cRPG

cRPG => Beginner's Help and Guides => Topic started by: Banzai!!! on November 06, 2011, 12:33:55 am

Title: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Banzai!!! on November 06, 2011, 12:33:55 am
Hi im fairly new to CRPG and was wondering what would be the best stats when it comes to using pikes I mean should I go for strength and have a lot of piecing damage or should I have high athletics instead?

What would you recommend?

Edit: Please could you post Attributes, Weapon Proficiency and skill stats and what the ideal set would be.

Thx!!!
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Digglez on November 06, 2011, 01:12:24 am
15/24 is what I've seen from the best pikers.

Pike is a support weapon, and you need to be where support is needed.  Being faster means you threaten/can support an even larger area
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Relit on November 06, 2011, 01:37:02 am
I am 15 str/24 agi currently, I switch between the Pike and Long spear, depending on if I have more/less room to maneuver.

WPF is 172 in Polearms. 5 IF, 5 PS, 8 Athl, and 8 WM.

Quote from: WarLord on November 06, 2011, 12:36:51 am
I played about 27 gens in total and my absolut favorite build is 21/18 with polearms. MW long spear and Mighty Long Bardiche and you rock :)


True pikemen do not carry backup weapons.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Digglez on November 06, 2011, 01:46:07 am
Here is NH's spearman build.  You sacrifice 1 athletics but gain 5 shield, so if you start to get focused or do not have competent melee teammates to work with you can better protect yourself by either spawning with a shield or picking something up from the battlefield.

I happen to like the light lance for hopling (shield & spear).  Its got the ranged needed along with decent enough speed.  Having a long weapon that can still overhead really does keep people honest.


GUGNIR SPEARMAN:  like a wall of icicle daggers, keeping the enemy at bay until the time to strike is right
(click to show/hide)
Strength: 15
Agility: 21
Hit points: 60
Skills to attributes: 2
Ironflesh: 5
Power Strike: 5
Shield: 5
Athletics: 7
Weapon Master: 7
Polearm: 164
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Gurnisson on November 06, 2011, 02:44:00 am
This is not the best one for 1 vs. 1 with polearms, but it's good for piking. 

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: [ptx] on November 06, 2011, 12:05:44 pm
21/18 does seem like a very reliable, good build. Might want to try a 18/21 as well, haven't tried this one myself.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: [ptx] on November 06, 2011, 12:29:09 pm
Mweh, wouldn't recommend that build together with heavy armor, though. I personally always wear a byrnie + kettle helm, need that speed.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Banzai!!! on November 06, 2011, 02:27:44 pm
Thx for the responses guys but would these builds be good even if you used armour like plate armour? The reason I ask is because my idea is I wanted to be like a English Pikeman i.e.

Something like this:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Thus I will most likely be using plate and so do these builds you are suggesting go well when using plate armour?

Another question thats come to me which is it really worth heirlooming my pike until it becomes a masterwork pike I mean the speed of a normal pike is 68 and a masterwork pike its 69 and its the same with the damage it goes from a normal pike being 24 damage to a masterwork pike having 27 damage. So is it really worth heirlooming the pike to have these slightly better stats 3 times or should I just heirloom my armour instead?
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Banzai!!! on November 06, 2011, 03:26:16 pm
Quote from: WarLord on November 06, 2011, 03:16:16 pm
I love my MW long spear (which was pike a few patches before) and I am not really used to the pike (what is pike now). I suggest not going for plate armor at all, but if you want to roleplay somehow, I appreciate it :)

The pike im on about is literally called the 'pike' lol it's the one thats length is 300 basically the longest polearm there is. Also yes my idea was to role play as an english pikeman as I really like the look of them and thus why I came here to ask advice from other fellow pikeman :)

I just wish though you could use the pike above your shoulder like you can in fire and sword and thus the pike might be a bit more popular and then someone might write a guide on it but I dont see that happening anytime soon :(
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: gazda on November 06, 2011, 04:28:23 pm
as for melee
everythign with a shield - 18 18 works best
everything without shield 21 18 works best
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Iymore on November 06, 2011, 05:00:18 pm
Level 30 (4 420 577 xp)

