For AoE-ness, I'd go Fire/Storm. Both are AoE goodness on a stick.
Earth Epic won't add much to the AoE, but it will add to your survival, and Seismic Smash is a great attack if you've got a boss locked down under containment, and boosts that ST damage a bit.
53 Bots/FF/Mace Mastermind | 53 NRG/FF/Electricity Defender | 50 Time/Dual Pistols/Soul Defender | 50 Demons/FF/Mace Mastermind | 51 Necro/Dark/Soul Mastermind | 50 Thugs/Time/Mace Mastermind | 50 Ice/Ice/Arctic Tanker | 50 Plant/Rad/Earth Controller | 50 Illusion/Trick Arrow Controller | 50 Gravity/Force Field Controller
Yes, I like Force Fields.
Fire/Storm/Earth and Earth/Storm/Fire would be beasts.
Most AoE damage? The Fire controller
I would still consider making the Earth/Storm though, as they are both late blooming, but very powerful combinations.
I haven't played enough of /Cold yet to get to the debuffs in that set.
My Fire/Storm/Earth was picking off +4and5s in Cimerora in the early/mid 40s. At 50 it does +2/ 5 man missions easily solo. (Haven't tried harder settings but I think it's doable)
@Mental Maden @Maden Mental
"....you are now tackle free for life."-ShoNuff
Quote:
Actually, Singularity does do some damage. He has lift, Crush and Grav Distortion, all of which do damage. But he doesn't do a whole lot of damage, as Singy is more of a controller-thingy.|
Originally Posted by Biospark
I had also considered Gravity as an Earth substitute, but the pet would add no damage to the equation. I am open to suggestions on coloring options too, because I personally like concept as long as it also functions well in game.
So, what elemental concept would be the highest damage output ? Thanks for any advice  |
And I agree with the others. Fire/Storm is the clear choice if you want end game damage.
LOCAL MAN! The most famous hero of all. There are more newspaper stories about me than anyone else. "Local Man wins Medal of Honor." "Local Man opens Animal Shelter." "Local Man Charged with..." (Um, forget about that one.)
Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control
Quote:
Really? I found that Fissure does only slightly less damage per activation than fireball and yet it recharges quite a bit faster AND it has a chance of stun.|
Originally Posted by Chill_Out
For AoE-ness, I'd go Fire/Storm. Both are AoE goodness on a stick.
Earth Epic won't add much to the AoE, but it will add to your survival, and Seismic Smash is a great attack if you've got a boss locked down under containment, and boosts that ST damage a bit. |
Biospark, if I were you, I'd recommend going with Fire/Cold/Earth. I like the damage potential more with Fire/Storm/Earth but the endurance drain would be brutal. At least with Fire/Cold/Earth, once you get a good amount of recharge, having Heat Loss up over 50% of the time will counter a lot of the endurance woes. As well, having good to soft-capped S/L defense and having your Imps close to soft capped will go a long way towards great, sustained AoE output. Team with a Fire/Kin and you'll be laughing. I've been playing around with a Fire/Cold/Ice build that I should start messing around with again. I was trying to get perma-Heat Loss with capped S/L but it wasn't quite there... Hmm.
Oh, and Biospark, by the way, I liked reading your Solo Empathy thread. Wish you'd post more regular updates with stories about your adventures.
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Originally Posted by BlackBellatrix
Really? I found that Fissure does only slightly less damage per activation than fireball and yet it recharges quite a bit faster AND it has a chance of stun.
Biospark, if I were you, I'd recommend going with Fire/Cold/Earth. I like the damage potential more with Fire/Storm/Earth but the endurance drain would be brutal. At least with Fire/Cold/Earth, once you get a good amount of recharge, having Heat Loss up over 50% of the time will counter a lot of the endurance woes. As well, having good to soft-capped S/L defense and having your Imps close to soft capped will go a long way towards great, sustained AoE output. Team with a Fire/Kin and you'll be laughing. I've been playing around with a Fire/Cold/Ice build that I should start messing around with again. I was trying to get perma-Heat Loss with capped S/L but it wasn't quite there... Hmm. Oh, and Biospark, by the way, I liked reading your Solo Empathy thread. Wish you'd post more regular updates with stories about your adventures. |
Thanks for the support
I am closing in on 40 with Biospark, and it keeps getting easier.For everyone else, Very much appreciate the responses to this thread.
My next character project is going to be WildMage (a controller) and I want a very flashy and potent elementalist. Kinda leaning toward Fire-Storm-Earth, but not very fond of the earth Armor graphics. Earth-Storm-Fire would be a great teaming build with lots of end game potential AND Consume , mmmm yummmy
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
Earth Control is quite a bit flashier than Fire Control, just on sound effects alone. Stone Cages sounds like boulders colliding in an avalanche, Fire Cages sounds like you just turned on a gas stove. Fire's hold animation is weak compared to Earth's, too. Enemy stands there hyperventilating like you gave him asthma vs. enemy is crushed in a block of granite. No contest.
