Dark Armor the new Nemesis Plot?
By
Aggelakis,
Posted on: 2012-05-05 08:32 in CoH and CoV General Discussions
Oh boy here we go
Dark armor is great, amazing even....if you IO it heavily.
If you stick with just SOs then its mediocre at best. I've got a level 32 Dark/Dark brute who dies more frequently to a wider arrange of enemies than any other melee toon I've ever created. However I did finally put in one of the mez auras and that did help mitigation more than I expected it too, its still a very fragile toon, and it will continue to be so until I can fill out the IO build to shore up its weaknesses.
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+ 1 in favor of dark armor here...love it. Fun active set. Can be very powerful. Great against psi! Yes please....and you don't die.... Just fall down Rez and keep on going!!! I absolutely love that!
End usage can be a pain at times...but you can also actively mange your toggles.
Spines /dark can be especially end heavy with 2 damage toggles needs to be taken into account(I have a 50 spines /dark scrapper. My 2nd 50 ever)
Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.
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Go Staff/Dark and use FoS...
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Originally Posted by Star_Seven
+ 1 in favor of dark armor here...love it. Fun active set. Can be very powerful. Great against psi! Yes please....and you don't die.... Just fall down Rez and keep on going!!! I absolutely love that!
End usage can be a pain at times...but you can also actively mange your toggles. Spines /dark can be especially end heavy with 2 damage toggles needs to be taken into account(I have a 50 spines /dark scrapper. My 2nd 50 ever) |
I really should do something about this signature.
*waits for a certain someones entrance*
I have a dark spines scrapper on freedom Spinter-cell my main toon. I run 11 toggles with no endurance issues at all. With the right build and incarnate endurance is not an issue. The dark set is great fun to play but needs more management than other sets and coupled with spines he is an absolute AoE monster
My Dark/Stone/Energy tank was nigh un-killable except against large packs of Romans (silly mez protect!). To this day, I've never seen a better "tank" when it came to raw mitigation. And, damage was pretty high, too 
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Yup, just like Fiery Aura having "Rise of the Phoenix" as its tier 9 should be taken as a sign.|
Originally Posted by Wolfgang_Tao
So when are you guys going to do something with dark armor? After poking around in mids for a while I quickly came to a conclussion, Dark Armor is pretty freaking horrible. Ironic that my first lvl 50 was a Spine/Dark Scrapper. (Yes, I remember having to keep a kin or two on pay roll for SB because of end consumption) ((Also note: this was pre-IO days)) But after looking it over again with Mid's I still don't see any builds that make me say "Wow, that might be fun to play". I decided to muck around with a Dark Tank, still not sure what Secondary to take, I did manage to get a Dark/Ice up to about 35ish but am leary of putting any Set IO's in it. Yeah I know, just get it to lvl 50 and take incarnate stuff to make it work.. bleh - and people wonder why farmers make so much money.
This set could really use some help IMHO, I guess the Tier 9 power as "Soul Transfer" should be taken as a sign? |
i've leveled several Dark Armor alts, and the only IOing i consistently do on them is slotting the ToE proc. While i wouldn't run around flailing my arms and screaming in horror if the Devs announced they were going to buff Dark Armor it would probably be very hard to convince them that it's needed. Even without any IOs it's a good set.
Dr. Todt's theme.
i make stuff...
Nothing wrong with Dark Armor. I've got a Fiery Melee/Dark Armor brute. Love it.
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Even then, you still end up sucking endurance like no ones business. Sure, IOs and Alpha slot might help alleviate some of that, but given that Dark has seemingly lower resistances than other sets, no inherent KB resistance and relies on 'gimmick' toggles that are incredibly end heavy...|
Originally Posted by PRAF68_EU
Go Staff/Dark and use FoS...
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Frankly, I don't see why some of Darks toggles are so End intensive. Given how situational Cloak of Darkness is, why does it cost .52 base? And Cloak of Fear, with fear being pretty much useless except when solo (and even then it chops off your AoE potential)
The set really could use some examining and love, imo.
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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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I have a Dark/Dark Brute that hit 50 before I got into IO sets. with regular IOs he was pretty amazing. If I had his rythm down, he was an unstoppable monster of destruction (I took the fear aura, not the disorient- I'll make another some day with the disorient). If my rythm was off on him, he'd faceplant quite a bit. Fortunately he had his rez well slotted for recharge and kept on going, because after 50, debt's just a badge.
With IO sets he's amazing.
