EM/Rad Build Critique

[Bob the Painter]

Hi all,

Looking forward to starting another Stalker, this time an EM/Rad. I've seen a few in the wild recently. They all seemed to kick some butt. Below is my build. I've added some thoughts I had along the way. Have yet to start it, just in the planning phase now. With all the purples, this is an endgame build—something to work toward. 

 

I have been interested in EM since the patch dropped. Had to decide what AT to roll it on. It was between a stalker and scrapper for the crits. I just finished a scrapper, figured a tiny bit of variety would help.

 

I mulled over the secondary for a little while. Thought EM might benefit from more AOE, which narrowed my secondary choices down to Shield, Bio, and Rad. Shield I've done several times. I like it, but I want something different. Bio I think is better on other ATs so I'd save it's freshness for another toon. Nin was also in the running, but it lacked the AOE of the other three. EA is good on everything, but for whatever reason having a matching primary and secondary is a no-no for me. Maybe it feels too obvious?

 

For epic pools, Soul for shadow meld is almost too good to pass up on a res or mixed armor. Not sure what the second place choice would be. Maybe Body?

 

The /rad I mostly copy and pasted from another stalker I began but never finished. I received help from this board on that end. For the EM/ half I was building it from scratch. I imagine my ST chain looking something like:

Build Up -> Total Focus -> AS -> Energy Transfer -> Moonbeam -> ?

 

Not sure where my recharge will leave the chain. Dunno when I can loop it back to the start. Barrage could be peppered in, but right now its just a mule.

I hope for AOE a focused Power Crash, Radiation Therapy, Ground Zero, and Judgement will do me.

 

Please, if you see an improvement, big or small, that could be made let me know. Thanks, everyone. 

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.4.7
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Stalker
Primary Power Set: Energy Melee
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Armor
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Barrage -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up(50)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(5), Ksm-ToHit+(7), Rct-ResDam%(7)
Level 2: Alpha Barrier -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), UnbGrd-Max HP%(11), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(11), GldArm-3defTpProc(13)
Level 4: Gamma Boost -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-EndMod(17), PwrTrns-+Heal(17)
Level 6: Assassin's Strike -- SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg(19), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), Mk'Bit-Dam%(21), TchofDth-Dam%(21), Hct-Dam%(23)
Level 8: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), RctRtc-Pcptn(23), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(25)
Level 10: Proton Armor -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(25), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(27), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(27)
Level 12: Super Speed -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 16: Fallout Shelter -- HO:Ribo(A)
Level 18: Power Crash -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(31), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Arm-Dam%(31), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(33)
Level 20: Radiation Therapy -- SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg(A), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Obl-%Dam(34), ScrDrv-Dam%(34), Erd-%Dam(34)
Level 22: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 24: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 26: Total Focus -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(36), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(37), TchofDth-Dam%(37)
Level 28: Particle Shielding -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(37), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(39), Prv-Heal/Rchg(39), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(39), Prv-Absorb%(40)
Level 30: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(40), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(40), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(42)
Level 32: Energy Transfer -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(42), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(43), Hct-Acc/Rchg(43), TchofDth-Dam%(43)
Level 35: Ground Zero -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 38: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(46)
Level 41: Moonbeam -- Apc-Acc/Rchg(A), Apc-Dmg(46), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Apc-Dam%(48), CldSns-%Dam(50)
Level 44: Shadow Meld -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 47: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50)
Level 49: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(13), Mrc-Rcvry+(15)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(15)
Level 49: 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 4: Ninja Run 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany 
Level 1: Assassination 
Level 1: Energy Focus 
------------

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Edited February 7, 2021 by Bob the Painter

[Bob the Painter]

I hit 50 a few days ago. Chipping away at incarnate content now. Been a lot of fun seeing big numbers pop on nearly every attack. I modified my build somewhat. Some changes that I made:

• Have the build up proc solo in a t1. If I remember correctly the proc will only fire on a map after you've used the power so I have to remember to throw a meaningless punch at someone once in awhile.
• Moved kinetic combat to Bone Smasher. Its in the rotation, I don't know if it should be. Its def the weakest attack in the chain. I want the +def from the IOs, and I need a filler in between ET's fast recharges. Feels like an imperfect solution, but the only one I can come up with. 
• Trimmed my end IOs. Particle shielding fixes most of the issues. I still slowly trickle down, but like one blue every 3-4 minutes sustains me in protracted fights if the team lacks any kind of end boosts like ageless, Kin, elec, etc.

