Pulsewave's Power Armor Rundown

[Archived Post]

This is a bit off top but because you seem to be so such comprehensive knowledge of the game i was wondering if you could suggest what super sats one would use if they want to make a build focusing around chainsaw gauntlet? I think strength scales from it but i also LOVE the regen ticks from super stating rec please advice me Pulse!

[Archived Post]

I am not 40 yet, but I find a real synergy between force shield and regeneration on the Mark V i play, particularly for PVP.

PA gameplay is somewhat binary. On a first time, you fire all your weapons and try to burst out your opponent. On a second time, if he's not dead yet, you've got to reload.

At this stage, Force shield help to reload while protecting you. And during this time, regeneration makes your life... well, regenerate :p

That's why regeneration seems to me far more adapted to PA than to a Bestial spec with FOR/REC Superstats, whitch never lacks of energy, but according to me, of burst, and can hardly stop fighting to use a shield.

Actually, after years of MMORPG, PA is the first "ranged class" I love to play, and I really thank Cryptic for that.

PS : And I'd like to have a chainsaw too :D

[Archived Post]

This is a bit off top but because you seem to be so such comprehensive knowledge of the game i was wondering if you could suggest what super sats one would use if they want to make a build focusing around chainsaw gauntlet? I think strength scales from it but i also LOVE the regen ticks from super stating rec please advice me Pulse!

The Melee damage bonus is maxed out with 70 STR. That gives you +20% melee damage. There's no need to superstat STR for that alone.

[Archived Post]

Actually, after years of MMORPG, PA is the first "ranged class" I love to play, and I really thank Cryptic for that.



tell me 'bout it! I forever wanted to roll out a toon like this in CoX but was frustrated that the closest I could come was watching my bots have the powers with a bot mastermind, and then I made a crab arachnos VEAT, but neither of those quite 'got it' for a concept like PA does.

[Archived Post]

I've been playing around with a leveling build of the everlast with Rec/Con and Regen instead of Con/Int and Defiance. It works out pretty well and is very survivable (My record is 12 minutes of a screenfull of zombies and 8 players beating on me) but it lacks any kind of oomph and it's not hard to get overwhelmed just by not being able to kill things fast enough.

Are there any tips to turning this into a leveling build rather than a 40 retcon?

No one has any opinions on this? I got to 17 and got Minigun, but it does not really do much for being able to kill things at least reasonably quickly.

[Archived Post]

@ Lemieux

Defiance is a far better passive, and you take CON as SS, so why do you choose regeneration ? Especially as defiance regen energy when you're hit, whitch gives more firepower.

Furthermore, REC boost energy regenaration rate, but INT drastically reduces energy costs. Abandonning it reduces also your firepower.

In my opinion, REC/CON are not the best superstats to choose for a PA build.

[Archived Post]

No one has any opinions on this? I got to 17 and got Minigun, but it does not really do much for being able to kill things at least reasonably quickly.

I love Mini-gun, but it isn't a big alpha-strike attack. It's a cheap, long-range, AoE, and debuffing power that you turn on and slowly whittle away the health of several guys at once. I have it running almost constantly when I'm in combat. Make sure you get the Teflon Rounds advantage.

For things that need to die quickly, use your Concussor Beam.

Once you get up higher into your mid to late 20s, Sonic Device + Micro-Munitions + Mini-gun will just melt groups of henchmen and villains.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, why not take nanobot swarm to refresh your energy forms instead of one of them? I also changed Protection Field for Force eruption with the damage boosting advantage. Your thoughts?

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2
Level 5: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Jet Boots
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union, Rank 2
Level 14: Immolation -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 17: Masterful Dodge
Level 20: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 23: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Nanobot Swarm -- Rejuvenating Injectors
Level 32: Targeting Computer
Level 35: Field Surge -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Regeneration

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Boundless Reserves
Level 9: Quick Recovery
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Negotiator
Level 18: Amazing Stamina
Level 21: Healthy Mind

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, I was running off of the Rolling Thunder Model that you developed. I just hit 35 with it, and it seems to still be doing well, but you took it down since you believed it to be obsolete after the patch I think. The thing is, I'm not having that much trouble. Is it really that out of it?

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, I was running off of the Rolling Thunder Model that you developed. I just hit 35 with it, and it seems to still be doing well, but you took it down since you believed it to be obsolete after the patch I think. The thing is, I'm not having that much trouble. Is it really that out of it?

It's probably fine, just not really optimized. Sometimes the game updates make new combos better, or old ones worse. And other times I just realize there's a better way to go overall. I try to keep recommendations optimized, but that's not necessary for most of the game.

[Archived Post]

It's probably fine, just not really optimized. Sometimes the game updates make new combos better, or old ones worse. And other times I just realize there's a better way to go overall. I try to keep recommendations optimized, but that's not necessary for most of the game.

Well that's cool to hear. I still have a question though: What do you suggest I take? I was following that build closely, except I decided to take Regeneration a power earlier than when it advised. I seem to be running pretty well so far, but I know there must be something that can help me out.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, why not take nanobot swarm to refresh your energy forms instead of one of them? I also changed Protection Field for Force eruption with the damage boosting advantage. Your thoughts?

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2
Level 5: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Jet Boots
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union, Rank 2
Level 14: Immolation -- Rank 3, Rank 2
ULevel 17: Masterful Dodge
Level 20: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 23: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Nanobot Swarm -- Rejuvenating Injectors
Level 32: Targeting Computer
Level 35: Field Surge -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Regeneration

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Boundless Reserves
Level 9: Quick Recovery
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Negotiator
Level 18: Amazing Stamina
Level 21: Healthy Mind

I don't like Nanobot Swarm since its only 17 seconds off every 95 seconds or so. Another active offence is much more reliable and consistent.

Force Eruption is fine, I was just trying to show how to get the most energy possible. I don't like Gravitational Polarity much since I move around a lot in combat.

[Archived Post]

I don't like Nanobot Swarm since its only 17 seconds off every 95 seconds or so. Another active offence is much more reliable and consistent.

Force Eruption is fine, I was just trying to show how to get the most energy possible. I don't like Gravitational Polarity much since I move around a lot in combat.

Thought it was 30 secs off all cooldowns, not 17. At least that is the description, or is it bugged? GP is handy for your alpha strike and it has the plus of knocking back mobs when surrounded. But yes, once you start to move it is less useful. Your idea is a valid one, but whilst leveling I thought GP would be more useful, as I play mainly solo. I retconned Robo Santa, now called i-bot and at lvl 21 its fun, if squishy. So far only issue was Fight Club in solo mode, where I had to be careful minigun didn't aggro lots of mobs. Bosses were fine as was Poe later on.

[Archived Post]

Thought it was 30 secs off all cooldowns, not 17. At least that is the description, or is it bugged? GP is handy for your alpha strike and it has the plus of knocking back mobs when surrounded. But yes, once you start to move it is less useful. Your idea is a valid one, but whilst leveling I thought GP would be more useful, as I play mainly solo. I retconned Robo Santa, now called i-bot and at lvl 21 its fun, if squishy. So far only issue was Fight Club in solo mode, where I had to be careful minigun didn't aggro lots of mobs. Bosses were fine as was Poe later on.

It used to say it was 30/45/60 seconds or something very high like that. But it was apparently lower.

[Archived Post]

It used to say it was 30/45/60 seconds or something very high like that. But it was apparently lower.

Ugh, guess my idea will not work then. I will experiment once I can get it and see if it viable.

[Archived Post]

Ok, so I already posted this in an incorrect thread. Let's try it here.

I've only been playing CO for a couple of days and I need to break out of the mentality of WoW. It's a bit tricky to learn a new MMOs stat system and slotting procedure after years of only ********.

I'm looking for help with a good power armor build.

Right now here's what I'm looking at.

Super Intelligence (Rank 1)
Mighty (Rank 1)
Mini Gun (Rank 1)
Wrist Bolter (Rank 2)
Tireless (Rank 1)
Invulernable (Rank 1)
Energetic (Rank 1)
Super Constitution (Rank 1)
Power Gauntlet (Rank 2)
Energy Shield (Rank 1)
Jet Boots (Rank 1)
Power Gauntlet (Rank 1)
Wrist Bolter (Rank 1)
Power Armor (Rank 1)

Stats:

Health: 2159/2159
Energy: 46/157
Strength: 64
Dexterity: 10
Intelligence: 45
Ego: 13
Presence: 10
Recovery: 18
Endurance: 57
Offense: 0
Crit Chance: 0.92%
Crit Severity: 33%
Physical Defense: 26.88
Energy Defense: 26.88
Dodge: 10%
Avoidance: 16.67%

Now I'm fresh out of WoW, this is my second day playing. The hell am I doing? Anything right? Anything wrong?

[Archived Post]

Ok, so I already posted this in an incorrect thread. Let's try it here.

I've only been playing CO for a couple of days and I need to break out of the mentality of WoW. It's a bit tricky to learn a new MMOs stat system and slotting procedure after years of only ********.

You're best off removing all powers and reseting to what's listed in my Mark I build. It will be much, much easier for a newbie. You should also take a few minutes to read all my power descriptions. You don't want Invulnerability without Strength, but you don't want Strength for all ranged Power Armor.

[Archived Post]

Just one question. What's the priority for upgrading moves?

[Archived Post]

Just one question. What's the priority for upgrading moves?

If you mean movement power upgrades, ranking up is rather unimportant in my opinion. Getting to the battle fast is less important than kickin butt while you're there.

If you mean what powers should you upgrade first, that depends on your playstyle. I prefer aggressive so attacks come first. My current build doesnt even have an upgraded passive defense at level 40. But while youre learning, it's easier to upgrade your defense (probably Regen) first.

[Archived Post]

Well see, I don't have access to the Force tree, I went strictly PA. :F So I can't take force shield.

[Archived Post]

Sure you can, you just retcon all the way down and take the force EB. IMO it's slightly better than wrist bolters anyway.

[Archived Post]

A silly question, but I notice on some of the specs, powers at lvl 1 and 1 are not available when I made my character, or I missed an option, even later, I don't see options of powers to take...are the builds from respecs?

[Archived Post]

Ah I see, respec to it later.

Is there going to be a difference between mechanized and technological intuition?

Is there are reason to do one over the other, or with gear is the class going to play the same?

[Archived Post]

A silly question, but I notice on some of the specs, powers at lvl 1 and 1 are not available when I made my character, or I missed an option, even later, I don't see options of powers to take...are the builds from respecs?

Choose Custom when you start. A default framework picks the first two powers for you, and they arent necessary any good.

[Archived Post]

Ah I see, respec to it later.

Is there going to be a difference between mechanized and technological intuition?

Is there are reason to do one over the other, or with gear is the class going to play the same?

Mechanized gives you extra points to nearly worthless Strength. Technological Intuition gives you Intelligence and Endurance, both of which are very useful. It matters less overall by level 40, but ideally you dont take Mechanized unless you want to take Invulnerability to rank 3.

[Archived Post]

Mechanized gives you extra points to nearly worthless Strength. Technological Intuition gives you Intelligence and Endurance, both of which are very useful. It matters less overall by level 40, but ideally you dont take Mechanized unless you want to take Invulnerability to rank 3.

I totally agree with the above and a BIG THANK YOU to Pulsewave for this thread! :)

I've been playing since launch (took a couple month break for STO) and I have a variety of toons. I always wanted a PA character, but my original attempt only made to about level 12 or so and I let him sit. Then I did a retcon and did more Force/PA but that was just okay. Then I did another retcon and tried just full PA, but by level 15...it just wasn't real great. I had two powers I didn't even use by that point and energy was just a hassle. I was pretty invulnerable though...

Then I read this thread yesterday and went home and did another respect following many of your tips. I had many of the right things when I went Force/PA before, but I had a bad order to them. Not only that...I didn't even have a clue about the synergy with Electric Sheath and a few other tips you had later on.

I'd been doing STR/INT because Invulnerable was the way to go, but lesson learned now.

My new build was based on INT/REC with decent END. Regen is freaking awesome for this setup! Pop the Elec Sheath and I had enough energy for 3 FULL 6 second concussor beam attacks. Only once the whole night was I in a jam by getting jumped by 6 heavies at once and they took me to a quarter health in a couple seconds. I blocked and the Force Shield literally took all their damage while the Regen kicked in completely. I fully healed just standing there being pummeled. i was also waiting out the Sheath cooldown and once it did...1, 2, 3, 6...all of them dropped one after the other. I think I had 4 down before I even needed to build energy again.

Anyway...long post to really say great build and thanks for the thread and the tips. Cheers!

[Archived Post]

Just wanted to say, BIG THANKS for the rundown of powers, and the sample builds. New player here was struggling to get anything down, but with this build OMG. Was very helpful to learn about the different synergies, and I know what to look for in future builds.

[Archived Post]

This has been a great help in sorting out PA, many thanks to Pulsewave.

It's been a week or so since I originally read the entire thread, but I thought someone mentioned that Masterful Dodge wasn't put into cooldown by PA abilties. As of today (at least) it is. What surprised me is that Unstoppable is also put into c/d by PA abilities, even though it's a PA ability itself.

I ended up going for a solid PvE build (still only 26), SS Int and Rec, Regen, Mini-Gun /w Teflon, Concussor, Micro-Munitions, Chestbeam, Sonic Device, Toxic Nanites. Now i have an extra power to spend and I'm looking at Active Defences, if they all go into c/d anyway, then I guess Resurgence is the best bet.

[Archived Post]

hey! Thanks alot for this guide, Pulsewave! I went Power Armor after reading this, I use the Pulsewave Mark V: Lair-Buster build, but I dont have Targeting Computer or Shadow Shroud (yet?), I have both Ice Sheath and Sonic Device. This leaves two powers though, and I dont know what to pick, I didnt really like shadow shroud, but if you can sell me on it I will definitely go for it (your word has become law)
Also have you considered Dark Transfusion? I thought it was kind of nice, you can also upgrade it with a 50% damage-bonus for 20 seconds. But what the hell do i know
What powers do you recommend i pick as my final two?

Also, why super constitution for this build? Its alright to last long, but i'm REALLY struggling with energy when I'm in a group where someone else holds aggro. Why not endurance or recovery?

Thanks! and thanks again for the guide, it really is fantastic.

[Archived Post]

I have been following this thread since I first made my PA toon and the advice is awesome. Thank you, Pulsewave. The only problem I have had so far is a lack of ability to heal or protect individuals I am escorting during PvE missions. I had to drop Masterful Dodge for now to take Bionic Shielding. Not really happy with it but it fits my character concept and story and allows me to place a heal on my charge while I'm busy eliminating bogeys. And a nice second heal for myself, though with regen I dont generally need to.

I am really interested in Targeting Computer. To me it seems like something that should be on any tech suit. Just makes sense, but as an offensive passive, just too limited in use. Thanks for the clue on how to use it in team. Is there a good way to use it in regular play? Any ideas on a build that will work instead of taking quarry at level 29? Why shadow shroud?

[Archived Post]

Would a Con/End Power Armor work? Was thinking Defiance with Resurgence and Bionic Shielding. What would be your second choice for a block enhancer? Not that I don't like Force Shield, I just suspect it'll be changed in the Force pass. What about Implosion Engine? It's probably the only T4 power worth taking, would it be worth the effort to work it into a build?

[Archived Post]

Is there any good way to avoid Power Gauntlet? I don't plan on tanking or pvping, so I just don't see the purpose in taking it as I'll always be using concussor, but taking Force Bolts to get an early Force Shield seems to lock me into taking it. Anyone see a better way to dodge it?

[Archived Post]

Just take 1 more force power besides the shield. Protection field for a team buff+energy return, or force eruption for a damage buff in case you can stand fighting in a stationary position.

[Archived Post]

Just take 1 more force power besides the shield. Protection field for a team buff+energy return, or force eruption for a damage buff in case you can stand fighting in a stationary position.

Except that you can't use force eruption while your PA attacks are active, making it kinda bad. And protection field is kinda bad to start with, and is almost useless if you don't team frequently.

[Archived Post]

You can't use it while your toggles are active, true, but even a quick tap is enough to trigger it's advantage and costs next to no energy.

[Archived Post]

Ended up coming up with

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Recovery
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 11: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Sonic Device
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds, Rank 2
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Quarry -- Fair Game
Level 26: Masterful Dodge
Level 29: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 32: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 35: Field Surge -- Power Swell
Level 35: Rocket Jump -- Rank 2
Level 38: Toxic Nanites

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Negotiator
Level 9: Amazing Stamina
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Tireless
Level 18: Brilliant
Level 21: Enduring

It's alot like the Mk I but I swapped out Power Gauntlet (personal preference) and I changed the order of acquisition for some of the others. I realize I "wasted" 2 pts on Jet Boots, but again, I personally like having my primary travel maxed. I also agree with Pulsewave about Eye Beams and Laser Swords and I have no intent on using them.

This character is going to be played exclusively with a dedicated healer, so I was considering swapping Quarry and Regen. With the intent on grouping with at least one other person at all times, I'm also considering Targeting Computer instead of Quarry. Thoughts on that or the build as a whole?

edit: This is obviously retconned at either lvl 8 or 17.

[Archived Post]

take a look

patest: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Ego
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter -- Accelerated Metabolism
Level 1: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight, Rank 2
Level 5: Concussor Beam -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2
Level 5: Teleport -- Rank 2
Level 8: Ego Blade Frenzy -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2
Level 11: Eye Beam -- 20/20 Fission, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 14: Unbreakable -- Rank 2
Level 17: Ego Form -- Rank 2
Level 20: Telekinetic Eruption -- Enhanced Form
Level 23: Ego Sprites -- Accelerated Metabolism, Slave Mentality
Level 26: Ego Blade Breach -- Rank 2
Level 29: Chest Beam -- Rank 2
Level 32: Telekinetic Maelstorm -- Rank 2
Level 35: Laser Sword -- Particle Acceleration
Level 35: Jet Boots
Level 38: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn

Talents:
Level 1: Matter Manipulator
Level 6: Enduring
Level 9: Indomitable
Level 12: Ascetic
Level 15: Mighty
Level 18: Physical Conditioning
Level 21: Professional Athlete

[Archived Post]

take a look

patest: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Ego
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter -- Accelerated Metabolism
Level 1: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight, Rank 2
Level 5: Concussor Beam -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2
Level 5: Teleport -- Rank 2
Level 8: Ego Blade Frenzy -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2
Level 11: Eye Beam -- 20/20 Fission, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 14: Unbreakable -- Rank 2
Level 17: Ego Form -- Rank 2
Level 20: Telekinetic Eruption -- Enhanced Form
Level 23: Ego Sprites -- Accelerated Metabolism, Slave Mentality
Level 26: Ego Blade Breach -- Rank 2
Level 29: Chest Beam -- Rank 2
Level 32: Telekinetic Maelstorm -- Rank 2
Level 35: Laser Sword -- Particle Acceleration
Level 35: Jet Boots
Level 38: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn

Talents:
Level 1: Matter Manipulator
Level 6: Enduring
Level 9: Indomitable
Level 12: Ascetic
Level 15: Mighty
Level 18: Physical Conditioning
Level 21: Professional Athlete

Joke post?

