Earth/Dark Build Advice

[BurningDezire]

Hello All,

Anyone have a good Earth/Dark controller build they can suggest? My main goal for this toon is to provide lots of crowd control in incarnate content. Things such as ITF and what not. I am not limited to Earth/Dark---I am considering any controller combination that meets my requirements of surviveability and superior crowd control in end game content. I selected Earth/Dark because earth seems to have lots of crowd control and dark has debuffs, buffs (heal, stealth, +recovery, +regen), and a second pet in addition to animated stone pet from earth powerset.

 

One concern I have right now is that some /Dark powers require the toon to be close to teammates and if teammates are in the middle of a mob, the toon needs to have enough def/resists to buff and fallback without face-planting.

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback/input!

[jlee8]

Why would you be concerned about getting too close to the mobs when they are too busy bouncing up and down from an earthquake, choking on volcanic gases or generally disoriented from stalagmites.

[Ironscarlet]

Earth/Dark  is a in-game cheat code imo.  

 

Don't wory about getting CC  it happened very few times while leveling because mobs are either lockdown by you or they cant hit you so the chances are very low. Once at max level all CC worries evaporate with the correct incarnates. The build I will place below is a good  cheat sheet on a proc monster Eath/Dark.  It will perma Hasten, Fade and Soul Absorption with powerboost up 1/2 of the time. Soft cap all def, hard cap S/L/Psi resistance and almost Neg. Recharge is at 172.5% without recharge proc going off then it will hits 272.5%. You can adjust proc differently depending on rotation and I still haven't perfected ATO slotting.  Eath dark can lockdown 2-3 groups of mobs while cap reg and recovery on your teammates.  Also giving 35.5% def effectively turning your whole team into Tanks. 

 

FYI Endgame build not leveling build (updated on 3/1/20) 

Spoiler

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.6.0.7
https://github.com/ImaginaryDevelopment/imaginary-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Controller
Primary Power Set: Earth Control
Secondary Power Set: Darkness Affinity
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Sorcery
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Primal Forces Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Fossilize -- Apc-Dam%(A), Dcm-Build%(5), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), Apc-Dmg/Rchg(9), Apc-Dmg(15)
Level 1: Twilight Grasp -- Heal-I(A), Acc-I(3), TchoftheN-%Dam(45), CldSns-%Dam(48)
Level 2: Tar Patch -- ImpSwf-Dam%(A), PcnoftheT--Rchg%(3)
Level 4: Stone Cages -- DblAct-Stun%(A), TraoftheH-Dam%(5), GrvAnc-Hold%(15), PstBls-Dam%(42), JvlVll-Dam%(42)
Level 6: Darkest Night -- DarWtcDsp-Slow%(A)
Level 8: Quicksand -- ImpSwf-Dam%(A), PcnoftheT--Rchg%(9)
Level 10: Howling Twilight -- ImpSwf-Dam%(A), JvlVll-Dam%(11), PstBls-Dam%(11), Ann-ResDeb%(13)
Level 12: Stalagmites -- JvlVll-Dam%(A), PstBls-Dam%(13), SprOvrPrs-Rchg/Energy Font(43)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 16: Shadow Fall -- LucoftheG-Def(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(17), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(17), UnbGrd-ResDam(19), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(19), UnbGrd-Max HP%(21)
Level 18: Earthquake -- TchofLadG-%Dam(A), AchHee-ResDeb%(34), ExpStr-Dam%(34), FrcFdb-Rechg%(36)
Level 20: Fade -- ShlWal-Def(A), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(21), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(23), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(23), ResDam-I(25), ResDam-I(25)
Level 22: Spirit Ward -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(42)
Level 24: Mystic Flight -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 26: Rune of Protection -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), GldArm-Res/Rech/End(27), GldArm-RechRes(27), GldArm-RechEnd(29), GldArm-ResDam(29)
Level 28: Volcanic Gasses -- UnbCns-Dam%(A), PstBls-Dam%(31), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(31), SprWiloft-Rchg/Dmg%(33), NrnSht-Dam%(33), Ann-ResDeb%(33)
Level 30: Soul Absorption -- CldSns-%Dam(A), EnrMnp-Stun%(31), Heal-I(34), Heal-I(45), EndMod-I(46), EndMod-I(50)
Level 32: Animate Stone -- SlbAll-Build%(A), ExpStr-Dam%(37), EdcoftheM-PetDef(37), SlbAll-Dmg(37), SlbAll-Dmg/EndRdx(40), SlbAll-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43)
Level 35: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(36), LucoftheG-Def(36)
Level 38: Dark Servant -- TchoftheN-%Dam(A), CldSns-%Dam(39), GldNet-Dam%(39), NrnSht-Dam%(39), TraoftheH-Dam%(40), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(40)
Level 41: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 44: Temp Invulnerability -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), Ags-Psi/Status(45), StdPrt-ResKB(46), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(48)
Level 47: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Tactics -- ToHit-I(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment 
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Run-I(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 -- RgnTss-Regen+(A), Pnc-Heal/+End(46), Prv-Absorb%(50), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(50)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 50: Ageless Radial Epiphany 
Level 50: Spiritual Core Paragon 
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 0: Task Force Commander 
Level 0: Portal Jockey 
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 50: Melee Core Embodiment 
------------