The build feels pretty good, but I think it can get tighter. Just not sure how to do that at this moment. Some issues I still have:

• I really slotted for +def IOs to hit s/l def caps. I generally feel beefy, but every know and then I'm reminded of my shortcomings. Hard. Rad doesnt have any ddr, so it gets stripped away pretty easily. Dunno if that means I should peel back the focus on def. Or find DDR. Only way I can think of ddr is through Ageless.
• I'm split on the best destiny choice. My first inclination was barrier, but the ageless ddr would be nice. I'm not sure how much more the build would benefit from recharge. Not that it is ever bad to have more. Im thinking of the opportunity cost.
• This melts bosses and lts, but only one at a time. The aoe still feels lacking. Part of that is just being a stalker, but I think it can be improved from where its at. Ground Zero is on a long cooldown. I'm wondering if it would be better to go Mu for epics for Ball Lightning. I'd lose a LotG slot and the pre-alpha button of shadow meld. I'd probably cut ground zero for ball lightning in that case for slots. Having an every spawn aoe attack to go with power crash would be good.
  • The other solution is to proc RT and GZ more than I currently have. I'd have to rework most of my attack slots to make that work as I'd lose a chunk of def.
• Do I have enough Procs? Feels like I do. Its always a fine balance, and one I'm unsure if I hit the target. 

Below is my chain for most fights. Its long, but I think that actually helps the hide proc. I get TF to crit nearly every time which helps me squeeze in two fast ETs. FLEX is usually bone smasher, but I also put BU if its ready or particle shielding if its been awhile. 

 

BU -> TF -> ET -> FLEX -> MB -> ET -> AS -> TF

 

Let me know if you have any thoughts. I'm always looking to improve the build!

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.4.7
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Stalker
Primary Power Set: Energy Melee
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Armor
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Energy Punch -- SprAssMar-Rchg/Rchg Build Up(A)
Level 1: Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(3), Rct-ResDam%(3), Ksm-ToHit+(5)
Level 2: Alpha Barrier -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(5), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(7), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(7), GldArm-3defTpProc(9)
Level 4: Gamma Boost -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-+Heal(11)
Level 6: Assassin's Strike -- SprStlGl-Rchg/Hide%(A), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg(13), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), GldStr-%Dam(15), TchofDth-Dam%(15), Hct-Dam%(17)
Level 8: Build Up -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(17)
Level 10: Proton Armor -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(19), UnbGrd-Max HP%(19), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 12: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(21)
Level 14: Bone Smasher -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(23), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(25), GldStr-%Dam(25), TchofDth-Dam%(27)
Level 16: Fallout Shelter -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), HO:Ribo(27)
Level 18: Power Crash -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(29), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Arm-Dam%(31), FuroftheG-ResDeb%(31)
Level 20: Radiation Therapy -- SprStlGl-Dmg/Rchg(A), SprStlGl-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SprStlGl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Obl-%Dam(33), ScrDrv-Dam%(34), Erd-%Dam(34)
Level 22: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 24: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 26: Total Focus -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(34), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(36), TchofDth-Dam%(37)
Level 28: Particle Shielding -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(37), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(37), Prv-Heal/Rchg(39), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(39), Prv-Absorb%(39)
Level 30: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(40), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(40), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(40)
Level 32: Energy Transfer -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(42), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Hct-Acc/Rchg(43), TchofDth-Dam%(43)
Level 35: Ground Zero -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(43), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Erd-%Dam(50)
Level 38: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), RedFrt-Def(46), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(46)
Level 41: Moonbeam -- Apc-Acc/Rchg(A), Apc-Dmg(46), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Apc-Dam%(48), CldSns-%Dam(50)
Level 44: Super Speed -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 47: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50)
Level 49: Shadow Meld -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(9)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(11)
Level 49: Quick Form 
Level 1: Energy Focus 
Level 50: Ion Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 50: Portal Jockey 
Level 50: Task Force Commander 
Level 50: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 50: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 1: Assassination 
------------

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Edited February 18, 2021 by Bob the Painter