Thoughts on Energy Blast on Defenders

[Sarah Bellum]

On 10/15/2019 at 9:32 AM, Erratic1 said:

 

Clearly you have never been the Kinetics Defender using Transfusion whose anchor got knocked away from the people needing healing.

Anyone can play a set badly.  I'm not sure how this is relevant. That being said, mistakes can and do happen. Shrug it off and keep pewing. :)

[Sir Myshkin]

You fine folk might find amusement in this as I did. Started the topic over in the Blaster sub section, but did a Defender variant of what I titled "The Mad King Special." An attempt at maximizing Energy Blast to its fullest extent (KB Love and all) in a high-performance extreme-recharge (250-300%) build. Since not everyone frequents all sub-sections, figured it worth sharing here too. Obviously the Defender version had to be Storm, so this it:

 

Spoiler

Hero Plan by Hero Hero Designer 2.23
https://github.com/ImaginaryDevelopment/imaginary-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Mad King Special: Level 50 Magic Defender
Primary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Energy Blast
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Force of Will
Ancillary Pool: Psychic Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Gale -- PstBls-Dam%(A), JvlVll-Dam%(3), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(3)
Level 1: Power Bolt -- HO:Nucle(A)
Level 2: Power Blast -- SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg(A), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprVglAss-Rchg/+Absorb(5), FrcFdb-Rechg%(7)
Level 4: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 6: Steamy Mist -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(7), TtnCtn-ResDam/EndRdx(9), TtnCtn-ResDam(9), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(11), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(11)
Level 8: Freezing Rain -- SprVglAss-Dmg/Rchg(A), SprVglAss-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13)
Level 10: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 12: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), RedFrt-Def(15), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx(15), RedFrt-EndRdx(17), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(17), RedFrt-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(19)
Level 14: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), HO:Ribo(50)
Level 16: Weave -- Rct-Def(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(19), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Rct-Def/Rchg(43), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(45), Rct-ResDam%(46)
Level 18: Weaken Resolve -- Acc-I(A)
Level 20: Power Burst -- SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(21), ExpStr-Dam%(21), GldJvl-Dam%(34), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(37), FrcFdb-Rechg%(40)
Level 22: Sniper Blast -- Apc-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Apc-Dmg(23), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(23), Apc-Dmg/Rchg(25), Apc-Dam%(31), FrcFdb-Rechg%(31)
Level 24: Aim -- RechRdx-I(A), GssSynFr--Build%(25)
Level 26: Tornado -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(27), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(29), AchHee-ResDeb%(29), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(31)
Level 28: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A)
Level 30: Mighty Leap -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 32: Lightning Storm -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(33), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Dcm-Build%(34), FrcFdb-Rechg%(34)
Level 35: Explosive Blast -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), PstBls-Dam%(36), ExpStr-Dam%(36), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(37), FrcFdb-Rechg%(37)
Level 38: Nova -- Arm-Dmg(A), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(39), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), Arm-Acc/Rchg(39), Arm-Dam%(40)
Level 41: Dominate -- SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(A), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(42), GldJvl-Dam%(42), GhsWdwEmb-Dam%(42), UnbCns-Dam%(43), GldNet-Dam%(43)
Level 44: Mind Over Body -- GldArm-ResDam(A), GldArm-End/Res(45), GldArm-Res/Rech/End(45), GldArm-3defTpProc(50)
Level 47: Unleash Potential -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(48), Prv-Heal(48), Prv-Heal/Rchg(50)
Level 49: Vengeance -- LucoftheG-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: Vigilance
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(46), Mrc-Rcvry+(46)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-End%(48)
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon
Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany
Level 50: Melee Core Embodiment
Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement
------------

 

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Do everything you can to keep the +100% FF+Rech up and running. Attack chain of Snipe > Dominate > Power Burst (so quick, so painful!). To Start: Drop Freezing Rain > Tornado > LS (Get Decimate Bonus), run Snipe > Dominate > Power Burst > Snipe > Aim > Dominate > Snipe > Power Burst > Freezing Rain > Dominate > Snipe > Power Burst > Tornado > LS (Yup, Get Bonus, we're already back here and it's only been 23/s!).

 

Yeah, this thing eats endurance like a Dyson in a dust bowl. Bring Blues.

 

Edit: Forgot to mention for those running the most current Mid's, the placement of the Force of Will pool is shifted from older Mid's files (as I'm still one patch backward), so it's Weaken Resolve > Mighty Leap > Unleash Potential for that Pool set. UP ends up giving the build a 60/s up, 60/s down 47% Def to All ontop of 75% S/L Resists (and trailing values for the others).

