Beast/Nature Build Critique

[Ragweed]

Hello everyone! I want to preface this with I am pretty new to masterminds. I realize how challenging it is to slot them effectively because you not only have to balance out your own defense/resists, but your pets as well. I am finding Beasts particularly challenging because of the sheer amount of slotting options as well as nature's unique defensive capabilities. A few observations and goals for the build:

1) Shooting for perma-Hasten and near-perma-Overgrowth

2) This build relies on being in melee with the minions due to the PBAoE buffs

3) I consider perma-Wild Growth and Maneuvers as part of the Beast's resistance and defense repertoire (and ideally Support Core hybrid incarnate, but I don't think we should optimize for that)

4) I plan to make persistent use of Wild Bastion

5) This build is fairly endurance hoggish with all toggles going

 

Challenges: Balancing recharge, pet regen, pet resists/defence, pet utility (ie. knockback to knockdown), personal resists (somewhat mitigated by Wild Bastion +absorb)

 

Borrowing a bit from Yipp's Bots/Dark build, this is what I have come up with so far (please let me know what you think/how I can improve it):

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.962
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Beast Mastery
Secondary Power Set: Nature Affinity
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Summon Wolves -- SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(A), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg(3), SprCmmoft-Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(5), GssSynFr--Build%(7)
Level 1: Corrosive Enzymes -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Regrowth -- DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx(A), DctWnd-Heal/Rchg(7), DctWnd-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(9), DctWnd-Heal(9), DctWnd-Rchg(50)
Level 4: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)
Level 6: Train Beasts -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 10: Wild Growth -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(11), UnbGrd-EndRdx/Rchg(11), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(13), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(36), UnbGrd-Max HP%(48)
Level 12: Summon Lions -- SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg(A), SvrRgh-Acc(13), SvrRgh-Dmg/EndRdx(15), SvrRgh-PetResDam(17), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(50)
Level 14: Super Speed -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 16: Lifegiving Spores -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(17), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(21), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(21), Pnc-Heal(27), PrfShf-End%(27)
Level 18: Fortify Pack -- RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(19), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(40), RedFrt-Def(40), RedFrt-EndRdx/Rchg(45), LucoftheG-Rchg+(46)
Level 20: Wild Bastion -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(29), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(33), Prv-Heal/Rchg(33), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(34), Prv-Absorb%(42)
Level 22: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), StdPrt-ResKB(25), GldArm-3defTpProc(31), ImpArm-ResPsi(31)
Level 24: Weave -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(31), Rct-Def/EndRdx(34), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(34), Rct-Def/Rchg(36), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 26: Summon Dire Wolf -- OvrFrc-Dam/KB(A), SlbAll-Build%(37), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(37), SprMarofS-Dmg(39), SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(39), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(39)
Level 28: Maneuvers -- ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(A), LucoftheG-Rchg+(29), Rct-Def(33), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Rct-Def/EndRdx(37)
Level 30: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 32: Tame Beasts -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Entangling Aura -- Lck-Acc/Hold(A), Lck-Acc/Rchg(40), Lck-%Hold(43)
Level 38: Overgrowth -- AdjTrg-ToHit(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(45), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(46), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(48), AdjTrg-Rchg(50)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Rct-Def/Rchg(42), Rct-Def(43), Rct-Def/EndRdx(43), Rct-ResDam%(45)
Level 44: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 47: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(48)
Level 49: Spore Cloud -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Clr-Stlth(A)
Level 1: Supremacy
Level 2: Rest -- EndMod-I(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(23), Pnc-Heal/+End(23)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), EndMod-I(15), PrfShf-EndMod(25)
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement
Level 50: Diamagnetic Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Spiritual Core Paragon
Level 50: Support Core Embodiment
------------

 

| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|MxDz;1622;707;1414;HEX;|
|78DABD94CB53527114C77F172E19088220820FDE9A8A8250ED9D347352301BCB69C|
|73072D13B238F119CC965CB1E53336DDA5553AB36ADDBB4EA31D3BF506D6AD54B05|
|457B6CE878BF476162DF6F86F9F0FBFECEF99DEF39DC4BF2FA79F3F3991B1342B24|
|DADA54BA554325D2A2BEB39359F3124D32BEAB2385C6DF4F1354E528B1BB95C211F|
|9D5448E28CCDE6F3C98D6C363A9F2E6FAC2BA973D9AC9A57CB9BC2BC5028AC45134|
|ABAA8E6572CDAE682BAB25AA69D49DB2D161525633D8ACA28EBA555B5D83F5D5497|
|A34D7727D3CBCA514D37F99AA0CFB45BF0AA1BC43BBD107159E85E33DF80F25B664|
|DA7F1C433F07DE83857885EA1691F4893A0C9D29C84F82478729E79098C2F80DD34|
|24BD847BF44EFAE291C50CF932F0DD8600EED6B5619E875A5B9D96B849D58CC8341|
|86B7069DA671E80E69F60E81738FE1BBC4815DAB9F3F60A2A986B604715B4ED83F6|
|3D30FE59A7B90B910D0B3BB17CC4346E93172B7BB1F6A386CD037679993EB0D7CF7|
|C80DC59F2D2C95E3A4D988ABD1D1CB2303BC0313318718277A8AE83731D5F706FFF|
|57D0FF8DF91D0CFC0047B6403DF5E18467BDD385C9BBDDA0F73462BC23B41FA25F9|
|F625DDC9F8B6B7BB7F9DE1DBD1613A880A12A18D905E7A8BF1EF6D8F309390353E8|
|7DE09AACF1D415E655E612D84975FB5057EE9BE3FEB8BE9FEB8776F9CE1DD04E391|
|E7EA23CFCF424C8838F7F331F6B77697641C4E982FBF033740086FF80F7286690EB|
|0F3E8436F6088C3C06C79F80F1A7E00BB231CCB31AAEF0CCD9E348150CB3F7307B1|
|EDB03B7CD428CB2F7D151F80C523F51685294B571E62DF217E3F8D8615F0E9A8FDC|
|F4666A6F4AB84589B528F116E54C8B72B64549342B46F49F6C68F505F9F81F41487|
|E7836DAE88DE7F32D139DB37F2982F39D86A69396F85F6216CF617780E7D49C378C|
|BC4A731EBF5B1D5CD37D1FFB60170131F5978EC6776D5DFE57F81FEB55B051F42FB|
|E1D637C|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

Edited July 29, 2019 by Ragweed

[Neural]

I've tried several mastermind types, but Beasts/Nature is still my favorite.   I like the idea of having overgrowth up all the time. 

[Ragweed]

Did you have any growing pains while leveling? Did you notice any particular level where things just came together? The Beast/Synergy looks great on paper, but it's definitely a little hairier than the standard bots/thugs, at least right now (at level 22).

[Warlawk]

11 hours ago, Ragweed said:

pet utility (ie. knockback to knockdown)

I haven't seen KB on my beasts and can't find anything listed in the powers for my Dire Wolf that list knockback. Now, it's entirely possible that I've missed it with the way beasts run around like jack russell terriers on meth but I couldn't find any KB listed in the powers or upgrades either, what is the power you're trying to mitigate there?

 

For my build I went about things a little differently. Defense is almost identical, you have very slightly more resists. We both have permahasten and 6 seconds of downtime on Overgrowth but I'm kitted out to use Musculature alpha for a big chunk more damage. The two build up procs you've fit in probably close that gap quite a bit though. I think we likely end up at very similar places in regards to performance.

 

8 hours ago, Ragweed said:

Did you have any growing pains while leveling? Did you notice any particular level where things just came together? The Beast/Synergy looks great on paper, but it's definitely a little hairier than the standard bots/thugs, at least right now (at level 22).

Getting Wild Growth perma is a big step in performance. Getting T3 pet at 26 and final upgrade at 32 and of course overgrowth at 38, so you should see a nice progression of things to make your life easier in the levels coming up soon!

 

This is my build.

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.962
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Mutation Mastermind
Primary Power Set: Beast Mastery
Secondary Power Set: Nature Affinity
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Summon Wolves -- SprMarofS-Acc/EndRdx(A), SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(3), SprMarofS-Dmg(3), CaltoArm-+Def(Pets)(5), SvrRgh-PetResDam(5), SvrRgh-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(7)
Level 1: Corrosive Enzymes -- Acc-I(A)
Level 2: Regrowth -- Prv-Heal(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx(7), Prv-EndRdx/Rchg(9), Prv-Heal/Rchg(9), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx(11), Prv-Absorb%(11)
Level 4: Wild Growth -- UnbGrd-Max HP%(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(13), UnbGrd-ResDam(13), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam(15), ImpArm-ResPsi(15), ImpArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(17)
Level 6: Train Beasts -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 8: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(17), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(37), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(46), ShlWal-Def(46), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(50)
Level 10: Spore Cloud -- DarWtcDsp-ToHitDeb(A), DarWtcDsp-ToHitdeb/Rchg/EndRdx(23), DarWtcDsp-ToHitDeb/EndRdx(25), DarWtcDsp-Rchg/EndRdx(31)
Level 12: Summon Lions -- SprMarofS-Acc/Dmg(A), SprMarofS-Dmg/EndRdx(19), CaltoArm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(19), CaltoArm-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(21), ExpRnf-+Res(Pets)(21), BldMnd-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23)
Level 14: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 16: Lifegiving Spores -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(33), Pnc-Heal(34)
Level 18: Fortify Pack -- Rct-Def(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(40), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Rct-Def/Rchg(42), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Rct-ResDam%(43)
Level 20: Tactics -- AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(36), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(36), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(37), AdjTrg-Rchg(37)
Level 22: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Combat Jumping -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(25)
Level 26: Summon Dire Wolf -- SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg(A), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27), SprCmmoft-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), SprCmmoft-Rchg/PetAoEDef(29), SprMarofS-EndRdx/+Resist/+Regen(29), EdcoftheM-PetDef(31)
Level 28: Boxing -- KntCmb-Acc/Dmg(A), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx(43), KntCmb-Dmg/Rchg(43), KntCmb-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 32: Tame Beasts -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(36), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(45)
Level 38: Overgrowth -- AdjTrg-ToHit/Rchg(A), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(39), AdjTrg-EndRdx/Rchg(39), AdjTrg-ToHit/EndRdx(39), AdjTrg-Rchg(40)
Level 41: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(42), StdPrt-ResKB(50)
Level 44: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def(45), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(46)
Level 47: Wild Bastion -- Pnc-Heal/EndRedux(A), Pnc-EndRdx/Rchg(48), Pnc-Heal/Rchg(48), Pnc-Heal/EndRedux/Rchg(48), Pnc-Heal(50)
Level 49: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Dash -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Slide -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Quick -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Rush -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Prestige Power Surge -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Supremacy
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(34)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-End%(34)
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon
------------