[Archived Post]

Hello everyone.
I made a thread asking for advice, but I got redirected here, so I'll repost.

My original idea was to make a hero which shot a lot of weapons at the same time, thus PA and its multiple attack gameplay fit like a glove.
In addition, he came with some smaller stuff (Two-Gun Mojo) to finish off stragglers/mobs too weak to use his real powers on, as well as Orbital Cannon for the "I have a space base" and alpha strike factor, and Force Cascade both as a eye beam-sorta power and "get away from me and stay away" power (Force Eruption simply didn't fit).
You will also notice that I have Energy Shield rather than Force Shield, reasoning for this is something as ridiculous as me not liking the pose of Force Shield, as well as the power graphic. Yes, I know.
Without further delay, here's what I have so far.


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anon: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo
Level 5: Sonic Device
Level 5: Flight -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Resurgence
Level 26: Orbital Cannon -- Rank 2, Anvil of Dawn
Level 29: Force Cascade -- Containment Blast
Level 32: Quarry
Level 35: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Amazing Stamina
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Command Training


As you can see, I'm left with 1 power slot and 4 extra advantage points, and I'm at a complete loss as to what to do with them. Resurgence is also probably not the best choice, but I thought it would help a bit with Regen. Should I rank it up, or perhaps take Masterful Dodge or some other Active Defense instead?

Thanks in advance!

[Archived Post]

Hello everyone.
I made a thread asking for advice, but I got redirected here, so I'll repost.

My original idea was to make a hero which shot a lot of weapons at the same time, thus PA and its multiple attack gameplay fit like a glove.
In addition, he came with some smaller stuff (Two-Gun Mojo) to finish off stragglers/mobs too weak to use his real powers on, as well as Orbital Cannon for the "I have a space base" and alpha strike factor, and Force Cascade both as a eye beam-sorta power and "get away from me and stay away" power (Force Eruption simply didn't fit).
You will also notice that I have Energy Shield rather than Force Shield, reasoning for this is something as ridiculous as me not liking the pose of Force Shield, as well as the power graphic. Yes, I know.
Without further delay, here's what I have so far.


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anon: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo
Level 5: Sonic Device
Level 5: Flight -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Resurgence
Level 26: Orbital Cannon -- Rank 2, Anvil of Dawn
Level 29: Force Cascade -- Containment Blast
Level 32: Quarry
Level 35: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Amazing Stamina
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Command Training


As you can see, I'm left with 1 power slot and 4 extra advantage points, and I'm at a complete loss as to what to do with them. Resurgence is also probably not the best choice, but I thought it would help a bit with Regen. Should I rank it up, or perhaps take Masterful Dodge or some other Active Defense instead?

Thanks in advance!

I would skip Two Gun Mojo and just take Power Gauntlet. It will be annoying to use because any Power Armor attack will set Two Gun Moho to recharge for 2 seconds. If you do keep the power you should rank it up to R3.

You can also skip R2 on Orbital Cannon. It doesnt increase the damage across the board like most attacks. Take Matter-Energy Union on Electric Sheath and R3 if possible.

[Archived Post]

Sounds good.
Tested the Orbital Cannon rank down, and indeed the difference in damage is negligible.
I'd prefer not to put points on TGM. As I said, it's just something for flavour. (though, I am left with 2 adv points, so I could at least get R2 on it)
I ranked up Electric Sheath to R2 + Matter Energy Union (can't go R3, so I'll just assume that was a typo :P)
And I take Resurgence is an alright choice? 'cause I see everyone take Field Surge or Masterful Dodge (or both).
For the final slot, I was thinking of something that allowed me to regain further energy, and supported a team. Is Protection Field a good choice?

Again, thanks for the advice!

[Archived Post]

Marneus:

Just so you know if you plan to level up in this build, you put the Passives at the end, when you'll need them at low levels to actually survive the leveling process.

Also, be aware that without Recovery as a superstat, Regeneration will most likely be problematic at later levels, though it could still work well until approaching level 30.

[Archived Post]

Sounds good.
Tested the Orbital Cannon rank down, and indeed the difference in damage is negligible.
I'd prefer not to put points on TGM. As I said, it's just something for flavour. (though, I am left with 2 adv points, so I could at least get R2 on it)
I ranked up Electric Sheath to R2 + Matter Energy Union (can't go R3, so I'll just assume that was a typo :P)
And I take Resurgence is an alright choice? 'cause I see everyone take Field Surge or Masterful Dodge (or both).
For the final slot, I was thinking of something that allowed me to regain further energy, and supported a team. Is Protection Field a good choice?

Again, thanks for the advice!

Field Surge is good with Regeneration. Better than Resurgence in most cases. But you want to rank up Field Surge, while Resurgence can stay R1.

If you can take Crippling Challenge on TGM, try to do so. Some enemies have block since Serpent Lantern. And its crucial in PvP.

[Archived Post]

@demalion
No worries, I'm already level 35, so :P I left the defensive passive at the end because many say Regen ceases to work after 30, so I'd be free to try others. But to be honest, there's not a single (good) defensive passive that I can take with INT/END, and REC is easy enough to find on items with INT or END, plus it boosts equilibrium.

@Pulsewave
I ended up with this:

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anon: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo
Level 5: Sonic Device
Level 5: Flight -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Rank 2, Matter - Energy Union
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Field Surge -- Rank 2
Level 26: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn
Level 29: Force Cascade -- Containment Blast
Level 32: Quarry
Level 35: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 35: Swinging
Level 38: Protection Field

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Amazing Stamina
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Command Training


I tried to take Crippling Challenge, but to get the single advantage point I needed, I'd have to drop Accelerated Metabolism on Concussion Beam (which might be a big no-no), or drop Containment Blast on Force Cascade (which kinda negates the point of pushing the mobs away), so I ranked up Field Surge instead. Good to go?

[Archived Post]

@demalion
No worries, I'm already level 35, so :P I left the defensive passive at the end because many say Regen ceases to work after 30, so I'd be free to try others. But to be honest, there's not a single (good) defensive passive that I can take with INT/END, and REC is easy enough to find on items with INT or END, plus it boosts equilibrium.

@Pulsewave
I ended up with this:

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anon: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Two-Gun Mojo
Level 5: Sonic Device
Level 5: Flight -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Rank 2, Matter - Energy Union
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Field Surge -- Rank 2
Level 26: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn
Level 29: Force Cascade -- Containment Blast
Level 32: Quarry
Level 35: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 35: Swinging
Level 38: Protection Field

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Amazing Stamina
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Command Training


I tried to take Crippling Challenge, but to get the single advantage point I needed, I'd have to drop Accelerated Metabolism on Concussion Beam (which might be a big no-no), or drop Containment Blast on Force Cascade (which kinda negates the point of pushing the mobs away), so I ranked up Field Surge instead. Good to go?

I would lose rank 3 in Regeneration or Energy Shield and Accelerated Metabolism on Concussor Beam to take Crippling Challenge. That helps a lot and makes TGM a real attack rather than a goof. Try it with your last 3 advantage points and switch back if you want. The benefits of Crippling Challenge ate huge at high level. Definitely better than rank 3 shield.

[Archived Post]

Alright then, will drop R3 on the Shield and Accelerated Metabolism on Concussor Beams to take Crippling Challenge. I'll see how it goes once I get to Serpent Lantern.
Many thanks for all the advice!

[Archived Post]

Joke post?

why does it have to be a joke post? why cant a person ask for input? isnt the whole idea of the game to throw together powers in whatever combination you can think of to see if they could work?

[Archived Post]

Added Pulsewave Mark VII for players who want a super-strong hero with some melee attacks.

[Archived Post]

Just a comment, my hat's off to you again Pulsewave. :)

Earlier in this thread I mentioned building a PA set off one of your builds. In some cases I swapped powers out to marginal effect, but then when I swapped back to the recommended ones...the synergy is simply amazing. Anyway, I go all PvE really and I've only done dueling as PvP (never in the arenas) yet I knew the build was a good PvP build too (I'm level 25 now).

One day last week someone challenged me and I declined and then later thought I should have done it and vowed to accept the next one without question. Sure enough, last night I was challenged out of the blue and I looked and could see he was running with Invulnerable. I clicked accept and then switched to Guardian build (defensive passive instead of offensive). Needless to say he hit me with some hard knockback from some blast attack. I'm not even sure what it was, but he was doing big damage. The thing was...it didn't matter with my build.

If the fight lasted 1:30 I'd be surprised. I crushed him hard. In the end he came over and was like "jesus...what build is that?"

It was awesome. Best duel I've ever had. Thanks again! :P

[Archived Post]

Just a comment, my hat's off to you again Pulsewave. :)

Earlier in this thread I mentioned building a PA set off one of your builds. In some cases I swapped powers out to marginal effect, but then when I swapped back to the recommended ones...the synergy is simply amazing. Anyway, I go all PvE really and I've only done dueling as PvP (never in the arenas) yet I knew the build was a good PvP build too (I'm level 25 now).

One day last week someone challenged me and I declined and then later thought I should have done it and vowed to accept the next one without question. Sure enough, last night I was challenged out of the blue and I looked and could see he was running with Invulnerable. I clicked accept and then switched to Guardian build (defensive passive instead of offensive). Needless to say he hit me with some hard knockback from some blast attack. I'm not even sure what it was, but he was doing big damage. The thing was...it didn't matter with my build.

If the fight lasted 1:30 I'd be surprised. I crushed him hard. In the end he came over and was like "jesus...what build is that?"

It was awesome. Best duel I've ever had. Thanks again! :P

That's always awesome to hear. Which build/version was it?

[Archived Post]

It's the Mark I. It's the most fun PA build I've ever tried and like I said...the synergies are crazy. ;)

[Archived Post]

Hello falks,
I need an advice to do a retcon on my PA/Force build and change my PVE oriented build to a PVP
my superstats are END/INT and in my pve build Regen as passive and force shield
but in this build I wanted to try a new combination that I have not seen in this thread
What do you think about Personal Force Field as passive that scale with END...??


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anon: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Endurance
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Eruption -- Rank 2, Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Personal Force Field -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 5: Acrobatics -- Rank 2
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight
Level 14: Gauntlet Chainsaw -- Ripsaw, Rank 2
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 20: Electrocute
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn, Rank 2
Level 32: Miniaturization Drive -- Reciprocating Gizmo
Level 35: Field Surge -- Power Swell
Level 35: Jet Boots
Level 38: Imbue

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Tireless
Level 15: Indomitable
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Daredevil

[Archived Post]

Hello falks,
I need an advice to do a retcon on my PA/Force build and change my PVE oriented build to a PVP
my superstats are END/INT and in my pve build Regen as passive and force shield
but in this build I wanted to try a new combination that I have not seen in this thread
What do you think about Personal Force Field as passive that scale with END...??


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anon: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Endurance
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Eruption -- Rank 2, Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Personal Force Field -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 5: Acrobatics -- Rank 2
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight
Level 14: Gauntlet Chainsaw -- Ripsaw, Rank 2
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 20: Electrocute
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn, Rank 2
Level 32: Miniaturization Drive -- Reciprocating Gizmo
Level 35: Field Surge -- Power Swell
Level 35: Jet Boots
Level 38: Imbue

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Tireless
Level 15: Indomitable
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Daredevil

PFF is terrible compared to other passives. I would go with an Electric Form build first and try to win with electric and particle damage. Thats a big change on your build though.

[Archived Post]

Any particular reason on your shellhead build you use burning chi fist over demolish or haymaker? I've never used BCF so I'm curious. Haymaker is slow as hell though, demolish is nice but I don't know how it would compare to BCF.

[Archived Post]

Any particular reason on your shellhead build you use burning chi fist over demolish or haymaker? I've never used BCF so I'm curious. Haymaker is slow as hell though, demolish is nice but I don't know how it would compare to BCF.

As you mentioned, Haymaker is really slow. Demolish is better, but only because of the debuff. Chi Fist is the fastest and deals comparable damage with the DoT. This works well since you've got other effective attacks to use, and it BCF looks like an energy punch. You can swap in any of those attacks easily.

I need to test out Chainsaw Gauntlet too. It's probably a good option for a more generic PA build.

[Archived Post]

Quick question about your Shellhead/Mark VII build: In what way is this a power armor build? :)

On a serious note, any experience with Quarry vs Electric Form to build a more offensive PA? I haven't used my PA since before the Catalyst nerf, and I'm curious how well these work with regards to having enough energy to run three maintains (or two maintains + tapped chest beam).

Second question: I seem to recall something special about Chest Beam's advantage, like the extra damage was unblockable, or not mitigated, or something like that. Does that sound familiar at all?

EDIT: I tested both of these. With electric form, you run out of energy very fast. And if there was something special about Point Blank Blast, I can't tell on the dummies.

so is there a build that can run 3 full toggle maintains? End/int?

[Archived Post]

Quick question about your Shellhead/Mark VII build: In what way is this a power armor build? :)

On a serious note, any experience with Quarry vs Electric Form to build a more offensive PA? I haven't used my PA since before the Catalyst nerf, and I'm curious how well these work with regards to having enough energy to run three maintains (or two maintains + tapped chest beam).

Second question: I seem to recall something special about Chest Beam's advantage, like the extra damage was unblockable, or not mitigated, or something like that. Does that sound familiar at all?

EDIT: I tested both of these. With electric form, you run out of energy very fast. And if there was something special about Point Blank Blast, I can't tell on the dummies.

so is there a build that can run 3 full toggle maintains? End/int?

I've played with Electric Form and its a heavy hitting build, but rather restrictive. I find it less fun and more fragile so I havent put up a build. Last I tested, the damage wasnt enough to bother with IMO. You get a huge boost on damage from Electric Form, but you need SS END. And then you need all particle damage, The Mark VI seemed to do comparable damage without the restrictions, was way more team friendly, and seemed easier to use.

Theres nothing special about Chest Beam as far as I know, other than it does decent ranged damage and it debuffs all defense. That's nice, but it's nothing crazy. I would wager that you're thinking of posts by whiney PvP players who got killed by a Chest Beam a few times. Defile is the new 'thing' today that players are whining about.

[Archived Post]

Hi, pulsewave, Im new to the game. I am building a powerarmor hero, using your MK1 basic training set. I have the whole set saved to my builder so i can reference it at a glance. Im pretty set on using that build, seing as it is billed as a newb build LOL which is what i am.

My question, I am only lvl 6, i have super rec as per the build, and will get super Int. Firstly when it comes to items, should i focus on Con End items, or REC INT items. Secondly, to go along with the first question, which crafting profession meshes nicely with this build. 3rdly, power gaunt is my only attack till i get concusser beams, should i fully charge, or tap it for max dps. laslty your build has concusser beam, dosent that compete with micro munitions for the chest slot? My avatar dosent have a power gem in the middle of his chest and i fear a beam eminating from his chest will look off and fake. Im trying to find a way to Explain this in a Role play way, but cant think of anything. Any thoughts on this, and thank you for looking at my questions

[Archived Post]

Last night I used the Mark 1 at level 32 with 1 team mate, electricty sidekicking to 32, to go to Monster Island. We decided to try Moreau's lab with just the two of us. We actually did well for a mission set on hard meant for up to 5. After a 45 minute fight tanking with the mark 1 we brought down Chimera. This build really works. Thanks, Pulsewave, power armor and growth scientist.

As for the future, your advice says after level 30 Regen starts to get overwhelmed so go to defiance. I don't see concussion beam on the Mark VI. Chest beam is great, but slow, and when tanking I seem to have better luck with CB. Click, run dodge circle, while beaming, then turtle up to recover, then repeat, against the big bosses. I have played might with defiance and enrage and they are great, but I am using beam, micro m, and minigun. Will defiance and enrage improve my damage on ranged attacks?

[Archived Post]

These are my current 2 Power Armor builds I use, I tend to switch between them whenever I get a free retcon.

First one is the dedicated DPS build. It is pretty squishy, for healing it relies exclusively on crafted stuff (healing patches etc.) but the damage is immense, and soloing Serpent Lantern on very hard was no problem (I respecced into the other build with the patch, so didn't try elite yet).

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 5: Energy Shield
Level 5: Rocket Jump
Level 8: Mini Gun -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 11: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 14: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 17: Quarry -- Fair Game, Rank 2
Level 20: Targeting Computer -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 23: Unbreakable
Level 26: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 29: Immolation
Level 32: Shadow Shroud
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers -- Sleight Of Mind
Level 35: Jet Boots -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 38: Implosion Engine -- Rank 2, Rank 3

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Tireless
Level 12: Energetic
Level 15: Negotiator
Level 18: Investigator
Level 21: Amazing Stamina


I use quarry for soloing and targeting computer for group situations+master villains or higher. Energy isn't really a problem anytime.


The second one, the one I'm currently using, is a tanking build. Not too much to be said about it.. defiance, 2 clicky passives, bionic shielding, matter energy union and nanobot swarm make him extremely tough. This one does work on serpent lantern in elite, no surprise there though. Pile enough survival powers onto a toon, and as long as you can deal ok damage you're good.

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Force Sheath
Level 5: Power Gauntlet -- Crippling Challenge
Level 5: Teleport
Level 8: Defiance -- Rank 2
Level 11: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Nanobot Swarm
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds, Challenging Strikes
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Challenging Strikes
Level 23: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union, Rank 2
Level 26: Shadow Shroud
Level 29: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 32: Toxic Nanites
Level 35: Resurgence -- Rank 2
Level 35: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 38: Masterful Dodge

Talents:
Level 1: Arcanus
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Boundless Reserves
Level 12: Investigator
Level 15: Diplomatic
Level 18: Prodigy
Level 21: Shrug It Off

[Archived Post]

This is my power armor build. I originally started as a force/power armor build but I changed it because while my force build was really good to me, I only had like 5 attacks and technically I only needed 3. So I took some of the principles behind my force build and applied it to a power armor build which is originally what I had started with.

