ITF Hard Mode recommendations

[Infinitum]

1 hour ago, Hyperstrike said:

If you're operating beyond Incarnate Soft Cap and are utterly maxed out on Resists (as in ALL OF 'EM)...what do YOU think?

 

Not if it is ITF Hard Mode - key word was facing mobs designed to blow past your defenses.

 

Even a properly built invul with maxed resists has issues with that scenario because the mode is designed to kill you.

 

Because it isn't a matter of if - but when your defense gets floored - then say resists are maxed - 10% will always get through and 10 percent of a lot will still be a lot.

 

That is why hard mode - especially the top tier settings are mainly team based.

 

I came up with this build specifically for hard mode - it covers all the bases and even it can't sustain forever - because ultimately it can't kill them all fast enough.  Invul that incarnate soft caps positionals and typed 

 

Ultimate 01 - Tanker - Invulnerability - Martial Arts.mxd

[PLVRIZR]

9 minutes ago, Infinitum said:

I came up with this build specifically for hard mode - it covers all the bases and even it can't sustain forever - because ultimately it can't kill them all fast enough.  Invul that incarnate soft caps positionals and typed 

 

Ultimate 01 - Tanker - Invulnerability - Martial Arts.mxd 5.04 kB · 0 downloads

 

And you even left room to squeeze Char in for the +absorb proc. 😄

[Hyperstrike]

1 hour ago, PLVRIZR said:

 

And you even left room to squeeze Char in for the +absorb proc. 😄

Any port in a storm!

[Hyperstrike]

2 hours ago, Infinitum said:

 

Not if it is ITF Hard Mode - key word was facing mobs designed to blow past your defenses.

 

Even a properly built invul with maxed resists has issues with that scenario because the mode is designed to kill you.

 

Because it isn't a matter of if - but when your defense gets floored - then say resists are maxed - 10% will always get through and 10 percent of a lot will still be a lot.

 

That is why hard mode - especially the top tier settings are mainly team based.

 

I came up with this build specifically for hard mode - it covers all the bases and even it can't sustain forever - because ultimately it can't kill them all fast enough.  Invul that incarnate soft caps positionals and typed 

 

Ultimate 01 - Tanker - Invulnerability - Martial Arts.mxd 5.04 kB · 3 downloads

If you're that worried, flip from Ageless to Barrier.  And/or Melee Core to Melee Radial.

[Infinitum]

16 minutes ago, Hyperstrike said:

If you're that worried, flip from Ageless to Barrier.  And/or Melee Core to Melee Radial.

 

It isn't about worry - just stating facts about hard mode - there really isn't a build trick to make a tanker to survive the last two tiers effectively - those need a team.

 

Invul needs and benefits more from the extra ddr from ageless more than it needs more defense for a fraction of the time it would be effective from barrier.  The same for melee core vs radial.  It doesn't need more defense just defense that will reliably hold - that's why I created that bullet proof invul build above because it actually could solo the ITF 4 star if it had enough dps and debuffing - but it doesn't so back to needing a team even there.

[Tsuko]

Defence is for teenage gurl : this build can free the 4 stars oracles solo

[KaiOte]

I tinkered with an infinitum inv/ss build and got this. I've not done any hard mode stuff myself with it but i always liked the pure idgaf. The most i end up worrying about are ddr as has been noted and end drain but there's countermeasures for ddr in ageless and a little bit for end drain in conserve power. Keep in mind I've modified it with the recent inv buffs against psi in mind so there's not really a psi hole if that shows up on your mids. There's some variations to it I can think of like slotting 2 power transfer heal procs, maybe gutting a lot of the dps in favor of some leadership powers, possibly could remove tough altogether but unsure of any thing else that can mule similar set bonuses. The bones of it seem solid, probably because infintum built them, and quite the dps for a tank. Y'all think this could handle hard mode or do i need to go back to the drawing board?

