SOLO Empathy Quest
Hello again Perwira,
I am planning a respec with our upcoming freespec and this is where I will be when that happens. The only major differences will be swapping a few powers around like Maneuvers changing to Combat Jumping, Flying is being dropped for superspeed and a few slots are being moved around. Everything else remains the same, including IOs socketed. Ignore the levels on the IOs, I am still learning Mids, so was not able to have it show all IOs as level 35 |
As an aside, you mentioned wanting to increase your defense where you could. You're probably not swimming in inf, but a worthy IO to obtain is the unique Steadfast Protection: Resistance/Defense which provides a +3% Def (All). You might want to eventually slot this into your Tough power.
Thanks for posting your build and I'm curious how it works as you get into the upper levels.
Looks good, and based on all you've posted so far, about what I expected. Bet you can't wait 'til you've got Sparky by your side!
As an aside, you mentioned wanting to increase your defense where you could. You're probably not swimming in inf, but a worthy IO to obtain is the unique Steadfast Protection: Resistance/Defense which provides a +3% Def (All). You might want to eventually slot this into your Tough power. Thanks for posting your build and I'm curious how it works as you get into the upper levels. |
You are correct about Influence, I have to grab recipes when they come up at bargain prices or (half the time) when I get a lucky drop like Positron's.
The steadfast +def IO is on the list of things to get, and it will go into Tough as soon as I can scrape 150 merits together.
I am still waffling on Sparky, because I have not decided on my epic pool yet.
If I decide on Psychic (cause MoB is just that good), I would not want him shooting my sleepers. But the draw to get Electric mastery is pretty high. I like EVERY one of the epic powers. Psychic and Power mastery both have at least one choice I dont like and in the case of Power, TI just would not impress me as much as MoB or CA.
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Well after gaining 12 levels in 12 hours playing solo on my FF/Elec Defender using no Vet luxuries at all, I give up. I need the extra damage of my "pets". So my own personal solo project is over with, I'm going to respec into a team build.
Good luck with the rest of your quest Biospark, I just can't stand the slowness anymore. And I am now convinced that Defenders DO need a damage boost somewhere.
Well after gaining 12 levels in 12 hours playing solo on my FF/Elec Defender using no Vet luxuries at all, I give up. I need the extra damage of my "pets". So my own personal solo project is over with, I'm going to respec into a team build.
Good luck with the rest of your quest Biospark, I just can't stand the slowness anymore. And I am now convinced that Defenders DO need a damage boost somewhere. |
To be honest, starting at level 10 and continuing on till level 28, Playing my defender was not easy at all. When I have done timestreams that take away Tesla Cage, I feel like I am playing with one hand tied behind my back.
Hope you enjoy your character despite what you have seen.
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Well after gaining 12 levels in 12 hours playing solo on my FF/Elec Defender using no Vet luxuries at all, I give up.
|
I would prob still be somewhere around lvl30 if it weren't for an informal lvling pact i made with a scrapper.
Triumph Lurker: mintmiki 50 emp/archer
basically, if you see a miki on Triumph, it's probably cute and it's probably me.
Huge thanks to cuppamanga and all the folks in the mac help forum for prolonging my borrowed time on this game.
.... and spark's a little nuts to be runnin his guy all the way to 50 like that. That being said, it's admirable too. |
Crazy is when you don't listen to the voices. They get mad when you do that.
Not Me, I let em all have their chance to speak
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Hello Folks,
I have been asked to give an update on my progress and decided to share one of my biggest surprises with this build so far.
Currently I am less than 2 bubbles from 39.
My defenses are pretty solid and I find that I dont need to actively heal as much.
Currently S/L resist is 22+%, I added the Steadfast IO to Tough (finally got the merits to buy it) which makes my defenses 18% ranged, 16% AoE/Psi and 15% Melee (approx).
I am running CJ, Acro, Tough, Weave
Things have slowed down, but that is because I am hesitant to increase my difficulty from where I am now (+1 level, 1 Hero, no bosses). This seems sad to me at level 38 to be unable to raise the difficulty, but I play on the safe side with all my characters.
Hours spent levelling finally topped 100 hours and I am up to 13 deaths.
