A Rad/Rad build.

[Sovera]

There is nothing new here. There was a fad where Rad/Rad builds were like hot cakes so after it there is nothing new under the sun, but here's my take on it.

 

There is not a ton of synergy going I think. The heal from Rad Melee is nice but feels superfluous when we have an absorb shield and a recovery-clicky-that-doubles-as-a-heal (or vice-versa). Rad Armor does lack a damage aura and Rad Melee does have one, Rad Melee does go heavy on the endurance and Rad Armor swims in it, and Rad Melee does take a FF proc which helps speeding Rad Armor's clickies. Rad Armor does not push the damage (the mini nukes are fine if people like them all procced but eh) but as I recently saw Rad Melee works very well on its own (Rad/Fire with Burn only five minutes ahead of a Rad/Granite that didn't even have Brimstone yet).

 

So that said it came out as pretty sturdy. 45% to S/L defense and 90% to S/L/E with Negative at 78% (all of these numbers with Barrier's 5%, so remove 5%). Other than Negative these are nearly Tanker numbers and self sustained too. One ST heal, one AoE heal, one absorb shield, fat recharge from Beta Decay and the Force Feedback proc in Radioactive Smash to keep things moving, and of course a beautiful list of debuff resists:

 

 

I'll be giving it a go to compare against Rad/Granite and Rad/Fire.

 

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.1.2.5
https://github.com/LoadedCamel/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Brute
Primary Power Set: Radiation Melee
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Radioactive Smash -- TchofDth-Acc/Dmg(A), TchofDth-Dam%(3), TchofDth-Dmg/Rchg(3), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), FrcFdb-Rechg%(7)
Level 1: Alpha Barrier -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), UnbGrd-Max HP%(7), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), UnbGrd-ResDam(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(11)
Level 2: Gamma Boost -- SynSck-EndMod/+RunSpeed(A), SynSck-Dam/Acc/End(40), SynSck-Dam/Rech/Acc(40), SynSck-EndMod/Rech(43), SynSck-Dam/Rech(43), SynSck-EndMod(45)
Level 4: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-ResDam%(34), Rct-Def(34)
Level 6: Fusion -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), RctRtc-Pcptn(11), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(13), RechRdx-I(46)
Level 8: Radiation Siphon -- SprUnrFur-Acc/Dmg(A), SprUnrFur-Dmg/Rchg(17), SprUnrFur-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17), SprUnrFur-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), SprUnrFur-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), SprUnrFur-Rchg/+Regen/+End(21)
Level 10: Proton Armor -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(13), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(15), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(15), GldArm-3defTpProc(50)
Level 12: Fallout Shelter -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(23), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(25), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(25)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(33)
Level 16: Radiation Therapy -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(27), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(27), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(29), Pnc-Heal(29), ThfofEss-+End%(45)
Level 18: Irradiated Ground -- FuroftheG-ResDeb%(A), Arm-Dam%(31), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), AchHee-DefDeb(31), Obl-%Dam(33), TchofLadG-%Dam(33)
Level 20: Beta Decay -- MckBrt-Acc/Rchg(A), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg(21), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(23), MckBrt-Taunt(43)
Level 22: Fly -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 24: Evasive Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 26: Devastating Blow -- SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(34), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(36), Hct-Dam%(46)
Level 28: Particle Shielding -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(37), Prv-Heal(37), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(39), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(39), Prv-Heal/Rchg(39)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 32: Atom Smasher -- SprBrtFur-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBrtFur-Dmg/Rchg(37), SprBrtFur-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), SprBrtFur-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), SprBrtFur-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), SprBrtFur-Rech/Fury%(42)
Level 35: Focused Accuracy -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 41: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(48), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(48), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(48)
Level 44: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(49), ShlWal-Def(49), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(50), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 47: Superior Conditioning -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 49: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(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 4: Ninja Run
Level 50: Void Core Final Judgement
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Radial Superior Ally
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon
Level 50: Portal Jockey
Level 50: Task Force Commander
Level 50: The Atlas Medallion
Level 50: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 22: Afterburner
Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment
------------

 

If there is a call for I'll whip a leveling build.