Edited October 25, 2019 by Sir Myshkin

[Golden Azrael]

On 10/23/2019 at 9:21 PM, Sarah Bellum said:

Anyone can play a set badly.  I'm not sure how this is relevant. That being said, mistakes can and do happen. Shrug it off and keep pewing. 🙂

I have a Sentinel En/En.  It's loaded with Procs.  Knockback.  PEW PEW!!!!

 

It's about like minded players, I guess.  I like a Duo-Partner I can play badly with. 😛

 

Azrael.

[Second Rodeo]

This thread is so ridiculous, I'm not sure if it's sarcasm or not. But just in case,  I think if anyone plays a kb toon and won't make compromise it's a good idea to state that in lfg message. It was suggested already in this thread. Gonna second that one. Because there is no way I would trade access to debuffs and AOE for knockback and defender damage.

[Hopestar]

So here's what I came up with:

Knockback As A Weapon

In this build you embrace the knockback, embrace the low damage potential of energy blast, and embrace team play. I know what everyone says, "Knockback is bad" but hear me out; It's not, you just can't use it right. With Cold/Energy, you have the potential to boost your team's defense, damage, and mitigate damage taken in multiple ways and here's why I think Cold is the best pairing:

• Energy Torrent & Snow Storm: This is your bread and butter for every mob pack. With 9 KB and 70 range, Torrent's mere 45 degree cone can knock back a whole group in 1 controlled direction, both corralling the enemy into one spot, making it safe to then Nova, and Snow Storm making them take forever to get up and attack.
• Dominate -> Snipe -> Power Burst -> Infridgidate: This is your main attack chain, knocking back and holding Bosses against an immovable object while absolutely destroying their defense, resistance, damage, and recharge. I know it's technically only half using Energy Blast, but whatever works right?
• All the good tools of Cold.

      and the best part:

• The 50 mile Power Push Kickoff.

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.7.2.10
https://github.com/Crytilis/mids-reborn-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Science Defender
Primary Power Set: Cold Domination
Secondary Power Set: Energy Blast
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Leaping
Ancillary Pool: Psychic Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Infrigidate -- AchHee-ResDeb%:20(A), ImpSwf-Dam%:30(11), ShlBrk-%Dam:30(15), TchofLadG-%Dam:50(15), TchofLadG-DefDeb/EndRdx:50(17)
Level 1: Power Bolt -- SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg:50(A), SprDfnBst-Dmg/Rchg:50(25), SprDfnBst-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(25)
Level 2: Ice Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx:50(3), LucoftheG-Def:50(3), GldArm-ResDam:50(5), GldArm-3defTpProc:50(5), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(7)
Level 4: Energy Torrent -- Dtn-Dmg/Rng:50(A), PstBls-Dmg/Rng:50(19), Artl-Acc/Rech/Rng:50(21), Artl-Acc/Dam:50(21), Artl-End/Rech/Rng:50(23), KntCrs-Rchg/KB:50(23)
Level 6: Glacial Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx:50(7), ShlWal-Def:50(9), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(9), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP:50(11)
Level 8: Snow Storm -- HO:Micro(A), HO:Micro(17), HO:Micro(19)
Level 10: Power Burst -- SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(A), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(27), SprDfnBst-Rchg/Heal%:50(27), Thn-Acc/Dmg:50(39), Thn-Dmg/Rchg:50(40)
Level 12: Frostwork -- Prv-Heal:50(A), Prv-Heal/EndRdx:50(13), Prv-Heal/Rchg/EndRdx:50(13)
Level 14: Arctic Fog -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx:50(36), LucoftheG-Def:50(37), GldArm-End/Res:50(37), GldArm-ResDam:50(37)
Level 16: Sniper Blast -- StnoftheM-Acc/Dmg:50(A), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx:50(29), StnoftheM-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg:50(33), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(34), StnoftheM-Dam%:50(34), Apc-Dam%:50(34)
Level 18: Benumb -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(36), Acc-I:50(36)
Level 20: Aim -- GssSynFr--Build%:50(A)
Level 22: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(29)
Level 24: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx:50(39), LucoftheG-Def:50(39)
Level 26: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A), HO:Cyto(43)
Level 28: Sleet -- Bmbdmt-Dam:50(A), Bmbdmt-Acc/Dam/Rech/End:50(40), Bmbdmt-Acc/Rech/End:50(40), Bmbdmt-Dam/Rech:50(42), Bmbdmt-+FireDmg:50(42), AchHee-ResDeb%:20(42)
Level 30: Power Push -- KntCrs-Dmg/KB:50(A), KntCrs-Acc/KB:50(31), KntCrs-Rchg/KB:50(31), KntCrs-Rechg/EndRdx:50(31), KntCrs-Dmg/EndRdx/KB:50(33), KntCrs-Acc/Dmg/KB:50(33)
Level 32: Heat Loss -- PrfShf-EndMod/Rchg:50(A), PrfShf-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(43), PrfShf-Acc/Rchg:50(43), PrfShf-End%:50(45)
Level 35: Dominate -- Apc-Dmg:50(A), Apc-Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Apc-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Apc-Acc/Rchg:50(48), Apc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(50)
Level 38: Nova -- Arm-Dmg:50(A), Arm-Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Arm-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Arm-Dmg/EndRdx:50(46), Arm-Dam%:50(46), FrcFdb-Rechg%:50(46)
Level 41: Mind Over Body -- UnbGrd-ResDam:50(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx:50(50), UnbGrd-Rchg/ResDam:50(50)
Level 44: Assault -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 47: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+:50(A)
Level 49: Combat Jumping -- Ksm-ToHit+:30(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Quick Form
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: Vigilance
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End:50(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%:50(A)
Level 50: Agility Radial Paragon
------------

