I can't get this to work the way I want. (Archery/Ice)

hodgypodge · September 2013

Help me, build gods!

I'm trying to work out a concept that I can seem to get to work without power replace items. Basically, a frozen archer. An archer who chills their enemies to the bones and picks them off one by one. Since the power replace items are gone and there aren't any mods that will add elemental damage to archery attacks, I'm left kind of dumbfounded.

So I worked up some ideas and came up with a build that looked solid to me on paper - and then I promptly got my butt handed to me by 3-Man Purple Gang on Normal on the PTS.

So, with the concept in mind, could you take a look at my build and help me figure out what is going on here, and how to make this hit harder and last longer, and maybe apply a bit more chill on the battlefield without having to spend all day casting ice powers?

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: Frozen Archer

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Ego (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Marksman
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Accurate
Level 15: Sniper Training
Level 18: Command Training
Level 21: Agile

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe (Aversion)
Level 1: Straight Shot (Split the Arrow)
Level 6: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Ice Sheath (Rank 2, Supercooled)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Focused Shot (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 20: Circle of Arcane Power (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Snow Storm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Ice Shield (Frigid Air)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 38: Palliate (Absolve)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Superspeed
Level 35: Ice Slide

Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (2/3)
Dexterity: Power Swell (1/2)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (1/2)
Avenger: Ruthless (2/2)
Avenger: Can't Touch This (2/3)
Avenger: Anguish (2/2)
Avenger: Surprise Attack (2/2)
Avenger: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Overseer: Ruthless (2/2)
Overseer: Overseer Aura (3/3)
Overseer: Trapped (2/3)
Overseer: Enhanced Gear (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

jaazaniah1 · September 2013

I'm not a super expert, but some things I'd consider:

Drop Focused Shot and add Conviction (nice insta-heal).

Drop CoAP for MSA as an energy unlock, then rank up Torrent of Arrows or Straight Shot with the points saved (some prefer Storm of Arrows over Torrent of Arrows)

With Masterful Dodge you may not need Evasive Maneuvers. Instead add Ego Surge w/Nimble Mind or Lock and Load.

If you can let go of Ice Shield maybe take Sonic Device or Toxic Nanites.

On my ice user I've found Ice Barrier to be pretty helpful. Maybe add that and drop Palliate. Rank it up and add maybe Frigid Freedom (maybe drop Aversion to free up some points).

Maybe the Soldier for innate talent
Academics instead of Sniper Training
Impresario instead of Command Training
Negotiator instead of Accurate
Worldly instead of Agile
(Alternatively add in some Con instead of Rec, which is what much of the above suggestions do; that would help with Ego Surge w/ Nimble Mind)

Ice Slide is very cumbersome to use. Steep learning curve.

Instead of Power Swell either Evasion or Quick Reflexes?

Guardian Tree with:
Fortified Gear
Ruthless
The Best Defense
Find the Mark or Tenacious

Vindicator Tree with:
Aggressive Stance
Merciless
The Rush of Battle
Modified Gear or Focused Strikes or Mass Destruction

Maybe some real experts will chime in

theravenforce · September 2013

To apply Chill Debuff quicker:

- Use Frost Breath with advantage, this grants 100% chance to apply chill.

To hit harder:

- Ego primary with Dex Secondary.

To Survive:

- Switch out *something* for CON OR use MD + BCR combo better. MD does not need ranking up, it is the only Active Defensive which works pretty damn well at rank 1. Get rank 2 on BCR in addition to RR advantage if you can. Get another heal like Conviction.

Get rid of Focused Shot, switch out for Ice Blast Rank 2 + Hard Frost. With chill stacks this will hit VERY hard with high severity even on tap.

Drop Palliate and get Conviction. If you need a threat wipe go for Evasive with Sleight of Mind Advantage.

Get rid of Circle of Arcane Power and switch in Molecular Self Assembly, it is an energy unlock which grants energy for every power which comes off Cooldown and it scales with INT so keep INT in the build.

theravenforce · September 2013

Try something along the lines, of this build.

I think it has a nice balance of ice and archery. Archery for AoE and knockback and defense. Ice for attack and damage.

