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"Kuji-In Rin" (available at level 16 - click) not only protects you from DHIS - it also protects your from Confusion and Fear (no knockback protection so you'll probably need the Leaping power pool to get Acrobatics). However, this power has such a long recharge that even with 3 Recharge Reducers you'll need Haste to keep it on.
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I have 2 Recharge SOs in mine without hasten and it's perma (just)
I also use Hover as my knockback protection (it also works well with TP)
No pvp?
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"Kuji-In Rin" (available at level 16 - click) not only protects you from DHIS - it also protects your from Confusion and Fear (no knockback protection so you'll probably need the Leaping power pool to get Acrobatics). However, this power has such a long recharge that even with 3 Recharge Reducers you'll need Haste to keep it on.
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I have 2 Recharge SOs in mine without hasten and it's perma (just)
I also use Hover as my knockback protection (it also works well with TP)
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Thanks for the information - I forgot that Hover has knockback protection. I'm using CoH/CoV Character Builder for my skill specifications. It seems there was an update with in the past couple of days - changing the duration of Kuji-In Rin from 90 seconds to 120 seconds (matching the recharge and duration of Practiced Brawler from Super Reflexes). With it having a 200 second recharge and only a 90 second duration, 3 even-level recharge reducer SOs = 102.6 seconds leaving you unprotected for 12.6 seconds (this is how I reached my conclusion). With a 120 second duration and 2 even-level SOs you get a recharge of 120.05 seconds. I'd still set this as "auto" power so that it automatically reactivates as soon as it can. And I'd put 3 Recharge SOs in it so I've got 17.4 seconds of overlap. 
I've edited the first post to update this information. Good thing the edit timer hadn't expired (I don't know how long this timer is, I just know that it exists).
Regeneration Supplement:
While Regeneration is considered the "weakest" Stalker secondary in terms of the purpose of a Stalker (hide, hit, evade... repeat), it is also the strongest secondary in terms of scrapping it out.
As a teaming Stalker, whatever your secondary is, you're foolish to absorb the alpha strike (unless you're running the level 38 ultimate, or maybe Instant Healing). Instead, you're called upon to be ready to follow someone else's triggering the alpha, by hitting the boss or dangerous LT with an Assassination Strike. After this, you have two options:
1) retreat, wait to hide, and go in and AS again. This works very poorly with Regen since they can't avoid getting hit if they triggered any aggro.
2) remain in combat, since you're only pulling aggro from one mob at a time (unlike Scrappers who have more AEs and thus have to worry about multiple aggro), and scrap.
If you wish to do the latter, you're better served by Regen than by any other secondary. It takes a beating better, even if it's the worst at setting up a repeat AS. You'll be helped in this by using powers that stun, knockdown, knockup, etc... Air Superiority, and the later attacks in Ninja Blade are good for knockup/knockdown. Stun from Energy Melee also helps.
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"Assassin's" Attack - Every Stalker can get this at level 6 (Primary Power set). It's practically a must have, and should be taken at level 6. Although it doesn't do much damage while you're not hiding (probably less than your level 1 attack power, and it's interruptable), it gets even more criticals while you are hiding. As soon as you get this, add at least 4 more slots to it (two at level 7 & two more at level 9) so you can have 2 +ACC and 3 +DAM Enhancements. The 6th slot you coud put in another +ACC or a -END enhancement. With just 3 TO damage enhancements you can put most even-level minions on the floor. With 3 SO damage enhancements, you can put most +1 to +2 minions on the floor. LTs are going to be hurting after this. Also, 90% of the damage done is un-resistable!
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The critical damage done by AS is indeed resisted in PvE. As an MA/Regen (level 37) who does all smashing damage, I know too well that an AS does less damage to a Freakshow Tank boss than to a Lost Pariah boss. In PvE, the critical damage of AS is typed (lethal for Spines, Claws, and Ninja Blade; smashing for Martial Arts; energy for Energy Melee) and the proper resistances apply. It is in PvP where the critical damage is unresisted.