Strength: 12
Agility: 27
Skills to attributes: 8
Ironflesh: 1
Power Strike: 4
Athletics: 9
Weapon Master: 9
Polearm: 180

you rock with long spear.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: [ptx] on November 06, 2011, 05:02:27 pm
Quote from: Iymore on November 06, 2011, 05:00:18 pm
Level 30 (4 420 577 xp)

Strength: 12
Agility: 27
Skills to attributes: 8
Ironflesh: 1
Power Strike: 4
Athletics: 9
Weapon Master: 9
Polearm: 180

you rock with long spear.
God-awful build for 1v1 against facehuggers. You will glance, glance and glance.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Teeth on November 06, 2011, 05:14:08 pm
I know two very succesful pikers, Chase uses 21/18. I believe Craftybadger uses/used 24/15. Both with heavy-ish armour.

Heirlooming the pike for the +3 pierce is pretty important, but looming armour might be better in the end. The 1 speed increase isn't that useful, it goes from slow to slow.

You might also want to consider using a bamboo spear, but it probably doesn't fit your intended style. It has a lot more speed and more importantly, a overhead. It is a lot shorter though.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Relit on November 06, 2011, 10:07:38 pm
If you are planning on going the 'English Pikeman' style I would suggest a more strength leaning build, 21/18 would work for that.

For heirlooming, it really does not matter what order you do it in (unless you are Agi heavy, then armor comes first).
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Fartface on November 06, 2011, 10:16:21 pm
12/27.
It allows the most retarded copters, and your able to switch opponents so fast.
Wouldnt recommend this build but i had perfected my playstyle to this and i was able to get a alot of kills with it.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: ThePoopy on November 06, 2011, 10:58:01 pm
18/21
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Bazinga on November 07, 2011, 11:28:33 am
Quote from: WarLord on November 06, 2011, 11:01:20 pm
lies!

21/18!

21/18 is the way to go, at least for me.  :wink:
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Dexxtaa on November 07, 2011, 02:59:11 pm
18/21 is an excellent build from what I've seen of other pikers.

I personally have a different pike build simply because I have to perform different roles when I fight with the rest of Chaos.

BUT, on the whole, a dedicated piker build of 18/21 or 15/24 are excellent choices for a piker build. But I personally would push the 18/21 build, simply for the PowerStrike.

Your problem as a piker will be that your build will be next to useless when fighting alone, unless you're flippin' all over the place. In which case, you cannot risk a glance. 15STR will have you glancing maybe 20% of the time (1 in 5 strikes).

18STR will grant you 6PS, which will almost eliminate any chance of glancing. and 21AGI will allow you to head for the hills if your battle buddy drops dead.

Remember that it's important to be aware as a piker, I still get caught up in footman killing that I forget there are horses charging around the map, too.

Also, IF is optional with a piker build, simply because you'll be in the second line when your attacks become deadly. So people won't be able to get to you too much. But it can't hurt to have some onboard so you don't drop dead when you get scratched.

Best of luck! Please post more if you have questions!
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Fartface on November 07, 2011, 03:07:29 pm
Quote from: Dexxtaa on November 07, 2011, 02:59:11 pm

Your problem as a piker will be that your build will be next to useless when fighting alone, unless you're flippin' all over the place. In which case, you cannot risk a glance. 15STR will have you glancing maybe 20% of the time (1 in 5 strikes).

Bullshit with 12-27 i NEVER glanced, and my build was great for 1v2.
Dont feel like explaining how i used the pike :mrgreen:
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Dexxtaa on November 07, 2011, 03:17:10 pm
Quote from: george on November 07, 2011, 03:07:29 pm
Bullshit with 12-27 i NEVER glanced, and my build was great for 1v2.
Dont feel like explaining how i used the pike :mrgreen:

While I understand certain playstyles do not glance, please realize that the fact that Banzai is asking what a good build is, it means this may be his first run through as a piker, and as such will not be totally versed in pike mechanics.

