Guild Wars 2

It seems like the elite specialization is more like adding new levels to a class without actually adding new levels. What reason would anyone have to not use the elite spec? Will the elite spec close other base class traits or skills and replace them or just add more? Can you use the bow (guardian) without using the elite spec? Will any class be less useful or powerful without unlocking the said elite class? If you don’t have multiple elite specs to choose from its not an elite spec its just an advanced class level? Example , if Guardian could choose from say Vanguard (polearm style defence elite) Dragon hunter (ranger style trapper wtf right lol) then it would be sort of a elite spec but as it is its just adding a new weapon option with the new weapon skills? Umm is it just me that is thinking this?

yakuza snowdragon.4639:

It seems like the elite specialization is more like adding new levels to a class without actually adding new levels.

Only its not. Elite specs came out of a CDI long discussion about how to add more options without adding more raw power. Elite specs give you new options, not more abilities at the same time. You have to give up stuff to get stuff.

What reason would anyone have to not use the elite spec?

Because many powerful build rely on the interaction of traits from 3 of the currently available trait lines. And because some people have zero interest in the new weapon the Espec trait line unlocks.

Will the elite spec close other base class traits or skills and replace them or just add more?

It fills your third trait line slot.

Can you use the bow (guardian) without using the elite spec?

No you can not. In every case the ability to use the new weapon is part of the first minor trait of the Espec trait line.

Will any class be less useful or powerful without unlocking the said elite class?

There’s always going to be some impact on effectiveness, but the design goal is to minimize the differences in overall effectiveness. People’s opinions will make out those changes to be a lot bigger than they are as viewed through the metrics the Devs collect to make balancing decisions.

If you don’t have multiple elite specs to choose from its not an elite spec its just an advanced class level?

Nope. Its still an elite spec. You always have a choice. Right now the choice is to not mistake novelty for advantage. If you had to take one and there was only one, then you’d be without choices.

Umm is it just me that is thinking this?

No, more than one person has expressed this. I figure most of them haven’t read the Horizontal Progression discussion either . It is kinda long.

As far as I am aware, you need to invest in the new specialization trait line to unlock the new weapon. For example, you need to use the chronomancer trait line to use the shield. The specialization is more like a “special” trait line. With the trait line comes a new special ability and weapon. However, like all trait lines, you can only choose 3.

What reason would anyone have to not use the elite spec?

You still want to change your traits like you do now. One build isn’t the best in all situations. For example, I might run dueling/illusions/chronomancy for most dungeon stacking situations. However, in caucuses manor I may switch to domination/dueling/chaos for buff to stealth. Every build has an advantage over another build, weather you use the specialization line or not.

Will the elite spec close other base class traits or skills and replace them or just add more?

It only limits traits in the fact that you can only use 3 trait lines at once. Therefore, you currently need to choose one trait line to replace in order to use the specialization trait line.

Can you use the bow (guardian) without using the elite spec?

Not quite sure. None of the dragon hunter traits say that it gives access to the long bow. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if its the same as chronomancer simply because guardians who don’t purchase HoT can’t use long bows.

Will any class be less useful or powerful without unlocking the said elite class?

The classes will remain the same. Weather some of the specializations are more powerful, only time will tell. However, I think its safe to say that some of them will be more “meta” in most situations.

If you don’t have multiple elite specs to choose from its not an elite spec its just an advanced class level?

Sorry, I can’t help you on this. I really don’t quite exactly understand what you mean even with the example. However, ya I would think of it more like an additional trait line than an “advanced class level”. You could use other weapons besides long bow and still take the dragon hunter trait line. However, for example, I think its safe to say that the dragon hunter trait line synergizes better with the long bow than say the scepter, while if you use the scepter you might want to use a different trait line besides dragon hunter because it synergizes better.

Thanks for the feedback it was very helpful, I do have 1 last question with what has been pointed out. I can currently equip any weapon at the moment and it doesn’t matter at all what traits I have selected so that being said it sounds like choosing to use elite spec will ultimately disadvantage your traits because one line is auto locked to opening a new weapon option? Example I could use say sceptre shield and hammer but full trait for hammer and utility skills but if I use say bow elite spec with hammer I must use bow trait line and only have the last 2 trait lines to select hammer and utility effectively stopping me using the third trait line of my choosing? this make sense?

OP complaints should be looking at the Mastery Tracks, rather then the Specializations.