Leveling Martial Arts/Wind DPS with defensive Passive Build

soldre · May 2014

Hi,

I'm having a blast leveling with this build. The concept is of a durable martial artist who uses Chi(Wind), Kicks and a Katana to make short work of everything.

Using Questionite Physical DPS Gear in Hybrid Role, I'm level 17 atm and have already planned everything, but would love suggestions. Just keep in mind it's a leveling build.

After I get to 40 I might retcon for max performance when I get better gear. Suggestions for lvl 40 retcon build and gear, within the the concept, are much apreciated.

http://powerhouse.nullware.com/powerhouse.html?v=9&n=Hiro&d=1278e9AEFdc45104000D203DD04Q8004103A600J500AK03I804EI03DB039N03DA03QG000mUB43A82MO3

1 Wind Lash
1 Thundering Kicks (Rank 2, Rank 3)
6 Parry (The Elusive Monk)
8 Regeneration
11 Gust (Rank 2, Rank 3)
14 Form of the Tempest
17 Conviction
20 Sword Cyclone (Rank 2, Rank 3)
23 Iron Cyclone (Vortex Technique)
26 Ego Surge (Rank 2, Rank 3)
29 Intensity (Rank 2, Rank 3)
32 Unbreakable (Rank 2, Rank 3)
35 Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
38 Resurgence

6 Dexterity (Primary)
10 Recovery (Secondary)
15 Endurance (Secondary)

1 The Unleashed (Str: 10, Dex: 10, Int: 8, Rec: 10)
6 Martial Focus (Str: 5, Dex: 5)
9 Physical Conditioning (Str: 5, Con: 5)
12 Relentless (Str: 5, Rec: 5)
15 Bodybuilder (Str: 5, End: 5)
18 Paramilitary Training (Str: 3, Con: 3, Rec: 3, End: 3)
21 Martial Training (Str: 3, Dex: 3, Ego: 3, Rec: 3)

6 Acrobatics (Rank 2, Versatility)
35 Flight

Dexterity Tree (10/10)
Combat Training (2/3)
Gear Utilization (3/3)
Deadly Aim (3/3)
Expose Weakness (2/2)

Arbiter Tree (10/10)
Enforcer (1/3)
Ruthless (2/2)
Rend (2/2)
Preservation (2/2)
Enhanced Gear (3/3)

Vindicator Tree (10/10)
Merciless (3/3)
Initiative (2/2)
Focused Strikes (3/3)
Mass Destruction (2/3)

Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

ajanus · May 2014

Unless chains is a part of your theme, I would replace Iron Cyclone with Hurricane.

I would also R3 Athletics/Acrobatics.

Regeneration should be R3...over everything else.

I would also drop Rec or End for Con and find room for an energy unlock power in the build.

Which lets you: Take Nimble Mind on Ego Surge instead of R3.

flowcyto · May 2014

Basic issue is repels and KB generally work against melee, but also that Gust is kinda redundant as a single-target attack w/ TK as ur basic combo (which has higher base dps).

What you could do is pickup Avenger Mastery if you wanted to incorporate Gust into ur normal rotation, instead of it just being there for a long-ranged move. But you wouldn't get AM till lvl 40, and the Avenger tree wouldn't really be that great for this build.

Also, you'd have 2 passive later on, but can only have one passive at a time. Unless you plan to role/build swap, having both Regen and WotW is wasting a power slot.

Here's how I'd rework ur build, making it more dps and dodge-focused. If you want an easier time in terms of maintenance/healing, then replace WotW w/ Regen (putting the lunge earlier):

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Unleashed
Level 6: Coordinated
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Quick Recovery
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Impresario

Powers:
Level 1: Wind Lash
Level 1: Thundering Kicks (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Hurricane (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Thunderbolt Lunge
Level 17: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 20: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Rank 2, Resurgent Reiki)
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
Level 29: Dragon's Wrath (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 32: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 35: Open Palm Strike (Rank 2, Focused Chi Blast)
Level 38: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)

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

Specializations:
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Dexterity: Brush It Off (2/2)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Warden: Slaughter (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Dexterity Mastery (1/1)

I replaced Gust w/ Palm Strike cause it uses the same anim as Gust, but w/ adv turns into a short-ranged move that also knocks for some CC. Its mostly just there for looks/theme, though. I also used Wind for basic AoE and the end builder. Everything else is more or less an MA build.

