts: 142 Arc User
    Howl can work for furious stacks. It does the same thing with less cooldown and investment.
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Thanks again all, I haven't been ignoring you guys -- just testing a lot of suggestions.

    The latest idea is using Ascension w/Judgment and Wisp w/Guide. With a Thorn Shield, all the reflect damage is proccing Mend plus the Toxic debuff on Wisp is helping with damage. Judgment is like a mini-Resurgence, over 3,000 HP heal. Question, is there any other power besides Wisp w/Guide where both target and caster & allies simultaneously get Illumination? Now considering adding Devour Essence w/Phlebotomist, so many synergies and does more DPS than TK LOL!

    Might even do away with the Cosmic Fang of Rage w/Healing R5 in favor of a OV Defender Glove for more threat or slot it in a pure solo build.

    Incendiary Grenade w/No Quarter looks promising too. Going to keep testing out ideas.
    Post edited by monsterdaddy on
  • flowcytoflowcyto Posts: 12,859 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Question, is there any other power besides Wisp w/Guide where both target and caster & allies simultaneously get Illumination?
    Well, Medical Arrow and Eldritch Blast also have Illum advs that function like that, though the blast's requires a full charge. It's also worth noting that Medical Arrow's version applies the buff form to allies near your target, whereas the other two instead apply it around your character at the time of cast.

    Good luck w/ the continued testing, regardless.
    <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!
  • h4forumsh4forums Posts: 284 Arc User
    Just my 2 cents on this project:

    Why not take prot mastery? Getting resurg back quicker seems more useful than the 3x3% dmg resistance from warden mastery for this purpose.

    Alternatively, did you already try sent mastery? Combined with a tap dot+stun power such as hex of suffering or mental storm, it could be decent healing even if it isn't up all the time.
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Hi h4forums, the problem with Protector or Sentinel Mastery is they won’t mitigate dying from a missed dodge with block or a missed block with dodge. (Blocking but missing dodge is way worse FYI).

    Amazingly that 9% extra damage resistance plus all those devices really helps you survive that disaster. I could even miss a block and dodge a CRITICAL hit and survive to press Resurgence — definitely not possible with Sentinel specs let alone Mastery.

    I seem to be able heal up pretty fast even if Resurgence is on cooldown so it’s not too hard to out heal the damage, which is why I’m focusing more on upping damage resistance and trading off heal bonuses — going to try and test with a OV Defender glove now, giving up 25% heal bonus for it.
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Here is the current build idea. Having Illumination on me should buff my heals a tiny bit but the Mend heals from my attacks and Thorn Shield reflects could be substantial. Furious on Lunge is just a bonus.
    Post edited by monsterdaddy on
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    Hellion - Freeform (Tank)
    v3.45:38

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

    Talents
    Level 1: Divinity (Con: 12, Pre: 12)
    Level 6: Survival Training (Dex: 3, Con: 3, Pre: 3, Rec: 2, End: 2)
    Level 9: Intimidating (Pre: 8)
    Level 12: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
    Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
    Level 18: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
    Level 21: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)

    Powers
    Level 1: Vicious Strikes
    Level 1: Thundering Kicks (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
    Level 6: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 8: Chi Manipulation
    Level 11: Compassion
    Level 14: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 17: Bionic Shielding (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 20: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 23: Fractal Aegis (Rank 2, Chilling Reminder)
    Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
    Level 29: Telekinetic Shield (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 32: Ascension (Judgment)
    Level 35: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Guide)
    Level 38: Pounce (Furious Rush)
    Adv. Points: 36/36

    Specializations
    Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
    Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
    Dexterity: Evasion (2/2)
    Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
    Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
    Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
    Protector: Resolute (3/3)
    Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
    Warden: Elusive (2/2)
    Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
    Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)

    Devices
    Slot 1: Heroic Elixir
    Slot 2: Esoteric Deliverance
    Slot 3: Elder Worm Humidity Dome
    Slot 4: Necrullitic Elixir
    Slot 5: Thorn Shield
  • jaazaniah1jaazaniah1 Posts: 5,557 Arc User
    Once you have figured this out and it becomes the new tanking meta, the devs will nerf something for sure.
    JwLmWoa.png
    Perseus, Captain Arcane, Tectonic Knight, Pankration, Siberiad, Sekhmet, Black Seraph, Clockwork
    Project Attalus: Saving the world so you don't have to!
  • warcanchwarcanch Posts: 1,144 Arc User
    jaazaniah1 wrote: »
    Once you have figured this out and it becomes the new tanking meta, the devs will nerf something for sure.

    My thought as well.​​
    .