Troller-50(Earth/Rad) Fender-50(Rad/Rad) Scrap-50(Dark/Dark) Tank-40(Stone/Stone) Blaster-25(NRG/NRG) WS-32
Corruptor-40(AR/Rad) Stalker-40(MA/Regen) Brute-32(DM/EA) MM-30(Ninja/DM) Dom-26(Ice/Fire)
Excellent guide!
But (there had to be one ) stalkers are great for teams IF they don't try to act like scrappers. We can solo just fine, but team with a dominator and watch criticals fly!
Stalkers are good additions when they are used by intelligent players. 
for the 'ultamate stalker guide' you sure seem clueless about stalkers... ever actualy PLAY one?
Regen the worst choice??? in pve OR pvp, imo, regen is the BEST(who cares ifu take 100% damage, you repair 10x as fast as anyone else, and ANY idiot who tries to take the aplha shouldn't be playing a stalker.)
I also got a kick about your comments on the primaries..lol
Claws: sucks
MA: sucks
ninja: sucks
EM: ROcks [censored], cool, kills fast, Oh but it IS balanced wiht the rest...
You my friend, need to actualy PLAY a stalker before u write a guide.
Oh c'mon wolf. It's not all that bad. He actually has some pretty good information in the guide. Granted it's not 100% and some of it is strictly opinion. All in all it still pretty decent. Especially for someone just picking up a stalker for the first time. Maybe a better title would have been "A Beginners Guide to Stalking"
However, I would like to point out that Super Reflexes is primarily a defensive set rather than a resistance set. And truthfully for PvP from what I understand regen is one of if not the strongest set (defense is fairly easily overcome in PvP)
Lots of room for improvement in the guide. Still it's not bad, and quite well structured in my opinion. Overall, I say well done Mageman...though I would suggest you research a tad more and update if you can. I just noticed that the OP was back in March... that may have something to do with it.
hmm.. ya is old, but still, even for I6 some of the 'info' is off.
I mean as longas I remember, Regen was teh 'scrappiest' of all the sets, and usualy stood on the top (or near) for both pve and pvp.
Some defensive(SR's) sets/builds are better for pve, but like you said, they just walk away with sore bums after pvp.
The problem with Regen as a Stalker is that you get hit a lot more, which makes it harder to rehide (I think it's about 15 seconds of not attacking and not getting hit). You get a defensive bonus when hidden (even if they know you're there) and you can use your Assassin's Strike again.
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The problem with Regen as a Stalker is that you get hit a lot more, which makes it harder to rehide (I think it's about 15 seconds of not attacking and not getting hit). You get a defensive bonus when hidden (even if they know you're there) and you can use your Assassin's Strike again.
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10 seconds. However, It should be noted that while hidden you have massive AoE defence. As such, I don't think it is much of a problem. It would be nice if they kept the "no un-hiding while in dull pain" bug. Even _Castle_ said that he thinks it should stay. At least I think he said that... well... he SHOULD have said it at the very least!
Martial Arts[/color] - Currently this is probably the worst choice for a Stalker. It does only Smashing damage, which is the most resisted in the game. It is also all single-target attacks, however, the damage isn't as good as Energy Melee
i highly disagree i use MA and its just fine also i no many other players who have made MA a very good power
This post goes into general details about Stalkers and their power sets. Stalkers make great solo players, however, they don't do very well in a team. Even knowing this, I still get a lot of blind invites with my Stalker.
