Guild Wars 2

Can someone explain why ANET said the new trait system will improve build diversity? Because from what I can tell, instead of having 5×6 traits to choose from you’ll only have 3×6 at one given time, which from a mathematical point of view means less possible combinations.
What am I missing?

I would say that they meant that because they merged certain traits together there are more options of actually combining different traits effects that you couldn’t before while mostly retaining all the previous options.

It ideally would mean that every trait you pick has a bigger impact on your build, making every trait alot more powerful or build changing.

That said, the current system has alot more space for tiny differences between builds. although I’m pretty sure most people mostly picked the same combinations for every class since those options are more easier to play with. So in the end it seems to me that what they meant with creating more diversity is actually meant with regards to the meta.

“Absolute” diversity in builds, as in possible combinations is alot less and the new system is (overly) simplified.

VaLee.5102:

Can someone explain why ANET said the new trait system will improve build diversity? Because from what I can tell, instead of having 5×6 traits to choose from you’ll only have 3×6 at one given time, which from a mathematical point of view means less possible combinations.
What am I missing?

More good options basically. While some stuff is lost and the total amount of combinations is less, many of the current traits are just junk, strait up. By combining many of those junk traits the new combinations become quite interesting, combine that with some new traits and the system as a whole I feel that you have more strong combinations than what we have right now.

I’m excited for it as I see a lot of good options that I didn’t have before. For instance It was not worth getting Fortified Turrets on my Engi before, now, I could very well see myself making that choice.

My choices will have both more impact and be less harmful. By that I mean my choices give me more power but I have to sacrifice less to get them.

While certainly Meta’s will develop I think the non meta options will see more benefit than the meta’s with this new system. And that’s why it gives more diversity, because the average strength of build has grown the “weak” builds will still be quite powerful.

Also the fact that we’re not forced to pick one line because of the stats.

The changes actually open the door to far more then you realize. At the moment, the new trait system will not provide a greater diversity in builds. It doesn’t remove builds we already have, at least it should. It also means that your stats aren’t locked in with traits which means that armor can be more diverse. So you know how in PvP you have trinkets that give you 4 stats rather then 3? or the accessories in PvE/WvW which also give you 4 stats? Well, since the armor bonuses we are getting are going to be scaled up to accommodate the loss in stats we would get from this change it also means that 4 stat gear could be in the near future. Perhaps even gear with passive boon or condition duration added on without sacrificing a whole third stat to do so. it can be a minor stat in the gear.

It doesnt provide greater diversity.

However they are also packaging it with a trait revamp to create better traits. Better traits is what may create more usable diversity

the goal is not really diversity, its simplification/accessebility.

The possible combinations will reduce drastically but about possible viable builds, dunno.

VaLee.5102:

Can someone explain why ANET said the new trait system will improve build diversity? Because from what I can tell, instead of having 5×6 traits to choose from you’ll only have 3×6 at one given time, which from a mathematical point of view means less possible combinations.
What am I missing?

I’m sorry to say this, but you’re makeing a mistake by assuming 5×6 VS 3×6.

In HoT spec you still have 5 trait line, and if you assume a 5×6 in the present sistem you are thinking of having 30 traits point, while you instead allocate just 14 of them.

But, back in HoT, with 3 spec line, you can reach the end of all 3 of them (If I’m not wronge).
So the actual allocated points will be 3×6=18 > 14.

Zaganna.6034:

VaLee.5102:

Can someone explain why ANET said the new trait system will improve build diversity? Because from what I can tell, instead of having 5×6 traits to choose from you’ll only have 3×6 at one given time, which from a mathematical point of view means less possible combinations.
What am I missing?

I’m sorry to say this, but you’re makeing a mistake by assuming 5×6 VS 3×6.

In HoT spec you still have 5 trait line, and if you assume a 5×6 in the present sistem you are thinking of having 30 traits point, while you instead allocate just 14 of them.

But, back in HoT, with 3 spec line, you can reach the end of all 3 of them (If I’m not wronge).
So the actual allocated points will be 3×6=18 > 14.

But you have to take into consideration that taking 2 or 3 adepts is no longer possible. Really hurts classes/traitlines with bad masters or grandmasters, and takes it down a noch again, but overall, i think the new system is pretty solid. Now, if they would just fix the Necro problems…especially since a lot of them are easily fixable/fixable with what is already coded in the game.

http://dulfy.net/2015/05/02/gw2-specialization-calculator-that_shaman/#profession=elementalist&traits=W1siRmlyZSBNYWdpYyIsMiw1LDhdLFsiV2F0ZXIgTWFnaWMiLDIsNSw4XSxbIkFpciBNYWdpYyIsMiw1LDhdXQ==

From what I’ve tested and seen, they combined more than a few abilities. I can only speak for myself, but I’m liking what I’m seeing for my build.

Huge improvement. So much so, I wouldn’t doubt it gets a nerf if others realize how powerful it can be.

That said, my build is pretty much the same as it was before . . . just now even better.

I can’t wait to test it live.

Also I noticed they removed the damage boost for weapons in the traits or stuff like larger AoEs for staff eles and there’s no replacement for that. That kinda removes the uniqueness of certain builds in my opinion.

VaLee.5102:

Also I noticed they removed the damage boost for weapons in the traits or stuff like larger AoEs for staff eles and there’s no replacement for that.

Some of those traits have been made baseline. For example, the larger AoEs for staff ele trait is now the default.

Diovid.9506:

Some of those traits have been made baseline. For example, the larger AoEs for staff ele trait is now the default.

Any source on that? Or was it on livestream?

VaLee.5102:

Diovid.9506:

Some of those traits have been made baseline. For example, the larger AoEs for staff ele trait is now the default.

Any source on that? Or was it on livestream?

It was on the livestream. Here are the notes: http://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/33qrg0/specialization_ama_livestream_notes/