SortaKinda

Just a quick update. Later in the day, I was able to view histories without the game crashing. No changes were made to my system settings whatsoever. I'm not sure what caused that particular glitch, but it seems to have been resolved.

Well, the torrent program isn't actually doing anything currently, so that's out. I don't see how three different mouse drivers are going to crash the auction, but that's certainly worth looking into. Again, nothing new from yesterday, when the auction was working fine. I haven't seen anything that says you can't run an email program at the same time as CoH, unless you're really running low on resources. I have 8GB of RAM, so that's not an issue. Same goes with Java and Acrobat, although they're not running anything other than the background applications, not the applications themselves while I'm running CoH. Windows7 doesn't use the Sidebar function anymore, and instead the gadgets are free-floating and placeable anywhere. I run a weather gadget and two system monitoring gadgets that let me know I'm not running low on resources or getting too hot. As for the /unloadgfx, as I understand it this is a resource-freeing command. I agree, it can help, but this is a problem the instant I log in. I am using 25% of my total RAM currently, and don't peak above 50% in CoH. Eventually CoH does get glitchy, but I have to play for many hours before the memory leaks start to cause an issue, and most of the time that doesn't happen (happened much more under Vista x64).

While I appreciate the time you took to look over my system settings, I just can't see these things causing the issue. They are all things that were identical yesterday and the issue did not exist.

While I'm sad to see others having the identical problem, it makes me feel better knowing it's PROBABLY a server side issue related to the patch that was supposed to stabilize the auction. Still, that was a little bit ago, and I was using the auction fine yesterday. Maybe there was another hotfix?

---System information gathered by CoH Helper version 0.1.1.7---

DxDiag gathered at May 19, 2009 09:37 (-07:00)
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7100) (7100.winmain_win7rc.090421-1700)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: P5K Deluxe
BIOS: BIOS Date: 06/19/08 11:21:34 Ver: 08.00.12
Central Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.2GHz
Memory: 8192MB
.Net Memory Report: 5148MB out of 8191MB available
Page File: 12673MB (3706MB currently in use)
C Drive: (WDC WD1500HLFS-01G6U0) 107069MB out of 143086MB (74%) free
D Drive: (RAID) 1654994MB out of 1907730MB (86%) free
E Drive: (WDC WD10EAVS-00D7B1 ATA Device) 621239MB out of 953867MB (65%) free
F Drive: (BENQ DVD LS DW1655 ATA Device) zero-size drive
H Drive: (ELBY CLONEDRIVE SCSI CdRom Device) zero-size drive
G Drive: (LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1693S ATA Device) zero-size drive
Windows directory location: C:\Windows
DirectX: DirectX 11
DirectX Diag version: 6.01.7100.0000 (64-bit version)

Display Notes: No problems found.

No problems found.
Sound Notes: No problems found.

No problems found.
Input Notes: No problems found.

Monitor:
Monitor's Max Resolution: (blank)
Video Device Name: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
Manufacturer / Chip: ATI Technologies Inc. / ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x9440)
Video Memory: 3571 MB
Driver Version: 8.612.0.0
Driver Date: 4/28/2009 6:47:28 PM
Driver Language: English

Monitor:
Monitor's Max Resolution: (blank)
Video Device Name: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
Manufacturer / Chip: ATI Technologies Inc. / ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x9440)
Video Memory: 3571 MB
Driver Version: 8.612.0.0
Driver Date: 4/28/2009 6:47:28 PM
Driver Language: English

Sound Device Description: Speakers (Creative SB Audigy 2 ZS (WDM))
Driver File: ctaud2k.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1370
Driver Date: 3/4/2009 2:54:22 PM

Sound Device Description: SPDIF Out (Creative SB Audigy 2 ZS (WDM))
Driver File: ctaud2k.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1370
Driver Date: 3/4/2009 2:54:22 PM


WMI Information
Motherboard Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
Motherboard Model: (empty)
Motherboard Product: P5K Deluxe
Motherboard Version: Rev 1.xx
BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Name: BIOS Date: 06/19/08 11:21:34 Ver: 08.00.12
BIOS Version: A_M_I_ - 6000819
BIOS Release: 20080619000000.000000+000

