Dual Swords DPS suggestion

tasoseg · May 2023

Hello everyone,

I've made this Build:
https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=38&n=&d=12170kLFaGAP1j30n3B000BH00BA03B800BN09BB01JA01OQ01ON01BJ00BL03BV03BQ00000000020000000010000000000&e=

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Predator (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Strike Down
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Cut To Shreds)
Level 14: Intensity (Rank 2)
Level 17: Defiance (Rank 2)
Level 20: Rebirth (Rank 2)
Level 23: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 26: Steadfast
Level 29: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Sword Cyclone
Level 38:
Adv. Points: 28/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Retrowave (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Energy Slide (Rank 2, Rank 3)

Specializations

Devices

What I'm not sure with is what to pick as a last power. I'm wondering if I should choose Conviction or BCR (definitely a heal though) AND I'm not sure what kind of advantages I should choose for the last power and for Sword Cyclone.
Any suggestions?

Also, I can choose the Specs on my own, do you have any suggestions there?
Thanks in advance.

godhandxiii · May 2023

So... a few things:

Are you planning to take this build to endgame content, or just for general/event stuff?
You're lacking a block replacer. Is that okay for you?
Is there a reason for picking up Defiance?
You may want to pick up a different self-res than Rebirth. Depending on circumstances, that self-DoT might hurt. A lot.

tasoseg · May 2023

godhandxiii wrote: »

So... a few things:
Are you planning to take this build to endgame content, or just for general/event stuff?

You're lacking a block replacer. Is that okay for you?

Is there a reason for picking up Defiance?

You may want to pick up a different self-res than Rebirth. Depending on circumstances, that self-DoT might hurt. A lot.

1) This is for endgame content.
2) What's a block replacer? And since I am going for endgame content, do I really need it?
3) I picked Defiance as I thought it fits well with the whole build. Is there a better option with this build?
4) I know that Rebirth is a weird option, but I just picked quickly when making the build. I'll pick the fire self-res instead.

jaazaniah1 · May 2023

This is my version of a dual blades build. While Str is PSS, he stacks Dex. You could take Brawler instead of Warden. Some people like a power that refreshes shredded, but I don't mind reusing Blade Tempest after 6 or so Dragon's Wraths

Hard Hat 1 - Freeform (Melee Damage)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Wrecker (Str: 10, Dex: 8, Con: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
Level 9: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Boomerang Toss
Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Form of the Tempest
Level 8: Steadfast
Level 11: Unstoppable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 17: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
Level 23: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Fiery Embrace
Level 29: Thunderclap (Collateral Damage, Dizzying Impact)
Level 32: Strike Down
Level 35: Guard (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Bladed Fury (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 36/36

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

Specializations
Strength: Swole (3/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (3/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)

Devices

godhandxiii · May 2023

tasoseg#9218 wrote: »

1) This is for endgame content.
2) What's a block replacer? And since I am going for endgame content, do I really need it?
3) I picked Defiance as I thought it fits well with the whole build. Is there a better option with this build?
4) I know that Rebirth is a weird option, but I just picked quickly when making the build. I'll pick the fire self-res instead.

2) It's the things that change your block, like Parry, Deflect, Guard, etc. Since you're planning an endgame build, you need it a whole lot more. Preferably Rank 3, but could get away with a Rank 2 depending on build.
3) Defiance is a tanking passive, not DPS - you can't even use it in DPS role. If you plan to make a dual-role build as a tank, pick it up and max it out, but otherwise, it's a waste of power and advantage points. If you want a tankier DPS passive, go with Unstoppable instead of Way of the Warrior.

