Help w/ Archery / Ninja Training / Munitions

[asmartfellow]

Hi all. I'm not the world's best, or even close to building and min/maxxing a toon. On live however, I had an archery/Psi blaster who was a sneaky nuke KING. Basically, Super Speed/ Stealth into middle of a group. Aim/Build Up. Launch AOE nukes in sequence and almost everything was dead. 

I'd like to remake something similar except this time w/ Ninja Training. I think it's doable w/ the AOE's I have available from both primary/secondary. 

Currently, my build is something like this (For power selection, not sets yet. That's what I need help with). 

 

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.0.6.0
https://github.com/LoadedCamel/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Blaster
Primary Power Set: Archery
Secondary Power Set: Ninja Training
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Concealment
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Munitions Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Aimed Shot -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(3), Empty(5), Empty(5), Empty(7)
Level 1: Immobilizing Dart -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Fistful of Arrows -- Empty(A), Empty(7), Empty(9), Empty(9), Empty(11), Empty(11)
Level 4: Sting of the Wasp -- Empty(A), Empty(13), Empty(13), Empty(15), Empty(46), Empty(46)
Level 6: Combat Jumping -- Empty(A)
Level 8: Blazing Arrow -- Empty(A), Empty(15), Empty(17), Empty(17), Empty(19), Empty(19)
Level 10: Stealth -- Empty(A)
Level 12: Explosive Arrow -- Empty(A), Empty(21), Empty(21), Empty(23), Empty(23), Empty(25)
Level 14: Shinobi -- Empty(A), Empty(25), Empty(27), Empty(46)
Level 16: The Lotus Drops -- Empty(A), Empty(27), Empty(29), Empty(29), Empty(31), Empty(31)
Level 18: Ranged Shot -- Empty(A), Empty(31), Empty(33), Empty(33)
Level 20: Kuji-In Toh -- Empty(A), Empty(33), Empty(34), Empty(34), Empty(34), Empty(36)
Level 22: Super Speed -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Hasten -- Empty(A), Empty(36), Empty(36)
Level 26: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 28: Tough -- Empty(A), Empty(37), Empty(37)
Level 30: Weave -- Empty(A), Empty(37), Empty(39), Empty(48)
Level 32: Rain of Arrows -- Empty(A), Empty(39), Empty(39), Empty(40), Empty(40), Empty(40)
Level 35: Body Armor -- Empty(A), Empty(42), Empty(42)
Level 38: Golden Dragonfly -- Empty(A), Empty(42), Empty(43), Empty(43), Empty(43), Empty(45)
Level 41: Surveillance -- Empty(A), Empty(45), Empty(45)
Level 44: Smoke Flash -- Empty(A)
Level 47: Aim -- Empty(A), Empty(48), Empty(48)
Level 49: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance 
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Health -- Empty(A), Empty(50)
Level 1: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Stamina -- Empty(A), Empty(50), Empty(50)
Level 49: Quick Form 
Level 22: Speed Phase 
Level 49: Double Jump 
------------

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[Sirius.Games]

One of the reasons mental manipulation works so well is the HUGE Regen it can come with (3x that of other blasters when capped).

 

If you are going for a pure natural blaster hence munitions my primary advice is put artillery into fistful, luck of the gambler as the first slot in all def powers, two slot blessing of the zephyr in all movement powers, then look for other ways to increase your ranged def until you hit the soft cap. Then play around with procs vs sets to maximize damage while keeping recharge high enough you can cycle through your attacks.

 

[Frozen Burn]

If you're going to be in melee, you're going to want to focus on building your S/L/E and melee defenses and +HPs as best as you can.  Yes, building ranged defense is good too, but neglecting S/L/E (the most common damage types) will be brutal when the mobs are in melee mode -- this is also where having a lot HPs (and any resistances you can eke out) will help.  Since you are going Munitions -- i.e. not getting Scorpion Shield -- this will be harder to achieve the S/L/E softcap, but still you should be able to get a viable melee blaster.  You may have to chew on a Luck inspiration frequently (which is OKAY, in my book!). 

 

Your extra slots in Stamina are wasted -- Kuji-In Toh will give you all the end you need:  Slot the Perf Shifter proc in Stamina and KIT with Perf Shift E, EA, ER, and then Heal set (Prev Med or Numis) of H, HE, HR to maximize both recovery and regen and good +HPs bonuses.  Health then only needs a Numi or Panacea special and the Prev Medicine +Absorb proc (this can save your life! ...it has mine on several occasions).  Your extra slots in Stamina, put into Tough and build up your S/L resistances

 

Slot Devastations, Apocalypse, and Shield Walls where you can for max HPs.  