Registry Information for Current User
Resolution: 2048x1090
3D Resolution: 2048x1090 (Not using renderscale)
Full Screen: No
Maximized: Yes
Screen Position: -9, -15
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Vertical Sync Enabled: Yes

Physics Quality: High
Maximum Particles: 50000
Max Particle Fill? 10.000
Physics Card Enabled: No

Anti-aliasing: Unknown (0)
Anisotropic Filtering: None
Texture LOD Bias: Smooth
Water Effects: None
Bloom: 1.000 (turned off)
Depth of Field Enabled: No
Desaturation Effects (Sepia) Enabled: No
Shader Detail: Medium

World Texture Level: Very High
Character Texture Level: Very High
World Detail Level (Vis_Scale): 2.000
Entity Detail Level: 2.000
Shadows Enabled: Yes
Gamma Correction: 1.000
Geometry Buffers (VBOs) Enabled: Yes
Suppression of Extra Player FX Enabled: No
Suppression of FX When Camera Close Enabled: No
Close Suppression Range: 3.000
Show Advertisements: Yes

Audio Mode: Performance
3D Audio: No
FX Sound Volume: 1.000
Music Sound Volume: 0.600

Show Advanced Graphics Options: Yes
Overall Graphics Quality: 0.600
Reverse Mouse Buttons: No
Save Login Username: Yes
Transfer Rate: 889025 bytes/second
Current Game Version: 18.20090422.5T
Installation Directory: D:\Program Files (x86)\City of Heroes

Mod files in the Data directory
.\fonts has 1 file
.\texture_library\MAPS\city has 1 file
.\texture_library\MAPS\Safeguard has 9 files
.\texture_library\MAPS\sewers has 44 files
.\texture_library\MAPS\static has 34 files
.\texture_library\V_MAPS\Outdoor_Missions has 9 files
.\texture_library\V_MAPS\Static has 16 files

