Since Evasion was nerfed (and with it Smuggler) I've had problems with tougher end game enemies. While before I would chip away at them while dodging everything, now I can't kill them fast enough and get killed long before I'm anywhere near killing them. Any ideas for changing my build? And please don't say stealth field generator. I was stupid and chose disarming shot.
Also why the hell did evasion even need this nerf? If other classes were abusing it, why not just raise the cap for smuggler only. (SFG only kinda sorta counts cause it only lasts for 2 turns)
Admittedly, I haven't played much lately, since there are a lot of bugs I'd like to see fixed first.
Have you maxed out Reflexes? It really does make a difference.
Have you maxed out Intelligence? (Aimed Shot/Sneak Attack includes Intelligence/2 as bonus damage.)
What are your weapons? I highly recommend a Stun Chance weapon for all classes, but especially Smuggler. Disables an enemy for 2 rounds and enables Aimed Shot/Sneak Attack. It was also changed at some point to be a Physique/Aim vs Physique check, instead of a flat 1/4 chance, making it very reliable if you've maxed out your attack Stat, especially if you picked up the appropriate Implant.
What is your other equipment? I was able to put together a build with 270 Shields on top of 47-50% Evasion, depending on the weapon. You also get 5% Evasion every round you make a basic attack (Cloak and Dagger), which doesn't stack past the cap.
Your damage is also probably nerfed somewhat because the Player's Accuracy isn't used in the current version (9.012)
It's possible to change to Stealth Field Generator with the Browser Console.
pc.removePerk("Disarming Shot");
pc.unclaimedClassPerks ++;
Then go to the Perks menu and choose SFG.
My big gripes with the Evasion nerf are
1. It's poorly communicated to the player in-game. Your total passive Evasion is only visible in the Codex. If a player doesn't check their combat stats regularly, they'll probably assume more Evasion = Better and go way over cap, when they should focus on other stats instead.
2. It nerfs the Defense bonus from Lucky Breaks.
I do have every stat maxed out, yes. Using the hardlight bow rn cause of the dmg/evasion ratio. For armor I got pumpking mail cause it doesnt have an evasion penalty + bonus health. I am thus always on 50% evasion
Personally, I think the bonus damage from Aimed Shot makes base weapon damage irrelevant.
I also prioritize Shields because Shields come back after each fight, minimizing actual attrition.
Shock Bow/Heavy Slut Ray/Sunsetter/Royal Shard Bow (I took Quick Draw. Don't use Royal Shard much anymore.)
Trick Bracer
Zaika-Style Gown
Bio-Enhancement Shield
Shield Augment Bracers
46%* - 50% Evasion, 270 Shields, 4 Shield defense.
*+5% from Cloak and Dagger for each normal attack.
