Help with playing claws/bio

[Two5boy]

 

Hi all,

 

I recently started a Claws/Bio Scrapper, and he's now level 30, but I am struggling to play effectively above +1/2 difficulty.

 

For some background, I've been playing since live Issue 4, so I have a solid grasp of the basics. I recently came back to Homecoming, and typically, by level 22, my characters feel strong, and I start increasing difficulty. However, with Claws/Bio, Im just not feeling that power curve.

 

I recently fought Cortex (an EB) at +1, and he wiped me in two hits. I had to come back after leveling up, using a lot of Inspirations just to win.

 

My usual approach is to activate Ablative Carapace (I've now switched to Efficient stance permanently since Aggressive wasnt working) and then jump into the fight.

 

My characters tend to be well-funded I start with 500m Inf, and I have all attuned enhancements, including ATOs.

 

I really want this toon to work. Does it improve later with specific powers or slotting? Am I missing something fundamental?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Edited February 1 by Two5boy

[twozerofoxtrot]

Is it just Cortex you're having issues with or can you cite a few more examples of where you've had issues?

 

Fighting an EB Psi Blaster isn't a cakewalk for most builds. It's going to exploit your weak defenses and resists to that type and slow your recharge if you haven't slotted for Recharge Protect. That's going to gimp the one protective tool you have against heavy psi damage: Ablative. 

[Two5boy]

Most EB I have trouble with. Also when I am surrounded by more then 4 minions they start whittling me down quickly as my S/L resistance is only in the 50s and little or no defence. Especially against lethal resistance mobs because of claws damage. If I don’t kill them quickly they I am in trouble. 
 

it feels like every mob I have to kill them all within 1min otherwise I have to take inspiration or hope DNA siphon recharges 

[Octogoat]

1 minute ago, Two5boy said:

Most EB I have trouble with. Also when I am surrounded by more then 4 minions they start whittling me down quickly as my S/L resistance is only in the 50s and little or no defence. Especially against lethal resistance mobs because of claws damage. If I don’t kill them quickly they I am in trouble. 
 

it feels like every mob I have to kill them all within 1min otherwise I have to take inspiration or hope DNA siphon recharges 

Bio relies heavily on recharge that being the case it fully matures at 50th.

[Two5boy]

2 hours ago, Octogoat said:

Bio relies heavily on recharge that being the case it fully matures at 50th.

Thanks - so what I am experiencing is pretty normal?  
 

I just want to make sure I am not doing anything wrong as everyone seems to rave about Bio 

[Octogoat]

2 minutes ago, Two5boy said:

Thanks - so what I am experiencing is pretty normal?  
 

I just want to make sure I am not doing anything wrong as everyone seems to rave about Bio 

It's about what to expect until you can shield/aura/DNA like crazy

[Demobot]

Bio is probably my favorite armor set, but it isn't ideal for fighting a single strong enemy. It does its best work against larger groups of weaker enemies. 

 

I wouldn't use Efficient Adaptation during a fight. Scrappers really benefit from Offensive Adaptation because they get a higher damage buff while Hardened Carapace is active than other ATs (31.25% vs 25% for Stalkers, Brutes, and Tankers). This plus the added toxic damage means you should pretty much be using it by default during combat.

 

Fighting an EB like Cortex is probably the worst case scenario for Bio Armor, so yeah, you're not doing anything wrong. 

[Two5boy]

1 hour ago, Demobot said:

Bio is probably my favorite armor set, but it isn't ideal for fighting a single strong enemy. It does its best work against larger groups of weaker enemies. 

 

I wouldn't use Efficient Adaptation during a fight. Scrappers really benefit from Offensive Adaptation because they get a higher damage buff while Hardened Carapace is active than other ATs (31.25% vs 25% for Stalkers, Brutes, and Tankers). This plus the added toxic damage means you should pretty much be using it by default during combat.

 

Fighting an EB like Cortex is probably the worst case scenario for Bio Armor, so yeah, you're not doing anything wrong. 

Thanks for the explanation. Makes me feel I should just carry on