Make other Epic Powerset shields more appealing

[KaizenSoze]

I am *not* suggesting any nerfs to Scorpion Shield, let's just get that out of the way.

 

I think that the other resists shields need to be buffed to make them more appealing. Mace: Scorpion Shield, is just too good compared to the resists shields for providing durability and a decent amount of toxic resists. On top of the fact that it does not require another power to selection to access, unlike Frozen Armor.

 

Suggestions:

Make Frozen armor available at 35 for all available ATs

Add un-enhancable defense to all resist shields, say 3-5% at least. This would make these shields a more tempting option.

[BrandX]

I'm not going to say "OMG NO!" however, I've used non Scorpion Shield plenty of times.  

[FupDup]

I feel like giving defense to the resist shields is a bit of a cop-out to the defense meta. 

 

I'd rather do some combination of the following:

A. Increase the resist values provided, since resists have a much higher cap than defense and are generally considered weaker

B. Give some weak mezz resistance (not protection) to the resist shields, since you're getting hit with mezz more often

C. Give some weak debuff resistance to the resist shields, since you're getting hit with more debuffs than somebody built for defense

D. Maybe reduce endurance cost a little given all of the drawbacks of resists vs. defenses

[SeraphimKensai]

I have no problem with having epic/patron armors all be available at lvl 35 as that would be equitable between each set.

 

I don't think res shields need any buffs though. I think from a playstyle approach to building characters I was more inclined to use Scorpion Shield on characters that I didn't have a thematic or synergetic reason to use an alternative APP set. A lot of my defenders/corruptor's go Dark Mastery for Soul Drain and Dark Embrace. A lot of my Controllers/Dominators go Ice Mastery as every power in that pool is typically useful to some degree or another.

 

The res buffs from the shields give a reasonable amount of resistances. Its not the end all be all of course, but they can help plug some holes reasonably well depending on your build. My favorite res shield is probably Dark Embrace because let's face it, it helps out quite a bit on the 2nd mission of an ITF and has use in other content as well.

Edited February 9, 2023 by SeraphimKensai
Minor grammar

[Wavicle]

I agree the Epic sets could use a balance pass.

It would be nice though if any buffs were tailored to the set, rather than just doing the same thing to all of them.

[biostem]

I would, perhaps, like to see 2 of the patron shields be defense based, and 2 resistance based.  I do agree with making them all available at the same level as well.  

[Zect]

Epic shields are currently very well balanced; no buffs of any sort are necessary.

• Scorp shield and other SL def shields can typically achieve 45% to all damtypes except psi or 45% SLR, even on AT's with weak defense scalars such as blasters, at the cost of having little resistance to cushion a hit.
• Resist shields can typically achieve 45% ranged def and with a hefty resistance cushion. Depending on AT and powerset, additional softcapped defense vectors are possible. I have a number of 40% def to all vectors/75% SL res fenders.

Do not discount the resistance shields, especially the ones that incorporate exotic resistance. In the current meta where defense is abundant and easily built for, having high native resistance is extremely valuable, moreso than def. Many of my toons with the dark epic shield can survive a shadow cyst explosion in HM 4* ITF.

 

Frozen armor requires an additional power pick; however, unlike scorp shield, it can slot resist sets. This is a situational advantage on fighting-less builds (uncommon, but very viable) that do not have tough to mule GA/Steadfast. Many forumites discount the value of set-muling; it is a powerful advantage which should be factored into any balance discussion.

 

All in all, the problems you perceive are due to your inexperience in designing non-scorpion shield builds, rather than any real problem with the powers themselves.

Edited February 11, 2023 by Zect

[JasperStone]

19 hours ago, Zect said:

Epic shields are currently very well balanced; no buffs of any sort are necessary.

• Scorp shield and other SL def shields can typically achieve 45% to all damtypes except psi or 45% SLR, even on AT's with weak defense scalars such as blasters, at the cost of having little resistance to cushion a hit.
• Resist shields can typically achieve 45% ranged def and with a hefty resistance cushion. Depending on AT and powerset, additional softcapped defense vectors are possible. I have a number of 40% def to all vectors/75% SL res fenders.

Do not discount the resistance shields, especially the ones that incorporate exotic resistance. In the current meta where defense is abundant and easily built for, having high native resistance is extremely valuable, moreso than def. Many of my toons with the dark epic shield can survive a shadow cyst explosion in HM 4* ITF.

 

Frozen armor requires an additional power pick; however, unlike scorp shield, it can slot resist sets. This is a situational advantage on fighting-less builds (uncommon, but very viable) that do not have tough to mule GA/Steadfast. Many forumites discount the value of set-muling; it is a powerful advantage which should be factored into any balance discussion.

 

All in all, the problems you perceive are due to your inexperience in designing non-scorpion shield builds, rather than any real problem with the powers themselves.

I just discovered this on my Dom.

I took Sleet for the additional debuffs and was pleased to discover the Def/Res in Frozen Armor.

I think that supports  the additional power pick