Apparition

It was a joke, more or less. Dual Pistols is my favorite of the blast sets, but I would place it around #3 if I were being honest, behind Fire and Ice and about tied with Water. A snipe isn’t the end all, be all of a ranged attack set. It still does a lot of single target damage. Water specializes in AoE. It’s single target is okie.

1. Dual Pistols 2. Dual Pistols 3. Fire Blast 4. Ice Blast 5. Water Blast 6. Beam Rifle and Radiation (tie) 7. Everything else but Assault Rifle 8. Assault Rifle

IMO, the endurance is fine. I have and mained a Thugs/Sonic Resonance MM for the first several months of Homecoming. Masterminds have an endurance penalty because, outside of summoning, equipping, and upgrading their pets, they really shouldn't be using anything from their primary. They don't (or shouldn't be), using attacks to spend endurance on, so the endurance usage elsewhere is increased to compensate.

Back around 2010, Moderator 8 (otherwise known as The Ocho), attended a Rikti mothership raid that I ran on the Champion server. The entire time, Cherry was trying to sell a Trick Yo-Yo power set to him. After the raid was over, Mod 8 gave her a gold title of “Wants YoYos too badly,” and promised Cherry that a Trick Yo-Yo power set would be added to the game by Issue 34. This was around Issue 16 or 17.

Before sunset, teams (by and large), had three modes - kill all, steamroll, and speed. Kill all - defeat all mobs in missions. Speed - complete objectives ASAP and get out. Steamroll - kill mobs that are in the way. I formed a TF last night, half with friends and half with PUGs from the LFG channel. I asked before we started if there were any objections to a steamroll run. A few people said something to the effect of, "That's fine." Off we went. The first mission was a defeat all. However, on the second mission, three members of the group went ahead to the second floor of the mission and completed it while everyone else was still on the first floor. It happened again in the third mission. I reminded people that we were steamrolling. It happened again in the fourth mission. So, before the fifth mission started, I said that we were killing through, not killing all but not speeding. That's when it stopped. A friend of mine on the TF with us suggested that most people don't know what "steamroll" means, and that it was pretty much a term exclusive to the Champion server that we played on before sunset. Now I know to explicitly say "kill through" instead of "steamroll," but I'm curious... was Champion server the only server that used that term?

Banished Pantheon, Longbow, and Carnival of Shadows are all good.

Claws is an AoE machine and has a mid-ranged attack which is helpful.

Clarion is a big help. On most non-melee toons, from level 1 to 50, I stock up on the Defense Amplifier from the P2W vendor, and then use the Clarion Destiny at level 50. My Blaster is DP/Temporal.

Prior to Level 50, there's the Defense Amplifier from the P2W vendor, or Rune of Protection that can give you mez protection. At level 50, there's the Clarion Destiny. My Blaster is never mezzed. My Blaster also has soft-capped defenses to S/L, and is soft-capped to melee with a small purple inspiration. I've used it to tank ITFs with. And no, I don't Hover blast, even though I have Hover. Honestly, I find more reason to play a Blaster than a Scrapper in this day and age because there are several scenarios where you can't do melee DPS, or is at least incredibly disadvantageous to do so. Apex TF and Incarnate trials for example. Ranged > melee. My Blaster can solo missions at +3x8 without dying, so it can solo very well. Honestly, I think it is a combination of your Blaster builds and how you play them, because with the right builds and played correctly, Blasters are just as good as, or even better than, Scrappers.

