Best PvE Sniper Build(2+mil headshots) *The Challenge Mode Tamer*

[HuckfugginFinn]

First off, this build is entirely PvE related. If you are having trouble with Challenge mode Incursions... Challenge mode missions and/or the DZ5/6 PvE enemies, this build is for you. If your main focus is PvP, then you might not want to continue reading. This build is heavily reliant on the attribute "Damage to Elites" as well as your typical, everyday neighborhood super stats like CHC and CHD. 

Now that we got the niche of the build set in stone, lets get down to business.  Dust off that Hunters Faith gear cause you're gonna wanna tune that in with some sentrys call. 3 of each, lets get all that elite damage we can. Take your best pieces and drag them into the recalibration table and figure out ways to get even more elite damage. If you manage it, look for weapons with Ferocious with a combo of deadly/brutal if you can. This is whats going to get those big numbers for you. My current setup is really simple and is a hybrid skill based version of this build, that is extremely effective for solo play and is still really useful in team based area's of the game like incursions, ect...  

This build is perfect for any sort of subclass you want to play. You can go full tank and still manage fair numbers in the dps category, or you can go full support and still see really good dps numbers. Orrrrr, you can go full dps and just go that big number route. So like I said, my stats are not that great. My gear, is not that great. But I can still manage to do 250-300k crits with my AUG and around 1.5mil headshots with my M1A, solo. The highest headshot i've manged is 1.9mil, which you can see if the video below. The video is actually a few days old and my dmg is much better now than it was then, so Im confident I can hit over 2mil now.

I'll update this thread with more info if it takes off and people seem interested in it. Also, on a side note, the new full auto shotty is a beast with this build. 

 

[Addihul]

Interesting 3x Hunter 3x Sentry. Surprised you didn't go 2x Hunter and 4x Sentry. I'd think the 45% bonus would outdo the extra 20% +elites. Not sure here. Heck, you obviously are wrecking face. Loved watching your team absolutely decimate these guards though. They usually take like 30 sec to kill that entire pair.

What is your current setup for this sniper build? Could you share with us your dmg to elite percentages? I see your damage numbers were aided by recharger as well as tac pulse.. and all hip fire aiming?? Impressive

 

[HuckfugginFinn]

The thing is, my gear really isnt that great. Im spec'd more into skill power than your typical player would, as I really enjoy being a support character. Smart Cover and Pulse are imo the two skills the devs mapped end game with, so having those two skills at your disposal is a must if you enjoy solo'ing harder content, or being that lone wolf player that I love to be. The 3/3 setup can be used in any way. It allows tanks who roll more STA, HP and Armor to still manage to do some nice damage to elites, and it allows hybrid supports like myself to help the team do more damage, as well as do pretty insane numbers themselves. 

Currently, my elite damage is around 66% with my M1A(only has deadly, pretty weak rolls) and I can do 1.5mil crits solo, with no outside help besides pulse and smart cover. Im currently still in the hopes to get a ferocious/deadly roll on a M1A. Its not only sniper though, my M4 does around 200k headshots on elites and my AUG does around 255k crits. 

My buddy who I run with quite often is the same 3/3 set up, but is purely dps and has around 88% Elite damage, and still has room for more. He's got far from great weapons like myself as well. 

As for running 4/2, it just doesnt see the same numbers as this build. It does however still manage great results and gives a buff to your entire team so some who play purely team based missions will benefit and most likely want it. But if you are a PvE sniper, i'd suggest this build. If you came across a friend or random who does use 4 pc sentry, that 50% damage boost added into your already insane multipliers, I wouldnt be surprised to see over 2.5mil headshots. 

 

[divad_steeples]

crazy, im only at 500k with tac build

 

[Addihul]

Cool thanks. Good follow-up. (Put kindly) However this is a build/guide post and I learned to wear 3 sentry / 3 hunters and to maximize elite dmg. It would help the community if you posted your actual stats, the gear items you're wearing, what armor bonuses, weapon mods, etc.

And to @divad_steeples, 500k toughness with a tactician set is great. No need to compare to a sniper build. Totally different. You're rocking it.

 

[HuckfugginFinn]

Im not really showing off my build, its more just the idea of the build. Im far from having a great set, and since I use Smart cover on all occasions, I run low toughness to even further my damge to elite stat. But I get what you are saying, and I have got a few pictures and 2 more videos im looking to post...I just havent found the time right now. With that said, Hunters faith set works great with 3 striker as well. Your headshot damage drops, but your bodyshot/CHD shoots up.  

So while im reluctant to post pictures or my set that I feel like i'll be updating in a week or so, I'll try to get it done so people can really see for themselves how effective this build is for pve and how easily it can be set up due to using certain attributes you normally would not, such as elite damage. 

 

[HuckfugginFinn]

Sooo since learning of the most recent patches nerf to the sentry set, which is vital part of this sets power...i sorta stopped toying with maxing it out and and started playing with a few other builds. I do plan on keeping the build active through 1.3 to see if its still top dog for pve content. But for now, dont expect any gear update videos until 1.3 drops and its  bit easier to min/max

Here's a video I got while I was playing with an M1A with only Skilled on it. If someone could manage deadly, brutal, fierce or adept, ferocious or destructive...any of those talents with skilled, would be amazing. Cant wait to recalibrate weapons :O Anyway, 3 tact links in around 2 minutes. We cleared WarrenGate with easy, like usual...even with just 3. This setup is really fun, and really amazed some teams. I get friend requests pretty often due to it.