Willpower/SJ Tanker help

[star_fury_lives]

Hey all

 

So, I'm trying to design a Willpower build that (for thematic reasons) maximises Psionic resistance and defence (whilst also aiming for damn good Smash/Lethal totals) , but I'd also like to cover my other bases well enough so that I can tank endgame (I know as a thematic build it'll never be absolute top tier, but I really want that "haha psychic nub try to hit me" feel to it). Willpower fitted thematically, so I chose that over other sets like Dark Armour.

 

This is the first time I've ever attempted to do an IO build (never really touched the IO system much on live when I was there) so there's probably a lot of room for improvement! I also love punching stuff across the room, so there are a few knockback enhancements in there...(probably would take those out for proper tanking jobs, leave them in for generic play and soloing :P ).

 

I managed to get 90% res to Psi/Smash/Lethal, only 45% to Fire/Cold and 25% to Energy/Negative. I couldn't find a way to get 45% Psi resist without really doing silly things (at 43% here), and I really didn't want to get Maneuvers (animation sucks, don't like the heady glow) but it did help to bring the total up (and boosted the smash/lethal def to 27%).

 

Although there does seem to be some nice global +recharge there, it isn't something I'm aiming for (it just kind of fell into place).

 

 

Any help or pointers would be much appreciated! I know it's a quirky build, but it's one I really want to bring into fruition.

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962

http://www.cohplanner.com/

 

Click this DataLink to open the build!

 

Rampart: Level 50 Natural Tanker

Primary Power Set: Willpower

Secondary Power Set: Street Justice

Power Pool: Leaping

Power Pool: Fighting

Power Pool: Leadership

 

Hero Profile:

Level 1: High Pain Tolerance -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), ImpArm-ResDam(3), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(3), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(5), NmnCnv-Heal(5)

Level 1: Initial Strike -- TchofDth-Acc/Dmg(A), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx(46), TchofDth-Dmg/Rchg(46), TchofDth-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), TchofDth-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50)

Level 2: Heavy Blow -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(48), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(50)

Level 4: Fast Healing -- Mrc-Heal/EndRdx(A), Mrc-EndRdx/Rchg(17), Mrc-Heal/Rchg(42), Mrc-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Mrc-Heal(42), Mrc-Rcvry+(43)

Level 6: Mind Over Body -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), ImpArm-EndRdx/Rchg(7), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), ImpArm-ResDam(9), ImpArm-ResPsi(11)

Level 8: Sweeping Cross -- ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg(A), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx(43), ScrDrv-Dmg/Rchg(43), ScrDrv-Acc/Rchg(45), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), ScrDrv-Dam%(50)

Level 10: Indomitable Will -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(11), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg(13), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(13), LucoftheG-Def(15), LucoftheG-Rchg+(15)

Level 12: Rise to the Challenge -- Taunt-I(A), Taunt-I(25), DctWnd-Heal(25), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx(36), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(36)

Level 14: Quick Recovery -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(17)

Level 16: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)

Level 18: Heightened Senses -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(19), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg(19), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(21), LucoftheG-Def(21), LucoftheG-Rchg+(23)

Level 20: Taunt -- PrfZng-Dam%(A), PrfZng-Taunt/Rchg(23)

Level 22: Combat Readiness -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)

Level 24: Kick -- Acc-I(A)

Level 26: Tough -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), ImpArm-ResDam(27), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(27), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(29)

Level 28: Spinning Strike -- SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg(A), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx(29), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(31), SprFrzBls-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), SprFrzBls-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(34), KBDist-I(34)

Level 30: Weave -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A), DefBuff-I(31)

Level 32: Strength of Will -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), Ags-Psi/Status(33), ImpArm-ResDam(33), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(33), GldArm-3defTpProc(34)

Level 35: Shin Breaker -- SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg(A), SprGntFis-Dmg/Rchg(36), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), SprGntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprGntFis-Rchg/+Absorb(40)

Level 38: Crushing Uppercut -- Hct-Dam%(A), Hct-Dmg(39), Hct-Acc/Rchg(39), Hct-Dmg/Rchg(39), Hct-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), KBDist-I(40)

Level 41: Super Jump -- Jump-I(A)

Level 44: Spring Attack -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 47: Maneuvers -- Empty(A)

Level 49: Resurgence -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)

Level 1: Gauntlet

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 1: Sprint -- Run-I(A)

Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 4: Ninja Run

Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)

Level 2: Health -- RgnTss-Regen+(A)

Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)

Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A)

