Sonic Blast/Energy Assault


Circuit_Boy

 

Posted

I recently decided to roll a Sonic Blast/Energy Assault Blaster. The idea came to me that each Sonic paired with Energy will make a great combo due to -res coupled with the punch that energy melee brings will be wicked. This on top of the Power Boost and the sonic cone sleep will make it even more sweeter.

I wanted to know how does this work out end game. Does this combo solo well against say +1 or +2/3 man sized mob? Is it even possibel to get near the def softcap on this toon without giving up too much? And is there any tips on what powers are skipable?


 

Posted

If you're soloing a lot grab Siren's Song, if you plan on teaming I'd skip it. You don't need Shockwave, and you can probably skip the nuke.


@macskull, @Not Mac | XBL: macskull | Steam: macskull | Skype: macskull
"One day we all may see each other elsewhere. In Tyria, in Azeroth. We may pass each other and never know it. And that's sad. But if nothing else, we'll still have Rhode Island."

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael1_NA View Post
I recently decided to roll a Sonic Blast/Energy Assault Blaster. The idea came to me that each Sonic paired with Energy will make a great combo due to -res coupled with the punch that energy melee brings will be wicked. This on top of the Power Boost and the sonic cone sleep will make it even more sweeter.

I wanted to know how does this work out end game. Does this combo solo well against say +1 or +2/3 man sized mob? Is it even possibel to get near the def softcap on this toon without giving up too much? And is there any tips on what powers are skipable?
Sonic/Energy is without a doubt the best soloing blaster out there, specifically because of Sirens and then all the stuns you can stack. Sleep the group, stun who you want to kill first, 1-2 shot him and then lather rinse repeat. I absolutely love mine and she's gone entire missions without getting attacked. Late game is even better than early game, though you need to be aware of who is sleep resistant, who's stun resistant.

I would reccomend you take Mace Mastery for Scorpion Shield and Fighting for Weave and a Toughness for the steadfast Protection IO's (not that you need to leave tough running). That'll give you excellent base defense that you can then work on Thunderstrike and Kinetic Combat sets to improve. I can post a generic IO and/or a set IO build if you'd like to see what one looks like.

The other poster is correct though - not ideal for teams (not bad at all, just one of your most useful tools, Sirens, is almost useless for fast moving large groups that tend to be AoE heavy). However, if running a duo with a scrapper or single target blaster (like energy), it's very, very sweet.


 

Posted

Here are the builds, the first with mostly the equivalent of generic IO's at level 25 (your first set of SO's) and the second completely IO'd out with little thought given to expense. One quick caveat - both builds have the same slots taken at the same time for convieniance, but you might want to move around the slotting to best suit your preferences of when what is taken.

The basic build, which is very, very effective solo and - minus the Kinetic Combat's - cheap as hell. With this set up you'll get 32% defense vs. S/L and another 20% or so defense vs Energy... but once you get the hang of the build you'll rarely need it. Powers are picked and the character played as a standard ranged blaster (with hover) until the 20's when you start adding stuns and potent melee attacks to your repetoire.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.803
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Blaster
Primary Power Set: Sonic Attack
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Shriek -- Acc(A), Acc(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(7), Dmg(13), Decim-Build%(39)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(17), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(43), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 2: Scream -- Acc(A), Acc(3), Dmg(5), Dmg(7), Dmg(13), RechRdx(39)
Level 4: Build Up -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(11)
Level 6: Hover -- EndRdx(A)
Level 8: Shout -- Acc(A), Acc(9), Dmg(9), Dmg(11), Dmg(15), RechRdx(15)
Level 10: Swift -- Flight(A)
Level 12: Fly -- Flight(A), Flight(43)
Level 14: Health -- Heal(A)
Level 16: Conserve Power -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(17)
Level 18: Sirens Song -- Acc(A), Acc(19), Acc(19), Range(31), Range(31), Range(31)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod(A), EndMod(21), EndMod(21), P'Shift-End%(40)
Level 22: Stun -- Acc(A), Acc(23), Dsrnt(23), Dsrnt(34), Dsrnt(34), RechRdx(34)
Level 24: Bone Smasher -- Acc(A), Acc(25), Dmg(25), Dmg(36), Dmg(36), RechRdx(36)
Level 26: Screech -- Acc(A), Acc(27), Dsrnt(27), Dsrnt(33), Dsrnt(33), RechRdx(33)
Level 28: Energy Punch -- Acc(A), Acc(29), Dmg(29), Dmg(37), Dmg(37), RechRdx(37)
Level 30: Power Boost -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(40)
Level 32: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(46), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(46), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 35: Boost Range -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(40)
Level 38: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(39)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- EndRdx(A), DefBuff(42), DefBuff(42), DefBuff(42)
Level 44: Weave -- EndRdx(A), DefBuff(45), DefBuff(45), DefBuff(45)
Level 47: Total Focus -- Acc(A), Dmg(48), Dmg(48), Dmg(48), RechRdx(50), RechRdx(50)
Level 49: Amplify -- RechRdx(A), RechRdx(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 2: Ninja Run


