GXB build workable?

[C-Dog]

(Was going to ask in a diff recent thread, but a bit OT, so...)

How does a GXB build compete vs. a repeater build, generally speaking? i.e., is GXB a thing, or not in comparison to repeaters/AA's/etc?

If the rogue dip is not deep enough to take Rog 6 Mech core Lt Repeater proficiency, any suggestions on specifics, or is it a mistake to try? Better to stick to melee if you can? (Or is it completely worth it to take Lt Repeater prof as a chosen Feat?)

I just see a LOT of repeater/AA builds, and (almost?) no GXB builds, so was wondering.

[Holyavatar]

For GXB builds,u need at least 18 rogue level to get expert builder,dats a must for GXB builds imo..otherwise it cant compete with Repeating Xbow builds on dps....

[vageta311]

(Was going to ask in a diff recent thread, but a bit OT, so...)

How does a GXB build compete vs. a repeater build, generally speaking? i.e., is GXB a thing, or not in comparison to repeaters/AA's/etc?

If the rogue dip is not deep enough to take Rog 6 Mech core Lt Repeater proficiency, any suggestions on specifics, or is it a mistake to try? Better to stick to melee if you can? (Or is it completely worth it to take Lt Repeater prof as a chosen Feat?)

I just see a LOT of repeater/AA builds, and (almost?) no GXB builds, so was wondering.

Honestly I think a lot of people just have a hard on for repeaters since it's more number spam. Generally speaking the mechanic tree in itself is geared towards GxB. I just finished up a Rogue 18/Arti 2 life and no matter how many times I tried to test repeaters, it always felt underwhelming. The GxB always seemed to come out on top because it just hits so **** hard. The huge base weapon damage combined with crit range, multiplier and extra SA dice is hard to overcome. The no save trip on a 20 roll is also amazing.

I think if you're playing any other build that doesn't focus on the Mech tree, then sure repeaters probably are better to work with. I don't however think you necessarily need to take 18 Rogue to get good use out of GxBs, though I do think 6 is important. Not for Mechanic core 6, but for Assassin's trick. The big draw for the GxB is the insane crit range and multiplier, but if you can't punch through mob's SA and crit immunity then your GxB won't be doing what it does best. Assassin's trick fixes this issue and is why I think it's still superior to repeater builds going Mech tree.

On my current life I'm doing the 14 Paladin/6 Rogue and was thinking that it'd favor repeater... However my GxB still seems to be superior. Even though I'm losing 2x crit multiplier on the core 18, I'm gaining even more extended crit range and still getting an extra 1x multiplier through holy sword(so I'm only really losing 1x multiplier). I do think Rogue 6 is important for this though due to Assassin's trick. The amount and pure size of the GxB crits is staggering, without Assassin's trick the repeater may truly win out in the end.

If you really want to try a GxB I'd recommend doing one life with at least 18 Rogue just to see the GxB at it's best. Then try another build and see how it stacks up compared to "best case scenario". If you can get a hold of a Leverage and a Divine Artillery they will carry you from 7 to 20+ without much effort.