NOTE: Since Ice Blast's Hard Frost advantage works best with chill applied, I'd suggest a full maintain of Storm of Arrows to root targets and pick off lesser foes, then "flash freeze" them with Frost Breath before laying them out cold with Ice Blast taps or full charges. (Puns intended

)

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: Frozen Archer

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Coordinated
Level 15: Enduring
Level 18: Agile
Level 21: Brilliant

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe
Level 1: Ice Blast (Rank 2, Hard Frost)
Level 6: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Frost Breath (Frost Bite)
Level 11: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Torrent of Arrows (Rank 2, Relentless Recurve)
Level 20: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 23: Storm of Arrows (Rank 2, Achilles' Heel)
Level 26: Ice Sheath (Rank 2)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers (Sleight of Mind)
Level 38: Avalanche (Rank 2, Serrated Shards)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Superspeed (Rank 2)
Level 35: Ice Slide (Rank 2)

Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (3/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (1/2)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (2/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (1/2)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Locus (1/2)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: Find the Mark (1/3)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

With regard build specs:

I noticed you wanted to survive more so I chose Vindicator/Guardian combo, it grants good defense and crit chance for your powers which will help you outlast your foes.

I hope this helps! (Avalanche was a last minute decision for Ice, its a nice AoE and can hit pretty hard)

stergiosman · September 2013

Owewww I used to have something very similar to this pre-alert! Grats for the idea, but things are a bit complicated now.
Choose 4-5 attack powers you want your build to have and I'll see what I can do!

Tho be aware, that I have a tendency to make solo toons that could-under certain circumstances and NOT against the top builds- PvP. I can attempt to skip that last part ;-)

ajanus · September 2013

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name:

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Ego (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: Sureshot
Level 6: Agile
Level 9: Brilliant
Level 12: Indomitable
Level 15: Coordinated
Level 18: Shooter
Level 21: Academics

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe (Aversion)
Level 1: Straight Shot (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Concentration
Level 8: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 17: Wall of Ice (Frozen Footsteps)
Level 20: Ice Cage (Sub-Zero Cellblock)
Level 23: Arctic Beast (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 35: Explosive Arrow (Where's the Kaboom?)
Level 38: Ice Burst (Rank 2, Freeze, Dirtbag)

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

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: Initiative (2/2)
Vindicator: The Rush of Battle (1/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (2/3)
Guardian: Make It Count (3/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

This would be similar to what I would run if I did a character like this. Pretty much just focus on Straight Shot for the primary damage of the build, and use Ice for utility. Even threw in Arctic Pet as a nice addition to both dps and utility. The last power is more for flavor than anything else, so it is easily replaceable. I like Guardian over Warden in the spec tree due to Straight Shot being a blast attack, you get to capitalize on that aspect a bit as well.

hodgypodge · September 2013

Accidentally triple posted.

hodgypodge · September 2013

Accidentally triple posted

hodgypodge · September 2013

Thanks for all your input, I'm tweaking it on PTS now. The biggest thing is I wanted to stay away from was directly having to apply chill too often - the whole idea was "magical freezing arrows" moreso than "ice-caster with a bow". I wish I had power-replace items still available!

I was hoping that Ice Sheath + Supercooled would do it, but it just doesn't proc enough to get to the point of ice cages littering the field. I was considering dropping the bulk of the archery out, running Ice Form and Exposive Arrow w/ Adv and Toxic Nanites, but it just isn't the feel I'm looking for. It may not be possible to get what I want after all.

joybuzzerx · September 2013

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: Frozen Archer

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Accurate
Level 15: Sniper Training
Level 18: Command Training
Level 21: Agile

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe (Aversion)
Level 1: Straight Shot (Split the Arrow)
Level 6: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Ice Sheath (Rank 2, Supercooled)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Rank 2, Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Ice Shield (Frigid Air)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge
Level 23: Evasive Maneuvers (Rank 2)
Level 26: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Nanobot Swarm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Hunter's Instinct
Level 35: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Ice Barrier (Frigid Freedom)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Superspeed (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Ice Slide (Rank 2)

Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (1/3)
Ego: Aggression (2/2)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Vindicator: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Make It Count (2/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

You might like something like this (idea is dps/survival...though could maybe replace Gaurdian with Avenger, which would give you another 14% cooldown for Ice Sheathe).

With the right gear, you may not even need Sixth Sense, and could maybe move those two points to Insight or Exploit Opening (sort of a YMMV).