The last 2 deaths were in a Timestream mission where I needed to destroy 8 Vampire generators. I had never done this mission and lucky me, 4 of the generators were all packed into a small area. Very wild fighting erupted, but I was quite proud of myself. After the first brutal death, I came back and even though I died again, managed to take out 2 of the 4 generators, all while they kept spitting out vampires and a gun was popping me from a distance. Wild Stuff.
But the biggest surprise came after I got the merits to socket Steadfast, and resumed normal arcs. I did the first Paragon Protector arc. Something I had been dreading from the start of this project. Since my Blaster had issues with PPs, I figured Biospark would get his...hmmm... handed to him.
Not only did I not die through the entire story arc, Only ONE Protector managed to get MoG off. And I was fighting up to 3 of them at once. It may be that this does not surprise anyone else, but I destroyed the Protectors without breaking a sweat.
So if anyone ever asks you if the endurance drain strategy works. The answer is YES.
No Endo means --> No MoG, no attacks, no holds, no sleeps, no NADA, zippo.
Yeah Electric Blasts work fine.
Till next time
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Awesome progress. See, to me, a high recharge Empathy build has a lot of promise with being able to have the RAs up half the time and such. I've got a level 38 Emp/Sonic that was part of a Empathy duo and I've always wondered about respeccing him for a solo build and this thread has really got me considering it.
Awesome progress. See, to me, a high recharge Empathy build has a lot of promise with being able to have the RAs up half the time and such. I've got a level 38 Emp/Sonic that was part of a Empathy duo and I've always wondered about respeccing him for a solo build and this thread has really got me considering it.
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So what I do, is Hit Hasten, Fight a little, then before Hasten wears off, Hit Recovery aura.
This makes the Hasten crash less painful and then before RA wears off, I hit regen Aura, so that the huge 26 Endo cost of casting it gets recovered quickly before Recovery aura wears off.
So my combat goes like this. One Fight is fast and furious with Hasten, then I can pretty much spam Ball Lightning in with my regular attacks, SC too and Healing. Finally when Hasten and Recovery have worn off, I have already activated Regen Aura and can take a heavy beating when Hasten and RA are not refreshed. By the Time Regen Aura wears off, Hasten is back and RA soon after. Its a pretty reliable cycle. I dont have to slow down much.
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
So if anyone ever asks you if the endurance drain strategy works. The answer is YES.
No Endo means --> No MoG, no attacks, no holds, no sleeps, no NADA, zippo. Yeah Electric Blasts work fine. Till next time |
Great to hear how you're progressing. Kudos to you. I'm purposely hanging loose on my 50th level emp/elec's respec until reading your comments and seeing your build in the upper levels. Later, I'd be curious to read what you'd think would be the best 'balanced' build (dual empath party support and electrical blast offense combined), based on your solo experience.
Thank you for confirming what I've heard so many others nay-say! Who knows, you may start a new blue renaissance!
Great to hear how you're progressing. Kudos to you. I'm purposely hanging loose on my 50th level emp/elec's respec until reading your comments and seeing your build in the upper levels. Later, I'd be curious to read what you'd think would be the best 'balanced' build (dual empath party support and electrical blast offense combined), based on your solo experience. |
Hello again Perwira,
Its funny that you should mention a balanced build. I have started the gears moving on how to do my second team build as a more balanced build. It will not be about damage really, but I want to preserve the Draining strategy and some personal defense, at the same time as adding in all the team powers I will need.
I need to add at least Heal Other, Clear Mind, Fort, and AB
But should also consider the other 2 powers as well, since they are all good for teams.
So I only need to swap out 4-6 powers.
Currently my level 50 Solo Plan is;
Empathy (3 powers) Electric Blast (6 Powers) Electric Mastery (4 Powers)
Fighting (3) Leaping (3) Speed (2) Fitness (3)
I can easily get 3 by dropping the fighting pool. I could also get 3 more by dropping fitness, and trying for a stamina-less build. Or making other pool changes, including the Epic choices. But my main thought on a team build would be to add pseudo control thru draining along with my heals and buffs. Depending on team makeup I could adjust strategies to heal more-drain less, or drain more-heal less.
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
I could also get 3 more by dropping fitness, and trying for a stamina-less build.
|
Two slots of performance shifters help a bit there, giving you +movement (and as an Emp/Elec you have ample places to slot those ).
OTOH, just taking Hurdle is only one power.
Why Blasters? Empathy Sucks.
So, you want to be Mental?
What the hell? Let's buff defenders.