Jaaz already has a pretty good build posted, but here's my take on it:

Hero Creator Link

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

Talents
Level 1: The Predator (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Agile (Dex: 8)
Level 9: Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
Level 12: Impresario (Dex: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Crashing Crescendo)
Level 6: Form of the Tempest
Level 8: Unstoppable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Steadfast
Level 14: Resurgence (Rank 2, Unchained)
Level 17: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
Level 20: Guard (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Strike Down (Nailed to the Ground)
Level 29: Blinding Light
Level 32: Thundering Return
Level 35: Lock N Load (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 36/36

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

Specializations
Strength: Physical Peak (3/3)
Strength: Aggression (2/2)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (2/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Vindicator Mastery (1/1)

As Jaaz's build, goes with Str primary with Dex stacking. Dragon's Wrath as main attack, Sword Cyclone for AoE, Blade Tempest to keep Shredded up. Blinding Light for a threat wipe, Thundering Return for a self-res; could swap either of those for a different TW/res. Unstoppable could be swapped to Way of the Warrior, depending on your preferences. Lock N Load as an AO for the additional crit rate, but you could change it to something else. Could drop Nailed to the Ground advantage if you want both travel powers to be Rank 3, and could also just drop Strike Down entirely as a lunge if you want to pick up a power to res others or something else entirely.

tasoseg · May 2023

I took your guys' advice, and here's what I came up with:
https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=38&n=&d=11270kLFaGAP1j30n3B000BH00BA03B800BN098O01DF011L01ON01BJ00BL03BV03BQ0HK5033bCP3AsF2MGB10000000000&e=

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Predator (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Strike Down
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Eye of the Storm (Rank 2, Cut To Shreds)
Level 14: Lock N Load (Rank 2)
Level 17: Deflect (Rank 2)
Level 20: Thundering Return (Rank 2)
Level 23: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 26: Steadfast
Level 29: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Chaotic Movements)
Level 38: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Retrowave (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Energy Slide (Rank 2, Rank 3)

Specializations
Strength: Swole (3/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (2/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (3/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)

Devices

What do you think?

flowcyto · May 2023

That latest build still kinda falls short in a few places, imo. Most notably, you still want something like Blade Tempest in there for easy access to Shredded (EotS's Shredded adv is too low of a chance to rely on, and esp for single-targets where its also quite low dps when maintained). It's prob a bit of a waste to rank up the self-rez usually. I may also get the block to R3, since you're doing end-game content. Also, you don't necessarily have to fully rank both travel powers; you could get by just ranking up the one that you'll use the most. I may also get the special adv on Dragon's Wrath (over R3), assuming you're stacking Dex here. You'll also want to be in the melee dps role to optimize the build's dmg.

You'll prob be fine on energy in large-group content and when getting ally buffs, but if you're having energy issues otherwise then you can also add in a different Dragon attack that has the Dragon Rush adv on it for the extra energy boost that way (can replace the AO or the lunge for it, if need be); it's up to you if you want to make room for that sort of power, though. All that being said, it seems like you took some of the other advice to heart, since the build looks a bit more cleaned up from the original.

tasoseg · May 2023

I don't have energy issues with this build (especially with my current gear). I've tried it as well. I'll definitely remove the the self-rez adv. point and add them to the block, but if I remove ESP, wouldn't I have less defensive options? Must I change the passive then to Unstoppable like the others suggested, in order to compensate for the lack of defensive options?

With your guys' advince in mind, I've changed the build again to this:
https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=38&n=&d=11270kLFaGAP1j10n1B000BH00BA03B800B1058O01DF031L00ON05BJ00BL05BV03BQ0HK5033bCP3AsF2MGB10000000000&e=
(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Predator (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Strike Down
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Crashing Crescendo)
Level 14: Lock N Load (Rank 2)
Level 17: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Thundering Return
Level 23: Resurgence (Rank 2, Unchained)
Level 26: Steadfast
Level 29: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
Level 32: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Chaotic Movements)
Level 38: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 36/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Retrowave (Rank 2)
Level 35: Energy Slide (Rank 2)

Specializations
Strength: Swole (3/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (2/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (3/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)

Devices

Any last suggestions/anything else I should improve?

godhandxiii · May 2023

Your block is pretty much the defensive option, which is why it's quite important to get a replacer. I think I'm missing something, but what do you mean by ESP?

It's optional, but I suggest getting a threat wipe of sorts. There are some fights with threat wipe mechanics, and it's also generally useful if things go pear-shaped and the tank dies. You can live without it, though.

