Phoenix Shaftstop + EDC

The Phoenix Shaft and Fools combination creates a versatile build with few vulnerabilities. It represents an evolution from the traditional USEAST Tap/Exile build, replacing Exile with Phoenix to leverage the superior stats offered by a circlet, ring, and/or gloves, depending on the chosen path.

Strengths + Weaknesses

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• Large Life Pool

• Low Strength Requirement

• Higher Attack Rating

• Better Starting Defense than Fortitude

• Consistent

• Highlords

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• Restrictive IAS requirements

• Lower Damage

• Requires Ber rune in Helm slot

Overview

Details

The Phoenix Fools build boasts high overall stats and may exhibit slightly lower damage depending on gear selections. It lacks glaring weaknesses and excels across various aspects. However, its major drawback lies in the stringent gear requirements. Combining Phoenix with Highlord’s leaves limited options to meet the 60-80 IAS requirements, depending on the chosen base weapon speed.

This build often demands meticulous optimization of all available stat points. It is highly recommended to possess a 30-40 IAS high damage fools weapon, though it can function with lower IAS if the weapon has a 0 attack speed. A well-crafted circlet and blood ring complete the build, rendering it one of the most expensive setups in the game.

Maxroll Links

Gear Options

Helm: A circlet with 2 Pally Visionary and 2 sockets with high appropriate stats is optimal. While other options exist, the circlet provides significant bonuses in terms of damage, life, and attack rating compared to alternatives.

Chest: Shaftstop

Rings: Ravenfrost + high stat melee ring, 2X ravenfrost

Gloves: Steelrends or Crafted CB gloves depending on weapon choice.

Shield: The choice of shield base for Phoenix is debatable. Vortex offers the highest defense but requires 188 dex for maximum block, which isn’t wasted as it enhances attack rating at the expense of life compared to other bases. Royal Shield and Sacred Targe are viable alternatives, offering a trade-off between defense, attack rating, and life.

Weapon: The weapon choice is pivotal and determines the build's direction. Two main options exist, each influencing the choice of gloves. While both are viable, a 30-40 IAS fools build is recommended for optimal performance. Alternatively, opting for a 0 weapon speed allows for the use of Steelrends gloves, though it necessitates investment in strength. A 10 weapon speed, such as Ettin or Seraph, provides flexibility in glove choice, favoring those with 20 IAS to stack more life. This setup eliminates the need for pumping strength to use Steelrends gloves. The inventory setup typically comprises 37x 3/20/20 charms, with the option to include other charms like 132-45’s or Paladin combat charms, as well as 30 defense 20 life small charms.

A Tier

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by NeilM