Can someone sell me on /bio?

[OrionX]

I realize there are clickies involved and the like...

But even in Mids I can never come up with a build that seems as all around solid as /rad or / atomic or whatever its called...unno the radioactive shield stuff😄

 

My very first 50 on homecoming was a fire / bio senty.

He has all of his accolades and T4s but is sitting around unslotted as I gave up on him after I put together a  fire/fire blaster build that I liked.

I have also played around with /bio on stalkers because I love the offensive stance damage bonus.

 

Now that I have just about every blaster primary and secondary I am getting back into sentinels.

 

I would love to just pick back up on my fire/bio and re-IO him and play him properly rather than grind all the way back up with a different power set.

But after playing around in Mids (that is not the same as real life playing) /rad seems tankier by staring at the stats alone.

I will likely build a capped range with some solid all around resist.

 

Thanks in advance for your comments

[Saikochoro]

I’m not at my personal computer so can’t post my build yet, but I have a few notes about how I have felt about bio armor since joining homecoming. 
 

Bio armor used to be my absolute favorite armor set, bar none. I used it all the time for any archetype that could take it. So much so that I ended up making a thread in general discussion to talk me out of using it. Many months later, it is no longer my favorite. It is still a fantastic set, but I have gravitated towards energy aura as being an overall better set in my opinion. 
 

That being said, bio is still great and its main advantage is the offensive boost it gives. When building be careful to not trap yourselves by building it the same as you would some other sets. Also keep in mind that bio leans towards typed defense rather than positional.

• I personally would not shoot for softcaps, especially S/L. You have to give up a lot of recharge set bonuses and procs to fit in all that extra defense. Plus you don’t have DDR.  Edit: only the melee version doesn’t have DDR. Sentinel are special and they get DDR in athletic regulation.
• Shoot for close to S/L resist cap to take care of the majority of the s/l threat. You will still have some defenses for this as well, but won’t be gimping the main advantage of choosing an offensive set by chasing those bonuses. 
• You can probably reach e/n softcaps without sacrificing too much. You should at least shoot for 40% on each of these because you don’t have any native resistance to these attacks. It’s easier to shore up the e/n threat via defense than resistance.  I personally take barrier to get the last 5%. 
• F/C you should be able to reach decent defense levels, but I honestly wouldn’t shoot for softcap. If you have purple sets those also usually offer some decent resist bonuses to these types to help in addition to your defense. 
• Athletic regulation for sentinels is awesome and when paired with ninja run pretty much negates the needs for a travel power. 
• I would push your recharge bonuses so that you can get your main clicks back quickly as they will be a huge portion of your survivability. This also benefits your damage by having a faster attack chain. 

Overall, if you really want to enjoy bio, then don’t gimp yourself by trying to make yourself as durable as invuln/energy aura/etc. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to handle a lot of damage, just lean into bios strength of offensive prowess. Some sets are just better offensively and some better defensively. 

 

Relaxing your focus on survivability a little will allows you the flexibility to really push the recharge and put in procs to make you really shine in the damage department, which is what bio armor is all about. 

 

Edit:  Here is my fire/bio sentinel.  I don't claim that this is the best build, but it has served me well.  It is not my most durable sentinel, but still plenty sturdy and it easily does the most damage.  It is very fun to play.

