Water Blast and Steam Spray

[mcbrazzle]

I was tinkering around with a Water/NRG Build in Pines and landed on something I really like the look of on paper. I'm not a huge fan of cones though, so I skipped Steam Spray. How important is Steam Spray to water blast? I know from reading that it isn't bad, but I just want to know if I will have to scrap my build to try and work it in. As of now I can't easily see a spot to slide it in to unless I can leave out something like Aquabolt.

 

 

Build included:

 

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

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Science Blaster
Primary Power Set: Water Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Aqua Bolt -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(11), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg(A), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx(5), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg(7), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Mk'Bit-Dam%(50)
Level 2: Hydro Blast -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(11), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(21), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(37), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 4: Water Burst -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(5), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(9), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), PstBls-Dam%(37), ImpSwf-Dam%(43)
Level 6: Whirlpool -- PstBls-Acc/Dmg(A), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(7), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(9), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), PstBls-Dam%(37), ImpSwf-Dam%(43)
Level 8: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-Travel(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(46)
Level 10: Hover -- LucoftheG-Def(A), LucoftheG-Rchg+(17)
Level 12: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(13)
Level 14: Dehydrate -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(15), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(15), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 16: Energize -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 18: Water Jet -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(19), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(19), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(36), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 20: Tidal Forces -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(21)
Level 22: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(23)
Level 24: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 26: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 28: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(29)
Level 30: Tough -- UnbGrd-ResDam(A), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(31), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(31), UnbGrd-Max HP%(31), GldArm-3defTpProc(34), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(36)
Level 32: Geyser -- SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(33), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), SprBlsWrt-Rchg/Dmg%(34)
Level 35: Boost Range -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Weave -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def(39), LucoftheG-Rchg+(39), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 41: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Rchg+(42), LucoftheG-Def(42), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 44: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx(A), LucoftheG-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(45), LucoftheG-Def(45), LucoftheG-Rchg+(45)
Level 47: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(48), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(50), GssSynFr--Build%(50)
Level 49: Afterburner -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance 
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 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrc-Rcvry+(A), NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(17)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(13)
Level 1: Combo Level 1 
Level 1: Combo Level 2 
Level 1: Combo Level 3 
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[natewest1987]

Personally I wouldn't leave home without it.   But you can always try this, see how it works, and go from there.   I'm not at a computer that can pull up pines to look for other ranged defense set options for targeted AOE, but, I had softcapped ranged defense on one of my water / time builds, and I had steam spray.   So I'm sure there are probably areas that you can make up that amount of defense.   I don't know if this includes Agility, or what your plans are for incarnates, but that would help some, too. 

 

Steamspray has high damage, a wide radius, long range, higher target cap ( i think 16? or is it 10 ? ), and can be slotted with both of  Achiles Heel -20% res & the -20% res from Annihilation.   IMO it's too good to pass up, but ymmv

 

Also, at quick glance I can tell you that you don't need two slots in build up.  If power boost is on a similar recharge then I would cut that too.   Those two extra slots would give you more room to slot Blessing of the Zephyr, for instance.  

Edited August 6, 2019 by natewest1987

[Bloodofcaine]

If you're /energy, the question is why wouldn't you take it? Energy's whole schtick, at least in my opinion from playing an archery/nrg blaster is it's range boosting ability. It gives your cones a huge area to hit from which makes it easier to smack spawns that are even spread out a bit. This in addition to what Natewest pointed out with the power having good damage and slotting utility. It's just a great tool to supplement your spawn killing arsenal.

[HelenCarnate]

Also I see you used 2 slot in fly to push you over the 45% ranged cap.  However, fly speed is already at the max it could be unslotted so you are better off including the -KB in there instead of both being fly speed.  If you go Agility, that will give you a bit more recharge plus allow you to only have the -KB IO in fly and free up a slot elsewhere as well.  Or you can keep it there (and have Agility Core) and you would be over enough to drop Aqua Bolt and take Steam Spray and throw the other ATO set in there and get global 10% recharge and still be at 45%.  Water Burst I would get rid of the extra damage proc and go with +recharge from force feedback.  This will bring up your heavy hitters up even faster and likely get you to perma hasten if used regularly.  You also have an insane amount of +accuracy which is not really needed when you have tactics 6 slotted and have accuracy in all your attacks.  I would swap out the extra LotG sets (not the recharge of course) for Reactive Defense for more S/L resist and more HP or if you are married to the +Regen you could go with Shield Wall for even more HP and still have the +Regen.  All that would look something like ....

