[Guide] Rolling with a Tank Sentinel { PvP } , Mod 5 Viable

nezraal

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my first guide. I played GWF since I started playing Neverwinter and this is my main class. I just want to share my experience with you. If you think there is something I can improve upon, please point them out to me so I can also learn from them. This build is currently in Mod4 and viable for Mod5.

Background

I have tried playing different kind of builds, a Tank Destroyer both as Executioner (TD,IBS,FLS) and as Runner (TD, IBS, BF) and felt I was running short. Against high end team vs team I felt I was lacking sufficient contribution. Most of the time, I was hitting, harassing and running for pots to survive. My hands are relatively slow and my page ranked plunged below Page 200 in Mod4. But I loved to PvP. To suit my style of play, I was looking for something a little more damage resistance with well rounded damage. I feel, I found a build that suits me and gives good result. As GWF, my page rank currently varies between pages 15-35.

<<Removed for containing @handles. Please refrain from posting information that makes players individually identifiable. Names are not unique but @handles are. >>

What does page rank mean ? Nothing really, but I suppose getting to the top 30 pages or requires a correct build, technique and team play, which is what this article is all about!

The Build

4x Purified B.I Set, re-enforced with Power
GPF (not Vorpal)
Golden Dragon Wrath (not Ferocity)
CON belt (not DEX or STR)



I spread my STAT, all in CON, some in STR and some in DEX
Update: Switch the Critical Based Profound Ring to Ring of Sinister Force (PvP Ring) or 2xTenacity Ring

Why a Tank Sentinel

Going with 2xCorrupted (Helmet and Chest) & 2x Purified or 4xCorrupted B.I Set is the choice of most Sentinel. Their power goes to around 10k+, most focus on Vorpal enchantment and a RI% around 38. This is a perfectly viable build and the top GWF (in first 5 pages) prefer it. However, it's also a Kamikaze build and for someone with slow hands like myself, getting caught in CC spills disaster.

4xPurified & Wrath

4xPurified Set and the set property combined with the Wrath blade help me attain approximately 46% RI, a lot of health and the purified ice set bonus! Going to Mod5, where the value of Intimidation is reduced o 35% means the high power surge does not scale as it does currently. Furthermore with decrease in CW and HR piercings and reduction and a new +8AC neck the value of DR holds stronger value.

The stat defense value of Wrath also gives better return than Ferocity. As Sentinel, on this build, relies more on tank and encounter damage at-will damage has lesser priority.

GPF over Vorpal

If you go with a DEX belt, 2xCorrupted Set and Ferocity it is possible to push the critical rate between 28-32. However my build, for reasons above, go with purified set and ferocity, has a low critical rate I have opted to use GPF. If you go with Vorpal on this build, it means you have to sack a significant amount of ArP or Power.

CON Belt

Going with 4xPurifed Set means roughly 800 loss of power and 500 Arp. Because I rely more on raw damage and survival this belt is the best option for me. +4 CON benefits this build because it helps boost RI% and the belt contributes to additional HP and DR% directly and indirectly. I still prefer this belt in our future mod5.

Basic Stats

8k Power (in-game take a major potion of force & PvP Boon)
40% RI
20% Critical Rate
44k HP
46% DR
18% Tenacity

Feats



Boons

HP > Power > Armor Penetration > Defense > Critical Rate > Regeneration > Stamina > Deflection

Encounters

Ideally, TR > FLS > CAGI > DS
Slot Weapon Master & Trample the Fallen
Avalanche of Steel (vs. mob) and Savage Advance (1v1 or if an opponent is trying to escape)

Because the build relies more on AOE Ranged Encounter Damage and less on at-will power or close range encounters like IBS, it does not require a high stamina. Slotting Weapon Master makes sense because of 4th Sentinel Column. But why Trample the Fallen?

TR (marks target) > FLS ( range, activates Trample) > CAGI (brings target closer) > DS (20')

Proof that this build works

My death and kill column in ladder rank is terrible, but that's mostly because I have been experimenting with different builds. This is the reflection of my past 10 PvP games. Some were pre-made, some solo and some duo. Note that even in my loss game (mostly vs. Exodus members) I was able to still pull a 15-6.



