6. Hydra positioning just involves placing it a distance away from the target to maximize Zei's output. That's all. It's incredibly easy to set up, the trail stacks on top of one another, and you can also recast Hydra to bypass its APS.
I had NO idea Hydra damage was increased by Zei's. I have been placing the Hydra as close as posssible to the mob so the fire always nailed him. It's worth it to recast Hydra every time he shoots to reset the APS then, as well?
Boy, was I doing it wrong.
You would think that hydra damage would be based on how far away you are from the monster, not how far the hydra is. Has this been tested?
I like beating dead horses... So, in my experience with g38/39 my main problem has been getting the elites to follow me while i go grab more, *especially* things like bowmen ect. So my question is, you say that BotT is preferable to BoP always. But to activate it your follower has to slow the mobs you're trying to kite, which as you pointed out with Mirror Images seems counter productive.
I'm going to start leveling up my trapped gem and test it out myself now, but I'd still like to hear how you overcome the always slowed mobs... Or do they die faster now so it isn't as much of a problem maybe? Thanks
I like beating dead horses... So, in my experience with g38/39 my main problem has been getting the elites to follow me while i go grab more, *especially* things like bowmen ect. So my question is, you say that BotT is preferable to BoP always. But to activate it your follower has to slow the mobs you're trying to kite, which as you pointed out with Mirror Images seems counter productive.
I'm going to start leveling up my trapped gem and test it out myself now, but I'd still like to hear how you overcome the always slowed mobs... Or do they die faster now so it isn't as much of a problem maybe? Thanks
I really need to make a video of this one of these days. Firebird is a true L2P kind of build. Sometimes it's just better to see it in action. You have to adapt to everything that's happening on your screen and your movements will have to match up with what you're facing. You can't just sprint forward 100% of the time. Sometimes you do have to circle around. Sometimes you have to zigzag forward. Sometimes you have to pull things ahead to bring back to stragglers, etc.
I really need to make a video of this one of these days. Firebird is a true L2P kind of build. Sometimes it's just better to see it in action.
Couple questions:
Does placing Hydra further away from the target increase Hydra damage (a la Zei's?)
Why do I see (presumably) solo wizards using Conflagerate? As far as I know, it does not affect blizzard, Hydra, OR Firebird DoT.
What do you think of Dominance as a Passive?
I really need to make a video of this one of these days. Firebird is a true L2P kind of build. Sometimes it's just better to see it in action.
Couple questions:
Does placing Hydra further away from the target increase Hydra damage (a la Zei's?)
Why do I see (presumably) solo wizards using Conflagerate? As far as I know, it does not affect blizzard, Hydra, OR Firebird DoT.
What do you think of Dominance as a Passive?
Interesting question, I was wondering about Conflagerate as well. It would be awesome if it placed a sort of debuff on the minion.
I have these three weapons to my disposal. Now, ignore the comparisons (because I just noticed the game compares 1h to 2h without taking out the off-hand contribution and I'm too lazy to take new screenshots :P), the Furnace is kind of shit but I always read people talking about how only the damage range matters, so I decided to keep it. A while after, Maximus dropped (dem rolls). Either way, that would break my 6-Firebird (not really, I have the pants, but that would make me get rid of my Mr. Yan, and I feel that mobility is really good in higher GR). Then the Serpent Sparker dropped. I have one Ralamanalamnalnamlni's Gift and I don't know whether I should use it on Maximus, Sparker or keep it for another non-shit Furnace. Any thoughts?
Use the Furnace. No question. How is that Furnace bad? It's far better than the vast majority of Furnaces out there, including mine and my clan mate Void's (who's currently #1 on the US solo wizard leaderboard at 42). Use Firebird Pants. Hexing Pants do not dynamically update the Firebird DoT damage, only the fire spell damage you deal + Hydra.
@Conflagration passive - Works for general fire spells, but the debuff is not accounted for when the Firebird DoT kicks in so it's relatively useless.
@Hydra + Zei's - Both Hydra and Sentries are stationary pets, thus they are considered standalone damage sources. Placing them further from the target will ramp up the damage they deal. Damage changes dynamically, so if the target moves closer, the damage will automatically decrease and you'll have to reposition the Hydra.
