Ice Melee/Rad Armor build.

[Sovera]

In that quest for a little bit more damage but still be sturdy I've cooked this. Maybe someone will find use for it.

 

 

It has all the rad goodies:

 

- 96% protection against slows.

- 40% to S/L

- 70% to S/L/E/N/Toxic leaving Psi at 30% and Cold at 25% as the holes.

- Infinite endurance with Radiation Therapy + Theft of Essence that doubles as a heal.

 

The intention is picking Barrier as a panic button which then hardcaps resistances and softcaps defenses.

 

 

It also has all the Ice Melee goodies:

 

- Exotic cold damage less resisted than most.

- Freezing Touch, Ice Sword, Frost, Ice Sword for ST is not bad at all and will cleave enemies while the boss is being focused.

- Ice Patch to either get a breather or wreak malicious havoc on tough enemies.

 

 

After much consideration I've placed the 50% crit in FT despite this meaning no low level proc and that the 50% will not buff FT itself. This has different reasonings backing this decision:

 

A) Freezing Touch hits pretty hard already. Ice Sword and Frost are the weak links. Buffing the weak links so it feels satisfying to hit those buttons isn't bad.

B) In an AoE scenario I'm going to be hitting Frost and Frozen Aura on cooldown. FT as my hardest ST skill will also be usef on CD. This excludes Ice Sword since it will go something like FT (if proc goes off it buffs the next two skills), Frost, Frozen Aura, FT, Frost, gap. I'm not replacing any of these skills for Ice Sword until the gap comes.

C) This does not exclude placing the 50% proc in Frost though. Frost is used in both AoE and ST and if it goes off it will nourish FT. Frost is also an AoE so multiple chances for the proc to go off in regular gameplay. My reluctance comes from Bombardment being a dream set with S/L res, a chunky E/N res, accuracy, recharge, plus a bit of range for Frost itself. Seriously, if I could slot this everywhere I would.

 

I'm not sure what is the best answer but the current slotting seems like a good compromise.

 

 

The powers are in order for optimizing exemplaring but not the slots. There is a free power to take since I saw nothing of interest (to me) to take.

 

If someone needs it I can make a leveling build.

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.5.7
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 49 Technology Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Ice Melee
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Ice Sword -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(5), TchofDth-Dam%(7)
Level 1: Alpha Barrier -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(7), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(9), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(11)
Level 2: Frost -- Bmbdmt-Dam(A), Bmbdmt-Acc/Rech/End(15), Bmbdmt-Dam/Rech(15), Bmbdmt-Acc/Dam/Rech(17), Bmbdmt-Acc/Dam/Rech/End(17), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg(19)
Level 4: Proton Armor -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(19), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(21), UnbGrd-Max HP%(23)
Level 6: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-ResDam%(23), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(25)
Level 8: Ice Patch -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Fallout Shelter -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), UnbGrd-ResDam(25), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(27), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(27), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(29)
Level 12: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 14: Build Up -- RctRtc-ToHit(A), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(31), RechRdx-I(31), GssSynFr--Build%(31)
Level 16: Radiation Therapy -- Pnc-Heal(A), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(33), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(34), ThfofEss-+End%(34)
Level 18: Gamma Boost -- SynSck-EndMod(A), SynSck-Dam/Rech(34), SynSck-EndMod/Rech(36), SynSck-Dam/Rech/Acc(36), SynSck-Dam/Acc/End(36), SynSck-EndMod/+RunSpeed(37)
Level 20: Beta Decay -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 22: Fly -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 24: Evasive Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 26: Freezing Touch -- SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), SprScrStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprCrtStr-Rchg/+50% Crit(39), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(39), UnbCns-Dam%(39)
Level 28: Particle Shielding -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(40), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Prv-Heal/Rchg(40), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(42), Prv-Absorb%(42)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(42)
Level 32: Frozen Aura -- SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprScrStr-Dmg/Rchg(43), SprScrStr-Rchg/+Crit(43), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(43), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Arm-Dam%(45)
Level 35: Focused Accuracy -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(45), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(46), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(46), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(46), AdjTrg-Rchg(47)
Level 38: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 41: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 44: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(47), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(47), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(48)
Level 47: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(48), LucoftheG-Def(48)
Level 49: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(11), Mrc-Rcvry+(13)
Level 1: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(13)
Level 22: Afterburner
------------

 

Edited September 18, 2021 by Sovera

[Sovera]

Leveling build.