169 Kills - 52 Deaths - 193 Assists

+PROS

+ Highest Defense Tank Build for GWF with viable damage
+ You can act as a shield for HR, CW and SW in your team
+ You can hold enemy flag point for a longer time
+ Well rounded AOE Damage
+ Does not require high stamina
+ Most economical end game gear build for GWF
+ Almost immortal with a good DC or GF sharing KV in team

-CONS

- Lacks chasing power because of low run speed and stamina (for using weapon master and trample)
- Unlike 2 Corrputed / 2 Purified or 4/4 Corrupt build, it does not have extraordinary Critical Damage
- Power is around 8k instead of 10k+
- Unlike Destroyer build it lacks CC
- Encounters can be dodged, if you are not careful
- Encounters have a high cool down
- At-will damage is significantly lower than the Destroyer tree

RULES of PVP Conduct

+ Never engage in a fair fight, always look for a damaged opponent
+ Through intimidation aoe, we prevail (try to hit more than 1 target)
+ Bluff & watch for the opponent to dodge, execute your rotation with confidence
+ Don't neglect flag capture, it's more important than getting a kill
+ The daring shout is merely an encounter used in sound proof rooms (it has a short range & high cd, careful)
+ Success is measured in how many CW,SW & HR you have harassed and killed

nezraal

Side Notes

+ If you are new try for the roll that maximizes your CON (target 29 CON)
+ Half-ling, Human, Orc or Dragon born
+ Mod5 I am going with the 8 AC + Defense Neck Piece
+ Sigil of Devoted is a better choice for Slot 1 over Vanguard Banner
+ 2x PvP Ring is better, I have 10/10 (Dominion Champion) but was lazy with GG
+ Apart from the 4xPurified Set, keep a corrupted Helmet and Chest piece as backup for pug games

Lastly an apology to our GWF, he is an incredible hard-working guy. I was wrong about him and regret my past comments.

Evidence for performance that this build works

As requested by admin, I am going to hide other handle name but here is some proof that GPF is fine.

GG PvP 22-3



Hitting 20-6 in a 1000-229 LOSING GAME vs. a full premade



Also see

+ Defense vs Damage Guide
+ CAGI Calculator by NezRaaL (helps you balance between RI and Power)

Playing with some numbers, ratings, what do they mean?

Defense

3550, 34.17%
3800, 34.9%

Armor Penetration

2000, 20%RI
2500, 24% RI
2750, 25.2% RI

Please keep CON in mind, example 29 CON = 29-10 = 19% RI (add to Arp)

Critical Rate

28% - 1000, 8%
1500, 11.2%

Life Steal

400, 3.3%
700, 5.8%

Regeneration

700, 5.79%
1200, 9.36%
2000, 12.5%

Deflection

1200, 10.9
2000, 15.37

I would highly recommend for anyone to take a look at this link for more details:
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/3dqpvhuavj

Reserved for future Q & A.

Question: What do you think about 2xTenacity Ring?

In my opinion, they are better! 450 additional tenacity also kills a lot of critical damage. Not shown in the screenshot, but in PvP I am putting them on.

Question: What do you think of CAGI, DS and BF instead of FLS?

I was dubious at first, but a friend (marnival in forums), invited me to a game and showed me how he used "his" technique to chase opponents, harass them constantly and had excellent results. BF is also a valid substitute instead of FLS.

Question: What do you think of Sigil of Devoted in Slot 1?

It's the best choice. I don't have it yet. Leveling my DC!

nazghul22

nezraal wrote: »

GPF (not Vorpal)

I read in preview that the mod5 CWs will love pvp against GWFs wearing a GPF. Storm fury.
The DPS DC is also announced as being able to 3-shot a gwf.
GFs are invincible, see AZ build.

Lost cause is lost.

nezraal

I think what I said is being taken a little out of context, but yes GPF is a good enchant; what I said was this

"If you go with a DEX belt, 2xCorrupted Set and Ferocity it is possible to push the critical rate between 28-32. However my build, for reasons above, go with purified set and ferocity, has a low critical rate I have opted to use GPF. If you go with Vorpal on this build, it means you have to sack a significant amount of ArP or Power."