 

 

This is what I leveled with. The levels at which the slots were placed are auto arranged by Mids, but focus on attacks first, Irradiated Ground and Radiation Therapy having precedence until six slotted. I also placed five Brute's Fury in Radioactive Smash until Atom Smasher had six slots, then placed Brute's Fury there and swapped to what is here.

 

Spoiler

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.1.2.5
https://github.com/LoadedCamel/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Brute
Primary Power Set: Radiation Melee
Secondary Power Set: Radiation Armor
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Radioactive Smash -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), GldStr-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(5), FrcFdb-Rechg%(7)
Level 1: Alpha Barrier -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), UnbGrd-Max HP%(7), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), UnbGrd-ResDam(9), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(11)
Level 2: Gamma Boost -- SynSck-EndMod/+RunSpeed(A), SynSck-Dam/Acc/End(40), SynSck-Dam/Rech/Acc(40), SynSck-EndMod/Rech(43), SynSck-Dam/Rech(43), SynSck-EndMod(45)
Level 4: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-ResDam%(34), Rct-Def(34)
Level 6: Fusion -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), RctRtc-Pcptn(11), RctRtc-ToHit/Rchg(13), RechRdx-I(46), RechRdx-I(46)
Level 8: Radiation Siphon -- UnrFur-Acc/Dmg(A), UnrFur-Dmg/Rchg(17), UnrFur-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17), UnrFur-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), UnrFur-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(19), UnrFur-Rchg/+Regen/+End(21)
Level 10: Proton Armor -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(13), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(15), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(15), GldArm-3defTpProc(50)
Level 12: Fallout Shelter -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(23), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(25), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(25)
Level 14: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(33), RechRdx-I(45)
Level 16: Radiation Therapy -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(27), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(27), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(29), Pnc-Heal(29), ThfofEss-+End%(45)
Level 18: Irradiated Ground -- FuroftheG-ResDeb%(A), Erd-%Dam(31), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), AchHee-DefDeb(31), Obl-%Dam(33), TchofLadG-%Dam(33)
Level 20: Beta Decay -- MckBrt-Acc/Rchg(A), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg(21), MckBrt-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(23), MckBrt-Taunt(43)
Level 22: Fly -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 24: Evasive Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 26: Devastating Blow -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(34), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(36), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), GldStr-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(36), Hct-Dam%(46)
Level 28: Particle Shielding -- Prv-Absorb%(A), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(37), Prv-Heal(37), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(39), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(39), Prv-Heal/Rchg(39)
Level 30: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 32: Atom Smasher -- BrtFur-Acc/Dmg(A), BrtFur-Dmg/Rchg(37), BrtFur-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), BrtFur-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), BrtFur-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42), BrtFur-Rchg/Fury(42)
Level 35: Focused Accuracy -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 41: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(48), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(48), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(48)
Level 44: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(49), Rct-Def/EndRdx(49)
Level 47: Superior Conditioning -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 49: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(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 4: Ninja Run
Level 50: Void Core Final Judgement
Level 50: Banished Pantheon Radial Superior Ally
Level 50: Musculature Radial Paragon
Level 50: Portal Jockey
Level 50: Task Force Commander
Level 50: The Atlas Medallion
Level 50: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 22: Afterburner
Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Barrier Core Epiphany
Level 50: Assault Core Embodiment
------------

 

Edited December 25, 2021 by Sovera

[Sovera]

I went into Yin and tried to brute force the sturdyness. Which did not went super well with one death after pulling two groups and trying to face tank without inspiration. Still reasonable I suppose since slotting is in no way finished.

 

Had to eat a purple for Yin since the three heals were not enough, and, interestingly enough, I'm now wondering what shenanigans did I pull for the Stone Armor version having finished his almost ten minutes sooner. Stone Armor finished in 45 minutes, Rad Armor in 54 minutes.

 

Despite all the endurance available and having endurance recovery debuff I kept getting detoggled which did not happen with Stone Armor who mostly ignored Super Stunners ressurection.

[Sovera]

That's explained. I had removed the two -res procs from Irradiated Ground because 'logically' it was 'common sense' that with low HP mobs it was better to do direct damage than do a -res effect.

