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Underrail => Builds => Topic started by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 08, 2021, 03:07:02 am

Title: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 08, 2021, 03:07:02 am
Hello,
I'm on my first playthrough and would like to proceed with a crossbow + traps + stealth build after some serious research.
There is a high chance I might not play the game again (I have 2 young kids, so time is limited), but who knows.

I like to explore a lot, so I'm planning to play normla + oddity. I think Stealth and high Perception, as well as lockpicking would help in doing that.
I'm also terrible at managing consumables, so having more of them might be better, or maybe I'll just get better at it in this game.

Can someone help me design this build?

Thanks everyone for your time.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Ploluap on September 08, 2021, 08:38:48 am
Hi,

You can play this build from Rewratt here without psi points if you want : https://underrail.info/build/?HgMHBwMQAwcAS8KgAB4Awoo8NUBLZGQkNCgAAABGAABKfzkiMALCgE7Co2pLTC8nJsK1YeKjsALio7ED4qe-Ct-_  , it will still be good :)
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: RewRatt on September 08, 2021, 02:14:17 pm
Hi,

You can play this build from Rewratt here without psi points if you want : https://underrail.info/build/?HgMHBwMQAwcAS8KgAB4Awoo8NUBLZGQkNCgAAABGAABKfzkiMALCgE7Co2pLTC8nJsK1YeKjsALio7ED4qe-Ct-_  , it will still be good :)
Hey, thanks for sharing Ploluap 😄
Yeah, this build also has Versatility for some Electrical pistol action + Ambush crits vs Robots and other tanky targets.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 10, 2021, 03:29:46 am
Hi,

You can play this build from Rewratt here without psi points if you want : https://underrail.info/build/?HgMHBwMQAwcAS8KgAB4Awoo8NUBLZGQkNCgAAABGAABKfzkiMALCgE7Co2pLTC8nJsK1YeKjsALio7ED4qe-Ct-_  , it will still be good :)

Hi,

You can play this build from Rewratt here without psi points if you want : https://underrail.info/build/?HgMHBwMQAwcAS8KgAB4Awoo8NUBLZGQkNCgAAABGAABKfzkiMALCgE7Co2pLTC8nJsK1YeKjsALio7ED4qe-Ct-_  , it will still be good :)
Hey, thanks for sharing Ploluap 😄
Yeah, this build also has Versatility for some Electrical pistol action + Ambush crits vs Robots and other tanky targets.

That's the kind of build I was looking for. I read around I'll need the electrical pistol for robots.
What should I take instead of the Psi skills by the way?
Also, sorry for the late response. I was waiting for some form of email notification which never arrived.

Is there some sort of precedence, given that I'll start from level 1? I read that Strafe is important and something else I can't think of right now, plus I should always max out the crossbow skill
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Bruno on September 10, 2021, 05:32:26 am
Strafe at lvl 1, for moving and shooting, Quick Tinkering at lvl 4, for bear trapping. Pack Rathound early, preferably at lvl 1 or 2, because carrying loot and a bunch of traps around with 3 str  without it is not cool. Marksmar early on too, for firing special bolts. Electrobolts (stun on hit) is your #1 bolt  works on robots too.

Max out mechanics from start to craft crossbows, electronics for good crossbow scopes, goggles and shields. Keep stealth high, and traps too, with low traps skill humans will detect and avoid or disarm your traps, that is not cool either.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Ploluap on September 10, 2021, 07:23:33 am
Quote
What should I take instead of the Psi skills by the way?



Multiple choices here :
- chemistry could be good if you want to craft higher tier nades and mines (but now that there are "plasma mines" and "plasma grenades" it's not necessary) and use higher tier acid ;
- biology could let you use more poisons and craft more drugs like bullhead (80) ;
- more tailoring for crafting armor and make use of infused leather : i would probably pick this one ;
- persuasion or more mercantile for passing some skill checks
- evasion for ranged and explosion defense (requires a lot of points to be effective though...)

You can check the wiki for crafting skill requirements 

None of these are required so pick what you want.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: RewRatt on September 10, 2021, 12:40:20 pm
That's the kind of build I was looking for. I read around I'll need the electrical pistol for robots.
What should I take instead of the Psi skills by the way?
Also, sorry for the late response. I was waiting for some form of email notification which never arrived.

