Energy/Energy blaster IO build Advice

'Ello all,

My blaster has been at 50 for a while now although I haven't done much with him lately outside of playing on a few teams. A few days ago I decided to IO him out but I'm not sure what direction to take with him. For my scrappers I just usually IO out defense or recharge but I haven't IO'ed out a blaster yet so I'm unsure what direction to take since theres so many. Originally I planned to go ahead and just increase his defense as best I could to give him some survivablity and maybe recharge but I'm unsure. So I'm looking for some advice or different builds to give me a sense of direction.

If nothing else then some advice on what blasters in general increase with their IO's would help as well and I can go from there. I understand energy isn't one of the top blaster sets out there but I still love it, and I hope to make my hero better than what he already is...

Thanks...

LDZ

As a blaster, I only focus on damage and accuracy

that's why I tried to get hasten as perma as i could (20 secs down now but I have zero purple and only one LOTG )

I don't know why you want survivability, but i suggest that aid self is the better way to do it, just heal behind a corner or between 2 fights and you'll be fine IMO

If you're a blapper that's something different and I cannot help because my blapper stinks ^^

This is what I did with mine.


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DestineeFable: Level 50 Magic Blaster

Primary Power Set: Energy Blast

Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation

Power Pool: Leaping

Power Pool: Fitness

Power Pool: Leadership

Power Pool: Speed

Ancillary Pool: Cold Mastery



Hero Profile:

Level 1:  Power Blast  

• (A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage


• (3) Devastation - Damage/Recharge


• (5) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


• (9) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge


• (17) Entropic Chaos - Accuracy/Damage


• (34) Entropic Chaos - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Explosive Strike - Damage/Knockback


• (3) Explosive Strike - Accuracy/Knockback


• (7) HamiO:Nucleolus Exposure

• (A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


• (5) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge


• (11) Devastation - Damage/Recharge


• (13) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage


• (23) Entropic Chaos - Accuracy/Damage


• (45) Entropic Chaos - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge


• (7) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge


• (13) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance


• (9) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed

• (A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage


• (11) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


• (15) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge


• (25) Devastation - Damage/Recharge


• (31) HamiO:Centriole Exposure


• (37) HamiO:Centriole Exposure

• (A) Jumping IO

• (A) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance


• (15) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage


• (27) Positron's Blast - Damage/Endurance


• (33) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge


• (36) Accuracy IO


• (37) Positron's Blast - Damage/Range

• (A) Jumping IO

• (A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery


• (17) Miracle - +Recovery


• (19) Regenerative Tissue - +Regeneration

• (A) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge


• (19) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance


• (21) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge


• (27) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage


• (37) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance


• (40) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative)

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod


• (21) Endurance Modification IO


• (23) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End

• (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge


• (25) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge


• (29) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure


• (29) HamiO:Ribosome Exposure


• (31) Endurance Reduction IO

• (A) Endurance Reduction IO

• (A) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance/Recharge


• (31) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff


• (33) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance


• (40) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - Chance for Build Up

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO


• (33) Recharge Reduction IO


• (36) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Obliteration - Damage


• (34) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


• (34) Obliteration - Accuracy/Recharge


• (39) Obliteration - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge


• (42) Obliteration - Damage/Recharge

• (A) Sting of the Manticore - Accuracy/Damage


• (36) Sting of the Manticore - Accuracy/Interrupt/Range


• (39) Sting of the Manticore - Damage/Interrupt/Recharge


• (43) Sting of the Manticore - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage


• (39) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance


• (40) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge


• (42) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance


• (43) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge

• (A) Call of the Sandman - Accuracy/Sleep/Recharge


• (42) Call of the Sandman - Accuracy/Recharge


• (43) Call of the Sandman - Accuracy/Endurance


• (45) Call of the Sandman - Sleep/Range


• (46) Call of the Sandman - Endurance/Sleep

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense


• (45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance/Recharge


• (46) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance


• (46) Aegis - Psionic/Status Resistance


• (48) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed


• (50) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO


• (48) Recharge Reduction IO


• (48) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO


• (50) Recharge Reduction IO


• (50) Recharge Reduction IO

• (A) Empty

• (A) Empty

• (A) Empty

• 22.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Fire)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Cold)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Energy)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Negative)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)


