Kinetics/ShieldBrute or Scrapper?


Jack_NoMind

 

Posted

Added Going Rogue to my account, finally. I've always wanted to play a Kinetics/Shield character, but am trying to figure out whether to play a brute or a scrapper. Aside from the standard constant spike/built spike difference, is there a strong argument for either archetype?

The character, of course, will be an extremely skinny 4' tall girl.


 

Posted

Scrappers have higher base damage numbers, so getting +65% (or whatever) damage means a lot more to them than +65% (or whatever) damage on a Brute.

There are some advantages to going Brute... especially if with IOs (I read you as a white-name first?). But I feel Scrapper is probably a stronger pick for that character.


 

Posted

Shield Defense is available for Brutes, but really it's best on either a Tanker (higher defense numbers without as much work allowing you to focus on other things) or Scrapper (more damage, higher damage bonus from AAO on an already higher base damage).

Brutes lose out on powers that use pseudopets to do damage (like Shield Charge) due to the pet damage cap, and persistent damage buffs (like Power Siphon and AAO) provide a smaller damage increase due to Brutes having the lowest AT modifier of the melee ATs plus provide a lower percentage buff due to being somewhat drowned out by Fury. It's not that they don't get a benefit from it, but you'll notice it a lot more on the other ATs.

I'd recommend the Scrapper if all else is equal in your mind - IMO Shield just works best on them.


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Posted

KM and SD both work significantly better on a scrapper, due to these powersets being designed to operate at a higher average damage buff level that is usual - Power Siphon for KM, Against All Odds for Shield.

Scrappers get more from damage buffs due to their higher base damage, and also have a better damage mod so their damage buffs give more.

The one usual significant advantage of brutes over scrappers, aggro control, is nullified by AaO, which is an extremely potent aggro aura.

Shield gets very close to scrapper caps on many stats, but doesn't quite reach it even IOed out, so the brute higher caps don't come into play save for outside buffs or Barrier if you choose to go that way (but it's arguable Rebirth +regen is a much better pick for a Shielder).

There is literally no performance reason to go brute on this particular combo, in my opinion. Scrapper all the way.


 

Posted

Scrapper. Thanks for your feedback, everyone.