Dark x3 question

[graeberguinn]

Started a D3 defender and so far I'm really liking it. Lots of tools and lots to do. Level 30 currently. My question is:

 

What would be your choice between D3 defender or controller? What would you say are the good, bad and in between of both? Not sure if I want to stay Defender on this. Maybe I'll end up with both just for shots but just need some outside opinions and advice to help wrangle in my thoughts. So:

 

My thoughts are Defender obviously has a complete blast set along with all the -to hit and soft control. Has enough aoe with cones and can proc a couple powers plus ancillary pools AOEs. Good ST. So far it seems to be great in teams. Slower solo than other ATs / powers bit can be tanky and pretty solid so far. 

But, the controller obviously has way more control, more pets, confuse, and arguably a better dark support set with affinity offering fade and soul absorption. Downside with controller is only having 2 ST from primary with immob + hold unless you go into pools or ancillary. Plus actual AOE powers are less. So will that slow down kill speed? Seems better suited for teams.

 

Thanks in advance

[BurnTheWitch]

I've got a 50 dark/dark/ soul of both, the 'troller (Witchcraft) is my "main" but I play the 'fender (Witchipedia) quite a bit as well.  We're comparing Gala to Granny Smith, but they're apples. Both are set up rather similarly but have very different incarnate slottings.

 

As you've pointed out, the 'fender has a much better blast rotation (although I need to get someone with better mathhammering to see if I can upgrade the rotation) and the 'troller had better. . Intangibles.  Now I know that sounds like a dig, but it isn't at all.  The 'troller can tank better and get a group out of a jam with heart of darkness if fearsome stare misses.  When a group is struggling, I'd rather have the 'troller.  I also -feel- (doesn't make it true) that playing the 'troller is a little more "chill" when I'm soloing.  The svartvarg is an okay enough tank that I can relax behind him and all of my get out of jail free cards.

 

That being said, when a group is good, the 'fender is more desireable.  The AOE damage difference is quite noticable and the need for tons of control doesn't seem to be there in much of the Itrial content.  I can't think of a time I used heart of darkness as a get out of jail free card in BAF for example.  I'm also not certain how much value I get out of possess either.  That's about half of my 'troller exclusive abilities that I don't use much in Itrials.

 

In the end, they are both fun to play.  One might appeal more to some than others (I certainly log into one based on how I'm feeling at times), but I'll be the last to tell you which is better.

 

[Psyonico]

On live, I loved my D3 defender, but I much prefer my dark/dark controller in HC.  Permanent Haunt/Fade/Soul Absorption is a thing of beauty and he actually does decent AoE damage between the immob and Dark Obliteration.

 

I may just not have a good build on the defender, I don't know.