As a Claws SR myself I can not understate the importance of getting Focus as soon as possible (18), this is one of the most effective powers in the set as the knockdown basically allows you to floor your chosen opponents and attack pretty much unmolested, this works especially well with Freak Tanks who have high resistance to Lethal but take ages to get up from a knockback.
[ QUOTE ]
As a Claws SR myself I can not understate the importance of getting Focus as soon as possible (18), this is one of the most effective powers in the set as the knockdown basically allows you to floor your chosen opponents and attack pretty much unmolested, this works especially well with Freak Tanks who have high resistance to Lethal but take ages to get up from a knockback.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes 
I'd also drop shockwave (who needs an AoE for PvP?) and get slash as an early level power, slash has a -def penalty to the target and since I7 is now as quick as strike. Strike, Slash and Focus (with 1 SO in recharge redux) plus Quickness will pretty much give you a constant attack chain without the need for hasten.
i'd drop the run/jump enh from swift and hurdle as they will not be of any real benifit in those powers anyway but you do defo need them in elude.
Defiant's GoEH/MILITIS METUS
Your responses make a lot of sense, thank you.
Being relatively new to the game, could you please explain the correct use of 'Elude' is it an 'oh sh*t
run!' power?
You also questioned Shockwave because its aoe power, does the same apply to Eviscerate?
I've been doing a paper missions set to relentless difficulty to get from lvl 12 - 14 and was having a lot of success with the build below (used a lot of acc/dam inspirations on the bosses).
Then I tried a mayhem mission which I have been able to solo on normal difficulty. Unfortunately when the hero appeared I had used all my insps on the longbow and my AS missed...
---------------------------------------------
Name: Tiefling
Level: 41
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Acc(1) Dmg(3) Acc(17) Dmg(17) Dmg(19) Rechg(21)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1)
02) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(2) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(11)
04) --> Slash==> Acc(4) Dmg(5) Acc(13) Dmg(15) Dmg(15) Rechg(19)
06) --> Assassin's Claw==> Acc(6) Dmg(7) Acc(7) Dmg(9) Dmg(9) Rechg(11)
08) --> Build Up==> Rechg(8) TH_Buf(13) Rechg(31) TH_Buf(31) Rechg(34) TH_Buf(34)
10) --> Hasten==> Rechg(10) Rechg(21) Rechg(34)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(23) Rechg(37)
14) --> Super Speed==> EndRdx(14)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(23)
18) --> Focus==> Acc(18) Dmg(25) Acc(25) Dmg(27) Acc(27) Rechg(29)
20) --> Hurdle==> Jump(20)
22) --> Swift==> Run(22)
24) --> Stamina==> EndMod(24) EndMod(29) EndMod(31)
26) --> Eviscerate==> Acc(26) Dmg(37) Acc(37) Dmg(40) Dmg(40) Rechg(40)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> Rechg(30)
32) --> Focused Senses==> EndRdx(32) DefBuf(33) DefBuf(33) DefBuf(33)
35) --> Evasion==> EndRdx(35) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36)
38) --> Elude==> DefBuf(38) DefBuf(39) DefBuf(39) Run(39)
i use my retsu the ninjitsu equivalent for bosses and elite bosses etc and not really as a last ditch power altho sometimes that does happen.
You will use it alot it the later game so it would be wise to slot 3 def 3 recharge as you'll need it ready for the next fight.
oh and you will defo want to swap the recharge in stealth for an end redux
Defiant's GoEH/MILITIS METUS
[ QUOTE ]
You also questioned Shockwave because its aoe power, does the same apply to Eviscerate?
[/ QUOTE ]
Eviscerate is a lot higher damage than shockwave but the cone is narrower (30 degree I think). Better taking that over shockwave IMHO.
ARE YOU REALLY SURE YOU WANT TO LEAVE FOCUSED SENSES TILL 32??? - Your toggles are your best defences and not having Focused Senses leaves you wide open to blasters and Scrappers who chuck spines. 
