Meteor Wizard

[albabe 33]

On 2/28/2018 at 2:31 AM, Guest better variant said:

The firebird's variant with  Halo of Karini instead of Halo of Arlyse is better imho. (magic weapon ignite > magic weapon deflection, frost nova > familiar - sparkflint, ice armor > storm armor - power of the storm, ancient parthan defenders > ashnagarr's blood bracer)

Interesting.

Quote

It's so much more toughness. I find it much easier to teleport around and pick up elites. It's absolutely horrible for clearing trash though, but I don't think it is a build where you are supposed to clear trash.

Maybe I'm "Lost in the Ozone Again," but I tried Both Builds and I wasn't really into the Firebird Play-Style.  Maybe I was doing it wrong but it seemed to involve a lot of Kiting and having the Elites follow you, and trying to keep them alive... whereas the Tal's version was just plowing through. 

Edited March 1, 2018 by albabe

[Guest happy to clarify]

 

2 hours ago, albabe said:

Thanx!  I appreciate it (even though I think I only understood 75% of it).

 

So, the WHITE  "1681-2283 Damage" is affected by what you Roll for the BLUE "+1513-1891 Cold damage"?

If you roll the High Damage range, does it matter if it's "Damage" or "Cold Damage" or..?

 

Tell me what you didn't catch and I'll explain it in more detail, English is not my first language, so the stuff that seems understandable for me not necessarily will be for a native.

Yes, the white damage is base damage (white damage as you call it, which is fixed value) + blue damage (the stat you roll).

It makes completely no difference what kind of damage you roll (with small exceptions), the value is more important. This is because skill's will use your weapon damage no matter what element it has, so you do not have to match element on weapon with the element of the skill. BUT, in some scenarios you might want to roll a particular element, for example a stack of Elemental Exposure is triggered by the element on weapon (when it is fire, cold, arcane or lightning), follower with wyrdward can trigger the legendary effect with his weapon if it has lightning damage etc.
 

2 hours ago, albabe said:

Interesting.

Maybe I'm "Lost in the Ozone Again," but I tried Both Builds and I wasn't really into the Firebird Play-Style.  Maybe I was doing it wrong but it seemed to involve a lot of Kiting and having the Elites follow you, and trying to keep them alive... whereas the Tal's version was just plowing through. 

I don't know tbh, I do not kite with this build and killing trash is a waste of time imho. I teleport around searching for elites, once I have them I nuke them down and every mob that was following me dies from collateral damage. I also think that if you clear trash you should make some changes in the build to drop the toughness for additional damage, as you probably won't need all that defense.

 

[Guest medeostrike]

On 2/28/2018 at 6:31 PM, Guest better variant said:

The firebird's variant with  Halo of Karini instead of Halo of Arlyse is better imho. (magic weapon ignite > magic weapon deflection, frost nova > familiar - sparkflint, ice armor > storm armor - power of the storm, ancient parthan defenders > ashnagarr's blood bracer)

It's so much more toughness. I find it much easier to teleport around and pick up elites. It's absolutely horrible for clearing trash though, but I don't think it is a build where you are supposed to clear trash.

Tried out Deadset's build stated in the guide and the Halo of Karini variant you suggested, prefer the latter as there is really more toughness.

Using Deadset's build, I get one-shot very often in T13 to the point where I can't clear GR60 comfortably. With the latter build, I just have to keep channelling to keep my armor buffs up. Sure it's slower, but there's more survivalbility, and I even managed to clear GR70. For context, I'm at 400+ paragons with some ancient gear.
 

[Guest AlleiraDayne]

I'm somewhat confused with the various versions of this build on the main wizard page. When I switch between the various of the builds, the gear list doesn't change. I'm assuming it should since one build is labeled FB and the other is labeled Tal's. Is that true? It would be great to get all of the gear setups listed properly if they are different.

[Guest qweasd]

9 hours ago, Guest medeostrike said:

Tried out Deadset's build stated in the guide and the Halo of Karini variant you suggested, prefer the latter as there is really more toughness.