 

Yes the defense and resistances for yourself are garbage, but that doesn't matter when nothing can ever reach you (except warwolves, just don't fight them, seriously, don't.)

[Clave Dark 5]

I'm currently trying to level up a Thermal/Energy Defender that I created on a whim and trying to work out to slot my KB to KD or not, what to take to build an even semi-survivable amount of +Def etc. is killing me.   (Also trying to find ways to slot a build without using several sets of purples + Superior ATO sets, but that's a personal, on ongoing battle with posted builds ha ha).  So far the only thing I can settle on is that I want her to have a Patron Pool pet she can "heat up" into a good attack bot she supports, but I'm not even sure which one of those I want.  So, please, carry on talking amongst yourselves and giving me ideas!

[brasilgringo]

FWIW, this is my current tweak of the build after talking to @Sir Myshkin himself.  Leaving it here in case it's useful for anyone.  I put it on a toon called (the) Weatherman, who says things like "The forecast calls for ... PAIN!"  and "I predict cloudy with a chance of .... Powers!" .... very chaotic times.  Good for BAFs.

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Reborn : Hero Designer 2.7.2.10
https://github.com/Crytilis/mids-reborn-hero-designer

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Mad King Special: Level 50 Magic Defender
Primary Power Set: Storm Summoning
Secondary Power Set: Energy Blast
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Force of Will
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Power Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Gale -- PstBls-Dam%(A), JvlVll-Dam%(3), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(3), FrcFdb-Rechg%(43)
Level 1: Power Bolt -- SprDfnBst-Rchg/Heal%(A), EntChs-Heal%(42), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg(50), SprWntBit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(50)
Level 2: Power Blast -- SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg(A), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), SprVglAss-Rchg/+Absorb(5), FrcFdb-Rechg%(7)
Level 4: Kick -- Empty(A)
Level 6: Steamy Mist -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(7), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(9), UnbGrd-ResDam(9), UnbGrd-Max HP%(11), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(11)
Level 8: Freezing Rain -- SprVglAss-Dmg/Rchg(A), SprVglAss-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), SprVglAss-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Ann-ResDeb%(42)
Level 10: Weaken Resolve -- AchHee-ResDeb%(A)
Level 12: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), ShlWal-Def(15), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx(15), ShlWal-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(17), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(17)
Level 14: Power Burst -- SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBst-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(19), ExpStr-Dam%(21), GldJvl-Dam%(34), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(37), FrcFdb-Rechg%(40)
Level 16: Tough -- StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), HO:Ribo(19)
Level 18: Sniper Blast -- StnoftheM-Acc/Dmg(A), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx(23), StnoftheM-Dmg/ActRdx/Rchg(23), StnoftheM-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25), StnoftheM-Dam%(31), FrcFdb-Rechg%(31)
Level 20: Weave -- Rct-Def(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx(21), Rct-EndRdx/Rchg(40), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Rct-Def/Rchg(43), Rct-ResDam%(45)
Level 22: Mighty Leap -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A)
Level 24: Unleash Potential -- LucoftheG-Def/Rchg+(A), LucoftheG-Def/Rchg(25), RedFrt-Def/Rchg(48)
Level 26: Tornado -- ExpRnf-Acc/Rchg(A), ExpRnf-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), ExpRnf-EndRdx/Dmg/Rchg(27), ExpRnf-Dmg/EndRdx(29), AchHee-ResDeb%(29), SuddAcc--KB/+KD(31)
Level 28: Victory Rush -- EffAdp-EndMod/EndRdx(A)
Level 30: Tactics -- HO:Cyto(A), GssSynFr--Build%(48)
Level 32: Lightning Storm -- Dcm-Acc/Dmg(A), Dcm-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Dcm-Dmg/Rchg(33), Dcm-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Dcm-Build%(34), FrcFdb-Rechg%(34)
Level 35: Explosive Blast -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), PstBls-Dam%(36), ExpStr-Dam%(36), OvrFrc-Dam/KB(37), FrcFdb-Rechg%(37)
Level 38: Nova -- Arm-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Arm-Dmg(39), ScrDrv-Dam%(39), Obl-%Dam(39), Arm-Dam%(40)
Level 41: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(43)
Level 44: Temp Invulnerability -- GldArm-ResDam(A), GldArm-Res/Rech/End(45), GldArm-End/Res(45), GldArm-3defTpProc(46)
Level 47: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A)
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: Vigilance 
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(46), Mrc-Rcvry+(46), Prv-Absorb%(50)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-EndMod(A), PrfShf-End%(48)
Level 50: Ageless Core Epiphany 
Level 50: Degenerative Radial Flawless Interface 
Level 50: Pyronic Core Final Judgement 
Level 50: Melee Core Embodiment 
Level 50: Musculature Core Paragon 
Level 1: Quick Form 
------------