If ya want more Wind stuff in there, Parry could be replaced by Wind Barrier for the block. Another option is replacing one of the cd MA powers, like the lunge, w/ Dust Devil- cause that will do some small AoE dmg, Disorient, and proc MSA.

I also made ur SS and spec setups more efficient. Arbiter isn't really that great of a spec tree, and DEX/Con/Int rounds you out in terms of crit-based dps, energy (int + MSA) and health. Ya can also gear Strength to 70 for some added melee bonus and knock resist.

(Edit: changed DU for DW- so ya have a sword attack still)

flowcyto · May 2014

Oh, and I just realized ya can prob use Stormbringer as a passive too- prob would be best for boosting both the melee moves and Hurricane, since WotW more favors the MA moves. Its crushing dmg resist is useful, but it would be lower overall in terms of survival than the other 2 options.

soldre · May 2014

Nice suggestions, I'll test them to see how they feel when I get home.

Just one thing, you both suggested Hurricane for AoE. I'm just afraid that in groups I'll piss people of because the animation is kinda over the top and it repels and knocks everybody in the end of the chanelling.

Otherwise, nice suggestions. Another thing, do we really need to superstat CON for leveling? I see that most people think that way, but I'm really not sure.

moxiedanger · May 2014

Hurricane only knocks on a full maintain, so the easy solution is; don't. Just release the key/button before the end of the maintain.

flowcyto · May 2014

Otherwise, nice suggestions. Another thing, do we really need to superstat CON for leveling? I see that most people think that way, but I'm really not sure.

You don't need Con SS, but when leveling I find armadillo gear and/or Con SS great if ur going to be doing some alerts or instanced content when leveling- they give a nice boost to survival vs. tougher mobs before ur level/gear gets better (basic mission/solo content is easy enough as is, though).

Main thing w/ Con SS that makes it so popular is that it gives you a means to boost ur damage (and healing, if Hybrid role) while also boosting ur health. No other SS stat really gives you that good dual survival/dps boost just by gearing for it. It also scales up the crit from Ego Surge's Nimble Mind, making it a much better dps cooldown.

ajanus · May 2014

I've never had a problem with Hurricane's repel mechanic.

Con is usually suggested because it is the best secondary superstat, no exceptions. EVERY toon, class, powerset, whatever can use Con, so it is never wasted. This adds remarkable survivability to your toon, so even the most dps-tuned character isn't as squishy as normally associated with that role.

The other reason is that at 40, with double slotted utilities, like Legion and Justice gear, you can have so much cost reduction that, with most cases, energy becomes a non-factor...even when spamming higher cost powers. This makes double statting energy stats completely unnecessary.

While leveling though, Con essentially makes it to where you won't even need a self-heal until much later on. When you do, you can probably just grab Resurgence and leave it unranked for emergencies.

Having Regeneration as passive will make you all that much tougher to boot.

soldre · May 2014

Oh, I never tough much about CON, now I see you both points. It just seemed out of place for a DPS before considering your arguments. I'll test with both SS CON and/or 3/6 pieces of Armadillo Questionite Gear and try to grasp which configuration gives the most benefit with the least hit to my DPS.

Also tanks for the tip about Hurricane canceling before the end to avoid the knock. I'll try it today and see if it fits well the theme of martial artist.

ajanus · May 2014

Something else worth noting:

Primary Superstat trees often have benefits that say "This bonus scales with your Secondary Superstats." Having Con as a Secondary Superstat is that much more beneficial because then not only does it give you more HP, but will also now boost that particular benefit.

moxiedanger · May 2014

soldre wrote: »

Also tanks for the tip about Hurricane canceling before the end to avoid the knock. I'll try it today and see if it fits well the theme of martial artist.

