C-Lab's Guide to the PvP Empathy Defender
1. Introduction
2. Empathy
3. Power Pools
4. Epic Power Pools
5. Sample Build
6. PvP Strategy
7. FAQ
INTRODUCTION
Hello everyone and welcome to my first PvP guide. Ive thought about writing this for awhile, but have always decided against it. A day of boredom and lack of anything to do in CoH finally swayed me to do it. Ill start off by telling everyone a little bit about my emp in PvP (C-Lab)
Ive been PvPing in CoH since the arena hit live and have loved every minute of it. It is the sole reason I am still playing CoH. Some of my other PvP toons include my fire/energy blaster (Labinator) and my ill/rad controller (Labrynth). Out of all my toons, there is no doubt in my mind that my empath defender is the best. I have 7 level 50s and not one of them can even hold a candle to the impact my empath can have on a PvP team, whether it be arena or PvP zone.
A little bit of a warning in advance: this guide is for a purely support PvP empathy. In fact, you wont take a single power from your secondary outside of the initial power. The reason for this is because of how powerful your primary is. Because of how effective it can be, the empathy is the number one target on everyones hit list. This is where the real challenge begins... staying alive. If you can survive on your empathy, you can be the biggest difference maker of every team. If none of the following apeal to you and you just need to be able to dish out damage, then this is not the toon or the guide for you...
- Pure Support Role
- ZERO soloability
- Hunted down more then anyone
- LOTS of movement
If you are okay with the above, then you can look forward to this...
- At least doubling the effectiveness of every PvP team you are on
- Having relatively zero problems finding a PvP team while in a PvP zone
- Making a lot of Blaster friends
- Having a LOT of fun
Alright so anyway, lets get on with it!
EMPATHY
Lets dive right into the most important part, your primary.
Heal Aura
Description: PBAoE Team +Heal
Comments: One of the biggest positives to being an empath is your survivability. Heal aura is a big part of this. Not too much to say about this power. Use it when your not at full health
Recommended Slotting: 3x Heals, 3x Recharge
Heal Other
Description: Ally Heal
Comments: The staple Heal of the set. Use this as patchwork for your team. The heal isnt nearly as good as it used to be before ED, but it is still very potent. You will use this power more then any other.
Recommended Slotting: 3x Heal, 1x Range, 2x Recharge
Absorb Pain
Description: Ally Strong +Heal, Self Moderate DMG, Self (-Heal)
Comments: One of the most important powers in the set, Absorb Pain is what defines empathy as hands down the best healing set in the game. Not a power you want to be spamming all the time, but AP will allow you to make a life saving heal from red to full health. Do not use this power unless one of your teammates is really really hurting. It can fully heal a squishy and this is where it should be used. The most satisfying moment in an empaths life is when he steals that kill from the opposing team by fully healing a teammate with one power.
Recommended Slotting: 2x Heal, 2x Range, 2x Recharge
Resurrect
Description: Ally Rez
Comments: Dont need it for PvP. Skip it.
Recommended Slotting: N/A
Clear Mind
Description: Ally +Res (Disorient, Hold, Sleep, Immobilize, Confuse, Fear) +Perception
Comments: Ironically, this is one of your best powers, but it will also be the cause of many of your teammates deaths. Clear Mind is an absolute must, and should be slotted with 3 ranges, just to make sure that you can cast it from a far. The reason I say it will be the cause of many deaths is because of its horribly long animation time. You will often find yourself stuck in the CM animation, unable to heal a teammate. Because of this, you will want to use CM more in downtime, leaving yourself open to heal in rush times where your team is engaged with the enemy. I suggest keeping 1-2 CMs on teammates, increasing that whenever they get focused on by controllers, or just if you have nothing better to do at the moment.
Recommended Slotting: 3x Range
Fortitude
Description: Ally +DEF, +DMG, +ACC
Comments: Despite being greatly nerfed, this power still is very useful. The defense buff is 12.5% (not sure on the tohit buff). Some people look at this 12.5% as pitiful, but keep in mind that an SR's toggles provide the same buff. One really nice way to get the most out of your fort is to use it right after power build up. Power Build Up gives a 151% boost to secondary effects. This means a 151% bonus to the defense and tohit bonus of Fort. Compare this to the 55% bonus you get from enhancements and you'll see how important PBU really is (you'll be giving more defense then an SR minus Elude). The best targets for Fort are blasters, defense toons (to stack with their defense), and Storm toons.