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.5.7
https://github.com/Reborn-Team/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 49 Technology Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Ice Melee
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Ice Sword -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), CrtStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), CrtStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
Level 1: Alpha Barrier -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(7), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(9), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(11)
Level 2: Frost -- ScrStr-Dmg/Rchg(A), ScrStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), ScrStr-Rchg/+Crit(15), Bmbdmt-Acc/Dam/Rech(17), Bmbdmt-Acc/Dam/Rech/End(17), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg(19)
Level 4: Proton Armor -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(19), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(21), UnbGrd-Max HP%(23)
Level 6: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-ResDam%(23), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(25)
Level 8: Ice Patch -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Fallout Shelter -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), UnbGrd-ResDam(25), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(27), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(27), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(29)
Level 12: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29), RechRdx-I(47)
Level 14: Build Up -- RctRtc-ToHit(A), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(31), RechRdx-I(31), GssSynFr--Build%(31), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 16: Radiation Therapy -- Pnc-Heal(A), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(33), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(34), ThfofEss-+End%(34)
Level 18: Gamma Boost -- SynSck-EndMod(A), SynSck-Dam/Rech(34), SynSck-EndMod/Rech(36), SynSck-Dam/Rech/Acc(36), SynSck-Dam/Acc/End(36), SynSck-EndMod/+RunSpeed(37)
Level 20: Beta Decay -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 22: Fly -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 24: Evasive Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 26: Freezing Touch -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(37), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(37), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), GldStr-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(39), TchofDth-Dam%(39)
Level 28: Particle Shielding -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(40), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Prv-Heal/Rchg(40), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(42), Prv-Absorb%(42)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(42), Rct-Def/EndRdx(47)
Level 32: Frozen Aura -- ScrStr-Acc/Dmg(A), ScrStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43), ScrStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Mlt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43), Mlt-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 35: Focused Accuracy -- RctRtc-ToHit(A), RctRtc-Pcptn(45), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(46), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(46), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(46)
Level 38: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 41: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 44: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(45), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(49), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(49)
Level 47: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(48), Rct-Def/EndRdx(48)
Level 49: [Empty] -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(11), Mrc-Rcvry+(13)
Level 1: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 22: Afterburner
------------

 

 

 

[Spankea]

My main is an ice/shield and there is no room for Frost in the attack chain.  You'll run into this once you get your IO bonus sets.  Frost is still a good power to take for IO bonus sets, but delete it from your tray.  I love the concept build of a ice sword in one hand and a ice shield in the other or I would have definitely went ice/ba.

[Sovera]

Delete it? Ow, no, please.

[Maelwys]

10 hours ago, Sovera said:

Delete it? Ow, no, please.

Yeah. Unfortunately DPA on Frost is terrible. It's by far the worst DPA attack that Ice Melee has, even below Frozen Aura, which is a True AoE rather than a Cone.
And you're usually not able to hit several targets with it, at least on a Scrapper. A 90 degree Arc is decent. But a 10ft (Melee) radius isn't.

Ice Sword has a DPA that's more than double that of Frost. Heck, even Frozen Fists comes close to double that of Frost.
For Frozen Touch? It's not even in the same stadium (with a DPA more than 8 times that of Frost...)
Honestly, you'd be better off picking up Cross Punch to round out your AoE attack chain.
And for ST, Ice Melee definitely doesn't need it (see attached screenshot)

All that said, I much prefer Ice Melee on a Tanker due to the Radius/Arc buffs. Tanker IM is usually more damaging than Scrapper IM when you're clearing 4x8s, simply because you can hit a LOT more targets with Frozen Aura (and Frost, should you choose to take it) on a Tanker due to the recent Gauntlet changes and their damage modifiers (and their +damage% cap!) really aren't that much lower any more.