[*]Energy Aura - This is a pretty good set for a Stalker. You can get protection from all damage types except Psychic (you have to wait until 38 to get Toxic protection with Overload) with great protection from Energy and Negative Energy. Entropy Shield (available at level 10, everyone else gets something similar at level 16 - I think this gives EA an advantage since I first started getting stunned at level 10 and waiting until level 16 will be a rougher - Toggle) not only protects you from Disorient, Hold, Immobilization and Sleep (DHIS) - it also protects your from Knockback, Repel ("Stormies" come to mind), and Enemy Teleport. Although you can walk right up to a "Stormie", you can't use your "Assassin's Strike" on them since the repel is constantly hitting you - which will interupt your attack but won't break your hide. And Overload at level 38 looks impressive.[*]Ninjitsu - Another good choice for a Stalker. You get defenses based on style of attack (melee or ranged), not type of damage. "Kuji-In Rin" (available at level 16 - click) not only protects you from DHIS - it also protects your from Confusion and Fear (no knockback protection so you'll probably need the Leaping power pool to get Acrobatics or Hover). However, this power has such a long recharge that you'll need at least 2 even-level recharge reducer SOs to practically keep this on all the time - I'd still slot it with 3 to be safe. You can also get a self-healing power ("Kuji-In Sha" at level 20) which also gives you extra Toxic protection.[*]Regeneration - This is probably the worst choice for a Stalker. Although you can heal faster, I prefer not to be hit (and you'll get hit a lot with Regen). "Integration" (available at level 16 - toggle) not only gives you protection from DHIS you also heal faster and it gives you Knockback protection.[*]Super Reflexes - Yet another good choice for a Stalker. You can resist all damage types and the resistance is level-based (the higher your level, the better it is). Although you can get a higher protection than any other secondary, you'll need most of the powers to get it limiting the number of Power Pools you can choose from. "Practiced Brawler" (available at level 16 -click) not only protects you from DHIS, it also protects you from Knockback. Like Ninjitsu, with 2 Recharge Reducer SOs you can almost keep this on all the time and I'd put 3 Recharge Reducer SOs you could have this on continously (with some overlap).[/list]There is no clear "best" choice here. Although Regeneration is a bad choice, the other choices will depend on your playing style. If you want to heal yourself without Aid Self (Medicine) or Health (Fitness) Power Pools, then Ninjitsu may be the way to go. If you want to PvP, then Energy Aura or Super Reflexes are for you.
[*]"Assassin's" Attack - Every Stalker can get this at level 6 (Primary Power set). It's practically a must have, and should be taken at level 6. Although it doesn't do much damage while you're not hiding (probably less than your level 1 attack power, and it's interruptable), it gets even more criticals while you are hiding. As soon as you get this, add at least 4 more slots to it (two at level 7 & two more at level 9) so you can have 2 +ACC and 3 +DAM Enhancements. The 6th slot you coud put in another +ACC or a -END enhancement. With just 3 TO damage enhancements you can put most even-level minions on the floor. With 3 SO damage enhancements, you can put most +1 to +2 minions on the floor. LTs are going to be hurting after this. 
Also, 90% of the damage done is un-resistable! 
[*]Build Up - (Focused Chi for those who take Martial Arts) is available at level 8 (Primary) and is practically another must have power (take it at level 8). +80% damage (including criticals) and +50% accuracy for 10 seconds, who can say no? This followed by your Assassin's attack will put most even-level LTs on the floor. Slot this up with 3 Recharge Reducers as soon as you can (your Assassin's attack takes priority). +ToHit Buffs will also be nice when you can get them.[*]Placate - Available at level 12 (Primary). Yet another must-have power. Who can say no to the "Jedi Mind Trick" power that forces them to ignore you for 10 seconds unless you attack? It also doesn't count as an attack (allowing you to rehide before this wears off). AND it gives you hiding status (without actually being Hidden) so your next attack will get criticals if you're not successfully attacked. NOTE when this wears off, you need to be far away or out of their Line of Sight (LoS - like on the other side of stairs/crates/etc.) since they will agro for a few seconds when it wears off. Example: you take on a group of 3 minions. You assassinate the first minion, scrap with the second one till it's on the floor (by which time your Assassin's attack has recharged) so you Placate the third and then you immediately use your Assassin's attack on him/her/it. Then move on to the next group. 
[*]DHIS Protection - Available at level 10 for Energy Aura, 16 for all other Secondary Power sets. Who likes it when they're hit by Disorient, Hold, Immobilization or Sleep and then just stand there after losing your toggles letting the enemy get in free attacks? Again, pick this up as soon as possible. Don't go into combat without it![/list]These are all great powers, and every stalker should get them.
However, you'll probably need at least Hover to get to fliers in PvP.[*]Leadership - Probably another skip set. Since you're best solo, the team buffs aren't needed. However, Assault with it's +10.5% damage might be worth a power slot. Tactics will give you +Perception, +7% accuracy, and resistance fear (nice for all secondaries except Ninjitsu).[*]Leaping - Super Jump is a pretty good movement power. Most walls in CoV are designed so that 3 SO Jump Enhancements will get you over them. Combat Jumping adds a nice defense boost and increases your jump height. Too bad you can't have both active at the same time to really increase your jump height. 