2 Corrupted piece (helmet & chest) gives 500 ArP, and 800 power which means your enchantment slot. Just from these two alone, if you replace "2" enchantments from dark to radiant you can thrust to another 1400 power. Currently I have 8.1k power, add 1400 you are looking at 9500! Now pour all points to DEX! Take out a little defense from the tree add to critical rate boom, close to 30% rate plus Weapon Master. Now, in "mod 4" what does all this mean? Let me explain with some numbers, say your base because of high power is doing roughtly 9k damage on an opponent in PvP.

9 + (2.25*9) = 29k, almost 30k damage in shots! (incredible)

nezraal

Here is a video to prove it, where is a premade of Absolute vs EoA, to what I said earlier:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRbGBC1DsOo

Having said that, vorpal build on 2 corrupted and Ferocity Weapon is also a more vulnerable build. I like to play safe but give lower damage (1.5k lower power) and lower critical rate (5-7%), which is why I prefer the GPF over the vorpal. At the end, it just depends on the play style, and to each their own, high risk super high damage or low risk decent damage. GPF is still a valid enchant for GWF, even on sentinel, on this build.

marnival

HI Nezraal ).
Give me a tell ingame i have some pointers for ya that i rather not write here if you like that is.
Best
@marnival

nezraal

I am at my office at the moment, I will pm you my handle. However I can send you a private message on the forums. Learning and improving is always a good thing

zvieris

Is there are any particular reason you're wearing pofound rings instead of the ring set from the PvP campaign? They would boost your tenacity by 4% or so. If you're going for survivability I assume that should be in your build.

Your rotation is pretty much what I use but not in that order. I suggest using TR>FLS>TR>DS> wait a moment after oponent dodges > CAGI. I assume you must be missing DS alot after using it right after CAGI, no?

crixus8000

Nice build guide nezraal. a 3-1 K/D ratio is always a good sign a build works well

docj0r

Good post, sir!

I myself have been playing around with different builds. I've found it to be "ymmv"

I have the full purified set and run around 42k hp (no arti belt and 21 con roll) 46-47% DR. I found using the red glyphs for the extra ArP makes my p.vorp still viable.

I found this set good, but then sometimes you get wrecked in 2 seconds anyway (love those ranged guys xD) and miss the killing power.

I also have the 2x corrupted set with the whole 10k power etc etc. I have found a good trade off for this is to run blue or green glyphs for the defense or deflect, helps quite a but with the squishyness of this build.

But yeah, its all been ymmv for me. Sometimes one set does really well, sometimes the other.

Done any testing with the profound sentinel set? I still break mine out every now and then and it actually still works great (40% of the time) with the super high deflect.

ortzhy

GPF gives unlimited stamina to cw/sw so is a big NO, but if that wasnt the case it would have been my choice as well. I havent touch domination after intimidation so i cant provide any helpful feedback apart from that...

pherrow

Nez,

Would you be down for some 1v1 testing this upcoming weekend? I've been outta the pvp game for quite a while, just now building my toon back up and would like to see where im at. If that's a possibility, pm your @handle. Cheers

notsheriffsrs

CW's love him.

pando83

Nice guide, but i absolutely don't like the build. I tested this kind of sentinel when module 4 came out and it is boring. I quite understand that this is the way of GWFs to "adapt" to the new absolutely cheesy and skill-less PvP of module 4 and probably module 5, but man...where are we going...

Cheesy reflect GF builds
Cheesy HR DPS
Cheesy auto-proccing DPS from glyphs on SW/CW/HR
Cheesy GWF build where you just run around, absorb damage passively and shot AoE powers to hit everything in range around you.

I am currently using 1 lesser red to compensate for the loss of weapon enchant (it's in AH and running around with no weapon enchant at all vs 20kers with perfects kind of justify the use of 1 red) and even on a destro GWF it makes a huge difference. Can only imagine (and experience on my skin) what the enchant is STILL capable of on SW/CW/HR. It's passive, it's free almost, it's cheesy.

And that's where we are now: low effort, low skill requirments, low risk, maximum result.

Nice guide btw. Just i would not use GPF. Might see it more useful on a SW perhaps...? With dragonborn race you should be able to hit 30% CRIT chance+weapon master pretty easily and go for vorpal may be. But i respect it if you say it's personal taste/ choice. I undestand it perfectly since i use a non-optimal PvP build just cause i like it more.

zvieris

pando83 wrote: »

Snip.