 

Swapped the damage procs for the -res procs and it was done in 44 minutes.

 

Makes me think if the Rad/Fire had the -res procs or not when I tested...

 

 

As much as I hiss at -res procs it's true that the damage they bring is amplified by lower level mobs. Definitely slot these up when leveling, brethren. And probably just keep them in regardless since IG is such a good carrier.

 

Actually revived my interest in the oldie Fire/Rad Tank that I had... I must look it up again.

[Erratic1]

Since my Rad Melee is a Tanker I was more focused on the heal, but the mechanic splashes damage when you hit a Contaminated foe with a Rad Melee attack. Is there any way to abuse that for fun and killing?

[Sovera]

Just now, Erratic1 said:

Since my Rad Melee is a Tanker I was more focused on the heal, but the mechanic splashes damage when you hit a Contaminated foe with a Rad Melee attack. Is there any way to abuse that for fun and killing?

 

Try to hit a mob in the center of other mobs, and don't use Radiation Siphon. The damage splash isn't big though.

[Erratic1]

28 minutes ago, Sovera said:

 

Try to hit a mob in the center of other mobs, and don't use Radiation Siphon. The damage splash isn't big though.

 

 Radiation Melee is supposed to trigger the splash too but it also consumes the Contaminated effect. 

 

You know, I never tested it but presumably if other splash-qualifying attacks do not consume the effect then presumably you can hit the same target again for splash damage for the duration of the Contaminated effect. I know it lasts long enough on my Tanker that he can apply Contaminated with Radiation Siphon and have it still there to be consumed by his next use of Radiation Siphon, which he has recharging in 4 seconds.

 

 

Edited December 23, 2021 by Erratic1

[asmartfellow]

Made my first Rad/Rad brute this week. Got him to 50. I've slotted him up exactly as your build Sovera (thanks) except I don't have the Hecatomb yet.

What I like about this build: Very few buttons to mash. My attacks are, minimal, to say the least. That's a positive.

What I'm not loving so far, and maybe you'll have some insight. When I'm tough...I'm TOUGH. But if I'm not, meaning if any of the mobs are getting through, then they ALL are getting through. Now, this might change when I get the slots up to where they need to be. I don't know yet. 

Not certain where this build is supposed to shine yet.

[Sovera]

4 minutes ago, asmartfellow said:

Made my first Rad/Rad brute this week. Got him to 50. I've slotted him up exactly as your build Sovera (thanks) except I don't have the Hecatomb yet.

What I like about this build: Very few buttons to mash. My attacks are, minimal, to say the least. That's a positive.

What I'm not loving so far, and maybe you'll have some insight. When I'm tough...I'm TOUGH. But if I'm not, meaning if any of the mobs are getting through, then they ALL are getting through. Now, this might change when I get the slots up to where they need to be. I don't know yet. 

Not certain where this build is supposed to shine yet.

 

You're facing debuffers when you're hit like that. What you need is to monitor your defenses (if you don't know how it's explained somewhere in the guide in my signature) and be ready to peel off if they drop to red until your defenses have come back. If you have Hover it's as simple as to simply fly up a bit to be out of reach. Ten seconds is usually enough for the defenses to return to normal and you can start over.

 

Against enemies who debuff (like for example the romans, but not only) pre-emptive use of purples saves trouble. A simple medium purple before the fight should be enough (you can buy more between missions by typing /ah).

 

Other than defense debuffs you should be able to take on the world with those resists and the fast heals.

[HachiMan2015]

I would love a leveling build😉 when you have time

[Sovera]

2 hours ago, HachiMan2015 said:

I would love a leveling build😉 when you have time

 

Done o/

[asmartfellow]

On 12/24/2021 at 5:35 PM, Sovera said:

 

You're facing debuffers when you're hit like that. What you need is to monitor your defenses (if you don't know how it's explained somewhere in the guide in my signature) and be ready to peel off if they drop to red until your defenses have come back. If you have Hover it's as simple as to simply fly up a bit to be out of reach. Ten seconds is usually enough for the defenses to return to normal and you can start over.

