Pain/Sonic Build Advice

[AfroDeity]

I just hit lvl 50 for the first time and I’m thinking about respeccing. I don’t really know what a good end game build is supposed to look like in this game and I’d appreciate any pointers.

[Bastille Boy]

Congratulations on your first level 50 character!

 

The key to a solid build for this combination is having softcap (45%) defense to ranged and smashing/lethal. On some other powerset combinations, you can go for melee and ranged, but that's not going to work for this pair. After that, you have choices. Global recharge is a priority for most builds. For Pain/Sonic, global recharge is helpful because it helps you keep up Haste and World of Pain, and it gets you your nuke more often.

 

Darkir helped me out with my Pain/Sonic build. Here's the thread: 

 

In my final build, I chose not to slot Boxing for recharge, so that I could distribute those slots elsewhere. There's some risk in doing that, since it takes the build farther away from perma-haste (which means there will be more moments when World of Pain isn't up). But I really wanted some of those slots elsewhere. The Reactive Defenses unique is good to have.

 

Spoiler

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 3.0.1.9
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/Hero-Designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Natural Defender
Primary Power Set: Pain Domination
Secondary Power Set: Sonic Attack
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Sorcery
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Nullify Pain -- NmnCnv-Heal/EndRdx(A), NmnCnv-EndRdx/Rchg(9), NmnCnv-Heal/Rchg(15), NmnCnv-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(34), NmnCnv-Heal(36), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(37)
Level 1: Shriek -- SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg(A), SprVglAss-Dmg/Rchg(3), SprVglAss-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(3)
Level 2: Soothe -- Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(A), Prv-Heal/Rchg(43), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(43)
Level 4: Howl -- Artl-Acc/Dam(A), Artl-Dam/End(5), Artl-Dam/Rech(5), Artl-Acc/Dam/Rech(21), Artl-Acc/Rech/Rng(23), Artl-End/Rech/Rng(23)
Level 6: Conduit of Pain -- PreOptmz-Acc/Rech(A), PreOptmz-EndMod/End(7), PreOptmz-EndMod/Rech(7), PreOptmz-EndMod/Acc/End(9), PreOptmz-EndMod/End/Rech(13), PreOptmz-EndMod/Acc/Rech(21)
Level 8: Enforced Morale -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Maneuvers -- ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(A), Rct-ResDam%(11), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(11), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(13), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 12: Soothing Aura -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(15), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(37), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(40), Pnc-Heal(42)
Level 14: Mystic Flight -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 16: Shout -- SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBst-Dmg/Rchg(17), SprDfnBst-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprDfnBst-Rchg/Heal%(34)
Level 18: World of Pain -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(19), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(19), UnbGrd-Max HP%(31), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(33)
Level 20: Amplify -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)
Level 22: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Tough -- GldArm-End/Res(A), GldArm-RechRes(25), GldArm-RechEnd(25), GldArm-Res/Rech/End(27), GldArm-ResDam(27), GldArm-3defTpProc(33)
Level 26: Anguishing Cry -- RechRdx-I(A), AchHee-ResDeb%(45)
Level 28: Weave -- RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(29), RedFrt-EndRdx/Rchg(29), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), RedFrt-Def(42), RedFrt-EndRdx(45)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 32: Painbringer -- PreOptmz-Acc/Rech(A), PreOptmz-EndMod/End(45), PreOptmz-EndMod/Rech(46), PreOptmz-EndMod/Acc/End(46), PreOptmz-EndMod/Acc/Rech(46), PreOptmz-EndMod/End/Rech(50)
Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(36)
Level 38: Dreadful Wail -- Arm-Dmg/Rchg(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Rchg(39), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Arm-Dam%(40), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(40)
Level 41: Spirit Ward -- Heal-I(A)
Level 44: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A)
Level 47: Rune of Protection -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(48), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(48), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 49: Screech -- SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(A), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50), SprVglAss-Rchg/+Absorb(50)
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 -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Vigilance
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), Pnc-Heal/+End(31)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-End%(37)
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 1: Momentum
------------

