As one of the most popular powersets in DC Universe Online, the Fire powerset
offers a lot and appeals to many.  Not only do you get some stellar defense
and excellent damage potential, but Fire wielders also get minor health skills that lend
to this powerset's versatility.  Whether you play solo, aim to lead up
groups, or spend your time player killing, it is likely that there is a spec
that will make the most of the powers that Fire has to offer.

Like all powersets, Fire is broken down into two trees in which you may
choose from.  Both Immolation and Ignition offer damage over time, area of
effect, stuns, and heals. Neither tree will solely offer everything that you
need so you'll probably find yourself cherry picking from both trees.  You
will want to give consideration to which powers you pick based a bit on what
weapon skill choice you make.  Ignition leans towards long ranged abilities
whereas Immolation deals with more short ranged powers.  If you've chosen 
weapon skills such as Hand Blast that will allow you to spend more time fighting
from a distance, you'll want a solid portion of your powers to mesh with that by
picking plenty of ranged abilities.  On the other hand, if you have picked
up a melee weapon skill, having the close ranged powers available would be very
helpful.

Damage Dealers

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Pew, pew. Feel the burn!

For most people who choose the Fire powerset, they are looking to achieve an
impressive amount of damage while enjoying defense as a backup.  Deciding
on a loadout can be complicated, though, because your damage powers aren't the
only ones you need.

Melee players:

One slot should either have Backdraft or a movement skill to draw your
enemies to you.  You can get it from a variety of sources, including Lasso
from the Iconic Powers line or Grapple Line Attack from the acrobatics line. 
Being able to pull mobs to you when you need to battle close range is important.

Another slot should be a healing power.  Fire powerset gets Reignition
at level 8, Consume Objects at level 12, Stoke Flames and Burning Determination
at level 16.  Stoke Flame is an outright heal over time while the others
are either reactives or damage/heal combinations.

Your other four slots should pack as much damage into them as you can manage. 
First up is Absorb Heat.  If you don't have this power, get it.  At
lower levels it can nearly one shot a mob if you aren't interrupted and at
higher levels it still does an amazing amount of damage.  Snuff Out is a
good all-around damage choice.  Fiery Weapon is another great option to
have, especially for melee players.  It increases your damage and critical
strike as well as gives a chance for a healing effect if your target is burning. 
Fireball Barrage is a supercharge power and makes a nice additional particularly
for those who rely more on their weapon skill combos and less on their powers. 
Volcanic Calamity is a 100% supercharge and does a sinful amount of damage. 
You should have at least one of the supercharge powers on your loadout.

Ranged players:

Like melee players, ranged players will also want to keep a slot free for one
of the healing powers and another for a supercharge power (Volcanic Calamity or
Fireball Barrage). 

After those are filled, the goal is to keep your enemies at a distance by
making good use of the knock backs that you have available to you.  Absorb
heat does awesome damage plus it stuns your target.  Flashpoint gives a
great AoE damage plus an AoE knockback.  Fireburst does nice damage plus
additional if you have used a burning power plus it knocks down the target. 
Snuff Out is the perfect finishing move. It blasts your enemy and adds heavy
damage if that target is less than 35% health.

Looking for defensive advice? Keep reading on page two!

Front Line Heroes

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It's all about the big kaboom.

First and foremost, the Fire powerset is a defensive role.  For players
who intend to do a lot of grouping, having a defensive loadout is essential. 
If you intend to use the Fire powerset for tanking purposes, it makes good sense
to not pick a ranged weapon skill to go with it.  Instead, stick with melee
weapon skills to compliment your role and rely on your combos for damage and
attention getting when you are in the fray of battle.

Like melee damage focused players, front line defenders are also going to
want an ability or power to snag and yank enemies close.  If you have no
other options, take Backdraft or Lasso in the Iconic Powers then plunk that
puppy down in your first loadout slot.

Immolation, the first power on the immolation tree is a good first step. 
As a defensive player you'll want to do as much passive damage as you can while
you're pounding mobs.  Fiery Weapon also increases your damage in a fairly
unobtrusive manner and is good for melee battle.  Burnout is a perfect
defensive option.  This power knocks backs enemies, gives you and three
teammates immunity against control effects.  Eternal Flame is another must
have.  It's a supercharge power that doubles your health and offers control
effect immunity with a healing reactive effect. In any free slots you may have
left, pick on of the big damage dealers such as your supercharge powers or
Absorb Heat so you have a little kaboom to go with your badass wall of defense. 
If you are having trouble staying alive, skip damage powers and go for the
heals.  In a defensive role, staying alive is just more important than
being top damage dog.

Overall, Fire is a fun powerset with some of the coolest visual effects in
game.  The nature of the powerset allows players to mix and match from a
wide range of powers giving the perfect canvas for creating a very personalized
character regardless of what role you choose to play.  Have you found magic
in a Fire powerset loudout?  Are there powers that you simply could not
live without?  Share your expertise with other players on our forums to let
them know what loadout works for you.


To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our DC Universe Online Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 13, 2016

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