Guild Wars 2

With profession specializations, you’ll unlock access to a weapon previously unavailable to your profession as well as new traits, skills, and unique mechanics – all of which will transform your profession into something new.

The bullet point I’m most interested about in the new expansion!

Some more information about the specializations came out during the after party, read here!

Assuming one specialization gives one new weapon for the existing class we got following!

Specializations:
Heavy:

• Guardian – ???
• Warrior – ???
• Revenant – Uses a Staff (video + no polearm/spear) or Sword(video)

Medium:

• Thief – Uses a rifle (screen)
• Ranger to Druid – Uses a staff (video + PAX announcement)
• Engineer – Uses a hammer (video)

Light:

• Necromancer – Uses a Greatsword (PAX announcement)
• Elementalist – Uses a Sword (video + comment)
• Mesmer – Uses a Shield (video)

I’m pretty sure you can change your spec back if you want of course. I’m more curious on how many specs each character will have I’m guessing either 1 or 2 as much as we know now.

I’m curious on the new traits and the build variety it can bring now.

So far I’ve seen a Engineering with a large hammer (maybe they’re introducing greathammers?), a ranger with a staff (druid) and a necro with a greatsword

well it seems like the ranger becoming a druid is kind of like it becoming a new profession in a sense

My biggest question about that is there actually an option, or is druid is the only one for ranger, necro greatsword is the only one they get, etc…

It would be AMAZING if there’s options but a little less so if it’s one per prof.

I guess it will start with 1 pr profession, and then they can expand from there.

The most important question to me is – how many specs is each profession going to have? Or, I would love them to confirm at least wheter that number is greater than 1, because the way they were talking about that – and the way the website teases it – it seems a bit unclear to me. I’m afraid it just means you can turn your ranger into a druid, and that’s it.

digiowl.9620:

I guess it will start with 1 pr profession, and then they can expand from there.

I was thinking this. Colin kept talking about the new vision for character progression in GW2, and I was thinking exactly that. They’re going to leave specialization open for new options in the future.

I really enjoyed the presentation.

I know our questions will be answered as time passes, but I’d like a small clarification on whether the specialisation will only work while in the new map, or if will also work on the existing PvE maps.

WIll it be account wide or will i need to level up multiple rangers to have different specializations?

Gyler.8150:

WIll it be account wide or will i need to level up multiple rangers to have different specializations?

It might not be you can be able to switch ,but we will get more information as it comes.

TurtleofPower.5641:

My biggest question about that is there actually an option, or is druid is the only one for ranger, necro greatsword is the only one they get, etc…

It would be AMAZING if there’s options but a little less so if it’s one per prof.

It would be kinda pointless if we only had a single specialization, if we only have 1 specialization then what’s the point?

I would have to believe there is more then 1 option for each profession. Every ranger being forced into being a druid would be silly. And if they were to say “well you can just stay a ranger” that would be like saying “here’s this amazing new thing but since druid doesn’t really match up at all with the idea of a ranger class that you picked, you don’t get anything at all.”

Uhaen.9876:

digiowl.9620:

I guess it will start with 1 pr profession, and then they can expand from there.

I was thinking this. Colin kept talking about the new vision for character progression in GW2, and I was thinking exactly that. They’re going to leave specialization open for new options in the future.

And thinking about it, they will likely allow us to only have one specialization active at a time. Thus you will choose between ranger/druid and ranger/xyz etc.

This will allow them to expand the build choices while keeping a tighter leash on the skill interactions than they had in GW1.

I just want to use a greatsword with my elementalist please make it

Now I wonder where is Orpheal at? I know he/she will have some input on this topic. Also to add on to this discussion lets speculate on what the other names of the specs are gonna be?

My guesses for some Specializations.

First one is obvious.

• Necromancer/Deathknight – Uses Greatswords to slaughter enemies, and applies lots of crowd control.

Second one is mostly speculation, but makes sense to me. Devs have been trying to get Guardians into a more offensive place (Litany of Wrath for example.)

• Guardian/Crusader – Uses Longbows as its new weapon, and applies protection and aegis to allies from afar. Applies might and fury to him/herself and allies.

A little far fetched, but I can see the pact training Elementalists into hardened soldiers for dealing with Mordremoth’s minions.

• Elementalist/Battlemage – Uses swords as its new weapon. It imbues allies with the power of the elements.

Good thinking, I’ll add a theory list to the OP

Some of my Speculation I can add here.

For Warrior

• Warlords : Spec in Spears and allowing the boost to Shouts and boons to allies near them.

For Elementists

• Magus (Woodenpotatoes used this name) More of a Burst Mage perhaps?