There are certain powers like shoulder launcher I took just because I like it when things go boom. Plus, one of the things about my force build was that I would use a full power force cascade and follow up with a full power chest beam, all boosted by my force eruption advantage and field surge advantage, for two hard alpha strikes. That is why I have super endurance because it took nearly all the energy I had to do it. I kept super endurance though during my retcon. Shoulder launcher went in with that in mind because when I ranked it up, it does alot of damage so I can mix it with chest beam too like I did with force cascade. Taking it also allowed me to get implosion engine.

The build works really well for me too. When things get hairy, I throw up unbreakable then fire off my BCR and then nanobots for more health then another BCR. I think the advantage in bionic shielding does not end unbreakable but I never really tested that.


Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Power Gauntlet -- Crippling Challenge
Level 5: Invulnerability -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Jet Boots
Level 8: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 11: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 17: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 20: Bountiful Chi Resurgence
Level 23: Bionic Shielding -- Overloaded Circuits
Level 26: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 29: Shoulder Launcher -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 32: Unbreakable
Level 35: Nanobot Swarm -- Rejuvenating Injectors
Level 35: Swinging
Level 38: Implosion Engine

Talents:
Level 1: Mechanized
Level 6: Amazing Stamina
Level 9: Investigator
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Bodybuilder
Level 18: Body And Mind
Level 21: Relentless

[Archived Post]

Curious if this is going to be doable. I'm going more theme than anything else, but don't want to fall flat on my face. Right now I'm level 12 and it's going pretty well. I took Roomsweeper now because when I do get swarmed I'd like to be able to shake 'em a bit. Suppose I could take Force Eruption at 14 instead, but the melee was a nice addition - just seems like punching things that get too close is more natural ;)

Feedback appreciated.

Thanks!


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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Power Gauntlet
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Roomsweeper -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Resurgence -- Rank 2
Level 20: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 23: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds, Rank 2
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 29: Shoulder Launcher -- Rank 2
Level 32: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 35: Ice Burst -- Freeze, Dirtbag
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Burning Chi Fist

Talents:
Level 1: Inhuman
Level 6: Enduring
Level 9: Brilliant
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Boundless Reserves
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Investigator

[Archived Post]

Curious if this is going to be doable. I'm going more theme than anything else, but don't want to fall flat on my face. Right now I'm level 12 and it's going pretty well. I took Roomsweeper now because when I do get swarmed I'd like to be able to shake 'em a bit. Suppose I could take Force Eruption at 14 instead, but the melee was a nice addition - just seems like punching things that get too close is more natural ;)

Feedback appreciated.

Thanks!


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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Power Gauntlet
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Roomsweeper -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Resurgence -- Rank 2
Level 20: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 23: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds, Rank 2
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 29: Shoulder Launcher -- Rank 2
Level 32: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 35: Ice Burst -- Freeze, Dirtbag
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Burning Chi Fist

Talents:
Level 1: Inhuman
Level 6: Enduring
Level 9: Brilliant
Level 12: Healthy Mind
Level 15: Boundless Reserves
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Investigator

If you want to clear melee enemies just take Force Eruption. It's much better at that than Roomsweeper. You could take it instead of Power Gauntlet if you want.

[Archived Post]

Does enrgage increase damage for concussion beam, minigun, micromunitions, and chest beam?

[Archived Post]

Does enrgage increase damage for concussion beam, minigun, micromunitions, and chest beam?
Enrage increases damage for EVERYTHING :D

[Archived Post]

How is Quarry working out for Power Armor attacks now-a-days.

From my understanding, they re-worked the tags on powers so more of them are correct. IE, ranged AoE.

Therefore, things like Minigun and MicroMunitions no longer proc a Quarry stack.

While it's still possible to enable it with the single-target toggles, I imagine that it's no longer as great of a Passive for Power Armor.

Any thoughts, experience?



When I used to play, I'd use Sparkstorm + Minigun + Micro Munitions for taking out groups of mobs, and only use concussor/chestbeam when dealing with anything with 3 bars (sometimes 2). The Quarry procs from the PA toggles meant no problem with SS INT.

[Archived Post]

How is Quarry working out for Power Armor attacks now-a-days.

From my understanding, they re-worked the tags on powers so more of them are correct. IE, ranged AoE.

Therefore, things like Minigun and MicroMunitions no longer proc a Quarry stack.

While it's still possible to enable it with the single-target toggles, I imagine that it's no longer as great of a Passive for Power Armor.

Any thoughts, experience?



When I used to play, I'd use Sparkstorm + Minigun + Micro Munitions for taking out groups of mobs, and only use concussor/chestbeam when dealing with anything with 3 bars (sometimes 2). The Quarry procs from the PA toggles meant no problem with SS INT.

Quarry is down and Targeting Computer is up in value with the difficulty slider. But Quarry is still good. I use Power Gauntlet / Concussor Beams and Chest Beam enough that Quarry would be active most of the time.

[Archived Post]

Except that you can't use force eruption while your PA attacks are active, making it kinda bad. And protection field is kinda bad to start with, and is almost useless if you don't team frequently.

I use Force Eruption (with advantage) all of the time with my PA toon, and start out all of my attack sequences with it. It' a quick tap activation, practically no energy cost, and gives you a decent-enough buff that lasts more than long enough for 2 PA attack chains. Plus it's fairly fitting of the PA concept/look.

The area is a little restrictive so if you're moving around a lot then it's not as useful. But the buff is active a little bit past the graphic and lingers for a few seconds when out of range, so it should last enough of a full round of toggles.



Once I have enough INT/END and something like Quarry running, I also have SparkStorm going with Electric Personality. If you fire off that toggle just before your PA toggles it will continue to run, giving you some decent PbAoE damage. But that's a later-game power since SparkStorm plus 2-3 PA toggles drains energy quickly, so you need something to help you do that. So it doesn't help you with your question (unless retconning).

[Archived Post]

Quarry is down and Targeting Computer is up in value with the difficulty slider. But Quarry is still good. I use Power Gauntlet / Concussor Beams and Chest Beam enough that Quarry would be active most of the time.

Another question about Targeting Computer, perhaps answered already but I don't see it yet.

How does it work if multiple people on the same team are using TC: is the team getting 2x the affect or just the once?

For example - 2 TC users on the same team against Mega Destroid and his robot henchmen.

Is the team getting twice the energy back?
Is Mega Destroid getting stacked debuffs?
etc

[Archived Post]

Another question about Targeting Computer, perhaps answered already but I don't see it yet.

How does it work if multiple people on the same team are using TC: is the team getting 2x the affect or just the once?

For example - 2 TC users on the same team against Mega Destroid and his robot henchmen.

Is the team getting twice the energy back?
Is Mega Destroid getting stacked debuffs?
etc

I haven't tested it, but everything should stack. Debuffs from different players stack, which was a problem for Universal Accelerant in Fire. That's still an issue as far as I know. Even if thats fixed the energy should still apply.

[Archived Post]

I haven't tested it, but everything should stack. Debuffs from different players stack, which was a problem for Universal Accelerant in Fire. That's still an issue as far as I know. Even if thats fixed the energy should still apply.

Thanks,

I haven't logged in months and was looking at starting up again with my PA toon. I saw I had a few free retcons so I figured I'd change her around a little.

I wound up going with SS INT/REC with Regen and Targeting Computer; Regen for solo and TC for when I group (or use the slider).

I'll see how that goes, if I don't like it I might go back to a SS INT/CON Defiance and Quarry.

With Regen I threw away a heal and took Ionic Reverb to get back energy with SparkStorm. With the massive REC I get enough back to offset the cost.

[Archived Post]

Thanks,

I haven't logged in months and was looking at starting up again with my PA toon. I saw I had a few free retcons so I figured I'd change her around a little.

I wound up going with SS INT/REC with Regen and Targeting Computer; Regen for solo and TC for when I group (or use the slider).

I'll see how that goes, if I don't like it I might go back to a SS INT/CON Defiance and Quarry.

With Regen I threw away a heal and took Ionic Reverb to get back energy with SparkStorm. With the massive REC I get enough back to offset the cost.

That's a cool idea w Sparkstorm. I have no heal powers at all and I can still solo Serpent Lantern very hard in Avenger w Targeting Computer. I do get defeated here and there but its a nice challenge.

[Archived Post]

Hey Pulse, this talk about sparkstorm got me thinking about an all-particle damage electric form PA build you briefly alluded to in another discussion many many pages earlier in this thread. So I decided to retcon and build one :)
I've always preferred building and playing my PA primarily as a tank, although you could easily convert this into a mainly dps build (which I know a lot of people have, this is kind of a PvE variant of a PvP PA spiker).

I borrowed a few things from your other builds, such as rotating the 3 offensive damage boost clicks that work very well with PA, boosting damage and helping with energy. With my high INT one of them is almost always up and ready, which is what you intended with that idea. Then I threw in sparkstorm + ionic reverb. I have to tell you, this is working out as a great energy return source. Even when I'm doing my tank thing with defiance. My electric form is mostly for soloing and the odd occasion someone else really has their heart set on being the tank. Energy shield + LK adv is my block and damage mitigator of choice since this is a laser sword / laser knight advantage tank

The playstyle for this build is melee range / short range in either electric form avenger or defiance in protector. I tend to close right in for sparkstorm (the advantage is needed for this to work), take a few swipes with laser sword, and once the spawn is down to the villain/MV/SV I go at him with Concussor + Chest Beam to quickly finish him off. I was initially concerned that there wouldn't be any synergy between having a melee attack with all the KB caused by sparkstorm, CCB and CB but it turns out this wasn't the case. By starting the fights in melee range, anything that gets KB'd still ends up well within range of my ranged 2 particle attacks, and the KB isn't frequent enough to send anyone flying until after I've landed sufficient softeners with laser sword. Aggro for tanking is Crippling Challenge in Laser Sword and Challenging Strikes in Sparkstorm.

Speaking of which, this was my first time out with Laser Sword. I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised at the damage this is doing with zero ranks. Because I am primarily a tank it's my Crippling Challenge and Particle Acceleration aggro/debuffer tool, so no damage ranks were slotted. Even so, I'm averaging 500-600 per swing with it unbuffed and not built as a melee dps. It's a really spammable click attack so you can get off about 3-4 swings with this in the same time it takes to charge up a lot of charged attacks. I realize there are a lot of other melee attacks out there that will surpass this, especially in a melee dps build, but nonethless I still find it quite serviceable (and a lot of fun). My main attacks of course remain concussor+chest beam spikes, with sparkstorm running in the background. Here's how I built it, keeping in mind it was a retcon not levelled this way:

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Download this Build here. (http://champions.zarzu.ch/download.php?download=4132g508008082101270840207zz 081070810427006001601502501518011043050c2170824107 0641015024050g505zz045015275y10e5y2035y20l5y20s5y2 0p5y20t5y20725y0035y0021h0000000000000000)

: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 5: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight, Rank 2
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 8: Laser Sword -- Crippling Challenge, Particle Acceleration
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 17: Ionic Reverberation
Level 20: Sparkstorm -- Electric Personality, Challenging Strikes, Rank 2
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 32: Immolation
Level 35: Shadow Shroud
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Electric Form

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Boundless Reserves
Level 18: Investigator
Level 21: Energetic

stats I'm running are (roughly rounded)
240 INT
210 CON
140 REC
130 END
70 PRE

mostly VH SL gear, with a 2 nemesis purples I liked better for 2 of my primary slots. I have over 7k HP in Avenger and over 9k in Protector.

This isn't your typical ranged PA build with the 100' PA toggles, but I find it to be an effective alternative, and there's a fair bit of room to move things around for taste

[Archived Post]

Hey Pulse, you have Mk V witih INT and CON marked as SS, but in the body of text you're talking about SS REC ...? (I'm guessing it should be INT/REC?)

Absolutely loving Shellhead btw - you've made the perfect tribute right there. It's unfortunate that it doesn't have much in the way of PA stuff, but it's definitely great thematically, and great fun to play (I even found him quite fun in the early levels).

[Archived Post]

Hey Pulse, you have Mk V witih INT and CON marked as SS, but in the body of text you're talking about SS REC ...? (I'm guessing it should be INT/REC?)

Absolutely loving Shellhead btw - you've made the perfect tribute right there. It's unfortunate that it doesn't have much in the way of PA stuff, but it's definitely great thematically, and great fun to play (I even found him quite fun in the early levels).

Thanks G, Good call on the Mark V. I can't believe I had that wrong. Glad you like the Mark VII too, I got a kick out of it on Test.

[Archived Post]

Hey Pulse, this talk about sparkstorm got me thinking about an all-particle damage electric form PA build you briefly alluded to in another discussion many many pages earlier in this thread. So I decided to retcon and build one :)
I've always preferred building and playing my PA primarily as a tank, although you could easily convert this into a mainly dps build (which I know a lot of people have, this is kind of a PvE variant of a PvP PA spiker).

I borrowed a few things from your other builds, such as rotating the 3 offensive damage boost clicks that work very well with PA, boosting damage and helping with energy. With my high INT one of them is almost always up and ready, which is what you intended with that idea. Then I threw in sparkstorm + ionic reverb. I have to tell you, this is working out as a great energy return source. Even when I'm doing my tank thing with defiance. My electric form is mostly for soloing and the odd occasion someone else really has their heart set on being the tank. Energy shield + LK adv is my block and damage mitigator of choice since this is a laser sword / laser knight advantage tank

The playstyle for this build is melee range / short range in either electric form avenger or defiance in protector. I tend to close right in for sparkstorm (the advantage is needed for this to work), take a few swipes with laser sword, and once the spawn is down to the villain/MV/SV I go at him with Concussor + Chest Beam to quickly finish him off. I was initially concerned that there wouldn't be any synergy between having a melee attack with all the KB caused by sparkstorm, CCB and CB but it turns out this wasn't the case. By starting the fights in melee range, anything that gets KB'd still ends up well within range of my ranged 2 particle attacks, and the KB isn't frequent enough to send anyone flying until after I've landed sufficient softeners with laser sword. Aggro for tanking is Crippling Challenge in Laser Sword and Challenging Strikes in Sparkstorm.

Speaking of which, this was my first time out with Laser Sword. I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised at the damage this is doing with zero ranks. Because I am primarily a tank it's my Crippling Challenge and Particle Acceleration aggro/debuffer tool, so no damage ranks were slotted. Even so, I'm averaging 500-600 per swing with it unbuffed and not built as a melee dps. It's a really spammable click attack so you can get off about 3-4 swings with this in the same time it takes to charge up a lot of charged attacks. I realize there are a lot of other melee attacks out there that will surpass this, especially in a melee dps build, but nonethless I still find it quite serviceable (and a lot of fun). My main attacks of course remain concussor+chest beam spikes, with sparkstorm running in the background. Here's how I built it, keeping in mind it was a retcon not levelled this way:

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Download this Build here. (http://champions.zarzu.ch/download.php?download=4132g508008082101270840207zz 081070810427006001601502501518011043050c2170824107 0641015024050g505zz045015275y10e5y2035y20l5y20s5y2 0p5y20t5y20725y0035y0021h0000000000000000)

: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 5: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight, Rank 2
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 8: Laser Sword -- Crippling Challenge, Particle Acceleration
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 17: Ionic Reverberation
Level 20: Sparkstorm -- Electric Personality, Challenging Strikes, Rank 2
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 32: Immolation
Level 35: Shadow Shroud
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Electric Form

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Healthy Mind
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Boundless Reserves
Level 18: Investigator
Level 21: Energetic

stats I'm running are (roughly rounded)
240 INT
210 CON
140 REC
130 END
70 PRE

mostly VH SL gear, with a 2 nemesis purples I liked better for 2 of my primary slots. I have over 7k HP in Avenger and over 9k in Protector.

This isn't your typical ranged PA build with the 100' PA toggles, but I find it to be an effective alternative, and there's a fair bit of room to move things around for taste

Looks cool. Have you tried going super END instead of INT? You could go END and CON with as much REC from items as possible, and just skip the INT altogether. Raising your REC will improve the energy return from Ionic Reverb and you need the high REC anyhow since you dont have Force Sheath.

[Archived Post]

I've been toying with the idea, but I haven't decided if trading the faster cooldowns on my 3 offensive clciks is worth it or not yet. I'm going to give this a whirl on PTS sometime this week though, because tbh I don't want to get my head too wrapped up around those clicks when I'm primarily tanking anyway, plus the extra 70 or so END would help my E form when I'm not.

[Archived Post]

I've been toying with the idea, but I haven't decided if trading the faster cooldowns on my 3 offensive clciks is worth it or not yet. I'm going to give this a whirl on PTS sometime this week though, because tbh I don't want to get my head too wrapped up around those clicks when I'm primarily tanking anyway, plus the extra 70 or so END would help my E form when I'm not.

If you care about tanking I would take Ice Sheath over Shadow Shroud. You could also drop Concussor Beams, move your Crip Challenge to Lightning Arc, and add a rank to Laser Sword since that's your real damage dealer. Use that up close or Chest Beam at range. Lightning Arc gives you a 100 foot taunt again plus it can with with Ionic Reverb. Forget about dealing damage w Sparkstorm and just use it for agro and Ionic Reverb.

This should increase your max damage plus give you more energy. You'll have to wait longer for your active powers to recharge, but ranked up they also last 25% longer each time. Try this out:

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Endurance
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Electric Bolt
Level 1: Lightning Arc -- Crippling Challenge
Level 5: Sparkstorm -- Electric Personality, Challenging Strikes
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 8: Laser Sword -- Particle Acceleration, Rank 2
Level 11: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union, Rank 2
Level 17: Ionic Reverberation
Level 20: Defiance -- Rank 2
Level 23: Masterful Dodge
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 32: Immolation or Resurgence
Level 35: Ice Sheath -- Rank 2, Supercooled
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Electric Form -- Rank 3, Rank 2

Talents:
Level 1: Electric Potential
Level 6: Enduring
Level 9: Tireless
Level 12: Energetic
Level 15: Boundless Reserves
Level 18: Quick Recovery
Level 21: Amazing Stamina

[Archived Post]

thanks pulse I'll tinker around with that as well on PTS

[Archived Post]

Thanks G, Good call on the Mark V. I can't believe I had that wrong. Glad you like the Mark VII too, I got a kick out of it on Test.

Haha, i re-distributed my points the day before you corrected the Mark V, and i didn't read your description thoroughly enough. Can i get a refund on those 6g spent badly with me starting with Super Consitution instead of Super Recovery? And using very little Rec in my equipment. :D

Yet your build works very nicely at lvl21, even with that mistake. I thank you for your wise information sharing.