And my Hijack This:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 9:38:24 AM, on 5/19/2009
Platform: Unknown Windows (WinNT 6.01.3004)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.7100.0000)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
D:\Program Files (x86)\uTorrent\uTorrent.exe
C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3\E_FATIBPA. EXE
D:\Program Files (x86)\SpeedFan\speedfan.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Elaborate Bytes\VirtualCloneDrive\VCDDaemon.exe
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CtHelper.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 9.0\Acrobat\acrotray.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\DeathAdder\razerhid.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\DeathAdder\razertra.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\DeathAdder\razerofa.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\OUTLOOK.EXE
D:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\javaw.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Mids Hero Designer\Hero Designer.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\City of Heroes\CityOfHeroes.exe
D:\Program Files (x86)\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\Windows\SysWOW64\blank.htm
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=userinit.exe
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Groove GFS Browser Helper - {72853161-30C5-4D22-B7F9-0BBC1D38A37E} - D:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveShellExtensions.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - D:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Conversion Toolbar Helper - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - D:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: SmartSelect - {F4971EE7-DAA0-4053-9964-665D8EE6A077} - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTxfiHlp] CTXFIHLP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirtualCloneDrive] "d:\Program Files (x86)\Elaborate Bytes\VirtualCloneDrive\VCDDaemon.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GrooveMonitor] "D:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AsioThk32Reg] REGSVR32.EXE /S CTASIO.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "D:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Acrobat Speed Launcher] "D:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 9.0\Acrobat\Acrobat_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acrobat Assistant 8.0] "D:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 9.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] "D:\Program Files\ATI\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe" MSRun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DeathAdder] d:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\DeathAdder\razerhid.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [uTorrent] "D:\Program Files (x86)\uTorrent\uTorrent.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus Photo RX580 Series] C:\Windows\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\E_FATIBPA. EXE /FU "C:\Windows\TEMP\E_SF3C4.tmp" /EF "HKCU"
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /autoRun (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [mctadmin] C:\Windows\System32\mctadmin.exe (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /autoRun (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [mctadmin] C:\Windows\System32\mctadmin.exe (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DevconDefaultDB] C:\Windows\system32\READREG /SILENT /FAIL=1 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DevconDefaultDB] C:\Windows\system32\READREG /SILENT /FAIL=1 (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: PS3 Media Server.lnk = D:\Program Files (x86)\PS3 Media Server\PMS.exe
O4 - Startup: SpeedFan.lnk = C:\Program Files (x86)\SpeedFan\speedfan.exe
O4 - Global Startup: SpeedFan.lnk = D:\Program Files (x86)\SpeedFan\speedfan.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Append Link Target to Existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppendSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Append to Existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert Link Target to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECaptureSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O16 - DPF: {39B0684F-D7BF-4743-B050-FDC3F48F7E3B} (CDownloadCtrl Object) - http://www.fileplanet.com/fpdlmgr/ca..._2.3.8.110.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O18 - Protocol: grooveLocalGWS - {88FED34C-F0CA-4636-A375-3CB6248B04CD} - D:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveSystemServices.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: acaptuser32.dll
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\Alg.exe,-112 (ALG) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\alg.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: AMD External Events Utility - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\atiesrxx.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Audio Engine Licensing Service - Creative Labs - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Creative Labs Shared\Service\CTAELicensing.exe
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\efssvc.dll,-100 (EFS) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\lsass.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: ESET HTTP Server (EhttpSrv) - ESET - D:\Program Files\ESET\ESET NOD32 Antivirus\EHttpSrv.exe
O23 - Service: ESET Service (ekrn) - ESET - D:\Program Files\ESET\ESET NOD32 Antivirus\x86\ekrn.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON V3 Service4(01) (EPSON_PM_RPCV4_01) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\ProgramData\EPSON\EPW!3 SSRP\E_S30RP1.EXE
O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\fxsresm.dll,-118 (Fax) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\fxssvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: @keyiso.dll,-100 (KeyIso) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @comres.dll,-2797 (MSDTC) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\msdtc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\System32\netlogon.dll,-102 (Netlogon) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\psbase.dll,-300 (ProtectedStorage) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\Locator.exe,-2 (RpcLocator) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\locator.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\samsrv.dll,-1 (SamSs) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\snmptrap.exe,-3 (SNMPTRAP) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\snmptrap.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\spoolsv.exe,-1 (Spooler) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\sppsvc.exe,-101 (sppsvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\sppsvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\ui0detect.exe,-101 (UI0Detect) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\UI0Detect.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\vaultsvc.dll,-1003 (VaultSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\vds.exe,-100 (vds) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\vds.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\vssvc.exe,-102 (VSS) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\vssvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\wbengine.exe,-104 (wbengine) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\wbengine.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%Systemroot%\system32\wbem\wmiapsrv.exe,-110 (wmiApSrv) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\wbem\WmiApSrv.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: @%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe,-101 (WMPNetworkSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Zune Wireless Configuration Service (ZuneWlanCfgSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\ZuneWlanCfgSvc.exe (file missing)

--
End of file - 10260 bytes

Yep, same here, completely freezes and does an image verify when I try to relog. Let's get this addressed, please?

I'm playing an EM/Inv brute at the moment, and find this guide to be pretty darned good, but there are a few things you recommend that I would not:

Never EVER skip Health on an archetype that is designed to be taking hits. There is absolutely no benefit to taking both Hurdle and Swift, since either one will provide you with an adequate means to moving around in missions. If you're planning on taking Combat Jumping, however, I'd recommend Hurdle to give you tremendous ability to move around the battlefield, unless you're standing in glue, quicksand, caltrops, etc. If you're taking Fly, go for Swift, as Swift assists that power, and is still reasonably quick in missions, especially if you stack Sprint on top of it. While you certainly don't NEED Health, it's definitely something you should not skip if you want to be the best Tanker you can possibly be.

Unless you plan to stand around not attacking, don't recommend slotting armor toggles with endredux before recommending you slot each of your primary attacks (and you should not consider Brawl part of your attack chain... Remove it as soon as possible and never give it a second glance) with endredux. ANY attack slotted with an endredux and used consistently will DOUBLE the savings on endurance versus slotting an armor with an endurance reduction. When you're slotting SOs, the first thing you slot is accuracy, the second thing you slot is endurance reduction. After that, you can put in whatever suits your fancy (damage, more accuracy, more endurance reduction would be my personal choices).

The best point to this guide is the recommendation for Aid Self. It's an amazing power that benefits an Invulnerability archetype a tremendous amount more than either of the passive Resist Elements and Energies.