Chronomancer for Mesmer? Not that it’s the Utopia class, but there was a giant clock. ;P

What I find most interesting about this system, however, is what it might mean for the future. The one named one we were given, Druid, allows the Ranger to specialize in a theme appropriate to the expansion.

Perhaps Thief will get Assassin in Cantha and Guardian will get Paragon in Elona, for instance?

This is the exact version of specialization I wanted and pushed for in the CDI. So happy! Oh my gosh, I have to make so many more alts now…

Jokubas.4265:

Chronomancer for Mesmer? Not that it’s the Utopia class, but there was a giant clock. ;P

Ooh, I hadn’t thought to call it Chronomancer. You’re probably right. I wonder if that means we’ll get Summoner, maybe via Elementalist?

I hope they throw in as many references to Utopia as possible, really.

I’m concerned for how specializations will mix in with base profession:

1. are they an alternate profession, with own skills, traits, equips, that does not mix with base profession? So I’m either druid or a ranger but i can’t use ranger skills as druid, or druid skills as the ranger?

2. Are they alternative sets of skills, profession mechanic and trats that does mix in with the base profession and it’s total freedom what i select?

3. Are they free for all jobs, or each stuck to one base profession? Can my engi become a druid?

4. Is there one specialization per profession or more if above is restricted?

I’m pretty sure the Mesmer uses a shield. In the trailer, at the 1:27 mark, you can see the Mesmer using a shield.

Link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421914688&v=IOUk2y0K2m8&x-yt-cl=84503534

It sounds, to me, like its going to be 1 specialization per class. At least right now, obviously with room to expand later. However, its possible they’re just keeping it all under wraps right now so they can blow our minds and reveal multiple specializations later.

I mean, I do think that it’ll be a little underwhelming if it is only one. If this is supposed to be almost like a “second class” as they say, that sounds like its supposed to be a choice, as your primary class is. Make a choice, and what you choose will alter how the class plays in some way. Just the name “specialization” implies that you’re taking your character down a certain path, one of multiple potential paths. But if its just one spec per class, then there’s really not much “choice” involved. Pick the one spec there is and get extra weapons / utilities, or don’t take it and get nothing. That’s a pretty one-sided “choice”.

There’s something to be said for future possibilities and obviously the specialization system offers plenty of that, but I feel like its not a great introduction if it ships with just one, even if that’s what it sounds like at the moment.

ZeftheWicked.3076:

I’m concerned for how specializations will mix in with base profession:

1. are they an alternate profession, with own skills, traits, equips, that does not mix with base profession? So I’m either druid or a ranger but i can’t use ranger skills as druid, or druid skills as the ranger?

2. Are they alternative sets of skills, profession mechanic and trats that does mix in with the base profession and it’s total freedom what i select?

3. Are they free for all jobs, or each stuck to one base profession? Can my engi become a druid?

4. Is there one specialization per profession or more if above is restricted?

1. Yes if its like other MMOs where you reach a level and perform a job change in which you can possibly switch back as well. Which means if you are a druid then you are using only druid skills and so fourth although we only have limited information at the moment.

2. Also what we seen we will have traits , skills and elites dealing with that spec.

3. They are grouped together with the base class the engi will have its own spec while others have its own so they don’t get grouped together.

4. We will get more information once more is out.

Please for the love of god let necros and eles use torch

ZeftheWicked.3076:

I’m concerned for how specializations will mix in with base profession:

1. are they an alternate profession, with own skills, traits, equips, that does not mix with base profession? So I’m either druid or a ranger but i can’t use ranger skills as druid, or druid skills as the ranger?

2. Are they alternative sets of skills, profession mechanic and trats that does mix in with the base profession and it’s total freedom what i select?

3. Are they free for all jobs, or each stuck to one base profession? Can my engi become a druid?

4. Is there one specialization per profession or more if above is restricted?

Just spitballing, but i think they will be a set of utility skills, weapon(s), and traits that gets added to the base profession.

So picking druid will unlock (at least) the staff (and its weapon skills), a heal skill, a utility skill pr tier, a elite skill, and a set of traits.

As they then introduce new specializations you forgo that set for another by switching over. If this holds it will make sense that we can switch specialization as we switch skills and traits today.

Found this from another thread here showing a thief holding a rifle so maybe one of the thief specs will be assassin.

Ferever.7014:

Found this from another thread here showing a thief holding a rifle so maybe one of the thief specs will be assassin.

You get “assasin” from rifle lol? Sniper or sharpshooter would be a better name.

Sagat.3285:

Ferever.7014:

Found this from another thread here showing a thief holding a rifle so maybe one of the thief specs will be assassin.

You get “assasin” from rifle lol? Sniper or sharpshooter would be a better name.

I remember an assassin in the movie Kill Bill that used a rifle so I thought of that on the fly to be honest. ,but its all early information and were having a good time doing this.