I don't do videos, and besides Homecoming videos are banned ATM. As for the build: Villain Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.6.0.7 https://github.com/Crytilis/mids-reborn-hero-designer Click this DataLink to open the build! Farming Apparition: Level 50 Mutation Tanker Primary Power Set: Fiery Aura Secondary Power Set: Radiation Melee Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Fighting Power Pool: Leaping Power Pool: Concealment Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery Villain Profile: Level 1: Blazing Aura -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx:50(3), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(7), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(21), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(33), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc:50(37) Level 1: Contaminated Strike -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx:50(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(9), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(25), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg:50(34), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc:50(37) Level 2: Fire Shield -- Ags-ResDam/EndRdx:50(A), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(5), Ags-ResDam:50(11) Level 4: Healing Flames -- Prv-Heal:50(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx:50(7), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg:50(13), Prv-Heal/Rchg:50(25), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx:50(34), Prv-Absorb%:50(40) Level 6: Temperature Protection -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A) Level 8: Consume -- MckBrt-Taunt:50(A), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg:50(9), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg/Rng:50(15), MckBrt-Acc/Rchg:50(27), MckBrt-Taunt/Rng:50(34), MckBrt-Rchg:50(40) Level 10: Taunt -- MckBrt-Taunt:50(A), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg:50(11), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg/Rng:50(15), MckBrt-Acc/Rchg:50(31), MckBrt-Taunt/Rng:50(36), MckBrt-Rchg:50(43) Level 12: Plasma Shield -- Ags-ResDam/EndRdx:50(A), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(13), Ags-ResDam:50(17) Level 14: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx:50(A) Level 16: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(17) Level 18: Burn -- Arm-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(19), Arm-Acc/Rchg:50(19), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx:50(31), Arm-Dam%:50(36), FuroftheG-ResDeb%:50(43) Level 20: Fusion -- RechRdx-I:50(A), GssSynFr--Build%:50(21) Level 22: Boxing -- Hct-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(23), Hct-Acc/Rchg:50(23), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx:50(33), Hct-Dam%:50(36) Level 24: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc:50(A) Level 26: Fiery Embrace -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(27) Level 28: Irradiated Ground -- Obl-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Obl-Dmg/Rchg:50(29), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(29), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(33), Obl-%Dam:50(37), AchHee-ResDeb%:20(46) Level 30: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx:50(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(31) Level 32: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A) Level 35: Stealth -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A) Level 38: Atom Smasher -- SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprMghoft-Dmg/Rchg:50(39), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(39), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(39), AchHee-ResDeb%:20(40), Obl-%Dam:50(46) Level 41: Mu Lightning -- Apc-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(42), Apc-Acc/Rchg:50(42), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(42), Apc-Dam%:50(43) Level 44: Electrifying Fences -- SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx:50(45), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(45), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(45), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg:50(46), SprFrzBls-Rchg/ImmobProc:50(50) Level 47: Ball Lightning -- Rgn-Dmg/Rchg:50(A), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Rgn-Acc/Rchg:50(48), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), Rgn-Knock%:50(50), Ann-ResDeb%:50(50) Level 49: Invisibility -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Gauntlet Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Clr-Stlth:50(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A) Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A) Level 2: Rest -- IntRdx-I:50(A) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 2: Swift -- Run-I:50(A) Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+:40(A), Pnc-Heal/+End:50(5) Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A) Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%:50(A) Level 0: Born In Battle Level 0: High Pain Threshold Level 0: Invader Level 0: Marshal Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany Level 50: Banished Pantheon Radial Superior Ally Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment ------------ ------------ Set Bonus Totals: 11% DamageBuff(Smashing) 11% DamageBuff(Lethal) 11% DamageBuff(Fire) 11% DamageBuff(Cold) 11% DamageBuff(Energy) 11% DamageBuff(Negative) 11% DamageBuff(Toxic) 11% DamageBuff(Psionic) 18.5% Defense(Smashing) 18.5% Defense(Lethal) 36% Defense(Fire) 36% Defense(Cold) 6% Defense(Energy) 6% Defense(Negative) 6% Defense(Psionic) 16% Defense(Melee) 6% Defense(Ranged) 24.75% Defense(AoE) 3.6% Max End 108.8% Enhancement(RechargeTime) 54% Enhancement(Accuracy) 3.75% Enhancement(Max EnduranceDiscount) 15% SpeedFlying GrantPower Preventive Medicine (10% chance, if Scourge) 147.6 HP (7.88%) HitPoints 15% JumpHeight 15% SpeedJumping MezResist(Confused) 70% MezResist(Held) 70% MezResist(Immobilized) 70% MezResist(Sleep) 70% MezResist(Stunned) 70% MezResist(Terrorized) 70% MezResist(Teleport) 100% (20% chance) 20% (0.33 End/sec) Recovery 26% (2.03 HP/sec) Regeneration 45% ResEffect(SpeedFlying) 45% ResEffect(RechargeTime) 45% ResEffect(SpeedRunning) 9% Resistance(Smashing) 9% Resistance(Lethal) 33% Resistance(Fire) 33% Resistance(Cold) 15% SpeedRunning | Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer to view the build | |-------------------------------------------------------------------| |MxDz;1589;748;1496;HEX;| |78DA6594594F135114C7EFB453A1A595B29452D6B680DD6CE9086ADC4250AC51698| |24BA2F1A58E32C248294D17238F7E03D7F0E2FAC80B2FE2F66022AEDF408D7E0017| |448DCF6A3DCCFFA46DECA4D3DFBDE79EFF59EEDC99E4C531FBD2814B2342B2EF4BA| |BF97CEAB89A99D172F5C962412DE87319B310A239A1E666F5CC9477349B5573FABA| |B98ECC1EB8A6C6B4735A26AFC512BA969B4F8D16736A17AF24B5B4A6C58EAA93BA1| |10B73619B989B4BC78E65356DD2610C13FAD47481E2DB8DD9B8A66669D2644C0E66| |2EE879FD8C9ED60BF3AEFD59FD6C6C6FAE58D052C9622AA9E60B94B09D2A19A4FB9| |995FE24BA45C9226ECA4228B230DD0237DC065BEF80DEBB60FF3D702920F822ED65| |D65E01EBAF82EDD740DF75D6DE005728AF84BC26292E19367908B40D83CFC9C7CCF| |1CD9FCDA8E90B68FF0AB6AF82BE6F60600D7C415A0BE20B8B9B06DDB27849B63AA3| |D992A56EDA843A7570E379B06306F4A5C1C02CB84CBD5AB9162B6B6DFF697B58DBC| |7DA306B5F91B0015A5303F76AE75E9DDC6B1F1D0D077C84E323747EB235A207A931| 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I've done it with three teams (seventeen to 24 people), and U'Kon Gr'ai spawned with the second bombing consistently. When I run it with four teams or more (25 people or more), he consistently spawns with the third bombing.

