Low-level TF Helper

[Cutter]

Inspired by recent events, I got to thinking that I want to build a hero specifically to run the lowbie TFs, and more specifically to be effective as a support geared toward newer players (with the navigation and build challenges that sometimes arise) as well as those with late bloomer builds. With that in mind, what class/combo would be "most complete" by the low 20s, such that most of the core powers are available for Posi1, and (almost) all are available for Posi2 and Synapse? I want to make room for SS+Recall, and if possible Maneuvers and Tactics.

[AboveTheChemist]

I am far from an expert but at first glance it would seem that Defender would be one of the better AT choices, since they have access to the typical support powersets as their primary (and thus have access to the powers at a lower level than an AT for whom the support powersets are their secondary).

 

From there I think it's just a matter of determining what type of support you want to offer, perhaps by browsing the various defender primaries to determine which powerset offers the the type of support you would like to offer and which gives you the most/best options by the low 20's.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll probably get the most mileage out of attuned enhancements that are still available down around level 20. In other words you may want to avoid sets that have a normal range of 30-50, because you'll lose the set bonuses from those sets if you are exemplared to the low 20's.

[Peacemoon]

30 minutes ago, AboveTheChemist said:

I am far from an expert but at first glance it would seem that Defender would be one of the better AT choices, since they have access to the typical support powersets as their primary (and thus have access to the powers at a lower level than an AT for whom the support powersets are their secondary).

 

From there I think it's just a matter of determining what type of support you want to offer, perhaps by browsing the various defender primaries to determine which powerset offers the the type of support you would like to offer and which gives you the most/best options by the low 20's.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll probably get the most mileage out of attuned enhancements that are still available down around level 20. In other words you may want to avoid sets that have a normal range of 30-50, because you'll lose the set bonuses from those sets if you are exemplared to the low 20's.

This is good advice. I think defender or maybe even some controllers are a good way to go. Certainly my Earth/storm has carried many lowbie TFs before. A mixture of earth controls all doing massive -def, freezing rain and also the o2 heal (which is admittedly weak). It’s a great combo for locking mobs and making them vulnerable for allies. 
 

If you properly slot stalagmites too it is an amazing aoe stun. Also earthquake keeps everything knocked down. Not sure if you’re talking about being level 50 and exemplering down, but if you are then the epic enhancement sets for stun and hold would make you pretty godly at all of the above. 

Edited March 29, 2020 by Peacemoon

[DougGraves]

Your 3 basic choices are tanker, controller, and defender.

 

For tanker you want WP.  By 20 it has no END problems, mezz protection, and since it focuses on healing instead of resistance or defense it works against any enemy types - no holes.

 

For controller you want dark, electric, ice, or plant.  All have good aoe controls that can be up almost every fight at low levels.  For secondary you want rad, dark, or kinetics if you are level 20 (that's when they get speed boost).

 

For defender you want rad, dark, or kinetics.  For a secondary you want sonic to take on AVs or water for aoe damage.

 

 

[kelika2]

Mind/radi troller:

Tier2 sleep is mag3, this will shut down ruin mages dispersion bubble.  innate acc bonus and only needs one acc enhancement added to it

Confuse on the CoT LT ghosts to get that -tohit aura of theirs on the enemy

Radiation buffs and debuffs, slot for -tohit

 

SR/MA Tanker:

Able to get near softcap def with Storm Kick

due to recent patch they get Dragon's Tail at 20

 

Most blasters/energy manipulation:

Fire, elec, rifle, ice, etc.  Many blasters bloom before level 20

Energize at 16 to eliminate end problems

 

Now stick with me here, skip Hurricane/never use Gale:

fire/ice/water /storm corrs

Freezing Rain + ice storm/rain of fire/whirlpool are amazing to stack.  freezing rains -def/-res/slow keeps stuff inside the primaries rains are awesome.  wipes out large clockwork groups, kills CoT defense/-tohit.

 

 

[Snarky]

A Dominator who gets their AoE hold by level 18.  When you hit DOM and then AoE hold the Shadow simulacrums the fight is over.  Similar with most tough Boss battles.  That way when the team is facing a nightmare you just lock it down and everyone cake walks through it.

[Cutter]

Great thoughts and suggestions, thanks! I'm giving myself two different cracks at this idea (mainly because I got the name Taskforce on two different shards). Lots to consider but at least I've got a little bit of focus now. (As an aside, this has also helped me realize that I have some dudes already built that could fill this role on other shards, notably Earth/Storm and Elec/Dark trollers, plus more tanks than I can shake a stick at. Might be time to invest in second builds and low-level enhancements for those!)

 

I like the idea of a Dominator, thinking either Plant/ or Mind/, with /Thorns secondary for -def on the attacks.

 

Off-the-wall thought: Soldier of Arachnos running double-stacked leadership toggles and a tray full of blues.

[Peacemoon]

Another thing is if you go Earth/storm end recovery might be an issue, depending on how you manage your powers. I’d advise only running assault from leadership, you won’t need the other two anyway as locked mobs don’t attack (much!) and everyone will have capped accuracy because of earth control anyway!

[MunkiLord]

I'd go for a Defender. Cold would be an awesome choice. Time and Force Field would also work well.

[Cutter]

So thanks to your suggestions, and between existing and new heroes, I think I can spread this project across all servers:

 

Everlasting - lots of existing (2nd build) options here: Earth/Storm Controller, Time/Ice Defender, Ill/Rad Controller, Kin/Dark Defender

Excelsior - (NEW!) holding off for the new patch so I can make an Elec/x Defender - seems like it gets some good tools by 18

Indomitable - (NEW!) Arachnos Soldier leaderbean

Reunion - (NEW!) Plant/Thorns Dominator

Torchbearer - (2nd build) Elec/Dark Controller