Also, I notice you've only slotted Barrage with a single accuracy. If it's part of your attack chain, then it warrants slotting equivalent to any other single target attack in your chain, but at the very least, it needs an endredux in it. I'd pull the slots out of Tough Hide to slot Barrage, as in the long run, you'll get much more out of Barrage. Tough Hide IS a good power, but it's just such a low percentage that I can't see the need to slot it when you can get far more benefit from slotting Barrage with two endredux.

The suggestion for Hasten late in the game is a good one, also. By that time, your attacks should all have at least one, if not two, endredux in them, so the crash from Hasten will not be felt at all. You'll never need to slot endredux in your armor toggles if you slot 1 endredux in any attack in your attack chain, and you'll hardly ever see the endurance bar move at all if you slot 2 endredux in every attack, regardless of whether they're deep yellow, or deep green.

I'd also recommend prioritizing 3 recharge reduction in Unstoppable over Build Up. Build Up should be used when you're having a tough time hitting something, or something is extremely dangerous and needs to be dropped quickly. A single recharge will get it back in about a minute, which should be plenty fast, considering you have Invincibility to take the edge off of your accuracy issues constantly.

A final note on Health: Health is so good that you can take it at 14, throw a second DO in it at 15, and pretty much never need to run your armor when you're soloing unless there's status effects being thrown around. With 3 SOs in Health, you'll find that oftentimes you won't need Temp Invuln past 22 except in situations where you pull two sets of mobs at once. Trust me, Health will completely transform your Tanker the moment you take it.

Cheers and thanks for the great guide!

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name:
Level: 50
Archetype: Brute
Primary: Fiery Melee
Secondary: Dark Armor
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Scorch==> Acc(1)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(7)EndRdx(15)EndRdx(31)
01) --> Dark Embrace==> DmgRes(1)DmgRes(11)DmgRes(13)
02) --> Fire Sword==> Acc(2)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(7)EndRdx(15)EndRdx(31)
04) --> Murky Cloud==> DmgRes(4)DmgRes(13)DmgRes(23)
06) --> Combat Jumping==> Jump(6)
08) --> Incinerate==> Acc(8)Dmg(9)Dmg(9)Dmg(11)EndRdx(19)EndRdx(36)
10) --> Swift==> Run(10)
12) --> Obsidian Shield==> DmgRes(12)DmgRes(19)DmgRes(43)
14) --> Health==> Heal(14)Heal(25)Heal(40)
16) --> Dark Regeneration==> Acc(16)EndRdx(17)EndRdx(17)Rechg(23)Acc(25)Rechg(40)
18) --> Super Jump==> Jump(18)Jump(50)
20) --> Stamina==> EndMod(20)EndMod(21)EndMod(21)
22) --> Acrobatics==> EndRdx(22)
24) --> Build Up==> Rechg(24)Rechg(43)Rechg(43)
26) --> Fire Sword Circle==> Acc(26)EndRdx(27)Dmg(27)Dmg(34)Dmg(37)Rechg(37)
28) --> Boxing==> Acc(28)Rechg(29)Dmg(29)EndRdx(31)Dmg(34)Dmg(37)
30) --> Cloak Of Darkness==> EndRdx(30)
32) --> Greater Fire Sword==> Acc(32)EndRdx(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(34)EndRdx(36)
35) --> Tough==> EndRdx(35)EndRdx(36)DmgRes(40)DmgRes(42)
38) --> Cloak Of Fear==> Acc(38)Acc(39)EndRdx(39)EndRdx(39)
41) --> Web Envelope==> Acc(41)EndRdx(42)Rechg(42)Immob(46)
44) --> Mace Blast==> Acc(44)EndRdx(45)Rechg(45)Dmg(45)Dmg(46)Dmg(46)
47) --> Summon Blaster==> Acc(47)Dmg(48)Dmg(48)Dmg(48)Immob(50)KB_Dist(50)
49) --> Hurdle==> Jump(49)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
01) --> Fury==> Empty(1)
---------------------------------------------