One thing to note about the SR pool, you really need ALL the powers to be truely effective. It's a drag but when you can stand infront of 4 attacking enemies and wait for hide to kick in while they attack its well worth it.
As an example, I was invited to team with my mates 35 Rad.Kin corrupter last night. He's one level higher and we were doing vicious missions so it was +2 mobs with extra for 2 players (relentless +).
He had to go AFK, I got bored and solo'd the whole mission waiting for him to come back including the Purple Freakshow Tank boss and his two red bodyguards. 
Claws SR stalkers kick serious booty.
BTW at later levels you might want to find a way to get aid self into your set. I'm planning on skipping Patron Powers all together.
[ QUOTE ]
BTW at later levels you might want to find a way to get aid self into your set. I'm planning on skipping Patron Powers all together.
[/ QUOTE ]
I was planning on doing this 
I was under the impression because of the scaling defence changes in i7 that the SR passive defences were skippable as they only add 4% (this is from memory and I cannot find the thread) to melee/ranged/aoe defence. Or did you mean that all of all SR powers toggle defence powers are required?
What should I delay in favour of focused sense?
Thanks
I know it's controversial but I delayed getting both buildup and placate till the late 20's in order to get as much as possible of the SR pool. As a claws stalker (especially with hasten) you are going to be able to buzz through bad guys without the need for placate anyway. Plus leaving Placate to higher levels allows you to slot it with recharge SOs straight away.
I don't like the idea of not having placate until the 20's!
I need the practice hitting and running. While I am able to scrap at the moment I want to take the opportunity to practice hitting a running.
I'm not sure how to slot elude, I went with 3x times defence buff and 1x Run Speed. Is this ok?
Final build: -
---------------------------------------------
Exported from Ver: 1.7.6.0 of the CoH_CoV Character Builder - (http://sherksilver.coldfront.net/index.php)
---------------------------------------------
Name: Tiefling
Level: 41
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Acc(1) Dmg(3) Acc(17) Dmg(17) Dmg(19)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1) DefBuf(19) DefBuf(33)
02) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(2) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(11)
04) --> Slash==> Acc(4) Dmg(5) Acc(13) Dmg(15) Dmg(15)
06) --> Assassin's Claw==> Acc(6) Dmg(7) Acc(7) Dmg(9) Dmg(9) Rechg(11)
08) --> Build Up==> Rechg(8) TH_Buf(13) Rechg(31) TH_Buf(31) Rechg(34) TH_Buf(34)
10) --> Hasten==> Rechg(10) Rechg(21) Rechg(34)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(23) Rechg(37)
14) --> Super Speed==> EndRdx(14)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(23)
18) --> Focus==> Acc(18) Dmg(25) Acc(25) Dmg(27) Acc(27) Rechg(29)
20) --> Focused Senses==> DefBuf(20) DefBuf(21) DefBuf(29) EndRdx(31)
22) --> Swift==> Run(22)
24) --> Hurdle==> Jump(24)
26) --> Eviscerate==> Acc(26) Dmg(37) Acc(37) Dmg(40) Dmg(40) Rechg(40)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stamina==> EndMod(30) EndMod(33) EndMod(33)
32) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(32)
35) --> Evasion==> EndRdx(35) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36)
38) --> Elude==> DefBuf(38) DefBuf(39) DefBuf(39) Run(39)
I'd still try and get focus senses in as early as possible (even if you have to put off an attack) as it will stop you getting shot while running way. If anything it is more important than Focus Fighting. (fancy getting your AS interrupted by a bullet?)
