Sonic changes and I27 P4

[pretty_jesus]

What do the sonic changes look like? I read through the patch notes but wondering how this looks in gameplay.  I have no experience with the set but was considering Cold/Sonic or Kin/Sonic.  Thanks

[Uun]

I had a Poison/Sonic before P4 hit. Prior to the changes I had Shriek, Scream, Shout, Howl, Siren's Song (base slot w/ +heal proc) and Dreadful Wail. Other than tweaks to animation times/damage sacles and how the -res functions, the big changes were adding damage to Screech and Siren's Song. Screech is now the highest DPA attack and Siren's Song is the highest  DPA AoE attack. I dropped Scream for Screech and 6-slotted Siren's Song. A case can also be made for dropping Howl for Shockwave. 

[Lazarillo]

I never really re-evaluated my Pain/Sonic Defender when this came through, but now, especially with some of the power tier level changes, I'm starting to look at it again.  The one thing I'm a little unsure of is where to go with AoE attacks, with the damage buffs to Shockwave and Siren Song.  Howl's been an easy take up 'til now since it was about the only option, but now it does less damage than the other two, but the only one that has the -Res debuff.  Taking three cones feels a little excessive, but I'm thinking two might be worthwhile (maybe Howl + Shockwave since they have the same range/arc?).  Any tips or recommendations for /Sonic Defenders these days?

[twozerofoxtrot]

On 11/5/2022 at 11:43 AM, Lazarillo said:

Any tips or recommendations for /Sonic Defenders these days?

 

You've basically hit the nail on the head, and it comes down to:

 

Howl: -Res

Shockwave: FF Proc (and cc~ish)

Siren: Damage and Sandman Heal Proc

 

With a Pain Def, you already have access to Self Heals and AoE -Res, though in the case of the latter it's on the opposite side of the scale from Howl; more intense but less availability. 

 

So were I in your shoes I'd make a call between Howl and Siren based on maxing AoE -Res or having a decent damage cone. I'd certainly pick up Shockwave either way just to fish for FF procs to lower recharge on World of Pain, Painbringer, and Anguishing Cry.