[Archived Post]

By the way, Pulsewave. For the Mark V build, you explain Recovery is the second most important after Intelligence.
But if count the points that are given to each characteristic with the talents you recommend, i have this:
CON = +15
INT = +41
REC = +16
END = +30

Is that enough Recovery for that build? Do we have then to focus on Recovery in the equipment to compensate those stats?
Or wouldn't it be better to get TIRELESS (+8 REC) instead of Energetic (+8 END) ?

Edit: PS, Field Surge seems useless in this build, its description says it only enhances Personal Protection Field power. Does it do anything else?

[Archived Post]

By the way, Pulsewave. For the Mark V build, you explain Recovery is the second most important after Intelligence.
But if count the points that are given to each characteristic with the talents you recommend, i have this:
CON = +15
INT = +41
REC = +16
END = +30

Is that enough Recovery for that build? Do we have then to focus on Recovery in the equipment to compensate those stats?
Or wouldn't it be better to get TIRELESS (+8 REC) instead of Energetic (+8 END) ?

Edit: PS, Field Surge seems useless in this build, its description says it only enhances Personal Protection Field power. Does it do anything else?

You want as much END as possible too. That increases your energy at equilibrium along with Recovery. And its easy to get to the 30% superstat bonus with Recovery equipment, and you really don't need much more. END is much harder since that shares equipment slots with Intelligence. So you want to use talents for that. Constitution is just a good idea for most builds.

Field Surge is a better power without Personal Force Field. It's a barrier against damage up to 4200 health or so. It'd the second best active defense after Masterful Dodge. Plus it looks awesome.

[Archived Post]

You want as much END as possible too. That increases your energy at equilibrium along with Recovery. And its easy to get to the 30% superstat bonus with Recovery equipment, and you really don't need much more. END is much harder since that shares equipment slots with Intelligence. So you want to use talents for that. Constitution is just a good idea for most builds.

Field Surge is a better power without Personal Force Field. It's a barrier against damage up to 4200 health or so. It'd the second best active defense after Masterful Dodge. Plus it looks awesome.
Understood. I didn't have access to detail info about the powers being at work, only from http://co.thrillcloud.com/ .

By the way, i didn't have this notion of repartition of END and INT on the same equipment slot. I haven't noticed that pattern yet on the loot i equip. Might be because i haven't found equipment focused on my strenghs yet.

What's the amount you need in a stat to get the 30% Superstat Bonus?

And lastly, in the same Mark V build, when you say Teleport at lvl 35, you meand Teleportation the travel power? At that point we can have 2 travel powers? Not counting the Skill Transport power? Great News!

[Archived Post]

I'd like to extend my thanks to Pulsewave, for this excellent guide/primer to Power Armour.

I'm new to CO but not MMOs, and so always look to prep before starting out down my chosen path, this guide has been insightful and really helpful, it's allowed me to understand where I'm going to end up with my armoured hero.

Thanks to Pulsewave, and thanks to all who contributed to this brilliant thread!

Cheers!

:)

[Archived Post]

Hi Pulsewave! First I'd like to add to the chorus of "Thank you!"s for the guide. :D

I've got a question regarding Mk 1, though. I'm trying to avoid Quarry because I'm OCD about making use of all my powers, and I don't like the concept of having two exclusive passives. (I'm not good with choices. :( ) I've also heard that dodging doesn't work all the time if you've being swamped, plus there's already an active defense there. I was thinking of doing what some of the others have suggested and grabbing Sparkstorm (toggle) and Ionic Reverb as an energy bonus.

Is that a good idea? Further, when should I do that? A direct swap of the 26/29? And presumably Sparkstorm before Reverb, since otherwise it does nothing. On the otherhand, for damage/energy reasons, would it be better (assuming Quarry/Masterful Dodge aren't "don't avoid, get it!") to just skip ahead two steps and grab Chest Beam at 26, then aim for other stuff at 35? Get both Mindful Reinforcement and Munitions Bots, maybe the Medical ones as well?

(Actually, my opinion on the bots depend on if they're short duration, requiring re-summoning every combat. Haven't gotten around to checking out pets yet. I've heard some stick around, and zombies need to be re-summoned.)

Edit: Eh, actually, just toggling between attack (Quarry) and defend (Regen) seems an excellent idea. :p

[Archived Post]

Masterful Dodge is unique because its the only active defense that can be used while you have Power Armor toggles active.I don't know when you last updated the guide, but I'm following your Mk1, and at level 17 rather than grab mini gun immediately, I tested this out. At least with concussion beam, Masterful Dodge is still caught in the unusable 1s cooldown cycle like all the other powers. :(

[Archived Post]

I don't know when you last updated the guide, but I'm following your Mk1, and at level 17 rather than grab mini gun immediately, I tested this out. At least with concussion beam, Masterful Dodge is still caught in the unusable 1s cooldown cycle like all the other powers. :(

Youre right, this was fixed a patch ago. I'll edit that section.

[Archived Post]

You'd still recommend Masterful Dodge as opposed to grabbing Field Surge (does Power Swell give +15% to all damage?) earlier or Resurgence (since we have Regen) instead?

[Archived Post]

You'd still recommend Masterful Dodge as opposed to grabbing Field Surge (does Power Swell give +15% to all damage?) earlier or Resurgence (since we have Regen) instead?

Masterful Dodge is the king of active defense. Not only is it effective for all 15 seconds, you dont need to rank it up at all. Field Surge with Power Swell works for all damage. It's not bad, the damage bonus is just a little low for 2 points. If it was 1 point it would be great.

[Archived Post]

Masterful Dodge is the king of active defense. Not only is it effective for all 15 seconds, you dont need to rank it up at all. Field Surge with Power Swell works for all damage. It's not bad, the damage bonus is just a little low for 2 points. If it was 1 point it would be great.

I am following your MK1 Build on another toon, and am cofused about masterfull dodge. he is only lvl 12 atm but soon ill be higher level. Does maasterfull dodge work with MK1 now or not? As posted, someone says that it goes on a 1s unusable cooldown. I wonder if youll have to replace that power with something else?

God now im worried about my pa toon, i love folllowing your guide, it helps me stay focused and gives me a good way introduction to pa.

[Archived Post]

I am following your MK1 Build on another toon, and am cofused about masterfull dodge. he is only lvl 12 atm but soon ill be higher level. Does maasterfull dodge work with MK1 now or not? As posted, someone says that it goes on a 1s unusable cooldown. I wonder if youll have to replace that power with something else?

God now im worried about my pa toon, i love folllowing your guide, it helps me stay focused and gives me a good way introduction to pa.

Every power gets that cooldown now. Master Dodge is still the best overall.

[Archived Post]

SO I Wont be able to run masterfull dodge while my power armor attacks are active?

[Archived Post]

You won't be able to click it while they are active. You will however be able to have it up and running if you click it before you start your burn.

[Archived Post]

You won't be able to click it while they are active. You will however be able to have it up and running if you click it before you start your burn.

Ahh i see, So instead of during the fight, it will be activate be fore my alpha strike, mitiagating incoming from the begining.

[Archived Post]

Having a blast with Shellhead as soon as I picked up Boomsweeper. Heres my questions what stance to use? Is this a Blaster or Melee spec? Lots more melee then range.
Why not use power Gauntlet vs Force blast? seems using Down range with Gauntlet would do more if boomsweeper keeps knocking them back.


I have to admit easy as heck to level to 20 with it harldy any down time. But @ 20 seems im lacking something. Will it pick up in power at 26 with Chi fist?

[Archived Post]

Having a blast with Shellhead as soon as I picked up Boomsweeper. Heres my questions what stance to use? Is this a Blaster or Melee spec? Lots more melee then range.
Why not use power Gauntlet vs Force blast? seems using Down range with Gauntlet would do more if boomsweeper keeps knocking them back.


I have to admit easy as heck to level to 20 with it harldy any down time. But @ 20 seems im lacking something. Will it pick up in power at 26 with Chi fist?

It starts of melee, but gets more blastery as it develops.

Interestingly, this is also the first genuinely viable mixed melee/blaster toon I've ever played or seen. Pulsewave is a true genius of CO builders!

[Archived Post]

Having a blast with Shellhead as soon as I picked up Boomsweeper. Heres my questions what stance to use? Is this a Blaster or Melee spec? Lots more melee then range.
Why not use power Gauntlet vs Force blast? seems using Down range with Gauntlet would do more if boomsweeper keeps knocking them back.

I have to admit easy as heck to level to 20 with it harldy any down time. But @ 20 seems im lacking something. Will it pick up in power at 26 with Chi fist?

It's both melee and range. You build up Rage w Roomsweeper for bonus damage. You sustain that with Enrage. Use whatever stance you prefer. Melee is the easiest damage. Use Unstoppable in Brawler stance to max out melee without a health penalty if you don't mind Brawler's ranged damage penalty. Or use Avenger stance for extra range damage (from the stance) with extra melee damage (from Unstoppable), but with a health penalty. Or stay in Invulnerability with balanced stance for much better durability, but no damage bonus at all.

Down Range Disaster doesn't deal enough damage to worry about. That attack is mostly used for Crippling Challenge anyway. Cascade and Chi Fist deal most of your damage. Till then its Roomsweeper.

[Archived Post]

Thanks guys.
PS I am LOVING Elec. Sheath on my main. Never knew to try it out, now its almost hard to ever get rid of it.

[Archived Post]

Hi guys,

I am about to reach level 38 on my main hero, and have been using an SS INT/REC build with Force, initially I used Pulsewave's excellent Shellhead build, for a blaster/might build.. it was great fun. As Force Cascade (my primary source of damage) is so fantastic it overshadows any other damage powers I have currently, and makes a whole slew of skills redundant. But it offers little sustained DPS, with such high INT and REC I can fire it off frequently, it's a very DPS spike/burst setup.

What I am attempting to do is revert back to a semi-PA build, the concept for my hero was always to be armoured, but to steer clear of the more munitions based powers, miniguns/micro munitions/shoulder launcher.. but retain the energy powers, i.e power gauntlet, concussor beams, chest beam...

I've been tinkering with builds, but have yet to come up with one that does'nt include minigun or micro-munitions, what I would ask for, is advice; am I attempting the impossible, because I'm looking for a build incorporating some PA powers, but not others, thusly gimping my effectiveness?

My hero's power armour, is very streamlined, and the idea of micro-munitions, or a foldout minigun goes against the creative concept behind the design.

Thanks!

(I'll upload my build shortly)

[Archived Post]

I can't imagine my build without minigun, TFR's 21% damage debuff is a blessing in pvp and pve alike, and im not sure how other powers interfere with PA toggles, i assume a different offensive ability from any other framework would occupy all 3 toggles, seeing as how PA's so unique in that concept. But also understanding that your most frequently used attack is Force Cascade, it may not be a problem for you.

[Archived Post]

Hi guys,

I am about to reach level 38 on my main hero, and have been using an SS INT/REC build with Force, initially I used Pulsewave's excellent Shellhead build, for a blaster/might build.. it was great fun. As Force Cascade (my primary source of damage) is so fantastic it overshadows any other damage powers I have currently, and makes a whole slew of skills redundant. But it offers little sustained DPS, with such high INT and REC I can fire it off frequently, it's a very DPS spike/burst setup.

What I am attempting to do is revert back to a semi-PA build, the concept for my hero was always to be armoured, but to steer clear of the more munitions based powers, miniguns/micro munitions/shoulder launcher.. but retain the energy powers, i.e power gauntlet, concussor beams, chest beam...

I've been tinkering with builds, but have yet to come up with one that does'nt include minigun or micro-munitions, what I would ask for, is advice; am I attempting the impossible, because I'm looking for a build incorporating some PA powers, but not others, thusly gimping my effectiveness?

My hero's power armour, is very streamlined, and the idea of micro-munitions, or a foldout minigun goes against the creative concept behind the design.

Thanks!

(I'll upload my build shortly)

don't know if you're into tanking but I posted an all-particle damage build along what you're looking for around page 35, that can easily be customized into a pure dps build if desired

[Archived Post]

Thanks Omnius!

I've had a look at the build, and it looks nice, going to try out some variations with my free retcon from Demonflame, and see where I end up!

Cheers!

[Archived Post]

For all those questioning the effectiveness of Masterful Dodge on the Mk1 build, well...I did too so I swapped it out an took field surge instead at 29 (planned MD choice) and it's been good. I tried a couple other powers too and they were ehhhh.

Then I took MD at level 32 because each time I've swapped out something it was marginal at best. It's now become my centerpiece go-to defense. Then Field Surge and finally Elec Sheath (although I use ES for pure power increase too).

Basically what I'm saying is MD is excellent in this build as Pulsewave points out. I just didn't see (or appreciate) the value of it before.

I can easily solo anything but 5-man missions with my MK1.
:cool:

[Archived Post]

WoW !
I am a newbie at lvl 9 and i had a terrible build,but as i changed to the first one you listed,it seems i am invicible :-)
Thanks

[Archived Post]

I just started so I am still learning a lot.

Energy Builder question.

I read that all energy builders are the same for base damage capacity and energy potential.

Is there any reason to stay with the Wrist Bolter vs Electric Bolt?

Wouldn't the Electric Bolt work better since it can apply Negative Ions and the initial attack can spread to a second enemy?

[Archived Post]

I just started so I am still learning a lot.

Energy Builder question.

I read that all energy builders are the same for base damage capacity and energy potential.

Is there any reason to stay with the Wrist Bolter vs Electric Bolt?

Wouldn't the Electric Bolt work better since it can apply Negative Ions and the initial attack can spread to a second enemy?

The main reason to pick a given energy builder is to access the 'tier 1' powers that each energy builder is associated with. I usually pick Force Bolts for my power armor builds, since you can pick up Force Shield or Force Eruption next. Electric Bolt is also a good choice, since you can then take Sparkstorm or Electric Sheath. All those powers are univerally good. Negative Ions isnt too useful though unless you take Ionic Reverberation, super Endurance, and some other Electric Attacks to go with it.

[Archived Post]

I just started so I am still learning a lot.
Is there any reason to stay with the Wrist Bolter vs Electric Bolt?
Wouldn't the Electric Bolt work better since it can apply Negative Ions and the initial attack can spread to a second enemy?

Electric Bolt is a great energy builder, especially if you are aiming for an all energy damage (energy, sonic and particle) build that takes electric form. While Negative Ions does allow some arcing for more damage, its primary use is to combine it with Ionic Reverberation for extra endurance back like Pulsewave already said. A big thing to note is that Negative Ions only works for attacks from the Electrical set for both the arcing and the energy return w/ ionic reverb (most of the reverb powers only work with powers from their own set).

In general, your energy builder is not going to be a large source of damage past the first few levels, especially once you pick up alternate methods of energy return like Force Shield. Having it hit a second target, especially if you have to pay an advantage for it, isn't all that useful.

If you want another look at a hybrid PA/electric build I can post what I've been having a lot of fun with, however it's more of a respec build than one to level with so I don't want to clutter up a thread with great info in it.

Side note: Ionic Reverb scales primarily with Rec, minorly with End

[Archived Post]

It's both melee and range. You build up Rage w Roomsweeper for bonus damage. You sustain that with Enrage. Use whatever stance you prefer. Melee is the easiest damage. Use Unstoppable in Brawler stance to max out melee without a health penalty if you don't mind Brawler's ranged damage penalty. Or use Avenger stance for extra range damage (from the stance) with extra melee damage (from Unstoppable), but with a health penalty. Or stay in Invulnerability with balanced stance for much better durability, but no damage bonus at all.

Down Range Disaster doesn't deal enough damage to worry about. That attack is mostly used for Crippling Challenge anyway. Cascade and Chi Fist deal most of your damage. Till then its Roomsweeper.

I have been using this build, and I love it so far. Level 28 now.

Was wondering tho, how about swapping Chi Fist for Demolish w/adv.? Was thinking it still does good single target damage, and would debuff for all your other attacks, including Cascade. :D

Anyone try this?


Edit: Didn't copy the whole quote for some reason. Sorry, talking about Steelhead build

[Archived Post]

I have been using this build, and I love it so far. Level 28 now.

Was wondering tho, how about swapping Chi Fist for Demolish w/adv.? Was thinking it still does good single target damage, and would debuff for all your other attacks, including Cascade. :D

Anyone try this?


Edit: Didn't copy the whole quote for some reason. Sorry, talking about Steelhead build

You can swap in demolish just fine. I would not take the advantage though. The extra damage and +2% debuff at rank 3 is better than the larger extra debuff. I don't think either debuff affects ranged damage.

[Archived Post]

You can swap in demolish just fine. I would not take the advantage though. The extra damage and +2% debuff at rank 3 is better than the larger extra debuff. I don't think either debuff affects ranged damage.

OK thanks. Was hoping to debuff for Cascade on bosses, since its crushing damage. Sucks that it doesn't work on ranged. Oh well :rolleyes:

[Archived Post]

Im not seeing a lot of Melee/Power Armor Hybrids. Are they not possible? I was thinking Dual Blades/PA.

[Archived Post]

Im not seeing a lot of Melee/Power Armor Hybrids. Are they not possible? I was thinking Dual Blades/PA.

Power Armor attacks do not mix well with anything else. Power Armor toggles force other powers to recharge, making it tough to combine them. Plus this game makes it optimal to specialize in either melee or ranged. You can do both if you want, but most likely you'll have a sub-optimal build.

[Archived Post]

You can swap in demolish just fine. I would not take the advantage though. The extra damage and +2% debuff at rank 3 is better than the larger extra debuff. I don't think either debuff affects ranged damage.

OK, did some testing and the debuff does in fact work for ranged damage. The advantage makes the force powers hit much harder, plus with enrage stacked my cascades have hit for over 5k non-crit at lvl 32.

I do think the advantage is optional tho, because it has to be charged, and the innate debuff with demolish can be useful as a tap. The debuff from the advantage is stronger than the innate one if you charge it though, and they do stack as well. So could go either way i guess.

Anyway, thought someone else might be interested. Been testing it for a couple days now, and im loving it. Very suitable replacement for Chi Fist, and fits my concept better too.

[Archived Post]

Here's one for you. Is it possible to make Particle Energy Build w/o Elec form (I hate any energy covering my face) What would that build look like?

[Archived Post]

Hey guys,

I'm using the 'Mark II: Rolling Thunder' build very happily at the moment (level 40) it's great for end-game content, I've strayed alittle from the recommended build adding in, Quarry and Biotech Shielding (for soloing in Avenger build at higher difficulty levels) But can and have maintained aggro on Destroyer and tanked him throughout Nem Con, without difficulty. My question is, does anyone use SS End instead of SS Int for this build? Is it feasible? I've tried to test it out, but the results where shall we say, not conclusive. I feel though it would end up being two sides of the same coin, where I to switch stats, i.e a larger energy pool would be required as my energy costs would be doubled, with the 'toggle on' duration being the same.