Level 1: Combo Level 1

Level 1: Combo Level 2

Level 1: Combo Level 3

------------

------------

Set Bonus Totals:

• 2.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Smashing)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Lethal)
  
• 16% Defense(Fire)
  
• 16% Defense(Cold)
  
• 6% Defense(Energy)
  
• 6% Defense(Negative)
  
• 18.5% Defense(Psionic)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Melee)
  
• 6% Defense(Ranged)
  
• 18.5% Defense(AoE)
  
• 5.85% Max End
  
• 42% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 5% Enhancement(Heal)
  
• 32.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 105.4 HP (5.63%) HitPoints
  
• MezResist(Confused) 122.5%
  
• MezResist(Held) 122.5%
  
• MezResist(Immobilized) 122.5%
  
• MezResist(Sleep) 122.5%
  
• MezResist(Stunned) 122.5%
  
• MezResist(Terrorized) 122.5%
  
• 24.5% (0.41 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 58% (4.53 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 30% ResEffect(SpeedFlying)
  
• 30% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
  
• 30% ResEffect(SpeedRunning)
  
• 23.75% Resistance(Smashing)
  
• 23.75% Resistance(Lethal)
  
• 34.25% Resistance(Fire)
  
• 34.25% Resistance(Cold)
  
• 14.75% Resistance(Energy)
  
• 14.75% Resistance(Negative)
  
• 20.75% Resistance(Toxic)
  
• 49.75% Resistance(Psionic)
  

 

 

 

 

 

[Herotu]

Are full sets the way to go with Willpower?

 

I've been told that WP is really about regen.

 

Thus I was considering putting two Numina's into Fast Healing, High Pain Tolerance, Physical Perfection and Health, to rack up a whole bunch of 12% regens.

[jack_nomind]

Are full sets the way to go with Willpower?

 

I've been told that WP is really about regen.

 

WP is a layered set.  Saying it's "really about" one thing is a mistake -- it would be like saying Electric Armor, which can get into the same ballpark, is also "really about" regen.

 

The best thing WP can do is get to or very close to softcap, get to the S/L cap like this build does, and get a solid maxhp and a well-slotted Rise to the Challenge.  I didn't look carefully at this build to see why it falls a bit behind softcapping S/L Defense, but I'd say overall it looks pretty good.

[star_fury_lives]

Are full sets the way to go with Willpower?

 

I've been told that WP is really about regen.

 

Thus I was considering putting two Numina's into Fast Healing, High Pain Tolerance, Physical Perfection and Health, to rack up a whole bunch of 12% regens.

 

Pine's says for this build, regen is at 390% without RttC (and increases to 1048% with full 10 foes around RttC). As jack_nomind says, from what I gather it's the hybrid nature that helps it- pure regen alone isn't mitigation (and isn't where I am to be with this theme).

 

Are full sets the way to go with Willpower?

 

I've been told that WP is really about regen.

 

I didn't look carefully at this build to see why it falls a bit behind softcapping S/L Defense

 

I think partly it's because I'm aiming for psi res/def before anything else. Is it better to concentrate on S/L defence than fire/cold? (I think those defs increased because the bonuses went hand in hand with fire/cold resistance, which I tried to pick up a bit to cover the gap)

[jack_nomind]

In broad strokes: defense and resistance effectively multiply together to determine mitigation.  You want your highest mitigation by far against S/L, since it's by far the most common.  The next two most common types are Fire and Energy.  Psionic mitigation is important because there are some particularly dangerous enemies that do mostly Psionic damage.  The other three types, C/NE/T, are "good to have" more than "must have."  You can (will probably have to) make sacrifices to one or more of E/F/P mitigation, but really should avoid sacrificing S/L.

 

There's a little bit of leeway for Defense in particular because it's exceptionally common as a bonus from Support.  >=32.5% is an okay target for that reason, and because you're one small purple away from softcap.  So if it would be expensive for this build to trade for more s/l defense I wouldn't do it, but if it were pretty even (-10% f/c for +10% s/l w/o other losses) I'd probably suggest it.

[star_fury_lives]

Ok, thanks for the advice so far. Based on your recommendations for S/L, I've jiggled a few sets around and added another slot to weave to try and increase the bonus.

 

It's come to an either or situation- I can either use a 2 slot set bonus from Red Fortune or Reactive Defences in Weave to bring S/L to the resistance cap, or get an extra 0.4/0.5% defence across the board by sticking to 2 def IOs. I'm guessing getting a tiny bit closer to softcap is worth missing the res cap by a smidgen.