Also, not quite build related but if you haven't yet, I suggest joining some Cosmic Giant Monster runs, just so you can get a feel on how endgame is. It will also give you perspective if you really do need certain powers in your build or where you think you can make adjustments.

tasoseg · May 2023

godhandxiii wrote: »

what do you mean by ESP?

My bad, I wanted to write EoTS (Eye of the Storm).
I've tried cosmics with a pretty similar build and with mediocre gear and the damage is good (I get top 10 easily). I thought about changing the orignal build though since it had 2-3 bad options.

flowcyto · May 2023

It's also possible to replace the lunge and/or the AO (LNL) here, so you could use those slots to add in EotS and/or a threat wipe, if desired. You can always leave them as the last advs/powers trained so re-training them is cheaper, if you end up changing your mind about them in the future.

tasoseg · May 2023

I've decided to go with this build

https://aesica.net/co/herocreator.htm?v=38&n=&d=11270kLFaGAP1j10n1B000B105B800EA00JB038O01DF031L00ON01BJ00BL05BV03BQ0HK5033bCP3AsF2MGB10000000000&e=
(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Any / Multiple)
v3.45:38

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

Talents
Level 1: The Predator (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Con: 8, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Accurate (Dex: 5, End: 5)
Level 9: Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
Level 12: Amazing Stamina (Rec: 5, End: 5)
Level 15: Acrobat (Dex: 5, Con: 5)
Level 18: Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
Level 21: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Rain of Steel
Level 1: Blade Tempest (Rank 2, Crashing Crescendo)
Level 6: Form of the Tempest
Level 8: Smoke Bomb
Level 11: Unstoppable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Lock N Load (Rank 2)
Level 17: Deflect (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Thundering Return
Level 23: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 26: Steadfast
Level 29: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Tiger's Courage)
Level 32: Whirling Dragon Strike (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Chaotic Movements)
Level 38: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Adv. Points: 34/36

Travel Powers
Level 6: Retrowave (Rank 2)
Level 35: Energy Slide (Rank 2)

Specializations
Strength: Swole (3/3)
Strength: Physical Peak (2/3)
Strength: Brutality (2/2)
Strength: Overpower (3/3)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Upper Hand (3/3)
Warden: The Best Defense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Strength Mastery (1/1)

Devices

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. They helped a lot!

jaazaniah1 · May 2023

Since you are using Unstoppable now, you could ditch Chaotic Movement on Sword Cyclone. Not going to help much. Go for R3. You might try Retalaition as your block replacer. Never played with Crashing Crescendo. You might have that as one of the last powers/advs you take so you can switch to R3 if that seems more usefull.

flowcyto · May 2023

The Blender adv can also be nice on Sword Cyclone, if keeping that power. I prob would also take Blade Tempest to R3, but I don't think that choice will matter too much either way, since it's mainly used for debuffing here. Aside from some nitpicking, the build looks pretty good now, and I hope it ends up working well for you.

carrionbaggage · May 2023

You mentioned endgame content; if that includes Therakiel's Temple, I wouldn't recommend the lengthy cooldown on Smoke Bomb. If the 45-second, advantage-free threat wipes (Mind Wipe, Entrancing, or Blinding Light) aren't in-theme, you could opt for either Smoke Grenade or Evasive Maneuvers with their respective advantages.

I have a tough time steering Energy Slide on melee characters. I usually run with an Athletics or Superspeed variant instead; but if you can handle the drift, more power to ya.

There's definitely several ways to cook Sword Cyclone. Butcher's Blades is another possibility: charge up a Cyclone as you run to a new mob, release when you get in range, then mop up with low-energy Blade Tempest. If you do opt for Butcher's Blades, you could switch to Form of the Tiger (wouldn't work with all your skills, but more reliable).

You could also look into getting an Ultimate Sword Cyclone power variant device. It would share a cooldown with Whirling Dragon Strike (and could free up that power slot), but they both have situational uses. WDS to debuff a boss, or USC to blend a mob.

Dual Swords DPS suggestion

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