I sometims play t2 LD, mainly because my mist runs out ( D: ). I am a gunner, so, guess what I do (I bomb herpderp). I haven't done any OCH yet, so my loadout is:

Gunslinger Set
Striker (Yes, Recon has gun bonuses, but imo mediocre, and Striker is needed to be up to par with clones)
Shadowtech mk2
Cryotech mk2
Flourish (Just got it, haven't tested much with it)

Basically, I just switchshoot with the alchemers. I used to have only 2 weapons, which made it much easier, but I found I had very low damage output, and when enemies were frozen, well, what can I do? I haven't tested the flourish yet, I think I had one game with it, but it was Lagenue, and teams were unbalanced.

I chose these two alchs, so if somebody has shadow defense, I still have cryo, and if somebody has elemental defense, I still have shadowtech (and cryo's freeze). Wolver clones would die much faster, except they use heart trinkies -_- Note I switch shoot, and don't try to spam one gun at a time. Switch shooting give much more mobility, because I do not need to reload, and can striker dash away rather quickly.

Sometimes, I go:

Gunslinger set
Recon (for cloaking, and ASI)
Magnus
Blaster
Calibur

Blaster is there because it's generic, and calibur is there to fill the 3rd weapon slot (charging it). Mainly, I cloak, and shoot magnus. It gets rather annoying, but is not the best strategy 1v1 (unless you have lots of space, and are fighting a derp). It's best in groups, where the enemies are distracted by your teammates.

I'm not taming and wolvers (not yet, not really) but I'm working on it. Anyone think I should use sealed instead of toothpick?

Oh yeah, I'm not by any means saying I'm good. I usually just annoy, but fail. Same on my main, I just bomb, and spam ISB. Pretty fun, and kinda kewl.

@Everyone: Loving the discussion! Can't wait til I have my connection back ._.

The primary issue with the Striker/Cutter is that invincibility frames block the "ghost" hit. As you said, its main use is as an interrupt (or possibly for poison in T3). I'm not completely sure on the mechanics of how ASI relates to the Striker/Cutter line, and would be interested in seeing if Recon + full Plate (equal to -3 on Sword ASI) is sufficient to slow down Striker/Cutter such that the invincibility frames end before the ghost strike; my assumption is that this is not the case, but possibly something to test.

With regards to Arc, shield cancelling or simply attacking too soon can not only cancel the disk from the charge, but also the wider, higher-damage swing. This might only be at high levels of ASI (I only have a VH to test), but it is an issue regardless. In addition, one strength of the disk in PvE is that it can pass through targets to hit multiple times, while this is cancelled in LD by invincibility frames.

Interesting to see the damage is identical on SS/Troika-lines at the 3* level. The ranges do seem to be indentical from my completely heuristic, unscientific method of "walk away from a punchingbag til I can't hit it". Given that holding a charge removes invincibility frames, the difference in swing speed between the SS and Troika-lines seems to point pretty heavily in the favor of the SS.

At risk of again heading into "what ifs" of change in LD, it might be interesting if rather than invincibility frames blocking all damage, they only blocked damage from new attacks; thus a Striker/Cutter's "ghost" hit could land, the full 15 bullets from an Autogun charge could be deadly, and both the downward swing and the outward blast of a Troika-line would be relevant. It'd fall somewhere between the current game, and that short window in which invincibility frames were stealth-patched away.

I haven't been able to spend much time on SK lately and it may be a while before I'm able to again, but I took a couple minutes to mess with the spur in the training hall again today. I was wondering if it was possible to create a 4 hit combo by canceling during a charge attack. I wasn't able to proove definatively thatit can't be done, but if it can (there were several times when I though I might have but was unsure) it can't be done reliably, even with no ASI. Taking advantage of the charge and the charge cancel is very difficult Utra, and even at just high. In general attempting to combo out of a charge cancel replaces the first swing of the combo with the swing from the charge (which does more damage). You can however cancel a charge into thefirst swing of the combo and have both hit. This makes me wonder if my timing is simply off, as if you get off the first swing of the combo you should be able to execute the rest. I intend to attempt this again nexttime I can log on. I think I might have been coming at it at from the wrong angle.

come on over to t3

A Couple of Things:

- First, this thread was droppingb too far down the list for my liking sooo.... bump!