 

 

Edited July 30, 2019 by Warlawk

[SmalltalkJava]

Beast knock back is low magnitude, basically just knockdown.  from Tame Beasts.  they can cast it every 8 seconds.  I'm not sure how often they do it though.

 

 -Grants power Feral Charge to Howler Wolf

Average Damage: 33.99

Damage Per Activation Time: 24.28

Damage Per Cast Cycle: 3.62

Activation Time: 1.40s

Recharge Time: 8.00s

Endurance Cost: 8.53

Accuracy: 1.00X

Power Type:Click

Target Type: Enemies

Power Range: 7.00 ft.

Effect Area: Single Target Attack

Types: melee,

lethal 33.99 smashing damage on target

-6.00%% defense for 8.00s on target

60.00% chance for 0.67 magnitude knockback on target after  0.50s delay

 

PS. thanks for posting this build.  My beast/nature is level 35 at the moment

Edited July 30, 2019 by SmalltalkJava

[Warlawk]

Gotcha, I think I missed that one.

 

Knockback that is below magnitude 1 is knockdown. So against a much lower level grey target (or something like a Rikti Monkey) you may see KB out of it, but not against most targets around your level. In looking at it, I think he may be adding the KD proc to the Dire Wolf rather than trying to convert existing.

[Ragweed]

Thank you guys for the responses. Yeah, level 26 is a completely different story. Even getting Lifegiving Spores, Fortify Pack, and Wild Bastion were huge QoL increases, but with the Dire Wolf everything just gets decimated.

 

Warlawk, you were spot on. The knock back slot on the dire wolf was just for the proc (kind of a holdover from the Yipp build). The low magnitude wasn't worth keeping around, so I switched it out for a SMoS Pet +Resist/+Regen enhancement. Also, I really liked your Vengeance idea (especially with the extra LotG recharge slot) and replaced Power Boost with it. Here is the updated build if you want it for reference. The musculature alpha is definitely a good choice, but the spiritual core works for me not only for the +healing, but also for the extra regen it gives.

 

I am curious, though, does Vengeance work on downed pets? If so, that would be insanely OP.

 

 

EDIT: I'm also entertaining the idea of switching out Entangling Aura for Victory Rush (Lifegiving Spores + Victory Rush could be just as potent as Speed Boost). That would free up two slots (three slots if I remove Panacea from Health) and re-slot Regrowth with a 6-slotted Panacea. Perhaps I could add those other two slots to Overgrowth and Maneuvers to grab their set bonuses (and get some extra recharge on OG). This is what the build looks like with those changes. Any thoughts on that? Does anybody get enough use out of Entangling Aura as a MM to justify the slots?

 

EDIT2: Assuming we can leave the control to the other archetypes that are more suited to it, this is my final build with minimal PvP/purple enhancement usage.

 

EDIT3: Because of the low chance, two other slotting options to replace Summon Wolves' Gaussian's Build-up proc would be a +Dmg proc (such as Cloud Senses Neg NRG) or Mark of Supremacy pet +resist/+regen. Any thoughts on this?

Edited July 30, 2019 by Ragweed

[Warlawk]

Vengeance does not work on downed pets sadly, it's mostly a LotG mule with a little bit of utility should I end up on a team.

 

Entangling Aura is just bad. I think I hold a grudge because I REALLY wanted to like it. Mag 1, 4 second duration with pulses every 5 seconds. The fact that it's an endurance hog doesn't even come into it, it's just not worth using.

