100% Ranged Builds

[Sir Myshkin]

37 minutes ago, Bopper said:

What about it wasn't fun? 

The particular nature of that build, for me, just didn't sit well. Barely half of the maps in the game even get to play to the build's strength of being so far out. In open maps with greater ceiling space, it just becomes a "fish in a barrel" scenario where the mobs try and path up to you and fail, and you just clean sweep them because they can't even come close to contending with you having double the reach any of them do. Given that, putting a ton of focus in defense bonuses wasn't really worth it when I could just use Power Boost on auto to (closely) perma all my enhanced effects (including S/L softcap).

 

In the end I rolled Elec/Nrg for other thematic reasons and by the time I hit 50 I realized that those extra abilities were really just collecting dust in my tray because they were so sporadically used for lack of convenience and/or it generally not mattering due to map limitations. If Power Boost had a 30/s duration then I might reconsider it (and honestly I feel like, for Blasters as a main-set non-epic utility, it should be), and make Boost Range an auto ability. It can so easily be made perma plus some that it just seems silly to have an intentional click that'd be more convenient (and reasonably attribute thematically) to the secondary as an auto effect.

 

This is the Elec/Nrg:

Spoiler

Hero Plan by Hero Hero Designer 2.23
https://github.com/ImaginaryDevelopment/imaginary-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Blaster
Primary Power Set: Electrical Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Lightning Bolt -- SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg(31), SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(31), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(46)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(46), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(48), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 2: Energy Punch -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(5), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Mk'Bit-Dam%(7), Hct-Dam%(7)
Level 4: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A), GssSynFr--Build%(19)
Level 6: Ball Lightning -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), PstBls-Dam%(9), JvlVll-Dam%(11), Ann-ResDeb%(11), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(17)
Level 8: Short Circuit -- SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBrr-Dmg/Rchg(13), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), SprDfnBrr-Rchg/+Status Protect(17)
Level 10: Bone Smasher -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(43), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(45), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(45), TchofDth-Dam%(46)
Level 12: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 14: Zapp -- Apc-Dmg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Apc-Acc/Rchg(33), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Apc-Dam%(34), StnoftheM-Dam%(34)
Level 16: Energize -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(19), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(21), Prv-Heal/Rchg(21), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(23), Prv-Absorb%(23)
Level 18: Tesla Cage -- BslGaz-Acc/Hold(A), BslGaz-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(50), BslGaz-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(50), BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(50)
Level 20: Kick -- Acc-I(A)
Level 22: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(25), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(25), RctArm-ResDam(31), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(40), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(40)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(27), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(27), LucoftheG-Def(40), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(43)
Level 26: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(29), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(29)
Level 28: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 30: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A)
Level 32: Thunderous Blast -- SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(34), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SprBlsWrt-Rchg/Dmg%(39)
Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- Rct-Def(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(36), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(36), Rct-Def/Rchg(36), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Rct-ResDam%(37)
Level 38: Super Speed -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 41: Summon Spiderlings -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg(42), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(42)
Level 44: Hover -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)
Level 47: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Afterburner -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(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 -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(3)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon
------------

 

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Trade out Assault and Super Speed for Boost Range and Power Boost, ends up being a quasi-ranged-melee Blapper. Deliver Thunderous Blast at 120' out? Sure thing. I mostly IO'd the character, played into a few vet levels and got its Alpha slotted, but I don't know how much I'll really return to it. I ended up deciding to roll an Ice/Atomic after the fact and I'm liking that much better. I have a really solid arsenal of stuff that I can deliver at Range, have the appropriate defenses without sacrificing, have an assortment of (pretty strong) control, and decent Melee that I don't feel too concerned if things get close.

[Bopper]

15 hours ago, Sir Myshkin said:

I ended up deciding to roll an Ice/Atomic after the fact and I'm liking that much better

The reasons you mentioned for Dark/Nrg are what I figured would be mentioned. The deep range is cool when you get to use it. Oddly enough, the other combo I was considering is an Ice/Atomic. The AoE hold combined with the Ice holds seemed like an interesting Blaster/Controller mix. I always enjoyed playing as a hybrid so I might check it out. I'm glad to hear you like it

[Sir Myshkin]

4 hours ago, Bopper said:

The reasons you mentioned for Dark/Nrg are what I figured would be mentioned. The deep range is cool when you get to use it. Oddly enough, the other combo I was considering is an Ice/Atomic. The AoE hold combined with the Ice holds seemed like an interesting Blaster/Controller mix. I always enjoyed playing as a hybrid so I might check it out. I'm glad to hear you like it

I'm still working out the kinks on endurance at the moment, but it has been a very intriguing ride up to 50, and a blast now that I've completed his build (mostly, haven't bought the 33 converters to purple and attune ATOs and WOs). From a numbers stand point I expected it to balance out a bit better, but I'm still crashing through end with how quick I'm burning through AoE's and ST's that have naturally high end costs against their short animation times. Thinking I might need to pack Victory Rush to help fix that as I'm really trying to avoid Ageless to bandaid the problem.