[*]Medicine - Probably another skip set. Aid Self would be nice to decrease your down-time between combats, however, you have to waste another slot with Aid Other or Stimulant to get to it.[*]Presence - Yet another skip set. You don't need to taunt your foes since this will break your hide and prevent you from using your Assassin's attack. You'll also get a lot of aggro when you use your Assassin's attack due to the ammount of damage you've done.[*]Speed - Although Hasten has really taken a hit since you can really only 3-slot it with Recharge Reducers (thus not have perma-haste), I still like it. Buildup has a long recharge and this reduces the time it takes. Some of your better attacks after Assassin's attack have a long recharge and this helps them too. Super Speed isn't a very good movement power in CoV where vertical movement is almost a must. However, in PvP it could really help you escape (although the +Stealth bonus doesn't works against other players).[*]Teleportation - This is the fastest movement power in the game. Super Speed and Teleport in PvP are probably the best combination of powers to get you into combat and out of trouble fast. Teleport Foe also comes in handy during PvP and PvE, however it takes practice to understand it's full potential.[/list]These are a matter of choice and personal preferance. I've just given my opinions of them.
[*]Levels 25+ Missions - Now you'll find that you're running out of missions from all your contacts before you out-level them. Just run Newspaper missions or get into a Pick-Up Group until you get your next contacts.[*]Difficulty Settings - Villainous is the default setting (with 2-3 enemies per spawn at your level or +1), and I'd leave it here until you're at least level 8 (with BU). Vicious (+1 or +2 to enemy level, 2-3 enemies per spawn) and Relentless (+2 or +3 to enemy level and 2-3 enemies per spawn) are a lot better than Malicious (with 4-6 enemies per spawn at your level or +1) or Ruthless (+1 or +2 to enemy level AND 4-6 enemies per spawn) since larger spawns are a lot tougher than higher level spawns.[/list]Hopefully, this information will help a lot.
[*]The "Old Stalker Pull" - This is a tough one, but it does work once you have DHIS protection. Run in to the middle of them, find the toughest one, BU+Assassinate, then run way past your team (your team is waiting to ambush the enemy when the enemy is following you). I'll frequently run out the mission door with little health left then rest before coming back in.[*]Don't Do Your Heist missions on a Team of 4+ - Since the ambushers know exactly where you are (and will agro on you until someone else hurts them). This can be a quick trip to the hospital. 
[/list]Remember, you solo well, so you don't need the team unless you're doing a Strike Force.
[*]Primary Power Sets:<ul type="square">[*]Claws - Currently this set is under-powered. It's supposed to be getting "fixed" in I7 (estimated April 2006) with faster animations and more damage. It does Lethal damage, which is highly resisted at higher levels. It has a close-range AoE and cone. I'd wait until I7 to get this set.[*]Dark Melee - This set is highly anticipated set currently scheduled for release in I7, so you can't choose it yet. It will probably do mostly Dark Energy with some Smashing damage. It will also probably have at least one attack that does extra damage while healing you. However, this is just the current discussion.[*]Energy Melee - This set is considered by most people to be the best of the current primary power sets. It does mostly Energy with some Smashing damage and Energy isn't resisted much. It is also focused into all single-target (no Ranged, AoE, or Cone attacks) thus it's single-target attacks do more damage. It currently has the longest animations of all the sets also (to slow down your attacks to compensate for the higher damage). This set's nickname is "the Pink Pom-Poms of Death" due to your hands glowing redish-pink when you attack. However, I've heard NPCs talk about me using "a strange purple power" so hopefully this will be changed in the future. Most people think this set is over-powered. However, since it focuses on a single target (no AoE) and has slower animations, it IS balanced![*]Martial Arts - Currently this is probably the worst choice for a Stalker. It does only Smashing damage, which is the most resisted in the game. It is also all single-target attacks, however, the damage isn't as good as Energy Melee.[*]Ninja Blade - Another set that does all Lethal damage. Currently it's better than Claws and has one cone attack, the rest are single-target attacks.[*]Spines - This is an interesting set for a Stalker. It does mostly Lethal with some Toxic (mostly DoT) damage. It has two Cone attacks and one AoE (around you). This is a good way to get to those "Stormies" in PvP without getting repelled by their storm.[/list]Overall, the best set here is currently Energy Melee. We'll just have to wait and see what happens in I7.
