I started doing this with my Drell Adept, but the Biotic Explosions feel weak when compared to my Human Sentinel. Am I doing something wrong? How exactly is Biotic Explosion damage calculated?
Percentage it seems like, and it scales with difficulty.
I've tried different builds with the Drell Adept now on Kenaras' suggestion (with varying levels of Pull, Fitness and Assassin... maxing Reave/Cluster Grenade is a must IMO). If you max Fitness, not getting level 6 on Pull is very tangible (with 50% bonus to biotic explosions).
At level 4 Pull, a Pull/Reave biotic explosion will often leave a full health cannibal with half its bars left, which is too much life for Reave to drain quickly. It still requires shots from your weapon or another explosion, which can be difficult since the initial explosion will usually make them fly off somewhere. The level 6 Fitness benefits are very tangible though... specced with 40% damage reduction on Reave, you definitely have increased survivability (but is still worthless against the insta-shield-draining attacks like from a Nemesis, Ravager, etc.)
At level 6 Pull, a Pull/Reave biotic explosion will sometimes kill a full health cannibal outright, but if not, then Reave will kill it immediately thereafter (before it can even stand up). This is a suggested build if you really want to embody the "glass cannon" playstyle, as you can eliminate large groups of varied enemies very, very quicky.
My suggestions:
- If you are very comfortable with ammo box cycling (for grenades) and the Drell's movement speed and the ability to stay out of close quarters combat... spec for level 6 Pull, level 4 Assassin and level 4 Fitness. You will be able to put down enemies extremely fast but DO. NOT. ENGAGE. UP. CLOSE.
- If you are just learning the Drell Adept playstyle, then spec level 6 Fitness, level 4 Pull (radius), level 4 Assassin. You have a larger room for error but note that this build is also heavily dependent on your weapon (as you won't be cleaning up the basic troops as fast).
Edit: Also, for all the Drell Adepts out there... learn how to move around the map. Yes, this means sometimes moving away from your teammates if it means they're standing their ground. You are far more effective when facing the enemy's side/back than you are when facing them head-on. Learning to consistently roam around the map while clearing yourself a path (and giving yourself access to the various ammo boxes) will make you a very efficient Adept.
(If you're playing with a friend(s) that is also a biotic, by all means stick near them and combine your powers though).