Dark/Dark Builds?

[Dazl]

Looking for some advise and suggestions on a dark/dark build for my stalker Shadowspawn.

[Icono04]

Is that a Thieves' World reference? Please be a Thieves' World reference!

[Draugrok]

This is the build I made:

 

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!

Alice Nachtleer: Level 50 Mutation Stalker
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- TchofDth-Dam%(A), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg(17), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx(19), TchofDth-Dmg/Rchg(19), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(29)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(7), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7)
Level 4: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(13), UnbGrd-ResDam(15), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(15), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(34), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(46)
Level 6: Assassin's Eclipse -- SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up(A), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg(9), SprAssMar-Dmg/Rchg(11), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), SprAssMar-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13)
Level 8: Murky Cloud -- Ags-Psi/Status(A), Ags-ResDam(21), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx(23), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(23), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(25), StdPrt-ResKB(50)
Level 10: Shadow Dweller -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(27)
Level 12: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)
Level 14: Super Jump -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel(25)
Level 16: Obsidian Shield -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(29), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(31), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(31), GldArm-3defTpProc(46)
Level 18: Siphon Life -- SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg(45), SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg(45), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 20: Dark Regeneration -- ThfofEss-+End%(A), ThfofEss-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(27), ThfofEss-Heal(39), ThfofEss-Heal/Rchg(39), ThfofEss-Acc/Heal(40), ThfofEss-Acc/EndRdx/Heal(48)
Level 22: Kick -- SuddAcc--KB/+KD(A)
Level 24: Tough -- Ags-ResDam(A), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx(40), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(40), Ags-EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 26: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(36), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(36), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg(37), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(43)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- SphIns-%ToHit(A), SphIns-ToHitDeb(37), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(37), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Hct-Dmg(33), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(33), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Hct-Acc/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 38: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 41: Soul Transfer -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 44: Superior Conditioning -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 47: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(50)
Level 49: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Assassination 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
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 -- Clr-Stlth(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+(3), Prv-Absorb%(46), Mrc-Rcvry+(48)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(3)
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Void Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Diamagnetic Radial Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany 
Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment 
------------

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[oldskool]

That's a really good build @Anmorata.  

I run less defense and resistance for more recharge as a matter of personal preference.  I'm very survivable as long as Dark Regeneration is available.  That's not so much a critic on the build but just a different perspective of experience.  As long as Dark Regen is available to heal you, it is very difficult to die with Dark Armor.  

My primary build leverages control options during some solo play through Touch of Fear, Cloak of Fear, and the backup Placate.  Is this necessary?  Not really, but it is fun to make a boss cower in fear as both Touch and Cloak stack.  Placate I take as a backup because I find I miss it if I skip it.  The Stalker's Guile proc turns Placate more into a nice to have utility vs a must have to leverage gameplay.  

With enough recharge and end recovery, especially through stacking Superior Conditioning & Physical Perfection, Ageless Radial becomes attractive mostly for its DDR protection.  I personally need neither the recharge nor the end benefits.  Barrier also works well for me since I'm neither softcapped or hardcapped in defense/resistance.  

One of these days, I will complete a Patron arc to unlock Soul Mastery.  I may create a second build to include Moonbeam for more damage and Shadowmeld for the pocket defense buff.  I enjoy my current build too much to dump it entirely. 

 

Edited April 17, 2020 by oldskool

[Draugrok]

Thanks @oldskool

 

Yeah, lots of personal flavor go into builds I always feel better then I have some important things capped before I go into incarnates.  It's likely I may not need Ageless with all of the +End I have in here, but I'll know the feel better when this one gets to 50 (almost there!).  If I don't need it, I'll probably go with either Rebirth or Barrier.

[Bionic_Flea]

Here's mine.  I made it recently for a fear concept - use the most fear powers and still be strong and viable.  I just hit 50 with it and I have to say that invoke panic and intimidate did let me handle bigger crowds than I could have without them.  But, after level 35 or so I wasn't using the presence pool much if at all.  I am thinking of respecing out of Presence Pool and Water Spout for super-speed, moonbeam, and Shadow Meld for taking big alphas and muling another LoTG.  Maybe . . . I like the spout!

 

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!

