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Berserker Vanguard - Mach-5 Massacre (Nightmare Guide) Guide updated for Patch 1.02/1.03 + Isabela build + Isabela Edition 2.0 video added (June 17th)


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#201
A Forgotten Tome

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If anyone would be so kind as to tell me when this build (or the sword and board version anyways) comes into its own? I'm not very high level and still in act 1 but berserk just drains me dry and I cannot seem to regain my stamina at a respectable clip. Most of the time my companions will end up sniping the kills on me.

Am I supposed to be drinking stamina droughts non stop? I assume I should be using cleave everytime its available, and I also have might running. Right now I'm not sure if I'd just be better served moving the points in the specialization tree elsewhere and working with the burst from cleave + sword and board.

#202
Libaboy

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Im going to try this one out :)

#203
Roxlimn

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I ran a Shield version of Berserk Vanguard! When you get to level 7, I recommend NOT putting any points into Berserk. Just get the spec for the +10 stamina regen, and focus on getting your damage powers and Cleave up and running.

Get Berserk and Barrage after Cleave. What you do is you turn on Cleave + Barrage as soon as you enter battle, and look for the first opportunity to unload Battery on a bunched up pack of enemies. Once you're done with that, Shield Bash + Pommel Strike for the CCC setup, Disperse if you still have the stamina, then turn off Berserk until your stamina regens.

After you get Barrage, next two points go into Battlemaster for Bolster, then Second Wind.

#204
AreleX

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By the time you get into Act II (around level 13-14), you should next to never have to drop out of Berserk. I play Two-Hander, and early game had much more focus on Berserk management (when to use, when not to use), but if you equip the best +mana/stamina accessories you find, you should be ok; I used the Belt of Unknowing I got in Act I through pretty much the whole game.

An alternative, if you're really struggling, is to go Reaver at level 7, get to Sustained Frenzy/Fervor, then go Berserker at level 14, when you'll have more stamina to play around with. This may be better for SnS Warriors, who burn through stamina faster than their two-handed counterparts.

I made some low-level Berserker Vanguard videos to help people having early-game stamina issues out, though I'm not sure how applicable they would be to SnS. Check them out, see if they help.

:wizard:

Modifié par AreleX, 26 mars 2011 - 02:36 .


#205
AtlAggie

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Just wanted to say thanks so much for all your hard work on this guide! Using it early on in my first playthrough and having tons of fun--helps me to not miss my DW Warrior from DA:O quite so bad

And thanks to all who have added additional suggestions/alternatives to the build!

One question--has anyone tried or considered substituting Isabela for Varric? I prefer her in my party, and am trying to figure out how the best build for her to support this Hawke build. If so, would be interested in hearing what has/hasn't worked for you!

#206
AreleX

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AtlAggie wrote...

Just wanted to say thanks so much for all your hard work on this guide! Using it early on in my first playthrough and having tons of fun--helps me to not miss my DW Warrior from DA:O quite so bad

And thanks to all who have added additional suggestions/alternatives to the build!

One question--has anyone tried or considered substituting Isabela for Varric? I prefer her in my party, and am trying to figure out how the best build for her to support this Hawke build. If so, would be interested in hearing what has/hasn't worked for you!


I'm testing out different characters for my second run through Act II, I will keep you posted with results. In fact, I spent like a goddamned hour yesterday thinking of ways to integrate Isabela in Varric's place. I got her weapons, bought her armor upgrades, agonized over her tactics, and was eventually ready to go. I'd done all of this near the very end of Act II, and, as it were, I forgot to do something (I won't spoil it for you), and leeeet's just say it didn't end up as I planned.

I'm glad you're having fun, and you're very welcome. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions!

EDIT: BE AWARE THAT ISABELA'S FRIENDSHIP PASSIVE IS BUGGED, AND WILL LOWER YOUR ATTACK SPEED OVER TIME, UNTIL IT GOES DEEP INTO THE NEGATIVES. SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM, BUT BE AWARE OF THE RISK YOU ARE TAKING IN USING HER, IF YOU CAN'T MOD IT OFF.

CAPS FOR URGENCY!

:wizard:

Modifié par AreleX, 26 mars 2011 - 02:43 .


#207
Ace Attorney

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For a list of all One Handers and Shields, I recommend looking up the Piggyback website and finding their free preview of the DA II Guide. It list all of them, with stats, location, and quest/shop/act appearance.

Modifié par T3hAnubis, 26 mars 2011 - 03:01 .


#208
Libaboy

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AreleX wrote...

I'm testing out different characters for my second run through Act II, I will keep you posted with results. In fact, I spent like a goddamned hour yesterday thinking of ways to integrate Isabela in Varric's place. I got her weapons, bought her armor upgrades, agonized over her tactics, and was eventually ready to go. I'd done all of this near the very end of Act II, and, as it were, I forgot to do something (I won't spoil it for you), and leeeet's just say it didn't end up as I planned.

I'm glad you're having fun, and you're very welcome. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions!