Dark Armor is one of those sets like Regen or Fire Aura that if you have the rhythm of the powers down (what attack set you pair it with, when to heal, etc) it's capable of some of the goofiest stuff in game, leaving people to wonder how you pulled it off. On the other hand, a bad combination of powers, or not having the rythm down to make the most of the powersets, it's a walking debt magnet.
That's my take on it anyway.
"I play characters. I have to have a very strong visual appearance, backstory, name, etc. to get involved with a character, otherwise I simply won't play it very long. I'm not an RPer by any stretch of the imagination, but character concept is very important for me."- Back Alley Brawler
I couldn't agree more.
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Start here.
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Originally Posted by Wolfgang_Tao
But after looking it over again with Mid's I still don't see any builds that make me say "Wow, that might be fun to play".
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Blood Widow Ricki * Tide Shifter * T-34 * Opposite Reaction * Shaolin Midnight * ChernobylCheerleader
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Dark Regen. Slap a Theft of Essence proc in there, slot for Acc/Rech/EndRed, and make sure you have plenty of bodies around you when you hit the button. Take a KB protecton proc or two, start slotting for defense, and while its a bit more of an active defense than Invulnerability, you're still stupid tough.|
Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
Even then, you still end up sucking endurance like no ones business. Sure, IOs and Alpha slot might help alleviate some of that, but given that Dark has seemingly lower resistances than other sets, no inherent KB resistance and relies on 'gimmick' toggles that are incredibly end heavy...
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Oh, and don't take the high tier endurance / HP eater auras unless you really need them. Maybe for scrappers for stalkers.
Blood Widow Ricki * Tide Shifter * T-34 * Opposite Reaction * Shaolin Midnight * ChernobylCheerleader
My main is an Elec/Dark brute and with IOs he's solid against just about everything (except those darn romans). My only real gripe is that having 11 toggles means I have to spend a lot of time re-toggling after I rez. Also with 3 offensive toggles I find myself re-toggling a lot on incarnate trials when I get hit with high mez (like when AM freezes time in the keyes fight). Sure dark has a VERY high end usage, but it's worth it to be able to laugh at psi damage like it's nothing. When things go bad on a Minds of Mayhem trial all that's usually left standing is me and the guy who took WP.
Dark Armor is one of the best sets in the game when built right...
My Dark/Dark tank also runs 10 toggles with limited end issues. I rarely use Dark Consumption for the endurance. In longer fights I'll toggle off Super Speed, but that's about it. Once the build is done she'll be soft capped to s/l/e/n. Right now I'm getting 3.95 end/sec recovery, not including the P-shifter proc.
Read Dechs Kaison's Dark Guide. In the tank guides section read Jebe the Pirate's Dark Guide. While Jebe's guide is slanted for tanks, there are some great suggestions that can be ported over to Scrappers/Brutes which will help you with your endurance "issues".
Throwing darts at the board to see if something sticks.....
Come show your resolve and fight my brute!
Tanks: Gauntlet, the streak breaker and you!
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Originally Posted by PapaSlade
Rangle's right....this is fun.
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This. |
Originally Posted by JuliusSeizure
Dark Armor is one of the best sets in the game when built right...
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I have a Broadsword/Dark Armor Scrapper that is fully capable of a double RWZ Challenge. (2 spawns of level 54 Rikti, including at least 3 bosses each, no temp powers, no inspirations....this was BEFORE Incarnate powers.)
I have a DA/Staff Tanker that will be tougher than an Invuln tank when he's done.
Yes, I'm serious.
Smashing, Lethal, Negative Energy and Psionic damage will all be resistance capped.
And no other damage type will be below 50% resistance.
I'll be softcapped to S/L/E/N at all times.
I have the best self heal in the game, and if something DOES kill me, they have to do it again after shaking off a mag THIRTY stun.
Did I mention I haven't had any endurance problems since level 20?
Dark Armor is an awesome set, you just have to build it differently than other sets. It's not as simple to make good as Willpower or Invuln, but when built properly it is capable of outperforming either.
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Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison See, it's gems like these that make me check Claws' post history every once in a while to make sure I haven't missed anything good lately. |
Okay, I was mistaken.
Energy resistance will be 44% and Toxic will be 47%. Fire and Cold will be over 60% resistance.
It doesn't show it on the build, but the resistance buff from Sky Splitter will take Negative resistance to 89.5%, and the second stack of teh Tanker ATO proc will cover the last .5%.
Actually, I forgot to take into account the second stack of the ATO proc. I was right the first time, everything WILL be over 50% resistance.
