bmbeeman

So, over the past month or so I've created a whole bunch of characters, explored builds, and can't really make a hill of beans of much of it. Looking through my roster I think part of the problem is I have to much going on. I wanted to try and narrow it down (just for a little bit). Since I have no idea how difficult certain sets are, I thought about letting the community weigh in on what might be the most "straightforward" build and playstyle options might be. Here's what I got going:

Kenetic Melee/Super Reflexes Scrapper
Ice Armor/Ice Melee Tanker
Mace/Willpower Brute
Dual Pistols/Devices Blaster
Assault RifleEnergy Manipulation Blaster
Soldier of Arachnos (ready for respec)
Arachnos Widow

With the exception of the Scrapper and the Soldier most of these characters are mostly untouched. I had a loft of conceptual ideas so I cranked them out during the seven year celebration, now I just have to find a way to build some of them. I was leaning towards taking out my Assault Rifle Blaster if master of cones is still viable because that sounded fun and easy to build. My other top option is the tanker for some reason, I just like him. My Soldier has so many options he's kind of fried my brain as of present. Crab/Huntsman/Bane, multiple ways to do each *mind blown* A cookie-cutter character would be nice right about now, at least till I know how to pick/slot powers. Always been clueless on the build part, I'm more of a gameplay guy. In the meantime I'll continue to play with mids, that's turned into a game of it's own. I really hope my Soldier turns out to be something I enjoy *goes back to contemplating respec*

So this isn't so much a question about how to build a character itself, but rather the theory or know-how or whatnot that goes into character builds. I like this game, and other. I like a lot of things about this genre of games, but the one place there's always been a disconnect is character creation/progression.

I like doing missions (and more recently, dying in PvP). The gameplay and awesome costume creator are what hooked me. Then I hit this annoying thing called a "level up" and I'm stumped on what to do with it. I ran through most of my characters of late and almost all of them are what you'd call "broken," I mean seriously in need of some help.

I've thrown some posts around, but really all it's going to get me is a build I can copy and paste. Does that really help? Now I'm playing someone else's character. The main area I'm probing is "How do these builds happen?" What is the governing theory behind builds. Do I have to be a super math wizard to pull one off? Words like Soft-cap scare on confuse me and I'd be much happier to just hit an "auto" button (I miss my Neverwinter Nights). Call my cynical, or scared.

Hey, maybe I can learn something and actually learn to enjoy this building aspect, but for right now, I'm looking for something basic so I stop breaking my characters. Thank god for respecs! This is why I like Arachnos Soldiers, they're unbreakable up to 23.

So, after completely butchering a build on the way to 24 (I just wanted to try out the "cool" sounding powers) I hit my respec. Still having little idea how to build a soldier I came here looking for help. I wanted to Go the Huntsman/Bane dual build route, but I'm not quite sure how to do that. I noticed a nicely laid out Hunstman build a few posts down, but most of it seems like gibberish to me. Are there more generic builds I can look at without all the number crunching. I'll take simplicity over optimization. I plan on doing everything from TFs to PvP with this toon, but I really don't care if I'm not the best, I only care that it works for me (and even then I'm still iffy about that PvP).

TL,DR: I don't suppose there is cookie-cutter Huntsman and Bane Builds I can look at?

So, this is what my GF decided on when we rolled out a bunch of characters for her. She's big into FPS games and it just clicked I guess. The problem is I'm having a tough time trying to build my scrapper and SoA, and I have no idea how to even begin to construct a character for her. I just want to keep it simple and easy right now. She wants to eventually dive into zones and the arena (CoH+Counter=Strike = win) and I have no idea how the new PvP works or if these sets are viable, so, yeah, I'm pretty much lost.

So I played around with Mids on my laptop. I really have no idea what I'm doing. I can play RPGs fine, building characters has always been a weak point for me.


Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Kinetic Melee
Secondary Power Set: Super Reflexes
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Body Blow -- Dmg(A), Dmg(3), Acc(7), Acc(23), EndRdx(25), EndRdx(27)
Level 1: Focused Fighting -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(5), DefBuff(9), EndRdx(17)
Level 2: Smashing Blow -- Dmg(A), Dmg(3), Acc(11), Acc(27), EndRdx(29), EndRdx(29)
Level 4: Focused Senses -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(5), DefBuff(9), EndRdx(17)
Level 6: Hasten -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(7), RechRdx(11)
Level 8: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(13), DefBuff(13), EndRdx(46)
Level 10: Power Siphon -- ToHit(A), ToHit(15), ToHit(15)
Level 12: Agile -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(19), DefBuff(19)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Run(A)
Level 16: Super Jump -- Jump(A)
Level 18: Stealth -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(31), DefBuff(31), EndRdx(46)
Level 20: Burst -- Dmg(A), Dmg(21), Acc(21), Acc(37), EndRdx(37), EndRdx(50)
Level 22: Practiced Brawler -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(23)
Level 24: Invisibility -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(25), DefBuff(45), EndRdx(46)
Level 26: Focused Burst -- Dmg(A), Dmg(37), Acc(40), Acc(40), EndRdx(40), EndRdx(42)
Level 28: Dodge -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(31), DefBuff(33)
Level 30: Quickness -- Run(A)
Level 32: Concentrated Strike -- Dmg(A), Dmg(33), Acc(33), Acc(43), EndRdx(43), EndRdx(43)
Level 35: Lucky -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(36), DefBuff(36)
Level 38: Evasion -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(39), DefBuff(39), EndRdx(39)
Level 41: Elude -- DefBuff(A), DefBuff(42), DefBuff(42)
Level 44: Conserve Power -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(45), RechRdx(45)
Level 47: Physical Perfection -- Heal(A), Heal(48), Heal(48), EndMod(48), EndMod(50), EndMod(50)
Level 49: Acrobatics -- EndRdx(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Dmg(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Sprint -- Run(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run(A)
Level 2: Health -- Heal(A), Heal(34), Heal(36)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(34), EndMod(34)

I just thought of something else. I haven't been paying much attention to the order in which I'm grabbing certain powers/slots. Should I be concerned. When I'm exemplar'd down (ie. PvP zone) will there be some key powers I want to take to help out, or is this not much of a concern. At level 6 I made a rush for Hasten, was this a bad thing?

As far as power pools, my plan was to grab Super Speed, Leaping (on the fence about acrobatics, gonna grab the other tow jumps though), Concealment, and Fighting, but again, I'm unsure about what to slot, and I just realized I can slot inherent powers too, are any worth slotting? Body Mastery will come much later, but if you want to comment on that, feel free.

(24 powers isn't enough )

Well, the second character I'm leveling in my Play/Rest cycle is an Assault Rifle/Energy Manipulation Blaster. I thought about taking him into the zones and such as well. I've got one going resistance and one loyalist, so I have no idea where they're going to end up. I've also got a lesser used Arachnos Soldier than I could field as well.

From what I can gather Travel Powers take on a new meaning in PvP. Leaping and Super Speed seem to be standard, as does Concealment. Leadership also seems to work well. I was planning on taking some of these in my Scrapper, so I'll have time to get used to those. If Leadership is what I think it is I need to find a team and double up on my Soldiers toggles and sit back while I turn everyone else into a beast.

Right now, theoretically, I'm leaning towards the blaster or the soldier, ranged just sounds easier, until I get my bearing at least.

Thanks for the info. I'm enjoying this character a ton. So I guess the plan is to skip Repulsing Torrent and Confront, making the primary power picks easy. I've read up a little on Super Reflexes and it seems to work best if I just grab everything, is this correct, or can I skip some of it?

I also wanted to inquire about power pools, I've put off leveling since I've gained access to them. I know I'm going to pick up a travel power. My interest right now is in Super Speed, possibly Leaping as well. As for the other power pools, I don't know what other goodies are out there. I'm also not sure how to spend my slots. I was pretty much going to throw six slots on all my attacks, as for secondary slotting, I'm at a loss.