 

If you can work in the Superior Winter sets, that is great too as you can get some really good defense set bonuses there too.  And of course, slot your Superior Blaster sets (Blaster's Wrath and Defiant Barrage).

 

Stealth is a wasted power.  You can achieve invisibility with SS and a Celerity +Stealth IO in Sprint.  Plus, Stealth's defense suppresses in combat, so you're not gaining anything with it.  Then maybe you can take Aim much sooner than at the end of your build.  And then perhaps pickup Choking Powder -- it does good damage and is a hold which can help keep pesky  minions and lieutenants from debuffing you or whatnot.  

[Sirius.Games]

4 hours ago, Frozen Burn said:

Stealth is a wasted power.  You can achieve invisibility with SS and a Celerity +Stealth IO in Sprint.  Plus, Stealth's defense suppresses in combat, so you're not gaining anything with it.  Then maybe you can take Aim much sooner than at the end of your build.  And then perhaps pickup Choking Powder -- it does good damage and is a hold which can help keep pesky  minions and lieutenants from debuffing you or whatnot.  

Stealth defense doesn't 100% go away but taking maneuvers is usually superior due to the stacking stealth you refer to.

[Frozen Burn]

3 hours ago, Sirius.Games said:

Stealth defense doesn't 100% go away but taking maneuvers is usually superior due to the stacking stealth you refer to.

 

Yes, maneuvers would be a better choice here since the "invis" component of Stealth is not needed here.

[plainguy]

For simplicity I am just posting what I am running with doing 4/8.. Extrapolate what you want from it to make your own..

 

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 Blaster
Primary Power Set: Archery
Secondary Power Set: Ninja Training
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Snap Shot -- Acc-I(A)
Level 1: Immobilizing Dart -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Aimed Shot -- SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(3), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(3), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), SprBlsWrt-Rchg/Dmg%(21)
Level 4: Fistful of Arrows -- Ann-Acc/Dmg(A), Ann-Dmg/Rchg(7), Ann-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(13), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), Ann-ResDeb%(25)
Level 6: Blazing Arrow -- SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBrr-Dmg/Rchg(7), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(9), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(9), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), SprDfnBrr-Rchg/+Status Protect(11)
Level 8: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(15)
Level 10: Shinobi -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(19), LucoftheG-Def(21)
Level 12: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 14: Explosive Arrow -- Ann-Acc/Dmg(A), Ann-Dmg/Rchg(17), Ann-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), Ann-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), Ann-ResDeb%(29)
Level 16: The Lotus Drops -- SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(A), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(23), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(27), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(27), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(36)
Level 18: Ranged Shot -- SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), SprWntBit-Dmg/Rchg(31), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(31), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), SprWntBit-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(37), SprWntBit-Rchg/SlowProc(42)
Level 20: Kuji-In Toh -- NmnCnv-Heal/EndRdx(A), NmnCnv-EndRdx/Rchg(33), NmnCnv-Heal/Rchg(40), NmnCnv-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(37), NmnCnv-Heal(40), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(42)
Level 22: Boxing -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A)
Level 24: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(29)
Level 26: Stunning Shot -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(36), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(43), GldJvl-Dam%(50)
Level 28: Smoke Flash -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 30: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(33), LucoftheG-Def(46)
Level 32: Rain of Arrows -- SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg(A), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx(33), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(34), SprFrzBls-Rchg/ImmobProc(43)
Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(36), LucoftheG-Def(37)
Level 38: Golden Dragonfly -- ClvBlo-Acc/Dmg(A), ClvBlo-Dmg/EndRdx(39), ClvBlo-Dmg/Rchg(39), Erd-%Dam(39), Erd-Dmg(40), Erd-Acc/Rchg(43)
Level 41: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(42)
Level 44: Sting of the Wasp -- SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(45), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(46), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(45)
Level 47: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(48), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(50), GssSynFr--Build%(50)
Level 49: Summon Spiderlings -- ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(A)
Level 1: Defiance 
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)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A)
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: Agility Radial Paragon 
Level 12: Speed Phase 
------------

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[loyalreader]

I'm not an expert either, but I'm running up one of these (except going Scorpion Shield) and have an AR/TA/Munitions with an AoE build so have a little experience. 