Even if you have 12PS that allegedly never glances, most people would still glance at 15ps.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Banzai!!! on November 07, 2011, 05:26:00 pm
Yes this is my first time piking although you are welcome to post more advanced tips for those who have more experiance who may still come across this thread  :D
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Digglez on November 07, 2011, 05:28:04 pm
my guy uses the build posted and I've never had any problem with glances.  Speed bonus helps alot
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Dezilagel on November 07, 2011, 07:02:25 pm
For pure pike, going full (or almost full) str with light armor is brutal.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Kafein on November 07, 2011, 08:36:16 pm
All builds ranging from 27/12 to 15/24 are okay. It really depends on what your role is. Agi pikemen excel against cav because they cover a huge area. Str pikemen are the nemesis of infantry because of the killing potential.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Xant on November 08, 2011, 05:07:27 am
Quote from: Dezilagel on November 07, 2011, 07:02:25 pm
For pure pike, going full (or almost full) str with light armor is brutal.

This. Agi-heavy pike builds are way worse than str-heavy ones. Every time you hit someone with your pike, not only will they get polestunned they'll take massive damage, often dying in one hit if you can get a nice head hit.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Relit on November 08, 2011, 05:25:19 am
The point of a pikemen is anti-cav and infantry support. If you are too slow to cover both of those jobs, due to lack of agility, then you are not doing your job very well.

Also as a 15/24 I one shot people in medium armor all the time. Speed bonus + head hits.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Xant on November 08, 2011, 09:35:47 am
Don't need athletics to turn around to hit the incoming cavalry.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: HarunYahya on November 08, 2011, 11:18:57 am
Quote from: Relit on November 08, 2011, 05:25:19 am
The point of a pikemen is anti-cav and infantry support. If you are too slow to cover both of those jobs, due to lack of agility, then you are not doing your job very well.

Also as a 15/24 I one shot people in medium armor all the time. Speed bonus + head hits.
Chasing cav with pike is not a pikers job therefore you don't need lot athletics.
Simply if you can block and survive close quarter battles go for str , if you fail at blocking go agi and backpedal like a nublet.Pike is hard to master at close quarters now since they removed overhead , you may consider carrying a shitty and cheap 4-way attack pole at your back.(Like quarter staff or iron staff for example)
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Vibe on November 08, 2011, 11:28:13 am
Quote from: koyama on November 08, 2011, 11:18:57 am
Pike is hard to master at close quarters

If you're trying to use Pike at close quarters you're already failing anyway.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Dexxtaa on November 08, 2011, 03:50:37 pm
How about we stick to actually helping Banzai out, instead of telling everyone how fucking great you are at piking, as per the topic title.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Cepeshi on November 08, 2011, 03:57:14 pm
Was trying out several builds and for some gens went pole, and took pike to support and stuff, and as someone here said, i tried 15-24, 18-21, 21-18 and all three of those were quite fun, But really depends on what you preffer, either speed or survivability :)
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Xant on November 08, 2011, 04:46:33 pm
Quote from: Dexxtaa on November 08, 2011, 03:50:37 pm
How about we stick to actually helping Banzai out, instead of telling everyone how fucking great you are at piking, as per the topic title.

pike off
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Laufknoten on November 08, 2011, 04:52:51 pm
Make a str-build without sacrificing too much agi and take a long awlpike. I see some derps doing sick damage with it. You're not really a pikeman, but it's still a long polearm and you can perform better in 1 vs. 1 situations.   
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Fartface on November 10, 2011, 08:31:02 am
Wel with 7 athletics ur able to strike at somebody turn around run then jump make an 180 degree turn and thrust again.
Or instead of going backward u just charge forward then run past them jump do the 180 degree turn and thrust, usualy enemys wont expact u running close and once your past them they wil realise hey strike but then ur already behind them or to the side and they wil strike in the air leaving them unable to block AND thats when u usualy thrust there face.
hmm making an video of this would explain it mutch easier.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Digglez on November 10, 2011, 08:35:29 am
Quote from: george on November 10, 2011, 08:31:02 am
Wel with 7 athletics ur able to strike at somebody turn around run then jump make an 180 degree turn and thrust again.
Or instead of going backward u just charge forward then run past them jump do the 180 degree turn and thrust, usualy enemys wont expact u running close and once your past them they wil realise hey strike but then ur already behind them or to the side and they wil strike in the air leaving them unable to block AND thats when u usualy thrust there face.
hmm making an video of this would explain it mutch easier.