Edited November 9, 2020 by brasilgringo

[Ankhammon]

On 7/29/2019 at 3:17 PM, oedipus_tex said:

 

2. No desirable secondary effect.

This part if hard to argue with: E Blast doesn't benefit much from Defender's superior values. In fact, the value it adds (extra knockback distance!) is generally regarded as undesirable.

 

However, I question how much this matters in the current meta. Of the available sets, only a few offer secondary effects that benefit from Defender bonuses:

• Sonic - - Resist
• Radiation - -Defense (valued almost exclusively at high levels for -resist procs, which dont vary by AT)
• Beam Gun - See above
• Dual Pistols - See above
• Psi/Ice - Other than the Holds, just -Recharge
• Dark - -ToHit, arguably among the most useful
• Water - Mix, generally not benefitting the Defender more than other ATs
• Electric Blast - Endurance drain doesn't adjust by AT, so virtually no differences
• Fire, Archery, Assault Rifle - Nothing at all beyond mezz durations and the odd debuff

 

So, really just 2 sets out of 11 vary significantly by AT. Is it remarkable that Energy Blast doesn't vary?

 

(FWIW I've long argued that when Knockback is adjusted by AT it should apply to knockback chance and not knockback distance. However, that's a game balance issue unlikely to ever be settled. It's unfortunate it's not how developers saw the proliferation of powers from the outset.)

 

 

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

 

I know you were talking about extra secondary effects that defenders might get on the blasts, but I think you might have missed out on a couple things.

 

Dual Pistols with -chem rounds. Significant -Dam added on those rounds. That's the king maker in my mind.

Other bits:

Psy Blast gets Psy Scream which adds a ton of -rech that is actually helpful for teams or solo (I can keep a regular team fairly happy with just that and Psi Tornado and Neuro Breath on my Poison/Psy)

Ice gets better -tohit on BiB

Beam Rifle gets better -res in Piercing Beam (they should fix Disintegrate as blaster version reads the same... might be mids)

I'm sure I've missed some

 

I might also argue that the controls in those sets benefit a Defender more than say a Blaster due to all the debuffs thrown out by us combining in such a way as to make something extraordinary.

 

Overall, I think the weakness in the Nrg Blast set is the way the game has an off switch for kb. Then again the procs you can add to that set make it perfectly viable in my book... even if I end up hating my end bar forever. 🙂

 

 

 

 

[brasilgringo]

On 11/9/2020 at 12:09 AM, Ankhammon said:

I know you were talking about extra secondary effects that defenders might get on the blasts, but I think you might have missed out on a couple things.

 

Dual Pistols with -chem rounds. Significant -Dam added on those rounds. That's the king maker in my mind.