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Originally Posted by Biospark
My next character project is going to be WildMage (a controller) and I want a very flashy and potent elementalist. Kinda leaning toward Fire-Storm-Earth, but not very fond of the earth Armor graphics. Earth-Storm-Fire would be a great teaming build with lots of end game potential AND Consume , mmmm yummmy
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Then again earth's aoe hold has you standing there hyperventilating to a vent of volcanic gas. Just saying.
@Mental Maden @Maden Mental
"....you are now tackle free for life."-ShoNuff
Quote:
Earth/Cold/Fire would be a late blooming set with a really nice team oriented nature I think.|
Originally Posted by Grimlek
Fire/Storm/Earth and Earth/Storm/Fire would be beasts.
Most AoE damage? The Fire controller I would still consider making the Earth/Storm though, as they are both late blooming, but very powerful combinations. I haven't played enough of /Cold yet to get to the debuffs in that set. |
The fact that sleet doesnt show up until level 35 means that you would have a long road of no damage increasers, but after that I bet it would be fine.
The fact that Freezing Rain would come at level 16 makes me lean toward Storm instead of Cold. Add to that you could use Tornado + Lightning Storm on a group of Held Villains makes me just feel all tingly inside.
My first controller (iirc, its been 5 years) was Earth/Storm. But the endurance use was incredibly high. I moved on to Mind/Empathy rather fast because of it.
Thanks for your response
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
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Originally Posted by MentalMaden
My Fire/Storm/Earth was picking off +4and5s in Cimerora in the early/mid 40s. At 50 it does +2/ 5 man missions easily solo. (Haven't tried harder settings but I think it's doable)
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Hiya MM,
Which Epic earth powers did you take.
The reason I ask is that I dont want the Earth Armor graphic overshadowing my Costume, which means I would skip it.
This really is the ONLY sticking point for the Fire/Storm/Earth option.
Would I be seriously missing out by not taking the Armor ?
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
I tried Earth way back in the beginning and it was fun.|
Originally Posted by hilker
Earth Control is quite a bit flashier than Fire Control, just on sound effects alone. Stone Cages sounds like boulders colliding in an avalanche, Fire Cages sounds like you just turned on a gas stove. Fire's hold animation is weak compared to Earth's, too. Enemy stands there hyperventilating like you gave him asthma vs. enemy is crushed in a block of granite. No contest.
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But I have to be honest. The new Lava coloring option for Earth has REALLY made me look at this Character concept again.
Its probably the main reason I have decided to try this.
But I also like the choking animation on the Fire side. Dont think either side is better visually, especially when Storm will be stealing both their thunder. (pun intended )
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Biospark
Hiya MM,
Which Epic earth powers did you take. The reason I ask is that I dont want the Earth Armor graphic overshadowing my Costume, which means I would skip it. This really is the ONLY sticking point for the Fire/Storm/Earth option. Would I be seriously missing out by not taking the Armor ? |
Fissure, armor and earth's embrace.
Yes, I hate the graphics of the armor as well. It is fugly, but the defense of the shields is nice with steamy mist. I didn't focus on defensive IO bonuses though as fire/storm really needs recovery, end and recharge bonuses. You COULD do it without the armor, but your survivability will go down accordingly.
@Mental Maden @Maden Mental
"....you are now tackle free for life."-ShoNuff
I have a different take than others based more on your concept. If you look at the power selections, and want a good balance of Earth, Air, Fire and Water powers, I think Earth/Storm/Fire is the obvious winner, which it sounds like you may be narrowing in on anyway. Should be very safe, have good burst damage, and plenty of AOE to go around. Plus, what I think is the best mix of your elements.
Having been trained in druidry, I approve this message. <|
Another vote for Earth/Storm/Fire. Earth and Storm are two great tastes that go great together. Fireball is nice, Fire shield is par, consume is a lifesaver if you are click-happy like me.
Although all of the combos are pretty viable. you really can't go wrong.
Stay Gold, Paragon. Stay Gold.
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.
i like the idea of elemental control and powers. I like the Fire/Storm/Earth and the Earth/Storm/Fire or even Earth/Thermal/Ice all would have great game play.