EDIT: BE AWARE THAT ISABELA'S FRIENDSHIP PASSIVE IS BUGGED, AND WILL LOWER YOUR ATTACK SPEED OVER TIME, UNTIL IT GOES DEEP INTO THE NEGATIVES. SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM, BUT BE AWARE OF THE RISK YOU ARE TAKING IN USING HER, IF YOU CAN'T MOD IT OFF.

CAPS FOR URGENCY!

:wizard:


1 question. If i save those ability points at the start and use the Maker's sigh after arriving, do i get that strange glitch? no right because they are not passive?

#209
AreleX

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The Maker's Sigh glitch is a completely different thing that happens when you save your game after using one and not spending your points, I believe.

The Isabela Thumbs-Up glitch is explained and discussed in-depth here, check that link for more information on it, and how to avoid/fix it.

:wizard:

#210
Libaboy

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AreleX wrote...

The Maker's Sigh glitch is a completely different thing that happens when you save your game after using one and not spending your points, I believe.

The Isabela Thumbs-Up glitch is explained and discussed in-depth here, check that link for more information on it, and how to avoid/fix it.

:wizard:


Yeah well if i follow your guide and not use Isabella or Sebass i wont have to deal with that glitch i think

#211
AreleX

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Libaboy wrote...

Yeah well if i follow your guide and not use Isabella or Sebass i wont have to deal with that glitch i think


Some people say that you can obtain it even without her in your party, just by passing the friendship marker.

#212
Libaboy

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AreleX wrote...

Libaboy wrote...

Yeah well if i follow your guide and not use Isabella or Sebass i wont have to deal with that glitch i think


Some people say that you can obtain it even without her in your party, just by passing the friendship marker.


Haha omg, ok then i will read the other thread :crying:

#213
Liliandra Nadiar

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A Forgotten Tome wrote...

If anyone would be so kind as to tell me when this build (or the sword and board version anyways) comes into its own? I'm not very high level and still in act 1 but berserk just drains me dry and I cannot seem to regain my stamina at a respectable clip. Most of the time my companions will end up sniping the kills on me.

Am I supposed to be drinking stamina droughts non stop? I assume I should be using cleave everytime its available, and I also have might running. Right now I'm not sure if I'd just be better served moving the points in the specialization tree elsewhere and working with the burst from cleave + sword and board.


My SnS was pretty solid during the Deep Roads around level 11ish and the Rock Wraith was actually pretty easy, though the Arishok showed me she was still pretty dependant on mage buffs to handle real tough fights. I didn't really use Berserk much until I had enough points to get Death blow, afterwards it was on pretty constantly and stamina was never a major concern. Again, baring the strong boss fights, most combat dosen't last more then 30 seconds and most kills will be yours to keep Stamina above 70% or so. There have been cases where I wiped out a wave fast enough that combat 'ended' before the next wave arrived.

#214
Roxlimn

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AreleX wrote...

By the time you get into Act II (around level 13-14), you should next to never have to drop out of Berserk. I play Two-Hander, and early game had much more focus on Berserk management (when to use, when not to use), but if you equip the best +mana/stamina accessories you find, you should be ok; I used the Belt of Unknowing I got in Act I through pretty much the whole game.

An alternative, if you're really struggling, is to go Reaver at level 7, get to Sustained Frenzy/Fervor, then go Berserker at level 14, when you'll have more stamina to play around with. This may be better for SnS Warriors, who burn through stamina faster than their two-handed counterparts.

I made some low-level Berserker Vanguard videos to help people having early-game stamina issues out, though I'm not sure how applicable they would be to SnS. Check them out, see if they help.

:wizard:


I actually played the Shield version up from level 1.  It depends on what the build is, but since it's Berserker Vanguard, I'm assuming that the player is just like me - he wants to do damage and he wants to do it fast.

Battery on Berserk + Cleave is a lot stronger than I thought it would be.  It really does a number on Normals, and it's so strong that it's a total waste on Critters.  It'd even steal away a chunk of Elite health.  Battery + Disperse on Cleave + Berserk will clear a doorway right fast.  The thing does so much damage Battery sometimes hurls targets away from the Fighter, just from the Force and the damage (unusal for SnS attacks).

Problem is, the fast attacks and the activated abilities will drain Stamina to 0 quicker than quick.  I used Second Wind to resolve the issue.  Others may have other suggestions.

Haven't tried Reaver, but I imagine that the requirement to be damaged will seriously dampen related first strike ability.  A Shield Berserker Vanguard hits really, really hard on the first attacks.  It's when his Stamina drains to 0 that things get dicey.

Apart from Second Wind, clearing out Critters after Stamina drains is also a good way to recover.

#215
AreleX

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I've got Isabela in my party now, at basically the beginning of Act II, subbing for Varric. I will post periodic updates concerning my finds (which will most likely consist of nothing but 'what the **** was I thinking'), so I invite you all along for a ride on the bad idea train with me.

I endure the pain of horrible failure so you guys don't have to.

:wizard:

Modifié par AreleX, 26 mars 2011 - 05:02 .


#216
Irish Porkchopp

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AreleX wrote...