 

Just to make it clear, you shouldn't need to be in melee with this character. Doing so with your /mental character was because of your level 20 power, which relies you to hit enemies. Ninja doesn't have that. You can right click on the power to 'set it and forget it (TM)'. So your approach with this character will be different. 

 

As mentioned, stealth isn't necessary with Shinobi. I found some enemies still saw me so I slotted a Celerity stealth in Sprint and that solved the issue. 

 

Since you are trying to build an AoE machine, I suggest building for (as others suggested) ranged defense and recharge. Body Armor gives you laughable resist numbers - slot your two defense procs there. I'd throw two Unbreakable guards in Tough (one the proc) and call it a day. Maybe the Aegis proc as well to reduce downtime on mezzes. You are not going to have high resists. 

 

I don't know what kind of $ you are planning on spending, so I'll keep it cheap and you can look at purple sets at your leisure. As you know those will give you both higher stats and better passive recharge, so definitely worth doing if you can afford it. Same with the archetype sets, which also give you good ranged defense. In fact, if you can afford it I would prioritize those. 

 

Otherwise, Artillery is a good one for ranged defense for your ranged AoE attacks. Since you are going to want to use the 6th slot in Explosive Arrow for a kb to kd proc, I'd 5-slot that with Bombardment to give you the extra range. Thunderstrike is solid for ranged defense for your single target attacks. My preference is to take Snap Shot and not take Aimed shot since you can spam Snap even when mezzed but... really your call. 

 

Sting of the Manticore in your sniper attack gives you both ranged defense and 7.5% recharge. Chef's kiss!

 

Also agree that Leadership is a good way to go. I like to get Maneuvers, Tactics, and - for my last pick - Vengeance. The latter gets one-slotted with the LoTG proc. 

 

For my natural characters I pay for jetpacks and don't choose a travel power. You can take Combat Jump (or Hover if you like) and slot a LotG proc, a kb proc, and any travel procs (I'm looking at you Winter's Gift) there. Your call. Superspeed to me seems a waste. 

 

Don't sleep on the other Ninja powers. They are there for a reason - to help you when things go pear-shaped. I think Smoke Flash as a one-slot wonder is a no brainer. I think slotting it with accuracy is a better play, since you shouldn't have to use it that often, but someone smarter than me should confirm. Blinding Powder is a great 'oh $%&t' power and is an AoE. Malaise's Illusion 6-slotted gives you ranged defense, recharge, and other good stuff. Choking Powder is a single-target hold (also does ok damage) but it can lock down lieutenants and 4-slotted Basilisk's Gaze gives you both ranged defense and recharge. To me that makes more sense than taking Sting of the Wasp in your case. I *would* take Golden Dragonfly. It's not a reliable AoE but slotting it with 5 Obliteration and 1 Force Feedback recharge proc should boost your recharge nicely and do some good damage to enemies that get in your face. 

 

Finally, I never 3-slot anything with the same enhancement (diminishing returns) so you shouldn't need more than two slots of Recharge Rdx in Hasten. 

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes! 

Edited January 12, 2022 by loyalreader
updated for clarity

[Nemu]

Pretty solid rationale for the most part, I think you have a good understanding of slotting efficiency and not wasting slots on bonuses you don't need. For example, quite a few posters I'm seen in the past would have just slotted 6 Reactive defenses instead of the 1 LOTG + 5 red fortune split because they don't really understand why they do what they do.

 

26 minutes ago, loyalreader said:

My preference is to take Snap Shot and not take Aimed shot since you can spam Snap even when mezzed

 

You can spam both. Blaster T1 and T2 blasts along with the T1 from the blaster secondary are immune to Mez, so to speak. I prefer snap shot because it has higher damage per activation time.

 

I find the lotus drops a skippable power depending on how many AoEs you have. It's got a tiny radius and the damage isn't so spectacular that you absolutely feel compelled to move into the danger zone to use it. But mostly it's the radius that makes it a "womp womp" power. The one thing it is good for is for muling some set bonuses. Since it's archery and you can get rain of arrows down to a reasonable timer, you might not find lotus drops as useful.

 

If you up your budget then you can consider fitting in the -res procs as those are always useful, and if your budget climbs higher you can look into slow resist via winter IOs.