Trying to build a Crab. What am I not understanding?
By
Adeon Hawkwood,
Posted on: 2011-05-06 15:27 in Soldiers of Arachnos
Veat builds can be tight, there are simply too many good things to choose from.
Warning: Mids 1.94 crashes with almost all my soldier, crab, huntsman builds, as a result I'm still using 1.93.
Heres my crab tank. I'm not running this build, yet. It's my reserve build for when I decide I need more survivability via Resists and HP, while sacrificing in quite a few other areas. Yes, it's a gun build, more huntsman than crab.
You can pull out The Hamis and Purples, then substitute the nearest IO Equivalent. You'll likely drop to 44 Melee, probably lose some global recharge, and lose some recharge on the one pet. In the process you'll save a boatload of influence.
Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.93
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Hover Tank: Level 50 Natural Arachnos Soldier
Primary Power Set: Crab Spider Soldier
Secondary Power Set: Crab Spider Training
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Leaping
Villain Profile:
Level 1: Single Shot -- Ruin-Acc/Dmg(A), Ruin-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Ruin-Dmg/Rchg(3), Ruin-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Ruin-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Achilles-ResDeb%(7)
Level 1: Crab Spider Armor Upgrade -- S'fstPrt-ResKB(A)
Level 2: Burst -- Ruin-Acc/Dmg(A), Ruin-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Ruin-Dmg/Rchg(9), Ruin-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(9), Ruin-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Achilles-ResDeb%(11)
Level 4: Combat Training: Defensive -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 6: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(17), RechRdx-I(17)
Level 8: Heavy Burst -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(19), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(19), Posi-Dmg/Rng(21), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), LdyGrey-%Dam(23)
Level 10: Tactical Training: Maneuvers -- HO:Enzym(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(23), LkGmblr-Rchg+(25)
Level 12: Venom Grenade -- Ragnrk-Dmg(A), Ragnrk-Dmg/Rchg(25), Ragnrk-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), Ragnrk-Acc/Rchg(27), Ragnrk-Dmg/EndRdx(29), Posi-Dam%(29)
Level 14: Bayonet -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(31), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(31), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(31), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), T'Death-Dam%(33)
Level 16: Suppression -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(34), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), Posi-Dam%(34), LdyGrey-%Dam(36)
Level 18: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 20: Tough -- HO:Ribo(A), HO:Ribo(36), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(36)
Level 22: Weave -- HO:Enzym(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(37), LkGmblr-Rchg+(37)
Level 24: Fortification -- Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(37), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg(39), Aegis-ResDam(39), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 26: Maneuvers -- HO:Enzym(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(40), LkGmblr-Rchg+(40)
Level 28: Serum -- Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Numna-Heal/EndRdx(40), Numna-Heal/Rchg(42), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- HO:Enzym(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(42), LkGmblr-Rchg+(43)
Level 32: Tactical Training: Leadership -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(43), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(43), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(45), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(45), GSFC-Build%(45)
Level 35: Summon Spiderlings -- SvgnRt-Acc/Dmg(A), SvgnRt-Acc(46), SvgnRt-Dmg/EndRdx(46), SvgnRt-Acc/EndRdx(46), SvgnRt-PetResDam(48), SvgnRt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48)
Level 38: Call Reinforcements -- ExRmnt-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(A), ExRmnt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), S'bndAl-Acc/Rchg(50), S'bndAl-Dmg/EndRdx(50), S'bndAl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50)
Level 41: Mental Training -- Run-I(A)
Level 44: Tactical Training: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 47: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Vengeance -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
Level 0: Born In Battle
Level 0: High Pain Threshold
Level 0: Invader
Level 0: Marshal
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Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Heal-I(A)
Level 1: Conditioning
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+(13)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(13), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(15), P'Shift-End%(15)
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Code:
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Lobster's Guide to Crabbing is still very useful even though it has not been updated recently. The many example builds in that guide should show that you can cap your defenses and still have a wide variety of different power choices.
My own Crab is plenty tough without any purples or Hami-O's, and without frankenslotting. He thinks he's a tank and happily charges into melee combat with archvillians and giant monsters. Soloing at less than x8 is a waste of his AoE powers.