Is there some sort of precedence, given that I'll start from level 1? I read that Strafe is important and something else I can't think of right now, plus I should always max out the crossbow skill
I put the feats in order. You can of course move them around (say, Versatility a bit earlier, at 8 or 10), but the most important is - Ambush ASAP (6), Elemental Bolts, Crit Power. As soon al level 6 you can start setting up Ambushes, with 55%+ Crit chance. Just use any armor that grants you as high Stealth as possible.
You will not be encountering super heavy robots for a little while, but an Amplified Laser Pistol could be made as early as lvl 5-6 too. Look for parts at all Junkyard traders. Not sure if Ezra sells Circular Wave Amplifier until after Drill Parts were returned. Anyways, having that pistol will be a great boon in taking out turrets in Depot A, etc.
And yes, the point allocation is quite simple. You will have all the stats set from lvl1 and just have to invest into PER and Crossbows. Max Stealth as that boosts you crit chance and this will be a super smooth and entertaining build to play with really no major big weaknesses.
For arena, kill or join JKK for their JKK Jacket (killing them doesn't aggro other factions, just don't place traps in Controlled Areas) and use Root Soda. This combined will get you to 29 Initiative, so you will roll against Carnifex on equal footing as he has 29 too 😄 You can also Ambush in the Arena by moving to the back wall a few steps and then let rip 😁
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 11, 2021, 02:40:00 am
That's the kind of build I was looking for. I read around I'll need the electrical pistol for robots.
What should I take instead of the Psi skills by the way?
Also, sorry for the late response. I was waiting for some form of email notification which never arrived.

Is there some sort of precedence, given that I'll start from level 1? I read that Strafe is important and something else I can't think of right now, plus I should always max out the crossbow skill
I put the feats in order. You can of course move them around (say, Versatility a bit earlier, at 8 or 10), but the most important is - Ambush ASAP (6), Elemental Bolts, Crit Power. As soon al level 6 you can start setting up Ambushes, with 55%+ Crit chance. Just use any armor that grants you as high Stealth as possible.
You will not be encountering super heavy robots for a little while, but an Amplified Laser Pistol could be made as early as lvl 5-6 too. Look for parts at all Junkyard traders. Not sure if Ezra sells Circular Wave Amplifier until after Drill Parts were returned. Anyways, having that pistol will be a great boon in taking out turrets in Depot A, etc.
And yes, the point allocation is quite simple. You will have all the stats set from lvl1 and just have to invest into PER and Crossbows. Max Stealth as that boosts you crit chance and this will be a super smooth and entertaining build to play with really no major big weaknesses.
For arena, kill or join JKK for their JKK Jacket (killing them doesn't aggro other factions, just don't place traps in Controlled Areas) and use Root Soda. This combined will get you to 29 Initiative, so you will roll against Carnifex on equal footing as he has 29 too 😄 You can also Ambush in the Arena by moving to the back wall a few steps and then let rip 😁

Thank you for the detailed instructions!
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Niko on September 11, 2021, 10:20:56 am
This is an extremely passive aggressive approach
https://underrail.info/build/?HgMGDQMLAwcAHsKgAAAAUAAAAAAjAAAAAAAAAMKgAADCoDl_KyIWAjHCgMKHS2o4woUqR8KlwrXCpN-_
a lot of the points are not allocated because the game evolves.
But yeah like I like to think of it, 55/70 Temporal is just too good to pass by doing a build.
Crossbows can be played with 3-5-6, or 3-6-5 start, basically, and going con 9, to sit at <30% for damage, if you choose to. There are ways to combine shotguns and crossbows, with picking Versatility. There however is not too much value in that, either or, Imho. Crossbow can still hit robots doing electrical bolts. You can use Temporal Contraction / Sprint to run to hide, when needed.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 11, 2021, 06:31:09 pm
This is an extremely passive aggressive approach
https://underrail.info/build/?HgMGDQMLAwcAHsKgAAAAUAAAAAAjAAAAAAAAAMKgAADCoDl_KyIWAjHCgMKHS2o4woUqR8KlwrXCpN-_
a lot of the points are not allocated because the game evolves.
But yeah like I like to think of it, 55/70 Temporal is just too good to pass by doing a build.
Crossbows can be played with 3-5-6, or 3-6-5 start, basically, and going con 9, to sit at <30% for damage, if you choose to. There are ways to combine shotguns and crossbows, with picking Versatility. There however is not too much value in that, either or, Imho. Crossbow can still hit robots doing electrical bolts. You can use Temporal Contraction / Sprint to run to hide, when needed.