Quote:
Its funny you mention Druidry, my very first Controller way back at launch was an Elf-Looking character that was Magic origin Earth-Storm. His name was Heirophant.|
Originally Posted by GreenBone
I have a different take than others based more on your concept. If you look at the power selections, and want a good balance of Earth, Air, Fire and Water powers, I think Earth/Storm/Fire is the obvious winner, which it sounds like you may be narrowing in on anyway. Should be very safe, have good burst damage, and plenty of AOE to go around. Plus, what I think is the best mix of your elements.
Having been trained in druidry, I approve this message. <| |
I am currently leveling WildMage as an Earth-Storm, because I also agree with this being a good AoE concept character. There is one thing that I notice and probably the biggest reason I am not totally sold on the combination is there is a lot of Duplication of powers and effects.
I have read some guides, and they have been helpful, but I have to admit that this combination (or more accurately Storm combined with any Control primary) offers ALOT of options. You COULD take all the powers, but slots and endurance would be a problem, forever. So, my questions on the combo come down to maximizing AoE control and Dps, without having all 18 powers.
From Storm, I am thinking; Gale(no choice), O2, Freezing Rain, Tornado, Lightning Storm
From Earth : Stone Prison, Cages, Stalagmites, Fossilize, Volcanic Gases
From Fire : Fireball, FireBlast, Fire Shield, Consume
This leaves 10 more picks for pools and additional Primary/Secondary picks
As you can see, my thought on strategy is "Hold Em and Fold Em"
I dont like pets, so I may skip Stoney, but I may take him while leveling, because of having only 2 ST attacks (Stone Prison + Fossilize). I will also take Hasten, so could throw in Flurry if needed for a better attack chain.
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
Quote:
You have me thinking now. Perhaps I have been doing this all wrong.|
Originally Posted by CosmicThunderer
i like the idea of elemental control and powers. I like the Fire/Storm/Earth and the Earth/Storm/Fire or even Earth/Thermal/Ice all would have great game play.
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I could make one of each combination and play them a bit to see which better matches my playstyle, then pick the appropriate Epic once I get there.
So...
Am I missing any combinations;
Earth-Storm
Earth-Cold
Earth-Thermal
Ice-Thermal
Fire-Storm
Fire-Cold
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF
I made this flowchart to help decide what kind of controller to make:
Quote:
Idiot Pet? Poor Singy. You'd have hurt his feelings, if he had any.|
Originally Posted by Not_Rhino
I made this flowchart to help decide what kind of controller to make:
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Nice chart though
I'd go Fire/Storm and either Earth or Ice epic. Ice Epic now gets another AOE that's fairly decent (Frost Breath), plus Ice Storm. And the amazingly useful Hibernate for when things get messy, or you just need End after Flashfire & caging everything and summoning all those placeables. Hibernate up and let the Imps, Tornado, Freezing Rain, Lightning Storm and Ice Storm work away.
That's only 2 elements though. The Earth Epic is great too for the AOE damage & the ridiculously good Seismic Smash.
Quote:
Great chart. Laughed so hard, almost woke up wife. |
Originally Posted by Not_Rhino
I made this flowchart to help decide what kind of controller to make:
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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.
Quote:
I agree with Carni - Fire/Storm would be my choice.|
Originally Posted by Carnifax
Idiot Pet? Poor Singy. You'd have hurt his feelings, if he had any.
Nice chart though I'd go Fire/Storm and either Earth or Ice epic. Ice Epic now gets another AOE that's fairly decent (Frost Breath), plus Ice Storm. And the amazingly useful Hibernate for when things get messy, or you just need End after Flashfire & caging everything and summoning all those placeables. Hibernate up and let the Imps, Tornado, Freezing Rain, Lightning Storm and Ice Storm work away. That's only 2 elements though. The Earth Epic is great too for the AOE damage & the ridiculously good Seismic Smash. |
I'd leave the Epic choice until you get there and see which best fits your playstyle.