Recommended Slotting: 4x Membranes or 3x Recharge, 3x TohitBuffs
Recovery Aura
Description: PBAoE +Recovery
Comments: An amazing power in PvE, RA isnt nearly as useful in PvP. Its still a great power, but the biggest problem with it is getting your team to gather for it. In tough situations, they are likely to die if they stop moving for too long. Because of this, I would suggest advertising when your about to use RA, just dont wait for everyone to gather. Give them 5 seconds tops, and if theyre not there by then, forget about it. You will need this endurance buff yourself so you wont want to wait around too long to use it. If your in a rush to use it, Id suggest finding one person on your team who moves around the least and give him it (usually the storm).
Recommended Slotting: 3x Recharge, 1x End Redux, 2x End Recovery
Regen Aura
Description: PBAoE +Regeneration
Comments: Hands down, the most underrated power in the empathy set, Regen Aura is very very helpful in PvP. Pre-ED I used to slot it for 6x heals, and it was amazing to see my entire team turn into a regen scrapper for its duration. It was a very very rare site to see someone on my team die with regen aura on them. Post-ED it is still very helpful as all types of minimal damage are negated. For you it serves another purpose. When Regen Aura is up, you can basically use Absorb Pain at will and youll be amazed at what youll still be able to survive (Absorb Pain blocks you from healing yourself, but not from Regen'ing that health).
Recommended Slotting: 3x Recharge, 3x Heal
Adrenaline Boost
Description: Ally +Recovery, +Regeneration, +Recharge, +Res (Slow)
Comments: The greatest single target buff in the game, Adrenaline Boost is the buff everyone wants. The one thing ive noticed about AB is that it makes good players into amazing players, but doesnt do too much for bad-mediocre players. It acts like Speed Boost on steroids, allowing those good players to attack more without worrying about their health, endurance, or being slowed. The best targets for AB are blasters, Storms, and Spine Scrappers, but player skill should be looked at as well when choosing who to give AB to.
Recommended Slotting: 3x Recharge, 3x Heal
POWER POOLS
Just as important as your primary are the power pools you choose. Because you are not getting anything from your secondary, you have a lot of room for a lot of power pool choices. This is good, because your going to need it. These 4 power pools will contribute to your success by drastically increasing your survivability.
---Speed---
Hasten
Description: Click- Self +Recharge
Comments: Despite no longer being perma, this power is still essential to a PvP Empath. Long recharge times is one of the biggest complaints about empathy post-I6, so there is no reason to not get Hasten and use it as much as you can. It is also critical for rough times when you need to continually spam Heal Other + Absorb Pain as much as possible.
Recommended Slotting: 3x Recharge
Super Speed
Description: Toggle- Self +Speed
Comments: Speed is king in PvP and that holds true more for an empathy then any other toon. This along with Super Jump will allow you to move VERY fast
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux, 2x Run Speed
Whirlwind
Description: Toggle- PBAoE, Foe Knockback
Comments: One of the most important powers for a good PvP Empath is Whirlwind. Not because of the knockback, but instead because of the fact that animation roots are eliminated while this is toggled. This is the king of all speed powers in that it enables you to continually run nonstop. This is extremely important as you almost always have people chasing after you. The one drawback to this power is having to endure the dreadful animation. You can try to play your empath without this power, but it will definately be more difficult especially with keeping Clear Mind (4 second activation) on everyone on your team.
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux, 2x Recharge
---Fitness---
Hurdle
Description: Auto- Self +Leap
Comments: Just a prerequisite to Stamina. You will have Super Jump toggled almost all the time and you can reach the leaping cap with just that.
Recommended Slotting: 1x Jump
Health
Description: Auto- Self +Regeneration, Res(sleep)
Comments: Even though the +regen is minor, anything is useful. Also, this build has an abundance of slots, so theres no harm in slotting this up.
Note: The Resistance to sleep is for duration and is NOT protection against sleep.
