DM/SR for Incarnate content

[lfbn]

I have a DM/SR scrapper that I've played entirely solo, entirely without Inf  loans from my other toons. I find DM fun to play, mostly because I'm the rare person who just loves Shadow Maul, and I use SR because I figured it would be cheap to cap defense (I'm in the 45 - 48% range for positionals) and get decent recharge (I have a passive 82.5% recharge bonus even if hasten isn't running). I've been running story arcs and I have a pretty solid build from the merits I've collected, but now that I have a 50+1 level shift, I figured I'd take a stab at missions in Dark Astoria, which is generally not content I've seen before.

And holy god it's like I don't have Defense at all. My toon can solo 4x8s in PI all day long, even handling Carnies (ie SR kryptonite) pretty well. In DA, I just get my ass handed to me nonstop by almost everything.

I have all the Inf in the world at my disposal, but I'm at a loss to think of ways to get anything more than tiny little bits of extra +Def. I'm already running Maneuvers and Weave and SR has Debuff resistance for -Def, which I thought would be enough to help me handle all the BS that level shifted mobs throw at heroes. 

I don't have my build written out for this particular toon but generally we're talking DM/SR with Speed, Fighting, Jumping, Leadership, Mu Mastery (I was using Body Mastery for a while but I found that I liked having two extra AoEs more than extra accuracy and end). I use this character for running content solo, rather than farming or teaming.

[BrandX]

If I'm not mistaken, for Incarnate content, you're going to want 52 or 56% Defense to hit softcap.  Which may be the issue you're having.

[lfbn]

I'm not exactly sure how to get there from /SR, then. I know that there are IO sets that offer bits and pieces of positional defense, but from what I can recall, it's things like 2.5% melee defense from 6 Red Fortunes. I'm not even sure I can get any position up over 50% Def without gutting the whole rest of my build. Does /SR just not work for end game soloing?

[Bill Z Bubba]

DA (all incarnate) critters have +13.75% tohit so the actual incarnate softcap is 58.75% and everyone generally rounds up to 59%.

 

I used DA repeatables almost entirely when I was pushing my claws/sr scrapper to vet lvl 666 and never really had any issues, with Mids telling me he only sits at 50.35%, 44.59% and 49.59% for MRA defense. However, all of those values get bumped by the constant +5% to all from a T4ed barrier core at its lowest point in its cycle so that explains pretty much everything since barrier is also buffing resistance.

 

Edit: That said, the tohit debuffs from dark melee should have been helping you out considerably.

Edited August 5, 2022 by Bill Z Bubba

[StrikerFox]

7 hours ago, lfbn said:

I'm not exactly sure how to get there from /SR, then. I know that there are IO sets that offer bits and pieces of positional defense, but from what I can recall, it's things like 2.5% melee defense from 6 Red Fortunes. I'm not even sure I can get any position up over 50% Def without gutting the whole rest of my build. Does /SR just not work for end game soloing?

 

You can do it! It may require a respec with new power picks (Add CJ or Stealth), changing up slotting and IOs (Full set of winter IO's add +def to 2 different positions). Can take the Agility or Nerve Alpha as they both provide a +20% def buff (Probably equates to +4% def). Split up the Superior Scrapper Strike for +5% melee def. Full set of Gaussian's in Soul Drain will add +2.5% to all positions. Steadfast and Gladiator's Armor uniques for +6% def. Boost some IOs to +5 for a little extra oomph. 

Avoid small IO set bonuses that are better for type def like Pounding Slugfest and Reactive Armor. Their positional def bonuses are small. I'm sure there's a more efficient way to get to +58.75% def than the below. It's just to incarnate softcap, DDR is short 5%. Hope it helps.

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[lfbn]

This what I'm working with right now. I went ahead and broke the seal on not trading Inf to this toon and now everything is... getting there. In general, anything that's a standard IO is +5'd and so are all the LotGs that contribute to Defense values, so the numbers here are a off a tiny bit. With Positional Defenses now more or less right at 50% each, it's not as bad, but I'm also keeping a purple insp running for as long as I'm fighting.

