Build critique: DP/SR/Psy Sentinel

[Grimm2]

Looks like my lastest project is a dropout from Night Widow school. Amazingly, I've never given DP, SR, or Sentinel Psy mastery a fair shake, and was itching to make a new Sentinel. I've dug into the forums and made a build to aim for, using @oldskool's basic frame of Pistols/Suppressive/Executioner each with 3 Thunderstrikes and 3 procs. I ended up with something at Incarnate-defense levels, a hair off of perma-hasten, and...I dunno, tell me how it can be improved!

 

At level 40 so far and it's really, really fun to play. I think the endurance is OK, and I figure that 60% slow resist is probably fine what with defense dodging most attacks. More slow resist is a great quality-of-life, but I'm not sure I could improve it without giving up recharge or proc damage.

Sentinel (Dual Pistols - Super Reflexes) - psi mastery.mbd

[Grimm2]

The defense in this build looked way too high, and I only just now figured out what was wrong. Hail of Bullets was toggled on, oops. Without that error, the build is sitting at the def softcap, and Link Minds offers a comfortable buffer. Going to scour for other misleading toggles now...

[Lhanis]

Looks fantastic! Solid defenses, Great recovery, near-perma hasten, accuracy is covered well, pretty good slow resist... giving me ideas for my own _/SR/Psi. 

 

My nitpick would be that Link Minds is a great place to have the entire Reactive Defenses set sit, as you get quite a bit of goodies out of it and you're already having it take 5 slots there anyway. It'd push Hasten to Perma and let you get more DDR out of Dodge. But I'm not even sure you really need the End Redux and you lose a smidge of %Damage, so that's largely just personal preference I think.

 

Great setup, overall!

Edited December 10, 2023 by Lhanis

[StrikerFox]

Cool build! I would probably try to 4 slot Shield Wall into Focused Fighting, Focused Senses and Evasion. Just for the E/N +res. Spread out the LotG +7.5% to CJ, Link Minds, Enduring and/or Dodge so that no +rech is lost. Move the Winter's Gift to Combat TP. I don't know much about Sentinels but noticed the ATO2 was skipped. Maybe slot that in Hail of Bullets and put Armageddon in Psychic Shockwave. If endurance isn't an issue, scale it back. Drop the Performance Shifter procs for Power Transfer for some random heals. Maybe change Musculature Radial to Core. Add Numina's if it's less than ideal.

 

Sentinel (Dual Pistols - Super Reflexes) - psi mastery2.mbd

[Grimm2]

Awesome feedback @Lhanis and @StrikerFox, thank you! I incorporated suggestions from you both and ended up with improved recharge (perma-Hasten), HP, and e/n resist. I waffled on the Superior Opportunity Strikes set, as the proc is just OK, but extra range enhancement is always nice. As DP has cryo ammo which gives a constant 33% range buff, I'm leaning towards Armageddon in Hail of Bullets for the extra proc damage. Here's where it sits currently.

Sentinel (Dual Pistols - Super Reflexes) - psi mastery.mbd

[Lhanis]

Very nice! Should be a lot of fun to play, here's hoping!

[oldskool]

@Grimm2 I had looked at the build a couple of weeks ago, but figured now is as good a time to say something as any. 😉 

 

In the past, I used to weigh Pistols a bit heavier in my builds for a lot of nuanced reasons. One of those was in how I could make the use of old Opportunity as easy for me as possible while maximizing damage output in a scope of time (between 4 - 6 seconds; this helps when picking powers). 

 

Well, now that Opportunity is different, none of that older advice really matters anymore. So, this means when talking about heavy proc use Dual Wield can fit much, much, better into the discussion. DW was actually always a good alternative, and especially so with Homecoming's Ice Minstrel's Torment, but is basically even better now, in my opinion. 

 

That said, do you need a respec to change everything up to squeeze out maybe a bit more DPS? Probably not. I'm just bringing this up that there are other means to optimize Dual Pistols, within the context of keeping in the set itself, and other approaches are still pretty good. 

