Elec/Nrg/Elec blaster build (need tips)

Howdy all, novice Mids user here and have finished a build for an elec/energy/elec Blaster, would be glad of all criticism, want to know what I've done right and wrong and tips for improvement, thanks!

http://www.cohplanner.com/mids/downl...9AFF01A533F6C1

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.953
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Quetzecoatal: Level 50 Mutation Blaster
Primary Power Set: Electrical Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Electrical Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Charged Bolts -- Dev'n-Acc/Dmg(A), Dev'n-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Dev'n-Dmg/Rchg(3), Dev'n-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Dev'n-Hold%(5)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- Dmg-I(A)
Level 2: Lightning Bolt -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(7), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11)
Level 4: Ball Lightning -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(11), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(13), Posi-Dmg/Rng(13), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), Posi-Dam%(15)
Level 6: Energy Punch -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(17), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(17), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(19), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 8: Short Circuit -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(27), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(27), P'Shift-Acc/Rchg(29), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(29), P'Shift-End%(36)
Level 10: Aim -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(31)
Level 12: Build Up -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(31)
Level 14: Bone Smasher -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(21), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(21), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(23), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23), Mako-Dam%(25)
Level 16: Zapp -- Mantic-Acc/Dmg(A), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mantic-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg(33), Mantic-Dam%(33)
Level 18: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 20: Fly -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)
Level 22: Tesla Cage -- Lock-Acc/Hold(A), Lock-Acc/Rchg(37), Lock-Rchg/Hold(37), Lock-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(37), Lock-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(40), Lock-%Hold(43)
Level 24: Stealth -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def(48)
Level 26: Voltaic Sentinel -- SvgnRt-Acc/Dmg(A), SvgnRt-Dmg/EndRdx(45), SvgnRt-Acc/EndRdx(45), SvgnRt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46), SvgnRt-Acc(46), SvgnRt-PetResDam(46)
Level 28: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 30: Invisibility -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50), LkGmblr-Def(50)
Level 32: Thunderous Blast -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(34), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(34), Posi-Dmg/Rng(34), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), Posi-Dam%(36)
Level 35: Static Discharge -- EndMod(A)
Level 38: Total Focus -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(39), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(39), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), T'Death-Dam%(40)
Level 41: Charged Armor -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(42), RctvArm-EndRdx/Rchg(42), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(42), RctvArm-ResDam(43), RctvArm-EndRdx(43)
Level 44: Surge of Power -- ImpArm-ResDam(A), ImpArm-ResPsi(50)
Level 47: EM Pulse -- EndMod-I(A)
Level 49: Hover -- LkGmblr-Def(A)
------------
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+(48)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(25), EndMod-I(45)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run

While there are no right or wrong builds, just optimal and less optimal ones, I think you are missing one vital gem from energy manipulation; boost range, no other set gives such an explicit boost to range other than energy manipulation.

I am in the midst of working on a similar set: electricity/energy/force, my idea behind this is to use range as a true defense by staying away from mobs while i pummel them with impunity from afar!

Someone told me that if mobs can't attack you, they tend to run away, so I recommend you grab the immobilization interface proc (spectral), you wanted a true blaster like I do, why were blaster given such a rubbish secondary will remain a mystery for me, the only melee attacks I have are for set mules, and one I can't skip sadly, with personal force field you can even use it to herd and deal with the mobs as you please.

Here is my prototype, hope you like it!

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.952
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Elec Energy Force Blaster: Level 50 Technology Blaster
Primary Power Set: Electrical Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Force Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Lightning Bolt -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(3), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- ExStrk-Dmg/KB(A), ExStrk-Acc/KB(7), ExStrk-Dam%(9)
Level 2: Ball Lightning -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(11), Posi-Dmg/Rng(11), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), Posi-Dam%(48)
Level 4: Build Up -- GSFC-ToHit(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(39), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(40), GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(40), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(40), GSFC-Build%(42)
Level 6: Charged Bolts -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(13), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(15), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(17), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 8: Aim -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 10: Hover -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Zephyr-Travel(36), Zephyr-ResKB(36)
Level 12: Zapp -- ExecCtrt-Acc/Dmg(A), ExecCtrt-Dmg/EndRdx(19), ExecCtrt-Dmg/ActRdx(19), ExecCtrt-Dmg/Rng(21), ExecCtrt-Dmg/Rchg(21), ExecCtrt-Stun%(23)
Level 14: Fly -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-ResKB(23)
Level 16: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Tesla Cage -- Lock-Acc/Hold(A), Lock-Acc/Rchg(25), Lock-Rchg/Hold(25), Lock-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(27), Lock-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(27), Lock-%Hold(29)
Level 20: Stun -- Stpfy-Acc/Rchg(A), Stpfy-EndRdx/Stun(29), Stpfy-Acc/EndRdx(31), Stpfy-Stun/Rng(31), Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg(31), Stpfy-KB%(33)
Level 22: Afterburner -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Zephyr-Travel(33), Zephyr-ResKB(33)
Level 24: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 26: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), RctvArm-ResDam(42), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(42), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(43), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 28: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 30: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(37), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(37)
Level 32: Thunderous Blast -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(34), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(34), Posi-Dmg/Rng(34), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36)
Level 35: Boost Range -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Personal Force Field -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 41: Temp Invulnerability -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(43), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(43), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 44: Repulsion Bomb -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(45), Posi-Dmg/Rng(45), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46)
Level 47: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(50), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(50)
------------
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(39)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(37), EndMod-I(39)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run

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fyi, I recently heard that Energy Manip's Power Boost was nerfed a little in regards to end draining.

edit: maybe not, here's the thread

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showt...errerid=419976



In regards to your build.

