Defender or Corruptor archer?

Hi all,

I was kicking around the idea recently of starting up an archer, but I'm having trouble deciding whether to go a Trick Arrow/Archery defender or an Archery/Trick Arrow corruptor.

In the past, it would have been an easy choice for a corruptor because the lackluster damage that a defender dealt has been extremely frustrating for me. Up until now, I have had maybe one defender that I got up to mid-level, and all the other defender attempts were deleted in frustration. However, with the scaling damage buff that defenders get while solo or on small teams, they may be more amenable to my playstyle now.

With Going Rogue and Praetoria in the near future, it doesn't really matter which side I start the character on as the content will now be very similar. I guess I'm looking for thoughts on whether to put TA in my primary or secondary. Any thoughts or experiences on how much of a difference it might make, if any? Will I cackle with glee at getting Disruption Arrow ten levels earlier, or will I be better served by having a longer/stronger attack chain?

Also, the seed for this was planted while browsing ParagonWiki and seeing the unlockable weapons. The Vanguard bow looks pretty awesome. Any chance we can get a Japanese yumi in there sometime as well? The asymmetry appeals to me (longer above the grip point than below). Anybody else want this?

Thanks for reading!

EMP arrow is cool and all, but ROA >>>>> EMP so you'll enjoy level 32-37 much more. Go Corr.

Once Going Rogue comes out you won't be able to tell the difference between a Corruptor and Defender. A Corruptor will have Scourge but it's still based off of Lethal damage so it's not miles ahead of Defender damage.

Defenders get a higher buff multiplier (their buffs are tougher) so thats a better incentive to me, expecially in Trick Arrow's case. A set that really feels the effects of those numbers more than others.

Also, Archery has plenty of fast attacks so your attack chain won't be much of a problem early on. But Scourge does make a difference while soloing. It could really make aor break a fight solo since you don't have a heal. (Curse you Devs for not making healing arrow!)

Defender.

You largely play archery for RoA and they do about the same base damage for both AT's. Defenders have more powerful damage buffs (aim, assault, souldrain, pbu) and more powerful -res debuffs leading to better damage with the signature attack.

Defender TA is already bordering on underpowered, the corruptor version is definitely in that realm. But don't mistake that for me suggesting that TA isn't fun or can't be made to perform well enough because it is and can be.

I don't really see getting RoA at 32 vs 38 to be that big of a selling point for the corruptor, it is a long wait regardless.

.....

I demand a Crossbow!

A fairly minor point, but defenders get Mass Hypnosis. That's very, very nice for setting up Rains of Arrows.

Heroes, Villains ♦ Reviews ♦ Retrospect

Corruptors have Scourge. End of discussion.

I've been wanting an Archery toon for years, but hate the redraw on a secondary on a blaster, and I couldn't stand TA/Archery on a Defender because I felt like I couldn't kill anything.

When Corruptors got TA, I finally got to roll my Archery/TA toon that I've always wanted. Debuffs and the ability to kill stuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire_Minded But not just ANY Crossbow...A Repeater!

Dual repeating crossbows!

Crossbows would be easy enough to implement, I think. You just have to hold them "Gangsta' style" (arrow drawing would be "loading" the crossbow). Of course, that would make every shot a kill shot, which might be overpowered.

Hmm... a little more controversy than I expected, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.

The point about the stronger -RES making the signature attacks more powerful is a good one, though. And I have to admit that I do enjoy applying debuffs and generally mucking around with the enemies mind/body (most of my characters are Controllers or Corruptors)

Also, I think this will be a teamed character regardless of whether I go Red or Blue, so the slightly lower initial damage may not be as much of an issue, so I think I'm leaning towards the Defender side right now.

Also, Gavin, regarding the fanboi stuff -- Sorry, but I actually own and shoot yumi.
Yes, there is lots of cool stuff from other countries and histories, but one can only do so much!

Definitely go with Corruptor. Why bother with a Defender? They're obsolete :P

Can someone put the numbers out there side by side. Do it solo with debuffs applied and do it team with debuffs applied. Factor in scourge damage vs new defender inherrent damage. Let the numbers speak for themselves.

My first 50 was a Trick arrow/archery Defender. I loved that hero because she was fun to play with. I dreaded having to solo with her (like aura missions or hunting misisons) because her damage was poor (this was pre-defendenr solo buff). Despite that though she was fun.

Last night I just dinged 35 on my archery/trick corruptor. Having a blast with her as well.

If I had to choose one and only one, it would be the corrupter. Seeing "scourge" float above a mob when my rain of arrows lands, make me feel like I have an actual nuke. If a freak tank rezzes after the team took off, I can handle him on my corruptor where I would not be able to do so on my defender in a decent amount of time.

I team 95% of the time and although my buffs/debuffs are appreciated, the damage I bring to the table with with my corruptor is noticed.