 

 

 

 

PS: The extra stun in Soul Absorption is a cherry on top of the Stalagmite + Howling Twilight (aoe combo stun)

Edited March 1, 2020 by Ironscarlet

[Ironscarlet]

 

 

[Celestia]

Got my earth/dark up to 27 tonight, and you are not lying. These two sets meld together to create a fun and useful toolkit. Can't wait to get her to 50.

[Doomguide2005]

Big fan of Earth and Dark although I've oddly enough never paired them.  But yes please!  Soon as I get a functional computer I'm thinking this and about 40 other builds (sheesh got to love chronic altitis) need creation.

[r0y]

I love my Earth/Dark – two of my favorite sets!  That said, please do not expect to do lots of damage with this combo, but do expect to control everything.  You will make large teams on +4/x8 really shine by flooring defenses, locking in place, stuns, holds, debuffs and heals.  Do not make the mistake a lot of Darkness Affinity users do and treat Howling Twilight as just an AoE Rez, it's a bread-and-butter power.

 

Besides, hearing Stone Cages and Howling Twilight... some of the greatest power sounds in the game!  Your team will KNOW you are there and in CONTROL!  (stack HT with Stalagmites for AoE Boss-Stunning).  Open with Stone Cages, stun(s), then debuffs.  Alternate between Earthquake and Volcanic Gasses; quicksand or tarpatch if needed.  That way, ½ the stuff is in one mob, ½ is for the next, and you'll always have things up.  PooMan is not much, but he is a ghetto tank, Dark Servant is much better as an additional debuffer/healer... I build for high defenses, because I'm usually the one jumping in and end up taking the alpha.  On iTrial or +4 stuff, without incarnate slots, eat a single purple... or have break-free's at the ready (typical squishy stuff).

 

Here is my current build (not going over-board with infamy / merits):

 

Spoiler

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.6.0.7
https://github.com/ImaginaryDevelopment/imaginary-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Rockin Roy-HC: Level 50 Natural Controller
Primary Power Set: Earth Control
Secondary Power Set: Darkness Affinity
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Fossilize

• (A) Basilisk's Gaze - Accuracy/Hold
• (5) Basilisk's Gaze - Endurance/Recharge/Hold
• (25) Basilisk's Gaze - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge/Hold
• (34) Basilisk's Gaze - Recharge/Hold

Level 1: Twilight Grasp

• (A) Touch of the Nictus - Accuracy/Healing/Absorb
• (5) Touch of the Nictus - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
• (9) Miracle - Heal/Endurance
• (37) Miracle - Heal/Recharge
• (43) Miracle - Heal/Endurance/Recharge

