Very fair post, and some great, specific examples used. Well said, sir.
Question…why are certain swapping tactics like DPUH/Grog acceptable but others using the same mechanic considered an exploit? I mean, I have had threads shut down just mentioning them.
It’s called weapon merging and is considered a cheat. Things like the DPUH/Grog swap can be accomplished with any non-Moxxi and Moxxi weapon, it isn’t a cheat. The reason the DPUH/Grog swap is so popular is because the former hits like a freight train and the bullets are slow enough you generally have time to swap to the Grog to take advantage of its 65% healing ability.
If you have any other questions about this, I suggest you ask a moderator so this thread doesn’t get locked for going off-topic.
You do exactly the same thing with a launcher and a certain slow firing shotgun but thats considered an exploit even though its simply taking advantage of the expertise weapons swap speed.
No, it’s a cheat. As I said, take this up with a moderator. Since this is your thread and you’re so insistent about it, I’ll answer you:
The difference is with the example you provided: when you swap out the Flakker and Ahab, you’re adding the properties of one weapon to another, which should not work. I say that because GBX recently patched some of those exploits out. Now, when you swap a DPUH with a Grog, you are NOT adding the properties of the DPUH to the Grog, instead you are taking advantage of the Grog’s healing abilities and the Harold’s damage. Unlike the Flakker/Ahab glitch, the Grog DOES NOT gain the damage of the Harold, it still does its much lesser damage, hence it’s not an exploit. If you want the extra healing again, you’ll need to swap back to the Harold, shoot it, then swap back to the Grog, unlike your example where you only have to swap once and you’re done. Does that answer your question?
Gulf if they ever add new mods you should become one.
I appreciate it, but I can have an acerbic personality so I don’t see that happening. 
Phalanx shield really needs a buff, it is mentioned in DS thread actually. But I dont think that Axton is the worst to solo Raids, Maya is imo.
But both are classes designed as support, so it is alright. Giving Phalanx shield a buff may actually, with Grit, give Axton the survivability to overcome Raids.
Also, giving Ranger a buff should also help with all the additive skills he has.
If he just could regenerate ammo…
[quote=“Handsome_Dad, post:36, topic:1062716”]
What could change things is giving Phalanx a massive increase, and possibly some ability to serve as a shield to allow Axton to safely deliver damage.
[/quote]I almost want to ask about some of the things I suggested here…: Things you wished the classes had?
I’m gonna add my voice to this one.
While boosting the Turret’s damage is a risky endeavor balance-wise, the Phalanx shield could get a buff without changing much to the game balance. It would make for an interesting strategic choice and would add a whole dimension to turret placement. As a gamechanger skill, it doesn’t change a lot of things as it is now.
I think the best filter for whether or not proposed changes would be good would be this: “does this create time?” When it comes down to it, success or failure at most endeavors in games like this comes down to time. The ‘trophy’ idea is intriguing for that reason, and I think we all would love +AS duration or conditional cooldown reduction. Probably the latter, because of situations where Doc Mercy or Snowflake insta-gib the turret. Extra duration doesn’t do anything for us in that situation. That obviously changes if we’re talking +phalanx absorbtion and +duration, which would be a tremendous boon.
yes…I kind of agree…I mean shooting a SandHawk and switching to a Ladyfist before the bullets strik is an accepted tactic in the Raid Trials. And it is Massive Damage.
Or shooting a Sandhawk and switching to a Tresspasser…also entirely accepted.
I just don’t see a difference between any of it and Flakker/Ahabbing but what do I know.
Just play however YOU like to play and if there are any sensitive issues that might arise, discuss them with your coop partners for resolution.
I solo Flakker/Ahab the Dragons consistently…about the only way I can defeat them at OP8 solo. But I don’t do it with anyone else unless they are OK with it.
[quote=“Derch, post:26, topic:1062716”]
Increase Rangers buffs from 1% per points to 2%
[/quote]+that.
[quote=“Handsome_Dad, post:48, topic:1062716, full:true”]
I think the best filter for whether or not proposed changes would be good would be this: “does this create time?” When it comes down to it, success or failure at most endeavors in games like this comes down to time. The ‘trophy’ idea is intriguing for that reason, and I think we all would love +AS duration or conditional cooldown reduction. Probably the latter, because of situations where Doc Mercy or Snowflake insta-gib the turret.</font color> Extra duration doesn’t do anything for us in that situation. That obviously changes if we’re talking +phalanx absorbtion and +duration, which would be a tremendous boon.[/quote]You’re gonna have to clarify that part for me, but Phalanx Shield definitely needs strengthening so that it’s not little more than a house of cards. Shield strength, and maybe a little more radius.
Also, I just thought of this one: rather than going down from energy weapons [=Surveyors, Constructors, etc.], the Phalanx Shield absorbs it at reduced damage, and instead takes it out of the turret’s duration; this would translate as draining the battery to strengthen the shield, which in “Star Trek” would translate as transferring power from everything</font color> (inc. life support) into a specific system for improved performance. Thoughts?
On the side, tho, let me say (jokingly!) that a buff for Axton is currently being developed:
It’s not and I’m done arguing this with you. Talk to a moderator if you wish to continue this discussion as to why exploits are not allowed here.
Then it stands to reason that the mods see it as different as well.
In any case, I remember merging was fixed with the latest patch, so the whole argument is moot.
I was just pointing out that faster cooldown is better overall because of situations where the turret goes down crazy fast. For example, my Snowman method involves tossing both turrets out in a straight line between me and Snowflake, and there are times when he goes into the ice and blows through both of them. Extra duration flies right out of the window when that happens.
Another advantage of cooldown compared to duration:
one-time effects (Nuke or Phalanx shield)
If an exploit is yet to be patched out, it doesn’t make it less of an exploit.
Please note;
Any aspect of the game which can only be achieved during an odd circumstance which in no way is listed or highlighted as a feature of play, is more likely than not an exploit.
Please avoid discussing exploits in the future.
Really what I am getting at is that the swapping mechanism (done in the right way) is a freaking cool mechanic. I hope mods realise that I am I writing within the parameters of the thread which is about theoretical buffs and skills to Axton DPS and Axton kind of already has something that is pretty good albeit unintentional.
I thought it was genius to see Striker take down Vora with melee zer0 using the DPUH/Grog swap to survive the double novas and quite honestly what Axton can do because of Expertise feels like it shoud be a unique skill he has.
Also, it would be really cool if Phalanx could block some special moves like boss novas (including Raids ones), elemental damage and etc. Staying safe inside the shield against Terra beam tentacles would be invaluable for solo and coop play, giving Axton the support feel he is designed to has. The same for Pete, Hyperius and Vorac novas.