- Second, I broke down and bought OCH, relinquishing the proud F2P banner my account has displayed over its long lifetime for $1.50's worth of hammery goodness with a side of shadow blender. I wasn't in support of the DLC at its launch, but now barring the addition of further DLC containing functional gear, I'm not opposed to a single $1.50 purchace. I didn't get ce or an ele pass with it, so in a way I've maintained the F2P spirit even though I've left the F2P community. So far I've only completed the T1 mission, but I'll be sure to post my opinions of the DLC weapons in regards to T2 LD when I can.My internet access is currently unavailable during variousntimes of the day, and I still need to determine if I'll be able to connect my desktop. For this reason I'm unsure when I'll be able to provide my comments. When I do however I'll do what I can to provide video takes as well. If anyone knows of free non-trial recording software let me know. I'd like to have more than a thirty day trial option if at all possible.

- Third on an unrelated note, if anyone has a suggestion for an open source project to work on, knows of or is looking to fill entry level job or co-op oppertunities in computer science, or would like help developing a project of their own please let me know.

I love it when someone uses the second attack of a SS because it leaves them open to get hit by a SRH and dash.

If you have a SRH, use the dash and not the third attack and usually with striker battles the person who runs out of striker boost first dies a horrible death of flaming doom (at the point of my flamberge because I'm that guy... who gets 17 caps and 13k damage and yells at my teammates to bloody cap)

Countering certain weapons:

Sealed Swords: dodge around and wait for the second swing to happen then dash in for some quick damage and get out before luring them into doing the second swing again. Using this and assuming you don't run out of boost you should kill the SS user without taking damage.

Flourishes: wear piercing resistant armor and hit them in the weak sport with a SRH dash or nightblade or brandish line. If you hit first you have nothing to worry about, besides they will only take out 1.5 to two bars for every 3 to 4 bars you deal so it's a net win. unless your me in which case i have some secrets of my own that i'm not revealing here :3 besides I use my alt account for LD.

Hammers: Lol at them and their predictable "I'mma charge right at where you are" complex if they are new. First off if you are not wearing elemental resistant armor, then you need to be careful. hammer users fall into 4 categories.

1: Full combo users: they use the full combo and basically treat them as an SS user who has a dash in the middle and you should take minimal damage or no damage. Low threat.

2: Dashers: they use the first two attacks and run about. they are an annoyance but you can dodge the dash by staying far enough that you can see them coming and dodge and hit them once or twice before boosting away and repeating. they are a moderate threat and should be taken out with a gun/sword combo for when they get close

3: The one strike: These people use only the first attack of the combo. They can't get a grip on the dash and how it works so they resort to just the first attack and are generally not a threat.

4: Skilled users: These people are usually thought of at dashers at first glance but they don't fall prey to the usual tricks and have a few of their own. These people are a huge threat and generally wind up with a lot more damage than they should in a T2 game. Take out your leveled Trollaris and run.

Gunners: Bullets are usually small so try dodging them and getting close for some heavy hitting, though beware those that use a pulsar gun for their area denial, slow bullets and expanding bullets.

Bombers: if they aren't placing a freeze bomb, charge in and hit them where it hurts. I got show low on both armor and helm and that takes care of the worst of the statuses. I fear no status and will even charge into a haze style bomb and kill the bomber before they can place another bomb. sure you get a status but it's usually a minor status and can be ignored.

Shock Resistance Decreases Duration of Shock - when you receive a status a symbol with a countdown timer in seconds will appear by your life total.

Fun note: wearing full chaos while cursed will score you over 30 seconds of curse. (I think it's actually closer to 40 or 45 - idk it has only happened a couple times and it took a bit for me to notice)

I know Java and JUnit like the back of my hand, although it's been a while since I've used either, C, C++, Assembly (and therefore Machine Language), I know enough to be dangerous (and intend to teach myself more) in Html, CSS, PHP, and MySQL (and eventually Javascript and AJAX), vaguely familiar with Ruby, Ruby on Rails, and Bash Scripting. I have knowledge of UML, software design patterns and processes, automated testing, database design and interaction, RCS, basic electronics, wiring, PCB work, Eagle CAD, and embedded systems (prototyping with Arduino micro-controllers).