The most basic foundation of crab survivability is hitting your ranged defense soft-cap, which you can do in your sleep. Many Crab players are content with that. Capping Melee and AoE defense requires a bit more effort, but it can still be done without blowing three power slots to get Weave. Though, if you really want to embrace your inner tank, Tough and Weave are great for Crab Spiders.
I never make characters without travel powers. Since Combat Jumping contributes to your defenses, many Crabs (including mine) use super leap to get around.
I focused my IOs on recharge instead of defense. My build sits at around 35% ranged defense. Anything that comes through will be mitigated by RES, high Max HP/Regen, and pet diversion. In other words, I don't have a problem with survivability. Instead, going recharge can turn you in to a bigger offensive powerhouse.
Remember, you can always pop a purple to help with defense but there are no recharge inspirations.
Currently on Virtue:
Jinrazuo - Crab Spider
RWZ All-Pylon Solo Run
I guess personal taste comes into it a lot, because I'd never even consider a Crab build that skipped most of hte lowbie trademark powers 
These are the two builds I'm using for my Crab, Operative King. She's pretty capable of laying down a world of hurt, even without Set IOs.
Vanilla Build;
http://www.cohplanner.com/mids/downl...FE7F005B5BCBA5
Code:
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And the Set IO build;
http://www.cohplanner.com/mids/downl...FAFF02E211F5F1
Code:
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Hope those are of some use.
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Originally Posted by Zwillinger
GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.
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Originally Posted by Captain_Photon
NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.
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Heh, I have a Crab Spider with exactly the same name |
Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
These are the two builds I'm using for my Crab, Operative King.
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Originally Posted by Balorn
Also, is it possible to build a good crab without spending billions on IOs? I can afford maybe a couple hundred thousand, but no way can I purple it out or anything.
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The two places you might want to spend more are LotG 7.5%s and Soulbound Allegiance. Crab Spiders do benefit a lot from recharge so slotting some LotG 7.5%s in is well worth it (you can easily slot 3 or 4 depending on your build) so if you are doing it I'd recommend running tip missions and using the Alignment Merits to buy some.
Soulbound Allegiance is more questionable, as I mentioned above you'll probably be Frankenslotting your pets to some degree since the recharge intensive pet sets aren't that great and if you do then getting a few pieces of SA with Recharge enhancement can help a lot in giving you maximum uptime on your pets. SA is not to expensive compared to other purples so it might be worth farming up more alignment merits to get some LotGs to sell and get a few pieces.
For me, it really came down to finding what I wanted on my crab, and then working on priorities. My priorities were: ranged attacks first, survival for backlash, then a tie between pets and buffs. (Buffs help pets solo, and teams when not.)
The only 'Must have' powers, in that you will suffer more without them, are as follows:
- wolf spider armor or crab spider armor upgrade for mez protection. No reason to not go crab.
- combat training: defensive
- tactical training: maneuvers
- fortification
- serum
Have all the above tools enhanced and active, you will be tough to kill. I'd put in the 'definitely check it out' bin venom grenade, call reinforcements, suppression, and heavy burst, but in reality grabbing attacks with the above survival tools make you pretty darned effective. With the powers and mods available, there are no 'bad' attacks for crabs. Just ones that will work better than others for what you want to do. Melee? AoE? Range? Mixed range/AoE? These are where you have to play a bit.
The other nice thing I've found is doing a dual build with SO's or invention origins. It lets me experiment with toys I'd like, then if I really enjoy them, I consider grabbing them on the main build.
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I have to disagree with this bit of advice; Soulbound Allegiance is one of the few purple sets that don't provide a global recharge bonus, and the recharge intensive pet sets are actually pretty good. Expedient Reinforcement is one of only 2 sets I know of (along with Stupefy) that provides a 6.25% recharge PLUS a defense bonus over 3% in the same set, in this case Ranged defense, which is what you want. And I'll often slot 4 of Call to Arms for another 6.25% global recharge, then add just the Damage/Recharge from Soulbound to top off both nicely in the other pet (typically Call Reinforcements, with its longer recharge it needs capped recharge more). Soulbound is one of the cheaper purple sets, probably because it doesn't have that global recharge with it. |
Originally Posted by Adeon Hawkwood
Soulbound Allegiance is more questionable, as I mentioned above you'll probably be Frankenslotting your pets to some degree since the recharge intensive pet sets aren't that great and if you do then getting a few pieces of SA with Recharge enhancement can help a lot in giving you maximum uptime on your pets. SA is not to expensive compared to other purples so it might be worth farming up more alignment merits to get some LotGs to sell and get a few pieces.