I'd rather play intimidation sentinel than a "Usain Bolt goes medieval" build like you prefer to.

nezraal

@pando - brother I love your enthusiasm for Destroyer but this paragon tree is very efficient. Furthermore GPF is fine. I am putting 2 screenshots as evidence, it's a personal taste. Lastly 20k+ GS CW/SW can be taken out quite easily in 1v1, you just have to "read" their "dodge", if you can do that and land. The first thing is, it's just a game. If you feel entertained playing Destroyer as an "art", that's what matters! For me, when I get kills, it makes me excited and that's how I feel entertained currently, again to each their own.

Anyway here is some evidence, which I mentioned earlier, that GPF on this particular build gives sufficient damage.

The GWF on top in this screenshot, is very strong and a very skilled player who uses 2/2 set and p.vorpal. We lost the game 1000-209(~800 margin!). I got 20 kills, 6 deaths! He got 26 kills 4 deaths. Just for clarification, the opponent team was premade.



The second screenshot is my performance in GG PvP where I end up 22-3



2 variant PvP modes in 2 different arena setting. I hope these screenshots will act as additional proof that this build has sufficient damage and valid. Lastly for those who asked about 450 tena pvp rings, in my personal opinion, with high DR, I think they are better! One thing players overlook in tenacity also minimizes critical damage.

@pando - instead of critical rate, I put 2 in STR, and distributed the rest in RI (41%), Health and DR (46%). I feel this is okay. If you go in with a decent DC, or a GF sharing KV you almost can't be killed, even in 20k GS premade.2 players are good enough to hold middle against 3, sometimes 4 opponents. The first screenshot acts as evidence. As for pimp, he is really pimp - not many GWF can play like him on full kamikaze sentinel build even his belt isn't CON. Another one is Diamond Krass. Both very good at that, which is why they routinely get into the top 3 pages. It's just like you on Destroyer, not many people can play Destroyer like that.

@zvieris, thank you for pointing it out. 450 2xtenacity rings are better for this build, just a personal opinion.

@docj0r, awesome, must be a beast.

@pherrow, yes sure.

pando83

Not questioning it's efficiency. I know it's very strong, met some bis sentinels and they are strong. It's a nice guide. I see why you did these choices on crit, these are solid choices. Sentinel is tankier and solid damage in brawl is a good choice. Crit is probably more important for squishy destro or future insti who need high burst.

Just watch out expecially for PF effect on warlocks. I'm going to remove small dots from my future build cause it's a pain to have these guys zooming forever or cws with unlimited teleports...

@zvieris: i know many players make fun of sprinter build but Going for it in pvp and being effective requires skill against good pvpers, or else you hit thin air with takedown. It's a rocket warrior with lots of cc resistance but still can't sprint forever so must be good at timing it still, and to land your direct takedown on a good CW, SW or perma, you need anticipation. It's less 'passive', more action oriented and i like it. Testing future instigator to see if it can be a halfway between senti and destro.

It's not optimal unlike intimidation sentinel, but still, usain bolt needs 10x skills in pvp than perma TR, combat HR exc...or you get trashed.

Back in topic, the guide is solid, keep up with you tests nezraal

steamroler12

Looks Decent, Sup Pando, BUt Ya I would go with a different weapon enchant, different heroic feats, different left side of gear, and some other stuff, but a nice starting point Pand! Thanks for the nice GWF builds bud, you always do!

nezraal

Updated the article with some numbers, and some side notes:

Playing with some numbers, ratings, what do they mean?

Defense

3550, 34.17%
3800, 34.9%

Ideal maximum rating: 3600

Armor Penetration

2000, 20%RI
2500, 24% RI
2750, 25.2% RI

Ideal maximum rating: 2500

Please keep CON in mind, example 29 CON = 29-10 = 19% RI (add to Arp)

Critical Rate

28% - 1000, 8%
1500, 11.2%

Ideal maximum rating: 1500

Life Steal

400, 3.3%
700, 5.8%

Ideal maximum rating: 600

Regeneration

700, 5.79%
1200, 9.36%
2000, 12.5%

Ideal maximum rating: 1350

Deflection

1200, 10.9
2000, 15.37

Ideal maximum rating: 1500

I would highly recommend for anyone to take a look at this link for more details:
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/3dqpvhuavj

I hope this helps distributing your ratings for maximum efficiency in defense and offense.
Feel free to correct me or add your view points.