Ok, I just hit 31 and my build has undergone a bit of modification since I last posted. I've been working on a build that relies on no inspirations except for emergencies, meaning you can stock up on lots of purples, and a few greens and maybe one or two blues for endurance drain situations. This is my latest idea. The key is slotting as many endredux in your attacks as you can reasonably manage. Two per attack would be plenty, and the returns on such slotting is well worth it. My two exceptions to this rule are Fire Sword Circle and Boxing. They both get a recharge and an endredux instead of 2 endredux, because Boxing fills out the attack chain much better this way and FSC is an amazing attack that will be more than worth it whenever you're surrounded. CoD is also back at 30, but it could just as easily have been Tough. I find CoD with CJ does mitigate a lot of damage over time, because it's much easier to manage aggro when using it (you don't tend to pull two groups at once unless you mean to). The extra immobilize and +Perception don't hurt, either, in addition to making it a bit easier to travel safely. While I regret taking CoF so late (38), I am doing this because I'm not certain if I can run it with my other toggles and still maintain my Stamina or not. So, I'm taking it at the end so that everything before it gets those slots that much sooner. If anyone has thoughts on this build, or things they might do differently, let me know. I'm open to suggestions.

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name:
Level: 50
Archetype: Brute
Primary: Fiery Melee
Secondary: Dark Armor
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Scorch==> Acc(1)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(7)EndRdx(15)
01) --> Dark Embrace==> DmgRes(1)DmgRes(11)DmgRes(13)
02) --> Fire Sword==> Acc(2)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(7)EndRdx(15)
04) --> Murky Cloud==> DmgRes(4)DmgRes(13)DmgRes(23)
06) --> Combat Jumping==> Jump(6)
08) --> Incinerate==> Acc(8)Dmg(9)Dmg(9)Dmg(11)EndRdx(19)Rechg(40)
10) --> Swift==> Run(10)
12) --> Obsidian Shield==> DmgRes(12)DmgRes(19)DmgRes(40)
14) --> Health==> Heal(14)Heal(25)Heal(39)
16) --> Dark Regeneration==> Acc(16)EndRdx(17)EndRdx(17)Rechg(23)Rechg(25)
18) --> Super Jump==> Jump(18)Jump(39)
20) --> Stamina==> EndMod(20)EndMod(21)EndMod(21)
22) --> Acrobatics==> EndRdx(22)EndRdx(36)
24) --> Build Up==> Rechg(24)Rechg(37)Rechg(40)
26) --> Fire Sword Circle==> Acc(26)EndRdx(27)Dmg(27)Dmg(29)Dmg(31)Rechg(39)
28) --> Boxing==> Acc(28)EndRdx(29)Dmg(31)Dmg(34)Dmg(37)
30) --> Tough==> EndRdx(30)DmgRes(31)DmgRes(34)DmgRes(36)EndRdx(37)
32) --> Greater Fire Sword==> Acc(32)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)Dmg(33)EndRdx(34)Rechg(36)
35) --> Oppressive Gloom==> Acc(35)
38) --> Cloak Of Darkness==> EndRdx(38)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
01) --> Fury==> Empty(1)
---------------------------------------------


This is another idea for a build that I'm currently working on. I'm currently level 25 and it's going great so far. The best thing about this build is that there really is never a point where endurance is a huge issue. By skipping Cremate and Breath of Fire, which are arguably the worst attacks (numerically and in how they actually function, since I'm not a huge fan of small cones, but I can also see how it could be effective once you got used to lining up the mobs properly), you are able to easily slot up all five fire attacks AND boxing to give you a smooth set of fury-building attacks that won't need hasten or recharges to function effectively. Also, by omitting Hasten, you dramatically lessen your reliance on blues, leaving you free to stock up on purples for those tough fights. I am fully convinced that Dark Regen is the best self heal in the game. It's absolutely magnificent. Twilight Grasp is pretty amazing, too, though, but that's a whole different archetype. Honestly, I'm completely unsure of what I want as my level 35 and 38 powers. I may end up going CoD at 35 and Soul Transfer at 38, but I'm not sure. Cloak of Fear is nice, but I don't like how much of a drain it would be on my endurance. Anyway, this is just an alternative build based on the ideas in this guide and some personal concept choices. I hope it helps!

Nice build. I'm working on a fire/dark brute, also and am about to hit 20. You gave me some great ideas on how to tweak my build a bit that I think I'll really enjoy. It's not quite the same as yours, but I did adopt the boxing/tough idea and dropped Cloak of Darkness. I was never thrilled with how it completely erases your character model when you use it, anyway.

