Hello fellow Grim Dawn players, since the massive 1.1.9.2 patch physical damage has been kinda settled down and not much has changed. However the recent buff to Markovian set and my 1 year+ fruitless grind for a rare Amulet led me to re-equip the build:
>>>[1.1.9.8] GrimTools Markovian<<<
There is also a Justicar setup, however this is just a option now, the markovian set is generally better.
>>>[1.1.9.8] GrimTools Justicar<<<
Performance tests conducted in 1.1.9.8:
- Callagadra (3 runs, buff potions, 3:30 min average kill time) Calla proof pic
- SR85 passed (3 runs, no buff potions) SR85 proof pic
- Cruicible 170 3+4 (12 runs) 3+4 proof pic
Gameplay and gear notes for 1.1.9.3:
The major changes in gear was due to the rather unsuccessful grind for a bloodbriar amulet with +3 modifier to blitz, which would have max capped the skill. The recently buffed Markovian offered excellent defence which i seek in HC, and a surprisingly good offense. The switch also means that gear pressure has been lessened significantly, with only the belt being a possible double rare. The best is you can craft it and i got a very good one after abnout 3 weeks.
The interaction of Markovian set proc and all active skills is very interesting. It also resets Doom and Blazing Charge. Sometimes you can basically get quadro Blitz out, which is obviously a huge damage spike. The recently buffed Wayward soul is also a nice passive heal and patches up the rather anemic DA.
Pros of this build:
- Generalist setup allowing comfortable completion of all endgame content in HC
- Surprisingly high dmg for the tank offered
Cons of this build:
- Slow in crucible, the fastest I got was 5:50 mins (CC like freeze will eat your Blitz damage)
General notes for Endgame content:
Celestials
Callagadra is killable in around 3 min with pharma, which is almost half the time using the Justicar setup. First phase can be face tanked, thanks to stoneform and passive heal it’s rather comfortable. However i still don’t recommend it, simply because of HC reasons, do a short rotation of blitz-charge-blitz+some cadence stikes and put some distance between you and the boss then repeat.
Crate of entertaiment remains untested since 1.1.2.5 because his encounter and the process of getting to him is massive pain in HC. However due to the short contact requirment of double blitz and the massive IT damage you can apply, it is in theory at least possible now with the setup.
Shattered Realm
SR75-76 is a breeze. SR85 can be done without buff potions. In 3 runs i have always encountered those shattered bosses in the right corner of the boss room. They seem to deal massive dmg and should be kited a bit if necessary. I feel a bit more progress is still possible, but i’m not comfortable enough to dive deeper.
Crucible
Okish time for a tank. However sub 5 min runs are pretty unlikely, I can generally get 4 runs and 10-20 sec to spare before the blessings run out. The main issue is the lack of aoe, while blitz technically is an aoe, it just dosen’t cover enough and it is prone to CC which will fully negate your damage and start the skill cooldown for nothing. All in all, generally sub 6 min runs, but basically no risk.
That’s it! Hope you enjoy! Feedback and Advices are welcome!
Vintage Links and Builds from the past
The original
The mad_lee improved original
Original Mogdrogen setup, Original Proof pic
Original Ravager setup, Original proof pic
Original Callagadra setup, Original proof pic
Original Crate setup, Original proof pic
[1.1.5.2] 2 Mortars hybrid, stats screenshot
[1.1.6.2] 4 Mortars version, stats screenshot
[1.1.8.0] Double-Blitzer pre physical change, stats screenshot
[1.1.9.3] Double-Blitzer post physical change, stats screenshot