I'm ok using PSI, but I wasn't recommended it because it would have made the build harder to use and I'm a new player
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Bruno on September 12, 2021, 07:57:14 am
The example builds presented looks solid. If I were to play this myself, I'd absolutely take Pack Rathound much earlier, like lvl 1 or 2, as hauling special bolts, loot and heavy traps around with only 3 str is a massive chore. The extra carrying capacity is needed.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: RewRatt on September 12, 2021, 08:19:59 am
The example builds presented looks solid. If I were to play this myself, I'd absolutely take Pack Rathound much earlier, like lvl 1 or 2, as hauling special bolts, loot and heavy traps around with only 3 str is a massive chore. The extra carrying capacity is needed.
Thing is, there are so many Essential Feats, that you simply can't waste slots for something, that can be solved by simply "dropping off stuff on the ground near trader". Don't carry shit you don't need, basicly 😆
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: RewRatt on September 12, 2021, 08:23:26 am
I'm ok using PSI, but I wasn't recommended it because it would have made the build harder to use and I'm a new player
PSI makes it easier, not harder 😄 -25% HP on a 3CON Sneaky Trapper simply doesn't matter 😉 Just hide behind a corner or a pillar from enemies and you will take no damage. And you should always be able to start combat by your terms when Sneaking.

Also, some early tips for getting money, armor and shields: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCk0--8Vpgc&list=PLJIz8SEgMJ1rjPUaiY0vheVOUXzfYbnvG&index=2
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 12, 2021, 07:52:52 pm
The example builds presented looks solid. If I were to play this myself, I'd absolutely take Pack Rathound much earlier, like lvl 1 or 2, as hauling special bolts, loot and heavy traps around with only 3 str is a massive chore. The extra carrying capacity is needed.

I was going to do that indeed, mainly because with inexperience I wouldn't know what to drop on the ground
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 12, 2021, 07:53:33 pm
I'm ok using PSI, but I wasn't recommended it because it would have made the build harder to use and I'm a new player
PSI makes it easier, not harder 😄 -25% HP on a 3CON Sneaky Trapper simply doesn't matter 😉 Just hide behind a corner or a pillar from enemies and you will take no damage. And you should always be able to start combat by your terms when Sneaking.

Also, some early tips for getting money, armor and shields: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCk0--8Vpgc&list=PLJIz8SEgMJ1rjPUaiY0vheVOUXzfYbnvG&index=2

Valid points, I have a little bit of time to think about it.
I'm also conflicted on where should I put points at level 1, since the build has way more than 8 skills.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: RewRatt on September 13, 2021, 11:03:28 am
Valid points, I have a little bit of time to think about it.
I'm also conflicted on where should I put points at level 1, since the build has way more than 8 skills.
There you go, Level 1 allocation 😄: https://underrail.info/build/?AQMHBwMKAwcADw8AAAAPDAwPAAkADAAAAAAAAAAAD385378
Chemistry 15, Mechanics 10+ for Frag Grenades. Grab a Hand Grenade blueprint from Quartermaster, x5 Frag Casings, x5 TNT and get yourself some Boom for early fun 😄

Quote
I was going to do that indeed, mainly because with inexperience I wouldn't know what to drop on the ground
Valid point 😄 I would suggest:
10-15 Bear Traps,
Crossbow Bolts (assorted),
Mechanical Repair Kits x4, (when got Advanced x2)
Meds - <20 each, Psi Inhalers <10,
Supercharged Lithium Cell x50, Fusion Cell x30
Quiver, Lifting Belt (Loot-goblins best friend 😆😆), Trapper's Belt, Jacknife, Lemurian Engineer's Suit (Expedition),
Flashbangs, Molotovs - x10-x15,
and then a small number of found and disarmed Mines.
Grab Recycling and Repair Kit blueprints after Outpost quest.