This is the IO'd out build I'm working towards to begin taking on some real high difficulty challenges - again, pay special attention to who is resistant to your stuns and sleeps. This build features 43% S/L defense, 33% Energy and 22% N. Energy as well as 26% ranged defense and 37.5% recharge.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.803
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Blaster
Primary Power Set: Sonic Attack
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Shriek

  • (A) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage
  • (3) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance
  • (5) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge
  • (7) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
  • (13) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
  • (39) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
Level 1: Power Thrust
  • (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
  • (17) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
  • (43) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
  • (43) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
Level 2: Scream
  • (A) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage
  • (3) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance
  • (5) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge
  • (7) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
  • (13) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
  • (39) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
Level 4: Build Up
  • (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge
  • (11) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge
Level 6: Hover
  • (A) Endurance Reduction IO
Level 8: Shout
  • (A) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage
  • (9) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance
  • (9) Thunderstrike - Damage/Recharge
  • (11) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
  • (15) Thunderstrike - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
  • (15) Thunderstrike - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
Level 10: Swift
  • (A) Flight Speed IO
Level 12: Fly
  • (A) Flight Speed IO
  • (43) Flight Speed IO
Level 14: Health
  • (A) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery
Level 16: Conserve Power
  • (A) Recharge Reduction IO
  • (17) Recharge Reduction IO
Level 18: Sirens Song
  • (A) Fortunata Hypnosis - Sleep
  • (19) Fortunata Hypnosis - Sleep/Recharge
  • (19) Fortunata Hypnosis - Accuracy/Sleep/Recharge
  • (31) Fortunata Hypnosis - Accuracy/Recharge
  • (31) Fortunata Hypnosis - Sleep/Endurance
  • (31) Call of the Sandman - Chance of Heal Self
Level 20: Stamina
  • (A) Endurance Modification IO
  • (21) Endurance Modification IO
  • (21) Endurance Modification IO
  • (40) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End
Level 22: Stun
  • (A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge
  • (23) Stupefy - Endurance/Stun
  • (23) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance
  • (34) Stupefy - Stun/Range
  • (34) Stupefy - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
  • (34) Stupefy - Chance of Knockback
Level 24: Bone Smasher
  • (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
  • (25) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
  • (25) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
  • (36) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
  • (36) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage
  • (36) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
Level 26: Screech
  • (A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge
  • (27) Stupefy - Endurance/Stun
  • (27) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance
  • (33) Stupefy - Stun/Range
  • (33) Stupefy - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
  • (33) Stupefy - Chance of Knockback
Level 28: Energy Punch
  • (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
  • (29) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
  • (29) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
  • (37) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
  • (37) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage
  • (37) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
Level 30: Power Boost
  • (A) Recharge Reduction IO
  • (40) Recharge Reduction IO
Level 32: Boxing
  • (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
  • (46) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
  • (46) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
  • (46) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
Level 35: Boost Range
  • (A) Recharge Reduction IO
  • (40) Recharge Reduction IO
Level 38: Tough
  • (A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%
  • (39) Steadfast Protection - Knockback Protection
Level 41: Scorpion Shield
  • (A) Endurance Reduction IO
  • (42) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
  • (42) Luck of the Gambler - Defense
  • (42) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
Level 44: Weave
  • (A) Endurance Reduction IO
  • (45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
  • (45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense
  • (45) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed
Level 47: Total Focus
  • (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage
  • (48) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance
  • (48) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge
  • (48) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
  • (50) Crushing Impact - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
  • (50) Crushing Impact - Damage/Endurance/Recharge
Level 49: Amplify
  • (A) Adjusted Targeting - Recharge
  • (50) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge
------------
Level 1: Brawl
  • (A) Empty
Level 1: Sprint
  • (A) Empty
Level 2: Rest
  • (A) Empty
Level 1: Defiance
Level 2: Ninja Run