[*]Secondary Power Sets:<ul type="square">[*]Dark Aura - Another anticipated set supposed to be released with I7. We'll just have to wait.
[*]Common Stalker Powers:<ul type="square">[*]Assassination - This is the default power every stalker starts with. It is always on and drains no endurance. It also allows you to get massive criticals when you attack from hiding with most of the Primary Power sets. You can also get those criticals on Held or Sleeping opponents. Who can say no to 3X damage on your first attack?[*]Hide (Toggle) - This is your only choice from your Secondary Power set at level 1. Even with that said, it's still your Stalker defining power. How can you stalk someone if they know you're there? You can walk right up to un-aggroed opponents and they won't react. Once they are aggroed, they can see through it, although you do get a defensive bonus. You know when it's working by the Hidden underneath your health/endurance bars. If you successfully hit while hiding, you get those criticals. It also allows you to bypass a lot of fighting in missions to get to the objective (making Defeat & Steal missions a lot faster). The only problems come when either someone else aggros them (example: running from agent to mission you run through a group of enemies and some chump runs close by, they aggro and attack both you and that chump) or they're aggroed by design (most ambushes in missions are aggroed). Then you better hope that they don't do too much damage before you can get away and re-hide (it takes about 10 seconds of not attacking or getting successfully attacked). Also, you have to turn it off to escort non-combatants (mission NPCs that can't fight) out of a mission, making those ambushes even tougher. Bank jobs are just plain tough solo since the ambushers always know where you're at. Turn this on as soon as you log in and keep an eye out for Hidden before you move onto the next group of enemies.[*]Level 1 Attack - You should ALWAYS choose the Primary Power that does more damage but takes more time to recharge. This way, you get even more damage when you attack someone while hiding.
[*]Power Pools:<ul type="square">[*]Concealment - A nice Power Pool if you plan on PvP. Stealth stacks with Hide. Grant Invisibility also stacks with Hide although you have to have someone else cast it on you and it only lasts 2 minutes. If you don't plan on PvP, you should skip this set.[*]Fighting - Probably a Skip set. You really don't need the extra attacks. Tough & Weave only protect you from Smashing & Lethal damage.[*]Fitness - I like this set. Swift & Hurdle give you extra maneuverability/escape during combat. Health means less downtime between fights. Stamina helps since most of your secondary click/toggle powers hurt your Endurance.[*]Flight - Although I really enjoy flying, it's the slowest movement power. Hover is a nice added defense and will help you get over walls and add defense, however, it's even slower than walking.
[*]Stalker Strategies and Tactics for Solo PvE:<ul type="square">[*]Best Missions;
* Steal {item(s)} from _____ - These are great, and at higher levels you get extra Infamy & Prestige just for clicking on the item(s). You just run through the mission while hiding and find the item(s). Sometimes there will be an ambush that runs to your location (when there are "false items" that you have to search through to find the right one - watch Global chat for the ambushers talking about you). You usually only have to clear out the last room as a minimum to finish the mission, not the ambushers. Sometimes, not even that.
* Defeat ______ and crew - The second best mission type. Just run through the mission while hiding and find your objective. Defeat him/her/it and everyone in the room to get the mission completed.[*]Worst Mission Types;
* Rescue/Kidnap - These missions tend to be the worst, since most of the time you have have to escort a non-combatant NPC out of the mission WITHOUT hiding (they can't see you so they can't follow you) thus the ambushers can see you. I have successfully gotten behind some crates and watched the ambushers run by, then I've had a "free run" back to the entrance. I've also seen people say they use a bunch of +DEF inspirations and just run past all the ambushers. Combatant NPCs are tough too. Although they can follow you while hiding, they'll fight anything in their aggro range (sometimes getting themselves killed). Also some "Ambushes" are just a group or two that spawn between you and the exit. Before you defeat the people guarding the NPC you have to rescue/kidnap, defeat everyone between you and the exit that way you don't have to fight them in addition to the ambushers.
