Camel

Love seeing all the /EM Tanks! Haven’t played the game in two months and can’t wait to make another /EM Tank with the changes coming soon and to dust off my Fire/EM. Cheers!

Wait a minute... that’s exactly the size of font and format I used. Huh. 😂

Glad you enjoyed my Fire/Dark Controller! I consider that Controller one of my most powerful builds. He’s always the first into the fray so I can set up my goodies for the team, he’s almost more of a Tank than my Tanks!

Logged back into the forums, happy to see a shout out of sorts! 😂 I’ve been working the fires in the Pacific Northwest and haven’t had time to log in for over two months now! Missing the community... and my Tanks! Hope you are well, @Sovera! Been theory crafting more Fire Tanks for the future while out in the field. I find it ironic since I’m working forest fires. Thought maybe making a Water/Nature Blaster would be thematic, too! 😂

It’s expensive, definitely. I haven’t played in two months as I’ve been working the fires in California, Washington, Oregon, etc. It isn’t a cheap build, but it also isn’t the most expensive. With a combination of merits and inf... expect to spend about 200-300 mill. More so if you don’t use any type of merits for the expensive IOs.

I would re-roll into a Tank, definitely. Energy Melee feels less clunky since your base damage is higher right off the bat as a Tank. You can aggro and damage more targets, you're tougher, etc.

Getting both at some point wouldn't be a bad idea. Cardiac is more self-contained. I never have to worry about endurance. But Musculature would be great in its own right, potentially making some 3 hit KOs a 2 hit KO. edit: I would take Cardiac first, especially if you do not have all the accolades. The extra toughness isn't anything to scoff at, and it will shore up almost all of your endurance woes, full IO build or not. Once you get the build mostly slotted or get the accolades, then I would consider using Musculature and then having the option to switch depending on your needs.

It doesn't have the highest DPS, but I have yet to see any of my Tanks hit as hard as this guy. Fire/Energy is still my favorite DPS Tank, second is my Fire/Psi which is better overall, but isn't quite as bursty as Energy Melee.

I haven't tested this build yet.. But this is my current version of how I think I would slot a Gravity/Dark Controller. I have a lot of time on my Fire/Dark Controller, I think you'd really enjoy this build! Everything you want perma, is perma. Hasten, Fade, Soul Absorption. I went Soul Mastery for Soul Drain, this will make Gravity hit some pretty respectable damage numbers once containment is set up and you get the extra damage from Gravity Distortion. 45%+ Defense to all positions, good resists.. Tank for sure. Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.7.2.10 https://github.com/Crytilis/mids-reborn-hero-designer Click this DataLink to open the build! Level 50 Science Controller Primary Power Set: Gravity Control Secondary Power Set: Darkness Affinity Power Pool: Speed Power Pool: Leaping Power Pool: Fighting Power Pool: Leadership Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery Hero Profile: Level 1: Lift -- Apc-Dmg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), Apc-Acc/Rchg(11), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(11), Apc-Dam%(13) Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(A), TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(13), TchoftheN-Heal(15) Level 2: Gravity Distortion -- SprWiloft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear(A), SprWiloft-Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/Rchg(5), SprWiloft-EndRdx/Rchg(5), SprWiloft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx(7), SprWiloft-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx/Rchg(7), SprWiloft-Rchg/Dmg%(9) Level 4: Tar Patch -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 6: Propel -- Dvs-Acc/Dmg(A), Dvs-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), Dvs-Dmg/EndRdx(43) Level 8: Crushing Field -- SprOvrPrs-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear(A), SprOvrPrs-Acc/Conf/Hold/Immob/Sleep/Stun/Fear/EndRdx(42), SprOvrPrs-Rchg/Energy Font(43) Level 10: Howling Twilight -- RechRdx-I(A) Level 12: Darkest Night -- HO:Enzym(A) Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15) Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(17), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(17), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(27) Level 18: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(19), Rct-ResDam%(19) Level 20: Fade -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(21), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(21), Ags-ResDam(23), Ags-ResDam/Rchg(23), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(25) Level 22: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-Travel(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(25), BlsoftheZ-ResKB(27) Level 24: Boxing -- Empty(A) Level 26: Wormhole -- AbsAmz-Stun/Rchg(A), AbsAmz-Acc/Stun/Rchg(37), AbsAmz-Acc/Rchg(40), AbsAmz-EndRdx/Stun(46), AbsAmz-ToHitDeb%(46), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(46) Level 28: Soul Absorption -- NmnCnv-Heal(A), NmnCnv-Heal/Rchg(31), NmnCnv-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(33), EffAdp-EndMod(33), EffAdp-EndMod/Rchg(33) Level 30: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A) Level 32: Singularity -- SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg(A), SvrRgh-Dmg/EndRdx(34), SvrRgh-Acc/EndRdx(34), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), SvrRgh-Acc(37), SvrRgh-PetResDam(37) Level 35: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(36), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36) Level 38: Dark Servant -- GldNet-Acc/Hold(A), GldNet-Acc/Rchg(39), GldNet-Rchg/Hold(39), GldNet-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(39), GldNet-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(40), GldNet-Dam%(40) Level 41: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42) Level 44: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(45), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(45), UnbGrd-Max HP%(45) Level 47: Soul Drain -- Arm-Dmg/Rchg(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Arm-Acc/Rchg(48), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(34), Arm-Dam%(48) Level 49: Dark Obliteration -- Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(A), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(50), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(50), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Rgn-Knock%(50) Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A) Level 1: Containment Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Qck-EndRdx/RunSpd(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A) Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A) Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A) Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A) Level 4: Ninja Run Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A) Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Prv-Absorb%(29), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(29), Mrc-Rcvry+(31) Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A) Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-EndMod/Rchg(3), PrfShf-End%(3) Level 50: Agility Core Paragon Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve Level 0: Portal Jockey Level 0: Task Force Commander Level 0: The Atlas Medallion Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface Level 50: Clarion Radial Epiphany Level 50: Control Core Embodiment ------------

