Defensive Optics Build cyclops dps pvp
Guide by DuNAstES Last update at Oct 5th 2013, 15:35

Points Available: 0
To Me, My X-Men! 1
1  60
Updated for patch 1.31

INTRODUCTION
With this new patch and the removal of synergies a few patches ago, it brings along with him many new and exciting changes. Rather than building him as a glass cannon like a lot of other heroes out there, I have decided to make use of the new defensive enhancements that Gaz placed in his powers so that he's still able to kill stuff and survive at the same time. I'll give a breakdown of his powers and alternatives (if any) below.


POWERS
*NOTE: Note that the changes to some of the powers from patch 1.31 have not been reflected on this website yet so you got to switch between the game and this site to know and understand what I am talking about.

Optics

Piercing Blast: The new and improved Piercing Blast gives additional bonus damage when you crit and the damage scales up as you place more points into the power. I would say that its finally viable and worth giving it a shot and this replaces Optic Blast as your main basic power. That's also the reason why I wrote it as a the first power. It's also a really good basic to use when waiting for your spirit to regen back and on bosses too due to the crit bonus damage.

Alternative: You can still use back Optics Blast if you are more comfortable with it but if you look at the tooltip, the base damage of Optic Blast itself is already lower than Piercing Blast and it doesn't deal bonus damage on crit but only when enemies are slowed (which doesn't really affect bosses). Another reason why I would not go with this alternative is because of Optic Barrage which I will talk about below.

Richochet Blast: Another good basic to have in your arsenal for AoE purposes based on the following factors: 1) When you run out of spirit spamming other powers. 2) When Optic Devastation doesn't cut it or isn't available due to lack of spirit or if there are too few enemies or angling issues.

Concussive Force: I'm not sure what to make of it with the new changes to this power, whether is it a buff or nerf. Based on the old power, it pushes back your target, but now, it knocks them down. Theoretically its meant to be a good thing for enemies to be knocked down, but after using it, I find that the benefits are really marginal and the scaling is bad, so it still remains a one point wonder for this power.

Optic Barrage: New and improved Optics Barrage now not only slows your enemy down (which I can't really tell), the rate of fire now scales with each point you place in the power (which is a really good thing). Superb single-target power to burn bosses down fast (does the job even better than Optic Blast)!

Optic Devastation: I would say this is probably the most powerful AoE power in Cyclops' arsenal aside from his ultimate of course. I believe its also every Cyclops' users favourite power. It decimates every normal enemy and thing in your path. A must have power for Optics build.


Fighting

Combat Roll: From a few patches ago, it now rolls in any direction you want, instead of rolling backwards only. Most useful powe to get out of tight spots. One point wonder.

Uncanny Focus: Really good power to max out to give spirit regen and dodge. This power together with the artifacts which I will talk about below, gives you all the dodge you need.


Tactics

Timely Renewal: With the new changes, I would say that it is more useful to place points in this power right now. It is now a passive which restores spirit when an enemy is defeated and a spirit cost reduction for your powers as well for both you and your teammates. But because the scaling to this power is nothing fantastic, I placed the remainding 5 points to this power and I wouldn't really want to put more than that in it. Because this power is entirely optional, you can choose to follow it or put lesser points into it and use the points elsewhere.

Alternative: Defensive Tactician or Rallying Command. Self explanatory.

Veteran Command: This power has been reworked in this new patch and I would say that its a really good power to have right now. It now acts as a boost to increase your damage and haste and it also revives 1 nearby defeated ally. Good to use when you need to get out of a tight spot or on bosses. Do note that it has a 2 min cooldown though.


GEARS
*NOTE: Note that the changes to some of the gears from the past few patches have not been reflected on this website yet so you got to switch between the game and this site to know and understand what I am talking about.

Relic: Relic of Xandar.

Alternative: Relic of Lemuria if you find yourself dying too much. Or Relic of Atlantis.

Artifacts: Vita-Ray Projector and Fearsome Fist of Farallah. This combination helps enhances his dodge and changes his dodge into an offensive stat by having an increase in his crit rating on dodge from Fearsome Fist. Do note that the nerf on Fearsome Fist is not reflected on this site yet.

Medal: Electro Medal. Gaz has buffed this medal by giving you + Energy damage on top of having a % chance of dealing energy damage on hit. This will boost up Cyclops' dps by increasing his base damage. Do note that the buff on this medal is not reflected on this site yet.

Costume Affixes & Core: Affixes - Defensive Affixes (Dodge Rating) . Core - Rarity or Special Find is up to you. +1 Energy for obvious reasons and lifesteal on hit for obvious reasons too. No point having a +1 Fighting as you will not be using any Fighting Powers.


CONCLUSION
Well...that's the end of this guide for now. Will be updating it if there are any changes or new patches to come. In the mean time, enjoy this build and/or the alternative variations which suits you. Hope you like it!


LIST OF CHANGES

Added 1: "List of Changes" List

Edited 1: Refined Formatting.