Anyway, here's my build. It's not finalized, but it's what I'm looking at in terms of building toward. Yes, it does include Incarnate powers, but it will still be very solid without them.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.955
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Dark Armor
Secondary Power Set: Staff Fighting
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Death Shroud -- SMotTanker-Acc/Dmg(A), SMotTanker-Dmg/Rchg(7), SMotTanker-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), SMotTanker-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45), SMotTanker-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), SMotTanker-Rchg/Res%(46)
Level 1: Mercurial Blow -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(25), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Achilles-ResDeb%(40)
Level 2: Precise Strike -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(21), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 4: Guarded Spin -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(7), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(15), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 6: Obsidian Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(9), RctvArm-ResDam(21), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 8: Dark Regeneration -- Theft-+End%(A), Nictus-Heal(9), Nictus-Acc/Heal(15), Nictus-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(50), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(50)
Level 10: Dark Embrace -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(11), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(11), RctvArm-ResDam(43), S'fstPrt-ResKB(43), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(43)
Level 12: Murky Cloud -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam(13), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(13), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 14: Taunt -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Eye of the Storm -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(17), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(17), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40)
Level 18: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(19), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(19)
Level 20: Staff Mastery
Level 22: Cloak of Fear -- SipInsght-ToHitDeb(A), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb(23), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg(23), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 24: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 26: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam(27), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(27), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 28: Serpent's Reach -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(31), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(37), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 30: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(31), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(31)
Level 32: Soul Transfer -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(33), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Innocuous Strikes -- Erad-Dmg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(36), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(36), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36)
Level 38: Sky Splitter -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40)
Level 41: Focused Accuracy -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(42)
Level 44: Physical Perfection -- Mrcl-Heal(A), Mrcl-Rcvry+(45), P'Shift-End%(45)
Level 47: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), Ksmt-ToHit+(48), Krma-ResKB(48)
Level 49: Maneuvers -- SW-ResDam/Re TP(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 4: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A)
Level 4: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(5), P'Shift-End%(5)
Level 1: Combo Level 1
Level 1: Combo Level 2
Level 1: Combo Level 3
Level 20: Form of the Body
Level 20: Form of the Mind
Level 20: Form of the Soul
Level 50: Cardiac Core Paragon
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
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Code:
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Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison See, it's gems like these that make me check Claws' post history every once in a while to make sure I haven't missed anything good lately. |
My Spine/Dark scrapper in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocOQyfUphQI
Extremely cheap IO build with 0 defense outside of its native toggles and combat jumping. Not to mention this was 4 years ago before incarnates. As you can see, I have little to no problems with end and its a pretty effective damage dealer. Dark could use some minor tweaks, but its far from a horrible set.
I only scanned the thread quickly but has anyone mentioned that Dark Regen is bugged and uses the wrong animation? On the live servers Dark Regen is using the Old Unyielding animation. Dark Regen roots you for close to 3 seconds, the animation DR should be using did not root you and didn't last anywhere near 3 seconds.
Wow, 20 posts into a thread about dark armor and Dechs hasn't posted. Is he on vacation?
Save Paragon one more time! http://www.cohtitan.com/forum/index....ic,4877.0.html
Petition to end shutting down CoH:
http://www.change.org/petitions/ncso...city-of-heroes
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Did notice that, yeah. That doesn't help.
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Originally Posted by warden_de_dios
I only scanned the thread quickly but has anyone mentioned that Dark Regen is bugged and uses the wrong animation? On the live servers Dark Regen is using the Old Unyielding animation. Dark Regen roots you for close to 3 seconds, the animation DR should be using did not root you and didn't last anywhere near 3 seconds.
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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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...The.....t....That Tank Build.....
I......it......B.....
Wut
///ERROR: Out of Cheese. Melonmelonmelon 657# Redo Universe from Start...
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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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Nominated for understatement of the year. Good GOD. I want to try this now.
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Originally Posted by ClawsandEffect
but it will still be very solid without them.
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De minimis non curat Lex Luthor.
So when are you guys going to do something with dark armor? After poking around in mids for a while I quickly came to a conclussion, Dark Armor is pretty freaking horrible. Ironic that my first lvl 50 was a Spine/Dark Scrapper. (Yes, I remember having to keep a kin or two on pay roll for SB because of end consumption) ((Also note: this was pre-IO days)) But after looking it over again with Mid's I still don't see any builds that make me say "Wow, that might be fun to play". I decided to muck around with a Dark Tank, still not sure what Secondary to take, I did manage to get a Dark/Ice up to about 35ish but am leary of putting any Set IO's in it. Yeah I know, just get it to lvl 50 and take incarnate stuff to make it work.. bleh - and people wonder why farmers make so much money.
This set could really use some help IMHO, I guess the Tier 9 power as "Soul Transfer" should be taken as a sign?