Other bits:

Psy Blast gets Psy Scream which adds a ton of -rech that is actually helpful for teams or solo (I can keep a regular team fairly happy with just that and Psi Tornado and Neuro Breath on my Poison/Psy)

Ice gets better -tohit on BiB

Beam Rifle gets better -res in Piercing Beam (they should fix Disintegrate as blaster version reads the same... might be mids)

I'm sure I've missed some

 

I might also argue that the controls in those sets benefit a Defender more than say a Blaster due to all the debuffs thrown out by us combining in such a way as to make something extraordinary.

 

Overall, I think the weakness in the Nrg Blast set is the way the game has an off switch for kb. Then again the procs you can add to that set make it perfectly viable in my book... even if I end up hating my end bar forever. 🙂

 

 

 

 

I think a big part of the point in using Energy Blast was to slot all the major attacks for +rchrg with the FF Proc (Sniper Blast, Power Burst, Explosive Blast) that, along with FF +rchrg in Gale, means you get a continuous amount of +rchrg that really helps your storm powers come up very fast (Tornado, Freezing Rain, Lightining Storm) as well as recharging your Nuke quickly and even Unleash Potential.   I know I basically am in that cycle constantly of putting out the pets ('nado, Storm), freezing rain, gale for KB->KD fun, and blasting with the big hitters above and Nova.  It's just a blur due to all the +rchrg.  Maybe the other sets are OK with that to, just EB gives a lot of options.

 

 Besides that, Energy Blast is just one of those pew-pew fun sets that looks fun to play but is otherwise hard to justify (for some of the reasons you mention) ...  But I'm not really the right guy to respond, as far as what OP was thinking.

[Crimson621]

On 8/14/2019 at 6:04 PM, Gorgar said:

I've known a couple of really good emp/energy that similarly knew how to aim their kb, target intelligently, and use Energy Torrent to keep from being overrun by stray mobs. 

 

On 9/30/2019 at 11:43 AM, Golden Azrael said:

The issues with AoEs can be mitigated by positioning and judicial use.

 

Replying to a couple old posts, but I wasn't around back in 2019 ...

 

I'm a huge fan of Energy Blast.  Other than flying, nothing makes me feel more 'super' than sending foes hurling in all directions.  I think it took me one week in 2004 to learn that melee types don't like it; so, I don't do that to them.  Problem solved.  As a Defender, I'm generally not trying to jump into a melee fray or draw too much agro anyway.  In between healing & buffing, I target stragglers or mobs on the periphery.  Seems like Energy's bad rep is caused by players who don't bother to adjust their strategies.

 

But I love the KB for soloing; Explosive Blast has often kept me from being overrun.

 

Edited November 28, 2020 by Crimson621
Hit send too soon!

[Psylenz0511]

You slot your EB attack with Force Feedback +Recharge AND and Sudden Acceleration KB-KD, it doesn't maximize your EB for dmg but your primary (as a defender of course) the recharge is huge for your slow recharge Buff/Debuff/attack primary skills. Storm benefits because lightning storm and tornado (also slotted for the Sudden Acceleration proc) and the chaos level grows apace. Did I miss the point of this thread?

Edited December 3, 2020 by Psylenz0511

[Psylenz0511]

On 9/4/2019 at 3:17 PM, Bossk_Hogg said:

I groan whenever a defender w energy blast joins the team that doesnt have the KB to KD enhancers in their AE's. The last thing I want is barely damaged enemies scattered to the winds. Dark, Sonic, Water, etc can all use the ff proc essentially as well and have more utility in their secondary effect than random KB. 

Energy also doesnt really have any more proc slotting opportunities than most other sets either, as you can sub explosive strike for cloud senses, impeded senses, etc.  

I feel the same groaning when a Peacebringer joins a team. Did he slot the Sudden Acceleration procs?

[brasilgringo]

16 hours ago, Psylenz0511 said:

I feel the same groaning when a Peacebringer joins a team. Did he slot the Sudden Acceleration procs?

I have KB->KD slotted in the majority of my Storm/NRG defender powers, incluidng Tornado .. with Lightning Storm I'm using the tip of jumping up when casting it, so the KB happens "down" and doesn't throw mobs....however I left 2 powers unslotted with KB-KD (Sniper Blast and Nova) so I could fit more damage procs ... it's a fair trade off for the big ones (explosive blast, gale, power burst) and frankly I've been putting up with storm and energy toons that never slotted KB-KD forever 😉