L50s: Tanks: Cryofission - Ice/EM - Dr Celsius - Fire/Ice - Saint George - SD/SS | Controllers: Psichosis - Ill/Kin - Major Chaos - Ill/Stm | Scrappers - Neutron Crusader - DM/SR
Currently Levelling: Angelic Blade - BS/WP Scrapper | Seeds of Destruction - Plant/Kin Controller
Quote:
Rocky, with the addition of Seismic Smash and his change in AI, and his huge resistances, is now one of the best pets. Add one or two of the 10% Resistance for Pets procs, and he is almost unkillable. He can tank for you and is fairly well behaved. And with Power Customization, he no longer has to look like a pile of poo.|
Originally Posted by Biospark
I have read some guides, and they have been helpful, but I have to admit that this combination (or more accurately Storm combined with any Control primary) offers ALOT of options. You COULD take all the powers, but slots and endurance would be a problem, forever. So, my questions on the combo come down to maximizing AoE control and Dps, without having all 18 powers. From Storm, I am thinking; Gale(no choice), O2, Freezing Rain, Tornado, Lightning Storm From Earth : Stone Prison, Cages, Stalagmites, Fossilize, Volcanic Gases From Fire : Fireball, FireBlast, Fire Shield, Consume This leaves 10 more picks for pools and additional Primary/Secondary picks As you can see, my thought on strategy is "Hold Em and Fold Em" I dont like pets, so I may skip Stoney, but I may take him while leveling, because of having only 2 ST attacks (Stone Prison + Fossilize). I will also take Hasten, so could throw in Flurry if needed for a better attack chain. |
Your power choices are certainly not in line with my playstyle . . . No Earthquake? Alternate it with Freezing Rain for a continual knockdown patch. No Quicksand? You don't like a massive 25% Defense Debuff and a location targetted slow patch? I consider these to be essential powers for an Earth Controller. I can understand taking Stone Prison if you intend to solo, but I find it skippable otherwise. The two powers I find skippable in Earth are Salt Crystals and Stone Prison.
No Steamy Mist? Team Stealth + Resistance to three types of damage + a small amount of defense. No Hurricane? Great "panic button" power with a massive ToHit Debuff -- I would not skip this, especially if you don't have a pet to pull aggro for you. O2 Boost, especially without a pet, is certainly skippable even if it is nice to have for teammates. Thunderclap, to stack stuns with Stalagmites? Snow Storm is nice to have but skippable -- I've skipped it on my one of my two Earth/Storm builds.
LOCAL MAN! The most famous hero of all. There are more newspaper stories about me than anyone else. "Local Man wins Medal of Honor." "Local Man opens Animal Shelter." "Local Man Charged with..." (Um, forget about that one.)
Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control
Quote:
I was going to post something along these lines yesterday, but got real busy at work. Lack of pet, quicksand, and earthquake had me the most concerned, but thunderclap should be used along with stalagmites to stack stuns, like you said. As usual, you got it covered, Local_Man |
Originally Posted by Local_Man
Rocky, with the addition of Seismic Smash and his change in AI, and his huge resistances, is now one of the best pets. Add one or two of the 10% Resistance for Pets procs, and he is almost unkillable. He can tank for you and is fairly well behaved. And with Power Customization, he no longer has to look like a pile of poo.
Your power choices are certainly not in line with my playstyle . . . No Earthquake? Alternate it with Freezing Rain for a continual knockdown patch. No Quicksand? You don't like a massive 25% Defense Debuff and a location targetted slow patch? I consider these to be essential powers for an Earth Controller. I can understand taking Stone Prison if you intend to solo, but I find it skippable otherwise. The two powers I find skippable in Earth are Salt Crystals and Stone Prison. No Steamy Mist? Team Stealth + Resistance to three types of damage + a small amount of defense. No Hurricane? Great "panic button" power with a massive ToHit Debuff -- I would not skip this, especially if you don't have a pet to pull aggro for you. O2 Boost, especially without a pet, is certainly skippable even if it is nice to have for teammates. Thunderclap, to stack stuns with Stalagmites? Snow Storm is nice to have but skippable -- I've skipped it on my one of my two Earth/Storm builds. |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Biospark
Thanks for the support
I am closing in on 40 with Biospark, and it keeps getting easier.For everyone else, Very much appreciate the responses to this thread. My next character project is going to be WildMage (a controller) and I want a very flashy and potent elementalist. Kinda leaning toward Fire-Storm-Earth, but not very fond of the earth Armor graphics. Earth-Storm-Fire would be a great teaming build with lots of end game potential AND Consume , mmmm yummmy |
Mine is Fire/Storm/Ice, and I'm currently working on a build where my #1 focus was +recovery.
My Characters
Hello folks,
I am trying to make a concept character who is an Elemental Magician that commands all four elements and has great AoE potential. There are several concepts that all have potential, and I can imagine a psuedo elemental powerset achieved thru our new color modifications in I16.
Here are some combos that I am considering;
Earth - Storm - Fire
Earth - Cold - Fire
Fire - Storm - Earth
Fire - Cold - Earth
Forget about the level-up process, what I am looking for is a very strong END-GAME AoE build that could help me put Influence in my pocket and still be a good concept/team character.
I had also considered Gravity as an Earth substitute, but the pet would add no damage to the equation. I am open to suggestions on coloring options too, because I personally like concept as long as it also functions well in game.
So, what elemental concept would be the highest damage output ?
Thanks for any advice
BIOSPARK :: DARKTHORN :: SKYGUARD :: WILDMAGE
HEATSINK :: FASTHAND :: POWERCELL :: RUNESTAFF