I’m pretty sure it would work solo too, especially at +2x8. The Nemesis encounter I mentioned was practically solo even though I was on a full team. I was downing Fake Nems and almost all of the Lts. and minions before my team could catch up to me. One thing I’ve noticed is that your AoE attack chain will likely kill all the other mobs as you cycle through your ST attack chain. Heck, a fully self-buffed Burn and Whirling Hands is enough to do at least 1/3 -> 1/2 of some bosses health at +2. We could always team on Excelsior if you want to check out the performance. Not sure how far you are into your build.

I would say to hell with Energy Punch, but that’s just me. I can’t throw any fancy numbers at you. But I can tell you that it would take so many Energy Punches to even come close to the damage ET+TF can dish out. It might take 6 seconds between the two.. but who cares when you’re 2 shooting bosses! 😎 This gets even whackier on teams. I’ve had ET hit for over 3k before and TF for 2.5ishk. That’s almost 1000 DPS when you do the math. My gut tells me you’ll notice better performance not using attacks like Barrage and Energy Punch. But that’s just my experience on my Fire/EM. My attack chain is Burn -> Energy Transfer -> Total Focus -> Bonesmasher, then repeat. If I have a Speed Boost I can seamlessly run that attack chain, but - Bonesmasher. Just last night I was tanking for a level 46ish team, we were fighting Nemesis. We had zero buffs, it was 6 Blasters, myself and a Scrapper. +2/+3Mob encounters looked like this: I’d taunt one mob into another, target a Fake Nemesis then pop Build Up and Fiery Embrace, some red inspirations if I have them, Energy Transfer Fake Nem, Burn, Total Focus Fake Nem (which dies at this point) then I drop Whirling Hands and the entire mob is down except maybe another boss or Lt. If it’s a boss, Energy Transfer and one more Total Focus is usually enough. I guess what I’m trying to say is, Energy Melee almost feels like it doesn’t give a damn about DPA. I’ve tried a fast attack chain with high DPA attacks on bosses before. It took a lot longer than just popping double Build Up and slapping them silly with ET and TF. But maybe, maybe I’m more delusional than I think 😅

Go Rad for AoE, or go Bio for better burst damage. Bio add extra toxic damage to your attacks, as you know. But it’s based off of the initial base damage of your attacks. Since EM has both Energy Transfer and Total Focus, you’ll really enjoy the bonus toxic damage.

So I have a EM/Dark Brute that was meh, feeling. Still fun, but not my cup of tea. However, my Fire/EM Tank... I fell in love with it. Most people stay away from EM, the majority of players think it is trash. And they aren't "totally" wrong. EM just requires a different playstyle, you have to be very aggressive with how quickly you engage mobs and which mob you are engaging. EM is a boss killer, and you should always have a boss targeted so you don't whiff with Energy Transfer and Total Focus. I personally could care less when I do whiff, others go insane. Dark/EM would be a good pairing defensively, you could stack so much stun, it would be hilarious. I prefer to pair EM with more offensive primaries so I can capitalize on increasing the burst damage from ET and TF. My Fire/EM Tank can 2 shot practically any boss at even level, and can even 2 shot some bosses all the way to +2. This is with Fiery Embrace though, which is stupid good for EM. Sometimes the extra fire damage that ET and TF get is over 300. One tip I might add is making room for the Guassian's build up proc in your own Build Up power, it helps a lot with getting those high burst numbers. Long story short.. If you build it right and play it right.. You'd probably enjoy it. Is it top tier? Nah. But it's one of my favorite melee sets of all time. Most of my enjoyment comes from slapping mobs with ET and TF, it's just so satisfying. One of my favorite things to do is to do a little crow hop right before I activate TF, that way I can be jumping in mid-air, to another mob while Total Focus animates... It looks so cool lol and it can set you right in the heart of the next mob you need to aggro.

