Guild Wars 2

The way runes are structured is highly detrimental to mixing and build diversity, for two reasons:
1. the 3rd and 5th stat bonuses are generally wasted unless taking a full set
2. the 6/6 skill, generally being the most powerful, discourages any mixing of sets

Now, I know there are exceptions (such as for boon duration), but in general there is almost no incentive to mix runes, which highly limits build diversity. I’m not entirely sure how to fix this, but I can think of a few options:
- increase slightly the power of the 2nd and 4th skills and tone down the 6/6
- make some 4/4 or 6/6 bonuses available only for mixed sets
- standardize the stat increases on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th slots independent of runes; or in other words, allow the ability to get the +50 and +90 stat bonuses even if you mix and match.

Anyway, just a thought on trying to increase build diversity. There are a lot of runes that I’d use for the 2/2 or 4/4 bonuses, but are never touched because a) the 6/6 is either not good or too good on another set, or b) I lose a lot of stats in mixing sets.

Most 6/6 bonuses aren’t good enough to warrant this. Since rune sets themselves are diverse I do not see the point in making mixing and matching sets because you have sets that mix stats (divinity,traveler) and you have orbs to fill gaps. Instead of mixing and matching sets to get a 6/6 bonus ( I do not even see how this could work) they could just add a new set with mixed stats.

Many of the sets with good 6/6 bonuses are built with that bonus in mind ie perplexity builds around condi damage, soldier around toughness and vitality etc. The only reason I could see this being a proposal is for the 6/6 from travelers or speed.

As far as raw stats go it depends but lets take scholar vs ruby orbs. total stats gained from scholar 165 power, 8% crit damage, and 10% damage bonus while above 90% hp. Ruby 84 precision 120 power (204 total stat points) and 12% crit damage. In terms of raw stats you actually end up ahead with the ruby. So the 6/6 bonus is god enough from scholars to take less stat points overall. And really that is the point. 6/6 bonuses (the good ones) usually require you to take less stats in order to obtain them or take 2 stats solely when orbs will give you three.

There are 60+ rune sets with lots of different bonuses and they add new sets in periodically. I think it is fine as is.

TheGuy.3568:

Most 6/6 bonuses aren’t good enough to warrant this.

There are 60+ rune sets with lots of different bonuses and they add new sets in periodically. I think it is fine as is.

I would actually argue that most people take their runes based on the 6/6, with the exception of few who just want max stats (divinity, ruby orbs, etc.). And really, how many players are running mixed sets by choice (with the exception of those going for boon duration)?

In WvW, it seem that >50% of people run soldiers, melandru, or traveler, and to a lesser extent hoelbrak, perplexity, lyssa, and scholar. All more or less for the 6/6.

My only point was that there are some good 2/2 or 4/4 skills that I’ll never take because either the 6/6 is not useful or there is another more useful 6/6 elsewhere. It’d be nice to do some mixing of sets.

I don’t understand, really. I use a set just up to the 4th rune, and others for additional first and/or second. The 6/6 on my set is nothing special (for me). Even the devs showed mixing and matching in one of their livestreams.

Bunda.2691:

TheGuy.3568:

Most 6/6 bonuses aren’t good enough to warrant this.

There are 60+ rune sets with lots of different bonuses and they add new sets in periodically. I think it is fine as is.

I would actually argue that most people take their runes based on the 6/6, with the exception of few who just want max stats (divinity, ruby orbs, etc.). And really, how many players are running mixed sets by choice (with the exception of those going for boon duration)?

In WvW, it seem that >50% of people run soldiers, melandru, or traveler, and to a lesser extent hoelbrak, perplexity, lyssa, and scholar. All more or less for the 6/6.

My only point was that there are some good 2/2 or 4/4 skills that I’ll never take because either the 6/6 is not useful or there is another more useful 6/6 elsewhere. It’d be nice to do some mixing of sets.

First off there is no way to know exactly what runeset most world v world players are running. Making up statistics ins’t any good for discussion. You see a limited number of sets being the norm in because WvW is a form of PvP and players use their rune sets to supplement what their builds don’t have.

Second there is nothing to argue most sets are taken for their 6/6 bonus. You cherry picked what I said. Many players take a loss in stats for those bonuses as it was intended. The bonuses are good enough to lose some stats for thus a 6/6 investment.

You can get those 2/2 bonuses and 4/4 bonuses and forgo the 6/6 that is the point in the first place. You quite literally can’t have it all.

Edit:

You keep mention boon duration. Sets in 2/4 slot give 3 things. Duration (boon or condition), procs (boon, condition, attack), and stats. That is it. Most mixing and matching goes to boon duration (and to a lesser extent specific conditions like bleed) is because there is synergy between those sets. Many sets have there 2/2 4/4/ 6/6 bonuses mesh with each other (see: Rune of Altruism)

I didn’t mean to cherry pick what you said, and you make a good point re: stats.

My evidence for the WvW and 6/6 preferences is twofold, though I admit neither is perfect:
- anecdotal evidence via popular builds, guides, discussions with guild, listening on teamspeak/mumble, etc. And in this, there is a significant preference in WvW for a few rune sets
- look at the prices of the most expensive runes. While it’s again not conclusive evidence, there is an argument to be made that the expensive ones are more popular. And if you look at the most expensive runes, they are all (with two exceptions—divinity and exuberance) runes with amazing 6/6 skills.

I agree that there should be sacrifices in taking sets. All I was advocating was an increased variety.