Earth/Rad controller build critique

[ThePhlebotomist]

Hi,

 

I love my Earth/Rad controller but haven't really looked at IO sets much for her. I'm also super ignorant of the frankenslot options!

 

Here's what I was thinking but curious about your thoughts.

 

Some notes:

* I like always having AoE control options (hard or soft) in every fight so have focused on controls over taking Fighting or Leadership

* I love stalagmites

* I like having big debuffs

* I find quickstand pretty useful at lower levels so was hoping to keep it for TFs but could be persuaded otherwise

* I was aiming for high recharge so accelerate metabolism is up almost always but may have overdone it on both the +recharge and +accuracy here while really neglecting resistance and defense (and am worried I'm going to get held all the time)

 

 

 

202307 HC Tina Tremors - Controller (Earth Control).mbd

[Doomguide2005]

Just FYI down the page a ways is a thread  "Next project - Earth Rad Build Review" I'd recommend reading.  

[ThePhlebotomist]

12 hours ago, Doomguide2005 said:

Just FYI down the page a ways is a thread  "Next project - Earth Rad Build Review" I'd recommend reading.  

 

Indeed. Maybe I should've replied there! I'd read it, but It looked like goals were a bit different (they looked to be going for more melee tank-y whereas I tend to go for team support at range when possible).

 

I'm pretty sure I must've originally used the Earth/Rad guide @Area Man had posted way back when I first created this character on live as I adopted similar sensibilities.

[Area Man]

1 hour ago, ThePhlebotomist said:

 

Indeed. Maybe I should've replied there! I'd read it, but It looked like goals were a bit different (they looked to be going for more melee tank-y whereas I tend to go for team support at range when possible).

 

I'm pretty sure I must've originally used the Earth/Rad guide @Area Man had posted way back when I first created this character on live as I adopted similar sensibilities.

It is nice to see that folks are still using my Guides.

Yeah, my playstyle is to maximize control from range over Defense or Resistance, so I never get the Fighting Pool on Controllers.  I build for Recharge rather than Defense.  I like to use stealth and misdirection over being a tank -- I let teammates or Rocky do the tanking.  Since Earth Control only has one skippable PB AoE control power (Salt Crystals), Earth Control works great for this ranged, high control playstyle.  Generally, I only skip Salt Crystals, Fallout and Choking Cloud.

I haven't really looked at a final IO build for Earth/Rad on Homecoming, with the new sets available.  I suppose I should do that.

One comment on Quicksand -- it is not only a great patch slow, but the huge Defense Debuff, plus the Defense Debuff in IR, adds up to affect higher level foes.  Both powers are autohit, so the most foes get is resistance to the debuff.  Most good teams kill everything off so fast that I usually don't have time to get a good IR anchor, but it is fantastic on AVs and other high HP targets.  For the most part, I continually use Quicksand to follow up my AoE Controls: Earthquake + Quicksand, Stalagmites + Stone Cages + Quicksand, and Volcanic Gasses + Quicksand.  IR only gets added if I find a good anchor who will last more than a few seconds.

Most folks on teams don't notice the effect of that Defense Debuff, but it really does result in the team taking down groups faster, especially if they are purples that would result in more missing.  An Earth/Rad on a team should mean that the mission can be bumped up a level.

[SwitchFade]

Earth

 

Stalagmites is your go to opener. You want to hit 165% recharge global.

 

Rock cages is your best friend also. Debuff, containment...

 

Quicksand is a skip, so much more in the rotation that it's not worth it.

 

Fossilize is amazing, you'll hit things with it all over, it it holds for quite some time. Stack it, hold bosses, hold lts

 

Earthquake is always in the back pocket. Even at 50 it's always useful.

 

Stinky green cloud is huge, comes up often if you get to 170 recharge and creates huge area denial. 

 

Poo man, he does great damage, he's tough as bones and a good distraction. He's your bestie for hire 

 

Stone epic, another stunny stomp, a big hammer and some defense if you need.

 

My earth/storm/stone is probably the most potent in terms of control, hold, knockdown, stuns, area denial and safety. Carries just about any team or several 

Edited August 4, 2023 by SwitchFade

[mistagoat]

This is not my build but a modified version of a build I found on here that I tailored to my style. It's more tanky than what you describe but a little defense is never a bad thing. You mention skipping Choking Cloud but I super love that power! You could always swap it for EM if you really want to. It's got perma hasten and AM before incarnates as well.

Might not be an ideal build for you but maybe a starting point.

Controller - Earth Control - Radiation Emission 7.mbd