Tactics are for those who do not have a big enough hammer. Wisdom is knowing how big your hammer is.
Its funny that you should mention a balanced build. I have started the gears moving on how to do my second team build as a more balanced build. It will not be about damage really, but I want to preserve the Draining strategy and some personal defense, at the same time as adding in all the team powers I will need...
But my main thought on a team build would be to add pseudo control thru draining along with my heals and buffs. Depending on team makeup I could adjust strategies to heal more-drain less, or drain more-heal less. |
To accomplish this, I'd probably have to drop the leadership pool (there's 3 right there) and/or the Fitness pool (which I wonder if I'd really want to do given all the high endurance-using primary/secondary powers and knowing that Health might be a lifesaver in a combatant role), as well as swap out Power Mastery for Electrical Mastery at the epic level. I'd be curious to know which attack powers you see as becoming less used as you rise up the levels, particularly after you pick up the epic Electricity Mastery attacks. It may be possible to drop one of the lower-end electrical attacks if you already have a full and sufficiently flexible attack chain that includes the epic powers.
To be honest, the big problem I have with my Fitnessless Emp/Elec is not the lack of Stamina, but the lack of Hurdle.
Two slots of performance shifters help a bit there, giving you +movement (and as an Emp/Elec you have ample places to slot those ). OTOH, just taking Hurdle is only one power. |
To be honest, the big problem I have with my Fitnessless Emp/Elec is not the lack of Stamina, but the lack of Hurdle.
Two slots of performance shifters help a bit there, giving you +movement (and as an Emp/Elec you have ample places to slot those ). OTOH, just taking Hurdle is only one power. |
Hasten otoh is one I rarely take. Both have been very helpful additions to my build, so I will have a hard time actually trying a Stamina-less build. Very few powersets could probably consider going without Stamina. Empathy is one of them.
I will still have to think awhile on it. Hehe I have 11 more levels.
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Yes, the concept you just described is exactly along the lines of what I was thinking when I mentioned a 'balanced' build.
To accomplish this, I'd probably have to drop the leadership pool (there's 3 right there) and/or the Fitness pool (which I wonder if I'd really want to do given all the high endurance-using primary/secondary powers and knowing that Health might be a lifesaver in a combatant role), as well as swap out Power Mastery for Electrical Mastery at the epic level. I'd be curious to know which attack powers you see as becoming less used as you rise up the levels, particularly after you pick up the epic Electricity Mastery attacks. It may be possible to drop one of the lower-end electrical attacks if you already have a full and sufficiently flexible attack chain that includes the epic powers. |
I will also have Shocking Bolt, but it will be slotted as a hold to compliment Tesla Cage, which is also slotted for hold (not damage). I am not taking Thunderous Blast or Voltaic, but I am planning on trying other builds eventually that might take advantage of Thunderous Blast and/or VS. For my Team Build, I would probably keep Lightning Bolt, even though I would probably have more use from SC and Ball Lightning. My Team stratgey is simple ; Have decent enough defenses to enable me to stand right in the middle of the action, use Heals, Holds and SC drains thru the fighting. If the team is less needy of my heals, then I could launch more attacks, but I am just not sure which attacks would be the best.
There is this fun vision of me standing in the thick of drained enemies and Launching Aim+Thunderous Blast +pop a blue followed by Powersink
I suspect, but do not yet know, that Solo work = Single Target > AoE, while Teamwork = AoE > Single Target
Any thoughts ?
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Edited to add: I haven't yet put this into practice quite like you have, both in solo-quest and in team, so this is why I'm curious what you've discovered. I have a notion that the Electricity Mastery epic powers might slightly change the complexion of the power sets and attack chain, but we'll find out more as you get there. Out of curiosity considering which epic power set would be best, I had asked earlier in this forum whether the magnitude of the Shocking Bolt hold stacks with the hold magnitude of Tesla Cage and the comments/answers in return suggested that it does (for at least several seconds, if I recall correctly), meaning serious boss/AV holding as well as full endurance draining capability. As you've already experienced with mobs and bosses, you may well have an AV stopper in your hands, short of those with persistent break-hold and massive endurance recovery capabilities.
Same as yours! I'm following the same train of thought you are.