 

I don't play as much anymore, but I haven't seen a need to respec any of my Dual Wield characters since the last major patch. For the Sentinel, specifically, I run Dual Wield, Suppressive Fire, and Executioner's shot. I use two each of Gladiator's Javelin (Acc/Dmg, Toxic proc), a general damage IO +5, and then 3 more procs. The slotting of Executioner's shot is different as I leverage 2x Gladiator's, 2x Apocalypse (Damage +5, damage proc), and put Achilles' Heel here. All in all, each of these 3 powers has 4 procs and around 126%+ damage when Musculature Core Alpha can be used. 

[Grimm2]

On 12/26/2023 at 5:27 AM, oldskool said:

@Grimm2 I had looked at the build a couple of weeks ago, but figured now is as good a time to say something as any. 😉 

 

In the past, I used to weigh Pistols a bit heavier in my builds for a lot of nuanced reasons. One of those was in how I could make the use of old Opportunity as easy for me as possible while maximizing damage output in a scope of time (between 4 - 6 seconds; this helps when picking powers). 

 

Well, now that Opportunity is different, none of that older advice really matters anymore. So, this means when talking about heavy proc use Dual Wield can fit much, much, better into the discussion. DW was actually always a good alternative, and especially so with Homecoming's Ice Minstrel's Torment, but is basically even better now, in my opinion. 

 

That said, do you need a respec to change everything up to squeeze out maybe a bit more DPS? Probably not. I'm just bringing this up that there are other means to optimize Dual Pistols, within the context of keeping in the set itself, and other approaches are still pretty good. 

 

I don't play as much anymore, but I haven't seen a need to respec any of my Dual Wield characters since the last major patch. For the Sentinel, specifically, I run Dual Wield, Suppressive Fire, and Executioner's shot. I use two each of Gladiator's Javelin (Acc/Dmg, Toxic proc), a general damage IO +5, and then 3 more procs. The slotting of Executioner's shot is different as I leverage 2x Gladiator's, 2x Apocalypse (Damage +5, damage proc), and put Achilles' Heel here. All in all, each of these 3 powers has 4 procs and around 126%+ damage when Musculature Core Alpha can be used. 

@oldskool, it's so dope to hear from you, thanks for taking the time to respond! It's been a busy end of the year and I haven't played much myself, but I wanted to give a general update about this character.

 

I have been playing a slightly modified version of my last posted build, and it is a ton of fun. The procced single-target chain is very effective, and Sentinel SR is just fantastic. There are a few downsides/weak points I've identified.

 

I am endurance stable in the ST chain, but if I go too hard with AoE, then I hemorrhage endurance. Psychic Shockwave is the major culprit here. Mids has the incorrect damage value for this power, it hits for 37 base damage, at level 50. It is poo-poo, yucky poo-poo, as far as defeating foes goes. I manage to fit 3 dmg procs in it with 5 slots invested, and it is better, but I have to pace my useage of both Psychic Shockwave and Bullet Rain to be nice to the blue bar.

 

AoE damage is not the build's strong suit. I enjoy my elec/ea/elec Sentinel better on that front. On teams I launch my AoE chain to open, then look for bosses. It has AoE, it just doesn't...feel great, I guess.

 

Finally, I love your suggestions for slotting the 3 primary attacks, @oldskool. Attached is a build with the suggested changes, my 2 concerns are needing Link Minds to hit Ranged def softcap, and the aforementioned endurance instability. I wonder if endurance will be stable in the ST chain without endredux slotting in those 3 powers.

 

All feedback welcome!

Sentinel (Dual Pistols - Super Reflexes) - psi mastery.mbd

[Grimm2]

10 hours ago, Grimm2 said:

@oldskool, it's so dope to hear from you, thanks for taking the time to respond! It's been a busy end of the year and I haven't played much myself, but I wanted to give a general update about this character.

 

I have been playing a slightly modified version of my last posted build, and it is a ton of fun. The procced single-target chain is very effective, and Sentinel SR is just fantastic. There are a few downsides/weak points I've identified.

 

I am endurance stable in the ST chain, but if I go too hard with AoE, then I hemorrhage endurance. Psychic Shockwave is the major culprit here. Mids has the incorrect damage value for this power, it hits for 37 base damage, at level 50. It is poo-poo, yucky poo-poo, as far as defeating foes goes. I manage to fit 3 dmg procs in it with 5 slots invested, and it is better, but I have to pace my useage of both Psychic Shockwave and Bullet Rain to be nice to the blue bar.

