City of Heroes, the iconic MMORPG from Cryptic Studios, offered players a wide range of customization and creativity when it came to their character builds. One of the more unique and intriguing aspects of the game was the ability to summon and control pets. These pets came in many forms, each with its own advantages and quirks. Among these, one of the most notable was the “Crab Perma Pets,” a term that has become well known in the City of Heroes community for players who focus on creating permanent, or “perma,” pets, specifically the crab-inspired minions that serve as both offensive and defensive assets in battle.
In this article, we will explore the concept of City of Heroes Crab Perma Pets, from how they are obtained to the strategies that can be used to maximize their effectiveness. We will delve into the mechanics behind permanent pets, the crab-themed minions, and how they work within different power sets and builds. Additionally, we will provide insights into why these pets have remained a favorite choice for players who enjoy pet-based gameplay.
What Are City of Heroes Crab Perma Pets?
The term “Crab Perma Pets” refers to a specific type of permanent pet that players can summon in City of Heroes. These pets are inspired by the Crab Spider enemies found within the game’s lore, and they have a distinctive appearance and function. Unlike temporary pets, which are summoned during combat and disappear after a set duration, Crab Perma Pets are designed to remain with the player throughout the entire mission or encounter—hence the term “perma,” short for permanent.
Crab Perma Pets are typically summoned by certain power sets, such as the “Necromancy” or “Robotics” power pools, which allow players to command these creatures for the duration of their gameplay. These pets are particularly popular because they provide a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities, making them invaluable in both solo and group content.
One of the key features of Crab Perma Pets is their ability to fight alongside the player, drawing aggro from enemies and dealing significant damage. They also act as a form of protection, absorbing damage that would otherwise be directed toward the player. This makes them a fantastic option for players who prefer a pet-focused, tanky, or hybrid playstyle.
The Mechanics of Perma Pets
In City of Heroes, the concept of permanent pets revolves around the idea of keeping a pet active for as long as possible, rather than having it expire after a set duration. This is achieved through specific powers, enhancements, or items that allow a pet to remain summoned indefinitely. The mechanics behind permanent pets can be quite complex, as they involve careful management of resources such as endurance, cooldowns, and pet survivability.
The summoning of a perma pet usually involves using a power that grants the player a summonable entity. In the case of Crab Perma Pets, this summon is typically obtained through the “Summon Crab Spider” power or similar abilities found within certain power sets. However, to make the pet permanent, the player needs to use enhancements that lower the cooldowns or increase the duration of the summoning power.
One common method for making Crab Perma Pets a permanent fixture is through the use of “permanent pet IO sets.” These IO (Invention Origin) sets are crafted items that provide various bonuses, including reducing cooldown times or enhancing the overall survivability of the summoned pet. By stacking these IO sets, players can essentially make their crab-inspired minions a permanent addition to their character’s arsenal.
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Power Sets and Builds for Crab Perma Pets
The ability to summon and control Crab Perma Pets is tied to specific power sets within City of Heroes. These sets are primarily found in the “Robotics” and “Necromancy” pools, though there are other power sets that can summon pets as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key power sets and builds that can benefit from Crab Perma Pets.
Robotics
The Robotics power set is one of the most well-known for its ability to summon mechanical pets, including the iconic Crab Spider minions. The set revolves around creating and controlling a variety of robotic companions, which can serve a wide range of functions, from damage dealing to tanking. The Crab Spider pets are a standout feature of this power set, known for their durability and ability to inflict significant damage on enemies.
In the Robotics set, the Crab Spider minion can be summoned through the “Summon Crab Spider” power. While the power itself initially provides a temporary pet, the use of specific enhancements or IO sets can make this pet permanent, transforming it into a reliable, long-lasting companion that fights by your side throughout the entirety of the encounter.
One of the most popular builds for Crab Perma Pets within the Robotics set is the “Perma Pet Robotics” build. This build focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of the Crab Spider pets, ensuring that they stay on the battlefield for as long as possible. This is achieved through a combination of power selection, IO enhancements, and a focus on energy management to maintain the pet’s existence.
Necromancy
Another power set that offers the ability to summon permanent pets is the Necromancy set. Though it does not summon Crab Spiders specifically, it does offer a wide variety of minions, including the powerful “Deadly Zombie” and “Lich” pets. These pets can be made permanent through the use of enhancements and IO sets that reduce cooldowns and increase their survivability.