 

Revised build- Psy still 90% res, up to 44.8% def (as near as damnit!). Smash/lethal sit at 88.7% res, 38.2% def. F/C values are better than E/N, but trying to pick the E/N up will seriously harm everything else so I guess that is what Strength of Will is for!

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962

http://www.cohplanner.com/

 

Click this DataLink to open the build!

 

Rampart: Level 50 Natural Tanker

Primary Power Set: Willpower

Secondary Power Set: Street Justice

Power Pool: Leaping

Power Pool: Fighting

Power Pool: Leadership

 

Hero Profile:

Level 1: High Pain Tolerance -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), ImpArm-ResDam(3), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(3), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(5), NmnCnv-Heal(5)

Level 1: Initial Strike -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(46), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(46), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)

Level 2: Heavy Blow -- SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), SprBlsCol-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), SprBlsCol-Dmg/EndRdx/Acc/Rchg(48), SprBlsCol-Rchg/HoldProc(50)

Level 4: Fast Healing -- Mrc-Heal/EndRdx(A), Mrc-EndRdx/Rchg(17), Mrc-Heal/Rchg(42), Mrc-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Mrc-Heal(42), Mrc-Rcvry+(43)

Level 6: Mind Over Body -- ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), ImpArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), ImpArm-EndRdx/Rchg(7), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), ImpArm-ResDam(9), ImpArm-ResPsi(11)

Level 8: Sweeping Cross -- ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg(A), ScrDrv-Dmg/EndRdx(43), ScrDrv-Dmg/Rchg(43), ScrDrv-Acc/Rchg(45), ScrDrv-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48), ScrDrv-Dam%(50)

Level 10: Indomitable Will -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(11), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg(13), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(13), LucoftheG-Def(15), LucoftheG-Rchg+(15)

Level 12: Rise to the Challenge -- Taunt-I(A), Taunt-I(25), Prv-Heal(25), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(36), Prv-Heal/Rchg(36)

Level 14: Quick Recovery -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(17)

Level 16: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)

Level 18: Heightened Senses -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(19), LucoftheG-EndRdx/Rchg(19), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(21), LucoftheG-Def(21), LucoftheG-Rchg+(23)

Level 20: Taunt -- PrfZng-Dam%(A), PrfZng-Taunt/Rchg(23)

Level 22: Combat Readiness -- GssSynFr--Build%(A)

Level 24: Kick -- Acc-I(A)

Level 26: Tough -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), ImpArm-ResDam(27), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(27), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(29)

Level 28: Spinning Strike -- GntFis-Acc/Dmg(A), GntFis-Dmg/Rchg(29), GntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), GntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), GntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), KBDist-I(34)

Level 30: Weave -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A), DefBuff-I(31), DefBuff-I(50)

Level 32: Strength of Will -- ImpArm-ResPsi(A), Ags-Psi/Status(33), ImpArm-ResDam(33), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx(33), GldArm-3defTpProc(34)

Level 35: Shin Breaker -- SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg(A), SprGntFis-Dmg/Rchg(36), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37), SprGntFis-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprGntFis-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), SprGntFis-Rchg/+Absorb(40)

Level 38: Crushing Uppercut -- Hct-Dam%(A), KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(39), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(39), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(39), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40), KBDist-I(40)

Level 41: Super Jump -- Jump-I(A)

Level 44: Spring Attack -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 47: Maneuvers -- DefBuff-I(A)

Level 49: Resurgence -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 1: Brawl -- Acc-I(A)

Level 1: Gauntlet

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 1: Sprint -- Run-I(A)

Level 2: Rest -- RechRdx-I(A)

Level 4: Ninja Run

Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)

Level 2: Health -- RgnTss-Regen+(A)

Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)

Level 2: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A)

Level 1: Combo Level 1

Level 1: Combo Level 2

Level 1: Combo Level 3

------------

------------

Set Bonus Totals:

• 22.56% Defense(Smashing)
  
• 22.56% Defense(Lethal)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Fire)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Cold)
  
• 6% Defense(Energy)
  
• 6% Defense(Negative)
  
• 18.5% Defense(Psionic)
  
• 20.38% Defense(Melee)
  
• 6% Defense(Ranged)
  
• 13.5% Defense(AoE)
  
• 7.65% Max End
  
• 27% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 5% Enhancement(Heal)
  
• 22.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 168.7 HP (9%) HitPoints
  