    -=-=-=-=-=-(CO in-game handle: @WarCan )-=-=-=-=-=-
    "Okay, you're DEAD, what do you do NEXT?"
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    Hi Folks, had a lot of fun testing out the build on Dino today. I did miss a bunch of blocks but easily healed up the damage. I’m thinking of replacing Furious Rush for Ghost Fire, a little extra heals from Mend and damage. Would love to add Incendiary Grenade but I feel I need a lunge and AO for holds. During the raid I managed to hold aggro and with two soak tanks I can skip blocking and face tank Dino.

    This build is really quite fun. Might go for more damage by replacing a heal mod with a DUC.
  • metalheart#4270 metalheart
    metalheart#4270
         Posts: 1,112 Arc User
    jaazaniah1 wrote: »
    Once you have figured this out and it becomes the new tanking meta, the devs will nerf something for sure.

    It's far to irritating to share good builds in CO. And this is why I never ask for second advice to make it better and this needs to stop.

    I have one called Valhalla Descending who never faulters in damage nor survivability. And the other The Architect. They will not top the score board but the purest form of quick solo and defence. I know they goated because they are not geared of full level.

    nJ54tmw.gifThis Is The Ghetto Gothix
  • metalheart#4270 metalheart
    metalheart#4270
         Posts: 1,112 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    You might also want to take a rebirth and a block that complements your build. Heals alone wouldn't cut it. Take a good active defense.
    nJ54tmw.gifThis Is The Ghetto Gothix
  • andondarkmoreandondarkmore Posts: 679 Arc User
    I like the concept of a self-healing tank. Debating if I should make one now or wait till text Defender event. My last 2 new character I waited till event.
  • monsterdaddymonsterdaddy Posts: 795 Arc User
    edited March 2023
    Revised my build with two Block powers so I can be ready for two scenarios:
    1) for high AoE physical attacks like Dino and Ape relying on Brush It Off; and
    2) high ST attacks like my old nemesis; the Mega Destroid Terminator or debuffers like Kiga -- basically a 100% dodge toon w/Parry's Elusive Monk but with much lower HP. Dropped Warden Mastery for DEX Mastery to preserve HP and get to 100% dodge (found an Inborn Tenacity to make up for it). Might even be useful for tanking Dino and Baby Dino (ST attacks from the Baby???)

    Basically, it's in the gear. For scenario 1, it's a set of Distinguished (Intim, Elus, Eff), OV Defender, Agility, Eff) with all CON mods, DUC and Growth R9 in Glove (~17.5K HP).

    For scenario 2, I swap in a Cosmic Fang of Wrath w/Healing R5, Cosmic Talons of Wrath w/Dodge R5, and a Dist. Healing Glove with DEX R9, Growth R9, both x2. (~12.5K HP.)

    Scenario 2's build is interesting, even if Elusive Monk drops off I am still >100% dodge for AoE's and ~92.4% for ST's.

    Ascension and Mighty Leap are the two powers I could change if anyone has better ideas. And Fractal Aegis could give up it's 2 adv. pts for something. Gave up Compassion, heals are still adequate enough for soloing Cosmics.

    Hellion - Freeform (Tank)
    v3.45:38

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

    Talents
    Level 1: The Samurai (Dex: 10, Con: 10, Rec: 10, End: 8)
    Level 6: Survival Training (Dex: 3, Con: 3, Pre: 3, Rec: 2, End: 2)
    Level 9: Agile (Dex: 8)
    Level 12: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
    Level 15: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
    Level 18: Finesse (Dex: 5, Pre: 5)
    Level 21: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)

    Powers
    Level 1: Vicious Strikes
    Level 1: Thundering Kicks (Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenge!)
    Level 6: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 8: Chi Manipulation
    Level 11: Fractal Aegis (Rank 2, Chilling Reminder)
    Level 14: Form of the Master
    Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 20: Bionic Shielding (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 23: Endorphin Rush (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Level 26: Resurgence (Rank 2)
    Level 29: Ascension
    Level 32: Mighty Leap
    Level 35: Parry (Rank 2, The Elusive Monk)
    Level 38: Telekinetic Shield (Rank 2, Rank 3)
    Adv. Points: 36/36

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

    Specializations
    Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
    Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
    Dexterity: Deadly Aim (2/3)
    Dexterity: Quick Reflexes (3/3)
    Protector: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Protector: Bulwark (2/2)
    Protector: Debilitating Challenge (2/2)
    Protector: Resolute (3/3)
    Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
    Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
    Warden: Elusive (2/2)
    Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
    Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

    Devices
    Slot 1: Heroic Elixir
    Slot 2: Necrullitic Elixir
    Slot 3: Elder Worm Humidity Dome
    Slot 4: Esoteric Deliverance
    Slot 5: Inborn Tenacity
    Post edited by monsterdaddy on
  • redcastle56redcastle56 Posts: 136 Arc User
    Maybe look at Call to Battle. Challenge Adv for PBAoE challenge application, and Work up for Restoration. Plus Reckless for a little more shielding.
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