I also consider Rad Armor on a Scrapper to be a lot better if you don't try to softcap your defence - since you end up cutting far too many corners (in terms of additional damage output and recharge rate) aiming for +def set bonuses; and being completely honest the set can handle 4x8s totally fine without it. Capped resistances plus all the regeneration and absorption and Healing Procs it can stack is insane. Worst case you can just pop a Purple or use Shadow Meld etc.

Example EM/Rad build: 

Spoiler

		| Copy & Paste this data into Mids Reborn : Hero Designer to view the build |
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		|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 

 

Edited September 28, 2021 by Maelwys

[Sovera]

I'm not someone who deals with math. Partly because I'm not math-y, partly because too often math VS real life something comes undone along the way.

 

I can only say I tested FT, Ice Sword, Frost, Ice Sword and then combinations of Frozen Fist replacing either and the times at best didn't get worse, but, I only did so on a Tanker and this is the Scrapper forums. Perhaps faster attacks work better with Scrapper crits.

 

This isn't so much me defending Froost as saying Frozen Fists/Greater Ice Sword are worse.

[Maelwys]

As shown in my screenshot above, Scrapper DPA (Damage per activation, meaning "how much average damage you deal during the time it takes each attack to actually animate") ranks GIS at 21.44338 damage/second, Frozen Fists at 27.43056 damage/second and Frost at 17.50797 damage/second.
 

This means that against Single-targets, Frost is bottom of the pile. And against Multiple targets, Frost is better as long as you can hit two or more enemies every time you use it.
 

Now as mentioned, that's DPA. So the "grain of salt it's to be taken with" is that it doesn't directly equate to attack chains. However... since both GIS and FF have a lower recharge time than Frost, in practice you'd be hard pressed to build an attack chain where Frost gives you better damage than either of them.

Scrapper Crit rate has no bearing on faster attacks, it's a static percentage chance per attack. And all three of those attacks have a flat chance of 5% to crit in PVE (plus any global Scrapper ATO bonuses!) as you can see from the power figures in City of Data.

Math isn't the be-all and end all of CoH certainly, it's not exactly a difficult game to "win" at.
If you prefer the look/theme of Frost, then by all means more (Ice Melee) power to you!! 🙂 

Edited September 28, 2021 by Maelwys

[Sovera]

I just tested stuff and it's the results I got. Overall I decided that if the actual-tested-numbers were going to be so close together then I might as well use Frost and save the slots rather than slot another attack. That's six slots I can spread.

 

I did get -one- 3:25 result with Frozen Fists, but then the other tests went back to 4 minutes (without -res proc shenanigans), It wasn't FF oriented, but FF was tested along the way.

Edited September 28, 2021 by Sovera

[Maelwys]

Might just be a sample size thing, although sometimes power changes do fly under the radar.

For instance, I noticed recently that they've changed how multiple Power Transfer procs are handled. Multiple procs can stack in a single server tick now, so it's become normal for my own /Rad Scrapper to have 2-3 ticks of green numbers floating above his head even whenever he's just standing around doing nothing. They're a little bit disappointing in Radiation Therapy (my testing showed that they've only got one chance to proc in RT regardless of how many enemies you hit, the same as with the Panacea Proc) but they're excellent in Gamma Boost and Stamina. Body Mastery Brutes (with Superior Conditioning and Physical Perfection) could even slot five of them! Just another nail in /Regen's coffin!!

[Pzn]

Frost is a great attack if you use it in the game.  I'm not sure about how good it is on a spreadsheet.  10 ft is  high range on a melee cone and it's super easy to hit a lot of targets.

Edited September 28, 2021 by Pzn