Melee Alchemist tips?

[crimsoncosmos]

Hey!

I was curious if you have any tips for a HC Alchemist specialising in (mostly) the Battle tree.
Build-wise, I'm thinking Adventurer, Armor Expertise, Block and Parry, Critical Strikes, Ember Shock. Anything else that comes to mind?

What about attribute point distribution?

Also, I read that Phase Portals and Mysterious Maps aren't recommended. I take it then that most extra experience is done with store-bought maps?

Cheers!

cc

[dreamrider]

Depends on what kind of recomendation you are seeking. PP and MMs are highly recommended, if you are seeking a real, blood-pumping, 'this game is makin' me breathe hard - and really CARE about this character' sort of challenge. But they will probably up your personal death-count.

Later Hatch quests are no joke either, though there is generally more running room.

I'm on a personal quest in VHHC where I do not allow myself to avoid any dungeon presented by the game play. Of course, I am also on character clone #321, and haven't finished the campaign.

dreamrider

[crimsoncosmos]

Thanks for the reply, dreamrider!

I suppose one of the essential questions would be: can it be done? Do you know of anyone that survived all the way through with a Melee Alchemist?

I did have one playthrough, on Hard and normal play (not hardcore). I remember I had my trouble with the Mycons and the Black Palace area. Basically, it's these I'm not sure how I could deal with without dying. One way I suppose would be to simply keep to a higher level than the one I'm currently at.

Do you have any suggestions as far as skills go? I guess weapon and shield is a must, dual wield is pretty much out of the question?

Do you reckon it's worth going for offensive spell mastery just for Dervish or to increase the damage output of Ember Shock? I'd rather go Defensive, to be honest.

Finally, when you die with a HC character, you don't get to leave a heirloom, do you?

Cheers!

cc

[dreamrider]

Well, most of that I cannot in good faith answer, as I have been largely a Vanq specialist.

In re the last however, the answer is no, no heirloom unless you retire a live character, after finishing the campaign.
(I am somewhat of an expert on dying in hardcore mode.)

dreamrider

[TKO]

@crimsoncosmos, You should read RagingGamer's post regarding a minionless Alch. Not pure Melee but you
can get some good ideas from his build.

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=15869

[dreamrider]

Yes, I highly value the Rage's opinions as well. He has died in VHHC almost as much as me.

dreamrider

[crimsoncosmos]

Alright, thanks for the replies guys!

I think I've got enough information now to start playing. It's just the matter of getting over these next few university deadlines now

Cheers!

cc

[gavindegraw1]

which kind of deadlines you had & how did you complete those deadline !
phen375

[Zollie57]

sorry i don't know more about Melee Alchemist tips what i know to which i am sharing with you. Ember Lightning is fairly simple nuke which does a lot of damage. Lightning resistance is somewhat rare, so that can be useful. With that said, however, I again find myself preferring Ember Bolt instead.

Ember Lance is one of the coolest spells in the game. It shoots a laser wherever you point it and does a good amount of damage. It compliments Ember Bolt well since it damages all enemies in a line rather than all enemies in a spread.

Pyre is a good AOE DOT which is very effective against large groups. If used properly it is probably the most mana efficient way of doing damage in the game - just make sure you're using it against groups and not solo opponents.

Ember Strike is the lance of god. It does gobs of damage and consumes gobs of mana. Just keep your mana potions at the ready and you'll love this spell.

The Lore Tree

Spells in the Lore tree focus on summoning. This is a good compliment to the Arcane tree. It also is a good tree for those who traditionally love pet classes and want to watch their minions do the dirty work. Since you'll be surrounded by allies, your Alchemist will be relatively safe from damage.