• MezResist(Confused) 103.8%
  
• MezResist(Held) 103.8%
  
• MezResist(Immobilized) 103.8%
  
• MezResist(Sleep) 103.8%
  
• MezResist(Stunned) 103.8%
  
• MezResist(Terrorized) 103.8%
  
• 16.5% (0.28 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 68% (5.31 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 15% ResEffect(SpeedFlying)
  
• 15% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
  
• 15% ResEffect(SpeedRunning)
  
• 20.75% Resistance(Smashing)
  
• 20.75% Resistance(Lethal)
  
• 23.75% Resistance(Fire)
  
• 23.75% Resistance(Cold)
  
• 17% Resistance(Energy)
  
• 17% Resistance(Negative)
  
• 20.75% Resistance(Toxic)
  
• 49.75% Resistance(Psionic)
  

 

 

 

 

[jack_nomind]

Drop the sixth (Recharge Speed) LotG slot in Heightened Senses for Reactive Defense: Scaling Resist Damage, drop the Taunt IOs from RttC (for reasons it's hard to explain, they probably won't help you meaningfully), calculate with your Alpha slot active (Agility would be a reasonable choice, but there are some others to consider), and see if you can work in Superior Might of the Tanker.

 

In Live, you couldn't have both Standard and Superior versions of one ATO slotted at the same time.  Assuming i25 still works that way, you won't be able to slot both Gauntleted Fist and Superior Gauntleted Fist in the same build, even if Pines lets you.

[star_fury_lives]

drop the Taunt IOs from RttC (for reasons it's hard to explain, they probably won't help you meaningfully)

 

I put them in to try and increase the duration of the taunt, so that it'd overlap (seen it recommended on some old build guides to help Willpower tanks). Are they completely worthless?

 

(edit- base taunt duration 1.25s and the aura has to-hit check, so incr taunt to 2.29s to try and keep mobs attached even if they miss a tick)

[jack_nomind]

I put them in to try and increase the duration of the taunt, so that it'd overlap (seen it recommended on some old build guides to help Willpower tanks). Are they completely worthless?

 

As far as we can tell, Taunts never stack.  Only the longest-duration one applies.  As a Tanker, your Gauntlet or actual Taunt is almost certainly a longer duration than WP's aura, even slotted.  The WP aura is marginally helpful when you're surrounded by enemies (since Gauntlet and Taunt powers only affect up to 5 at a time), but slotting it doesn't significantly improve that utility.

[Herotu]

I put them in to try and increase the duration of the taunt, so that it'd overlap (seen it recommended on some old build guides to help Willpower tanks). Are they completely worthless?

 

As far as we can tell, Taunts never stack.  Only the longest-duration one applies.  As a Tanker, your Gauntlet or actual Taunt is almost certainly a longer duration than WP's aura, even slotted.  The WP aura is marginally helpful when you're surrounded by enemies (since Gauntlet and Taunt powers only affect up to 5 at a time), but slotting it doesn't significantly improve that utility.

 

A lot of people seem to have the same idea as the OP tho.... now I'm confused as to who to believe.

[jack_nomind]

A lot of people seem to have the same idea as the OP tho.... now I'm confused as to who to believe.

 

Whomever has the best citation.

[star_fury_lives]

I put them in to try and increase the duration of the taunt, so that it'd overlap (seen it recommended on some old build guides to help Willpower tanks). Are they completely worthless?

 

As far as we can tell, Taunts never stack.  Only the longest-duration one applies.  As a Tanker, your Gauntlet or actual Taunt is almost certainly a longer duration than WP's aura, even slotted.  The WP aura is marginally helpful when you're surrounded by enemies (since Gauntlet and Taunt powers only affect up to 5 at a time), but slotting it doesn't significantly improve that utility.

 

Sorry, I didn't explain my reasoning very well! I'm aware taunts don't stack; I figured any +taunt would help me out but you do make a good point- with RttC I should be throwing taunts and punchvokes around like no tomorrow!

 

A lot of people seem to have the same idea as the OP tho.... now I'm confused as to who to believe.

 

Whomever has the best citation.

 

I've learned from what others on this board have posted in other threads (https://forums.homecomingservers.com/index.php/topic,4211.0.html this thread where they discuss the code, saw it today) and also from guides on the old forums (in particular https://web.archive.org/web/20120904154538/http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=114955 ). I'd pay attention to any threads where they start pulling apart the code :P

[Sakai]

I'm just beginning my journey on a willpower/staff and enjoying it very much. Been soloing thus far just to figure out the whole taunting thing.....up to lvl 14 :)

 

Learned lots from all the comments above and look forward to using the info to make my build.

 

Happy hunting all and may the purples rain from above.