Yes this is what the AGI build spearman can do, that the STRr monkeys cant.  When shit hits the fan, all the STR builds here drop their spear for a backup weapon, because they're too slow.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Gurnisson on November 10, 2011, 01:36:27 pm
Quote from: Digglez on November 10, 2011, 08:35:29 am
Yes this is what the AGI build spearman can do, that the STRr monkeys cant.  When shit hits the fan, all the STR builds here drop their spear for a backup weapon, because they're too slow.

No, STR pikers use their pikes in the masses, placing themselves just behind the frontline at all times. You don't have to drag out the backup before your whole mass of teammates is down, if you play it right.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Fartface on November 10, 2011, 02:37:45 pm
well i got more of those lame nasty tricks.
if you go agi build piker il teach u all of them :mrgreen:
personaly id say agi build piker is way more versitaile as u can also charge the archers, fight 1v1 and 1v2 works well once u got ur strategy build up.
just saying
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Xant on November 10, 2011, 03:27:06 pm
So it's basically a choice between
1) Strength piker, extremely effective support character who deals ridiculous amounts of damage when he hits
2) Agility piker, gimmick character that can jump around and do crazy shit, occasionally killing a bad player. Also, you'll run slow because of pike's length.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Relit on November 10, 2011, 10:49:39 pm
Quote from: Xant on November 10, 2011, 03:27:06 pm
So it's basically a choice between
1) Strength piker, extremely effective support character who deals ridiculous amounts of damage when he hits
2) Agility piker, gimmick character that can jump around and do crazy shit, occasionally killing a bad player. Also, you'll run slow because of pike's length.

You also forgot to mention that in number 1's case, you will move even slower. As a infantry support, you have to be able to reach your allies in time to help. Not arrive after the fight has finished.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Xant on November 11, 2011, 07:09:46 am
Doesn't matter how slow you move when you're support. You'll be able to keep up well enough to help them even with 0 athletics.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Dexxtaa on November 11, 2011, 02:55:08 pm
Quote from: Xant on November 11, 2011, 07:09:46 am
Doesn't matter how slow you move when you're support. You'll be able to keep up well enough to help them even with 0 athletics.

Why did you post with just a signature?

Idlewild
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Digglez on November 12, 2011, 03:15:55 am
Quote from: Xant on November 11, 2011, 07:09:46 am
Doesn't matter how slow you move when you're support. You'll be able to keep up well enough to help them even with 0 athletics.

maybe your english aint so great, but how fast you can move matters ALOT when you are playing SUPPORT...moving to help teammates is what support IS
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Xant on November 12, 2011, 06:18:20 pm
Quote from: Digglez on November 12, 2011, 03:15:55 am
maybe your english aint so great, but how fast you can move matters ALOT when you are playing SUPPORT...moving to help teammates is what support IS

No, no it doesn't. When your teammates reach the fight, they will stop advancing. You'll reach the fighting maybe two to three seconds after your teammates, big deal. That is, if they don't wait for you.

Idlewind.
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Digglez on November 13, 2011, 01:03:09 am
Quote from: Xant on November 12, 2011, 06:18:20 pm
No, no it doesn't. When your teammates reach the fight, they will stop advancing. You'll reach the fighting maybe two to three seconds after your teammates, big deal. That is, if they don't wait for you.

Idlewind.

teammate walks 3 seconds ahead of you....COUCH, oh they're dead now.  You were Soooooooo useful
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: [ptx] on November 13, 2011, 01:31:00 am
You fight in a group of three vs some 4-5 enemies. You do poor damage, mostly just stunning... OUCH, oh, your group gets raped, rather than raping. You were Soooooooo useful
Title: Re: What's a good build when using pikes?
Post by: Dezilagel on November 13, 2011, 01:56:37 am
tl:dr Digglez is NA and therefore clueless.

I mean: Agi pikebuilds ROCK and all you pikemy old friends should use them.