In contrast to the Robotics set, which focuses on mechanical pets, Necromancy brings a darker, more mystical element to the pet-based playstyle. Necromancy’s perma pet builds often revolve around summoning and commanding undead creatures that fight alongside the player and provide additional support in battle.
For players who enjoy the aesthetic and playstyle of the undead, combining Necromancy powers with enhancements that make pets permanent offers a unique experience that differs from the mechanical nature of the Crab Perma Pets found in Robotics.
Building the Perfect Crab Perma Pet Character
Creating a character that revolves around Crab Perma Pets requires careful planning and attention to detail. The goal is to design a build that maximizes the potential of these permanent minions while ensuring that the player remains effective in combat. Below are some key aspects to consider when building a Crab Perma Pet character:
1. Power Selection
When building around Crab Perma Pets, the most important aspect to consider is the power set selection. The Robotics set is the go-to option for players who want to focus on Crab Spiders specifically, but other power sets can be used in combination with pet summoning powers to create a hybrid build. For example, a character with a “Robotics” primary and a “Traps” secondary could enhance their Crab Spiders with additional debuffs and crowd control powers.
The primary focus, however, should be on selecting powers that enhance the durability and damage output of the Crab Spider pets. Powers like “Summon Crab Spider” are key, but so too are enhancements that increase the pet’s survivability and damage output.
2. IO Sets and Enhancements
As mentioned earlier, IO sets are critical for creating perma pets in City of Heroes. The right enhancements can drastically reduce the cooldowns on pet summoning powers and increase the effectiveness of the Crab Perma Pets in combat. IO sets like “Pet Protection,” “Pet Durability,” and “Summon Duration” can be especially useful when aiming to create a permanent pet build.
Additionally, certain IO sets can increase the player’s ability to manage endurance and maintain a constant supply of power to summon and sustain the Crab Spider minions. These enhancements can help ensure that the player can keep their pets alive and active for the entirety of the battle.
3. Survivability and Support
While Crab Perma Pets are strong offensive tools, they are also vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it’s essential to plan for the survivability of both the player and the pets. Defensive powers like “Kinetic Shield” or “Energy Aura” can help protect both the player and their summoned pets. Additionally, investing in healing abilities or support powers, such as “Defensive Adaptations” or “Resurrection,” can ensure that the pets are able to continue fighting and that the player can quickly recover if things go awry.
4. Team Synergy
In City of Heroes, teamwork is often crucial to success, and Crab Perma Pets can be a valuable asset in group play. Their ability to distract enemies and deal consistent damage makes them useful in both PvE and PvP scenarios. However, it’s important to coordinate with other players in a team setting to maximize the potential of the Crab Perma Pets. For example, if the player’s Crab Spiders are functioning as tanks, the rest of the team can focus on dealing damage while the pets keep enemies occupied.
Why Are Crab Perma Pets So Popular?
The allure of Crab Perma Pets comes from their versatility and effectiveness. They serve as reliable companions in battle, offering both offense and defense while allowing the player to focus on other aspects of gameplay. Additionally, the ability to summon permanent pets adds a unique layer of strategy and customization, giving players a sense of control over their minions and how they interact with the environment.
Moreover, Crab Perma Pets appeal to players who enjoy a pet-based playstyle, as they provide the opportunity to create a team of minions that can be tailored to fit a variety of combat roles. Whether players want to use them as damage dealers, tanks, or a combination of both, Crab Perma Pets offer a high degree of flexibility.
Conclusion
City of Heroes Crab Perma Pets are a standout feature in the game’s expansive world, providing players with the ability to summon and control mechanical minions that fight alongside them in battle. The combination of strategic power selection, IO set enhancements, and careful management of resources allows players to create powerful builds that maximize the potential of these permanent pets.
Whether players are focused on maximizing damage output, protecting their team, or creating a hybrid playstyle, Crab Perma Pets offer a rewarding and enjoyable experience for those who enjoy a pet-based approach to combat. Through careful planning and execution, players can turn their Crab Spider minions into a permanent fixture of their City of Heroes adventures, adding a layer of excitement and depth to their gameplay.