I actually kinda like it a lot for this theme. I'd been toying with something similar using the petals aura and Ninja Leaves for extra themey goodness (just wish Ninja Leaves was easier to use).

selphea · May 2014

The original build actually made sense o.o And I love the concept

Iron Cyclone pulls in, Sword Cyclone AoEs for more DPS than Hurricane. Especially if you're flipping to WotW passive and opening up Melee role, AND you're using Parry for more melee synergy, the case for Sword Cyclone becomes even more compelling. Also, not all groups will necessarily need to be pulled in with Iron Cylone, so it's really a matter of choice. If you're going with melee role I'd recommend a melee AoE

Personally though, I'd go with another AoE because Sword Cyclone is such an energy hog and I don't think it works with Overdrive yet. Once they fix Overdrive I'd recommend Sword Cyclone.

In the meantime, try Dragon Kick using Whirlwind to pull them in. And I took the damage debuff on Gust so you get some synergy out of it. Since the concept is Chi, swords and kicks, I swapped Thundering Kicks to get a sword attack back - Reaper's Embrace. Higher DPS than kicks, good for Rampages where you get the chance to stack bleeds up, then use Gust's debuff to raise their damage. MSA because no better unlock was available, not that I imagine you'd need to use it much, what with using low cost attacks and having Rush and all.

Rough strategy:

Is it a scattered group? Optional Gust toughest enemy -> Whirlwind -> Lunge -> Dragon Kick
Is it a clustered group? Optional Gust toughest enemy -> Lunge -> Dragon Kick
Is it a boss? Gust -> Lunge -> Reaper's Caress, refresh Gust as necessary
Need healing? Spam BCR/Conviction.
Need defense? MD

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: Hiro

Archetype: Freeform

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

Talents:
Level 1: The Unleashed
Level 6: Martial Focus
Level 9: Physical Conditioning
Level 12: Relentless
Level 15: Bodybuilder
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Martial Training

Powers:
Level 1: Wind Lash
Level 1: Reaper's Caress (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Way of the Warrior (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Form of the Tempest
Level 11: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 14: Dragon Kick (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Whirlwind (Rank 2, Vortex)
Level 20: Ego Surge (Rank 2, Nimble Mind)
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Gust (Rank 2, Toppling Winds)
Level 29: Parry (The Elusive Monk)
Level 32: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
Level 35: Unbreakable
Level 38: Thunderbolt Lunge

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

Specializations:
Dexterity: Combat Training (2/3)
Dexterity: Gear Utilization (3/3)
Dexterity: Deadly Aim (3/3)
Dexterity: Expose Weakness (2/2)
Warden: Fortified Gear (3/3)
Warden: Ruthless (2/2)
Warden: Elusive (2/2)
Warden: The Best Defense (3/3)
Vindicator: Aggressive Stance (2/2)
Vindicator: Merciless (3/3)
Vindicator: Focused Strikes (3/3)
Vindicator: Mass Destruction (2/3)
Mastery: Warden Mastery (1/1)

flowcyto · May 2014

The original build actually made sense o.o

Well, if we're going to talk efficiency, vortex Cyclone is still low dps (and doesn't really fit the theme, being a chain attack- main reason I dumped it). And there's still no real reason to have Gust outside of looks or just have a ranged spell; its dps is too low vs. the other attacks in a melee build- esp vs. stacking bleeds. Stagger doesn't make enough of a diff since it caps at 6% (and takes almost 5 sec of using a low-dps move to get there)- and stacks don't refresh, so it won't stay at 3 for long. It'd be way better served here being replaced by Reaper's Embrace if you already picked up Caress, but then ur just making it more of a sword-based build than anything. The original build also had an iffy SS setup, and 2 passives- one unranked

You are right that Sword Cyclone is a more effective AoE for a melee, but its also shorter reach and expensive- main reason I didn't keep it in though is because I wanted the build to rely less on the MA attacks for staple moves, since I didn't see Gust as worthwhile outside of looks. I wanted more Wind moves in there, and to me there's better offerings from Wind than Gust. I was also ready to put Wind Barrier as the block instead, just cause it makes it more unique vs. the usual MA builds :X

Vortex + Dragon Kick could work, but I'm still iffy on basing any regular AoE around a 120d melee cone. Leveling the melee ATs that only had those for AoE was a PITA.

