All-purpose build...mistakes?

[Xaddy]

So, this is the build I have found somewhere, and have completely reworked more than a fair bit. Whomever it belonged to would likely never recognize it. I share that to explain why some powers might be take when..as I think this person probably didn't start to actually play until level 50. I've no idea how they would play it as is, without heatloss. But, since it was suggested, I still have about 40 charges of recovery serum left, so I am optimistic for those times I might exemplar. 

I know there are some goofs in here. From everything I read, the synergy of ice/cold comes together nicely, but tends to rely on a lot of recharge, as heat loss is the fuel for the engine. 

By all means, please take a peek and if you can find a way to improve the build, feel free to share that, too! 

The primary things that may be important to know is I love Super Speed and Combat Jumping. I honestly do not grasp how anyone can do without CJ and the incredible control it offers as one moves about a zone or mission map. For a non-damage power, it's one of my favorites so far. 

I'm not sold on Dark Embrace. I have thought about (and have on my current character) soul drain, with an expected attack chain of Heat Loss, Soul Drain, Sleet, Blizzard, Ice Storm. 

For me, Heat Loss is the opener for the -res. Anecdotally, if it's not the opener, there just aren't enough mobs around to make it worth it. Soul Drain is for the extra damage. And it just makes more sense to me to use Soul Drain after I've reduced their resistance. 

But, if I'm going to be on a team, it seems to make sense for me to pick the various buffs that are available. 
They make handy mules, too. I kind of feel bad about not dedicating more slots to those teammate buffs, but I think most players, at least in the end game, are already fairly well protected with barrier and other destiny powers going off routinely. 

Since Arctic Fog takes both resist sets and defensive sets, I just wasn't sure how I wanted to build the character - focus more on defense, or more on resistance. For a non-melee, I think the build is okay, but what the heck do I know? 

Thanks in advance for any wisdom or insights you might share. 

Palooza.mbd

[Glacier Peak]

Since the addition of Ice Mastery from the last page update, it's got a bunch of treats an Ice/Cold build benefits from. I would've preferred a resistance shield instead of a defensive shield, but the +Max HP heal, Build Up, and Ice Elementsl pet won me over from Psi Mastery. 

[Xaddy]

3 hours ago, Glacier Peak said:

Since the addition of Ice Mastery from the last page update, it's got a bunch of treats an Ice/Cold build benefits from. I would've preferred a resistance shield instead of a defensive shield, but the +Max HP heal, Build Up, and Ice Elementsl pet won me over from Psi Mastery. 

You know - I saw those when I hit 35. The build up was particularly interesting. I wasn't sure about the pet, but I guess it would be handy during something like the MS event, if nothing else. 

Thanks! 

So, I looked it over - and I can go with the ice mastery epic, but I have to give something up to get those powers. 
I thought about giving up Frostwork...because I can use the Hoarfrost to get the buff for me. 

But I still need to give up 2 other powers. 

I could cede the fight pool, but that's a fair amount of resist and defense to give up for the max hp & build up. 
And the pet...

I think I might go with two builds one where I give up certain team buffs to grab the pet and the build up, and the other a more team friendly build. 

I just need about 12 more slots to make everything work! lol. 
Gonna have to go back to the drawing board, or maybe just stick with the build I've leveled up with, it seems to work pretty well. 

 

 

Edited April 21 by Xaddy

[Glacier Peak]

For some reason I thought I shared my "all-purpose" build, but if not, and it helps you with your build decisions, please feel free to take a look. I've played this character through every story arc in the game, though I'm happy to admit I am still learning how to play it even to this day.

 

V1_Corruptor (Ice Blast - Cold Domination) - Glacier Peak.mbd

 

Attack rotation (assuming debuffs from Infrigidate, Benumb, Sleet (Perma), Heat Loss are applied against Single Target enemy) is generally Aim, Build Up (with Gaussian Chance for Build Up Proc), then Bitter Freeze Ray, Freeze Ray, Bitter Ice Blast, Ice Blast. It is a clean rotation if you get Hasten perma'd (my build + Base empowerment increase attack rate temp).

 

Ice Elemental is perma, adds a decent amount of damage and the way it's slotted, the Soulbound Allegiance: Chance for Build Up Proc goes off every other attack, sometimes twice. This contributes nicely to solo runs against AV/GMs or in a team environment. 

 

I like using Bitter Freeze Ray in the rotation as a heavy hitter - the animation time does not bother me. Another option is to take Dominate, Char, or Soul Storm then slot Freeze Ray, Bitter Freeze Ray, and one of those three previously mentioned powers with the Lockdown: Chance for Mag 2 Hold and Devastation: Chance for Hold (Mag 2) then slot for Acc and Mez to do some really great lockdown, even on +4 Bosses. 

 

Edit: To your question on your build - it looks fine to me for an all-around build. You've got decent damage mitigation and you'll contribute to a team environment decently enough whether you choose to focus on attacking, debuffing, or buffing. 

Edited April 21 by Glacier Peak

[Xaddy]

Thank you for sharing your build. I just got 50 and slotted my alpha. I know the conventional wisdom might be for musculature, but I think...what the heck do I know..that given the description of Intuition, Radial side...it doesn't really "cure" anything, but it does give a small amount of improvement in several areas - toHit debuff, defense debuff, range, damage..and slow - as if I needed that. For me - it just fits. If I want more damage, I can chomp on a rage or three. 

I will play what I have for a while - at least until I get a better sense of where I might shore some areas up. While playing it, it seems as good as I could ever expect, got through a +4 ITF with no troubles at all. Of course, that's not an advanced mode...but there's time for that. 

I will look over your build in the morning when I'm rested. I have played too much today! 

Thanks again!