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One nice feature of this is that between that and Positrons in your AoEs, its easy to hit the max of 5 set bonuses of 6.25%, letting you put Thunderstrikes instead of Decimations into the ST blasts for more ranged defense. A couple of those plus Steadfast +3% defense (not too expensive) plus the Expedient Reinforcement above and you are most of the way to the Ranged soft cap already.
To the OPs original question, though, it is hard to make a Crab build with everything you want and still have a travel power. I squeezed in Superspeed, because I really like being able to stealth things when needed, and Recall Friend because it often speeds a team along and doesn't need any additional slots, or can add one extra Zephr for more Ranged defense. Good place for the Zephr -knockback too.
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Originally Posted by Balorn
I've been hearing about how Crabs are awesome at AoE and survivability, so I thought I'd try one.
I've been reading bits here and there (none of the guides I saw seem to have been updated recently) and I've been trying to plan one in Mid's. There simply don't seem to be enough power slots available to take all the "if you skip this power you're an idiot" powers, let alone slot them all well enough. What am I not getting? Are Crab builds really that tight, even with inherent fitness, that I can't afford to take a travel power and maybe one more non-essential power pool ? Also, is it possible to build a good crab without spending billions on IOs? I can afford maybe a couple hundred million, but no way can I purple it out or anything. |
Yes, Crab is probably the easiest to make it "good" without billions on IOs. Your only problem is going to be endurance which you can try to reduce with unique (do Villain or Hero tips) or get Cardiac. Cardiac will help you soooooooooooo much.
Well, if you choose Crab, then you should choose the +Resistance Shield and Serum. Those two make Crab survive a lot better. Venom grenade is a must IMO.
Other than that, you should try them out and see what attack chains you like better. Some don't like the melee attacks at all and some (like me) really enjoy slashing with crab-legs. :P And I like Frenzy! I just wish the graphic could be more impressive.
And a lot of people are using Double Assault and Double Maneuver now. It is where SoA's strength is = team buffs.
What's left is to normalize all Assassin Strikes and improve Stalker's old sets (Claw, MA and EM)! You don't need to bring back the missing PbAoE attack. You just need to make the existing ones better! For example, make Slice a WIDER and LONGER cone.
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Which is why you'll notice I recommended Frankenslotting it rather than slotting the entire set. Similarly if you want ED capped recharge in the pet powers the pet recharge sets suck. Putting four pieces in and then adding a SA piece for more recharge = Frankenslotting.
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Originally Posted by Scientist
I have to disagree with this bit of advice; Soulbound Allegiance is one of the few purple sets that don't provide a global recharge bonus, and the recharge intensive pet sets are actually pretty good. Expedient Reinforcement is one of only 2 sets I know of (along with Stupefy) that provides a 6.25% recharge PLUS a defense bonus over 3% in the same set, in this case Ranged defense, which is what you want. And I'll often slot 4 of Call to Arms for another 6.25% global recharge, then add just the Damage/Recharge from Soulbound to top off both nicely in the other pet (typically Call Reinforcements, with its longer recharge it needs capped recharge more). Soulbound is one of the cheaper purple sets, probably because it doesn't have that global recharge with it.
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I've been hearing about how Crabs are awesome at AoE and survivability, so I thought I'd try one.
I've been reading bits here and there (none of the guides I saw seem to have been updated recently) and I've been trying to plan one in Mid's.
There simply don't seem to be enough power slots available to take all the "if you skip this power you're an idiot" powers, let alone slot them all well enough.
What am I not getting? Are Crab builds really that tight, even with inherent fitness, that I can't afford to take a travel power and maybe one more non-essential power pool ?
Also, is it possible to build a good crab without spending billions on IOs? I can afford maybe a couple hundred million, but no way can I purple it out or anything.
Tech support IRL, CLR/DRU/MED/WHM/PRI/DEF. Hmm, I sense a pattern...
S 80% E 80% A 40% K 0%
A few of my alts