Recommended Slotting: 3x Heal
Stamina
Description: Auto- Self +Recovery
Comments: This build uses up a lot of endurance and even though you have several other methods of preserving your endurance, I still recommend getting the fitness line for Stamina. On my empathy, endurance is never a problem, and that is definately how I want to keep it. A good empath shouldnt ever have to worry about not having enough endurance to buff someone or to get that heal in time.
Recommended Slotting: 3x End Modification
---Leaping---
Combat Jumping
Description: Toggle- Self +Leap, Res(All), Res(Immobilization)
Comments: The sad thing about this power is the fact that you cannot use it at the same time as Super Jump. For this reason, you wont be using it often. However, I still recommend keeping this available to toggle on in case you are getting Immobs stacked on you (unlike Health, Combat Jumping does give you protection from Immob).
Recommended Slotting: 1x Jump
Super Jump
Description: Toggle- Self Long Jump
Comments: Super Jump is currently the best PvP travel power hands down. It allows for good vertical and horizontal movement in addition to the fact that slows simply do not slow it down like they do Super Speed. You will have this toggled on at all times and you should also be jumping all the time. One big key to Empathy in PvP is the fact that buffs/heals do NOT trigger suppression. Its because of this that you can be more mobile then any other toon out there.
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux, 3x Jump
Acrobatics
Description: Toggle-
Comments: Another necessary power for a PvP empathy (as well as most PvP toons out there). Acrobatics gives you knockback protection which is essential in maintaining your speed. Getting knocked down will slow you down enough for most people to kill you. In addition to KB protection, it also gives minor hold protection. Its not enough to save you from getting held by a controller, but it does work against blaster single target holds.
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux
---Concealment---
Stealth
Description: Toggle: Self Stealth, +DEF
Comments: A helpful power for escaping those without perception. I always have it toggled, but for the most part it is a prereq power for the much more important phase shift.
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux
Grant Invisibility
Description: Ranged Team Stealth, +DEF
Comments: Not the greatest of your buffs, but still has uses at times. I never worry myself too much with keeping this on the team, but it is helpful for giving it to other support toons on your team and keeping them from danger.
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux
Phase Shift
Description: Toggle, Self Intangible
Comments: This power is the reason you should take the concealment pool. Unlike your illusion/empathy buddies, empathy defenders do not have the best options of escaping danger. Phase Shift is the perfect power to use when in a lot of danger. Be careful though as the power does not activate immediately. You have a few seconds in between when you first cast the power and when you are actually phased. Good times to use phase shift include: when you are massively slowed, several blasters/spines scrappers all chasing you down, after being held and all your toggles have dropped.
Recommended Slotting: 3x Recharge, 1x End Redux
Epic Power Pools
I personally havent tested all the epics, but my favorite will always be the Power Mastery. Heres my take on the powers...
Conserve Power
Description: Self Endurance Discount
Comments: I know what your probably thinking, "MORE END!?!" To be honest, it doesnt hurt to have CP back up RA and Vigilence. You will be running a lot of toggles all the time as well as constantly using powers. One of the best things about an empath defender is your ability to always have enough endurance. Endurance is never a problem for me and I definately want to keep it that way (and usually am in need of CP at least once a match).
Recommended Slotting: 1x Recharge
Power Build Up
Description: Self +DMG, +ACC, +Special
Comments: The main reason for getting this epic is for this power. During its 15 second duration, you will have increased heals as well as one amazing fortitude to pass out. Your self heal will also be increased greatly (heals for over 400), allowing you to survive better.
Recommended Slotting: 1-3x Recharge
Temp Invulnerability
Description: Toggle: Self +Res (Smash, Lethal)
Comments: Not much to say other then you need this power for the resists. Best S/L resists will allow you to withstand Spines attacks better then most.
Recommended Slotting: 2x End Redux, 3x Dmg Resist
Total Focus
Description: Melee, Extreme DMG (Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient
Comments: Personally, I was okay with just going pure empathy, no attacks, on C-Lab. If you absolutely positively need at least one slotted attack, then I would suggest taking Total Focus. It has more damage then any attack your going to find from any secondary (except for the nukes), and has a nice stun to it.