Probably drawn my own conclusion there, but perhaps that was the point...

Anyway, having enjoyed the 'Shellhead' template, I urge anyone who wants more DPS, or to play a more damaging role, to give it a go.. I've got to say, I really wish they'd cut down the wind up time for Shoulder Launcher, as it looks awesome, and would be great in the Mark II build...

Cheers!

[Archived Post]

Here's one for you. Is it possible to make Particle Energy Build w/o Elec form (I hate any energy covering my face) What would that build look like?

You could take a STR/INT build w Laser Sword and Particle Acceleration plus Energy Shield w Laser Knight. Take Chest Beam, Orbital Cannon, and Sonic Device. Maybe some pets from Devices. Check out my Morbo build. It's Laser Sword w pets. Swap the super END for super STR and take Invulnerability instead of Electric Form and you're there.

[Archived Post]

Hello, dear friends

I have a problem, I have not been playing in a long time.
I have just one toon and this is it (or suppose to be) its level 34

Is my old build still viable (or was it ever), should I change some thing (I have free retcon)?

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts -- Energy Refraction
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2
Level 5: Personal Force Field -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Electric Sheath -- Rank 2
Level 14: Sonic Device -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 20: Munitions Bots
Level 23: Field Surge -- Rank 2
Level 26: Gigabolt -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Mini Gun -- Accelerated Metabolism, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 32: Electrocute -- Rank 2
Level 35: Ionic Reverberation
Level 35: Rocket Jump
Level 38: Targeting Computer

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Quick Recovery
Level 9: Investigator
Level 12: Amazing Stamina
Level 15: Tireless
Level 18: Paramilitary Training
Level 21: Negotiator

[Archived Post]

I have been using the various Pulsewave Mark "X" basic ideas for many months and enjoying them much.

After discovering mistakes in my last refit for the Battlemaster power armor series (ss CON and forgot to choose Defiance as passive instead of regen) I am planning a rework. This is what I have framed up in Champion Builder

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

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Battlemaster L36: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Acrobatics
Level 8: Field Surge
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 20: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 23: Munitions Bots -- Rank 2
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Sonic Device -- Rank 2
Level 32: Resurgence -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 35: Field Drones -- Rank 2
Level 35: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 38: Imbue

Talents:
Level 1: Impetus
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Boundless Reserves
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Healthy Mind

I am trying to drop concussion beam and focus more on DPS survivability than tanking, so I have taken no critical challenges or challenging strikes. I wanted a bit more energy efficiency, as I noticed most of the time when using concussor beam I was choosing mini-gun as it gave a longer string of damage than other combos and I used it mostly to keep melee attacks away while dishing damage. Also I was pushing my targets away from team members. Sometimes it helped, more often it just made things tough on the tank.

I always wanted a melee attack like roomsweeper. Like many, I don't like the idea of laser sword. It is so much easier to concept to just use a big sweeping battle fist to crush enemies, to see them fly from you, twist in the air like a morose twisting rag doll, and mutter "mommy" just before the land smashed on the ground a die, and hear the lamentation of their women.

Instead I chose force eruption because it was easier to get to in the initial force power selections and it fits a tech type power armor user. Gravitic rift (whatever it was called) also adds to damage when stationary. I left imbue at the end so I could drop it as needed to take, say, resurrection serum or other powers as needed for specific content. Wish we could just have the ability to create armor suits with different combos for specific mission type, but guess Cryptic needs to make money some how ant that means retconns.

Pets seem better now and will add to damage, heals.

What do you think of this for a level 40 refit?

[Archived Post]

I have not played in a long time, this thread helped really much..thank you.

I will have try with our Mark I suit. With little adjustment...I only dropped Power Gauntlet and because of that I had to choose sonic blaster to my energy builder...only consern is that it will look stupid (loved the force bolts animation...)

In a place of Power Gauntlet I can choose some Gadgeteers powers...I chose Bionic Shielding but might chance that to Nanobot Swarm....what do you think would be better?

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Recovery
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster
Level 1: Sonic Device -- Rank 2
Level 5: Bionic Shielding
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 8: Regeneration -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 14: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 23: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 26: Masterful Dodge -- Rank 2
Level 29: Quarry -- Fair Game
Level 32: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Field Surge -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Rocket Jump
Level 38: Mindful Reinforcement

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Quick Recovery
Level 12: Boundless Reserves
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Amazing Stamina

[Archived Post]

I have been using the various Pulsewave Mark "X" basic ideas for many months and enjoying them much.

After discovering mistakes in my last refit for the Battlemaster power armor series (ss CON and forgot to choose Defiance as passive instead of regen) I am planning a rework. This is what I have framed up in Champion Builder

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Battlemaster L36: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Constitution

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Force Eruption -- Gravitational Polarity
Level 5: Acrobatics
Level 8: Field Surge
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 20: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 23: Munitions Bots -- Rank 2
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 29: Sonic Device -- Rank 2
Level 32: Resurgence -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 35: Field Drones -- Rank 2
Level 35: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 38: Imbue

Talents:
Level 1: Impetus
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Energetic
Level 12: Boundless Reserves
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Healthy Mind

I am trying to drop concussion beam and focus more on DPS survivability than tanking, so I have taken no critical challenges or challenging strikes. I wanted a bit more energy efficiency, as I noticed most of the time when using concussor beam I was choosing mini-gun as it gave a longer string of damage than other combos and I used it mostly to keep melee attacks away while dishing damage. Also I was pushing my targets away from team members. Sometimes it helped, more often it just made things tough on the tank.

I always wanted a melee attack like roomsweeper. Like many, I don't like the idea of laser sword. It is so much easier to concept to just use a big sweeping battle fist to crush enemies, to see them fly from you, twist in the air like a morose twisting rag doll, and mutter "mommy" just before the land smashed on the ground a die, and hear the lamentation of their women.

Instead I chose force eruption because it was easier to get to in the initial force power selections and it fits a tech type power armor user. Gravitic rift (whatever it was called) also adds to damage when stationary. I left imbue at the end so I could drop it as needed to take, say, resurrection serum or other powers as needed for specific content. Wish we could just have the ability to create armor suits with different combos for specific mission type, but guess Cryptic needs to make money some how ant that means retconns.

Pets seem better now and will add to damage, heals.

What do you think of this for a level 40 refit?

Its looks pretty good, but I think you'll miss not having either Concussion Beams or Power Gauntlet. Conc Beams are the best single target damage in the set. I find Munition Bots lacking unless your willing to toggle them into cannon mode all the time. I'd leave that as the last power in your respec so that you can swap it out easily for Conc Beams or Power Gauntlet in case you miss one of them.

Also, if you're not taking Crip Challenge and not trying to tank, R3 is way overkill on Defiance. I wouldnt even take it to R2. Use those advantage points elsewhere. Test it in the Power House and leave those points at the end of your build so you can swap them out easily.

[Archived Post]

I have not played in a long time, this thread helped really much..thank you.

I will have try with our Mark I suit. With little adjustment...I only dropped Power Gauntlet and because of that I had to choose sonic blaster to my energy builder...only consern is that it will look stupid (loved the force bolts animation...)

In a place of Power Gauntlet I can choose some Gadgeteers powers...I chose Bionic Shielding but might chance that to Nanobot Swarm....what do you think would be better?

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Recovery
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster
Level 1: Sonic Device -- Rank 2
Level 5: Bionic Shielding
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 8: Regeneration -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 14: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 23: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 26: Masterful Dodge -- Rank 2
Level 29: Quarry -- Fair Game
Level 32: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Field Surge -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Rocket Jump
Level 38: Mindful Reinforcement

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Quick Recovery
Level 12: Boundless Reserves
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Negotiator
Level 21: Amazing Stamina

I'd skip Nanobot Swarm for most builds. It's a 17 second cooldown reduction every 2 minutes. Youre better off just taking another heal or active defense in most cases. I'd also skip a heal or two. You're using Regeneration and you have 2 heals. I don't even need one heal when I'm using Regeneration on a super Recovery hero. That allows you to take Force Bolts if you want. Or you could try taking Electric Bolt > Electric Sheath > Sparkstorm as your first three powers. You can skip the R2 in Masterful Dodge, and the R2 in Force Shield. Right now the shield is bugged and you get R2 for free.

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: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Recovery
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Electric Bolt
Level 1: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union, Rank 2
Level 5: Sparkstorm -- Electric Personality
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2
Level 8: Regeneration -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Concussor Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 14: Force Shield -- Force Sheath
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 20: Micro Munitions -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 23: Sonic Device
Level 26: Masterful Dodge
Level 29: Quarry -- Fair Game
Level 32: Chest Beam -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Field Surge -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 35: Rocket Jump
Level 38: Mindful Reinforcement -- Rank 2

[Archived Post]

Pulse is the shellhead build still viable? im thinking of using it for my Character Silver Falcon (think a mix of Batman and Ironman) but since Silver Falcon's armor has talons on his fingers would Beastial supernatural work?

[Archived Post]

Kinda noobish, but I've really enjoyed comparing your insight with my own personal experimentation. You've really made things a lot easier when trying things out. I've been trying my own take on the Tank Armor with ss Con/Int, and I had a question. While I'm perfectly fine and dandy when I'm tanking, I've noticed that when there's another tank around that can't multitask as well as a PA, I've kinda wanted to go into a more offensive position.

I can still deal a decent amount of damage, but I've noticed I don't really have staying power to deal continuous DPS. I figure with a more defensive build like this, I'm not going to turn into a crazy energy producing machine, but it would be nice to be able to do bursts longer than a half a second.

I've been hemming and hawing over a couple of options. First, I've tried putting Accelerated Metabolism on a few of my powers, but that seems to be rather costly for little energy return. I've been looking at Protection Field and Targeting Computer, as well as Arcane Circle. I'd prefer not to use the circle, just because I really enjoy the mobility I have with this powerset.

Also, just to improve my tankability, I intend on bolstering Resurgence with another heal. I'm kind of torn between Bionic Shielding and Mindful Reinforcement. I realize they both work differently, but it'd be nice to have something to prevent damage between healing surges (I often play with no healers whatsoever)

Any suggestions? Or should I just stick with tanking and forget the whole thing?

Level 27 Champion (Not using all of the advantage points)

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Constitution
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 5: Defiance
Level 5: Jet Boots
Level 8: Micro Munitions (Challenging Strikes)
Level 11: Mini Gun (Teflon Rounds, Challenging Strikes
Level 14: Force Shield (Force Sheathe)
Level 17: Resurgence
Level 20: Chest Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Power Guantlet (Crippling Challenge)
Level 26: ???


Talents:
Gadgeteering (innate)
Brilliant
Enduring
Healthy Mind
Investigator
Energetic
Boundless Reserves

(PS: I realize having that much put into Taunts might not be optimal, but I just love being able to keep EVERY freaking mob centered on me, no matter how far spread apart they are. )

[Archived Post]

Kinda noobish, but I've really enjoyed comparing your insight with my own personal experimentation. You've really made things a lot easier when trying things out. I've been trying my own take on the Tank Armor with ss Con/Int, and I had a question. While I'm perfectly fine and dandy when I'm tanking, I've noticed that when there's another tank around that can't multitask as well as a PA, I've kinda wanted to go into a more offensive position.

I can still deal a decent amount of damage, but I've noticed I don't really have staying power to deal continuous DPS. I figure with a more defensive build like this, I'm not going to turn into a crazy energy producing machine, but it would be nice to be able to do bursts longer than a half a second.

I've been hemming and hawing over a couple of options. First, I've tried putting Accelerated Metabolism on a few of my powers, but that seems to be rather costly for little energy return. I've been looking at Protection Field and Targeting Computer, as well as Arcane Circle. I'd prefer not to use the circle, just because I really enjoy the mobility I have with this powerset.

Also, just to improve my tankability, I intend on bolstering Resurgence with another heal. I'm kind of torn between Bionic Shielding and Mindful Reinforcement. I realize they both work differently, but it'd be nice to have something to prevent damage between healing surges (I often play with no healers whatsoever)

Any suggestions? Or should I just stick with tanking and forget the whole thing?

Level 27 Champion (Not using all of the advantage points)

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Constitution
Level 13: Super Intelligence

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 5: Defiance
Level 5: Jet Boots
Level 8: Micro Munitions (Challenging Strikes)
Level 11: Mini Gun (Teflon Rounds, Challenging Strikes
Level 14: Force Shield (Force Sheathe)
Level 17: Resurgence
Level 20: Chest Beam (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Power Guantlet (Crippling Challenge)
Level 26: ???


Talents:
Gadgeteering (innate)
Brilliant
Enduring
Healthy Mind
Investigator
Energetic
Boundless Reserves

(PS: I realize having that much put into Taunts might not be optimal, but I just love being able to keep EVERY freaking mob centered on me, no matter how far spread apart they are. )

It's great when you take all agro w Defiance and Force Sheath. You can use 3 toggles indiscriminately. But without that energy, you can't. Two toggles is more realistic. You can't do 3 all the time.

You've got a few options for energy at that point. Take another passive like Quarry or Targeting Computer. Take the protection field power from Force, and use it on the tank. And get more Recovery. Or just take more agro.

[Archived Post]

Been running this lately, but while it's great fun it can't quite solo the hardest stuff. I know I need to do something about the advantage points but not sure what, any help will be appreciated.


Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Download this Build here. (http://champions.zarzu.ch/download.php?download=4132g60600350640506417zz0801 70821018082201270i50016083006064226034027035120706 3002608240505405zz0470t420175y10e5y2035y2065y20s5y 20t5y20z5y20725y0035y0061h0000000000000000)

: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Sonic Device
Level 5: Bionic Shielding
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 11: Eye Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 14: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2
Level 20: Nanobot Swarm -- Rejuvenating Injectors
Level 23: Force Shield -- Force Sheath
Level 26: Field Surge -- Power Swell, Rank 2
Level 29: Orbital Cannon -- Rank 2, Anvil of Dawn
Level 32: Chest Beam -- Rank 2
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Implosion Engine -- Rank 2, Rank 3

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Tireless
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Amazing Stamina
Level 21: Energetic

[Archived Post]

Been running this lately, but while it's great fun it can't quite solo the hardest stuff. I know I need to do something about the advantage points but not sure what, any help will be appreciated.


Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Download this Build here. (http://champions.zarzu.ch/download.php?download=4132g60600350640506417zz0801 70821018082201270i50016083006064226034027035120706 3002608240505405zz0470t420175y10e5y2035y2065y20s5y 20t5y20z5y20725y0035y0061h0000000000000000)

: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Sonic Device
Level 5: Bionic Shielding
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 11: Eye Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 14: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2
Level 20: Nanobot Swarm -- Rejuvenating Injectors
Level 23: Force Shield -- Force Sheath
Level 26: Field Surge -- Power Swell, Rank 2
Level 29: Orbital Cannon -- Rank 2, Anvil of Dawn
Level 32: Chest Beam -- Rank 2
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Implosion Engine -- Rank 2, Rank 3

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Tireless
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Amazing Stamina
Level 21: Energetic

I would lose Eye Beam, Nanobot Swarm, and Evasive Maneuvers completely. Those are relatively weak powers. Implosion Engine and Orbital Cannon are both questionable. You get much better performance out of Micro Munitions and Mini Gun. Refraction of Sound is a waste of adv points on your build.

Basically you should take more effective attacks, level them all to R3, and support your attacks with the 90 second cooldown powers like Electric Sheath, Immolation, and Resurgance. Super INT gives them faster recharge. If you dont take a lot of recharge powers or a passive that stacks with INT, you're better off with super END.

[Archived Post]

I would lose Eye Beam, Nanobot Swarm, and Evasive Maneuvers completely. Those are relatively weak powers. Implosion Engine and Orbital Cannon are both questionable. You get much better performance out of Micro Munitions and Mini Gun. Refraction of Sound is a waste of adv points on your build.

Basically you should take more effective attacks, level them all to R3, and support your attacks with the 90 second cooldown powers like Electric Sheath, Immolation, and Resurgance. Super INT gives them faster recharge. If you dont take a lot of recharge powers or a passive that stacks with INT, you're better off with super END.
Well the main reason for Eye Beams instead of Minigun is that it really doesn't fit the hero concept, every other power can be explained through advanced tech but having a minigon pop out of her shoulder just doesn't work. But maybe she can take that hit, will have to check that out.

[Archived Post]

Well the main reason for Eye Beams instead of Minigun is that it really doesn't fit the hero concept, every other power can be explained through advanced tech but having a minigon pop out of her shoulder just doesn't work. But maybe she can take that hit, will have to check that out.

If you keep Eye Beam you should choose the Penetration advantage. You have plenty of other questionable powers to swap around. Cycling some sheaths will help a lot. Just realize that's you're gimping your whole team's damage by up to 20% by not taking Teflon Coated Rounds. That's how much Mini Gun debuffs your target's defense.

[Archived Post]

If you keep Eye Beam you should choose the Penetration advantage. You have plenty of other questionable powers to swap around. Cycling some sheaths will help a lot. Just realize that's you're gimping your whole team's damage by up to 20% by not taking Teflon Coated Rounds. That's how much Mini Gun debuffs your target's defense.
I mostly play solo and I barely have time for that these days. This hero started out as a beam user in concept but I've had to give up on that more and more just to function, I guess another step away from it won't hurt.

EDIT: Right, so I've swapped some stuff and it's working pretty well. On top of that the Minigun doesn't look half bad. :P

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Download this Build here. (http://champions.zarzu.ch/download.php?download=4132g60600350640506417zz0801 8082101260150070i500180830012808230426034026035107 06300260240050i525zz0460824075y10e5y2035y2065y20s5 y20t5y20z5y20725y0035y0061h0000000000000000)

: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Sonic Device
Level 5: Bionic Shielding
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 11: Electric Sheath -- Rank 2
Level 14: Regeneration -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 20: Mini Gun -- Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 23: Force Shield -- Force Sheath
Level 26: Field Surge -- Rank 2
Level 29: Orbital Cannon -- Rank 2, Anvil of Dawn
Level 32: Immolation -- Rank 2
Level 35: Resurgence
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Chest Beam -- Rank 2

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Tireless
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Amazing Stamina
Level 21: Energetic

PS: Powerhouse on Hard with Team 5 is certainly doable, once I've gotten some practice it will probably not even be that hard.

PPS: Thinking of replacing Chest Beam with Shadow Shroud. If I do would it be better to get rank 2 or Terrifying Visage?

[Archived Post]

I've had a few eye beam concept heroes in the past. Ironically eye beam is so gimp you have to make your eye beam hero without it. Mine wasn't necessarily a power armor type, though - just wanted eye beams. It was really more like cyclopse.