 

Spoiler

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

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Jaxin: Level 50 Science Tanker
Primary Power Set: Invulnerability
Secondary Power Set: Super Strength
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Temp Invulnerability -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(3), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(3), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(5), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(5), ImpArm-ResPsi(50)
Level 1: Jab -- PrfZng-Dam%(A)
Level 2: Dull Pain -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(7), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(7), Prv-Absorb%(9), Prv-Heal/Rchg(9), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(11)
Level 4: Boxing -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(13), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(15), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(17), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(17)
Level 6: Haymaker -- SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprMghoft-Dmg/Rchg(19), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), SprMghoft-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), SprMghoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(21), SprMghoft-Rchg/Res%(23)
Level 8: Unyielding -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(23), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(25), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(25), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(27), UnbGrd-Max HP%(27)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- Rct-ResDam%(A)
Level 12: Resist Energies -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(29), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(29), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(31), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(31)
Level 14: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(31), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(33), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(33), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(33)
Level 16: Cross Punch -- Obl-Dmg(A), Obl-Acc/Rchg(34), Obl-Dmg/Rchg(34), Obl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34), Obl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), FrcFdb-Rechg%(36)
Level 18: Invincibility -- GssSynFr--Build%(A), ShlWal-Def(36), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(37), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(37), ShlWal-Def/Rchg(37)
Level 20: Knockout Blow -- SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg(A), SprGntFis-Dmg/Rchg(39), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), SprGntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), SprGntFis-Rchg/+Absorb(40)
Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(40)
Level 24: Resist Elements -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(42), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(42), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(42), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 26: Resist Physical Damage -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), ImpArm-ResPsi(43), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(43)
Level 28: Rage -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(45)
Level 30: Weave -- ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(A), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(45), ShlWal-Def(45), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(46)
Level 32: Tough Hide -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(50)
Level 35: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Foot Stomp -- SprAvl-Acc/Dmg(A), SprAvl-Dmg/EndRdx(46), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(48), SprAvl-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48), SprAvl-Rchg/KDProc(48)
Level 41: Physical Perfection -- PrfShf-End%(A)
Level 44: Focused Accuracy -- GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(A)
Level 47: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 49: Kick -- FrcFdb-Rechg%(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet 
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- HO:Micro(A)
Level 2: Rest -- IntRdx-I(A)
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(11), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(13)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(50)
Level 4: Athletic Run 
Level 50: Mighty Radial Final Judgement 
Level 50: Degenerative Core Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Longbow Core Superior Ally 
Level 50: Ageless Radial Epiphany 
Level 50: Melee Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon 
Level 50: The Atlas Medallion 
Level 50: Portal Jockey 
Level 50: Freedom Phalanx Reserve 
Level 50: Task Force Commander 
Level 1: Offense Amplifier (1 hour) 
------------

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Edited August 26, 2022 by KaiOte

[FUBARczar]

I think Fiery Aura is the best choice.  Just saying.....

 

😂😂😂

[FUBARczar]

Personally I'll be using what I already have, which at the highest levels all will need support anyhow.  So depending on the team I will play one of these if I am tanking:

SD/DM 

SR/SS or SR/Claws

Bio/TW  or Bio/SS 

WP/Rad 

Or even Fiery Aura/Energy Melee because I am bad a$$ and it has RoP so I can pop right back up 😜

 

And I think that's all my currently IOd tanks.

 

 

 

[FUBARczar]

And FYI, the Master ITF channel team a 2-Star kill most style ITF that was all 54s (it doesn't auto lower the level?) with 1 tank 1 Corr (a Kin) and 6 Blasters in 50 mins with very minimal deaths and no team wipes.  So it can be done.

 

Also it was the first time for a couple members on hard mode 

[PLVRIZR]

1 hour ago, FUBARczar said:

And FYI, the Master ITF channel team a 2-Star kill most style ITF that was all 54s (it doesn't auto lower the level?) with 1 tank 1 Corr (a Kin) and 6 Blasters in 50 mins with very minimal deaths and no team wipes.  So it can be done.