Level 2: Stone Cages

• (A) Annihilation - Accuracy/Damage
• (3) Annihilation - Damage/RechargeTime
• (3) Annihilation - Accuracy/Damage/RechargeTime
• (19) Annihilation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance
• (25) Annihilation - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime
• (45) Annihilation - Chance for Res Debuff

Level 4: Tar Patch

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO
• (9) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 6: Combat Jumping

• (A) Reactive Defenses - Scaling Resist Damage
• (34) Karma - Knockback Protection
• (36) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 8: Quicksand

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 10: Howling Twilight

• (A) Absolute Amazement - Stun/Recharge
• (11) Absolute Amazement - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
• (11) Absolute Amazement - Accuracy/Recharge
• (15) Absolute Amazement - Endurance/Stun
• (37) Absolute Amazement - Chance for ToHit Debuff

Level 12: Stalagmites

• (A) Stupefy - Accuracy/Recharge
• (13) Stupefy - Endurance/Stun
• (13) Stupefy - Accuracy/Endurance
• (15) Stupefy - Stun/Range
• (37) Stupefy - Accuracy/Stun/Recharge
• (46) Stupefy - Chance of Knockback

Level 14: Super Jump

• (A) Winter's Gift - Slow Resistance (20%)
• (34) Blessing of the Zephyr - Knockback Reduction (4 points)

Level 16: Shadow Fall

• (A) Reactive Defenses - Defense/Endurance
• (17) Reactive Defenses - Defense/Endurance/RechargeTime
• (17) Reactive Defenses - Defense
• (31) Aegis - Resistance/Endurance
• (40) Aegis - Resistance
• (43) Aegis - Psionic/Status Resistance

Level 18: Earthquake

• (A) Dark Watcher's Despair - Recharge/Endurance
• (19) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge

Level 20: Fade

• (A) Reactive Defenses - Defense/RechargeTime
• (21) Reactive Defenses - Defense/Endurance/RechargeTime
• (21) Reactive Defenses - Defense
• (40) Unbreakable Guard - RechargeTime/Resistance
• (40) Unbreakable Guard - Resistance/Endurance/RechargeTime
• (42) Unbreakable Guard - +Max HP

Level 22: Hasten

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO
• (23) Recharge Reduction IO

Level 24: Boxing

• (A) Empty

Level 26: Volcanic Gasses

• (A) Basilisk's Gaze - Accuracy/Recharge
• (27) Basilisk's Gaze - Recharge/Hold
• (27) Basilisk's Gaze - Endurance/Recharge/Hold
• (48) Basilisk's Gaze - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge/Hold
• (48) Lockdown - Accuracy/Recharge
• (50) Lockdown - Chance for +2 Mag Hold

Level 28: Soul Absorption

• (A) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/ToHitDebuff
• (29) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/Recharge
• (29) Cloud Senses - ToHit Debuff/Endurance/Recharge
• (43) Cloud Senses - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge
• (46) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge
• (46) Dark Watcher's Despair - Recharge/Endurance

Level 30: Tough

• (A) Gladiator's Armor - End/Resist
• (31) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All)
• (31) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%

Level 32: Animate Stone

• (A) Call to Arms - Accuracy/Recharge
• (33) Call to Arms - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge
• (33) Call to Arms - Endurance/Damage/Recharge
• (33) Call to Arms - Damage/Endurance

Level 35: Weave

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
• (36) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
• (36) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 38: Dark Servant

• (A) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge
• (39) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Recharge/Endurance
• (39) Dark Watcher's Despair - Recharge/Endurance
• (39) Dark Watcher's Despair - To Hit Debuff/Endurance

Level 41: Scorpion Shield

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
• (42) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
• (42) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 44: Maneuvers

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance
• (45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance/Recharge
• (45) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 47: Tactics

• (A) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff
• (48) Adjusted Targeting - Endurance/Recharge
• (50) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance
• (50) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance/Recharge

Level 49: Vengeance

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 1: Brawl

• (A) Empty

Level 1: Containment

Level 1: Prestige Power Dash

 

 

Edited March 24, 2020 by r0y