The build here on icy is either wrong or tailored towards people with really high paragon level as it lacks toughness/survivability. Halo of Karini variant with unity instead of CoE (and unity on your follower with no die relic) is a super easy gameplay, you can get to ~95 with no issues at all and switch to CoE in group play. Lack of unity will limit you around GR70 and with ice armor variant and no unity I am not sure you can get above 60.
 

2 hours ago, Guest AlleiraDayne said:

I'm somewhat confused with the various versions of this build on the main wizard page. When I switch between the various of the builds, the gear list doesn't change. I'm assuming it should since one build is labeled FB and the other is labeled Tal's. Is that true? It would be great to get all of the gear setups listed properly if they are different.

Please put some effort in it and read it thoroughly.
https://www.icy-veins.com/d3/meteor-wizard-tal-rasha-variation
https://www.icy-veins.com/d3/meteor-wizard-star-pact-variation

[Arkpit 101]

2 hours ago, Guest qweasd said:

The build here on icy is either wrong or tailored towards people with really high paragon level as it lacks toughness/survivability.

This is how Icy-veins is in general for Diablo 3 for all classes and builds. It assumes softcore and most of them assume that you are pushing with at least 800-1k paragons.

I only play hardcore myself but I still use them as baselines and change the survivability accordingly after what is needed. I feel people should never take a guide as 100% truth for what is absolutely best for them but "make their own fortune" based on a template more or less.

[Guest that's a shame]

2 hours ago, Arkpit said:

This is how Icy-veins is in general for Diablo 3 for all classes and builds. It assumes softcore and most of them assume that you are pushing with at least 800-1k paragons.

I don't think so. If we are talking softcore non season these are rookie numbers. 800 paragons is what you get on season in the first 1-2 days matter, most people right now are already 1k+ and even with that amount of paragon the meteor build from here is simply garbage. I was thinking about 3k+, for me that's a high paragon level.

IMHO the real reason behind builds not being optimal is no one really checks them. You check the speed farming variant and it says:

Quote

Familiar will be kept in the build

Even though their original build doesn't even use it. If you check tal rasha variant it says:

Quote

Due to the distribution of set pieces in the Tal Rasha set, you will lose The Witching Hour for Tal Rasha's Brace

But again, their original build doesn't even use the witching hour.

I bet you could find more of them, but I really have no time. My point here is the builds here are copied over and over again from old templates (or other websites, who knows) to avoid rewriting them and this is when the errors happen, it seems no one proofreads them. There are issues with most of the builds and the "Tiers" are completely inaccurate since the last few seasons, better to copy builds from leaderboards.

[Arkpit 101]

19 hours ago, Guest that's a shame said:

better to copy builds from leaderboards.

Actually, if you look at the 1p HC season the tiers are pretty accurate with the occasional unique build among them.

Last season had plenty of re-writing but nothing happened this season so there wasn't much to do really.

19 hours ago, Guest that's a shame said:

I was thinking about 3k+, for me that's a high paragon level.

This would ever only be in non-season though since even the most dedicated grinders usually end up around 2500 later in a season when 90% of the playerbase stops and waits for new season. I would be extremely surprised if more than 10% of season playerbase actually goes over 1500 in seasons. It's a very small percentage that plays non-season compared to the "once every three months" players for season only.

[albabe 33]

On 3/1/2018 at 11:29 AM, Guest happy to clarify said:

 

Tell me what you didn't catch and I'll explain it in more detail, English is not my first language, so the stuff that seems understandable for me not necessarily will be for a native.

No worries.  I'll just continue to muddle though with my usual occasional question.

You certainly "Type" English better than I can speak anything other than bad english.  Thanx for the input!

 

On  Convention of Elements, What is "Average Damage?"

 

On  Unity, is there another ring to use if you're not playing Solo?  My wife and I just play on out PS4.

[Arkpit 101]

52 minutes ago, albabe said:

On  Convention of Elements, What is "Average Damage?"

The guide is referring to the "Damage" roll in favour of "Intelligence".

53 minutes ago, albabe said:

On  Unity, is there another ring to use if you're not playing Solo?  My wife and I just play on out PS4.