Recommended Slotting: 2x Acc, 3x Damage, 1x End Redux
Sample Build
Exported from version 1.5C of CoH Planner
http://joechott.com/coh
Archetype: Defender
Primary Powers - Ranged : Empathy
Secondary Powers - Support : Energy Blast
01 : Power Bolt acc(01)
01 : Heal Other hel(01) hel(3) hel(3) rng(5) recred(5) recred(7)
02 : Healing Aura hel(02) hel(7) hel(9) recred(9) recred(11) recred(11)
04 : Absorb Pain hel(04) hel(13) rng(13) rng(15) recred(15) recred(17)
06 : Hasten recred(06) recred(17) recred(19)
08 : Clear Mind rng(08) rng(19) rng(21)
10 : Hurdle jmp(10)
12 : Fortitude recred(12) recred(21) recred(23) thtbuf(23) thtbuf(25) thtbuf(25)
14 : Super Speed endred(14) endred(27) runspd(27) runspd(29)
16 : Health hel(16) hel(46) hel(46)
18 : Recovery Aura recred(18) recred(29) recred(31) endred(31) endrec(31) endrec(33)
20 : Stamina endrec(20) endrec(33) endrec(33)
22 : Combat Jumping jmp(22)
24 : Super Jump endred(24) endred(34) jmp(34) jmp(34) jmp(43)
26 : Acrobatics endred(26) endred(36)
28 : Whirlwind endred(28) endred(36) recred(50) recred(43)
30 : Regeneration Aura recred(30) recred(36) recred(37) hel(37) hel(37) hel(39)
32 : Adrenalin Boost recred(32) recred(39) recred(39) hel(40) hel(40) hel(40)
35 : Stealth endred(35) endred(43)
38 : Grant Invisibility endred(38) endred(42)
41 : Power Buildup recred(41) recred(42) recred(42)
44 : Temp Invulnerability endred(44) endred(45) damres(45) damres(45) damres(46)
47 : Phase Shift recred(47) recred(48) recred(48) endred(48)
49 : Conserve Power recred(49) recred(50) recred(50)
-------------------------------------------
01 : Brawl enhancement(01)
01 : Sprint enhancement(01)
02 : Rest enhancement(02)
PvP Strategy
I could probably go on forever about every little detail of what to do in PvP, but a lot of it should be learned on your own through play. Most of the helpful hints I could give you are with each of the individual powers and were already mentioned, but heres a few more...
- To every arena match, bring 16-20 Break Frees and 0-4 Respites depending on who you are facing.
- Keep an eye on your status icons in the top right corner. If you see icons for Energy Melee, Ice Blast, or Spines pop up, you know its time to run and get ready to heal. If you have a lot of those pop up, its time to think about using Phase Shift. This also helps with dealing with holds. Know how many holds you have on you and when to use a Break Free.
- There is a delay with most powers that you can use to get ready for what is coming. With every power there is an activation time. When that power is first activate, the target gets the icon in the upper right hand corner. The important part to note is that the effect of the power (the damage/status effect) does not happen until the animation of the power is complete. If the power is a projectile (spines/Ice attacks), it has a further delay as the power needs to be activated and then the projectile needs to hit you. Put all of this together, and you can brace yourself for mostly anything your opponents throw at you.
- Watch the Icons of your teammates just as much as yours. Open up the team window and click the arrow to the right to open up all the icons for your team. Use what was said above to brace your team for everything. This is hands down the most important thing an empath could do. Using this, your team will never have to say "held" or "I need a heal" because you should know before they do what they need. Use this to learn what targets are being made on your team. If you see one person on your team getting massive holds stacked on them, you keep stacking CM's on them. If you see a bunch of attacks pop up for someone, get ready to heal them. Using this will only save you seconds, but youd be amazed at how many people you'll save with just a few extra seconds.
- The Defenders 2nd Inherent Power: Taunt. Defenders have a horrible reputation when it comes to PvP, as everyone always seems to go for them first. This is definately true, but its for a reason. Defenders can help a team more then any other toon, making it harder to kill everyone else. Because of this, the defender is hunted down first. Know this, and use it to your advantage. Whenever you use phase shift, make sure to run into the middle of everything without WW up. You'll be amazed at how many people will completely stop what they are doing and attack you.
- Run like a madman. Dont ever stop moving. Ever
FAQ
-coming soon-
Wow, so Im finally done. If youve read through the whole thing, then I thank you for taking the time to do so, and I hope you learned a few things