Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

[Theio Vrefos]

Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

So, i decided to make a sorceress that uses non-conventional skills, like Hydra, so i naturally have some questions.

First of all, her skill allocation. I am not that eager to spend my skill points into the synergies of hydra. Instead, i was thinking of investing some points into a backup spell, like nova, as it doesn't have any synergies. Another option would be frozen orb i guess.

My current build is something like:

• 1 Frozen Armor
• 1 Static
• 20 Nova
• 20 Lightning Mastery
• 1 Telekinesis
• 1 Teleport
• 20 Hydra
• 20 Fire Mastery
• 4 Requirements
• Rest into Fire Ball

Second, equipment. I recently found a schuta's, but i realized that the -15% resistance the tal-rasha's orb provides is much better in terms of damage. On the other hand i can probably reach 200% fcr and possibly have higher +skills equipment on me.

 

[sirpoopsalot]

Re: Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

Actually, I think Hydras count as minions, so the -Enemy Resistance on Tal's Orb wouldn't work... I think.

As much as I like Nova, I think you'll probably want to go with FrozenOrb instead, so that you don't "need" a full 20 points in your non-fire mastery, and therefore you can synergize your Hydra better. Hydra can work well, but it's not really something you can skimp on too much - and Nova might force you to skimp too much.

To me, Hydra is similar to Enchant in that it really starts to shine the more you invest into it, so if you want to enjoy it, you should probably focus on it quite heavily.


For gear, basically as much +skills as you can get is the goal, with the usual/reasonable coverage of FCR, FHR, resists, life, etc. that most sorcs want. I'm thinking that 200 FCR doesn't make a ton of sense, since it won't really help your Hydras, and all of that FCR-equipment will probably cost you a few extra +skills that you could get with 63 or 105 FCR.

A simple setup that shouldn't "break the bank" and leave you with a good foundation:

- Vipermagi
- Spirit monarch
- Shako
- Occulus/HotO/Wizardspike/Eschutas
- Magefists
... that should take care of most of your FCR and much of your resistance needs, and allow you to use the other item-slots to fill in the gaps of what you need fairly easily. Of course, Full-Tal's set + Spirit + Magefists is also a great setup for almost any dual-element build. If you can afford top-end items (DFathom for FO-backup, Griffon's for Nova-backup, STorch, etc.) those can obviously replace or enhance some of my suggestions.

 

[Theio Vrefos]

Re: Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

Ah, you are probably right about hydras counting as minions :/
That probably means that infinity won't work either.

200 fcr doesn't make much sense when using two spells with delays. Except maybe teleport.

Now i am reconsidering hydra Maybe Nova/Orb with Tal's set? Something like this, with remaining points going probably to cold mastery. I even maxed orb's synergy

 

[Jell-O]

Re: Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

Conviction(Infinity) will of course work with all elemental spells and attacks, minions or not.
So go ahead with Hydra if you like it, not many do

 

[bcoe]

Re: Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

I think that hydras get some sort of special minion dispensation and actually do benefit from facets, unlike every other minion in the game. i've seen this in other reputable guides...I'll try to find a link. Not sure I've ever seen it backed up by empiric in-game evidence.

 

[sike]

Re: Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

You don't have to, I'm here..

- Hydra is 'something' special in the terms of usage as well as her nature; it is not marked as an minion and so that rules doesn't count for her i.e. all -res you are wearing, your Hydra is wearing too. How it is 'called' i don't know, i call her Angie the dragon my best friend.

- About the idea; i can tell it's a good one, if you thought you'd like it you will..
My Angie will get you started really well with just 1k screen dmg, and you can backup her with FO (10 points and it starts working) or perhaps Static (max and you never see anyone near)

- Don't know what've you planed but if you want -Angie the dragon- and not just Angie then give her that one synergy and you will get one nicey spammable attack to spamm inbetween those 2 sec where you are on timer..

 

[Captaincatharsis]

Re: Hydra Sorceress Suggestions

Another fun thread, I'd say go for it... although in all honsesty I'm not sure why you take nova... If you go for static field, you can drop the lightning mastery and pump the hydras. I'd then suggest a couple points on frost nova if you really need to freeze stuff (or I guess fo would work, more prereqs though). As sike said above, you can make pretty respectable hydras, and with fields impressive range and conviction... you can easily clean up most enemies before you see them.

Edit: I just found the notepad file with my tentative hydra sorc skillbuild. I haven't gotten far enough to think of items, but really I think I can sail through with pretty low needs. (Infinity merc is big, but otherwise)


Hydra sorc

20 hydra
20 Fire Mastery
20 Static
1 Telekinesis
1 Teleport
1 Frozen Armor
20 Fireball
1 Firebolt
1 Warmth
1 Enchant
5 Frost Nova

rest in firebolt