The Convention of Elements is the alternative when playing in a group since the other ring should always be  The Compass Rose combined with The Traveler's Pledge.

[Guest Guest Ranyu]

Hi there!

I greatly enjoy the guides on this forum! Big round of applause for the dedicated work!

I startet playing a Sorc for the first time in season 13 and while reading all the interesting information about a Sorc, i was wondering 1 thing.

Why is Ancient Parthan Defenders recomended in the Firebird-Set? I don't see any skills that constantly stun targets to trigger its effect. What am I missing? Is freez = stun for that matter?

Thx for your help allready!

Ranyu

[Guest damage stat]

On 3/8/2018 at 5:41 PM, albabe said:

On  Convention of Elements, What is "Average Damage?"

It's the "xx - xx Damage" stat. It's top values are 80-160 for normal leg rings (roll in ranges of 60-80 minimum damage and 120-160 max damage) and 105-210 for ancient (roll between 88-105 and 168-210 values).

[Arkpit 101]

On 2018-03-14 at 1:45 PM, Guest Guest Ranyu said:

Why is Ancient Parthan Defenders recomended in the Firebird-Set? I don't see any skills that constantly stun targets to trigger its effect. What am I missing? Is freez = stun for that matter?

In the cube you will have the ring Halo of Arlyse which will constantly proc Frost Nova around you giving the bracers it's effect.

[albabe 33]

On 3/8/2018 at 10:37 AM, Arkpit said:

The guide is referring to the "Damage" roll in favour of "Intelligence".

So it's either "Damage" or "Intelligence," right?  You can't have both on this Ring, can you?  If I already have "Intelligence," I should Roll it for "Damage?"

On 3/8/2018 at 10:37 AM, Arkpit said:

The Convention of Elements is the alternative when playing in a group since the other ring should always be  The Compass Rose combined with The Traveler's Pledge.

Now I'm really confused.  I'm Playing the Tal's Build so I'm already wearing  Convention of Elements.

My wife and I just play together on the PS4, so I guess that's a "Group."

Edited March 18, 2018 by albabe

[Guest Oceanus]

I've been running Tal Rasha, and just cleared GR101.  However, I've also made a change.  Instead of running Frost NovaFrozen Mist, I've been running ElectrocuteSurge of Power, and then instead of running Arcane TorrentStatic Discharge, I've been running Ray of FrostCold Blood.  There are two reasons.  First, I never need to worry about keeping enough Arcane Power for Aquila Cuirass, and the Ray of FrostCold Blood keeps my Bane of the Stricken going at range when I need it. 

Any thoughts on the change?  I'm finding that I'm clearing faster with the new build, but I wonder if I'm missing something or creating some bad habits that will cause me problems later.  I'm thinking of putting some life on my Mantle of Channeling, but don't want to tinker with it until I'm sure.

This is me: https://us.diablo3.com/en/profile/Oceanus-1587/hero/97990648.

[Guest Oceanus]

Correction: I meant Bane of the Trapped, not Bane of the Stricken.

[albabe 33]

3 hours ago, Guest Oceanus said:

I've been running Tal Rasha, and just cleared GR101.  However, I've also made a change.  Instead of running Frost NovaFrozen Mist, I've been running ElectrocuteSurge of Power, and then instead of running Arcane TorrentStatic Discharge, I've been running Ray of FrostCold Blood.  There are two reasons.  First, I never need to worry about keeping enough Arcane Power for Aquila Cuirass, and the Ray of FrostCold Blood keeps my Bane of the Stricken going at range when I need it. 

Any thoughts on the change?  I'm finding that I'm clearing faster with the new build, but I wonder if I'm missing something or creating some bad habits that will cause me problems later.  I'm thinking of putting some life on my Mantle of Channeling, but don't want to tinker with it until I'm sure.

This is me: https://us.diablo3.com/en/profile/Oceanus-1587/hero/97990648.

Very cool.  I've seen folks talking about this Version of the Build and was wondering about it.