Phobic Flea Stalker: Level 50 Magic Stalker
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Dark Armor
Power Pool: Presence
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Ancillary Pool: Leviathan Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(19), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(21), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(21), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(33)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(29), Rct-ResDam%(36), Rct-Def(36)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(39)
Level 4: Dark Embrace -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(5), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(5), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(11), GldArm-3defTpProc(25)
Level 6: Assassin's Eclipse -- SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg(7), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(9), SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%(11)
Level 8: Murky Cloud -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(13), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(13), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(15), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(25), StdPrt-ResKB(29)
Level 10: Shadow Dweller -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 12: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), GssSynFr--ToHit(40), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(42), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(42), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(42), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(43)
Level 14: Pacify -- Acc-I(A)
Level 16: Obsidian Shield -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(37), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(39), UnbGrd-Max HP%(39)
Level 18: Siphon Life -- SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up(23), SprAssMar-Dmg/Rchg(40), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), SprAssMar-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), SprAssMar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 20: Dark Regeneration -- TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Heal/HP/Regen(A), TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(27), TchoftheN-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(46), ThfofEss-+End%(50)
Level 22: Intimidate -- GlmoftheA-Acc/Rchg(A), GlmoftheA-Acc/EndRdx(23)
Level 24: Invoke Panic -- GlmoftheA-Acc/Rchg(A), GlmoftheA-Acc/EndRdx(27)
Level 26: Touch of Fear -- CldSns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(A), CldSns-Acc/ToHitDeb(31)
Level 28: Cloak of Fear -- SphIns-ToHitDeb(A), SphIns-Acc/ToHitDeb(31), SphIns-Acc/Rchg(31), SphIns-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SphIns-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), CldSns-%Dam(37)
Level 30: Kick -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(34), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Hct-Acc/Rchg(34), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(37)
Level 35: Oppressive Gloom -- AbsAmz-Acc/Stun/Rchg(A), AbsAmz-Acc/Rchg(36), AbsAmz-Stun(50)
Level 38: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(46)
Level 41: Water Spout -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A)
Level 44: Tough -- Ags-ResDam/EndRdx(A), Ags-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Ags-ResDam(45), Ags-ResDam/Rchg(45)
Level 47: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(48), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(48)
Level 49: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Assassination
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
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 -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), Pnc-Heal/+End(3), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(50)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-+Heal(46), PwrTrns-EndMod(48)
Level 1: Quick Form
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 50: Cardiac Radial Paragon
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement
Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Core Superior Ally
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany
Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment
------------

 

 

[Dazl]

On 3/19/2020 at 1:28 PM, Icono04 said:

Is that a Thieves' World reference? Please be a Thieves' World reference!

Absolutely a Thieves' World reference, loved those books.

 

Since there wasn't much out there at the time, I went with taking all the primary and secondary powers in the build to see what they all could do. While I do plan at some point to respec, and drop placate and pick up combat jumping, I have been pleasantly surprised with how good this build has been so far.

 

This is my first stalker and I have to say, it is definitely one of my favorite characters.

 

   

Shadowspawn - Stalker (Dark Melee).mxd

[oldskool]

@Crimsonpyreobviously, you can take whatever I have to say with a grain of salt, but I looked over your build for Shadowspawn.  

The ideal powers to focus on are generally Smite, Assassin's Eclipse, Siphon Life, and Midnight Grasp.  If you can get those powers into place where they are available when you need them, then Shadow Punch becomes a skip power.   I prefer Hecatomb in Midnight Grasp.  I run that same set but use a Damage/End vs Damage/Recharge in Midnight Grasp.  On top of that, I have 6th slot for a Cloud Senses Negative Damage proc.  Works like a champ.  I have a full Mako's Bite in Siphon Life for both the 6 pc bonus and the lethal proc which works nicely in SL.  Our Smite and Assassin's Eclipse slotting is the same.  I use the Armageddon 5pc set for the recharge in Shadow Maul.  I had it with 6 slots and a Fury of the Gladiator -resistance but decided I didn't need it.  

Dark Regen with a Theft of Essence is a nice thing to have.  I ended up changing my slotting for this to 4 Sirocco Dervish (acc/dmg, acc/dmg/end, dmg/end, lethal damage proc) plus Touch of the Nictus negative damage and Theft of Essense endurance.  There is 0 recharge modification in that power so its chance to trigger those 3 procs is pretty good.  Helps give the Stalker a little more AoE damage.  

