Illusion/Rad vs Plant/Storm solo controller
By
cybrgamer,
Posted on: 2009-06-05 06:31 in Controllers
I can tell you that Plant/Storm would be a solid choice for soloing. If you take Entangle and Roots and slot them for damage, you'll be able to take down mobs pretty quickly. Freezing Rain has a damage resistance debuff, so it'll increase your damage output.
Storm also gives you a stealth power, making it easier to find glowies and such without starting a fight.
Both are good because they make solo'ing controllers possible. I am in the middle of leveling up a plant/storm and it has been great fun.
I am not sure but I think Ill/kin is better for damage although rad helps fill in the control gaps illusion has.
Both are excellent choices for soloing. Ill/rad takes a higher seat when it comes to AV's and the other when it comes to large packs. So if you're grabbing a lot of anchors and going into a mish for the massive spawns, the Plant/Storm will serve you far better. For single hard targets and smaller packs, the Ill/Rad will perform much better.
The real strength of Plant is AoE control and AoE damage over time. This is based upon using Seeds of Confusion to catch a group, then locking them down with Roots over and over again until the group is defeated. Once you hit 26, then Carrion Creepers contributes damage and lots of distraction. Plant is actually kind of weak on single targets and has limited ability to stack single target controls and damage. Storm can add great damage resistance debuff and defense debuff with Freezing Rain, and some damage in the upper levels.
Ill/Rad is much more focused on single targets, and somewhat weak on AoE. You can stack Deceive to take out bosses without drawing aggro -- and if you take Deceive at level 4, like I suggest, you have no problem with bosses solo. Ill/Rad has to rely upon Phantom Army for "AoE" until Spectral Terror (assuming you postpone Flash, which I recommend). But at almost any level, Ill/Rad has the tools to be able to solo easily with no much risk. It is the most flexible build in the game, and can play solo, join small teams or join large teams with the same build. Rad gives you Recharge, Defense Debuff and Resistance Debuff, all of which make Phantom Army better.
Another option that may be better for solo: Ill/Storm is actually a better build for solo than for large teams -- on large teams, you need to hold back on several powers to keep from causing too much chaos, while you don't have to worry about that solo. It is also a heck of a lot of fun. You get the Defense and Resistance debuffs in Freezing Rain to make Phantom Army better, but no self heal or recharge buff. But Storm adds control that Illusion lacks, plus good damage in the last two powers.
Overall, I have to say that my Ill/Rad is my favorite overall character, but Ill/Storm is a very close second. Plant/Storm isn't far behind, either.
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Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control
Thats why I took Entangle. I am not a fan of single target immobs but I slotted it up for damage. Now that I have creepers and about to get pet, I may drop it now. not sure.
Looking to make a Controller. I am torn between the old school Illusion/Rad and the newer Plant/Storm builds. I have heard that the Controllers got a mojor nerf in issue 5 ( I have been away from the game for several years). I am looking ot build a solo Controller and was wondering which one would be better suited for a solo heavy build with the option to team up if needed. What are the pros and cons of each build? Could someone also provide a solid build for the better of the two? Thanks.