Basically to get the concept you want, you want Ice Sheathe up as often as possible. Rank 2 puts an additional 3 seconds on it's run time.

Nanobot swarm after you click Ice Sheathe to get it back faster.

INT Gear and IMPACT Core Mods with Primary (Heroic or Legion) Utility of Speed!

Click Ice Sheathe, run it out, click Nanobot Swarm to bring it back faster, could even just Rank 2 Nanobot Swarm and take the Regeneration Advantage as an additional heal.

hodgypodge · September 2013

joybuzzerx wrote: »

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: Frozen Archer

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Constitution (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Glacier
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Accurate
Level 15: Sniper Training
Level 18: Command Training
Level 21: Agile

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe (Aversion)
Level 1: Straight Shot (Split the Arrow)
Level 6: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Ice Sheath (Rank 2, Supercooled)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Rank 2, Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Concentration
Level 17: Ice Shield (Frigid Air)
Level 20: Masterful Dodge
Level 23: Evasive Maneuvers (Rank 2)
Level 26: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 29: Nanobot Swarm (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Hunter's Instinct
Level 35: Resurgence (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 38: Ice Barrier (Frigid Freedom)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Superspeed (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Ice Slide (Rank 2)

Specializations:
Ego: Force of Will (2/2)
Ego: Insight (1/3)
Ego: Aggression (2/2)
Ego: Follow Through (3/3)
Ego: Sixth Sense (2/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Modified Gear (2/2)
Vindicator: Offensive Expertise (2/2)
Guardian: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Guardian: Make It Count (2/3)
Guardian: Ruthless (2/2)
Guardian: The Best Defense (3/3)
Mastery: Ego Mastery (1/1)

You might like something like this (idea is dps/survival...though could maybe replace Gaurdian with Avenger, which would give you another 14% cooldown for Ice Sheathe).

With the right gear, you may not even need Sixth Sense, and could maybe move those two points to Insight or Exploit Opening (sort of a YMMV).

Basically to get the concept you want, you want Ice Sheathe up as often as possible. Rank 2 puts an additional 3 seconds on it's run time.

Nanobot swarm after you click Ice Sheathe to get it back faster.

INT Gear and IMPACT Core Mods with Primary (Heroic or Legion) Utility of Speed!

Click Ice Sheathe, run it out, click Nanobot Swarm to bring it back faster, could even just Rank 2 Nanobot Swarm and take the Regeneration Advantage as an additional heal.

This is soooooooooo helpful. This is much closer to what I was looking for (probably as close as I'll get!)

Thank you for your input!

joybuzzerx · September 2013

hodgypodge wrote: »

This is soooooooooo helpful. This is much closer to what I was looking for (probably as close as I'll get!)

Thank you for your input!

Oh. Might want to take the rank 2 from EM and make Straight Shot Rank 2 for better damage as well.

hodgypodge · September 2013

So, ran through PTS with this, only change being Ice Barrier to Wall of Ice for thematic reasons. This is awesome. The nanobot swarm kicks the entire build up quite a bit, being able to spam Ice Sheath, Masterful Dodge and Resurgence gives me the thematic chills I wanted with the survivability and heals I needed. Ran through 5-Man Normal just fine with some pretty garbage gear from the debugger and no mods.

hodgypodge · September 2013

Here's the costume for this build I'll be using, just as a thanks.

joybuzzerx · September 2013

hodgypodge wrote: »

So, ran through PTS with this, only change being Ice Barrier to Wall of Ice for thematic reasons. This is awesome. The nanobot swarm kicks the entire build up quite a bit, being able to spam Ice Sheath, Masterful Dodge and Resurgence gives me the thematic chills I wanted with the survivability and heals I needed. Ran through 5-Man Normal just fine with some pretty garbage gear from the debugger and no mods.

Glad you like it

I was thinking of possibly switching out one of my Active Offensives for Nanobot Swarm, as an additional Heal would go nice with the build survival, but wasn't sure how often Nanobot Swarm would be up.

Right now with Quarry and Gear, my 2 AOs have a 33 Second recharge at 15 second durations each...sooo...well, it's just nice to basically have an AO pretty much active all the time

And range builds really just seem to need 2 attacks anyways, leaves lots of room for utility/survival powers

I can't get this to work the way I want. (Archery/Ice)

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