That was me! I remember that pretty clearly. I was solo pulling 12ish Monsters and noticed a fledgling Invuln Tank joining in on the action as we marched up the streets towards Portal Corp. The name of the Tank I made this guide about is named Retro DPS, a total Scrapper name if ever there was one. This particular pull was special to me because of that, people kept sending me tells like I was crazy, then we all formed a league in a matter of what felt like seconds once we got them to the Portal Corp courtyard. What a blast. Cheers!🍻

1. Energy Melee is love. Energy Melee is life. Energy Melee is mediocre. 2. Keep wondering. 3. Yes. It's honestly not a great set when you consider all the other options. The only thing it has going for it is the insane amount of burst damage you can dish out, which a few other sets sets can also do. That being said, I wouldn't knock it entirely. My experience on my Fire/EM Tank was great, @Sovera even linked my "guide" in their comment. Even with EM as my secondary I felt like I was obliterating all the TF Commander TFs. It was a blast. I've mentioned it before, but pairing EM with any primary that can boost damage and shore up your lack of AoE is a great option. Bio, Shield and Fire would be my top 3 picks for a primary with Dark, Radiation and Ice being less appealing but still a good pairing.

I have awakened! 😆

Yes. 😎

My Fire/EM Tank is a blast to play. Burn helps EM out in the AoE department, and Fiery Embrace makes Energy Transfer and Total Focus deal tons of bonus damage. I would definitely recommend it. Bio would be good too.

Theme definitely played a part in it. The Mu resistance shield would be pretty decent though, I’d even say it would be generally better across the board. Energy damage is more prevalent. I just really enjoy the Fire epic, but also wanted to keep the theme of being a demon.

When I first made this on the live servers I tried Soul. I enjoyed it, definitely. But I feel Fire does just as good of a job with one less power pick. Fireball does some respectable damage on its own. Glad you’re enjoying the combo!

While this is true, I've found that building for positional defenses is a lot more beneficial now. Fade no longer receives +special, so you need to purposefully build for 45% defense to Melee, Ranged and AoE. It's not easy, but you can get perma-hasten, Fade and Soul Absorption while also having 45% defense to all positions.

I would definitely skip the T1 blast and Bitter Freeze Ray. BFR takes an eternity to cast, you could almost cast all 3 of your other attacks in the time it takes to cast BFR. As far as the hold in Time, I would probably just slot a 4 piece of Basilisks Gaze and call it a day, and only use it to stack holds on something like an AV.

Well, as a Blaster, your need for procs is less desirable. So for most instances you want to max out your ED values for damage. My opinion is that Bitter Freeze Ray is bad. Freeze Ray is good though! It was buffed to do some serious damage since Ice Blast doesn’t have a snipe. I’ve always slotted it with the Apocalypse set and the Unbreakable Constraint proc. Bitter Ice Blast is a good place for the Blaster ATO set that has the proc (forget the name) and The T2 blast is a good place for Devastation IOs, 4 slot it with the hold proc, and throw in 2 more damage procs and it’s good to go. Typical attack chain is T2 blast, Freeze Ray and Bitter Ice Blast. Easy to cycle with some recharge.

His auto-power does minimal damage. You will hardly notice Dark Servant having procs or not, especially in content where you are teaming. A general rule of thumb is, as long as the set you are throwing in there offers good set bonuses, it's hard to go wrong. My personal opinion is that Hold, Heal and -To-Hit sets are far superior than anything else. But again, unless solo, you will hardly notice whichever set you put in it. My Fire/Dark rolls through content at +4x8 so quickly, Dark Servant rarely play a pivotal roll.

So I have mixed feelings about it. In the past, I slotted a 4 piece of Basilisk's Gaze for the recharge. But recently, literally every single one of my /Dark Affinity builds is rocking a 6 piece of Gladiator's Net. Not only does it offer a 7.5% recharge bonus, bit it also offers a AoE defense bonus. Which, recently, I've found to be a huge reason that all of my /Dark Affinity builds are able to reach 45%+ defense to all positions (Melee, Ranged, AoE), which is hard to do now since Fade no longer receives defense buffs from powers like Powerboost or Ageless.