• 22.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)


• 0.94% Defense(Energy)


• 0.94% Defense(Negative)


• 1.88% Defense(Ranged)


• 2.25% Max End


• 41% Enhancement(Accuracy)


• 5% Enhancement(Sleep)


• 42.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)


• 5% FlySpeed


• 144.6 HP (12%) HitPoints


• 5% JumpHeight


• 5% JumpSpeed


• Knockback (Mag -4)


• Knockup (Mag -4)


• MezResist(Immobilize) 4.4%


• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%


• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery


• 88% (4.43 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 1.58% Resistance(Fire)


• 1.58% Resistance(Cold)


• 1.26% Resistance(Energy)


• 1.26% Resistance(Negative)


• 2.1% Resistance(Psionic)


• 5% RunSpeed

• 12% (0.6 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 27.1 HP (2.25%) HitPoints


• 3% DamageBuff(All)

• 10% (0.5 HP/sec) Regeneration

• 1.5% DamageBuff(All)

• 12% (0.6 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 27.1 HP (2.25%) HitPoints


• 3% DamageBuff(All)

• 10% (0.5 HP/sec) Regeneration

• 2% DamageBuff(All)

• 10% (0.5 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 12% (0.6 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 27.1 HP (2.25%) HitPoints


• 3% DamageBuff(All)

• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery


• 1.58% Resistance(Fire,Cold)


• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)


• 6.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%


• 13.6 HP (1.12%) HitPoints


• 7% Enhancement(Accuracy)


• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed

• 2% DamageBuff(All)

• 2% DamageBuff(All)


• 1.26% Resistance(Energy,Negative)

• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%


• 3% DamageBuff(All)


• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)


• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 12% (0.6 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 1.88% Defense(Ranged), 0.94% Defense(Energy), 0.94% Defense(Negative)


• 3% DamageBuff(All)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%


• 13.6 HP (1.12%) HitPoints


• 7% Enhancement(Accuracy)


• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 5% Enhancement(Sleep)


• 22.6 HP (1.87%) HitPoints


• 2.25% Max End


• 6.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 10% (0.5 HP/sec) Regeneration


• 13.6 HP (1.12%) HitPoints


• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)


• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 2.1% Resistance(Psionic)

• Knockback Protection (Mag -4)

The first thing you need to tell us is if you are going for at-range or blapper build? Is PvP also a consideration?

What is your "focus"? My blasters tend to emphasize defense and recharge. I know of one guy who focused on having regen for passive healing and he does pretty good with it. That's the information we need first in order to give advice or even an example build.

Here is what I threw together for you. It just fell short of soft cap of ranged defense (43% w/ CJ and Hover), but with Temp Invulnerability, Force of Nature and Personal Force Field you should have excellent survivability. It has a decent global recharge (47.5%). Energy Torrent and Explosive Blast both benefit from +recarge procs which should increase your recharge fairly reliably.


Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1,401
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LadyZealot: Level 50 Magic Blaster
Primary Power Set: Energy Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Flight
Ancillary Pool: Force Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Power Bolt -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(3), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- ExStrk-Dmg/KB(A), ExStrk-Acc/KB(7), ExStrk-Dam%(9)
Level 2: Power Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(11), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13)
Level 4: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(15), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(15), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(42), AdjTgt-Rchg(42)
Level 6: Power Burst -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(17), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 8: Energy Torrent -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(21), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(23), Posi-Dmg/Rng(23), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(25), FrcFbk-Rechg%(36)
Level 10: Bone Smasher -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(37), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(42), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Mako-Dam%(43)
Level 12: Aim -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(39), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(39), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(40), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(40), GSFC-Build%(40)
Level 14: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Zephyr-Travel(25), Zephyr-ResKB(27)
Level 16: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 18: Health -- Heal-I(A)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(37), EndMod-I(39)
Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 24: Super Speed -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(31)
Level 26: Explosive Blast -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(34), Posi-Dmg/Rng(36), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), FrcFbk-Rechg%(37)
Level 28: Hover -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Zephyr-Travel(29), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(29)
Level 30: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(34)
Level 32: Nova -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Boost Range -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Energy Punch -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(45), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Mako-Dam%(46)
Level 41: Personal Force Field -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 44: Sniper Blast -- Mantic-Acc/Dmg(A), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx(46), Mantic-Acc/ActRdx/Rng(48), Mantic-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg(48), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 47: Temp Invulnerability -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(A), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(48), HO:Ribo(50)
Level 49: Force of Nature -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Dmg-I(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Clrty-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Defiance

I see some good builds in this thread.