 

Also it was the first time for a couple members on hard mode 

 

No, it auto ups the mob level, so will only be guaranteed +4 on 4-Star.  2 Star can be set at +2/8.

 

Oh, I know it can be done.  That much DPS is one of the best ways.  I can guarantee that even though there were "rookies", the Master ITF challenge team had all the right incarnates (Barrier, Ageless DDR, etc.) and on perma rotations.  I commend the devs for coming up with something so outrageous....and would argue that it even surpasses Aeon.

[Mezmera]

2 hours ago, FUBARczar said:

(it doesn't auto lower the level?)

 

If EV sets his rep at +4 you will still get 54's even though they play tested it so that the base +2/8 enemy spawns of 52-53's will be quite a good workout.  They don't prevent you from putting extra challenges on yourself in their challenge mode tfs.  It's just that why would you want to and not just up the difficulty to the next star since you're going to be putting in the extra effort for less reward.  

 

The 3-star comes with enemies buffed a bit more and +3/8 base then on the 4-star they get an extra incarnate ability and even more buffing with +4/8 base.  

 

And yes I agree this is a bit harder than Aeon.  

Edited August 26, 2022 by Mezmera

[FUBARczar]

1 hour ago, Mezmera said:

 

If EV sets his rep at +4 you will still get 54's even though they play tested it so that the base +2/8 enemy spawns of 52-53's will be quite a good workout.  They don't prevent you from putting extra challenges on yourself in their challenge mode tfs.  It's just that why would you want to and not just up the difficulty to the next star since you're going to be putting in the extra effort for less reward.  

 

The 3-star comes with enemies buffed a bit more and +3/8 base then on the 4-star they get an extra incarnate ability and even more buffing with +4/8 base.  

 

And yes I agree this is a bit harder than Aeon.  

I just never move my settings really, so I was lead and set at +4/8

[Mezmera]

14 minutes ago, FUBARczar said:

I just never move my settings really, so I was lead and set at +4/8

Ah yeah you can lower your settings they auto scale on the harder tfs.  

[PLVRIZR]

15 minutes ago, FUBARczar said:

I just never move my settings really, so I was lead and set at +4/8

 

Which is noteworthy, to remember this fact while comparing results.  The 1-Star I was on was set to +4/8, which I would imagine is a whole hell of a lot tougher than at +1/8.  

[Linea]

 

2 hours ago, FUBARczar said:

1 tank 1 Corr (a Kin) and 6 Blasters

I will not be surprised if at some point someone does a 4-star all-blaster team just for the hell of it.  8x Full Tier-4 Incarnates on Full Tier-4 IO builds coordinating and rolling the incarnate powers is an insanely powerful thing.

 

 

 

[Xandyr]

5 hours ago, Linea said:

 

I will not be surprised if at some point someone does a 4-star all-blaster team just for the hell of it.  8x Full Tier-4 Incarnates on Full Tier-4 IO builds coordinating and rolling the incarnate powers is an insanely powerful thing.

 

 

 

Perhaps even a fire/rad superteam

[FUBARczar]

7 hours ago, Linea said:

 

I will not be surprised if at some point someone does a 4-star all-blaster team just for the hell of it.  8x Full Tier-4 Incarnates on Full Tier-4 IO builds coordinating and rolling the incarnate powers is an insanely powerful thing.

 

 

 

are you signing up?

 

[Parthenon]

So I’ve been testing builds on 2-star to determine whether I should stick with my main since 2004, an Inv/SS, or switch to SR/DM for the new hard mode content. 
 

So far the SR is outperforming the Inv/SS pretty considerably due to the higher DDR, as a previous poster mentioned. 
 

I’m curious if anyone else has stress tested your builds on 2-star solo (true 2-star, not boosted to +4 via notoriety). I’d like to have a benchmark for what’s top tier. 
 