I am going to have to try out bane of the trapped now. But I need convincing, why efficacious toxin over bane of the powerful?
Would it also be a good idea to put in Wreath of Lightning on my follower to add more elemental exposure? Does that work? I am using fire spells and cold damage on my serpent sparker for 10% extra damage.
Use the Furnace. No question. How is that Furnace bad? It's far better than the vast majority of Furnaces out there, including mine and my clan mate Void's (who's currently #1 on the US solo wizard leaderboard at 42). Use Firebird Pants. Hexing Pants do not dynamically update the Firebird DoT damage, only the fire spell damage you deal + Hydra.
Even though it's a vitality furnace? Sure it's very well rolled, but he loses out on 1000-1100 int, which seems like an awful lot to me.
Oh, whoops, didn't see it was vitality. Okay, I would use it once it's rolled to 10%, but not necessary others. If it's rolled to 10%, the ~150 or so weapon damage can make up for some of the intelligence loss. I would also be able to remove a lesser vitality roll on gear for something more DPS-oriented, like skill bonus.
Experiment with it. And if you have a Sunkeeper, use that, too. I've done 39 and 40 with a Sunkeeper and one of my clan mates yesterday finished his own GR40 with a Sunkeeper.
So I thought my serpent sparker was pretty top notch, but was really having trouble breaking level 39 with it. I finally got a gift for my furnace and then I proceeded to wreck 39 first try and almost beat 40 despite the furnace being pretty average.
Kind of disappointed. I really want the serpent sparker to be dominant, especially since I am so please with the rolls, but couldn't seem to make it work. I was even use Blazing Hydra and 15% damage from shoulders (which doesnt affect mammoth).
Maybe if I find a good TnT I can make it work. It seems like the biggest inconsistency is that with a furnace build you don't care about APS at all, but with the serpent sparker variety attack speed affects the hydras so it becomes useful.
My other thought is to try out the gale wind twister over apocalypse...
Quote from bellalilloFirst of all really thanks for your tips, it help me a lot.
How much time you need for kill rift boss?
This is my main problem, I waste too much time on it that result in a failed attempt.
On average it takes me about 3.5-4 minutes to kill a RG on GR39-41. Last time I tried GR40 against Bloodmaw, it took me about 3.5 minutes to kill him.
@itirnitii - Hydra dominates against single targets. While kiting and herding with Firebird, it's difficult for Hydras do deal sustained damage unless you stay in one spot. Each time you recast Hydra, the eDPS goes down when mobs are not in the AOE.
Furnace doesn't exactly "dominate," but it does provide consistent results. Two handers make DoTs truly shine because they aren't affected by APS.
Jaetch, thanks for your post. All the information that has been discussed here is very helpful.
My point is, on my wizz I have been using the Serpent's Spark + Firebird's Eye. Both of them have pretty good stats:
Serpent's Spark - (1167 - 1449 Fire Dmg + 10% Damage + 650 Intel + 676 Vit + 1.40 Atk p Second = 2437.8 of total Dmg) + Slot
Firebird's Eye - (363-427 Dmg + Fire Skills 20% bonus + 732 Intel + CC 10% + 8% bonus against Elite)
Also, I have replaced the firebird's chest piece for the Cindercoat with 18% bonus on Fire Dmg. My belt is the Witching Hour and I still don't have an amulet that has a slot.
So, do you really think that I should use the furnace instead of the set up mentioned above? I really think that two hydras can do a LOT of dmg when placed correctly.
So, do you really think that I should use the furnace instead of the set up mentioned above? I really think that two hydras can do a LOT of dmg when placed correctly.
Again, the Hydras will potentially do more damage IF you can manage to keep both Hydras' attacks up 100% on your target. As soon as you need to reposition or if the target itself moves, you're out of luck and have to recast Hydra. As long as the target is moving, especially closer to you, the buff from Zei's will lower your max damage output from Hydra. Furnace simply allows more consistency, but you can definitely succeed with Hydras. You'll just need much better positioning skills, game sense, and also much more luck with mob types and map layouts.