DestineeFable's build is a good one if you're teaming alot. Destinee's build has a good combination of damage, accuracy and recharge, and largely relies on team buffs to provide mitigation (defense, aggro control, healing).

Seraphael's build is a better solo build because of the ranged defenses and shields.

That's not to say that Destinee's can't solo and Seraphael's can't team, but rather you can understand what they are primarily building for.

Personally, I build a little more like Seraphael with an emphasis on ranged defenses largely because I tend to solo a lot and when I do join teams, it's on a lot of pick up groups (where you can't always count of buffs, aggro control or other forms of mitigation). Also, a ranged defense build can be put together fairly cheaply whereas builds focusing on recharge can get expensive.

If you are teaming primarily with SG mates or close friends, you really don't need to IO heavily. I'd just go for some set bonuses that enhance recharge, add some hitpoints and perhaps add to accuracy and damage a bit. IO sets, while nice, are completely overshadowed on teams that buff teammates and debuff enemies.

Actually, I can manage to solo that build somewhere in between the ability of my sonic/em who loves to solo and my fire/ice who is generally craptastic at it depending on the enemy (Carnies eat him alive; Rikti/Malta/Nemesis not so much).

I use Flash Freeze quite a bit, and it generally removes most of the minions from the fight. On my own, I can then handle the lts and bosses fairly easily.

I do rely more on my own active defense ability (ie tactics) than on anything in the build itself except for Flash Freeze to do it. Most of my blasters rely on my own ability to manage their defenses rather than build with the sonic/Em being the big exception.

Okay I tried my hand at a Damage/recharge build, not sure how well I did but it was a start. Thanks to Destinee for giving me a bit of direction. I haven't worked on a defensive build yet but all in good time i guess. I'm not sure how good it is but any feedback is great...

Dark Knight is mostly concept so while I could or should build him in a way that gets the most out of him I perfer him the way I invision him. So I had to IO around that, it might not be much but I'll see...

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Dark Knight: Level 50 Mutation Blaster
Primary Power Set: Energy Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Electrical Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Power Bolt -- Dev'n-Acc/Dmg(A), Dev'n-Dmg/Rchg(3), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Dev'n-Dmg/EndRdx(17), ExStrk-Dam%(46)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- Acc-I(A), Acc-I(50)
Level 2: Power Blast -- Dev'n-Acc/Dmg(A), Dev'n-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Dev'n-Dmg/Rchg(5), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), ExStrk-Dam%(46)
Level 4: Energy Torrent -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(23), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(23), Posi-Dmg/Rng(27), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(27), Posi-Dam%(31)
Level 6: Power Burst -- Dev'n-Acc/Dmg(A), Dev'n-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Dev'n-Dmg/Rchg(7), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), ExStrk-Dam%(46)
Level 8: Sniper Blast -- Mantic-Acc/Dmg(A), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Mantic-Acc/ActRdx/Rng(9), Mantic-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg(13), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 10: Bone Smasher -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(34), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), T'Death-Dam%(43)
Level 12: Hover -- Flight-I(A)
Level 14: Fly -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(15), Zephyr-ResKB(15)
Level 16: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 18: Health -- RgnTis-Regen+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(36), Mrcl-Rcvry+(43)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(21), P'Shift-EndMod(21), P'Shift-End%(50)
Level 22: Energy Punch -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(31), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), T'Death-Dam%(37)
Level 24: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-Rchg(25), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Assault -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 28: Aim -- AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-Rchg(29), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 30: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 32: Nova -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(33), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(36)
Level 38: Total Focus -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(39), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(39), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 41: Static Discharge -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(42), Posi-Dmg/Rng(42), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Charged Armor -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(45), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(45), S'fstPrt-ResKB(45)
Level 47: Surge of Power -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48), ResDam-I(48), ResDam-I(48)
Level 49: Tactics -- RechRdx-I(A), GSFC-Build%(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 21.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 21.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 1.56% Defense(Fire)
• 1.56% Defense(Cold)
• 2.5% Defense(Energy)
• 2.5% Defense(Negative)
• 1.88% Defense(Psionic)
• 5% Defense(Ranged)
• 3.13% Defense(AoE)
• 35% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 41% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% FlySpeed
• 149.1 HP (12.4%) HitPoints
• 5% JumpHeight
• 5% JumpSpeed
• Knockback (Mag -8)
• Knockup (Mag -8)
• MezResist(Held) 12.7%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 7.15%
• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
• 10% (0.17 End/sec) Recovery
• 48% (2.41 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 3.15% Resistance(Fire)
• 3.15% Resistance(Cold)
• 3.13% Resistance(Toxic)
• 5% RunSpeed