 

Against enemies who debuff (like for example the romans, but not only) pre-emptive use of purples saves trouble. A simple medium purple before the fight should be enough (you can buy more between missions by typing /ah).

 

Other than defense debuffs you should be able to take on the world with those resists and the fast heals.

I first ran him through a smashing/lethal farm in AE at +2/x8, and that's about as maxxed as I can seem to get him. Also, it's seat of the pants play. TONS of inspirations falling, and I just gobble them as quick as they fall. THat makes him survive, but if I take it to +3, it's a nope. 

I'm not sure if I'm not playing it right or what. I'll keep testing though.

[Sovera]

1 hour ago, asmartfellow said:

I first ran him through a smashing/lethal farm in AE at +2/x8, and that's about as maxxed as I can seem to get him. Also, it's seat of the pants play. TONS of inspirations falling, and I just gobble them as quick as they fall. THat makes him survive, but if I take it to +3, it's a nope. 

I'm not sure if I'm not playing it right or what. I'll keep testing though.

 

You should not be incarnated at your level which makes a difference. Even just having Barrier and that permanent 5% to defense will make a big difference. Farms need defense since the enemies never stop and the resistances keep most of it out, but since it never stops coming...

 

That's why you see farmers always with 45% defense on top of 90% resistances. It may not be much of a difference but 40% and 85% adds up.

 

Out of curiosity can you screenshot your defense and resistance from the Power attribute window? Without Defensive Maneuvers toggled on.

[asmartfellow]

[Gobbledigook]

Meltdown and Rune of Protection work well together if you rotate them.. Forget defence, which will break anyway with no DDR and just get them resists up. I used to do +4x8 solo ITF with my SS/Rad Brute. The knockdown helps though and killing them fast. You have an absorb buffer and you have an AoE heal.

 

Hard to break through if you have the resists, which RoP and Meltdown will help with. My resists were actually better than my Tankers when either of those 2 buffs were up. Just takes a little more clicking than a Tanker.

Edited December 26, 2021 by Gobbledegook

[Sovera]

1 hour ago, asmartfellow said:

 

Your defense is at 29% instead of 40%. That also explains it. Probably lacking some IOs still. Nvm, I see you didn't have Weave and Combat Jumping toggled. What of the resistances?

 

 

49 minutes ago, Gobbledegook said:

Meltdown and Rune of Protection work well together if you rotate them.. Forget defence, which will break anyway with no DDR and just get them resists up. I used to do +4x8 solo ITF with my SS/Rad Brute. The knockdown helps though and killing them fast. You have an absorb buffer and you have an AoE heal.

 

Hard to break through if you have the resists, which RoP and Meltdown will help with. My resists were actually better than my Tankers when either of those 2 buffs were up. Just takes a little more clicking than a Tanker.

 

With S/L at 90% and E/N at 65% (with Barrier) the gains of Meltdown/RoP aren't exactly shining. Might as well keep medium oranges and with one of them E/N goes to 80% instead of taking and slotting and rotating two powers for 25% to E/N.

 

If I was to do that I'd rebuild everything so that I'd be at 90% taking in account those two which would loosen up the resistance goals and perhaps allow to pump E/N more too.

 

Edited December 26, 2021 by Sovera

[Gobbledigook]

1-2 slots in each is more than enough.  If you have high resists without Meltdown/RoP then you probably won't need them. But i had 90% or close to pretty much all resists with them up and rotating them certainly frees up a build to be a proc heavy build for killing power like mine is.

 

Option for a new or cheaper build though.

 

Yes you can use orange insps. Inspirations FTW lol. I use red.

[HachiMan2015]

I finished leveling this to 50 and it is exactly specced as @Sovera has in their build. I can go into a S/L farm at +4/x8 and barely feel anything. My biggest concern is clearing time more than anything. Takes me about 19 minutes. But maybe that's a good time i dunno.

 

I Only have the first muscular and degenerative though, so maybe things will speed up what's thats leveled a bit and when I get assault.

 

solid build, thank you so much @Sovera. My only real annoyance is that that tier 8 melee power takes so long. I usually get a drink while it activates. 🤣😆😉