I wouldn't use a 6th Positrons Blast or a 6th Reactive Armor. Toxic damage is pretty exotic.

yer kinda gimping Aim and Build Up for some sm/leth defense. I would only slot Rectified Reticle if it brought my sm/leth defense to 45%..think you'd be better off with 2 generic Rech IO's or 2 Adjusted Targeting's.

/thoughts

The second build is a case study on sacrificing too much of a blaster's potential in pursuit of pure range.

People have been successful with pure ranged builds but the electric primary is really ill suited for that purpose. Having only 2 single target attacks that you can cycle reliably and one ranged AoE on a medium timer in your primary leaves gaps in your attack chain and your damage will feel anemic compared to other blaster primaries with more ranged offerings. It's not until level 44 that you get a second ranged aoe that's on a long timer. This repertoire of attacks is not enough for my tastes.

I'm sure the build can solo on the default difficulty given the defense but there is potential for so much more.

I've come to a few conclusions about how to play blasters that work well for me: 1 - stay mobile, 2 - don't get mezzed, 3 - use inspirations.

On #1 I always take combat jumping, combined with hurdle it gives me precise combat movement and allows me to move in and out of danger zones and minimizing my exposure to such danger zones. Plus it makes you practically immune to immobolization effects.

On #2 I always build for ranged defense, it will not stop all mezzes but it does a better job of avoiding them than typed defense. Mezzes are a blaster's biggest problem despite defiance. Combine this with #1 and you can dictate how an enemy is to attack you, and use that to your advantage.

On #3 Use them if you got them. Insp combine during downtime and pop inspies as needed.

This is what I'm going to spec my elec/eng/elec blaster into:


Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.953
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Blaster
Primary Power Set: Electrical Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Electrical Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Lightning Bolt -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:31(7), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:31(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:31(9), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:31(15), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:31(17)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:31(3), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:31(3), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:31(5), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:31(5), Mako-Dam%:31(7)
Level 2: Ball Lightning -- Posi-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx:31(17), Posi-Dmg/Rchg:31(23), Posi-Dmg/Rng:31(25), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:31(25)
Level 4: Build Up -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 6: Short Circuit -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(34), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:31(34), P'Shift-EndMod:31(34), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:31(37)
Level 8: Aim -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 10: Bone Smasher -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:31(11), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:31(11), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:31(13), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:31(13), Mako-Dam%:31(15)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:31(A)
Level 14: Super Speed -- Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx:31(A), Zephyr-ResKB:31(50)
Level 16: Charged Bolts -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx:31(29), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:31(29), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:31(31), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:31(33), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:31(33)
Level 18: Tesla Cage -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold:30(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg:30(19), BasGaze-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold:30(19), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold:30(21)
Level 20: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 22: Kick -- ExStrk-Dmg/KB:20(A), ExStrk-Acc/KB:20(23), ExStrk-Dam%:20(45)
Level 24: Tough -- HO:Ribo(A), HO:Ribo(46)
Level 26: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:31(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:31(27), HO:Cyto(27)
Level 28: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:31(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:31(31), HO:Cyto(31)
Level 32: Thunderous Blast -- Posi-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx:31(40), Posi-Dmg/Rchg:31(42), Posi-Dmg/Rng:31(42), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:31(42)
Level 35: Energy Punch -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:31(36), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:31(36), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:31(36), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:31(37), Mako-Dam%:31(37)
Level 38: Total Focus -- Mako-Acc/Dmg:31(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx:31(39), Mako-Dmg/Rchg:31(39), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:31(39), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:31(40), Mako-Dam%:31(40)
Level 41: Shocking Bolt -- BasGaze-Acc/Hold:30(A), BasGaze-Acc/Rchg:30(43), BasGaze-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold:30(43), BasGaze-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold:30(43)
Level 44: Charged Armor -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A), HO:Ribo(46), HO:Ribo(46)
Level 47: Zapp -- Mantic-Acc/Dmg:35(A), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx:35(48), Mantic-Acc/ActRdx/Rng:35(48), Mantic-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg:35(48), Mantic-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(50)
Level 49: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(50)
------------
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+:31(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod:31(A), EndMod-I:50(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:31(45), P'Shift-End%:31(45)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run

Softcapped ranged defense but you'll notice I took a lot of melee attacks as well. I didn't take them solely for the ranged defense bonuses, I make full use of them. If you are wondering on why I build for ranged defense but take and use melee attacks see this thread here:

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=283749