Of course my whole silly reason for interest is that I'm not crazy about the  Arcane TorrentStatic Discharge, because it looks like she's flicking away a Bee.  Ray of Frost looks cool.  The Pose she strikes is Very Superhero - shooting business out of her hands.  Sorta like Iron Man or Electro.

What would you replace   Unity with if you were playing Couch Co-Op/Groups?

 

 

[albabe 33]

On 3/20/2018 at 9:42 AM, Guest Oceanus said:

Correction: I meant Bane of the Trapped, not Bane of the Stricken.

That's an amazing Nilfur's.  I'm wearing a Non-Acient pair because it has %900.

[Guest Atreides]

On 20/03/2018 at 8:51 AM, albabe said:

Very cool.  I've seen folks talking about this Version of the Build and was wondering about it.

Of course my whole silly reason for interest is that I'm not crazy about the  Arcane TorrentStatic Discharge, because it looks like she's flicking away a Bee.  Ray of Frost looks cool.  The Pose she strikes is Very Superhero - shooting business out of her hands.  Sorta like Iron Man or Electro.

What would you replace   Unity with if you were playing Couch Co-Op/Groups?

 

 

I currently have one of the higher tal meteor clears on ladder. (108)

If you want to play talrasha meteor in a group that second ring slot is basically free. Theoretically, you want a fire stone of jordan in GRs and Id recommend avarice band/boon of the hoarder in T13 (furthermore in t13 id drop deathwish for aether walker as you the damage is overkill and the mobility is greatly improved). Another option you could try is to drop convention of elements also and run Focus + Restraint. You need to run the electocute/ray of frost version to keep the buff up then.

Of course you are giving up the unity effect which limits your toughness but many other classes that you may be playing with could possible provide some toughness buffs to you.

This is just trying to answer your question as best as possible, strictly speaking at high levels you just wouldn't play tal meteor in groups anyways its not really ideal. That said for just casual playing with a friend its fine, with very good gear and augments you can do two dps 95s with basically any other decent dps in <5mins with no chance of death. You just need to keep in mind that unless you are getting support from the other character, you will not be able to run as high as you can solo.

Also, the ray of frost version is generally more popular than the frozen mist version on PC at least and is more represented on leaderboards. It keeps aquila up easier. Finally at good crit levels and with 4 apoc on offhand you do not need to run a generator at all and can run both ray of frost and arcane torent (electrocute) which makes it easier to maintain taeguk stacks while rotating your elements. 

Tal-Meteor is the "easiest" of the 3 meteor build playstyle wise and most comfortable for most casual players to get to 100+, even with very good gear and full 100 augments it caps out around 110 though without excessive paragon and the others (especially starpact) have a much higher ceiling. They are significantly more burdensome to play. 

I STRONGLY recommend tal meteor over either firebird build in anything sub gr90. Firebird does not play right until the elites actually live after being ignited. and most people find it very frustrating. Hence the confusion displayed over firebird builds in this thread. Halo of Arlyse+ APDs is for very high content, absolutely run karini in anything <100 for sure without question.

[Guest Oceanus]

On 3/20/2018 at 12:51 PM, albabe said:

Very cool.  I've seen folks talking about this Version of the Build and was wondering about it.

Of course my whole silly reason for interest is that I'm not crazy about the  Arcane TorrentStatic Discharge, because it looks like she's flicking away a Bee.  Ray of Frost looks cool.  The Pose she strikes is Very Superhero - shooting business out of her hands.  Sorta like Iron Man or Electro.

What would you replace   Unity with if you were playing Couch Co-Op/Groups?

 

 

Heh - funny point.  I like the look of Ray of Frost too, actually.  It just feels more powerful somehow.

As for Unity, I'm not sure, because I basically just solo.  My hunch would be to use a fire-damage based Stone of Jordan.

On 3/21/2018 at 1:03 PM, albabe said:

That's an amazing Nilfur's.  I'm wearing a Non-Acient pair because it has %900.

Thanks!  I'd love if it had some vitality, but a primal is just so much better in so many ways.  I'm also using a non-ancient Etched Sigil for now for similar reasons.  I really like how it feels as a set comes together.