Edited to add: I haven't yet put this into practice quite like you have, both in solo-quest and in team, so this is why I'm curious what you've discovered. I have a notion that the Electricity Mastery epic powers might slightly change the complexion of the power sets and attack chain, but we'll find out more as you get there. Out of curiosity considering which epic power set would be best, I had asked earlier in this forum whether the magnitude of the Shocking Bolt hold stacks with the hold magnitude of Tesla Cage and the comments/answers in return suggested that it does (for at least several seconds, if I recall correctly), meaning serious boss/AV holding as well as full endurance draining capability. As you've already experienced with mobs and bosses, you may well have an AV stopper in your hands, short of those with persistent break-hold and massive endurance recovery capabilities. |
Pre-Tesla, my single target chain was 4 attacks, Charged Bolts, Lightning Bolt, Air Superiority and Boxing. They were all slotted for dmg and accuaracy, and were very good at dealing damage for 27 levels. One thing people might not realize about boxing (and which made me a fan) is that when you get hit with slowing effects (freezer, scientists, spectrals, Marksman, etc,,,,) Boxing remains very useful. It has such a short recharge, that slows don't really slow it much.
After Tesla, I found that I had one too many attacks and was planning a respec into Hasten anyway, so I dropped Air Superiority (Tesla is WAYYY Better) and just slotted up Boxing as a third attack. But now that Hasten and my Blasts are fully slotted, and I can spam the endurance heavy Ball Lightning and Short circuit (under RA), I hardly use boxing.
The reason is simple, its damage is too low. It is more economical to wait for a blast to cycle (under Hasten, thats not a long wait), so I dont really need that 3rd attack unless I am slowed and/or Hasten is not running.
So... up steps Electric Mastery. My first 2 choices are a Single Target Immob which has a fast recharge and can be used as an attack, or.... Thunderstrike, slow, expensive and Huge AoE damage.
I will be taking Thunderstrike. Why... well I skipped Voltaic, I skipped Thunderous blast, so I seriously lack a big Hitter. I am unsure though whether this attack would add much to a team setting, since my job would be less about damage. So on my team Build, if I also take Electric Mastery, I could easily see the greater benefit to having an Immob power instead of another AoE.
These are just thoughts out loud. I will know more soon enough.
P.S. As far as Shocking Bolt, I fully intend on taking this power. In fact, Electric or Psychic mastery are really the only 2 that I will consider, and thats because they both have a hold-type power to complement Tesla cage.
Strategically, the epic holds last longer, so I would suspect that you would fire off Tesla followed by your epic hold for maximum holding power on a Boss.
I am sure the other sets would add to this combo just fine, but being able to hold a Boss is a critical ability I dont want to lack (Solo or Team). Its less important on a team, if you have other teammates with holds. You and they could co-ordinate a little and stack holds easily, but solo.... gotta have Dominate or Shocking Bolt. IMHO
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Yeah I think Electric Mastery is a very good example of how to supplement an attack chain.
So... up steps Electric Mastery. My first 2 choices are a Single Target Immob which has a fast recharge and can be used as an attack, or.... Thunderstrike, slow, expensive and Huge AoE damage. I will be taking Thunderstrike. Why... well I skipped Voltaic, I skipped Thunderous blast, so I seriously lack a big Hitter. I am unsure though whether this attack would add much to a team setting, since my job would be less about damage. So on my team Build, if I also take Electric Mastery, I could easily see the greater benefit to having an Immob power instead of another AoE. These are just thoughts out loud. I will know more soon enough. P.S. As far as Shocking Bolt, I fully intend on taking this power. In fact, Electric or Psychic mastery are really the only 2 that I will consider, and thats because they both have a hold-type power to complement Tesla cage. Strategically, the epic holds last longer, so I would suspect that you would fire off Tesla followed by your epic hold for maximum holding power on a Boss. I am sure the other sets would add to this combo just fine, but being able to hold a Boss is a critical ability I dont want to lack (Solo or Team). Its less important on a team, if you have other teammates with holds. You and they could co-ordinate a little and stack holds easily, but solo.... gotta have Dominate or Shocking Bolt. IMHO |
In any case, good luck with your solo quest, impressive indeed!
I might have missed it, Biospark, but what level ARE you at at this point? Also, as per your op (wayyy back in the mists of time) how do you feel about defender damage - does the AT NEED the buff, or could just be a little smoother with it?
So if anyone ever asks you if the endurance drain strategy works. The answer is YES.