I kept Touch of Fear because I like that power, but dropped Cloak of Fear.  I enhance it for -to-hit debuffing; specifically the full Cloud Senses set.  Touch of Fear is the largest singular source of -to-hit you get between the two sets.  The fear and to-hit debuff are two different things.  A target can resist the fear and still get their accuracy hindered.  Sure, their resistance value will reduce the overall effect, but its a nice big modifier to stack with all of your other debuff sources.  So I'd say consider enhancing this power for the debuff vs the fear duration.  Base duration is already pretty long.  That's a pretty substantial amount of time to inflict a to-hit debuff that is stacking with your attacks.  

 

I still run Oppressive Gloom and Soul Transfer.   I actually reduced Build-Up down to just the default slot with the Gaussian's proc.  I'm all in on having Assassin's Mark give me Build-Up and completely forgoing any recharge in it.  Against full spawns this works out very well as Shadow Maul tends to proc it regularly as long as the zone has recognized that I used Smite previously.  Against single targets it is hit or miss. So that's a trade off to think about.  I've decided to do this on my other Stalkers too unless I can spare the slots for a set bonus (depends on the build).  

Your build as it is, isn't in a bad place at all.  Even with having Siphon Life and Midnight Grasp running non-damage sets.  MG is just a brutal power and especially so when it crits.  If you opt to refine somethings even just a bit, you can reap some pretty large DPS rewards.  
 

Dark/Dark has returned to being one of my favorite combos even in Stalker-land.  The only other Stalker I have that adore nearly as much is my DB/EA build.

 

 

[Dazl]

1 hour ago, oldskool said:

@Crimsonpyreobviously, you can take whatever I have to say with a grain of salt, but I looked over your build for Shadowspawn.  

The ideal powers to focus on are generally Smite, Assassin's Eclipse, Siphon Life, and Midnight Grasp.  If you can get those powers into place where they are available when you need them, then Shadow Punch becomes a skip power.   I prefer Hecatomb in Midnight Grasp.  I run that same set but use a Damage/End vs Damage/Recharge in Midnight Grasp.  On top of that, I have 6th slot for a Cloud Senses Negative Damage proc.  Works like a champ.  I have a full Mako's Bite in Siphon Life for both the 6 pc bonus and the lethal proc which works nicely in SL.  Our Smite and Assassin's Eclipse slotting is the same.  I use the Armageddon 5pc set for the recharge in Shadow Maul.  I had it with 6 slots and a Fury of the Gladiator -resistance but decided I didn't need it.  

Dark Regen with a Theft of Essence is a nice thing to have.  I ended up changing my slotting for this to 4 Sirocco Dervish (acc/dmg, acc/dmg/end, dmg/end, lethal damage proc) plus Touch of the Nictus negative damage and Theft of Essense endurance.  There is 0 recharge modification in that power so its chance to trigger those 3 procs is pretty good.  Helps give the Stalker a little more AoE damage.  

I kept Touch of Fear because I like that power, but dropped Cloak of Fear.  I enhance it for -to-hit debuffing; specifically the full Cloud Senses set.  Touch of Fear is the largest singular source of -to-hit you get between the two sets.  The fear and to-hit debuff are two different things.  A target can resist the fear and still get their accuracy hindered.  Sure, their resistance value will reduce the overall effect, but its a nice big modifier to stack with all of your other debuff sources.  So I'd say consider enhancing this power for the debuff vs the fear duration.  Base duration is already pretty long.  That's a pretty substantial amount of time to inflict a to-hit debuff that is stacking with your attacks.  

 

I still run Oppressive Gloom and Soul Transfer.   I actually reduced Build-Up down to just the default slot with the Gaussian's proc.  I'm all in on having Assassin's Mark give me Build-Up and completely forgoing any recharge in it.  Against full spawns this works out very well as Shadow Maul tends to proc it regularly as long as the zone has recognized that I used Smite previously.  Against single targets it is hit or miss. So that's a trade off to think about.  I've decided to do this on my other Stalkers too unless I can spare the slots for a set bonus (depends on the build).  

Your build as it is, isn't in a bad place at all.  Even with having Siphon Life and Midnight Grasp running non-damage sets.  MG is just a brutal power and especially so when it crits.  If you opt to refine somethings even just a bit, you can reap some pretty large DPS rewards.  
 

Dark/Dark has returned to being one of my favorite combos even in Stalker-land.  The only other Stalker I have that adore nearly as much is my DB/EA build.

 

 

Thanks Oldskool I appreciate the advise, that's some good solid stuff and I will look to incorporate it into a future respec.