[Guest Oceanus]

On 3/23/2018 at 3:17 AM, Guest Atreides said:

...

Also, the ray of frost version is generally more popular than the frozen mist version on PC at least and is more represented on leaderboards. It keeps aquila up easier. Finally at good crit levels and with 4 apoc on offhand you do not need to run a generator at all and can run both ray of frost and arcane torent (electrocute) which makes it easier to maintain taeguk stacks while rotating your elements. 

...

I STRONGLY recommend tal meteor over either firebird build in anything sub gr90. Firebird does not play right until the elites actually live after being ignited. and most people find it very frustrating. Hence the confusion displayed over firebird builds in this thread. Halo of Arlyse+ APDs is for very high content, absolutely run karini in anything <100 for sure without question.

Thank you for confirming that the Ray of Frost version is so viable.  I hadn't even thought to combine it with Arcane TorrentStatic Discharge (which is what I think you meant).  I find that by using ElectrocuteSurge of Power, I can drop the skill cost reduction off the shoulders or even the apoc off of the Etched Sigil for area damage, but I'll test out your combo, too.

As for using Halo of Karini with Firebird, how is that possible?  I imagine I'd drop the Ancient Parthan Defenders for Ashnagarr's Blood Bracer, but then where would I be getting my shields from?  I've seen a couple of people mention it, but I haven't been able to figure it out.

[Guest -_-]

22 hours ago, Guest Oceanus said:

As for using Halo of Karini with Firebird, how is that possible?  I imagine I'd drop the Ancient Parthan Defenders for Ashnagarr's Blood Bracer, but then where would I be getting my shields from?  I've seen a couple of people mention it, but I haven't been able to figure it out.

Just read the topic.

On 2/28/2018 at 10:31 AM, Guest better variant said:

The firebird's variant with  Halo of Karini instead of Halo of Arlyse is better imho. (magic weapon ignite > magic weapon deflection, frost nova > familiar - sparkflint, ice armor > storm armor - power of the storm, ancient parthan defenders > ashnagarr's blood bracer)

 

[Guest Oceanus]

On 3/26/2018 at 1:27 PM, Guest -_- said:

Just read the topic.

 

Yes, I tried that mixture of powers, but I still felt really squishy and I felt like the familiar wasn't sticking the Ignites as effectively.  I was hoping there was a better way.  Oh well, I guess I'll just stick with the Tal Rasha variant.  At the end of the day, I think this (awesome) guide creates some confusion by referring to Tal Rasha as a "variant", when it's really a very different build and needs its own page.

I've also been tinkering with something that will sound completely ridiculous, which is to use the Ray of Frost variant of Tal Rasha, and then use Black HoleSupermassive for electricity.  I've been using this with reasonable success when doing mid-range GR's (85 to 95).  The Black Hole only goes off every 12 seconds from the Etched Sigil, so it doesn't cost as much damage as you'd think, and clumps up the enemies nicely so that they die faster.  It's kind of like a lite version of the Ranslor's Folly variant.  Just don't grab the channeling pylon, because it makes the cooldown go far too low and completely borks your dps.

[Guest zzzzzzzz]

On 3/28/2018 at 7:16 PM, Guest Oceanus said:

Yes, I tried that mixture of powers, but I still felt really squishy and I felt like the familiar wasn't sticking the Ignites as effectively.

I think it's the most tanky build variant for a wizard atm, as long as you channel you get a shield boosted by bracers, basically the shield uptime is 100%. Familiar doesn't penetrate, so maybe you played it wrong, it's different playstyle than the firebird posted here on icy veins. Just jump between elites, killing them in matter of seconds. Don't even bother about clearing the trash. You have to position yourself correctly though because if trash blocks your projectiles from familiar you won't get the buff.

With tal rasha clearing trash is faster but firebird is better for killing elites and RG, also I find it better for group play.

[Guest Eredrin]

I was wondering. There was a talk about a ring to replace unity. In Tal Rasha version, you constantly channel lightning skill, so why not Manald Heal?