Yeah, I know, I haven't really gotten the PvE thing down yet, but as part of my new project I was going to make two characters and play/rest cycle them to stave off a burn out and boost leveling. I've got a good concept for my first character down and have no idea what to roll for a second.

I know that PvE doesn't really translate well to PvP (I'm assuming a little here) and figured I could gear my second toon a little more towards PvP. I've messed around in quite a few arena matches on Freedom and the rating system, as well as the dynamic opponents got me hooked a little bit. It's like Counter-Strike with superpowers. I can't wait to take myself into the zones later.

I was just curious how you get a start in PvP. Are there any guidelines to go by? Anything I should avoid because it's broken/useless. I was thinking of a blaster because it sound easier than having to get in Melee and chase down a moving target (I currently run a Kinetic Melee Scrapper with Super Reflexes, I've been told it's a bit sub-optimal). I was thinking of making a Stalker with a similar load-out and seeing where that went. I just didn't want to dive in without a basic understanding of what's going on.

On a side note: I'm assuming the Villains, need more men. I think I may have to go red-side for this one.

I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to post the great advice in this thread. I've got a lot to think about, but I embarked upon a little exploratory project to see where it goes. I'm still trying to think up something grand... maybe this will get there.

I don't know when the idea began to form. I have too much free time to daydream at work. I think it came about after one of my muscular twitches. Nothing serious, but kind of confusing if you've never seen one. I'll shudder for no reason, and always at the most awkward of times. What if I could harness that into something constructive? I thought for awhile and developed something along the lines of boots and gloves (maybe a suit, who knows) that can focus this energy (or something along those lines) in a Drunken Boxing kind of way. Speed Spasm was born. It also gave me an excuse to try out the new Kinetic Melee set. The one thing that's tripping my up is origin. I was born with this, so it could be mutation, but I use technology to harness it. I'm not sure which way to go with this one.

So, I have a loose concept for a character. I was throwing names/ideas around in my head today and I don't know how it happened, but Speed Spasm was born. It all started when I thought about my muscular twitching. What if I could harness that energy and focus it. I'm eventually going to give him a fancy set of gloves and boots to help focus his body (eg. Drunken Boxing), but he hasn't earned it yet. If he makes it I'll get him some new equipment, for now, he'll suffer in street clothes.

All fluff aside (I'm just really excited I've got a character down on paper) I really have no idea what I'm doing. I want to make sure I have some idea where I'm going so I don't end up with a gimped build. I don't know what I need. I stopped after I leveled and thoguth I'd better get some help first. I have Focused FIghting, Body Blow, and Smashing Blow so far. Didn't want to pick anymore powers for fear they'd be redundant picks. Is there any prevailing theory on how to build this combo?

A side note: If it's not too much trouble I would like some basic info on how this build functions in PvP. 'm not a hardcore PvPer, but the zones sound like fun and I don't want to get ROFLSTOMP'D. I figure I have two builds, one for PvE, and one for PvP.

Great advice, I appreciate all of it. I'm thinking I might make Virtue my "Project server" and get off Freedom for awhile. Now all I have to do is get that one character out of my mind and on paper (harder than it looks). I had a hard enough time back when they wanted to play D&D...I was a fighter.. I smashed stuff...I never bothered with anything more (even though other wished I would, probably why I don't play anymore). At least now I have somewhat of a choice in the matter as to what form it takes. If only I was a creative individual.

I feel like I'm missing a piece of the puzzle. I've had a strange affair with this game since 2009. On and off, on and off again. I quit last time right before going rogue. I can't really explain what drew me back in this time... boredom perhaps. I think I keep coming back because this is one of the few MMOs that isn't an endless grind and I'm not gimped if I can't raid for that 0.001% drop rate class item that makes my character viable, but that's another story entirely.

Two months (and six or so pack purchases) into my new sub and I already find myself back to my old habits. Asking tons of questions on the forums, rolling a dozen characters, and not following through with any of them.