Here's my build (minus slotting) - upto lvl 34 atm
Name: guiltypleasures
Level: 50
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Empty(1)
01) --> Hide==> Empty(1)
02) --> Slash==> Empty(2)
04) --> Focused Fighting==> Empty(4)
06) --> Focused Senses==> Empty(6)
08) --> Assassin's Claw==> Empty(8)
10) --> Agile==> Empty(10)
12) --> Hover==> Empty(12)
14) --> Fly==> Empty(14)
16) --> Swift==> Empty(16)
18) --> Health==> Empty(18)
20) --> Stamina==> Empty(20)
22) --> Practiced Brawler==> Empty(22)
24) --> Focus==> Empty(24)
26) --> Dodge==> Empty(26)
28) --> Quickness==> Empty(28)
30) --> Placate==> Empty(30)
32) --> Build Up==> Empty(32)
35) --> Evasion==> Empty(35)
38) --> Elude==> Empty(38)
41) --> Eviscerate==> Empty(41)
44) --> Aid Other==> Empty(44)
47) --> Aid Self==> Empty(47)
49) --> Stealth==> Empty(49)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Power Slide==> Empty(1)
01) --> Sprint==> Empty(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Empty(1)
01) --> Assassination==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Empty(2)
---------------------------------------------
he still needs elude fully slotting .. when all's said and done SR defence isn't enough for all the Elite bosses you'll be facing late in game and that run speed enh in elude is totaly worthless .. trust me you'll need elude up alot so slot it with 3 recharge / 3 def.
Defiant's GoEH/MILITIS METUS
I've been having a rethink... and I had the idea of having a Stalker that is totally hit and run, using Assault and Tactics so all his attacks hit harder and more accurately. Cycling Buildup - Assassin Strike - focus - eviscerate - air superiority to keep the target on its back then - placate Buildup - Assassin Strike and so on
if the target doesnt die quick enough, pop elude and fly out of there
As I have no experience in PVP (yet!), how viable is this? It will have to be a respec build at lvl 38+
Rough build: -
Name: Tiefling
Level: 44
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Acc(1)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(3)
02) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(2) EndRdx(5) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(7) DefBuf(37)
04) --> Focused Senses==> EndRdx(4) EndRdx(7) DefBuf(9) DefBuf(9) DefBuf(37)
06) --> Assassin's Claw==> Acc(6) Dmg(11) Acc(11) Dmg(13) Dmg(13) Rechg(15)
08) --> Build Up==> Rechg(8) TH_Buf(15) TH_Buf(17) TH_Buf(17) Rechg(19) Rechg(19)
10) --> Air Superiority==> Acc(10) Acc(21) Rechg(37)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(21) Rechg(23)
14) --> Fly==> EndRdx(14) Fly(23) Fly(27) Fly(27)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(29)
18) --> Focus==> Acc(18) Dmg(29) Acc(31) Dmg(31) Dmg(31) Rechg(34)
20) --> Swift==> Run(20)
22) --> Health==> Heal(22)
24) --> Stamina==> EndMod(24) EndMod(25) EndMod(25)
26) --> Eviscerate==> Acc(26) Dmg(33) Acc(33) Dmg(33) Dmg(34) Rechg(34)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(30) EndRdx(43)
32) --> Assault==> EndRdx(32) EndRdx(40)
35) --> Evasion==> EndRdx(35) EndRdx(36) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(43)
38) --> Elude==> Rechg(38) DefBuf(39) DefBuf(39) Rechg(39) DefBuf(40) Rechg(40)
41) --> Tactics==> EndRdx(41) EndRdx(42) TH_Buf(42) TH_Buf(42) TH_Buf(43)
But what this means is that a wont be able to get any powers from the Medicine pool but if Im not planning on scrapping it out I dont think Ill need it?
just a note on tactics.
Base Acc on it is 10% for stalkers and 3 slotted it gives an extra 5% so its not really worth the extra slots for the small percentage it gives.
Also fly is really really bad for PVP .. anyone with -fly like spine scrappers will totaly ruin your day.
if you want to fast strike go for TP.
And tbh i'd go with medicine as your going to get hit no matter what you do.
Defiant's GoEH/MILITIS METUS
fly works fine for stalkers if you know how to use it..
With amount of heroes who I could only look up at and sigh as they flew by in bloody bay last night. I think Ill respec into fly or at least super jump at the first opportunity.