Well, you get two builds now, so you could always compare the two side by side.

I've tried making defense builds, but the thing that scares me away is that I often exemp to run TFs at all levels. A lot of times it seems you have to have a full set to get that defense bonus. When you get to looking at the individual powers themselves in terms of effectiveness, a full set often leaves you short somewhere. I started to discover that I wasn't getting as much accuracy or as much damage as I might like on a power out of the defense builds. Now, I realize that the bonuses will often cover that ... unless you exemp below the level of the IOs and the powers they enhance where you tend to lose those bonuses meaning I might be stuck running a Posi with a very low accuracy or damage on something.

When I build, I always look to enhancing the max out of the individual power so that it will stay effective at all levels of play before I start looking at the bonuses I can squeeze out of the sets. That means that most of my builds are heavy damage, accuracy, regen, and recharge style builds. Those are things that you can get out of only 2, 3, or 4 pieces of the set.

I've done a few high-level blasters.

Ice/Ice/Force with "frankenslotting plus damage procs". This works really well but I don't know how much of it is due to the power combo and how much is the IO's. It's not quite the buzzsaw build it was, but it's still awfully good and awfully safe.

(Total side note for Destinee: Have you tried spamming Shiver on those carnies? I only remember real problems with the bosses...)

Fire/Elec/Cold with Tough and Weave and quite a lot of Smash/Lethal/En/Neg defense. One little purple pill makes me very tough in most situations. (Cheap build, mostly. The Steadfast res/def costs, and there were some Posi's in there, but Thunderstrike is cheap and I could frankenslot or go with cheap sets for the rest.)

Fire/Energy/Elec built for HP, Regen, Damage, and three ranged AOE's. This was "expensive" for me, maybe 200 million inf at the time. I built for HP/Regen and the Damage sort of came for free, so I put in Assault. The three AOE's are good; the HP/Regen was not greatly impressive to me at the time, but this was before they gave Elec the "force of nature" clone.

En/Fire/Force built for Recharge. The En/Fire combo has been frustrating me since issue 2. The mostly-Hasten nuke is quite good, though.

As I see it, a defensive build is the best choise for a blaster. It allows you to go full out 99% of the time where a non-defensive build would have to wait for tanker to run in and grab aggro and/or debuffs to take effect. This allows you to outdamage even full out offensive powerhouses.

I've got a Fire/Ice/Elec which eat full team sized ITF elite boss spawns alive. On teams he never need hold back and wait for a tanker to get aggro (unless he's facing a very strong AV). He tends to be the sole survivor when a team (with tankers) wipes.

Ultimately though, play the character you want. I'll admit some of the excitement of playing a blaster is lost when being a ultra strong defensive blaster (after the initial "hey, look at me I'm awesome!"-effect goes away ). You'd have to look hard to find challenges that can send your heart racing. Also I kind of miss having to play smart and tactical in order to get by.

(To Fulmens - Yes, I spam Shiver all the time; plus I use Snowstorm both with -recharge procs and full slow enhancing, but those damn Illusionists tend to eat me alive especially when I get a double spawn.)

It's not just a defensive blaster that can lead the charge. I do it regularly on TFs with all my blasters when I'm in a hurry, and the tanker is slow. Generally, it doesn't cause me any extra problems although I'm usually patient enough to wait for the tank to grab aggro if we have one.

All you need is 1 LoG recharge speed. If you get more than one, you are just wasting your money.

added my thoughts to your build

[color:#489AFF]Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401[/color]
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i think one kb io is good enough for you..especially if your using Hover, but if you want a second i'd swap the flight speed in Hover for a Karma..

