I'd like to introduce a tanky alternative to the traditional TS Deadeye.As with deadeye, you don't want to start TS, this applies to Champion as well. You start off with LA/IS/Galvanic/... or RoA for phys then switch when you think TS won't suck (+2 arrows bare minimum, likely even later).
This isn't a full guide, just PoBs with variations of skilltrees/gems, so if you need handholding this isn't the place.
The +2 proj on the tree prompted the builds, as I previously enjoyed a phys Impale champion back in... I honestly don't even remember, the character is gone too, so...
Disclaimer: Built with HCSSF in mind, so low gear ceiling, and no idea how to scale further (phys conversion, omni, ?). Also not tested and it's likely the build(s) will fucking suck, so follow at your own risk. Please don't say I didn't warn you.
Initial inspiration to the Ele tree was Ben's galvanic arrow https://pobb.in/YD922yWHbtLp. Could use that, but I'd sooner sit on a cactus than be flashed with Moby Dick's dick 24/7, even if it means having less dmg.
All variants can drop pierce and grab a Chain Support if you'd prefer that. To start off, it's likely you'll need to go with Precise Technique before you get a decent crit bow, just need to drop the crit% stuff (and AssM->SnipM), grab accuracy wheel(s), some dmg, and change supports.
Similar philosophy applies to your secondary 6L -> you'll get more dmg if you use something like Artillery Ballistas for Ele versions, Barrage for Phys.
TS Phys Impale: https://pobb.in/yNY2_g0gSz9c Crit: https://pobb.in/B-bVKaYZOpYO
Initially started with this, idk how I feel about it anymore. A good quality is that it's only 3-4 gems, a weapon, and some regrets to swap to Ele version3 (or from, assuming crit versions).
The biggest downside is that it needs either an eater mod or a loathing helm, and relies on an unknown interaction with the 7:3 Life Mastery to fit in 3x50% Auras and be able to attack. As you won't have Perseverance early anyway, you can just drop Grace as Determination will be enough on Champion for blue maps even on HC, but is something you'll want later.
Not as tanky. Need to fit in Pride, so you can't take Master of Metal (or can, but lose Adrenaline in the process - which could be a reasonable trade-off and a plus for people that don't want to weapon swap), also a 2nd reservation cluster, eater helm implicit/loathing Ess along with the mana mastery that costs 4p.
Have to skip Duelist start due to point starvation. Lose Inspiration Support, so we need to assume the Life Mastery that splits mana with life 7:3 does so first before -mana cost happens, otherwise idk how to deal with mana, with a Loathing helm+eater implicit you should be fine.
Potentially ~50% more dmg (crit version) than Ele with comparable gear level, and ability to not run Adrenaline ascendancy if you dislike the Corrupting Fever in a weapon swap to proc it trick.
TS Ele v1: https://pobb.in/W_ETics9tff9
Not much changed, just went off lightning nodes to grab pierce.
TS Ele v2: https://pobb.in/sfMBnieHVroT
Forego +1 Curse in favor of the new Elemental mastery that switches res and stay in ranger area. Same eHP, same dmg, frees up 2 skill slots because you don't need Arrogance with precision and the slot for a 2nd curse -> Hydrosphere, Tornado, blink arrow... (say ~10% more dmg?). Switch Sniper's Mark -> Ass Mark, gain power charges.
TS Ele v3: https://pobb.in/AnvcUp-zGZ_E
Forego shadow area as well and grab Soul of Steel + Call to Arms for EC's via Enduring Cry and an occasional heal. Trades ~5% of dmg and a few% of elemental maxhit for ~17% more phys maxhit (without molten shell). Tankiest version.
Personally think I'll be league starting the phys version in SSFHC and see where it takes me. Should be easier to get off the ground and I can run Master of Metal before I get Perseverance and need to think about fitting in Grace.