With that in mind you have your choice of blasts with head as an emination point. Makes a great eye blast.

[Archived Post]

If you keep Eye Beam you should choose the Penetration advantage. You have plenty of other questionable powers to swap around. Cycling some sheaths will help a lot. Just realize that's you're gimping your whole team's damage by up to 20% by not taking Teflon Coated Rounds. That's how much Mini Gun debuffs your target's defense.

I've had a few eye beam concept heroes in the past. Ironically eye beam is so gimp you have to make your eye beam hero without it. Mine wasn't necessarily a power armor type, though - just wanted eye beams. It was really more like cyclopse.

With that in mind you have your choice of blasts with head as an emination point. Makes a great eye blast.

Although EB damage is trivial, if you take the AM advantage it becomes an energy builder whilst toggling your main PA attacks, thus feeding them energy to prolong the maintain. The reason is the energy cost is so low that the returns from AM outweigh the cost.

Although it takes up a shoulder slot, with careful timing you can run two shoulder slots as the attacks have a slight delay. In fact I have a toon who uses PA and non PA attacks at the same time, notably chain gun and mini-gun. What can I say, he likes spraying lead about :D.

[Archived Post]

It was more a general beam hero then an eye beam one, the original hero used Orbital Cannon with Anvil of Dawn + Concussor Beam + Eye Beam + Chest Beam for that sweet quadruple beam action.

[Archived Post]

Hey Pulsewave,

I am using your Mark VII build and am level 17 and thoroughly enjoy it so far. I am getting to what I believe is a bit of a crossroads right now however. I want to stick religiously to your build as it has served me so far......but I really want micro munitions. But i dont really want to give up the whole concept. So, which power could i replace it with? I was hoping thunderclap but will await your advice.

My thanks for any input.

Edit: Was also thinking of putting in Sonic Device to be delivered by Micro Munitions> replace the final heal (Resurgence I believe) with Sonic Device.

[Archived Post]

Hey Pulsewave,

I am using your Mark VII build and am level 17 and thoroughly enjoy it so far. I am getting to what I believe is a bit of a crossroads right now however. I want to stick religiously to your build as it has served me so far......but I really want micro munitions. But i dont really want to give up the whole concept. So, which power could i replace it with? I was hoping thunderclap but will await your advice.

My thanks for any input.

Edit: Was also thinking of putting in Sonic Device to be delivered by Micro Munitions> replace the final heal (Resurgence I believe) with Sonic Device.

Micro Munitions doesnt work well with that build. Every time you use it, you'll force your other attacks to recharge. So it's essentially just a cosmetic power for you. That being the case, you might as well check out Shoulder Launcher too. It's cooler looking and deals more one-shot damage.

I'd drop Resurgence first. Thunderclap is extra too, but the stun makes Roomsweepers knockup into knockback. That's great for clearing spawns.

[Archived Post]

awww well thats what I was afraid of. Your build has served me so damn well I feel I shouldnt muck with it as it is simply for cosmetic reasons. I really appreciate the info!

[Archived Post]

Few questions about the everlast build:

Is there a particular reason for sonic device without adv, over say: Imbue?
Second, how do you think it would turn out to swap bionic shielding for Support drones?

Thanx in advance for any response!

[Archived Post]

Few questions about the everlast build:

Is there a particular reason for sonic device without adv, over say: Imbue?
Second, how do you think it would turn out to swap bionic shielding for Support drones?

Thanx in advance for any response!

Support Drones is a good power now. That should work ok if you like the robots better. It's hard to beat Bionic Shielding for a tank though.

Imbue doesnt work too well with Power Armor. Most attacks deal consistent small damage numbers. That makes one critical hit less meaningful. Plus there's no heal to boost. The damage from Sonic Device is nice, but the short stun is the real reason to take it. Especially on a tank build. You dont need big alpha strike damage, you need damage over time and some mez.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave,

I tested Sonic Device Rank 2,3 and Rank 2, Deafening Dissolution. It appears to me that in groups 2/DD works better. I normally give sonic a ride on MM to clean up groups of spawns.

I have read you feel 2,3 is better. Am I missing something?

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave,

I tested Sonic Device Rank 2,3 and Rank 2, Deafening Dissolution. It appears to me that in groups 2/DD works better. I normally give sonic a ride on MM to clean up groups of spawns.

I have read you feel 2,3 is better. Am I missing something?

Deafening Dissolution only works well in groups. You need at least 3 enemies hitting each other with the explosion to pay off. That doesnt happen solo. It's all changing in a few months with the new update anyway. All on next hit powers are going to one target only.

[Archived Post]

Well Poop! I guess I better keep it at the top of powers list so i can spec out easy.

Thanks,

[Archived Post]

Hey pulsewave I am planning on using the Mark IV but I do not want to take sonic device what would think of another power or anything to replace sonic device. My reasoning about this is because the next hits only work with single target now and I really don't need another aoe. Advice?

[Archived Post]

Although I have little experience in tanking and power armour compared to Pulsewave I would suggest something like toxic nanites. That way the DoT will help boost threat by adding extra dps.

However at the level in the build toxic nanites isn't an option so heres a slightly revised version where I swapped sonic device for electric sheathe and then put toxic nanites where electric sheathe would be:

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield
Level 5: Power Gauntlet
Level 5: Ice Slide
Level 8: Defiance
Level 11: Bionic Shielding
Level 14: Electric Sheath
Level 17: Mini Gun
Level 20: Masterful Dodge
Level 23: Micro Munitions
Level 26: Toxic Nanites

I only did up to 26 since its fairly easy to understand what I've done :)

[Archived Post]

Hey pulsewave I am planning on using the Mark IV but I do not want to take sonic device what would think of another power or anything to replace sonic device. My reasoning about this is because the next hits only work with single target now and I really don't need another aoe. Advice?

Do you mean the Mark VI? I took down the Mark IV a while ago.

In most cases I'd just move up the next power on the list. Adding another active offense is always another good option. You can use up to three. Take Immolation for offensive heros, Shadow Shroud for balanced, or Ice Sheath for defensive builds.

[Archived Post]

Deafening Dissolution only works well in groups. You need at least 3 enemies hitting each other with the explosion to pay off. That doesnt happen solo. It's all changing in a few months with the new update anyway. All on next hit powers are going to one target only.

So I guess specing Sonic to the top is a good idea? That being said would Imbue be a better power? What level CON is needed for that to be best option?

Or is it better to just drop the "on next hit" power all together?

Thank you,

[Archived Post]

So I guess specing Sonic to the top is a good idea? That being said would Imbue be a better power? What level CON is needed for that to be best option?

Or is it better to just drop the "on next hit" power all together?

Thank you,

Imbue is not too good for Power Armor. Toggles mess that power up, although it's still ok with Chest Beam.

I'll probably drop 'on next hit' powers, but I need to test more first.

[Archived Post]

So I guess specing Sonic to the top is a good idea? That being said would Imbue be a better power? What level CON is needed for that to be best option?

Or is it better to just drop the "on next hit" power all together?

Thank you,

After some more testing I'll be dropping all on-next-hit powers. A slightly modified Mark V is damned good right now. I just tore up the Power House, 5 man Hard spawn in Avenger. Pretty devastating already and should get even better as I get more appropriate gear.

[Archived Post]

When I downloaded the Mark VII, the 'Unstoppable' power did not show up in the champion builder, so the Level 35 slot was empty. What would be a good substitute for this power?

[Archived Post]

When I downloaded the Mark VII, the 'Unstoppable' power did not show up in the champion builder, so the Level 35 slot was empty. What would be a good substitute for this power?
The reason unstoppable did not show up is becauise your champions builder is out of date or the latest version doesnt include it. Unstoppable is in game though, its a pssive in the might set.

[Archived Post]

The reason unstoppable did not show up is becauise your champions builder is out of date or the latest version doesnt include it. Unstoppable is in game though, its a pssive in the might set.
Oh. *Goes off and searches for the most recent version*

[Archived Post]

Hi, I'm trying to alter the Mark 5 for solo use as well as 5-man. Would replacing Targeting Computer with Rank 3 Quarry still make it effective? If so, where would you recommend I take the points from?

[Archived Post]

Hi, I'm trying to alter the Mark 5 for solo use as well as 5-man. Would replacing Targeting Computer with Rank 3 Quarry still make it effective? If so, where would you recommend I take the points from?

Don't think too hard about this. Ten days from now the functionality of both of those powers will change significantly.

[Archived Post]

Don't think too hard about this. Ten days from now the functionality of both of those powers will change significantly.
Its fairly safe to say that every single thread with well outlined builds is going to have to change specifically with it :D

Also, you stole the 400th reply, I waited like 5 weeks man!!!!

[Archived Post]

Does anyone know how Quarry and Targeting Comp are gona change?

Have anyone tought what would be good "new" superstats for Power Armor build using Regeneration as passive, or is there better passive after the changes?

[Archived Post]

The changes are quite hefty, so its safe to say wait until someone has had time to make a new build design, right now its too big a change to say off the top of my head :)

[Archived Post]

Does anyone know how Quarry and Targeting Comp are gona change?

Have anyone tought what would be good "new" superstats for Power Armor build using Regeneration as passive, or is there better passive after the changes?

I'll post updated builds this weekend. Even though the powers changed a lot, builds stay pretty familiar.

[Archived Post]

Looking at the changes I won't have to do much, maybe swap one of my active damage buffs (or resurgence) for targeting computer, and maybe remove regeneration and get invul.

Playing with this now and while I'm not all that active this build is fun and pretty strong.

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Download this Build here. (http://champions.zarzu.ch/download.php?download=4132g60600350640506417zz0810 8082121060150070i501080830210808232046034026035107 06302060240050i525zz0460g50075y10e5y2035y2065y20s5 y20t5y20z5y20725y0035y0061h0000000000000000)

: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Sonic Blaster -- Refraction Of Sound
Level 1: Sonic Device
Level 5: Bionic Shielding
Level 5: Jet Boots -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 11: Electric Sheath -- Rank 2
Level 14: Regeneration -- Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 17: Micro Munitions -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 3, Rank 2
Level 20: Mini Gun -- Accelerated Metabolism, Rank 2, Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 23: Force Shield -- Force Sheath
Level 26: Field Surge -- Rank 2
Level 29: Orbital Cannon -- Anvil of Dawn, Rank 2
Level 32: Immolation -- Rank 2
Level 35: Resurgence
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Shadow Shroud -- Rank 2

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Brilliant
Level 9: Tireless
Level 12: Negotiator
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Amazing Stamina
Level 21: Energetic

[Archived Post]

Updated power descriptions and basic build for new version.

[Archived Post]

It's interesting that you keep Targeting Computer, even though its advantage is higher crit chance/severity. Does it make much of a difference, even if Dex isn't a superstat? How high crit chance/severity do you get?

[Archived Post]

It's interesting that you keep Targeting Computer, even though its advantage is higher crit chance/severity. Does it make much of a difference, even if Dex isn't a superstat? How high crit chance/severity do you get?

The main bonus from Targeting Computer is the overall +50-60% damage bonus to all Technology powers. The crit bonus doesnt hurt, but it's not worth building for as far as I can tell. My take on it is to gear some Ego, so that when you do crit, you get better results.

Gearing some DEX doesnt make a big difference. You get a 1 or 2 percent chance to crit overall, but that's of little use. You smoke normal enemies anyway, and big ones get the bonuses from Target Comp and Lock and Load. You're probably better off with EGO boosting the crits you get in those cases.

The bottom line is that you're dealing a lot more straight-up damage now with Targeting Computer anyway. I'll put up some other builds that are more specialized, but its hard to top the basic setup. INT and REC, with either CON or PRE items. Crush everything with basic damage before it can fire back. You can see in that video I had it pretty easy on a 5-man hard spawn in the powerhouse. And that's with an offensive passive in Avenger stance, with very limited CON gear.

[Archived Post]

Ah, cool. That's quite a substantial damage boost pre-lock on. I'm gonna make my first PA toon after the patch hits live, but I want a sturdy toon for concept reasons, so gonna go the Invul route (been wanting to make a PA toon with Invul for a long time, but Invul previously scaling with Str put me off). I might grab Targeting Computer as a second passive, so I can use whatever's suited for the situation. Thanks for putting together this and the other guides, by the way. They've been very helpful, and I've learned a lot by reading them.

[Archived Post]

I have been looking your builds and they look excellent.

Question:

Is there somewhere list how powers have changed?

Meaning Molecular Self Assembly is probably not anymore passive as you have picked it in your build and Lock & Load have also changed.

Also is Regeneration nerfed as you have changed it to Invulnerability or has Invulnerability always been superior to Regeneration and now when Super Stats can be "what ever" you chose Invulnerabiity over Regeneration?

[Archived Post]

This is where all the changes are located.

http://forums.champions-online.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182

[Archived Post]

I have been looking your builds and they look excellent.

Question:

Is there somewhere list how powers have changed?

Meaning Molecular Self Assembly is probably not anymore passive as you have picked it in your build and Lock & Load have also changed.

Also is Regeneration nerfed as you have changed it to Invulnerability or has Invulnerability always been superior to Regeneration and now when Super Stats can be "what ever" you chose Invulnerabiity over Regeneration?

Molecular Self Assembly is now an energy unlock. It seems gimpy though, so hopefully it will get buffed to other unlock levels at some point. Regen isnt nerfed. Invulnerability is just fantastic without having to take super STR. You can swap in any defense you like. I just find Invulnerability to be tons of fun.

[Archived Post]

Updated another build - mark IX is up.

[Archived Post]

Are you sure Field Surge is usefull without PFF?

I quickly read patch notes and could not quit understand them.

BTW I cant find patch notes anywhere anymore....

[Archived Post]

Are you sure Field Surge is usefull without PFF?

I quickly read patch notes and could not quit understand them.

BTW I cant find patch notes anywhere anymore....

Field Surge adds a force field boost for up to 15 seconds. It's like 3000 points of health at rank 1, at level 40. It's the largest active damage soak in the game at rank 3. That's better than a heal for builds without damage resistance. Heals are much better if your build has significant DR.

[Archived Post]

Hey, Pulsewave!

I've enjoyed leveling up my PA toon using your earlier INT/REC build. Now that I've hit 40, I'd like to retcon the character into something that could be used as a tank in endgame lairs and such. Ideally, I'd like the build to include some bots -- Support Drones, at least. (Munitions Drones are fun, but not as important.)

Suggestions? ideally, it would be a character that can generate aggro and take tons of damage while also preserving the classic "power armor" look and feel. As if someone stole an old suit of Dr. Destroyer's armor and was running around in the thing. :)

[Archived Post]

Field Surge adds a force field boost for up to 15 seconds. It's like 3000 points of health at rank 1, at level 40. It's the largest active damage soak in the game at rank 3. That's better than a heal for builds without damage resistance. Heals are much better if your build has significant DR.
If you play a build with SS END, FIeld Surge and Electric Sheath (with the +adv. Matter-Energy Union) can be a devastating combo.
Almost 10k in dmg. soak +50% dmg boost? for 30 sec's? :eek:

[Archived Post]

Now that F2P is live, I have a dumb question about invulnerability and my Super Stats on my power armor character.

My Super Stats are Strength and Endurance. I retconned Strength in a while ago because it helped invulnerability. I know the patch notes say that passives now scale off of whatever super stats you pick, but Invulnerability had two sets of values if i recall correctly, and am not really sure how that works now.

I "want" to go back to my original stats that my character had at launch, which was Intelligence and Endurance, I just want to be sure that now I wont suffer any loss of damage mitigation with invulnerability if I do so.

The reason I want to go back to Int / End is because I can't quite get a full attack spray while running my two main attack toggles simultaneously, Concussor beams + Minigun, and I can't even come close to being able to run three toggles at once for the full duration. I am hoping that keeping End and replacing Str with Int will help me with those toggles.

As for min maxing, I am nowhere in the ballpark for the stuff I see quoted in this thread as being typical PA performance, But I guess that's OK, I still have fun with mine even if his performance is light years behind, I do OK.

I just really wanted to retcon out of Super Strength because it really didn't fit my concept very well, and Int did. I do a little min maxing here and there, basically just the more important things, like strength for invulnerability, but for the most part I just picked what fit.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

[Archived Post]

Invulnerability scales entirely with your superstats, both the damage resistance and damage absorption part, so you can say goodbye to Strength.

[Archived Post]

Now that F2P is live, I have a dumb question about invulnerability and my Super Stats on my power armor character.

My Super Stats are Strength and Endurance. I retconned Strength in a while ago because it helped invulnerability. I know the patch notes say that passives now scale off of whatever super stats you pick, but Invulnerability had two sets of values if i recall correctly, and am not really sure how that works now.

I "want" to go back to my original stats that my character had at launch, which was Intelligence and Endurance, I just want to be sure that now I wont suffer any loss of damage mitigation with invulnerability if I do so.

The reason I want to go back to Int / End is because I can't quite get a full attack spray while running my two main attack toggles simultaneously, Concussor beams + Minigun, and I can't even come close to being able to run three toggles at once for the full duration. I am hoping that keeping End and replacing Str with Int will help me with those toggles.

As for min maxing, I am nowhere in the ballpark for the stuff I see quoted in this thread as being typical PA performance, But I guess that's OK, I still have fun with mine even if his performance is light years behind, I do OK.

I just really wanted to retcon out of Super Strength because it really didn't fit my concept very well, and Int did. I do a little min maxing here and there, basically just the more important things, like strength for invulnerability, but for the most part I just picked what fit.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

The average of your super stats is what affects Invulnerability now. Strength no long has anything to do with Invulnerability.

So in short... You don't lose mitigation by switching your Str to Int. Just make sure you can get your Int to the same number as your current Str, and you shouldn't see a difference.

[Archived Post]

Awesome news, thanks folks. :D

[Archived Post]

The problem you're gonna have going with INT/END is that they share the same gear slots. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's difficult getting high values for both stats.

[Archived Post]

The problem you're gonna have going with INT/END is that they share the same gear slots. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's difficult getting high values for both stats.

I'm not really knowledgable on that, but I thought that was mainly only for crafted gear. I thought dropped gear was more random, and I could swear I've gotten gear drops with all sort of stats for all three gear locations.

Also, there's no other stat I can replace Strength with that will help me to be able to maintain my toggles for longer durations other than Int (I already have End) Unless I'm missing something about how things work. Even if I dont slot a single item with Int, the fact that Int will be higher due to being a super stat than it currently is should (hopefully) make a noticeable difference.