I am a self-confessed Loot-Goblin, so I know what I'm saying 😆😆🤣🤣
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 14, 2021, 03:52:18 am
Valid points, I have a little bit of time to think about it.
I'm also conflicted on where should I put points at level 1, since the build has way more than 8 skills.
There you go, Level 1 allocation 😄: https://underrail.info/build/?AQMHBwMKAwcADw8AAAAPDAwPAAkADAAAAAAAAAAAD385378
Chemistry 15, Mechanics 10+ for Frag Grenades. Grab a Hand Grenade blueprint from Quartermaster, x5 Frag Casings, x5 TNT and get yourself some Boom for early fun 😄

Quote
I was going to do that indeed, mainly because with inexperience I wouldn't know what to drop on the ground
Valid point 😄 I would suggest:
10-15 Bear Traps,
Crossbow Bolts (assorted),
Mechanical Repair Kits x4, (when got Advanced x2)
Meds - <20 each, Psi Inhalers <10,
Supercharged Lithium Cell x50, Fusion Cell x30
Quiver, Lifting Belt (Loot-goblins best friend 😆😆), Trapper's Belt, Jacknife, Lemurian Engineer's Suit (Expedition),
Flashbangs, Molotovs - x10-x15,
and then a small number of found and disarmed Mines.
Grab Recycling and Repair Kit blueprints after Outpost quest.

I am a self-confessed Loot-Goblin, so I know what I'm saying 😆😆🤣🤣

Thanks, that will save me an enormous amount of pain
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: dddmemaybe on September 15, 2021, 03:49:28 am
It's late and probably unneeded but, I post some more stuff related to crossbow build help if anyone else looking for some. It's a bit comprehensive, yet the spoiler-level doesn't touch any plot nor missions, nor too much build help other than generalizations and figure out how to actually start craft anything.

My main and most important annoying piece of advice is this. Focus the stealth components (3 --italic-- component). Because bear-trap need stealth to place in the first place- or it don't work very effectively. With a little mercantile(15-35~), max out Tailoring, and hoard high quality --Black Cloths-- and high quality --Soft Foam Padding-- as long as you already have good ammo and heal item (80+ bolts about right). At level 3+, go to the Agronomy level(not Engineering) and buy some(2+) --Cave Hopper leather-- armor component item (he only has component items for this item don't fret it; there are 2 merchants on this floor). Use that cave hopper leather (after --using the held Blueprint Item first to learn to craft your Leather Armors--) to make agi+ (and importantly peak light-weight) leather stealth suit, using and placing in the black cloth and soft foam padding(also used in boots but quality doesn't matter for boots). If you need to level up first a little before crafting that's ok and normal. Make sure you keep some money for ammo, heal item and keep mechanical repair kit for weapon(only breaking equip that matters a lot early). Always stealth as you enter a new or scary area.

Level 1: https://underrail.info/build/?AQMGBgUKAwcACQ8AAAAPCAgAAA8IDAAPAAAAAAAAD385378

Base attribute values of this are pretty good and intentional. Also in this creator menu on internet, you can press the "compact" text button at the bottom right, and/or "show all" (whereas feats you can't get, yet or not, also show) to see feats easier.

We grab Sprint, gives many movement points great when used- if you have room to move(quite often honestly do). Strafe is also grabbed because it's very important for Crossbow accuracy right from start to finish of your game.

We will take a lot of Traps skill after level 1; just to make some money leverage with mercantile~.

Level 6: (show a little skill progression help and the next couple feats; +1 per:): https://underrail.info/build/?BgMGBgULAwcAFSgAAAAZGhgAKCgQIAAoAAAAAAAAEH85QCIn378

We take Trap Expert so we can have a lot more fun getting our traps down easily and non-detectably. Marksmen so we can have fun with our special bolts too. Don't worry these are strong even though they are, imo, fun to use. And lastly, we grab Pack Rathound, so we can carry our metal traps without going over the weight limit too quickly!

If you want lockpick/hacking, good standard is just +5 effective skill (the one in parenthesis) to each every level up (if you have to come back to a locked container a little level(s) later it ok, super hard to pick or hack locks don't consistently guarantee op items- or even anything at all sometimes tbf). You can drop it if you want to, it's not op or mandatory.