Heres the build on my main, he's a total jack of all trades really - he can dish out ST, blaps and AoE depending on mood or requirment. Mitigation is by Knockback and killing stuff quick.

With Hasten up I can fit in a chain of Bonesmasher,Energy Punch, Power burst, Power bolt, Energy Punch, Bonesmasher into the duration of Aim/BU - which'll pretty much demolish a boss in one sitting.

At range Power Burst, Power Blast, Power Bolt is pretty much a continuous chain.

Or I can just go nuts and Aim/BU, Energy Torrent, Explosive Blast, Burst on an Lt and then mop up any surviving minions with another torrent before turning to any bosses.

I'm pretty happy with him, he's got pretty good +rech, good +dam, capped HP (with accolades), no endurance worries whatsoever and some other other odds and sods.

Plus there was enough slack in the build to accomodate some of my personal preferences, like being fast on his feet and fitting in a pretty quick hover - it'd be easy to lose a few slots and extra powers here and there and cram in some more mainstream stuff, like aid self.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Crimson Cannon: Level 50 Technology Blaster
Primary Power Set: Energy Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Force Mastery

Hero Profile:
------------
Level 1: Power Blast
(A) Apocalypse - Damage
(3) Apocalypse - Damage/Recharge
(3) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(5) Apocalypse - Accuracy/Recharge
(5) Apocalypse - Chance of Damage(Negative)


Level 1: Power Thrust
(A) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage
(7) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge
(7) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(9) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge


Level 2: Power Bolt
(A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage
(9) Devastation - Damage/Recharge
(11) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(11) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


Level 4: Energy Torrent
(A) Force Feedback - Chance for +Recharge
(13) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage
(13) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge
(15) Positron's Blast - Damage/Range
(15) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(17) Positron's Blast - Chance of Damage(Energy)


Level 6: Energy Punch
(A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge
(17) Stupefy - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
(19) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(19) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance
(21) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge
(21) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


Level 8: Build Up
(A) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge
(23) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge
(23) Recharge Reduction IO


Level 10: Power Burst
(A) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage
(25) Devastation - Damage/Recharge
(25) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
(27) Devastation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(27) HamiO:Centriole Exposure
(29) HamiO:Centriole Exposure


Level 12: Bone Smasher
(A) Absolute Amazement - Accuracy/Recharge
(29) Absolute Amazement - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
(31) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage
(31) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance
(31) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge
(33) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge


Level 14: Swift
(A) HamiO:Microfilament Exposure
(42) HamiO:Microfilament Exposure


Level 16: Hurdle
(A) Jumping IO
(42) Jumping IO


Level 18: Health
(A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery
(40) Numina's Convalescence - Heal
(40) Miracle - +Recovery


Level 20: Stamina
(A) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End
(40) Performance Shifter - EndMod
(42) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge


Level 22: Hover
(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(34) Soaring - FlySpeed
(37) Soaring - Endurance/FlySpeed
(39) Freebird - FlySpeed
(39) Freebird - Endurance


Level 24: Combat Jumping
(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(43) Gift of the Ancients - Run Speed +7.5%


Level 26: Super Jump
(A) Jumping IO


Level 28: Hasten
(A) Recharge Reduction IO
(43) Recharge Reduction IO
(43) Recharge Reduction IO


Level 30: Aim
(A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge
(33) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge
(34) Recharge Reduction IO


Level 32: Power Push
(A) Explosive Strike - Accuracy/Knockback
(34) Explosive Strike - Damage/Knockback


Level 35: Explosive Blast
(A) Force Feedback - Chance for +Recharge
(36) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage
(36) Positron's Blast - Damage/Recharge
(36) Positron's Blast - Damage/Range
(37) Positron's Blast - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
(37) Positron's Blast - Chance of Damage(Energy)


Level 38: Boost Range
(A) Recharge Reduction IO
(39) Recharge Reduction IO


Level 41: Personal Force Field
(A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
(45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
(45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge
(45) Gift of the Ancients - Run Speed +7.5%
(46) Gift of the Ancients - Defense/Endurance


