I often get asked why I choose Energy with Dark Miasma. I wanted to be a offender and wanted pets so I choose Dark/Energy to take me there. Why? Energy is the most damaging blast AT for defenders, 3 solid single attacks all by level 10. Also with aim I'm able to increase my damage and my chances to hit with my Dark AT powers.
Still energy blast is hated due to the Knockback (KB) of it's attacks due to the lack of skill by most players. This is my attempt to help those who may not have that much experience with Energy blast. If you don't want to deal with the KB and yet want to do decent damage go with Radiation or Elec. Why? They both have Aim and are excellent choices.
Since there are many very good guides to Dark Miasma, I will only go into detail what I took and why. Remember this is only a guide please feel free to adjust it for your style of play. I am by no means a end all to CoH and the Dark AT!
If you team I do recommend you take ONLY SINGLE ATTACKS until your mid to late 30's. This is due to you being able to control who,what and when you KB a mob. Remember as Dark you will have a anchor mob, and as such you will need to keep that mob alive as long as possible for maximum effect. If you solo then the only AoE attack I recommend is Torrent. Yes its a cone attack but its a very nice attack when used properly. Does more damage then Explosive blast. After you have your pets I recommend you pick up Torrent during respec. Why? The upper levels are a grind. Torrent speeds up your killing.
If your anchor runs way, KB the mob. If you have a AoE blaster, KB the anchor out of the way
If you get a attack make sure to 6 slot it or don't get it. I highly recommend 1 acc + 5 damage on your attacks. With the first 3 of your attacks you will be able to 3 hit any even con minion, with Aim +1 to current level. 6 slot your first 3 attacks ASAP.
When grouped DO NOT target the mob your tanks/ scrappers are on! This is annoying as well as lowing your DPS since they do more. Once you are down to the last mob, its a free for all :P
Slot[01] Level 1 (Starting Primary) : Twilight Grasp /Empty
Slot[02] Level 1 (Starting Secondary) : Power Bolt /Empty
No surprise here, since I was a offender I 6 slotted power bolt, 3 on TG 1 acc 2 heal. The more you solo the more you want in TG.
Slot[03] Level 2 : Power Blast /Empty
Slot[04] Level 4 : Darkest Night /Empty
6 slot Power blast, and I had 2 slots in DN by 20, at 29 I upped it to 4. It will be 6 soon all Tohit debuffs.
Slot[05] Level 6 : Howling Twilight /Empty
Slot[06] Level 8 : Shadow Fall /Empty
HT is a wonderful power. Not only will it AoE rez but its a great AoE stun for minions. 1 slotted for recharge
SG I run 24/7 for the stealth. I did not feel the need to slot it will my 20's for the resists. currently 3 slotted 1 end 2 resists.
Slot[07] Level 10 : Power Burst /Empty
Slot[08] Level 12 : Hasten /Empty
Power burst is one of the most damaging power outside of Snipe or Nova. 6 slotted.
Hasten is almost a give me. You can go with out it but why? I waited till 12 to pick it up so I could slot my attacks by this time. Hasten just needs to be 6 slotted by 21 for perma hasten at 22.
Slot[09] Level 14 : Super Speed /Empty
Slot[10] Level 16 : Swift /Empty
No need to slot any of these power. SS + Shadowfall = total invisibility. Great for getting in the first strike and with Recall friend great for with a Team wipe with Howling Twilight.. I recommend you find 3 minions to use it on for a wipe. Members will have full health and 50% end.
Slot[11] Level 18 : Hurdle /Empty
Slot[12] Level 20 : Stamina /Empty
Stamina is also a give me. Just have it 6 slotted by 30, 27 if you have a friend/alt with access to your level 30 So's.
Slot[13] Level 22 : Aim /Empty
Slot[14] Level 24 : Whirlwind /Empty
Aim I have currently 3 slotted. +50%/ +100 acc to damage is nothing to sneeze at when you need that something extra. If it's up I use it.
Why Whirlwind vs Petrifying Gaze. I took Whirlwind because it will affect a boss off the bat, there is not tohit it never misses! It effects mobs +8 level above you. This power is underrated. As along as you have a boss in the air you never get hit with it's attack. This was my answer to Lost boss mobs who mez. The only thing it will not work on are Monsters and Archvillains. The more mobs you hit the more it drains end. If you don't hit any mobs, no end lost. Use it wisely. Great for the WonderWoman spinning change outfit trick also! Once you get pets Respec it out and replace with Torrent.
Slot[15] Level 26 : Snipe /Empty
Slot[16] Level 28 : Recall Friend /Empty
Snipe is a great weapon for the offender if you know how to use it. Great for pulling or getting that runner. 6 slot it. Darkest night + Snipe means you can use this power Point blank. If you have trouble getting off try this configuation. 1 acc, 3 damage, 2 interrupt enc. After about 3 to 4 secs you can move and it will go off. Use Aim with this for best effect. After I got pets I repec it out due to my pets holding all the mobs still so I am in up close more. Replaced with Tar pit.
Slot[17] Level 30 : Teleport /Empty
Slot[18] Level 32 : Dark Servant /Empty
Slot Teleport for Range. This is you vertical movement to go with Super Speed. Only one slot needed.
Dark servant: How do much to I love thee? Let me count the ways. It's a Mobile pet with issue 2. It heals!, It dots, It holds and its debuffs. Since its now a pet base accuracy is 75%. 6 slot it ASAP. I use 6 recharge so I am able to keep up 4 pets with perma-hasten. For me I have found this to be the best configuration for how I play. Using SS and Shadowfall I will run behind the mobs, pets run up and they will cast TT, then start to hold mobs in place. I then move back to my pets and blast always. Simple yet VERY EFFECTIVE. The more mobs you fight the longer it takes for pets to hold them all. If you fight a single mob its normally held/locked down in under 10 secs. Personal rule of thumb. 2 pets needed for a Boss, 3 for Monsters and Archvillains, 4 for CYA. I can't not STRESS how Bad A$$ our pets are vs Monsters and Archvillains. Want to make a controller jealous? Get 3 pets out and show them up. Its best to be within 2 levels with 6 recharge within 4 if you go with 1 acc in pets.
Slot[19] Level 35 : Black Hole/Empty
Slot[20] Level 38 : Nova /Empty
I had assault at 35 (remember kids Explosive blast sucks vs Torrent) and respec'd in Black hole. I wanted Black hole and its a very good power. I use it as a poor mans Phase shift. It has save me more times then I remember. Get too many to handle? BH a few mobs. Have a portal and demons pouring through? BH the portal. Stuck in jail? BH the Door. I will pick up assault at 41 +12.5% damage is nice when you have 3 others running it.
Nova. Just got, I intend to 6 slot it. Im thinking 4 damage/2 recharge or just 6 Damage. Massive damage but you will lose all end normally. Just make sure to have your pets up and you should be golden. Have a End insp ready to go but its not needed.
Remember this is only a Guide and but it has proven to work. I have not doubt it can be improved on.
I hit level 38 in 2 months of playing 5 to 6 hours a night 4 days a week, teamed. I solo quite well and im always called to help take out a Monster or Archvillan.
Cheers!