 

AoE damage is not the build's strong suit. I enjoy my elec/ea/elec Sentinel better on that front. On teams I launch my AoE chain to open, then look for bosses. It has AoE, it just doesn't...feel great, I guess.

 

Finally, I love your suggestions for slotting the 3 primary attacks, @oldskool. Attached is a build with the suggested changes, my 2 concerns are needing Link Minds to hit Ranged def softcap, and the aforementioned endurance instability. I wonder if endurance will be stable in the ST chain without endredux slotting in those 3 powers.

 

All feedback welcome!

Sentinel (Dual Pistols - Super Reflexes) - psi mastery.mbd 44.5 kB · 0 downloads

Well I got a wild hair and respecced into the build above instead of going to bed on time 😛 So, I'll answer some of my own questions...

 

There are other toons I have that are better at AoE, but this guy isn't terrible. As long as I'm not hammering out Psy Shockwaves (which gives its procs some rest time so slower interval casts are more meaningful), endurance is still ok. Upkeep on Link Minds is ok with a handy keybind. 4-procced powers are very very nice!!!

 

Really cool build, do recommend, very fun to play and glad it's in my stable. 👍

[Last Vanguard]

I'm loving DP/SR! My current build allows me to do +4x8 AE council missions solo with no issues. I use cardiac and can spam all my attacks with no end issues. I will post my build when I get home. 

 

SR is fantastic on a Sentinel for survival! 

[FupDup]

One slight note to make here is that Cardiac might not be the most optimal choice of alpha for SR because the scaling resists are unenhanceable, meaning that the resistance portion of Cardiac isn't doing much (probably just buffing Tough a bit, depending on which pools you have picked). But then again, it does also come with a range buff so maybe that makes it worth it. If you stick with Cardiac, maybe go the Radial route (if you didn't already) for the slight absorb boost (to help Master Brawler). 

 

If you want the endurance reduction, I would suggest Vigor Core instead because the accuracy it gives is always nice to have and it will very slightly buff inherent Health's regen. It won't give as much end redux as Cardiac Core would, but the secondary enhancements are arguably more useful than Cardiac's secondaries. 

 

An alternative choice could be Musculature Radial. Its endmod portion would enhance both Stamina and Enduring, which would help your recovery overall (but maybe not as much as Cardiac or Vigor, admittedly). And of course the main attraction is MOAR DAMAGE, along with slightly improving a few secondary debuffs of your attacks like -def and slows. 

Edited May 16 by FupDup

[Last Vanguard]

Here is my current build. For incarnates I run with Cardiac, Barrier, Assault, Ion Judgement and Longbow Warden lore.

 

Furia Roja - Hero Sentinel
Build plan made with Mids' Reborn v3.6.6 rev. 3
──────────────────────────────
Primary powerset: Dual PistolsSecondary powerset: Super ReflexesPool powerset (#1): LeapingPool powerset (#2): ConcealmentPool powerset (#3): FightingPool powerset (#4): ExperimentationEpic powerset: Weapon Mastery

──────────────────────────────

Powers taken:

Level 1: Dual Wield
A: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Damage3: Gladiator's Javelin: Damage/Recharge3: Gladiator's Javelin: Damage/Endurance/Recharge5: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge5: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Damage/End/Rech7: Gladiator's Javelin: Chance of Damage(Toxic)

Level 1: Focused Fighting
A: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance7: Shield Wall: Defense/Recharge9: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance/Recharge9: Shield Wall: Defense

Level 2: Focused Senses
A: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance11: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance/Recharge13: Shield Wall: Defense13: Shield Wall: +Res (Teleportation), +5% Res (All)

Level 4: Agile
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed15: Shield Wall: Defense

Level 6: Empty Clips
A: Analyze Weakness: Defense Debuff15: Analyze Weakness: Accuracy/Defense Debuff17: Analyze Weakness: Accuracy/Recharge17: Analyze Weakness: Defense Debuff/Endurance/Recharge19: Analyze Weakness: Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge19: Analyze Weakness: Chance for +ToHit