Despite my knowledge of the material I've found that college isn't a suitable environment for me. I do much better in the workplace. I'm currently looking for a job (getting my foot in the door in my field would be great, but I'll settle for a stable working environment and decent pay). Once I've earned employment I intend to begin building a portfolio as a means to acquire a job in field. As of current date I have one project I can work on, and an idea for another, but I'd be open to any suggestions you might have. It will likely be a little while before I get started on a project, but I'd gladly accept your help as a developer. Should you choose to do so your involvement, in terms of your role in the project and the amount of time you commit to it, is entirely up to you.

Lol don't underestimate my reading prowess. I found something similar. You can do the same thing after a charge if you attempt.to combo shortly after the charge initiates. I figured as much out the first day I got it, but I daresay it's not quite as useful.

That explains it! I've been having problems where I'd swing with my hammer and then try to to the first two swings but I wouldn't be dashing. And I like the dash :/ I've always attributed it to lag but now I know the secret!

Well....I'm going to say that eventually I'm going to have some of my own.

I should ask, though, what's the opinion on Arc Razors? As a recon, I find them very handy for the huge lunges they cause, allowing you to move somewhat fast in the heat of battle without using a striker boost. (Which recons lack.) The charge isn't as good, but it's nice for opening a fight because you can change your aim before you swing.

Oh, and what about the Cutter series? I use a DVS in T3, and the recon sword speed decrease actually HELPS because is keeps the hits from coming out so fast that more then half of them from hitting. My favorite thing is when a skolver sits there as I combo him. Idk why he doesn't move when I do that. :P

Meh, just asking for opinions on some fast swords. I read some of the first posts and some of the last ones, but skimmed the ones in the middle. Sorry if I did miss something about them. (Though I doubt anyone actually talked about these two swords because they are so unused.)

Actually, I use recon in T2 LD if only for the bomb charge time reduction. I find that spamming haze-type bombs is more effective at holding off a point than a kilowatt pulsar, and allows you to inflict other types of status damage such as fire or poison. Using a stun haze bomb really helps when you're spawn camping and really want to stagger the strikers zooming out.

Some things about fighting "clones" from my point of view (clone guardian):

-Stun-locking does not work on guardians. Use this to your advantage. If someone tries to do the 1-1-1 combo to you, don't stand still. If you back away far enough, they'll have to boost to catch up before they do their next attack. What they come at you, whip out a toothpick and smack them in the face. While they're being interrupted (and while their invincibility frame is wearing off), switch to the SS. As soon as they become hittable again, unleash a full SS combo. Those three hits will kill them if they don't have heart trinkets, and if they do it'll drop them down far enough to stop dashing in head-on.

-Pulsars have SLOW BULLETS. Really slow. If somebody starts pulsar spamming you, don't try to tank the shots with your shield- that's what they want you to do. They wear out your shield with the Pulsar and then swoop in to finish you off when you're defenseless. Instead, just dodge the shots if the space you're fighting in is big enough.

-If the clone has a rocket hammer, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Even if you have a Magic/Elemental set, these things will chew through you like... umm... really good food. :3 Force them to use either the Striker Dash or the Hammer Dash. If they use the Hammer to close the gap, you need fast reaction times and decision-making -- you have to decide whether you want to dodge, or block. If the dash brings them anywhere within 3 squares of you, block- you have no idea if they are going to use the third swing or not. Especially if they are using Auto Target, anything in that three-square radius is pretty much gonna get hit. If they go with the Striker instead, keep them at a distance by stopping them in their tracks with whatever you have. Pulsars work well. Try to avoid using short swords like brandishes here- they put you right in the hammer’s swing. Guns and long swords like toothpicks and SS’s work best, but I also wouldn’t recommend SS because of its sheer slowness. If you miss a big swing against a hammer user, prepare to be interrupted and killed to death in a matter of seconds. At the same time, this goes for them too- if the clone misses the third swing of the hammer combo, pour out your DPS onto him as fast as you can, because he won’t be able to do anything about it for about half a second.