MA/FA build--Focused on recharge or defense?

From what I understand, if you are doing a build with MA/FA, when you IO, you want to invest into recharge, correct?

I"m looking into getting as close to perma hasten as possible. It probably won't be doable until I19 when I can drop LOTG recharges into the stealth pool, but still.


My goal is...kind of all around. Mainly to run ITFs and well...mainly to just do a lot of *** kicking.

From my experiences with a Spines/Fire slotted for Recharge, you'll probably be quite squishy compared to defensively built Scrappers.

I figured that out. On the other hand, I'll also have Shadow Meld with a 26 second cooldown, and thats not including the +kb proc with Dragon's tail.

That might help it, but it'd drive me mad to recast it every 26 seconds. Especially because it has such a long activation...

Yeah, that is a downside. However, well, I'll have SOME defense at least.

I'm really trying to figure out my options here. Any recommendation? Because I was told that it's best for fire to go with a defensive focused route. On the other hand, well, that's really difficult with fire, so I figured that I'd mix defense with an "Oh crap" button. MA/FA kills SO damn fast already that it's ridiculous. I definitely won't be able to get a softcap on it though. But...well...that's why I came here.

For mitigation stack defense. A good /Fire build can cap Smashing/Lethal and have 25-30% in E/N and F/C. Recharge only recycles your heal faster.

Think of it this way; the lower the recharge for your heal and the more you depend on it, the more activation time you are wasting using it. Better to have a build that uses the heal as infrequently as possible.

Now, if you are going for maximum DPS then recharging Focus Chi, the Fire build up (can't remember the name atm) and Burn is a much more compelling reason to stack recharge.

I also considered just going with recharge and using Rise of the Phoenix in my attack chain if I'll be THAT squishy. Especially at 50 where debt doesn't matter, and I'll be able to deal a pretty decent attack if it gets that bad. This is a REALLY tight build, so I'd have to take out weave, at least until I19 comes around. What interests me is that I could build RotP focused around the stun for the 10% recharge, although its only a 3% improvement over weave with a LotG slotted in, and honestly, I'm missing out on a good chunk of damage if I slot for stun...

This is what I love and hate about the game, so many damn ways to make a build...argh!

Max damage basically is the idea. Cycling in RotP seems like a pretty awesome idea as well for AOEs, but meh. I'll have to see. I kind of like the idea of integrating it into my attack chain. Especially with the stun...

Yeah, it's just an interesting idea that I was toying with. I realized though, that well, designing a self rez around a hasten focused build kinda is ridiculous, because when you die you lose that haste effect. On the other hand, creating a build around a self res with defense is ridiculous as well, because your goal is survival.

So that idea is kind of out the window. I liked it better with tough in there anyways. Mmm. Back to the drawing board I suppose. Anyone have any more suggestions though? I have a build that gives me about...10 seconds left of recharge time on hasten. I'd like a build that has some good defense focus for fire armor if possible to compare. I love the idea of a max damage build. Shadow meld, jump into a mob, and kill everything asap.

I went for Recharge, hitting about 55% from set bonuses before hitting 50. I loved it. If I want to be tough, I'll play a tank. If I want to floor a mob with Consume and a couple ticks from Blazing Aura, I'll play my scrapper.

If you're looking for a super-tough scrapper, keep looking. But a high recharge /Fire is an excellent choice for melting faces.

With inherent Stamina you can get tough/weave for at least some defense.

My Dark Melee/Firey Aura is going the path of Recharge, and yes, melts faces and gets pummeled fast if something goes wrong.

I often build for defence, but decided not to on my Fire/Energy/Fire Blaster, and I often use Rise of the Phoenix as part of her attack chain at level 50.

I have never regretted this decision - its fun to play a character for whom defeat is turned to your advantage.
(I would slot for damage and forego the 10% Rech from Absolute Amazement though. Even just 3 Dam/Mez Hami's would be nice in RotP.)

I'd go for the recharge option here.

I would build in enough defence to make sure that Shadow Meld caps you, then concentrate on recharge.

That way you can pop Shadow Meld to take the alpha, and really should be able to rely on your heal for the damage that comes your way after after Shadow Meld drops, but if not hit RoTP, hit Shadow Meld again and keep going

I wouldn't use Shadow Meld every time it is up though, unless you are moving from mob to mob that fast of course and can get the animation time between spawns. Question is, does it root you when casting?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aggelakis PrincessDarkstar: "RAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHH SOMEONE IS *WRONG* ON THE INTERNET!"

I haven't tested shadow meld out yet to know if it roots you. I'm not necessarily focused on soft capping with it, because I'm not intent on relying upon it too much. My main focus is just rech.

And I'm looking at my final build and it appears to be quite awesome. But expensive as hell.