I think the entire primary mechanic (F1-4) gets replaced. That would mean that every other skill and trait linked to the primary mechanic would have to be replaced as well.

For example, the Druid gets new F1-4 skills, and all pet abilities are replaced with abilities tied to the new mechanic.

I’m glad they’ve already done the development so they’re not influenced by the OP’s insane suggestion that we Elementalists get the worst weapon in the history of weapons (Torch).

Oh no torch please, we can already spit fire from every hole, what would be the point?

Ferever.7014:

Found this from another thread here showing a thief holding a rifle so maybe one of the thief specs will be assassin.

I mean… Engi uses rifle… Still would be really cool! Here’s hoping you’re right!!!

TriggerSad.2597:

Ferever.7014:

Found this from another thread here showing a thief holding a rifle so maybe one of the thief specs will be assassin.

I mean… Engi uses rifle… Still would be really cool! Here’s hoping you’re right!!!

I wouldn’t mind being wrong since we don’t have any information at all.

Hmm….I got another idea for another spec for Engineer what if we can become a alchemist and upgrade our Elixers and create new bombs and other items to make.

MyPuppy.8970:

Oh no torch please, we can already spit fire from every hole, what would be the point?

I think that is a limited view of what the torch could be. But nevermind that, what would you guys want to see? Shortbow/Longbow maybe?

Snowball.3497:

MyPuppy.8970:

Oh no torch please, we can already spit fire from every hole, what would be the point?

I think that is a limited view of what the torch could be. But nevermind that, what would you guys want to see? Shortbow/Longbow maybe?

Off-hand scepter! Would be cool to see imo.

I’m not really that keen on Greatsword Necros, I cannot think of all those peasants ruining the Necro theme with oversized crap.

One-handed Swords or Torches would fit much, much, much better with a specialization for Siphoning.

Snowball.3497:

MyPuppy.8970:

Oh no torch please, we can already spit fire from every hole, what would be the point?

I think that is a limited view of what the torch could be. But nevermind that, what would you guys want to see? Shortbow/Longbow maybe?

Hmm…I would love to see Grimories or Tomes used for eles. Also Snowball here is another thought just now.

With the release of spec do you think people will be forced into a certain roles? Like what if a Druid is a heavy CC class with good support skills ,but low damage output will zerker still be viable?

This is by far the most important thing to me. If there’s only one specialization I’ll be sad panda, as it’s basically getting new skills and abilities that everyone will get. But if you can customize your character just that little bit more, that’ll make all the difference. Hope we don’t have to wait long to find out.

Snowball.3497:

• Revenant – Uses a Spear (proof) or Greatsword (proof)

That’s a sword, not greatsword.

Snowball.3497:

• Thief – Uses a rifle (proof)

While unsurprising, not sure that’s a thief.

Do we know how many specializations a profession will have? I hope it’s more than one.

Rym.1469:

I’m not really that keen on Greatsword Necros, I cannot think of all those peasants ruining the Necro theme with oversized crap.

One-handed Swords or Torches would fit much, much, much better with a specialization for Siphoning.

We don’t know what the necro’s specialization is going to involve, though. I do like the idea about necromancers getting a torch, though! Would be really neat!

That Revenant greatsword proof isn’t correct. That’s just the FGS which is just a regular sword.

I can’t wait to see the engi one, with those mobile turrets/gadgets flying around him.

This is kind of baseless, but with if Thief is Pirate/Corsair? It was a popular idea for a class before launch, and it seems like it could fit as a Specialization. It would also fit with the potential Rifle Thief.

Jokubas.4265:

This is kind of baseless, but with if Thief is Pirate/Corsair? It was a popular idea for a class before launch, and it seems like it could fit as a Specialization. It would also fit with the potential Rifle Thief.

I can see that actually and allows different stealing traits to use with that.

Guardians will use Longbow, you can write it!

;)

skullmount.1758:

That Revenant greatsword proof isn’t correct. That’s just he FGS which is just a regular sword.

I can’t wait to see the engi one, with those mobile turrets/gadgets flying around him.

Thanks! Edited to Sword.

Snowball.3497:

I think that is a limited view of what the torch could be.

Torch is one of my favorite weapons in this game because there’s so much potential in something that most games ignore. Elementalists, out of any class except maybe Mesmer (which don’t do enough with it), could do some really crazy stuff with Torch, changing drastically by element. You could make it change to each element, or make each element react to the base torch. Fire creates an inferno, water makes it a steam weapon, earth makes it a lava weapon, air creates a wildfire, or whatever.

I wouldn’t count it out.

I really hope the “rifle proof” on thief isn’t a thief and is just an engineer or something.

The animations and style are so unsuited for how the class plays.