 

Posted

Thanks Wiggz, you just saved me a lot of time. I was going to ask about what sets give you def, and you answered it for me. never done a build that was built for def, heck I have however done one for recharge on my Perma/Perma Hasten Mind/Energy Dom. I hope this blaster gives me as much joy as my Dom.

Also, can anyone link me to the "Mids" I have yet to even use it before and I hear so many people say how good it helps them put together builds.


 

Posted

If the whole spawn's asleep, why even bother with +Defense at all?

Amplify at 49? And only two slotted?

And Build-Up only one-and-a-half slotted for Recharge, the other part doing ToHit Buff (when most people are well over the ToHit Cap anyway)? Seriously?

Does anyone look at City of Data anymore, or do you just let Mids do all the deciding for you?

(shakes his head and walks out of the thread, muttering "...this explains the PUGs I've been on lately...")


40062: The World's Worst PUG
84008: Jenkins's Guide to Super-Villainy
230187: The Hero of Kings Row
No H8 - 08.04.10
@Circuit Boy - Moderator - Pride global chat channel

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Circuit_Boy View Post
If the whole spawn's asleep, why even bother with +Defense at all?

Amplify at 49? And only two slotted?

And Build-Up only one-and-a-half slotted for Recharge, the other part doing ToHit Buff (when most people are well over the ToHit Cap anyway)? Seriously?

Does anyone look at City of Data anymore, or do you just let Mids do all the deciding for you?

(shakes his head and walks out of the thread, muttering "...this explains the PUGs I've been on lately...")
Wow. Judgemental much?

First off, as you might or might not have noticed, even in the basic SO build I double slot for accuracy - triple slot in some cases, which dramatically reduces the need for Amplify. I also didn't mention to the OP the variant builds I actually use (due to all the free respecs you get when you've been around for 75+ months) where Amplify is taken much earlier. I didn't think he needed/wanted that in-depth a response.

The second build is a maxed out multi-billion $ build that would presumably only be put together after a post-50 respec, so in those instances it hardly matters WHEN you took amplify, does it? Especially considering that most attacks are hovering around 155% accuracy. The post-IO build also has +37.5% recharge (as I mentioned), and I like the small continuous damage bonuses a pair of Adjusted targeting IO's grant you, especially when paired with -Res. Believe it or not, there's more to blasting - and blapping - than simply how quickly you can get your Build-Up + Amplify up again.

And no, with everyone sleeped you DON'T need that much defense. But against sleep resistant foes such as AV's, Giant Monsters or certain entire classifications of mobs, you do. I even pointed out in my post - if you had bothered to read it - the superfulous nature of the high defense in a build as 'safe' as this.

Honestly? I feel bad for the PUG's you've been on lately. No doubt they were getting bad advice yelled at them the entire time with a holier-than-thou attitude that diminished the fun for everyone.


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael1_NA View Post
Thanks Wiggz, you just saved me a lot of time. I was going to ask about what sets give you def, and you answered it for me. never done a build that was built for def, heck I have however done one for recharge on my Perma/Perma Hasten Mind/Energy Dom. I hope this blaster gives me as much joy as my Dom.
Like I said, just run the toon as a traditional blaster (whether soloing or otherwise) until you his level 22 or so - at that point I suggest you upgrade to generic IO's rather than SO's and just keep using/buying them as you need them until the 40's or so.

Once you're in your mid 20's, when you solo (or duo), just Sirens the mob, pick out a target (priority on anyone you missed with the sleep), stun them with either Stun or Screech and take em out. Lather, Rinse, Repeat, taking the time to re-apply Sirens every now and then if needed. In a pinch, Power Thrust makes a fine substitute for Stun and I've found if I que up Bonesmasher immediately after using it, you'll get the melee attack in while their in mid-flight.