See, that's another bit of information that I wish I'd known about when I was building my character. a 20' radius is quite big, comparatively (comparing, say, to the radius of the debuff toggles), but the builder only lists it as 10 feet. Had I known that, I'd have probably given Irradiate a much closer look on my build early-on, because it's a lot easier to hit multiple mobs with an area that's four times as large.

Ok, yes, I see what you're getting at, and I'll agree, Irradiate is probably more useful, in the long run, than X-Ray Beam. While a 10ft diameter isn't huge by any means, it's big enough that it probably wouldn't be too difficult to hit 3+mobs with it consistently. Of course, my philosophy is based on fighting EBs consistently from level 8 on. I'm not sure how many EBs you fight in CoH now, but as I recall, it was pretty minimal until the 30s. That is probably why I prefer X-Ray over Irradiate, because I'd not use the latter in an EB fight, as it would use too much endurance for me to last the fight.

I'm starting to envision how this build would work, however, and it does make a lot of sense. Irradiate sooner rather than later (or not at all) is definitely a good idea. Were I playing on CoH, I'd definitely give the build a try, as it sounds pretty fun, even as a soloer.

Oops, I switched back into Corruptor-mode when I was talking about Cosmic Burst. Of course, Defenders don't get this attack until 28 at the earliest. Sorry about that!

Hey, I'm not disputing that Irradiate is a great attack, because it most definitely is. If you hit 3+, it's end well-spent. I'm simply saying that for a solo build, I'm not going to be taking the time (which you don't account for) to round up all these mobs you're talking about so I can start AoE'ing them. Sure, my attacks take a bit to execute, but so does your rounding up of mobs, and I'll hazard it takes far longer to get them all huddled together for your AoE than it does for me to systematically mow through them one at a time. The activation time on my snipe is a benefit, mainly because I'm recovering endurance during that time, even if it does lower the overall DPS of the attack, it's still a fantastic opener, and a great way to take chunks of health off an elite boss when he can't hit me (which really only takes RI and a medium purple, most of the time).

I know that the power choices come at different times for defenders, but I still say that my build is probably 3x more endurance efficient and has no setup times whatsoever. AoEs are nice, I don't deny that, but they require you to manage mobs, which single target does not. I am also not disputing that in a team setting (something I do rarely, myself), AoEs easily outdamage single target attacks. That's a no-brainer. However, some people prefer not to team, and some people prefer not setting up mobs for PBAoEs, cones, and the like. My build was for those types, and was not intented to negate or diminish your guide in any way (aside from the slotting of Hurdle, which seems an absolute waste no matter which way you look at it).

All things considered, a Defender probably should be looking at the AoEs if they intend to team often. It makes good sense, but there is nothing wrong with a single target build, regardless of whether you're teaming or grouping, especially if you enjoy single target more. Radiation is not an AoE set. It's got options, and I was offering one.

As to how many mobs you could take down compared to me in an equal amount of time, if you took into consideration the setup time, etc. I expect you'd probably take down ten mobs in about the time it took a single target defender to take down six, given Dark as the final APP for both.

Ultimately, there is not a single perfect build for rad/rad, and while I understand what yours is based around, and agree it's a perfectly viable choice, my alternative is certainly not gimped by comparison. Against hordes of minions, it will naturally do less damage, against a single elite boss, it will naturally do more. Again, for those who will be teaming always/often, your build is probably more useful in the long run, while for those who intend to solo, mine is probably more efficient. Either way, what is most important is having fun with the powers you choose, and that is what I hope governs anyone who decides to follow your suggestions, or mine.

You did not mention which single target attacks you took, and when. I took the snipe at level 8, and at that point, it was an extremely endurance efficient build.

I have soloed almost exclusively all the way (and am now lvl24), and I found that attempting to get mobs into range of the somewhat small AoE was more of a hassle than simply sniping the first mob, finishing it off, and then working down the other two (on a standard 3-minion set that one finds at the lowest setting). If you feel you need to up the difficulty, then of course the AoEs start to "pay for themselves". With all four basic single target attacks, I can take down two mobs almost instantly, negating the need for the toggle(s) in most circumstances. Again, this is a matter of playstyle, as some don't mind toggle-herding mobs together, unleashing their AoEs and mopping up what's left. I find that style of play somewhat slow-paced compared to single target. It also goes without saying that a single target build will be much more effective at taking out elite bosses, in terms of endurance usage, although not necessarily the time it takes to beat a given elite boss. I'd also guess that because the setup times are lower (snipe, followed up by toggles, if the whole group comes, or finishing off the sniped target and sniping another), the xp rate is going to be equal to, or better than, a comparable AoE build.