I've got Isabela in my party now, at basically the beginning of Act II, subbing for Varric. I will post periodic updates concerning my finds (which will most likely consist of nothing but 'what the **** was I thinking'), so I invite you all along for a ride on the bad idea train with me.

I endure the pain of horrible failure so you guys don't have to.

:wizard:


I've tried out Isabella so many times, and I end up dumping her everytime.  With every encounter she just ends up flat on her back.  Puns intended.

Seriously though, I'm having a hard time figuring out her usefulness. 

#217
AtlAggie

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AreleX wrote...

I've got Isabela in my party now, at basically the beginning of Act II, subbing for Varric. I will post periodic updates concerning my finds (which will most likely consist of nothing but 'what the **** was I thinking'), so I invite you all along for a ride on the bad idea train with me.

I endure the pain of horrible failure so you guys don't have to.

:wizard:



Ha--thanks so much for the sacrifice! :D  Just can't thank you enough--will be fascinated to see how your experience with Isabela goes.  

And extra thanks for the head's up about the Isabela bug!! I had no idea!  It really sucks to read about such a game breaking issue.  Not quite sure how I'm going to handle it, but I think I still have some time before it becomes an issue, as I am still in the thick of act I (I think...).  Would be great if BW would come out with a patch soon.

#218
AreleX

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I've agonized over the talents and tactics, got them all set up, and I'm ready to go! I think, at least...

Missions completed: 0
Isabela death count: 0

Modifié par AreleX, 26 mars 2011 - 05:20 .


#219
Liliandra Nadiar

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Something to consider for Anders, Elemental weapons stack if they're different types, so one could have both Merrill and Anders supplying it to the others.
Re: Pirate Wench. While I play on Normal so tactics are only slightly touched on for me 7/10ths of the time, I put her in my DW Rogues party since she was her LI, one thing I found is that she really needs to get a respec to put more points into Cun and work the subterfuge tree for the Stealth and -threat talents.

#220
nicodeemus327

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AreleX wrote...

Isabela death count: 0


Now that is impressive.

#221
lenkite

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The sword and shield berserker with no points in the w&s tree and barrage, cleave and assail is quite amazing too. (Just make sure to get the nexus golem ring to prevent knockback). Btw, did anyone notice that elemental damage stacks _and_ gets applied to your shield as well (with a value _larger_ than that applied to your weapon) ?

Modifié par spaceweaver, 26 mars 2011 - 06:53 .


#222
Irish Porkchopp

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AreleX wrote...

I've agonized over the talents and tactics, got them all set up, and I'm ready to go! I think, at least...

Missions completed: 0
Isabela death count: 0


There must be alcohol in injury kits because she drinks those like crazy.  Can't wait to see how you do with her. 

#223
AreleX

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Well, I've completed my first mission(s, sort of) with Isabela, and I must say, I'm...confused? This isn't going as badly as I thought it would, by any stretch.

First, I went to destroy one of the Tomes for the Forbidden Knowledge quest. Went to the one in Viscount's Keep first, and I Scythe the ever loving **** out of Isabela right off the bat. Uhh...my bad, bro. I knew this was an awful idea.

Isabela death count: 1 (kind of my fault, but whatever, she was asking for it)


Next, I head out to the Wounded Coast. To keep her out of my way, and my mages safe, I basically have Isabela set up to put the hurt on whatever's attacking them. As I'm setting up Cleave and Barrage, some enemies run right past me, and directly to Anders. I figure that all my tactics setups won't be worth a damn, but I leave them be anyways, out of sheer curiousity. I take down the Raiders up ahead, and head back to clean up the terrible situation I've put poor Merrill and Anders in, but find...all the enemies dead, save for one with almost no health? What is going on?

Isabela death count: still 1 (I'm just as confused as you are)


Then, I went for the Tome in the Chantry. Merrill utterly wrecks shop with Chain Lightning, killing everything but the Desire demon and an Abomination or two. I throw a few hits on the Desire demon with Cleave still up, then I go to take out the Abomination. It gets taken care of incredibly fast, and what do I turn around to see? Isabela totally breaking her dagger off in the Desire demon's *** with a 2k critical from Explosive Strike off of my stagger. This is getting interesting!

Isabela death count: still...1? What is going on?!


This is actually kind of fun! I'm not very far into testing, though, and this still has the opportunity to go a lot worse...

nicodeemus327 wrote...

AreleX wrote...

Isabela death count: 0


Now that is impressive.


To be fair, I hadn't done anything except agonize over her tactics yet, but I did half expect her to just drop dead the second I pulled my sword out (heh heh). She's actually doing okay so far!

:wizard:

Modifié par AreleX, 26 mars 2011 - 07:16 .


#224
Liliandra Nadiar

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Also to be fair, Act 3 tends to have everyone at/over the point where they can claim "Phenomenal Cosmic POWAAA!", the real frustration would be building her up from the moment you get her in Act 1.

#225
AreleX

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I'm doing this from the beginning of Act II, so everyone has a little bit of their foundations in place, but not much else.