* Heists - These missions are the just plain tough, since after you've gotten the objective, there's usually 3 ambushes you have to defeat to get the mission completed. With non-bank jobs, the ambushers will usually run to where you were and then de-agro (allowing you to hide then start off with an assassinate attack). With Bank jobs (since the Ambushers know exactly where you are), I've found the best way is to clear out the entire map except one guard at the vault door. Then run up to the vault door while hiding to start the ambushes. Move away from the vault guard (outside his agro range), stand just inside a doorway and get ready to assassinate the first thing that pokes it's head around the corner. Once all the ambushes are defeated, take out the last guard and the Vault door. Grab the loot and Mission Completed (even though this starts more ambushes, just hit the Exit button).
* Defeat All ______ - I just don't like these since they're tedious and don't fit into what a Stalker should be doing (you have Hide, why bother defeating people that don't even know you're there?).[*]Hit And Run - You're not a Scrapper, you're a Stalker. Elevators and mission doors (to get out) are a great way to lose your foe (some ambushers will follow you through the elevator). You have low heath and scrapping it out doesn't work very well. I've found that defeating one foe and running away, then coming back after they've de-agroed seems faster than waiting for your heath to come back up.[*]Levels 1-5 - This is before you get your Assassin's attack. If there's a LT or better present, then you need to "clear out" some running space (far enough for you to get your Hidden status) before you take them on. Then hit the LT with your best attack and run. When they stop following you, come back and do it again until the LT is out. Then finish off his/her minions. If there is a Boss+ present, use the above strategy to take out their minions before taking on the Boss+. If there are just minions present, you should use your best attack to take out one minion and at least scrap it out until that one is down, then you can continue to scrap the others or run (depending on how you want to play and your health).[*]Levels 6-7 - Now you have your Assassin's attack. Use this to take out minions with one shot, and then running from LTs+. Once the LT+ is all alone, lead off with this attack then decide when you run or scrap it out.[*]Levels 8-11 - Now you have BU, you can attack the LT first (BU+Assassinate) and scrap it out if you have to. Then worry about the minions. Still, with a Boss+, you need to take out the minions first (without BU), then BU+Assassinate the Boss+. You maybe able to scrap it out, however, be ready to run before your health gets too low.[*]Levels 12+ - now that you have Placate, this makes a Boss+ so much easier. Assassinate a minion and then Placate the Boss+ and break his/her LoS. Wait till Placate has recharged, then BU+Assassinate+Placate and break LoS - rinse and repeat until he/she/it is on the floor.
[*]Stalker Strategies and Tactics for Team PvE:<ul type="square">[*]You DON'T Team Well - get used to it. Since you'll probably end up on the floor if you try and scrap it out and most people don't like it when you hit and run. Get used to it. If you find yourself in the hospital several times, quit the team. You don't need them.[*]Scout Ahead - The enemies can't see you, and you can save the team a lot of time by hiding and running through the mission to find the objectives. This will save a lot of time by not going the wrong way and ending up at a dead end, and then having to backtrack. TELL YOUR TEAM BEFORE YOU DO THIS so they don't think you're getting ready to attack. I like doing this while waiting for the entire team to get on the mission map. It will also give your team warning of where the enemies are (like finding them just around a corner). Then the team can prepare before the attack starts.[*]Recall Friend will greatly help your Team - If you take Recall Friend (Teleportation Power Pool), you can run hidden through the mission, get to the final room, and then teleport your team to you from a safe spot. This works great on the final mission in the Respec Strike Force.[*]Wait for your team to attack first! - This actually works well, and if someone is attacking with AoEs, they'll get the aggro. Just target the toughest enemy, run past them (out of their aggro range), and wait for someone to start the fun. Then run in (activating BU) and Assassinate. Most others will ignore you since you've done no damage to them while someone else has.
[*]Stalker Strategies and Tactics for PvP: - I don't like PvP, so I have no personal experience here.
[*]Final Words - I realize that there's a LOT of information here. It's all useful info (except for the final PvP section) and more info you have, the better off you will be. Enjoy your Stalker as much as I have!