 

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Easy changes you could make, with either Darkir's original or my slight variant as a base:

1. If you like Scream better than Shout, that's a simple substitution.
2. If you don't care about having Rune of Protection, you could drop Sorcery and take Combat Jumping or Hover plus a travel power of your choice. Combat Jumping is low endurance, so if you go that way, I'd two-slot it (Luck of the Gambler, global recharge and defense). That frees up two slots. If you're starting with Darkir's original, I'd put one slot on Maneuvers (for the Reactive Defenses scaling resist) and one slot on Health (moving the Panacea unique there, but keeping five slots on Soothing Aura). I'd probably take Assault or Vengeance for the last power.
3. You might want to shift the order of the powers, e.g. taking a travel power earlier.
4. If you don't have the funds for purple sets yet, you can put five Obliteration in Dreadful Wail (giving you 5% global recharge rather than 10%). If you're slotting Boxing, you can do five Crushing Impact (same numbers). You can fill in the purple sets later.

 

Edited January 18, 2021 by Bastille Boy

[Nic Mercy]

I have a pretty nice Pain/Sonic myself. She's incredibly sturdy, solo's well, and still provides many benefits to a team!

 

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!

Starsong: Level 50 Magic Defender
Primary Power Set: Pain Domination
Secondary Power Set: Sonic Attack
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Concealment
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Nullify Pain -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(3), Prv-Heal(3), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(5), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(5), Prv-Heal/Rchg(7)
Level 1: Shriek -- SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(A), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(7), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg(9), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11)
Level 2: Scream -- SprDfnBst-Rchg/Heal%(A), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg(13), SprDfnBst-Dmg/Rchg(13), SprDfnBst-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15)
Level 4: Howl -- Rgn-Knock%(A), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(25), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(27), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(29)
Level 6: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), WntGif-ResSlow(50)
Level 8: Soothe -- DctWnd-Heal(A), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx(21), DctWnd-EndRdx/Rchg(23), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(23), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(25)
Level 10: Shockwave -- OvrFrc-Dam/KB(A), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(46), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg(48), OvrFrc-End/Rech(48), OvrFrc-Dmg/End/Rech(48)
Level 12: Stealth -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(50)
Level 14: Conduit of Pain -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 16: Shout -- SprVglAss-Rchg/+Absorb(A), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg(31), SprVglAss-Dmg/Rchg(31), SprVglAss-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33)
Level 18: World of Pain -- UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(A), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(33), UnbGrd-ResDam(33), AdjTrg-Rchg(34), AdjTrg-ToHit(34), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(34)
Level 20: Enforced Morale -- Range-I(A)
Level 22: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 24: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(36), UnbGrd-Max HP%(36), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(36), UnbGrd-ResDam(37), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 26: Anguishing Cry -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A), AnlWkn-Acc/Rchg(37), AnlWkn-Acc/Rchg/EndRdx(37), ShlBrk-Acc/Rchg(39)
Level 28: Siren's Song -- Acc-I(A)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(39)
Level 32: Weave -- Rct-ResDam%(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39), Rct-Def(40), Rct-Def/EndRdx(40), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Rct-Def/Rchg(46)
Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), RedFrt-Def(42), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(42)
Level 38: Dreadful Wail -- Arm-Dam%(A), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(43), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), Arm-Acc/Rchg(43)
Level 41: Painbringer -- DctWnd-Heal(A), DctWnd-Rchg(45), DctWnd-EndRdx/Rchg(45), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(45), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(46)
Level 44: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 47: Afterburner -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 49: Grant Invisibility -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(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 -- UnbLea-Stlth(A)
Level 1: Vigilance
Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(17), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(17)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-EndMod/Rchg(19), PrfShf-End%(19), PrfShf-EndMod/Acc(21)
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement
Level 50: Reactive Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Phantom Core Superior Ally
Level 50: Clarion Core Epiphany
Level 50: Support Radial Embodiment
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon
Level 1: Quick Form
------------

 

 

 

Edited February 1, 2021 by Nic Mercy