Level 44: Temp Invulnerability
(A) Aegis - Resistance
(46) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance
(46) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance
(48) Impervium Armor - Resistance/Endurance/Recharge


Level 47: Sniper Blast
(A) Extreme Measures - Damage/Interrupt/Recharge
(48) Sting of the Manticore - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
(48) Sting of the Manticore - Damage/Interrupt/Recharge
(50) Sting of the Manticore - Accuracy/Interrupt/Range
(50) Sting of the Manticore - Damage/Endurance
(50) Sting of the Manticore - Accuracy/Damage


Level 49: Acrobatics
(A) Endurance Reduction IO


------------
Level 1: Brawl
(A) Accuracy IO


Level 1: Sprint
(A) HamiO:Microfilament Exposure
(33) HamiO:Microfilament Exposure


Level 2: Rest
(A) Recharge Reduction IO


Level 1: Defiance
------------
Set Bonus Totals:
27% DamageBuff(Smashing)
27% DamageBuff(Lethal)
27% DamageBuff(Fire)
27% DamageBuff(Cold)
27% DamageBuff(Energy)
27% DamageBuff(Negative)
27% DamageBuff(Toxic)
27% DamageBuff(Psionic)
0.94% Defense(Energy)
0.94% Defense(Negative)
1.88% Defense(Ranged)
52.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
18% Enhancement(Accuracy)
5% FlySpeed
180.7 HP (15%) HitPoints
5% JumpHeight
5% JumpSpeed
MezResist(Immobilize) 9.35%
17% (0.28 End/sec) Recovery
82% (4.13 HP/sec) Regeneration
3.15% Resistance(Fire)
3.15% Resistance(Cold)
25% RunSpeed






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|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

This is my main's second build. Yes, it is softcapped to ranged.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Demobot: Level 50 Technology Blaster
Primary Power Set: Energy Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Force Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Power Bolt -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(3), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- ExStrk-Dmg/KB(A), ExStrk-Acc/KB(37), ExStrk-Dam%(48)
Level 2: Power Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(7), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 4: Energy Torrent -- Ragnrk-Dmg(A), Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg(37), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg(39), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Posi-Dam%(40)
Level 6: Power Burst -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(11), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(11), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15)
Level 8: Energy Punch -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(19), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(19), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), Mako-Dam%(21)
Level 10: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(23), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(23), AdjTgt-Rchg(25), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx(25)
Level 12: Hover -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-ResKB(27), Flight-I(29), LkGmblr-Def(31), LkGmblr-Rchg+(48)
Level 14: Fly -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(31)
Level 16: Bone Smasher -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mako-Dam%(34)
Level 18: Aim -- AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(37), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(42), AdjTgt-Rchg(42), AdjTgt-ToHit(45)
Level 20: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 22: Health -- Numna-Heal(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(36), Mrcl-Rcvry+(36), Mrcl-Heal(50)
Level 24: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(29), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(34), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(34), P'Shift-End%(43)
Level 26: Kick -- ExStrk-Dmg/KB(A), ExStrk-Acc/KB(27), ExStrk-Dam%(50)
Level 28: Tough -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(36)
Level 30: Weave -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(40), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(40), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), RedFtn-Def(43), RedFtn-EndRdx(43)
Level 32: Stealth -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 35: Boost Range -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Total Focus -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(45), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Mako-Dam%(46)
Level 41: Personal Force Field -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 44: Temp Invulnerability -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 47: Force of Nature -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(50)
Level 49: Grant Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 20.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 20.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 3% Defense(Smashing)
• 3% Defense(Lethal)
• 3% Defense(Fire)
• 3% Defense(Cold)
• 26.1% Defense(Energy)
• 26.1% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 3% Defense(Melee)
• 38% Defense(Ranged)
• 3% Defense(AoE)
• 55% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 54% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 17% FlySpeed
• 76.8 HP (6.37%) HitPoints
• 17% JumpHeight
• 17% JumpSpeed
• Knockback (Mag -8)
• Knockup (Mag -8)
• MezResist(Held) 9.9%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 12.1%
• 21.5% (0.36 End/sec) Recovery
• 22% (1.11 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 3.78% Resistance(Fire)
• 3.78% Resistance(Cold)
• 2.52% Resistance(Energy)
• 2.52% Resistance(Negative)
• 17% RunSpeed