Yes, it’s a known bug since the launch of Homecoming unfortunately.

Before sunset, I had about a half dozen Electric Armor Brutes. It was my favorite melee armor power set in the game. However, I also really like Fly. The two really don’t get along that well thanks to Grounded only providing knockback protection while... on the ground. Before sunset, I worked around this by using three knockback protection IOs on each Electric Armor Brute. While on the ground, my Electric Armor Brutes had something like 26 points of knockback protection. However, on Homecoming, I have yet to make any toon with Electric Armor as I just can’t bring myself around to try to work around Grounded again. I understand that it is thematic, but I don’t know of any other melee armor power set that limits mez protection to certain travel powers. I realize that this is a long shot, but I suggest removing the travel power restrictions from Grounded.

My Fire/Rad Tanker can clear the asteroid map in just under five minutes, so as far as I am concerned Tankers and Brutes are equally as good for farming. Just they take slightly different paths to get there.

Great guide! Just a few things. One, two bombs spawn U'Kon Gr'ai if your league is under 25 players, and three bombs spawn him if your league has 25 or more players. The fourth, fifth, and sixth bombs are just for the badge. As for the timer itself: Destroying all the pylons gives you ten minutes aboard the mothership. Planting the first bomb adds three minutes, (13 minutes total). If your league is under 25 players, planting a second bomb spawns U'Kon Gr'ai, adding an additional ten minutes, (23 minutes total). If your league is 25 or more players, planting a second bomb adds three minutes, (16 minutes total). If your league is 25 or more players, planting a third bomb spawns U'Kon Gr'ai, adding an additional ten minutes, (26 minutes total). Defeating U'Kon Gr'ai adds an additional five minutes to the timer, (28 or 31 minutes total). Then, because of server lag, you get an additional twenty seconds to a minute of time. So possibly up to 32 minutes of time in the bowl with a league of 25 or more players. Thirdly, your guide is only in regards to zone MSRs. There are quite a few differences with instanced MSR trials. If you're curious: 1. Everyone in the league must be level 35+ and have the Member of Vanguard badge. 2. All of the mobs, including the Pylons, are level 54, so it's slightly more difficult than the zone MSR. 3. When the instance starts, everyone is at the Point du Hoc Vanguard compound. There are a couple of hospital beds there, where players can resurrect if necessary. 4. Destroying the first Pylon will spawn a Drop Ship, guaranteed. In this case, that would be Pylon 11 since we start off at the Point du Hoc Vanguard compound. 5. Since it's an instance, everyone gets rewards, including pullers. You could literally be on the other side of the map from everyone else and still receive Vanguard reward merits and regular reward merits from kills made by the rest of the team. As such, I don't worry about the Incandescence Destiny at all. Instead, I ask everyone that has the Clarion Destiny to make sure that it is equipped beforehand. I usually lead MSRs on a Beam Rifle/Sonic Resonance Corruptor and I'm often the only one at the raid with any pre-Incarnate AoE mez protection, so I find the Clarion Destiny incredibly helpful, especially to cover the sleep hole. 6. When the timer runs out, there is no teleportation back to the Point du Hoc Vanguard compound. Instead, the Rikti retreat back inside of the mothership, leaving the players alone atop of the mothership. That's when I begin the drop ship hunt phase. I don't know if your guide is intended only for zone MSRs or not, but I thought I'd point that out just in case. In any case, your guide is very well written and helpful, and certainly the best I've seen in regards to MSRs.

No, but the timing (drops mysteriously substantially lowered a couple of months before the double INF while malefactored nerf, and then restored with the patch that nerfed double INF while malefactored), is... interesting.

The drop rate for salvage and recipes while AE farming dropped off a cliff with the February 18th patch. Coincidentally, the drop rate for salvage and recipes while AE farming was restored with the same patch that nerfed double INF while malefactored.

I farm for INF and drops to kit out my new characters with and to give away as prizes for the instanced MSR trials I run. I realize that marketeering is “better,” but I am an auditor IRL and spend all day in Microsoft Excel. I have absolutely no desire nor interest in that aspect of CoH.

The badge isn’t bugged, the Founders’ Falls Safeguard mission map is. IIRC, it has been since live.

Yes, but so does BAF farming and Lord knows that there is a ton of that. There is always at least one BAF farm running on Excelsior, if not two. But that is for salvage, not Incarnate threads. Even then, you still have to do something specifically for the Incarnate salvage, unlike veteran levels.

Not even a Gravity/Dark Controller with Dimensional Shift, Black Hole, and Wormhole, and wasn’t afraid to use them? 😛

Just FYI, over 500 changes and additions have now been made to the wiki, and it is just getting started.

Honestly, I am now convinced that veteran levels were a mistake. It worked for Resurgence due to the very small player base, but they do much more harm than good on a server the size of Homecoming. Veteran levels allow people to obtain Incarnate abilities too quickly and too easily, leading to a bunch of whining on the forums and Discord that “the game is too easy.” IMO, it would have been better for the health of the game for veteran levels to be removed, but it is too late for that.

Level 50 isn’t needed in the Miss Liberty TF. Reduce to level 49.

Welcome back to Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. Sounds like you want a Street Justice Scrapper.