 

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 2.22
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Blaster
Primary Power Set: Water Blast
Secondary Power Set: Energy Manipulation
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Mace Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Hydro Blast -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(3), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(3), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(5), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(5), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7)
Level 1: Power Thrust -- Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg(A), Mk'Bit-Dmg/EndRdx(7), Mk'Bit-Dmg/Rchg(9), Mk'Bit-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(9), Mk'Bit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(11), Mk'Bit-Dam%(11)
Level 2: Water Burst -- PstBls-Dam%(A), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), PstBls-Acc/Dmg(13), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(15), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(15), FrcFdb-Rechg%(17)
Level 4: Build Up -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 6: Whirlpool -- PstBls-Dam%(A), PstBls-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(17), PstBls-Acc/Dmg(19), PstBls-Dmg/EndRdx(19), PstBls-Dmg/Rchg(21), TchofLadG-%Dam(21)
Level 8: Tidal Forces -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 10: Hover -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), ShlWal-ResDam/Re TP(23), Rct-ResDam%(23), Rct-Def(25)
Level 12: Fly -- BlsoftheZ-ResKB(A), BlsoftheZ-Travel/EndRdx(50)
Level 14: Dehydrate -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(25), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(27), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(27), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29)
Level 16: Energize -- NmnCnv-Regen/Rcvry+(A)
Level 18: Water Jet -- Thn-Acc/Dmg(A), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx(31), Thn-Dmg/Rchg(31), Thn-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(31), Thn-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), Thn-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33)
Level 20: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(33)
Level 22: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Tough -- GldArm-3defTpProc(A), StdPrt-ResDam/Def+(34), UnbGrd-Max HP%(34), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(34), UnbGrd-ResDam(36), UnbGrd-ResDam/EndRdx(36)
Level 26: Weave -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(36), Rct-Def(37), Rct-Def/EndRdx(37)
Level 28: Steam Spray -- SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg(A), SprDfnBrr-Dmg/Rchg(37), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(39), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(39), SprDfnBrr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), SprDfnBrr-Rchg/+Status Protect(40)
Level 30: Power Boost -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 32: Geyser -- SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg(A), SprBlsWrt-Dmg/Rchg(42), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(42), SprBlsWrt-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43), SprBlsWrt-Rchg/Dmg%(43)
Level 35: Boost Range -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 38: Maneuvers -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(43), Rct-Def(45), Rct-Def/EndRdx(45)
Level 41: Scorpion Shield -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A), Rct-Def(45), Rct-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(46), Rct-Def/EndRdx(46)
Level 44: Tactics -- GssSynFr--ToHit(A), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg(46), GssSynFr--ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--Rchg/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--ToHit/EndRdx(48), GssSynFr--Build%(50)
Level 47: Assault -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Afterburner -- LucoftheG-Rchg+(A)
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Defiance 
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 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run 
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Pnc-Heal/+End(A), Mrc-Rcvry+(40)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- PrfShf-End%(A), PrfShf-EndMod(40)
Level 1: Combo Level 1 
Level 1: Combo Level 2 
Level 1: Combo Level 3 
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon 
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Edited August 6, 2019 by HelenCarnate

[SlimPickens]

Steam spray is probably the very best cone attack in the game from a damage standpoint. And /energy gives it the boosted range to be a really effective aoe, so i certainly wouldnt skip it especially when paired with the secondary that has a range buff built in for the taking to make the cone less troublesome to hit everything with.

[mcbrazzle]

Ok Steam Spray is in! Thank you all very much for the advice. I was approaching this character with the idea of being as far away as possible and blasting with boost range but I can hover in for a wide cone I suppose.

 

6 hours ago, HelenCarnate said:

Also I see you used 2 slot in fly to push you over the 45% ranged cap.  However, fly speed is already at the max it could be unslotted so you are better off including the -KB in there instead of both being fly speed.  If you go Agility, that will give you a bit more recharge plus allow you to only have the -KB IO in fly and free up a slot elsewhere as well.  Or you can keep it there (and have Agility Core) and you would be over enough to drop Aqua Bolt and take Steam Spray and throw the other ATO set in there and get global 10% recharge and still be at 45%.  Water Burst I would get rid of the extra damage proc and go with +recharge from force feedback.  This will bring up your heavy hitters up even faster and likely get you to perma hasten if used regularly.  You also have an insane amount of +accuracy which is not really needed when you have tactics 6 slotted and have accuracy in all your attacks.  I would swap out the extra LotG sets (not the recharge of course) for Reactive Defense for more S/L resist and more HP or if you are married to the +Regen you could go with Shield Wall for even more HP and still have the +Regen.  All that would look something like ....

 

 Thank you as well especially for the tips and build. I was amazed at how well this setup can do without being to expensive but you gave me an awesome alternative that isn't very different. Thank you.

[HelenCarnate]

You are welcome.  When someone posts a build I try to not mess with the powers and only change the slotting to be more efficient.