 

I think you have the Mark of Supremacy proc in your Dire Wolf so you couldn't slot it into Wolves as well. Damage proc would work, I don't see either of the 5% defense procs in the build though, those would both add a bit of toughness.

 

The main critique I would give on the final build there in edit2 is that I think you are overslotting health and stamina. You *may* need that much while leveling, but once you get overgrowth for 74% endurance cost reduction... it's just wasted slots. I went with 2 slots each on mine (skip that stupidly expensive panacea proc! lol). Over all, it's a different route than I would have taken but it looks like it should be very effective in play and do exactly what you want it to, which is part of what I love about CoH!

 

I just hit 38 on mine last night before bed and Overgrowth turns my puppers from fun fluffballs to straight murdermachines, even with 50% downtime since it only has 1 slot and I don't have all my global recharge yet, it was absolutely a turning point in DPS.

[Ragweed]

I really appreciate the feedback. I agree with your assessment about too many health and stamina slots (especially after adding Victory Rush). About the Summon Wolves slot: I was referring to the regular Mark of Supremacy, the Superior one is slotted in Dire Wolves.

 

It's a shame about Vengeance. It's such a strong power, but I might have to switch that back to Power Boost depending on the answer to the next question. Do your wolves still accumulate Pack Mentality even if you are out of range to acquire it? If you have to constantly be in melee range, then the always-up defenses from Power Boost would be worthwhile (especially if you have to tank a mob or two every once in awhile).

 

EDIT: Just an idea; I might have to take slots from health, stamina, maneuvers and tough and 5-slot kick for Hecatomb. Like this.

Edited July 31, 2019 by Ragweed

[Warlawk]

ATOs are kind of a strange beast. Normal and Superior are considered to be different sets for the purposes of getting set bonuses, but they are unique in that you cannot have both a normal and a superior of the same piece so unfortunately no double slotting the resist proc 😞

 

I've not specifically watched the range for accumulating Pack Mentality but my puppers are frequently at a decent distance from me and I haven't ever noticed a drought of PM. Worth testing though.

 

EDIT: This is pure supposition but my gut feeling is that Pack Mentality is likely linked to Supremacy/Aura range, so if your pets are within that radius it would accumulate. Pure guesswork though, haven't tested yet.

EDIT: Very casual testing while playing this evening seems to confirm that they do not build PM when out of Supremacy range

Edited July 31, 2019 by Warlawk

[Ragweed]

I noticed the same issue with Pack Mentality. After reading a description of it on Paragon wiki, I think the pet damage bonus come from you generating Pack Mentality and sharing it with your pets in range. Unfortunately, the range is so close that you tend to draw extra aggro and take more AOE damage, so survivability is an issue if you want to get the most damage out of your beasties.

Edited July 31, 2019 by Ragweed

[kelly Rocket]

22 hours ago, Warlawk said:

Vengeance does not work on downed pets sadly, it's mostly a LotG mule with a little bit of utility should I end up on a team.

 

Entangling Aura is just bad. I think I hold a grudge because I REALLY wanted to like it. Mag 1, 4 second duration with pulses every 5 seconds. The fact that it's an endurance hog doesn't even come into it, it's just not worth using.

 

I think you have the Mark of Supremacy proc in your Dire Wolf so you couldn't slot it into Wolves as well. Damage proc would work, I don't see either of the 5% defense procs in the build though, those would both add a bit of toughness.

 

The main critique I would give on the final build there in edit2 is that I think you are overslotting health and stamina. You *may* need that much while leveling, but once you get overgrowth for 74% endurance cost reduction... it's just wasted slots. I went with 2 slots each on mine (skip that stupidly expensive panacea proc! lol). Over all, it's a different route than I would have taken but it looks like it should be very effective in play and do exactly what you want it to, which is part of what I love about CoH!

 

I just hit 38 on mine last night before bed and Overgrowth turns my puppers from fun fluffballs to straight murdermachines, even with 50% downtime since it only has 1 slot and I don't have all my global recharge yet, it was absolutely a turning point in DPS.

If you're going to drop one of the uniques from Health, I'd drop Numina before dropping Panacea. Panacea is significantly better.

[Warlawk]

3 minutes ago, kelly Rocket said:

If you're going to drop one of the uniques from Health, I'd drop Numina before dropping Panacea. Panacea is significantly better.

Fair enough, Panacea will outperform Numina. I tend to default to Numina/Miracle because I have plenty sitting around. That said, playing after getting overgrowth, the extra performance from Panacea is completely unneeded so it really won't make much difference.

[kelly Rocket]

It will certainly matter if you intend to ever exemp down below level 30, where you can no longer use Overgrowth. Also Panacea is a proc, not a global, so it continues functioning at any level (Since Health is inherent). It's also a PvP set, so it functions like a Purple for exemping, which means that even if it were a global it would continue working even at level 1.