[Archived Post]

I'm not really knowledgable on that, but I thought that was mainly only for crafted gear. I thought dropped gear was more random, and I could swear I've gotten gear drops with all sort of stats for all three gear locations.

Also, there's no other stat I can replace Strength with that will help me to be able to maintain my toggles for longer durations other than Int (I already have End) Unless I'm missing something about how things work. Even if I dont slot a single item with Int, the fact that Int will be higher due to being a super stat than it currently is should (hopefully) make a noticeable difference.

Dont worry too much about sharing the same slots. It's something that's worth being aware of, but it's not a problem. You can still get your superstats up to over 220 each by endgame. You just cant get them both up to the 250ish level.

The bottom line though, is that INT+END is a good way to maximize power armor damage. That gives you the absolute longest maintains possible for your toggles. You will lose some raw damage because your superstats arent maxed out. That can be 2-5% for your base superstat damage bonus and another few percent if you're using an offensive passive like Targeting Computer. So its under 10% at most. That's balanced some by getting hit less on diminishing returns. Getting above 32% dam bonus on a superstat takes a lot more away from your other stats.

You can think in terms of 3 options:

1. REC+END: This is the easiest pair of stats. It's the best ratio for building up a full bar of energy and then releasing that energy bar with attacks. You can have maxed out superstats with this combo. You can't go wrong with this, and it's easy for a rookie to work with.

2. REC+INT: This is very easy as well. You dont have a huge energy bar, but the energy that you do have gets used more slowly. You also start with 100% energy from rest, without having to build any up. It's less efficient at building energy than REC+END, but the super INT give you recharge time bonuses that will more than make up for this with the right power selection. This makes the combo more effective OVERALL than REC+END, but you have to know enough to use the right powers.

3. END+INT: This is harder in some ways since you're limited from maxing out both superstats. This has the lowest alpha strike potential of the three combos. You should have secondary energy generation of some sort, like Force Sheath. The combo of INT and END gives you a ton of energy to play with overall, for the longest maintains. But you refill your energy more slowly by default, and you're limited from the maximizing both superstats.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave: thank you for your great guide and all the hard work you have put into it (and continue to put into it).

I have two PA toons based on your pre-FTP builds, a Mark I (basic blaster build) and a Mark VII (high-strength “shellhead” build).

I see you no longer have the Mark I posted, so so I assume it is no longer good after the FTP patch.

Am I correct in assuming that the Mark VIII is a replacement for the Mark I?

I see that the Mark VII (shellhead) is still posted. Is this build still good after the FTP patch?

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave: thank you for your great guide and all the hard work you have put into it (and continue to put into it).

I have two PA toons based on your pre-FTP builds, a Mark I (basic blaster build) and a Mark VII (high-strength “shellhead” build).

I see you no longer have the Mark I posted, so so I assume it is no longer good after the FTP patch.

Am I correct in assuming that the Mark VIII is a replacement for the Mark I?

I see that the Mark VII (shellhead) is still posted. Is this build still good after the FTP patch?

The Mark I would still be ok. The main problem is that the new patch killed on-next-hit powers. Passives are different too, Quarry is a whole new build. And Invulnerability can be taken.

Shellhead didn't change much. I'll update it, but it doesn't need a new version.

[Archived Post]

Interesting build ideas in here. I've been itching to make sort of a hybridized build. The idea being that it's a hulking melee exo-armor, that when destroyed can be lept out of to continue the fight in a ranged capacity. The "destruction" being fulfilled by Rebirth, because it provides such an intense offense/defense boost.

Trouble is, I'm having difficulty fitting that all into 14 powers, while still having the staples. Was kind of grooving on the new Field Drones too.

[Archived Post]

Is Protection Field still viable for Pulsewave Mark VIII? It says it scales with REC in the guide, but in game it scales with ego.

[Archived Post]

Is Protection Field still viable for Pulsewave Mark VIII? It says it scales with REC in the guide, but in game it scales with ego.
Protection field actually scales with pre :D

[Archived Post]

Protection field actually scales with pre :D

The damage protection scales with PRE. The energy return scales with REC. The game text says that the energy comes from EGO, but as usual you'd be better off taking my word for it. :)

[Archived Post]

Protection field actually scales with pre :D

My tooltip says ego in game? Maybe it's bugged.

Either way, point still stands.. it doesn't scale with REC like the guide says.

[Archived Post]

The damage protection scales with PRE. The energy return scales with REC. The game text says that the energy comes from EGO, but as usual you'd be better off taking my word for it. :)

Weird mechanic explanation in game, they need to polish that up. Thanks for the info, though, very helpful.

[Archived Post]

double post.

[Archived Post]

Yeah, I think that's... apparent. Should have edited. Not really a big deal.

[Archived Post]

In Beta you could hear the crows of the enthusiastic saying Invulnerability plus Inertial Dampener Field is like "god-mode". The two powers sort of fit my tech armor idea, though Targeting Computer is excellent now. Are they really that good?

[Archived Post]

In Beta you could hear the crows of the enthusiastic saying Invulnerability plus Inertial Dampener Field is like "god-mode". The two powers sort of fit my tech armor idea, though Targeting Computer is excellent now. Are they really that good?

It's a cool combo, but it costs you 20% damage plus energy. I wouldnt call it god-mode, because Invulnerability is already incredible against regular enemies. So with IDF, you're...more incredible.

If I combined it with anything, it would be Aura of Radiant Protection. Better raw DR, plus additional DR for your allies. That's the way to break the system. I havent tested it though. That sounds like something Pantagruel would have a post on.

[Archived Post]

It's a cool combo, but it costs you 20% damage plus energy. I wouldnt call it god-mode, because Invulnerability is already incredible against regular enemies. So with IDF, you're...more incredible.

If I combined it with anything, it would be Aura of Radiant Protection. Better raw DR, plus additional DR for your allies. That's the way to break the system. I havent tested it though. That sounds like something Pantagruel would have a post on.

20% plus energy really isnt good for PA. It is enough of a challenge to get enough energy to maintain multiple toggles. Guess that idea is relegated to the skunk works. I'm still using Defiance and it is doing great. Might try invulnerability again though.

[Archived Post]

It's a cool combo, but it costs you 20% damage plus energy. I wouldnt call it god-mode, because Invulnerability is already incredible against regular enemies. So with IDF, you're...more incredible.

If I combined it with anything, it would be Aura of Radiant Protection. Better raw DR, plus additional DR for your allies. That's the way to break the system. I havent tested it though. That sounds like something Pantagruel would have a post on.

AoRP + IDF is delicious protection for teammates within 50 feet of you. You definitely notice them taking a lot less damage.

[Archived Post]

It's a cool combo, but it costs you 20% damage plus energy. I wouldnt call it god-mode, because Invulnerability is already incredible against regular enemies. So with IDF, you're...more incredible.

If I combined it with anything, it would be Aura of Radiant Protection. Better raw DR, plus additional DR for your allies. That's the way to break the system. I havent tested it though. That sounds like something Pantagruel would have a post on.

My healer uses both IDF and AoRP. Since my Therakiel Run today is gonna be with both an Invuln and a Defiance user, I'll let you know how it turns out.

--Edited to add--

Hey Pulsewave, what are you doing with your DPS PA Builds now that Sonic Device and Toxic Nanites no longer work with AoEs?

[Archived Post]

The goal is to be able to melee tank while wearing the exo-armor, and either when the armor gets destroyed (read: I bite it) I exit it (pop Rebirth) for a crazy damage/defense bonus, and continue in a smaller, more human-sized armor that focuses on ranged DPS. Or I can just swap to the DPS mode and costume if I really want to. It's not so much RP as...an amusing and entertaining idea for me.

Unfortunately, after much fidgeting about with skill builds, my inevitable conclusion is that there just aren't enough power slots available to do exactly what I wanted. I'll have to compromise in one way or another, so I've composed a couple potential builds.

Stat-wise, I would lean toward CON/INT for maximum survival. INT/STR is a possibility, as I should be able to get a fair amount of secondary CON. From my experience building Shock the Monkey's gear (220STR, 240 CON, 100 INT, 100 END, 100 REC) I should be able to get a solid balance of my two Super Stats, 100 END, 100 REC, and either 100 STR or CON depending on whether I go SS STR or CON. It's a little costly, but the balanced performance is well worth it.

Interestingly, it appears that 8 stacks of Enrage at 70 to 100 STR is a larger bonus than R1 Targeting Computer...

So, here are the builds I've come up with, each making a different compromise toward my idea.

Melee Tank Focused: This one is less about the ranged combat part, and more about making a suitably defended viable tank. Might powers for use at melee in the exo-suit, ranged PA abilities out of it. Energy generation at range will be hampered by the melee builder, but the builder can be switched to Wrist Bolter with slight rearranging of what level each power is taken at for a very similar result. That will relieve ranged energy building constraints at the cost of increasing Enrage maintenance, but also free up two advantage points.
Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Powers:
Level 1: Clobber -- Onslaught
Level 1: Defensive Combo -- Crippling Challenge, Rank 2
Level 5: Defiance -- Rank 2
Level 5: Rocket Jump
Level 8: Energy Shield -- Laser Knight, Rank 2
Level 11: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3, Accelerated Metabolism
Level 14: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 20: Enrage
Level 23: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 29: Shockwave -- Challenging Strikes
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Mighty Leap
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Rebirth -- Rank 2, Rank 3



Ranged Tank Focus: 2 advantage points unused, so that one can be placed on Mini Gun for Challenging Strikes if a need to tank arises. The other can be put into Accelerated Meta. If tanking isn't needed, Rank 2 Mini Gun instead. The melee function is almost entirely thrown away here, with only Roomsweeper remaining as a "GET OFF OF ME" attack, along with Evasive Maneuvers to get out of Dodge. Challenging Strikes on Mini Gun while being able to use Power Gauntlet w/ CC should make threat generation very high.
Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Powers:
Level 1: Force Bolts
Level 1: Force Shield -- Force Sheath, Rank 2
Level 5: Power Gauntlet -- Crippling Challenge
Level 5: Rocket Jump
Level 8: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 11: Defiance -- Rank 2
Level 14: Roomsweeper -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 20: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Enrage
Level 26: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 29: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Evasive Maneuvers -- Sleight Of Mind
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Rebirth -- Rank 2, Rank 3



Range DPS Focus, Semi-Tank: Like the above, melee has become largely secondary, with Roomsweeper providing the "get off" function. Should put out adequate DPS, with a powerful combined alpha strike of Shoulder Launcher + Chest Beam. Drones are handy to have, but not essential and could be swapped out for anything from Evasive Maneuvers to Burning Chi Fist. Likely not capable of tanking major bosses like Elite TT, but there is 1 Advantage Point set aside for either Challenging Strikes or Accelerated Meta. Threat could be passable for all but the most optimized DPS builds, between CS and being able to use Chest Beam & Concussors while it's ticking.
Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Invulnerability -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Rocket Jump
Level 8: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds
Level 11: Targeting Computer -- Rank 2
Level 14: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Force Shield -- Force Sheath
Level 20: Bionic Shielding -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 23: Field Drones -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 26: Shoulder Launcher -- Rank 2
Level 29: Roomsweeper -- Rank 2
Level 32: Electric Sheath -- Matter - Energy Union
Level 35: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Teleport
Level 38: Rebirth -- Rank 2, Rank 3



So, those are what's been on my mind. Any thoughts? Unfortunately it seems like I just need about two more power slots that aren't there to really make it work without compromise. Then again, making a what amounts to two builds in one is just going to be a tight fit, by its nature.

[Archived Post]

Sorry to poke my head in and ask another dumb question, but I am mainly a casual player and often don't dive into the nuts and bolts of how stuff works further than just enough to enjoy the game.

The above post with the build examples got me wondering.

I have to ask, why do I see the majority of build guides only take defiance up to rank 2? I have one melee/might oriented character and I took it to rank 3. If there is no real benefit to taking it past two, I would like to understand why because I could really put those 2 points elsewhere as most of my alts are slot starved as it is.

Thanks in advance.

[Archived Post]

The reason is that the ranks only increases how many stacks you start out with, so taking rank 3 is pretty much a waste.

[Archived Post]

The reason is that the ranks only increases how many stacks you start out with, so taking rank 3 is pretty much a waste.

Indeed. It's an okay place to skimp a rank from if you need to put points elsewhere. Especially now that Rank 3 gains stacks at the same speed as 1 and 2.

[Archived Post]

So let me get this straight then, I can even just not take rank two either? Just take Defiance at default rank 1 and still get the same mitigation once I build up to the max defiant stacks?

Wow... maybe it's just me, but seems like Defiance needs some tweeking then. Ranking it up should have a noticable increase in maximum benefits, not just initial benefits. But I guess that's for another thread.

Thanks for the info folks, appreciate it.

[Archived Post]

So let me get this straight then, I can even just not take rank two either? Just take Defiance at default rank 1 and still get the same mitigation once I build up to the max defiant stacks?

Wow... maybe it's just me, but seems like Defiance needs some tweeking then. Ranking it up should have a noticable increase in maximum benefits, not just initial benefits. But I guess that's for another thread.

Thanks for the info folks, appreciate it.

Correct. Defiance is merely a way (and the only intended way) to gain multiple stacks of the Defiant! buff. The buff itself scales specifically with CON, which is why it didn't fall in line with other passive alterations during the beta pass.

That said, I still like Rank 2, since it makes me a little less vulnerable to alphas.

[Archived Post]

Defiance R2 will also give you an extra stack of Enraged! if you use the Enrage power. You'll get 2 stacks instead of 1. R3 Defiance also gives 2 stacks, so there's no advantage there either.

[Archived Post]

Hey pulsewave, can you give me any ideas on updating your MK1 Build. Im currently at lvl 15 and have all the powers you had listed for that build up to lvl 15. I just need a good way to update it. I know i have to take a few active clickies and a def clicky to make it worth while. Currently the only attacks i have is concusser r3 and power guants. Being mk1 i have regen R3. I like regen bout thought about changing it out to something like invuln, but am more then happy to keep regen.

I know id like mini gun and micro munittions, tho im not set on chest beam. I dont know if it fits my concept. My character dosent have a gem or other obvious emmission source on his chest. It would be odd to have a beam out of my chest with no obvious emmision point.(conceptually speeking) So i could replace it with a clicky like lock and load .

Like i said Im open to any thoughts you have on the MK1 build and how to update it. Im currently superstatted rec/int.

[Archived Post]

On your Leveling Power Armor Guide... the mark IV i think it is... you have Protection Field, do you mean Personal Force Field? because Protection Field is to buff a friend and not yourself.

[Archived Post]

On your Leveling Power Armor Guide... the mark IV i think it is... you have Protection Field, do you mean Personal Force Field? because Protection Field is to buff a friend and not yourself.

You are wrong

[Archived Post]

On your Leveling Power Armor Guide... the mark IV i think it is... you have Protection Field, do you mean Personal Force Field? because Protection Field is to buff a friend and not yourself.

Protection Field was recently changed to be self-castable.

[Archived Post]

You can cast it on yourelf.

[Archived Post]

Hey pulsewave, can you give me any ideas on updating your MK1 Build. Im currently at lvl 15 and have all the powers you had listed for that build up to lvl 15. I just need a good way to update it. I know i have to take a few active clickies and a def clicky to make it worth while. Currently the only attacks i have is concusser r3 and power guants. Being mk1 i have regen R3. I like regen bout thought about changing it out to something like invuln, but am more then happy to keep regen.

I know id like mini gun and micro munittions, tho im not set on chest beam. I dont know if it fits my concept. My character dosent have a gem or other obvious emmission source on his chest. It would be odd to have a beam out of my chest with no obvious emmision point.(conceptually speeking) So i could replace it with a clicky like lock and load .

Like i said Im open to any thoughts you have on the MK1 build and how to update it. Im currently superstatted rec/int.

The best thing to do would be to switch to the new Mark VIII. Use Regeneration for your passive instead of TC or Invuln if you like. At level 15 you can remove all your powers very easily.

[Archived Post]

Is Implosion Engine worth it at all? Most builds don't seem to include it...

[Archived Post]

Ok, about the Protection Field... Good. I saw the description, it had nothing on there about casting on yourself, thanks ! i tested it and it works good!

[Archived Post]

Is Implosion Engine worth it at all? Most builds don't seem to include it...

It's...nifty. One of the better T4's, but I find myself hard pressed to take it over something like Orbital Cannon.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, question about your mkviii build that you reccomended for me. If i take lock and load over micro munitions ill only have 3 attacks. Mini gun is a aoe concusser is a single target Maintained DOT and chest beam has a tiny little aoe but is great dmg with debuff. That is only 3 attacks, im concerned that id be great at single target dps, but would struggle with groups of enemies.

Or does having the clicky offensive buffs on give enough of a dps raise to make up for not having a another group dmg option. I havnt used mini gun, so i dont know how wide of a arc it has. I fear it is something narrow and only good on small tightly clustered groups.

I hate to comeback to it, but i really wish i could squeze in micro munitions and still have enough offensive clickies to be succsessfull.

I dont mean to question you brother, I appreicate your assistance im just worried about not having enough Aoe dps.

[Archived Post]

It's...nifty. One of the better T4's, but I find myself hard pressed to take it over something like Orbital Cannon.

Having to take 10 tech powers is pretty steep, as well. Is it the same as other powers, wherein your energy builder doesn't count as a tech attack?

I stick with my concept but other things like Force Shield, Protection Field, and electric sheath also fit the power armor theme.

edit: How does this look? I'm kind of torn on either Micro or Chest Beam, seems like it would be a bit AoE heavy, but it should meet the requirements for Implosion Engine.

INT/REC

Wrist Bolter
force shield w/ force sheath
Protection Field 2 and 3
Jet Boots 2
Concussor Beam 2 and 3
Targeting Computer 2 and 3
Molecular Self Assembly
Mini Gun U-238 Rounds and 2
Lock N Load 2 and 3
Bionic Shielding
Orbital 2 and Anvil of Dawn
Electric Sheath 2
Micro Munitions or Chest Beam 2 and 3
Unbreakable
Teleport
Implosion Engine 2

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, question about your mkviii build that you reccomended for me. If i take lock and load over micro munitions ill only have 3 attacks. Mini gun is a aoe concusser is a single target Maintained DOT and chest beam has a tiny little aoe but is great dmg with debuff. That is only 3 attacks, im concerned that id be great at single target dps, but would struggle with groups of enemies.

Or does having the clicky offensive buffs on give enough of a dps raise to make up for not having a another group dmg option. I havnt used mini gun, so i dont know how wide of a arc it has. I fear it is something narrow and only good on small tightly clustered groups.

I hate to comeback to it, but i really wish i could squeze in micro munitions and still have enough offensive clickies to be succsessfull.