So far the Inv/SS eventually gets whittled down once the DDR from ageless radial drops. I’m running that Mo-Jacked build. The SR can hang longer, leveraging the high DDR with barrier and Elude to stay relatively safe. I’ve still seen rare spikes that I just can’t do anything about though, whereas the Invul could maybe live by popping dull pain. 
 

Anyone tested this way or have general thoughts? 

[Uun]

Ran a 3-star a few days ago with my Dark/Dark and it stood up very well. I've got 90%+ resists to S/L/N/Psi  and 86% to F/C. This is not a high defense build (mid 30s), but even so I didn't find I was using Dark Regen much. Was my first time dealing with Rommie's void attack, so died once or twice before I learned to kite it.

[Bill Z Bubba]

On 8/21/2022 at 10:20 PM, Mezmera said:

You can get high DDR on Shield tanks.  Mine is at 90% without using Ageless, not too far off of SR.  For a heal I went with Unrelenting and made sure to put the tanker and entomb absorb procs into high frequency firing attacks, I've got an extra 900+ first line hp I can count on and can 'heal' it back well enough when it gets chewed away. 

 

How? ED capped, my Shield tank stops at 87.81% DDR wtih doublstacked AD.

[Mezmera]

5 hours ago, Bill Z Bubba said:

 

How? ED capped, my Shield tank stops at 87.81% DDR wtih doublstacked AD.

 

Battle Agility DDR is enhanceable, I have 71.5% defense enhancement in it running Agility Alpha.  I also don't use Ageless to get there, I just take all the powers in Shield that provide DDR.

Edited September 3, 2022 by Mezmera

[FUBARczar]

So far my favorite runs are on my Fiery Aura / Energy Melee Tank. No joke!

With a couple of Cold Domination on the team (the whole team gets much needed +def).  And that works better than me running on SD (with Thermal shield support) or invulnerability.  The key is the fast and powerful heal and doing more damage.  And the off chance I die, I can immediately get back in the fight with RoP.

 

 

[Seed22]

On 8/20/2022 at 6:41 PM, meyerwolf406 said:

Anyone have any good recommendations for solid tank sets for ITF Hard Mode.  Currently been running Inv/ss the past year and its a cake walk but I'm not sure if it will be able to handle Hard Mode... I don't not ever plan on soloing Hard Mode at any star lvl.  I want to be the strongest team tank.  This Char like Mr. ITF will be for no other purpose then to run teams through ITF Hard Mode. seen some ppl talk about SR/DM but dont want to waste the days if not weeks or so it would take to build to find out that its not going to work. 

 

I have a Rad/Dark that I believe is more than HM Capable. Can't go wrong with Rad armor as a consideration.

[siran]

I'm going to prefix this with 'I've not tried hard mode yet'. I do get it is hard mode, especially after reading this thread

 

My question: will dark armor work. I have found in normal content that Dark Armor is superb. I can cap the defences (normal content), cap most resists (even energy with the P2W Kinetic armor if I really need to, which I hardly ever do), the best heal in the game (total heal every 10 seconds or so) and level 4 stuns AOE all the time (paired with super str, stone or electric melee)

 

 On normal +4x8 ITF these guys usually don't loose any hps, and if they do the total heal every 10 seconds or so helps a lot. Of course they don't have any DDR which a lot of this thread has been about... but I find after a handclap and an oppressive gloom most things aren't hitting me any (on normal difficulty) . Clearly EBs and AVs are not in the 'most things'.... but that heal helps a lot.

 

Edit: oh and soul transfer is great for standing up quickly if you do fall over.  (as the previous post said about Rise of the Phoneix) But I've only used it once or so every 50 veteran levels... I suspect I will use it more now...

 

Is the hard mode such that 'it's all about the DDR?' at the highest level of difficulties?

 

 

 

Edited September 3, 2022 by siran