Rounding of bonuses(on a skill's effective value in parenthesis) can also force you to go over sometimes (aka: double +1's from a ratio), just so you get why that is happening.

Some final blueprints you'll like to buy soon enough; just once if you see em (they are not rng but always carried items): Leather Armor, Balaclava, Boots(hopper guy Agronomy level), Incendiary Bolts (other Agronomy level guy), Crossbow(duh), Hand Grenades, Bear Traps and Frag Mines. Shock bolts are notably also real good when you get to them later. And a final piece of advice: if you have a grenade(grenade good), you better know how to throwing skill that- or you're dead meat.
Title: Re: Looking for Crossbow + Traps + Stealth build (no psi)
Post by: Fire-Dragon-DoL on September 15, 2021, 04:13:56 am
It's late and probably unneeded but, I post some more stuff related to crossbow build help if anyone else looking for some. It's a bit comprehensive, yet the spoiler-level doesn't touch any plot nor missions, nor too much build help other than generalizations and figure out how to actually start craft anything.

My main and most important annoying piece of advice is this. Focus the stealth components (3 --italic-- component). Because bear-trap need stealth to place in the first place- or it don't work very effectively. With a little mercantile(15-35~), max out Tailoring, and hoard high quality --Black Cloths-- and high quality --Soft Foam Padding-- as long as you already have good ammo and heal item (80+ bolts about right). At level 3+, go to the Agronomy level(not Engineering) and buy some(2+) --Cave Hopper leather-- armor component item (he only has component items for this item don't fret it; there are 2 merchants on this floor). Use that cave hopper leather (after --using the held Blueprint Item first to learn to craft your Leather Armors--) to make agi+ (and importantly peak light-weight) leather stealth suit, using and placing in the black cloth and soft foam padding(also used in boots but quality doesn't matter for boots). If you need to level up first a little before crafting that's ok and normal. Make sure you keep some money for ammo, heal item and keep mechanical repair kit for weapon(only breaking equip that matters a lot early). Always stealth as you enter a new or scary area.

Level 1: https://underrail.info/build/?AQMGBgUKAwcACQ8AAAAPCAgAAA8IDAAPAAAAAAAAD385378

Base attribute values of this are pretty good and intentional. Also in this creator menu on internet, you can press the "compact" text button at the bottom right, and/or "show all" (whereas feats you can't get, yet or not, also show) to see feats easier.

We grab Sprint, gives many movement points great when used- if you have room to move(quite often honestly do). Strafe is also grabbed because it's very important for Crossbow accuracy right from start to finish of your game.

We will take a lot of Traps skill after level 1; just to make some money leverage with mercantile~.

Level 6: (show a little skill progression help and the next couple feats; +1 per:): https://underrail.info/build/?BgMGBgULAwcAFSgAAAAZGhgAKCgQIAAoAAAAAAAAEH85QCIn378

We take Trap Expert so we can have a lot more fun getting our traps down easily and non-detectably. Marksmen so we can have fun with our special bolts too. Don't worry these are strong even though they are, imo, fun to use. And lastly, we grab Pack Rathound, so we can carry our metal traps without going over the weight limit too quickly!

If you want lockpick/hacking, good standard is just +5 effective skill (the one in parenthesis) to each every level up (if you have to come back to a locked container a little level(s) later it ok, super hard to pick or hack locks don't consistently guarantee op items- or even anything at all sometimes tbf). You can drop it if you want to, it's not op or mandatory.

Rounding of bonuses(on a skill's effective value in parenthesis) can also force you to go over sometimes (aka: double +1's from a ratio), just so you get why that is happening.

Some final blueprints you'll like to buy soon enough; just once if you see em (they are not rng but always carried items): Leather Armor, Balaclava, Boots(hopper guy Agronomy level), Incendiary Bolts (other Agronomy level guy), Crossbow(duh), Hand Grenades, Bear Traps and Frag Mines. Shock bolts are notably also real good when you get to them later. And a final piece of advice: if you have a grenade(grenade good), you better know how to throwing skill that- or you're dead meat.

That's very valuable, thanks!
I've yet to start the game properly (I barely finished the tutorial). I have two kids, so my playtime is very limited. This week was particularly intense too.