Spoiler

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.6.1.25
https://github.com/Crytilis/mids-reborn-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Sentinel
Primary Power Set: Fire Blast
Secondary Power Set: Bio Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Psionic Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Flares -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(3), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Dcm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5)
Level 1: Hardened Carapace -- RctArm-ResDam(A), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(7), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), GldArm-3defTpProc(9)
Level 2: Fire Ball -- SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprOppStr-Dmg/Rchg(11), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), SprOppStr-Rchg/+Opportunity(15)
Level 4: Inexhaustible -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-+Heal(17), PwrTrns-EndMod(17), Pnc-Heal/+End(19)
Level 6: Blaze -- Apc-Dmg(A), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), Apc-Acc/Rchg(21), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(21), Apc-Dam%(23), GldJvl-Dam%(23)
Level 8: Environmental Adaptation -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(25), Rct-Def/EndRdx(25)
Level 10: Adaptation 
Level 12: Aim -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)
Level 14: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(27), Rct-ResDam%(27)
Level 16: Ablative Carapace -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(29), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(29), Prv-Heal/Rchg(31), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(31), Prv-Absorb%(31)
Level 18: Blazing Blast -- SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg(A), SprSntWar-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprSntWar-Rchg/+Absorb(34)
Level 20: Rebuild DNA -- EffAdp-EndMod(A), EffAdp-EndMod/Rchg(34), Prv-Heal(36), Prv-Heal/Rchg(36), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(36)
Level 22: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Tough -- RctArm-ResDam(A), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(37), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(37), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 26: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(39), Rct-Def/EndRdx(39)
Level 28: Athletic Regulation -- Run-I(A)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(39), Rct-Def/EndRdx(40)
Level 32: Inferno -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Arm-Acc/Rchg(40), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Arm-Dam%(42), Obl-%Dam(42)
Level 35: Genomic Evolution -- RctArm-ResDam(A), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx(43), RctArm-ResDam/Rchg(43), RctArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(43), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(45)
Level 38: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 41: Mind Probe -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Hct-Acc/Rchg(45), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(46), Hct-Dam%(46), TchofDth-Dam%(50)
Level 44: Dominate -- UnbCns-Dam%(A), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(46), NrnSht-Dam%(48), GldNet-Dam%(48), GldJvl-Dam%(48), Dmg-I(50)
Level 47: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 49: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Opportunity 
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 -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(15)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 10: Defensive Adaptation 
Level 10: Efficient Adaptation 
Level 10: Offensive Adaptation 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Assault Radial Embodiment 
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany 
------------

 

Edited October 22, 2020 by Saikochoro

[OrionX]

Thanks a ton!

 

Gonna also check out energy!

[Saikochoro]

32 minutes ago, OrionX said:

Thanks a ton!

 

Gonna also check out energy!

No problem. I love energy aura on any archetype that can have it. It is so well rounded and can be built very sturdy. It can fit in all the defenses it needs easily so slotting is flexible to allow for procs and recharge. Plus it gives you +rech to help you offensively. 
 

When you lean into bio armors strengths it will still out damage energy aura. However, energy aura is just great overall. 

[Bill Z Bubba]

I like damage. I like soloin max diff ITFs. My fire/bio sent can do it. (Although fleeing AVs makes it a PitA.) This dude really is only 2nd to my three Bill Z Bubbas on the list of what I'd rather play most.

[Doomrider]

23 hours ago, Saikochoro said:

 

• I personally would not shoot for softcaps, especially S/L. You have to give up a lot of recharge set bonuses and procs to fit in all that extra defense. Plus you don’t have DDR.
•  

Except Sentinel Bio Armor does get DDR. About 41% through Athletic Regulation.

[Saikochoro]

2 hours ago, Doomrider said:

Except Sentinel Bio Armor does get DDR. About 41% through Athletic Regulation.

Thanks for the correction. That was left over thinking from the melee version. That’s nice that they got it.  I will make the correction in my post. 
 

That said, I still think chasing all the types softcaps forces one to give up too much on the offense front in terms of recharge and procs. 

[Doomrider]

31 minutes ago, Saikochoro said:

Thanks for the correction. That was left over thinking from the melee version. That’s nice that they got it.  I will make the correction in my post. 

 

That said, I still think chasing all the types softcaps forces one to give up too much on the offense front in terms of recharge and procs. 

Np, and I agree, trying to go for multiple softcaps is often unnecessary and takes away from your offensive potential. 32.5 def is often more than enough IMO.