Oh, I guess Gust could have one thing going for it in this sort of build: a quick way to proc Wind Reverb on single-targets, but that means building and playing around that EU.

selphea · May 2014

flowcyto wrote: »

Well, if we're going to talk efficiency, vortex Cyclone is still low dps (and doesn't really fit the theme, being a chain attack- main reason I dumped it). And there's still no real reason to have Gust outside of looks or just have a ranged spell; its dps is too low vs. the other attacks in a melee build- esp vs. stacking bleeds. Stagger doesn't make enough of a diff since it caps at 6% (and takes almost 5 sec of using a low-dps move to get there)- and stacks don't refresh, so it won't stay at 3 for long. It'd be way better served here being replaced by Reaper's Embrace if you already picked up Caress, but then ur just making it more of a sword-based build than anything. The original build also had an iffy SS setup, and 2 passives- one unranked

You are right that Sword Cyclone is a more effective AoE for a melee, but its also shorter reach and expensive- main reason I didn't keep it in though is because I wanted the build to rely less on the MA attacks for staple moves, since I didn't see Gust as worthwhile outside of looks. I wanted more Wind moves in there, and to me there's better offerings from Wind than Gust. I was also ready to put Wind Barrier as the block instead, just cause it makes it more unique vs. the usual MA builds :X

Vortex + Dragon Kick could work, but I'm still iffy on basing any regular AoE around a 120d melee cone. Leveling the melee ATs that only had those for AoE was a PITA.

Oh, I guess Gust could have one thing going for it in this sort of build: a quick way to proc Wind Reverb on single-targets, but that means building and playing around that EU.

Gust works because the build uses Acrobatics as a travel power

Jump from >100ft -> charge Gust on downward arc -> Land -> Release -> Lunge.

I'm not as sure about Vortex but I think it's also possible to jumpshot a Vortex before landing to Dragon Kick.

It's also useful for the "tanks" that like to pull Gravitar all over the map, or Viper Xs and Valerians that start flying, or if you really don't feel like chasing a Nemesis as the Cascade spammer knocks it all over the map - or worse, knocks it into the crates at Dockside and it gets stuck in geodata out of range of melee.

Ultimately it's about as relevant as BCF - mostly for concept, but to say there's no real reason to take it, I'd say there's even less reason to take BCF

flowcyto · May 2014

selphea wrote: »

Gust works because the build uses Acrobatics as a travel power

Jump from >100ft -> charge Gust on downward arc -> Land -> Release -> Lunge.

I'm not as sure about Vortex but I think it's also possible to jumpshot a Vortex before landing to Dragon Kick.

Yeah, it is- or should be. The jump-trick works on anything that has lock-down on cast, from my experience- though ofc ya can't move once ya land if ur still casting. On my leveling Grimmy I sometimes use it to place sigils in a pack of mobs as an opener. That trick is also one of the reasons I always have a ranked acrobatics-style power on all my builds. Its just too good to pass up imo :X

It's also useful for the "tanks" that like to pull Gravitar all over the map, or Viper Xs and Valerians that start flying, or if you really don't feel like chasing a Nemesis as the Cascade spammer knocks it all over the map - or worse, knocks it into the crates at Dockside and it gets stuck in geodata out of range of melee.

True, having a ranged spell just for some long reach can be nice. I'm not sure I'd rank it fully if I was mainly taking it for that in a melee build- that had a lunge already. It is stylish.. I mean I can't blame people for taking the spell for its looks, though Palm Strike also has the same casting anim.

And dun forget melee can do that to Nems too- mainly the haymaker and roomsweeper users. But I think some people just don't care. Its fun, but also very annoying XD If only mobs knew how to use the /stuck command.

chaelk · May 2014

the good thing about whirlwind with vortex, is it keeps going after you stop maintaining. so they stay together while you hit them.

Leveling Martial Arts/Wind DPS with defensive Passive Build

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