Crab soldier leveling builds?

[ParaBruce]

I kept seeing mentions of such things in the archives, but never the builds themselves. Anyone have clues I need?

 

[Scientist]

This comment assumes you want a ranged AoE specialist Crab, which is something they are very good at.  In an IOed out end game Crab build, you have a pretty complete AoE damage chain with Suppression, Venom Grenade, Bile Spray and Arctic Breath.  The problem is that the last two are Patron powers and come very late, so that is a lot of levels with only 2 AoEs.  Also, since you have good ranged defense, you want to keep foes at range, and the AoE immobilize School of Sharks, which you need to take to unlock Bile and Arctic, also comes late.

 

Therefore, my suggestion is to retain Wide Area Web Grenade and Heavy Burst for an AoE Immob and additional AoE respectively until you can get to and slot those Patron powers in the upper 40s.  If you exemp a lot, it could even be worth having an alternate build with those at lower levels.  Also note that as easy as it is to get attuned enhancements in this version of the game, you can start slotting things with IOs even while leveling, you don't have to wait till near 50. 

 

Otherwise, leveling can also be a good time to experiment with powers you aren't sure of and see how you like them.  Maybe you love the Crab pets, maybe you hate them, maybe you just think they are useless, you can decide before you invest in IOs for a final build. 

[Prototelis]

Venom grenade, heavy burst, and grenade make most low level things dead.