Level 8: Suppressive Fire
A: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Damage21: Gladiator's Javelin: Damage/Recharge21: Gladiator's Javelin: Damage/Endurance/Recharge23: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge23: Gladiator's Javelin: Accuracy/Damage/End/Rech25: Gladiator's Javelin: Chance of Damage(Toxic)

Level 10: Swap Ammo

Level 12: Bullet Rain
A: Opportunity Strikes: RechargeTime/Chance for Opportunity25: Opportunity Strikes: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime27: Opportunity Strikes: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance27: Opportunity Strikes: Accuracy/Damage/RechargeTime29: Opportunity Strikes: Damage/RechargeTime29: Opportunity Strikes: Accuracy/Damage

Level 14: Master Brawler
A: Preventive Medicine: Heal31: Preventive Medicine: Heal/Endurance31: Preventive Medicine: Endurance/RechargeTime31: Preventive Medicine: Heal/RechargeTime33: Preventive Medicine: Heal/RechargeTime/Endurance33: Preventive Medicine: Chance for +Absorb

Level 16: Enduring
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 18: Executioner's Shot
A: Superior Sentinel's Ward: Accuracy/Damage33: Superior Sentinel's Ward: Damage/RechargeTime34: Superior Sentinel's Ward: Accuracy/Damage/RechargeTime34: Superior Sentinel's Ward: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance34: Superior Sentinel's Ward: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/RechargeTime36: Superior Sentinel's Ward: RechargeTime/Chance for +Absorb

Level 20: Dodge
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed

Level 22: Combat Jumping
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed36: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance/Recharge

Level 24: Quickness
A: Selenite Shard

Level 26: Hail of Bullets
A: Scirocco's Dervish: Chance of Damage(Lethal)36: Scirocco's Dervish: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance37: Scirocco's Dervish: Accuracy/Recharge37: Scirocco's Dervish: Damage/Recharge37: Scirocco's Dervish: Damage/Endurance39: Scirocco's Dervish: Accuracy/Damage

Level 28: Evasion
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed39: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance39: Shield Wall: Defense/Recharge40: Shield Wall: Endurance/Recharge

Level 30: Elude
A: Performance Shifter: EndMod/Recharge40: Performance Shifter: EndMod/Accuracy40: Performance Shifter: Chance for +End

Level 32: Stealth
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed42: Kismet: Accuracy +6%

Level 35: Boxing
A: Damage Increase

Level 38: Tough
A: Steadfast Protection: Resistance/Endurance42: Gladiator's Armor: TP Protection +3% Def (All)42: Steadfast Protection: Resistance/+Def 3%43: Unbreakable Guard: +Max HP

Level 41: Tashibishi
A: Annihilation: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance43: Annihilation: Accuracy/Damage/RechargeTime43: Annihilation: Accuracy/Damage45: Annihilation: Chance for Res Debuff

Level 44: The Lotus Drops
A: Multi-Strike: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance45: Multi-Strike: Damage/Endurance/Recharge45: Obliteration: Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge46: Multi-Strike: Damage/Endurance46: Analyze Weakness: Defense Debuff/Endurance/Recharge46: Analyze Weakness: Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge

Level 47: Kemuridama
A: Siphon Insight: ToHit Debuff/Endurance/Recharge48: Siphon Insight: Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge48: Siphon Insight: Chance for +ToHit48: Siphon Insight: Accuracy/ToHit Debuff

Level 49: Weave
A: Luck of the Gambler: Defense/Increased Global Recharge Speed50: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance50: Shield Wall: Endurance/Recharge50: Shield Wall: Defense/Endurance/Recharge

──────────────────────────────

Inherents:

Level 1: Brawl
(Empty)

Level 1: Opportunity

Level 1: Sprint
A: Celerity: +Stealth

Level 2: Rest
A: Healing

Level 1: Swift
(Empty)

Level 1: Health
A: Panacea: Heal/Endurance11: Healing

Level 1: Hurdle
(Empty)

Level 1: Stamina
A: Performance Shifter: EndMod

Level 10: Chemical Ammunition

Level 10: Cryo Ammunition

Level 10: Incendiary Ammunition

 

 

Edited May 16 by Last Vanguard
added more info