BTW the build at level 16 did very nicely in my first pvp. It was far far more exciting battling human foes then I could have ever imagined.
[ QUOTE ]
As a Claws SR myself I can not understate the importance of getting Focus as soon as possible (18), this is one of the most effective powers in the set as the knockdown basically allows you to floor your chosen opponents and attack pretty much unmolested, this works especially well with Freak Tanks who have high resistance to Lethal but take ages to get up from a knockback.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm now level 24 and have been using focus since 18 and the above statement is the truth! Focus is a god send and I am glad I followed your advice mate!
I am considering the following respec build and would like your critique: -
Build 1 follows the plan I have been following I have so many spare slots after 40 I have pretty much slotted everything and maxed SS to chase down and runners.
So far the only annoyance I have is no vertical ability: -
Build 1
Name: Tiefling_respec_SS
Level: 49
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Acc(1) Acc(33) Dmg(37) Dmg(40) Dmg(43)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1)
02) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(2) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(5) EndRdx(34)
04) --> Focused Senses==> EndRdx(4) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(11) DefBuf(15) EndRdx(34)
06) --> Assassin's Claw==> Acc(6) Acc(7) Dmg(7) Dmg(9) Dmg(9) Rechg(11)
08) --> Build Up==> Rechg(8) TH_Buf(15) TH_Buf(17) TH_Buf(23) Rechg(23) Rechg(31)
10) --> Hasten==> Rechg(10) Rechg(33) Rechg(33)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(13) Rechg(13)
14) --> Super Speed==> EndRdx(14) Run(34) EndRdx(45) Run(46) EndRdx(46) Run(48)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(17)
18) --> Focus==> Acc(18) Acc(19) Dmg(19) Dmg(21) Dmg(21) Rechg(31)
20) --> Hurdle==> Jump(20)
22) --> Swift==> Run(22)
24) --> Stamina==> EndMod(24) EndMod(25) EndMod(25)
26) --> Eviscerate==> Acc(26) Acc(27) Dmg(27) Dmg(29) Dmg(29) Rechg(31)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(30) EndRdx(37) EndRdx(46)
32) --> Stimulant==> Rechg(32)
35) --> Evasion==> EndRdx(35) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) EndRdx(37)
38) --> Elude==> Rechg(38) DefBuf(39) Rechg(39) DefBuf(39) Rechg(40) DefBuf(40)
41) --> Aid Self==> Heal(41) Rechg(42) Heal(42) Rechg(42) Heal(43) Rechg(43)
44) --> Dodge==> DefBuf(44) DefBuf(45) DefBuf(45)
47) --> Agile==> DefBuf(47) DefBuf(48) DefBuf(48)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Run(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Acc(1)
01) --> Assassination==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Rechg(2)
---------------------------------------------
Build 2 is one I have been mulling over and I have in my mind an attack chain like: BU, AS, Placate, Eviscerate, Focus (kb), Air Superiority(kb),Placate (hopefully) then AS to finish. The knock back attacks should stop the pesky foes attacking me but I dont know how effective it will be in PVP. I know it could do with hasten.
