Macchi's Destroyer Build
by Macchikins [ source ]
Destroyer
i) Introduction
ii) Essential Skills/Skill Chart (duo-ultimate considered)
iii) Explanation of changes
iv) Controversial Decisions and Justifications
v) Heraldry
I. Introduction
With this new system, everything that a Barbarian can do- a Destroyer can do better. The only asset that a Barbarian has, that a Destroyer does not is Taunting Howl, which in itself was an optional skill to begin with.
Read on and watch as the ultimate merc has been born with this patch.
II. Essential Skills/Skill Chart (duo-ultimate considered)
Warrior
Comments: Very similar to the Barbarian counterpart. There is a focus on minimalism, and efficiency. This is still a hybrid PvE and PvP build.
Mercenary
Comments: At last, a mercenary build that is optimized for both damage and de-buffs. Whirlwind can remain at level 1, and the spare points can be pumped into the hammer tree.
Notable Choices:
-Whirlwind is left at level one, if you are a PvE Fan, max this instead of Rolling Attack and get a plate for it. However note that the multi-hit trick of Whirlwind does not work on all bosses.
-Level 12 Flying Swing, the Ex makes this skill worth the extra level.
-Level 1 Iron Skin, it is there to protect you from being knocked down. This will be explained later in the guide.
-Disenchanting Howl is at level 4.
Destroyer
III. Explanation of changes
Many of you may be looking at this and wondering, "How exactly does this work". We can break this question into two basic elements:
i) How do you get Typhoon?
ii) What effect does this have on the build?
Let us start with the first question.
i) With the duo-ultimate system, once one ultimate skill is unlocked, so is the other. This means that a player is able to save 8 skill points by keeping Whirlwind at level one. Additionally, the duo-ultimate system increases the skill cap on the class by sixteen points. Typhoon is not the only perk that this build obtains from this patch, let us examine the other ones.
ii) What effect does this have on the build?
Examine my skill chart:
The new skill point cap on the mercenary class will allow us to do the following:
-Max Rolling Attack
-Max Thorns
-Get Typhoon
This is done with the skill points saved with this build (9).
What does this mean?
It means that Rolling Attack is now a very worthwhile investment, once maxed, its damage is very high. It also grants mercs a lot of versatility. Mercs are invincible while in the air in rolling attack, and its damage will now be comparable to whirlwind on Nest bosses. It also means mercs are much more capable of dealing damage.
IV. Controversial Decisions and Justifications
Why is Iron Skin at level one?
Destroyer does not have the same dependancy on superarmour buffs as Barbarian. Keep in mind that the damage reduction cap is 80%. Destroyer has Maelstorm Howl and Flying Swing, both of which grant a 70% damage reduction (the former being a superior version), combined with thorns, you have no need for Iron Skin. Rather proper timing will ensure your survivability remains at a high level.
The purpose that Iron Skin serves in this build is granting access to your Bomb-ultimate, and as a flinch-guard in group pvp or nesting. When it fails, you have Charging Howl as a reliable back-up.
In summary you have better skills to protect you. They are:
-Maelstorm Howl
-Flying Swing
-Rolling Attack
Why is Whirlwind at level one?
From my experience, I have little use for an upgraded whirlwind. As it is, whirlwind does sufficient damage at level one, and its growth is greatly inferior to that of Rolling Attack. A plate is a worthwhile investment if you seek more damage from your whirlwind.
Why is Taunt at level one?
There is simply not enough SP to get it to level 9. Leave the taunting to the Barbarians, Destroyer is a more offensive style of Merc. You still have Destructive Scream and Iron Skin+Thorns if you need a fake Miracle Hand. As for SDN, there will likely be other mercs there; find a party with a merc who can perma-taunt, you will support him with your Destructive Scream.
Why is Thorns at level four?
It only appears to be at level four, the skill simulator I use is not updated to the new skill point cap. At the new cap, it will be maxed with your leftover SP.
Why is Disenchanting Howl at level four?
Because it is a good de-buff in both PvP and PvE at a reasonable SP cost. See the Barbarian section for more details.
V. Heraldry
Required:
-Disenchanting Howl Plate (de-buff duration)
Recommended:
-Flying Swing Plate (damage)
-Rolling Attack Plate (damage)
-Whirlwind Plate (damage)
-Battle Howl Plate (duration)
-Side Kick Plate
-Iron Skin Plate/Charging Howl Plate
-Destructive Scream Plate
Notice how even Destroyer Heraldry is versatile.
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