No Endo means --> No MoG, no attacks, no holds, no sleeps, no NADA, zippo. Yeah Electric Blasts work fine. Till next time |
I've been saying these things for years now. Good to see another voice confirming it. I love my Endurance Drain, it's even easier with the protection of Personal Force Fields between Short Circuit blasts. Lets ME control when I decide to fight - which is always when they're drained, heh.
By the way, Voltaic Sentinel is my best friend. I love him. Especially considering that he keeps blasting on the rare occasion that I'm slept or mezzed.
I've been saying these things for years now. Good to see another voice confirming it. I love my Endurance Drain, it's even easier with the protection of Personal Force Fields between Short Circuit blasts. Lets ME control when I decide to fight - which is always when they're drained, heh.
By the way, Voltaic Sentinel is my best friend. I love him. Especially considering that he keeps blasting on the rare occasion that I'm slept or mezzed. |
My level 50 Dominators:
Madame Mindbender 50 Mind/Energy
Fly Agaric 50 Plant/Thorn
Nate Nitro 50 Fire/Psi
It's not a pet, not at all. It's a localized moving ST damage machine. It's not targettable. So no, nothing can buff it. Or for that matter, kill it.
Bio, I think you'll find that your epic will make a significant difference in your solo gameplay. I use the Psychic pool on my Emp/Dark, and it makes enough difference that I very seldom use the RAs while soloing; they just aren't necessary against anything short of an EB. Shocking Bolt and Power Sink, in conjunction with Tesla Cage and your other drains, should accomplish something similar for you.
The Way of the Corruptor (Arc ID 49834): Hey villains! Do something for yourself for a change--like twisting the elements to your will. All that's standing in your way are a few secret societies...and Champions of the four elements.
Hello again Perwira,
I am planning a respec with our upcoming freespec and this is where I will be when that happens. The only major differences will be swapping a few powers around like Maneuvers changing to Combat Jumping, Flying is being dropped for superspeed and a few slots are being moved around. Everything else remains the same, including IOs socketed. Ignore the levels on the IOs, I am still learning Mids, so was not able to have it show all IOs as level 35
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Bio_Two: Level 34 Mutation Defender
Primary Power Set: Empathy
Secondary Power Set: Electrical Blast
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Healing Aura -- Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx:40(A), Mrcl-EndRdx/Rchg:40(5), Mrcl-Heal/Rchg:40(7), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:40(9), Mrcl-Heal:40(9)
Level 1: Charged Bolts -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:53(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:53(3), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:53(11), Dmg-I:53(15)
Level 2: Lightning Bolt -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:53(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:53(3), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:53(11), Dmg-I:53(15)
Level 4: Ball Lightning -- Posi-Acc/Dmg:53(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx:53(5), Posi-Dmg/Rchg:53(13), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:53(17), EndRdx-I:53(33)
Level 6: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(13), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(17)
Level 8: Swift -- Run-I:53(A)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff-I:53(A), DefBuff-I:50(29)
Level 12: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:53(A), RechRdx-I:53(23), RechRdx-I:53(23)
Level 14: Super Speed -- EndRdx-I:53(A)
Level 16: Aim -- RechRdx-I:53(A), RechRdx-I:53(19), RechRdx-I:53(19)
Level 18: Health -- Heal-I:53(A), Heal-I:53(25), Heal-I:53(25)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod-I:53(A), EndMod-I:53(21), EndMod-I:53(21)
Level 22: Tough -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(A), ImpArm-ResDam:40(34), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(34)
Level 24: Weave -- EndRdx-I:53(A), DefBuff-I:53(31)
Level 26: Regeneration Aura -- RechRdx-I:53(A), RechRdx-I:53(27), RechRdx-I:53(27)
Level 28: Tesla Cage -- Lock-Acc/Hold:53(A), Lock-Acc/Rchg:53(29)
Level 30: Recovery Aura -- RechRdx-I:53(A), RechRdx-I:53(31), RechRdx-I:53(31)
Level 32: Short Circuit -- Efficacy-EndMod:53(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg:53(33), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg:53(33), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:53(34)
Level 35: [Empty]
Level 38: [Empty]
Level 41: [Empty]
Level 44: [Empty]
Level 47: [Empty]
Level 49: [Empty]
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I:53(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- EndRdx-I:53(A)
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I:53(A)
Level 1: Vigilance
------------
Set Bonus Totals:
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF