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Not fully understanding Freeforms...help?
seanstan
Posts: 23 Arc User
I have been playing this game (on and off) for years, and have never touched the option of Freeform. I've always stuck to Archetypes because it's easier to do and doesn't require much learning like Freeform does. I'm interested in making a Freeform, because I've heard they can be much better in every aspect than Archetypes if they are built correctly, but that leaves the issue...I'll probably build one incorrectly if I try on my own.
How far can Freeform extend? If made correctly, could you have a hero that can be ready for any situation imagined through the use of multiple builds? As said, I'm new to Freeform, so keep it simple when explaining.
How far can Freeform extend? If made correctly, could you have a hero that can be ready for any situation imagined through the use of multiple builds? As said, I'm new to Freeform, so keep it simple when explaining.
Post edited by seanstan on
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Not really, you don't really get enough powers for that. But it's fairly easy to be able to switch between a more DPS oriented and a more defensive build by having two slotted passives if you want to.
Your best bet for your first freeform is deciding what you want from the character, either as a general concept (say, "super martial artist bitten by a radioactive toaster"), or wqith some specific ideas on stuff you'd really like to be part of the build (anything from "I'd really like power XYZ because the anim is so cool" to "I finally want a character that can melee Gravitar").
When you've decided, come back to this subforum for more specific build advice. Maybe if your idea is crazy enough people will have to tell you iit just can't be turned into a workable build, but more likely, some friendly build expert will come up with a build suggestion.
As Arkady said, your best bet to avoid making mistakes is to come up with a basic idea that you want to follow, and get help from experienced builders here on the message boards. As you look at builds and information, you'll learn how it all comes together, and will eventually be confident enough to take a whack at it yourself.
Cupid@Tool-box, stunningly radiant stag ready to play matchmaker between villain and arrow!
Vixon@Tool-box, frighteningly eager to summon despair for his adversaries!
Jebin Zedalu@Tool-box, elementalist weaponmaster. ...One of these things is not like the others!
Not quite sure how that translates into a build, but that's a concept I'd like to work with if it's possible.
Most of the "very powerful" freeforms have the ability to do damage, tank and heal (and whatever else) by themselves without having to bother with multiple builds.
Basically, just think of a concept you would like to make - Superman, Human Torch, Striperella, DarkittyDemonDarkLordOfDarkness, whatever - and then build around that idea.
Things to focus on - have a passive defense, an active defense, a self heal, one of the damage boosting toggles, an area attack and a single target attack, with everything else either supporting those things, or supplementing them.
Once you have a general idea of what you'd like to build, throw down your ideas and picks and then folks around here can build around your preferences, and more importantly, explain how certain powers help each other out.
Heh, you beat me to my reply. That's a good concept by the way, I know someone with something similar who was pretty awesome. I sent him a PM to see if he's available.
YES, you CAN choose powers from any and everything.
But remember, certain powers require X-number of in-set power choices or X+Y number of out-of-set power choices before you can access them.
Like Inertial Dampening Field. You need 5 powers from Force or 6 powers (excluding your Energy Builder) from any other sets before you can take it.
Also, remember that some powers (like forms) are mutually exclusive. Like the aforementioned IDF and Enrage. Activating one turns off the other. Granted, someone looking to build damage with Enraged stacks can still operate without the Enrage form power. It's simply a shortcut.
Plus, the role you're in will dictate what kind of passive you can slot.
Do yourself a favor and do a little fiddling in Powerhouse. While it takes away a bit of spontaneity, it makes the decisions while leveling up MUCH simpler, cutting down on the number of respecs you require.
"Champions-Online and Star Trek Online contained hundreds of hours of mediocre content!"
and "nothing was polished".
--Jack Emmert
so I say, choose one, and focus on it.
the option of choosing what powers you want allows you to make up for what you lack.
My build directory (work in progress)
Guide list
Freeform Builds
In loving memory of AngelofCaine.
In general, though, the easiest way to go is to pick a solid defensive passive, such as invulnerability, and then take whatever attacks you want. A good general rule to go by is to take 1 strong single target attack, 1 AoE, and I also like to take a maintain attack somewhere in there. A self heal is also nice to have, as a freeform, (conviction is my go-to power for most characters).
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
I suggest using Fire for passive damage (Snake and Flashfire), Ice for defenses (Ice Barrier, Vapor Form, Wall of Ice), Wind Main Attack and AoE (Stormbringer Passive, Typhoon and Hurricane).
Throw in a self heal that looks thematic (Empathic Healing from telepathy looks like fire). And an active defense or two.
You'll be able to use Ive Barrier and Vapor form and Active defenses to boost your defense when needed, not to mention your self heal. You'll also be debuffing/crowd controlling using Fire Snake, and Flash Fire/Ice Wall are great crowd control for mobs too. Pick your main 2 attacks of choice (Typhoon and Hurricane) and target enemies after they've been disabled.
For the record, I've only FULLY played through Inferno, Tempest, and Soldier (although Soldier doesn't fit into what I'm aiming for here). I don't know if someone here could make a build for me or if I should just try myself, too xD I don't feel safe trying it by myself just yet
I'd be happy to help you with a build - can you give me an idea of what sort of attacks are important to you, and what element is your favorite? Are there certain things you want to avoid? I wouldn't want to throw together a build using just my preferences since you'll be the one playing...
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
Personally, of the 3, I'd like the hero to be more focused on Wind powers, but still relatively balanced, if that makes sense.
Also, not as related to the build, but I do have a storyline/name created:
"Sepemar is a god and a demon. He was cast out of both Heaven and Hell, and was stuck in limbo. As he lingered in limbo for many millennia, the evil side of his persona grew so large that it split from his body. He was re-accepted into Heaven on the promise that he hunt down his evil side and remove it from the universe. With his now purified soul, he is searching for whatever creature his evil side has possessed next, and hopes to one day eradicate it from this universe. He controls all elements, choosing to use Electric, Fire, and Wind powers against evil."
Anything I'm missing, lemme know, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread all night xD
PowerHouse (Link to this build)
Name:
Archetype: Freeform
Super Stats:
Level 6: Endurance (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)
Talents:
Level 1: The Invincible
Level 6: Investigator
Level 9: Boundless Reserves
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Ascetic
Level 18: Daredevil
Level 21: Academics
Powers:
Level 1: Wind Lash
Level 1: Hurricane
Level 6: Wind Reverberation
Level 8: Stormbringer
Level 11: Fireball
Level 14: Conviction
Level 17: Wall of Ice
Level 20: Cave In
Level 23: Lightning Storm
Level 26: Typhoon
Level 29: Flashfire
Level 32: Avalanche
Level 35: Wind Barrier
Level 38:
Travel Powers:
Level 6: Tornado Flight
Level 35: Lightning Flash
Specializations:
Endurance: Readiness (3/3)
Endurance: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Endurance: Kickback (2/2)
Endurance: Hardened (2/2)
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
Thanks!
Sounds good. Be aware that I chose END as the primary super stat mainly because of its spec tree and how it interacts with wind reverberation. I like that its specs up your energy equilibrium, HP, and provides extra energy when you use your energy builder, then another attack.
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
By default you can't pick it, but you should be able to retcon out of the first power, (after your EB), for free when you go the the powerhouse.
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
I never would have thought of Wind Reverberation working so well this early in the game, that's the type of thing I have to learn. Thanks for the help man, I'll respond if there's any additional issues along the way in the next few days
-Edit- Since this is a new character, now would be a good time to ask about stats - as I'm leveling up, which stat (if any one in particular) should I try to keep the highest? Or should I just keep them relatively equal? -Edit-
Glad to hear things are going, err, mostly well for you. Personally, I just focus on my 3 super stats. To be honest, though, what I do is try to save up for a full set of the 11,000 Questionite gear - they level up as you do, boost all 3 of your super stats, and for every 3 pieces from the same set you equip, you receive an additional bonus, (+damage resist for armadillo set, +nonphysical damage buff for the cyber set, and +physical damage buff for the samurai set).
Otherwise, I recommend running the various Westside missions until you get to about level 15, before doing alerts, so you have all your super stats and such...
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
I wouldn't sell my Zen for Q just yet. You can get decent gear off the auction house or from missions. As for your stats, your primary super stat should be highest, with your secondary super stats being about 60% of that value.
BTW, if you'd like more help in-game, feel free to contact me @biostem .
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
Cupid@Tool-box, stunningly radiant stag ready to play matchmaker between villain and arrow!
Vixon@Tool-box, frighteningly eager to summon despair for his adversaries!
Jebin Zedalu@Tool-box, elementalist weaponmaster. ...One of these things is not like the others!
And these pieces don't cost zen or require Questionite grinding, just running the nemesis missions which are actually pretty fun, with the exception of the bugged ones.
-Edit- I sent you a friend request, I'm @FrozenPhoenix495. Wish the forums would show that name instead x.x -Edit-