I dont mean to question you brother, I appreicate your assistance im just worried about not having enough Aoe dps.

You can take Micro Munitions instead of Lock and Load at level 20. If you do that, you should take Lock and Load instead of Immolation.

I dont take Micro Munitions now that Chest Beam is an AoE, but it's still a good power.

[Archived Post]

Is Implosion Engine worth it at all? Most builds don't seem to include it...

I'd rather have almost any active offense of defense than Implosion Engine.

[Archived Post]

So, as I tried (and mostly failed) to make those Melee-Tank/Ranged-DPS builds work, I stumbled on something rather...nifty. Now that LnL boosts all your ranged tech damage and is useful to PA, as Pulsewave has suggested in many builds, Two Smoking Barrels has become immensely more useful.

It removes 2 seconds off the cooldown every time you hit with a melee attack. Even better, if removes two seconds off the cooldown for each target hit by melee AOE attacks. Roomsweeper shaves up to 10 seconds off it on a full mob.

That makes it extremely enticing to use in such a build for me, as you could be turning it back on and ramping up your DPS viciously by swapping between the two as the critters came to you. After all, most critter groups have an enemy or two that likes to close in on you, and plenty of bosses like to crawl into melee range.

I almost always go with Electric Sheath + E/M Union because it's like a second defensive cooldown, but that's hard to pass up.

[Archived Post]

Still nice guide here. anyways i Just re subed cause i wanted to be a Gold Member lol, anyways, what one of these builds on the front page of this is very current? I have a lvl 28 that i can do a free ret con on and i want to asap make him a power armor type build once more, i want power with decent def, also what type of crafting should i take to help enhance my Power Armore type toon ? Thnx :cool:

what i was trying to say is i want to have good range and aoe power, dont want to tank or anything like that hehe

[Archived Post]

Got a question, I know Pulsewave is not big on the laser sword, but I had a thought yesterday of making a PA tank based around the Laser Sword + Energy Shield w/Laser Knight Adv. would R2 Laser Sword with Crippling be numerically as effective as Power Gauntlet?

My theory was to take only a few attack powers (energy builder, laser sword, chest beam, and implosion engine), and the rest would be active defenses, heals, etc...

[Archived Post]

Still nice guide here. anyways I Just re subed cause i wanted to be a Gold Member lol, anyways, what one of these builds on the front page of this is very current?

I have a Mark VIII and a Mark VII (both retconned or double checked post-FTP) and they both are very strong. I know the Mark IX and the Mark VI have been updated too.

With the Mark VII it's crazy strong with the force cascade often one-shotting whole mobs (AOE cone), with most of the other ranged powers for clean-up. Roomsweeper and Burning Chi Fist are almost fall back extras many times and it just rounds the build out to be good in all situations (Roomsweeper is AOE melee range). I run avenger mode 99% of the time and it's solid.

The Mark VIII is a bit more AOE overall due to the minigun (cone), the micro-munitions, and chest beam (cone-ish) . With the Int/Rec super stats on this one (The one above is Str/Int) plus some powers and synergies...the energy is high allowing near constant attacks.

Add - my current avatar is the Mark VII. :) Oh, and force cascade from the chest emanation looks really good too.

[Archived Post]

Just a nitpick, but those attacks are cylinders, rather than cones. :]

[Archived Post]

Just a nitpick, but those attacks are cylinders, rather than cones. :]

Valid nitpick! I stand corrected. ;)

I always seem to consider all attacks like that as "cones" in my lazy brain, but you're right...there is a difference and someone else might be concerned with that.

[Archived Post]

I modified a bit the mark IX. My main problem was shoulder rocket, I didn't see much usefulness, i exchanged with micromunitions to be able to fire 3 parts at once. I also added the targeting computer to play dual build.

are the heal drones good for this build?

Build by championBuilder 0.4.1 (http://champions.zarzu.ch)



BGY12: Level 40 Champion

Superstats:
Level 5: Super Intelligence
Level 13: Super Endurance

Powers:
Level 1: Wrist Bolter
Level 1: Concussor Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Invulnerability -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 5: Flight -- Rank 2
Level 8: Mini Gun -- Teflon Coated Rounds, Rank 2
Level 11: Micro Munitions -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 14: Chest Beam -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 17: Lock And Load -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 20: Dark Transfusion -- Blood Sacrifice
Level 23: Unbreakable
Level 26: Field Drones -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 29: Electric Sheath
Level 32: Targeting Computer -- Rank 2, Rank 3
Level 35: Bionic Shielding
Level 35: Rocket Jump
Level 38: Force Shield -- Force Sheath

Talents:
Level 1: Technological Intuition
Level 6: Field Ops Training
Level 9: Amazing Stamina
Level 12: Prodigy
Level 15: Investigator
Level 18: Boundless Reserves
Level 21: Healthy Mind

[Archived Post]

I modified a bit the mark IX. My main problem was shoulder rocket, I didn't see much usefulness, i exchanged with micromunitions to be able to fire 3 parts at once. I also added the targeting computer to play dual build.

are the heal drones good for this build?

Shoulder Launcher and Mini Gun can fire at the same time. You just have to time it right. You can fire off 4 powers at one like that. There's nothing wrong with Micro Munitions though. It's easier to use and it's less energy. But it deals less single target damage.

Good call on Invulnerability to Targeting Computer. That build is supposed to use Target Computer anyway, the only reason it doesnt is because the character builder is out of date. I updated the build with the right passive and fixed a few minor issues with the advantages that didnt import properly.

Healing Drones are good, but they take a toll on your energy since they make attacks more expensive and reduce your recovery. That makes a difference with multiple toggles. It's not a game-breaker, but I try to avoid them. You should kill things so fast that you dont need healing over time from them anyway.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, how does protection field work. Your guide says it scales with rec, I have it at rank 2 right now and it gives me 665 dmg sheild, and 9.2% energy return per dmg. Is that normal? In a fight i dont even normaly notice its energy return, and when i check the dmg log, it dosent show it returning any energy.

Secondly could you give me some information on Invuln. At my current lvl of 17 it gives me a flat dmg reduction of 38(wow lol) and a 45% dmg reduction on all dmg after that. My question as my lvl and stats go up, will the flat dmg reduction continue to go up? Same question with dmg reduction %.

Dong get me wrong, i like invuln better then regen, fits my concept better. I just have to get used to not healing.

Lastly, i only have 2 attacks right now, mini gun and concusser beams. Im noticing that if i open up on a group of baddies at range with the mini gun, they will be dead before they get into concusser beam range. IS that normal, i kinda like it.

Thanks again bro, keep up the good work.

[Archived Post]

Pulsewave, how does protection field work. Your guide says it scales with rec, I have it at rank 2 right now and it gives me 665 dmg sheild, and 9.2% energy return per dmg. Is that normal? In a fight i dont even normaly notice its energy return, and when i check the dmg log, it dosent show it returning any energy.

Secondly could you give me some information on Invuln. At my current lvl of 17 it gives me a flat dmg reduction of 38(wow lol) and a 45% dmg reduction on all dmg after that. My question as my lvl and stats go up, will the flat dmg reduction continue to go up? Same question with dmg reduction %.

Dong get me wrong, i like invuln better then regen, fits my concept better. I just have to get used to not healing.

Lastly, i only have 2 attacks right now, mini gun and concusser beams. Im noticing that if i open up on a group of baddies at range with the mini gun, they will be dead before they get into concusser beam range. IS that normal, i kinda like it.

Thanks again bro, keep up the good work.

Protection Field should give you energy when you're attacked. Check to make sure that your combat log is tracking Combat (self). I just tested it and I see 'Your Protection Field gives 18 energy to you'.

Invulnerability goes up in protection at higher levels. It's the best raw defense all game long. The only reason that Defiance is competitive is because Defiance gives free energy, can give a high damage mitigation against cosmic enemies (very rare) and because it helps stack Enrage. But for flat-out defense in almost all cases, Invulnerability is the best. The damage absorb looks small, but that affects every attack. You'll see most attacks dont do much of anything to you. With defiance, those small attacks will kill you. Invulnerability just shrugs them off like nothing. It's awesome.

It's pretty normal to take out enemies with just Mini Gun, especially when rotating active offenses. You can deal a lot of damage with Power Armor, you just need a ton of energy.

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All builds are updated for Free to Play.

'Whew!'

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what is the best build for pvp late game
from ur builds??


i pve onley to be strong for pvp...

and i love brusted dmg.. but i dont like to die fast ...

what is the build for me from all what u gived?

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I'm having a little problem.

I'm level 8 and I can't replace Power Gauntlet with Force Shield and still have access to Concussor Beam. I have to keep Power Gauntlet to even see Concussor Beam as an option.

Any advice?

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You could take

Level 1: Force Bolts, Force Shield
Level 6: Protection Field
Level 8: Concussor Beam

[Archived Post]

what is the best build for pvp late game
from ur builds??


i pve onley to be strong for pvp...

and i love brusted dmg.. but i dont like to die fast ...

what is the build for me from all what u gived?

If you want to kill fastest, use the Mark IX. Expect to get some kills and to get killed a lot too. If you want to live the longest, use the Mark VI and switch Invulnerability for Defiance.

Personally I dont care much about PvP and when I do, I play Zombie Apocalypse. That's more friendly to PvE builds.

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well, what about a INT/CON build?
Its a good build if im going Ranged?
Like, will i feel lack of energy, or its a good build...

http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=1783167#post1783167

I post this thread because i am thinking of creating a PA, but i dont know..
I want a good ranged damage, but i want to be independent, i dont want to die so easily....
I dont know if i choose the right SS and what Sloted Passive i should chose...
Please help me...=D

OBS. i dont want a TANK build, but i dont want a FULL RANGED DPS build...
I want a balanced one, that i can solo easily with a good damage...=)

[Archived Post]

well, what about a INT/CON build?
Its a good build if im going Ranged?
Like, will i feel lack of energy, or its a good build...

http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=1783167#post1783167

I post this thread because i am thinking of creating a PA, but i dont know..
I want a good ranged damage, but i want to be independent, i dont want to die so easily....
I dont know if i choose the right SS and what Sloted Passive i should chose...
Please help me...=D

OBS. i dont want a TANK build, but i dont want a FULL RANGED DPS build...
I want a balanced one, that i can solo easily with a good damage...=)

You really need to read the guide. Everything you asked is already answered. If you don't want to take time to read it you can just pick any build I posted. They all solo well.

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i saw your build, i liked the Pulsewave Mark IX build
INT/END with targeting computer...
But if i chose that build..Will i be able to solo without diyng easily?

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...But if i chose that build (Mark IX)... Will i be able to solo without diyng easily?
ANY Pulsewave build can solo QUITE easily :rolleyes:

Read...the...guide(s) :cool:

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i saw your build, i liked the Pulsewave Mark IX build
INT/END with targeting computer...
But if i chose that build..Will i be able to solo without diyng easily?

If you have any concerns at all about soloing, or about challenge level, dont try to make a hero based around Power Armor attacks. This is the toughest powerset in the game to use. It's not easy. If you want easy, build a hero based around Fire attacks, or around Might or Martial Arts attacks. Those hero's are really easy. Power Armor is much, much harder to play. That doesnt mean that Power Armor sucks, or it's weak. It's just way harder than the really easy sets. Energy is always a problem for Power Armor, and you can't mix and match powers anywhere near as easy as can in other builds.

The fact that you keep asking the same question suggests to me that you shouldnt try to use the Mark IX. You should start off with the Mark VII like I recommend. It's very effective and it's as easy to use Power Armor is going to get. If you want to be tougher, choose Invulnerability at level 11. If you want to be more of a damage dealer, choose Targeting Computer instead at 11.

The Mark IX is perfectly capable of soloing with. It's the highest damage build possible at high levels. Its still very survivable, but it's the most fragile build I have listed. That makes it an advanced build for players who know what they are doing.

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ANY Pulsewave build can solo QUITE easily :rolleyes:

Read...the...guide(s) :cool:

The smilies are a bit much, dude.

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The smilies are a bit much, dude.
If you think THAT was a bit much, you don't know my posting history 13893

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Post deleted by KenpoJuJitsu3

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If you think THAT was a bit much, you don't know my posting history 13893

They made your post come across as condescending, which I'm hoping wasn't your intention. You do after-all have a big stickied thread imploring us all to be nicer to each other on these forums.

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Post deleted by KenpoJuJitsu3

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Hmmm, I didn't read that as condescending at all. This on the other hand did set off the snark detector.

You didn't see the thumbs down and the roll-eyes as condescending but you think I'm being snarky?

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Post deleted by KenpoJuJitsu3

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I believe that's what I typed already <---humor, not snark BTW, I'd use a smiley but...

I saw the thumbs down and rolls eyes as the usual forum humor I see here all the time. I didn't see any emotes in your post but pointing out the patently obvious about him having a sticky thread certainly appeared snarky to me. It read like "I'm not sure if you were trying to be a smart-alec, but just incase you were here's a sarcastic comment to cover the bases". Might not be what you meant, but that's how I read it.

I'm sorry you took my comment that way. The poster that Angel responded to was a bit exasperating to be sure, but Angel's comment to him was unnecessary (and Pulsewave shortly responded to him with far more tact).

I stand behind my perception of how those smilies come across, and you're free to stand behind your perceptions of my comments as well.

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Post deleted by KenpoJuJitsu3

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No apologies necessary. You haven't offended me in any way and I hope that's mutual. I don't always assume the way I read something is the way someone means it (i.e. I read your comment one way but assumed that is not what you meant, benefit of the doubt so to speak). Too much gets lost in text.

I agree that it's best to assume good faith! While maintaining enough skepticism to not end up being everyone's safety monkey. ;)

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I'm a bit torn on whether to use Chest Beam or Shoulder Launcher. Shoulder Launcher has better range, less energy cost, bigger AoE and a nice animation, whilst Chest beam has crazy damage and a knockback effect. Still, after a single strike I'd be depleted of energy and I imagine it's quite hard to line up the enemies whilst you're standing still, charging up, to kill most/all of them in 1 hit.

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I'm a bit torn on whether to use Chest Beam or Shoulder Launcher. Shoulder Launcher has better range, less energy cost, bigger AoE and a nice animation, whilst Chest beam has crazy damage and a knockback effect. Still, after a single strike I'd be depleted of energy and I imagine it's quite hard to line up the enemies whilst you're standing still, charging up, to kill most/all of them in 1 hit.

Chest Beam is way better in almost any situation. The 8-12% defense debuff alone makes it a better power.

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With the upcoming changes to Molecular Self Assembly, which will make gaining energy a whole lot more effeciënt and rewarding for Power Armor, I've decided not to invest in Protection Field (which will be nerfed/fixed as well) or other energy gaining powers.

Now I don't have anything particular to invest my points in, so I was toying around with the idea to put in Orbital Cannon for an Alpha Strike (w/ Anvil of Dawn) against tough groups. Maybe a rotating offensive power thing with Lock and Load etc wouldn't be too bad either, but I'm not sure how well that would go. Seeing as I'm running invul I was also thinking of making a second build with TC. This way I can switch between a quick and high damaging roomsweeper/ranged supporter and a good damaging tank for rooms packed with enemies.

My build currently:

SS: INT/REC

Wrist Bolter
Conc beam
Minigun R2 w/ U238
Micro Munitions R3
Chest Beam R3
Invul R2
Molecular Self Assembly
1 power point to spare

Comments, ideas etc. appreciated!

[Archived Post]

With the upcoming changes to Molecular Self Assembly, which will make gaining energy a whole lot more effeciënt and rewarding for Power Armor, I've decided not to invest in Protection Field (which will be nerfed/fixed as well) or other energy gaining powers.

Now I don't have anything particular to invest my points in, so I was toying around with the idea to put in Orbital Cannon for an Alpha Strike (w/ Anvil of Dawn) against tough groups. Maybe a rotating offensive power thing with Lock and Load etc wouldn't be too bad either, but I'm not sure how well that would go. Seeing as I'm running invul I was also thinking of making a second build with TC. This way I can switch between a quick and high damaging roomsweeper/ranged supporter and a good damaging tank for rooms packed with enemies.

My build currently:

SS: INT/REC

Wrist Bolter
Conc beam
Minigun R2 w/ U238
Micro Munitions R3
Chest Beam R3
Invul R2
Molecular Self Assembly
1 power point to spare

Comments, ideas etc. appreciated!

I'd take Targeting Computer over a redundant attack. Protection Field is still going to be good, the only thing I've heard that will change is the shield health. If they dont seriously nerf the way energy return works it's still a better power than almost anything else you'd take.

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Will take TC and later on Prot field. I'm also considering running Intertial Dampening with Invul to further increase survivability. Anything wrong with Orbital Cannon?

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I just had the idea that with the new mechanics of Molecular Self Assembly, taking automated assault (1 adv point, not 2 as stated) would be a great way to proc it and keeping it sustained reliably throughout. I don't use Conc beam anymore as Minigun + Micro munitions take care of crowds and Chest Beam takes care of single targets with AoE to boot.

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Pulsewave, thanks for the great thread and the tireless commitment to developing excellent builds.

I am running a slightly different version but almost the same as the Pulsewave Mark VIII. I also am debating on going to IDF for more damage mitigation. TC is good now, but I could drop it. My concern is what it will IDF do to damage output. Per your recommendation, I did miss concussor beam after dropping it so it is back in the build.

Do you have anything to say about IDF in this build? Is it worth trying and have you tested the numbers? Thanks for your input.

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Thanks for the help so far BTW, really appreciate it :)

I'm currently pondering on Bionic shielding. I've got no idea if it will still fit PA after the patch, but I do need some kind of self heal to keep me going in extended battles. Protection field only gives a paltry 400 shielding, so I can't exactly rely on that :P

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I just had the idea that with the new mechanics of Molecular Self Assembly, taking automated assault (1 adv point, not 2 as stated) would be a great way to proc it and keeping it sustained reliably throughout. I don't use Conc beam anymore as Minigun + Micro munitions take care of crowds and Chest Beam takes care of single targets with AoE to boot.

Try it first. Automated Assault has been bugged for a long time and shuts everything else down. I found it pretty annoying to use.

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Try it first. Automated Assault has been bugged for a long time and shuts everything else down. I found it pretty annoying to use.

Would you consider it too powerful if they made it so Automated Assault generated energy (albeit, perhaps, at a reduced rate) while other slots were active? I only ask this because it occurred to me that the Electricity power set can basically do something a lot like that, in Sparkstorm's Electric Personality advantage (Quite fun in early leveling to just turn it on and fire my energy builder while everything died, of course that was until I had reverb)