[Meknomancer]

My most played toon right now recently respecced after a murderfest of+4 itf when i was getting hammered by cim spears and swords. I'm lazy i never switch adaptation so its always on offensive which meant the athletic regulation def debuff never got applied so that power got dropped. And when i say lazy i mean it i hop on the biggest enemy toe to toe and just button mash and hope i don't faceplant so i dropped some aoe def to get my melee up as close to 45% as i could. dps is satisfactory its no blaster thats for sure but its easily the most relaxing toon i've played i regularly just stick flares on auto and click ablative when its up. Tried fire epic first for theme then realised psi mastery pbaoe makes the rest of the epic sets laughable its got the largest radius/fastest rech and it stuns, only engulfing darkness came close but the rechrage on it was pitiful:

 

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.7.2.10
https://github.com/Crytilis/mids-reborn-hero-designer

FIRE BIO PSY LINK: Level 50 Science Sentinel
Primary Power Set: Fire Blast
Secondary Power Set: Bio Armor
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Psionic Mastery

Hero Profile:
------------
Level 1:    Flares                SprSntWar-Rchg/+Absorb:50(A), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(3), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(5), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(5), SprSntWar-Dmg/Rchg:50(7), SprSntWar-Acc/Dmg:50(7)
Level 1:    Hardened Carapace        UnbGrd-Max HP%:50(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(9), UnbGrd-ResDam:50(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx:50(11), GldArm-3defTpProc:50(29)
Level 2:    Fire Ball            SprOppStr-Rchg/+Opportunity:50(A), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(11), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(13), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(13), SprOppStr-Dmg/Rchg:50(15), SprOppStr-Acc/Dmg:50(15)
Level 4:    Inexhaustible            NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+:50(A), NmnCnv-Heal:50(17), PrfShf-End%:50(17), PrfShf-EndMod:50(19)
Level 6:    Blaze                SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg:50(19), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(21), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(21), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg:50(23), GldJvl-Dam%:50(23)
Level 8:    Aim                GssSynFr--Build%:50(A)
Level 10:    Environmental Adaptation        LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP:50(25), ShlWal-Def:50(25), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx:50(27)
Level 12:    Adaptation    
Level 14:    Super Speed            WntGif-ResSlow:50(A)
Level 16:    Ablative Carapace        Prv-Absorb%:50(A), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx:50(29), Prv-Heal/Rchg:50(31), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg:50(31), Prv-Heal/EndRdx:50(31), Prv-Heal:50(33)
Level 18:    Blazing Blast            Apc-Dam%:50(A), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(33), Apc-Acc/Rchg:50(33), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(34), Apc-Dmg:50(34), OvrFrc-Dam/KB:50(34)
Level 20:    Rebuild DNA            Pnc-Heal:50(A), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux:50(27), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg:50(36), Pnc-Heal/Rchg:50(36), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg:50(36)
Level 22:    Hasten                RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(37)
Level 24:    Kick                Empty(A)
Level 26:    Tough                UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam:50(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:50(37), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx:50(39), UnbGrd-ResDam:50(39)
Level 28:    Weave                LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx:50(39), Rct-Def:50(40)
Level 30:    Combat Jumping            LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), Ksm-ToHit+:30(40)
Level 32:    Inferno                Obl-%Dam:50(A), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(37), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(42), Obl-Dmg:50(42), Obl-Acc/Rchg:50(42), Obl-Dmg/Rchg:50(43)
Level 35:    Genomic Evolution        StdPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A)
Level 38:    Mind Probe            TchofDth-Dam%:40(A), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:40(43), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:40(45), TchofDth-Dmg/Rchg:40(45), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx:40(45), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg:40(46)
Level 41:    Psychic Shockwave        SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc:50(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(43), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg:50(46), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx:50(48), Arm-Dam%:50(48)
Level 44:    Maneuvers            LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx:50(48), Rct-ResDam%:50(50)
Level 47:    Assault                EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 49:    Link Minds            LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), Rct-Def/Rchg:50(50), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(50)
Level 1:    Brawl                Empty(A)
Level 1:    Opportunity    
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                Empty(A)
Level 2:    Health                Mrc-Rcvry+:40(A), Pnc-Heal/+End:50(40)
Level 2:    Hurdle                Empty(A)
Level 2:    Stamina                PrfShf-End%:50(A), PrfShf-EndMod:50(3)
Level 12:    Defensive Adaptation    
Level 12:    Efficient Adaptation    
Level 12:    Offensive Adaptation    
------------

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