Build 2
Name:
Level: 49
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Acc(1) Acc(46) Dmg(46) Dmg(48)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1)
02) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(2) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(5) EndRdx(37)
04) --> Focused Senses==> EndRdx(4) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(11) DefBuf(19) EndRdx(40)
06) --> Assassin's Claw==> Acc(6) Acc(7) Dmg(7) Dmg(9) Dmg(9) Rechg(11)
08) --> Build Up==> Rechg(8) TH_Buf(33) TH_Buf(33) TH_Buf(34) Rechg(34) Rechg(34)
10) --> Air Superiority==> Acc(10) Acc(17) Dmg(23) Dmg(31) Dmg(33) Rechg(37)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(13) Rechg(13)
14) --> Fly==> Fly(14) Fly(15) Fly(15) EndRdx(45) EndRdx(46)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(17)
18) --> Focus==> Acc(18) Acc(19) Dmg(21) Dmg(21) Dmg(23) Rechg(31)
20) --> Swift==> Run(20)
22) --> Hurdle==> Jump(22)
24) --> Stamina==> EndMod(24) EndMod(25) EndMod(25)
26) --> Eviscerate==> Acc(26) Acc(27) Dmg(27) Dmg(29) Dmg(29) Rechg(31)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(30) EndRdx(43)
32) --> Stimulant==> Rechg(32)
35) --> Evasion==> EndRdx(35) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36) EndRdx(37)
38) --> Elude==> Rechg(38) DefBuf(39) Rechg(39) DefBuf(39) Rechg(40) DefBuf(40)
41) --> Aid Self==> Heal(41) Rechg(42) Heal(42) Rechg(42) Heal(43) Rechg(43)
44) --> Dodge==> DefBuf(44) DefBuf(45) DefBuf(45)
47) --> Agile==> DefBuf(47) DefBuf(48) DefBuf(48)
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Sprint==> Run(1)
01) --> Brawl==> Acc(1)
01) --> Assassination==> Empty(1)
02) --> Rest==> Rechg(2)
---------------------------------------------
[ QUOTE ]
I know it's controversial but I delayed getting both buildup and placate till the late 20's in order to get as much as possible of the SR pool. As a claws stalker (especially with hasten) you are going to be able to buzz through bad guys without the need for placate anyway. Plus leaving Placate to higher levels allows you to slot it with recharge SOs straight away.
[/ QUOTE ]
I did the same with Stalk, I got BU at 28 and placate at 30, I had a lot of pool powers and end reds to fit in for his specific build for zonal combat
**Acceptable "support" responses**
Its your fault
Its your computers fault
Its your ISPs fault
After ditching my ice/kin Corruptor in the mid twenties I rolled up a claws/sr Stalker.
The intention is to use him in PVP as a short sharp shock.
The timing of the slots are not accurate so dont worry about them, just the types. Also I might have to chose some additional attacks at lower lvls and then respec them out.
Could I have your criticism please: -
Name: Tiefling
Level: 41
Archetype: Stalker
Primary: Claws
Secondary: Super Reflexes
---------------------------------------------
01) --> Strike==> Dmg(1) Acc(40) Dmg(40)
01) --> Hide==> DefBuf(1)
02) --> Focused Fighting==> EndRdx(2) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(3) DefBuf(11)
04) --> Focused Senses==> EndRdx(4) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(5) DefBuf(36)
06) --> Assassin's Claw==> Acc(6) Acc(7) Dmg(7) Dmg(9) Rechg(9) Dmg(11)
08) --> Build Up==> Rechg(8) Rechg(19) Rechg(19) TH_Buf(21) TH_Buf(21) TH_Buf(37)
10) --> Hasten==> Rechg(10) Rechg(15) Rechg(17)
12) --> Placate==> Rechg(12) Rechg(13) Rechg(13)
14) --> Super Speed==> EndRdx(14)
16) --> Practiced Brawler==> Rechg(16) Rechg(17) Rechg(42)
18) --> Hurdle==> Jump(18) Jump(37) Jump(37)
20) --> Swift==> Run(20) Run(39) Run(39)
22) --> Stamina==> EndMod(22) EndMod(23) EndMod(23)
24) --> Focus==> Acc(24) Dmg(25) Acc(25) Dmg(27) Dmg(27) EndRdx(31)
26) --> Eviscerate==> Acc(26) Dmg(29) Acc(29) Dmg(31) Dmg(31) EndRdx(33)
28) --> Quickness==> Run(28)
30) --> Stealth==> EndRdx(30) Rechg(40)
32) --> Shockwave==> Acc(32) Acc(33) Dmg(33) Range(34) Dmg(34) Dmg(34)
35) --> Evasion==> DefBuf(35) DefBuf(36) DefBuf(36)
38) --> Elude==> DefBuf(38) DefBuf(39)