I got a decent TnT last night and started playing around with a build that primarily does damage with Serpent Sparker // Blazing Hydra. Blazar for grouping and Apocalypse solely a safety blanket to keep the world aflame make sure DoT doesn't fall off (yay for visual buff in patch!), but the two hydras were capping DoT insanely fast on everything and were ridiculous against RG -- killed an R38 Voracity in just over 2 minutes.
And my Sparker isn't nearly as good as yours.
Love that +Hydra skill damage is multiplicative, unlike other +skill buffs. With Shoulders, Chest, and Source you can stack +45%. Between that, TnT attack speed, +Fire, +Elite from rings, Strongarm, BotT, etc. the damage output stacks very high very quickly. Now it will also apply Efficacious, for extra win.
Does this build benefits from Attack Speed ?? I was thinking that if I get a good RoRG, having a slot, I'd be able to use Tal Rasha amulet and helm. That way I'd benefit from it's third passive + the whole firebird .. Is that a viable option? The problem is that almost every RoRG has attack speed.. :\
Does this build benefits from Attack Speed ?? I was thinking that if I get a good RoRG, having a slot, I'd be able to use Tal Rasha amulet and helm. That way I'd benefit from it's third passive + the whole firebird .. Is that a viable option? The problem is that almost every RoRG has attack speed.. :\
It does not affect Black Hole, or the Firebird dot OR Mammoth Hydra. Most people will probably have a bit on their Firebird Talons until they manage to snag a pair of Firebirds they can roll off the IAS for Int/Vit/CC/CHD
Does this build benefits from Attack Speed ?? I was thinking that if I get a good RoRG, having a slot, I'd be able to use Tal Rasha amulet and helm. That way I'd benefit from it's third passive + the whole firebird .. Is that a viable option? The problem is that almost every RoRG has attack speed.. :\
IAS increases Mammoth Hydra and Blizzard damage. It does not affect Black Hole, or the Firebird dot. It's not a terrible stat to have, and most people will probably have a bit on their Firebird Talons until they manage to snag a pair of Firebirds they can roll off the IAS for Int/Vit/CC/CHD
completely wrong! mammoth hydra and blizzard are not affected by IAS. this is the most useless stat you can have on your gear right now...
Does this build benefits from Attack Speed ?? I was thinking that if I get a good RoRG, having a slot, I'd be able to use Tal Rasha amulet and helm. That way I'd benefit from it's third passive + the whole firebird .. Is that a viable option? The problem is that almost every RoRG has attack speed.. :\
IAS increases Mammoth Hydra and Blizzard damage. It does not affect Black Hole, or the Firebird dot. It's not a terrible stat to have, and most people will probably have a bit on their Firebird Talons until they manage to snag a pair of Firebirds they can roll off the IAS for Int/Vit/CC/CHD
completely wrong! mammoth hydra and blizzard are not affected by IAS. this is the most useless stat you can have on your gear right now...
Oops. I screwed the pooch. It's Blazing Hydra thats affected by IAS. Misread the post. For some reason, I thought it was Mammoth that was affected by IAS.
Top 10 Solo Wizard Leaderboard - North America
Highest: Rank 6 // Greater Rift 42 12m40s
I'm going to start leveling up my trapped gem and test it out myself now, but I'd still like to hear how you overcome the always slowed mobs... Or do they die faster now so it isn't as much of a problem maybe? Thanks
Armory | YouTube | Twitter | Clan Site
Does placing Hydra further away from the target increase Hydra damage (a la Zei's?)
Why do I see (presumably) solo wizards using Conflagerate? As far as I know, it does not affect blizzard, Hydra, OR Firebird DoT.
What do you think of Dominance as a Passive?
http://us.battle.net/d3/pt/profile/Toranja-1123/hero/27731482 My profile link. Yeah, my fire damage is high like a kite, that just happened.
I have these three weapons to my disposal. Now, ignore the comparisons (because I just noticed the game compares 1h to 2h without taking out the off-hand contribution and I'm too lazy to take new screenshots :P), the Furnace is kind of shit but I always read people talking about how only the damage range matters, so I decided to keep it. A while after, Maximus dropped (dem rolls). Either way, that would break my 6-Firebird (not really, I have the pants, but that would make me get rid of my Mr. Yan, and I feel that mobility is really good in higher GR). Then the Serpent Sparker dropped. I have one Ralamanalamnalnamlni's Gift and I don't know whether I should use it on Maximus, Sparker or keep it for another non-shit Furnace. Any thoughts?