 

 

 

This Hero build was built using Mids Reborn 3.2.17
https://github.com/LoadedCamel/MidsReborn

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Natural Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Super Reflexes
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Leaping
Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(3), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(3), Hct-Acc/Rchg(5), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Hct-Dam%(7)
Level 1: Focused Fighting -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(7), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(9), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(9), LucoftheG-Def(11)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprScrStr-Dmg/Rchg(15), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), SprScrStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), SprScrStr-Rchg/+Crit(19)
Level 4: Focused Senses -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(19), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(21), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(21), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(23)
Level 6: Agile -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(23), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(25), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(25), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(27)
Level 8: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27)
Level 10: Siphon Life -- TchoftheN-Acc/Heal(A), TchoftheN-Heal(29), TchoftheN-Heal/HP/Regen/Rchg(29), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech(31), OvrFrc-Acc/Dmg(31), OvrFrc-Dmg/End/Rech(31)
Level 12: Practiced Brawler -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 14: Boxing -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg(A)
Level 16: Dodge -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(33), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(33), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(33), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(34)
Level 18: Dark Consumption -- PreOptmz-EndMod/End(A), PreOptmz-EndMod/Rech(34), PreOptmz-EndMod/Acc/End(34), PreOptmz-EndMod/Acc/Rech(36), ClvBlo-Acc/Rchg(36), Obl-Acc/Rchg(36)
Level 20: Quickness -- Run-I(A)
Level 22: Tough -- ResDam-I(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(37), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(37), ResDam-I(37), ResDam-I(39)
Level 24: Weave -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A), DefBuff-I(39), DefBuff-I(39)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Dmg/Rchg(40), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Arm-Acc/Rchg(40), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(42)
Level 28: Lucky -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(43), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(43)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCrtStr-Dmg/Rchg(43), SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), SprCrtStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45), SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45), SprCrtStr-Rchg/+50% Crit(46)
Level 35: Evasion -- Rct-ResDam%(A), Rct-Def(46), Rct-Def/EndRdx(46), Rct-Def/Rchg(48)
Level 38: Zapp -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A)
Level 41: Ball Lightning -- Rgn-Dmg(A), Rgn-Dmg/Rchg(48), Rgn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Rgn-Acc/Rchg(50), Rgn-Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 44: Super Speed -- Run-I(A)
Level 47: Elude -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit 
Level 1: Sprint -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 1: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(11)
Level 1: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 1: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), EndMod-I(13), EndMod-I(13)
Level 49: Quick Form 
Level 44: Speed Phase 
------------

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[Doomguide2005]

     I'm unable to use Mids, dead computer, but a few thoughts: 

     Try out Power Transfer in Dark Consumption.  Boosts endmod and damage and the proc is a heal.   

     I'm uncomfortable seeing so many 5-slotted defense powers.  The builder (and Claws/SR player) in me screams that's inefficient slotting.   I assume that's for the S/L resists which is a worthy goal in general but I'd probably chase Energy/Neg Energy resists with Shield Wall over S/L.  Or both given the number of defense slottable powers and the Rule of Five.   I'd start with a base of 3 slots --> def, def/endred, def/endred/rech for toggles and def, def/+rech, def/end in passives.  Then need 2 more spots for def/+rech LotG specials (likely Maneuvers, CJ, or Weave, though you've also got Elude and the toggles).  

     I don't know about you but I exemp frequently having CJ so late would drive me nuts.  Of course if this is intended for only endgame play it doesn't matter.

     How much Health?  And what's the net end  recovery?

[lfbn]

I took Elude at 49. I looked at the powers I have and concluded it was better than a second travel power. Tactics is tempting in that space as well but End was a bit of a struggle while I was leveling and has really only gotten better since I got my T3 Alpha.  The LotGs were extremely helpful while I was leveling this toon, since the ~45% S/L resists kept me going long enough for Siphon Life to do its job. I've probably overcommitted to Recharge (Quickness, 5x LotG Global Recharge, 5x LotG set bonus, 5x Purple or ATO Huge bonus), but the DM AOE powers are up with every non-trivial spawn and I don't recall being able to do that on my last effort at a DM toon.

 

Health on this toon is just under 1600. I recover a little over 14 end/sec, but also have the dips from Hasten and Practiced Brawler to contend with.

This character has been exclusively solo and was doing unadjusted arcs to get merits and see game content for the last several months, only pushing up the difficulty settings once I started to spend time in the 40+ zones.

 

At approximately M 52% R 50% A 53% and a T3 Barrier, I'm no longer getting my butt kicked by the stuff I can find in the back of Moth Cemetery. I'm pretty sure I can tune it better but I'm not so sure I want to give up on my substantial S/L resists just yet.