If you've played high enough (18) with a single target build, I'm sure you'll see that the disorient on Cosmic Burst, combined with the amazing damage of Proton Volley, are extremely effective at taking down whatever mobs you might be fighting.

I appreciated your guide, and it gave me ideas for a single target (mostly) build that might appeal to those who enjoy high damage, single target attacks. Of course there are some AoEs in there that are too good to pass up (RoF/Tar Patch is almost class-defining, and who doesn't like a big ol' nuke once in awhile?), but this build focuses on the single target attacks, primarily:

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name:
Level: 50
Archetype: Corruptor
Primary: Fire Blast
Secondary: Dark Miasma
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Flares==> Acc(1)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(11)EndRdx(17)
01) --> Twilight Grasp==> Acc(1)Heal(7)Heal(11)Heal(13)Rechg(34)EndRdx(34)
02) --> Fire Blast==> Acc(2)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(13)EndRdx(17)
04) --> Darkest Night==> TH_DeBuf(4)TH_DeBuf(15)TH_DeBuf(37)EndRdx(37)
06) --> Tar Patch==> Rechg(6)Rechg(7)Rechg(37)
08) --> Rain Of Fire==> Acc(8)Dmg(9)Dmg(9)Dmg(15)EndRdx(23)
10) --> Combat Jumping==> Jump(10)
12) --> Hurdle==> Jump(12)
14) --> Super Jump==> Jump(14)
16) --> Health==> Heal(16)
18) --> Blaze==> Acc(18)Dmg(19)Dmg(19)Dmg(23)EndRdx(25)Rechg(25)
20) --> Stamina==> EndMod(20)EndMod(21)EndMod(21)
22) --> Shadow Fall==> EndRdx(22)DmgRes(33)DmgRes(34)DmgRes(40)
24) --> Acrobatics==> EndRdx(24)
26) --> Blazing Bolt==> Acc(26)Dmg(27)Dmg(27)Dmg(31)IntRdx(33)EndRdx(33)
28) --> Fearsome Stare==> Acc(28)Rechg(29)Rechg(29)
30) --> Petrifying Gaze==> Acc(30)Rechg(31)Hold(31)
32) --> Aim==> Rechg(32)
35) --> Inferno==> Acc(35)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)Dmg(36)
38) --> Dark Servant==> Acc(38)Heal(39)Hold(39)Immob(39)Heal(40)Hold(40)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
01) --> Scourge==> Empty(1)
---------------------------------------------


This is a Hasten-free build, and as such, won't be dependent on blues much at all. The slotting is a quick first-pass, and is not optimized to what might be most useful at any given level, especially post-22ish. I offer this not as a better version of your build, but as an alternative to those who prefer single target attacks to AoEs. It's always nice to have choices, after all.

Cheers!

First off, I must say I really appreciate the time and effort put into evaluating and quantifying each of the powers in the rad/rad set. I am playing a rad/rad corruptor right now, and it's helped me quite a bit in which powers to select and when (currently level 21). As to the actual builds, I'm going to offer an alternate build that I would consider viable for soloing. I have provided some tentative slotting for my build, but there are certainly areas that could be modified based on personal preference. I would suggest you not slot Hurdle, however, as there are far better places to put slots.

I will also mention that this build does not use any of the AoE attacks. Some people like such things, but I find that for soloing they are highly inefficient, and for grouping, they draw more aggro than one would want. I prefer to stick to single target, and fortunately, Radiation Blast has four very nice single target attacks for you to enjoy. So, without further ado, here is the build:

---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder
---------------------------------------------
Name:
Level: 50
Archetype: Defender
Primary: Radiation Emission
Secondary: Radiation Blast
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Radiant Aura==> EndRdx(1)Heal(9)Heal(9)Heal(11)EndRdx(25)
01) --> Neutrino Bolt==> Acc(1)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(7)EndRdx(31)
02) --> X-Ray Beam==> Acc(2)Dmg(3)Dmg(5)Dmg(7)EndRdx(31)
04) --> Radiation Infection==> TH_DeBuf(4)TH_DeBuf(15)TH_DeBuf(23)EndRdx(37)
06) --> Accelerate Metabolism==> Rechg(6)Rechg(11)Rechg(15)EndMod(19)EndMod(33)EndMod(36)
08) --> Combat Jumping==> Jump(8)
10) --> Hurdle==> Jump(10)
12) --> Hasten==> Rechg(12)Rechg(13)Rechg(13)
14) --> Super Jump==> Jump(14)
16) --> Proton Volley==> Acc(16)Dmg(17)Dmg(17)Dmg(19)IntRdx(25)EndRdx(33)
18) --> Health==> Heal(18)Heal(37)
20) --> Stamina==> EndMod(20)EndMod(21)EndMod(21)
22) --> Enervating Field==> EndRdx(22)EndRdx(23)
24) --> Acrobatics==> EndRdx(24)EndRdx(40)
26) --> Lingering Radiation==> Acc(26)Rechg(27)Rechg(27)Rechg(36)
28) --> Cosmic Burst==> Acc(28)Dmg(29)Dmg(29)Dmg(31)EndRdx(33)Rechg(36)
30) --> Super Speed==> EndRdx(30)
32) --> EM Pulse==> Acc(32)Rechg(34)Rechg(34)Hold(34)Hold(37)
35) --> Aim==> Rechg(35)
38) --> Choking Cloud==> EndRdx(38)EndRdx(39)EndRdx(39)Hold(39)Hold(40)Hold(40)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
01) --> Vigilance==> Empty(1)
---------------------------------------------


As you can see, many of your primary powers come late in the game (post-20). Some might consider this foolish, but I have found that everything past Enervating Field is far too endurance hungry to be that useful prior to Stamina. I recommend Super Speed after Super Jump, but they can easily be swapped, and might be more useful in missions because of the stealth element. I simply prefer a travel power with a Z-axis ASAP.

I also leave to you the picking of your Ancillary Pool. I have not played CoH in some time, so I would only be guessing, but the Dark Mastery set seems as good as any.

The merits of this build over others in this topic are basically endurance usage and aggro management. This build is also much easier to slot, as you get four powers prior to 20 that need no slotting whatsoever (CJ, Hurdle, Health, and Super Jump), and one power that only needs two additional slots (Hasten). This makes it far easier to 4 slot your attacks (the bare minimum slotting in my opinion, with 1acc, 3dmg, or 1acc, 2dmg, 1endredux). As I do not have Hasten yet, I am not sure whether endredux will be needed in your attacks once you are cycling AM and Hasten non-stop, but I will assume you do.

This build will solo respectably well until 16, when you get Proton Volley, and amazingly well after that. You will also have an easier time avoiding aggro, both on teams, and solo, by the exclusion of AoEs.

Happy gaming, and thanks for the great info!

[ QUOTE ]
Found a huge and deadly glitch with the Bruisers.

Periodically, if you order the Bruiser to attack a target that he is not currently standing next to, he will run up to about 2 feet out of his own melee range, and then just stand there. He won't move. He won't attack. He is just plain out of the fight, until one of the following happens: until the enemy he's targeted on moves, or it dies, or you use the Go command to move him yourself (and even that's problematic) or you switch targets and tell him to attack that one instead.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I've noticed this, also, and while I can usually get him to do what I want, it's quite annoying that the AI doesn't have a better grasp of what he's ABLE to do. I have no problems with him coming close, hand clapping, and then following up with melee, the problem is he won't do that. He will always stand at range, and hand clap nonstop unless the mob you've told him to attack actually comed to him, or by some miracle he brushes up against something when he's left on his own. In his current state, he's quite a handful, not only being blocked by the other pets most of the time, but then not attacking if he's lucky enough to get close to whatever I'm asking him to attack. That being said, if babysat, he does pretty well. I just hope they smarten him up a bit in the future, so I can tell him to go somewhere, command him (and my other pets) to attack, and feel confident he's going to make good choices on what attacks to use and how close he needs to be.

The way I check the powers of my pets, Kenja, is by checking the info of their icons. Under Resistance, it lists what the basic pet can do, while under the equip and upgrade icons, it tells you what their bonus powers are (but the Bruiser is bugged, and lists assault rifle attacks under the Resistance icon).