 

I didn't take Bitter Freeze Ray due to its long cast, and have just been stacking Freeze Ray and Positron Cell, and then running around with Radioactive Cloud with Lockdown +2 and a couple of procs in it. Mid's doesn't reflect accuracy for the ability, but it does perform an to-hit check for hit/miss, so keep that in mind if you weren't aware (I felt compelled to double check).

 

If you're interested for comparison's sake:

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 Blaster
Primary Power Set: Ice Blast
Secondary Power Set: Atomic Manipulation
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Leaping
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Ice Blast -- SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(25), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg(25), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(42), ImpSwf-Dam%(42)
Level 1: Electron Shackles -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A)
Level 2: Negatron Slam -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(5), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(5), Empty(7)
Level 4: Super Speed -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 6: Boxing -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(13), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(48)
Level 8: Freeze Ray -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), GldJvl-Dam%(9), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(11), UnbCns-Dam%(11), GldNet-Dam%(13)
Level 10: Ionize -- RechRdx-I(A), GssSynFr--Build%(45)
Level 12: Ice Storm -- SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(29), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), SprBlsWrt-Rchg/Dmg%(31), SprFrzBls-Rchg/ImmobProc(31)
Level 14: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), HO:Cyto(15), HO:Cyto(15)
Level 16: Beta Decay -- EndRdx-I(A), AchHee-ResDeb%(17)
Level 18: Bitter Ice Blast -- Apc-Dmg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), Apc-Acc/Rchg(19), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(21), Apc-Dam%(21), CldSns-%Dam(23)
Level 20: Metabolic Acceleration -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(34), EndMod-I(37)
Level 22: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(23), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(37), RctArm-ResDam(48), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(50), RctArm-EndRdx(50)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(27), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(43), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(43), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(48)
Level 26: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27)
Level 28: Atom Smasher -- Erd-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), Erd-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), Erd-%Dam(39), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Arm-Dam%(40), Obl-%Dam(40)
Level 30: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A), RctRtc-ToHit(42), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(43)
Level 32: Blizzard -- SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBrr-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprDfnBrr-Rchg/+Status Protect(34)
Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(36), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Rct-Def/EndRdx(36), Rct-ResDam%(37)
Level 38: Positron Cell -- BslGaz-Acc/Hold(A), BslGaz-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(45), BslGaz-EndRdx/Rchg/Hold(45), BslGaz-Acc/Rchg(46)
Level 41: Radioactive Cloud -- NrnSht-Dam%(A), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(46), Lck-%Hold(46)
Level 44: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50)
Level 47: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 49: Victory Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance
Level 1: Quick Form
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(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), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(7)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A)
------------

 

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Empty slot in Negatron is a -Res Achilles Heel, the set is missing from Reborn, but is slottable in-game.

[Snarky]

I am currently rolling on a Dark/Dark.  If you like cones it is very nice.  Planning on Soul Epic.  I zip into a mob when it is safe to grab huge buffs.  If I hit enough enemies on Soul Drain I can jump out to 20 feet, turn around and cone kill everyone. Done.  It is definitely a planned maneuver, works well in low 30s.  Will be adding Blackstar soon.   So, aim, Soul Drain, Blackstar.  Not sure on most mobs that I will need to hop anywhere.  Suspecting they will have departed. After Nuking the area (and later using Judgement if the Nuke alone wasn't enough) I can start being ranged again without moving, and still having soul drain power for a while.  That is the plan on paper anyways  

[MaHaBone]

My Fire/MA is almost entirely ranged- the only exception is using Burst of Speed to zip into melee, nuke, and then Burst of Speed out again. She does STUPID amounts of damage >:-D

[EyeLuvBooks]

My Ice/Ice/Ice Blaster feels like a Controller with more damage and no AoE Immob lol. I have THREE Holds (one Melee, for emergencies), tons of AoE damage, lots of ways to slow or knock down foes. It's insanely fun to be able to Hold a Boss with a Blaster.

[Heraclea]

On 3/19/2020 at 12:58 PM, EyeLuvBooks said:

My Ice/Ice/Ice Blaster feels like a Controller with more damage and no AoE Immob lol. I have THREE Holds (one Melee, for emergencies), tons of AoE damage, lots of ways to slow or knock down foes. It's insanely fun to be able to Hold a Boss with a Blaster.

I am levelling an Ice/Plants blaster that is also very controllery. I have not taken any melee attacks on the character.  There are a couple in the secondary; skipped them in favor of early Hasten, Invisibility, Recall.  At level 32 she has three holds (all ranged), just about everything roots or slows mobs, and there are just so many options to stay out of melee that I felt no need for any. 

Edited March 22, 2020 by Heraclea