[archgemini24]

I am sure some of the gurus will rip this to shreds (and please do, I am not above* learning something new), but it does get to 59% M/R/AoE, has the generally accepted Smite-SL-Smite-MG attack chain with a fully-slotted heal in Siphon Life, does not have any Incarnate choices taken aside from the Alpha, and has Shadow Meld for Defense Debuff emergencies. It does make some sacrifices, though: Full Gaussian slotting in Tactics, meaning you'll Build-up randomly instead of every use of Soul Drain, and it does not have Ball Lightning (does have Shadow Maul and Touch of Fear, at least). Also does not have your 45% S/L Resistance, but 35% isn't bad, and Barrier is still and option if you would want it. With the 59% native Defenses and Dark Melee's To-Hit Debuffs, Ageless might be better for Endurance sustainability.

 

For your consideration:

 

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 Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Super Reflexes
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- Hct-Dmg(A), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(27), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), Hct-Acc/Rchg(34), Hct-Dmg/EndRdx(36), Hct-Dam%(37)
Level 1: Focused Fighting -- Rct-Def(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(21), Rct-Def/Rchg(21), Rct-ResDam%(25), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprScrStr-Dmg/Rchg(37), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), SprScrStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SprScrStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), SprScrStr-Rchg/+Crit(40)
Level 4: Focused Senses -- RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFrt-Def(7), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(17), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(27)
Level 6: Touch of Fear -- Erd-Acc/Rchg(A), Erd-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Erd-%Dam(43), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg(45), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), ScrDrv-Dam%(45)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- HO:Nucle(A), HO:Nucle(9), HO:Nucle(9), HO:Golgi(11), HO:Golgi(11), HO:Golgi(13)
Level 10: Practiced Brawler -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 12: Agile -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(13), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(17)
Level 14: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(15), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(15)
Level 16: Dodge -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(23), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(23)
Level 18: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(19), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(19)
Level 20: Quickness -- Run-I(A)
Level 22: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GldArm-3defTpProc(25)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- ScrDrv-Acc/Rchg(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg(46), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46)
Level 28: Lucky -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(29), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(29)
Level 30: Weave -- RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFrt-Def(31), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(31)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCrtStr-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprCrtStr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33), SprCrtStr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprCrtStr-Rchg/+50% Crit(34)
Level 35: Evasion -- RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFrt-Def(36), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(36)
Level 38: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(39), RechRdx-I(39)
Level 41: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(42), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(42), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(42), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(43), GssSynFr--Build%(43)
Level 44: Moonbeam -- Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), Dcm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), Dcm-Acc/Dmg(48), Dcm-Build%(50)
Level 47: Shadow Meld -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 49: Super Jump -- WntGif-ResSlow(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit 
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(5), Pnc-Heal/+End(5), Prv-Absorb%(7)
Level 1: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PwrTrns-EndMod(3), PwrTrns-+Heal(3)
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon 
Level 49: Quick Form 
Level 49: Double Jump 
------------

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Edited August 6, 2022 by archgemini24

[Blackjoy]

On 8/4/2022 at 9:52 AM, lfbn said:

I have a DM/SR scrapper that I've played entirely solo, entirely without Inf  loans from my other toons. I find DM fun to play, mostly because I'm the rare person who just loves Shadow Maul,

Shadow Maul is one of my favorite powers, even if the animation was stolen from the Matrix.  Put a KD proc in it for lots of fun.

 

On 8/4/2022 at 9:52 AM, lfbn said:

and I use SR because I figured it would be cheap to cap defense (I'm in the 45 - 48% range for positionals)

I got into /SR back on Live before we even had access to the numbers, but it is one of the easiest Secondaries to slot, imo.  I'm at 81% recharage pre-hasten.  So yeah, I also play a DM/SR as my main.

 

On 8/4/2022 at 9:52 AM, lfbn said:

I've been running story arcs and I have a pretty solid build from the merits I've collected, but now that I have a 50+1 level shift, I figured I'd take a stab at missions in Dark Astoria, which is generally not content I've seen before.

And holy god it's like I don't have Defense at all. My toon can solo 4x8s in PI all day long, even handling Carnies (ie SR kryptonite) pretty well. In DA, I just get my ass handed to me nonstop by almost everything.

Are you attempting the DA stuff on 4x8?  The only time I've run into what you're saying is doing 4x8 IDF spawns when I was only +1 level shift.   I've since attempted those same spawns at +3 and it's a much different story.   They are still extremely dangerous, even at +3, but I can do them without using RoP or Elude, Inspirations, or any active Incarnates...as long as I move around tactically.   But, at +1, they will pretty much shred you in less than 20 seconds if you try them naked.  

 

I'm running just slightly above cap for ranged and AoE and slightly under for Melee.  With DM's to-hit debuff, liberal use of ToF and whatever that Incarnate that adds additional -To Hit, I'm pretty sure I'm capping anything in melee.

 

Are you on Excelsior?  I'd love to see what you're fighting and give it a go.