I've tried this before and failed miserably, but I'd hate to throw in the towel on what is a really great game. Those first 20 levels are great, and than I plateau. I hit a wall. It happened with my first (MA/WP scrapper), my second (Bots/FF Mastermind), and my latest (Arachnos Soldier).

I look at what others have created, stare in awe, and then quietly weep... There's something missing. My first batch of characters were my "easy" characters. I did have a loose concept for the Scrapper, but it quickly fell by the wayside. My Soldier, is... well, what he is... and the Mastermind, bubbles drive me crazy (kitchen timer anyone?) and he seems so one dimensional, I tried the whole "mad scientist" route, didn't really pan out.

I was hoping to use the new Praetorian thing as a fresh start. I went through the motions. I a half dozen characters that don't seem to be taking off. I tried the "recommended" powersets... Fire/Ice Blaster, Ice/Ice Tanker, Demon/Dark MasterMind... the list goes on...

The more I think about it, the more I believe it has to do with the way things feel. I guess I just don't feel so "super" at all. I have yet to think up a genuine character. I've tried before. My scrapper had the most concept out of all of them, and I can hardly remember what that was now.

I know it's possible. I read about those heroes all the time on these forums. Heck, I'd have a tough time even making a second costume for any of my characters, they're that lame.

I would love to cook up just ONE character that I can sink my teeth into, but I'm at a loss on how to do that. For one, I get hung up on game mechanics and have a thing for jumping at the "easy" sets (Willpower comes to mind). I'd also like to break out of these characters that are one-dimensional. My scrapper relied on a power suit to control his motions and enhance his power. So I had street clothes as one costume, and the suit as two. Not much else going on there. The one thing that's caught my eye lately is "Golden Age" costumes. I can't think of how to work one out, but they just seem cool. I guess I'm a little bit of a sucker for capturing that whole Caped Crusader thing.

I just don't know what to do. Is creating a memorable character rocket science? Maybe I just needed to vent. I really don't want to quit again. I may keep a sub open just because of the forums.

Okay, blaster. Sounds pretty straight forward. Only one job "If it moves, shoot it." Sounds like something she'll like. We were on the test server earlier looking at the new Steampunk pack and I was able to sweeten the deal by throwing that in with the game when it comes out. Heck, I like the pack, I think I may try to swing matching characters or something.

So, onto what I looked into. From what I have read on the wiki and what is said here Blasters do seem like a pretty good choice. It's a toss up between AR and DP for the primary, both of which get new toys in the upcoming pack. My question now is: What's the difference? How does the playstyle of the Rifle differ from that of the Pistol. I think that may help a bit.

As for a secondary I think we're going the /Energy route. Doesn't have anything complicated. She'll have access to some melee attacks when needed and she gets some nice buff in the form of Boost Range and Conserve Power. At the same time she doesn't get some of the additional nuances of something along the lines of, let's say, /Ice.

If I am wrong about any of this, please let me know.

Long story short...

My Girlfriend is a closet gamer (caught her playing Counterstike while I sleep). I wanted to introduce her to CoX in hopes we could play together. She's only ever played Shooters on Steam and I wasn't sure how to ease her into MMOs. Me being somewhat of a Veteran and not so great of a teacher I wanted to make this as easy as possible.

I was going to sit down after class tonight and instead of watching a chick flick she and I were going to sit down and roll out some characters. Now I don't know much about most of the ATs and Powersets. In the past I've had my MA/WP Scrapper and a Bots/FF Mastermind. Not much there.

I wanted to keep this simple. Is there any way to dumb power selection down a bit. Are there any "generic" options? I was hoping to get some basic options she can play around with the find out what she likes and learn the game without being too overwhelmed. I was going to at least get her going on one Melee character and one Ranged character. Not sure which powersets to choose. Are there any other roles that can be put into perspective easily. I imagine things like controllers and dominators are a hard concept to wrap your head around when you are new.