@Conflagration passive - Works for general fire spells, but the debuff is not accounted for when the Firebird DoT kicks in so it's relatively useless.
@Hydra + Zei's - Both Hydra and Sentries are stationary pets, thus they are considered standalone damage sources. Placing them further from the target will ramp up the damage they deal. Damage changes dynamically, so if the target moves closer, the damage will automatically decrease and you'll have to reposition the Hydra.
Armory | YouTube | Twitter | Clan Site
Legendary gems don't work on followers.
Armory | YouTube | Twitter | Clan Site
Experiment with it. And if you have a Sunkeeper, use that, too. I've done 39 and 40 with a Sunkeeper and one of my clan mates yesterday finished his own GR40 with a Sunkeeper.
Armory | YouTube | Twitter | Clan Site
My real problem is the amulet, really, idk what choose...i looking for The furnace, and i do GR37 with that gear/build.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/profile/zenx-1820/hero/23422641
So I thought my serpent sparker was pretty top notch, but was really having trouble breaking level 39 with it. I finally got a gift for my furnace and then I proceeded to wreck 39 first try and almost beat 40 despite the furnace being pretty average.
Kind of disappointed. I really want the serpent sparker to be dominant, especially since I am so please with the rolls, but couldn't seem to make it work. I was even use Blazing Hydra and 15% damage from shoulders (which doesnt affect mammoth).
Maybe if I find a good TnT I can make it work. It seems like the biggest inconsistency is that with a furnace build you don't care about APS at all, but with the serpent sparker variety attack speed affects the hydras so it becomes useful.
My other thought is to try out the gale wind twister over apocalypse...
Top 10 Solo Wizard Leaderboard - North America
Highest: Rank 6 // Greater Rift 42 12m40s
@itirnitii - Hydra dominates against single targets. While kiting and herding with Firebird, it's difficult for Hydras do deal sustained damage unless you stay in one spot. Each time you recast Hydra, the eDPS goes down when mobs are not in the AOE.
Furnace doesn't exactly "dominate," but it does provide consistent results. Two handers make DoTs truly shine because they aren't affected by APS.
Armory | YouTube | Twitter | Clan Site
My point is, on my wizz I have been using the Serpent's Spark + Firebird's Eye. Both of them have pretty good stats:
Serpent's Spark - (1167 - 1449 Fire Dmg + 10% Damage + 650 Intel + 676 Vit + 1.40 Atk p Second = 2437.8 of total Dmg) + Slot
Firebird's Eye - (363-427 Dmg + Fire Skills 20% bonus + 732 Intel + CC 10% + 8% bonus against Elite)
Also, I have replaced the firebird's chest piece for the Cindercoat with 18% bonus on Fire Dmg. My belt is the Witching Hour and I still don't have an amulet that has a slot.
So, do you really think that I should use the furnace instead of the set up mentioned above? I really think that two hydras can do a LOT of dmg when placed correctly.
Thanks in advance, Hitsugyz.
Armory | YouTube | Twitter | Clan Site
I got a decent TnT last night and started playing around with a build that primarily does damage with Serpent Sparker // Blazing Hydra. Blazar for grouping and Apocalypse solely a safety blanket to keep the world aflame make sure DoT doesn't fall off (yay for visual buff in patch!), but the two hydras were capping DoT insanely fast on everything and were ridiculous against RG -- killed an R38 Voracity in just over 2 minutes.
And my Sparker isn't nearly as good as yours.
Love that +Hydra skill damage is multiplicative, unlike other +skill buffs. With Shoulders, Chest, and Source you can stack +45%. Between that, TnT attack speed, +Fire, +Elite from rings, Strongarm, BotT, etc. the damage output stacks very high very quickly. Now it will also apply Efficacious, for extra win.
http://www.diablofans.com/blizz-tracker/topic/56065-hydra-still-bugged-this-is-ridiculous
Edited: Thanks for the correction.