Guild Wars 2

So because the ranger, necro, and engi are getting 2h weapons as new weapon, could we assume that the mesmer would get a new mainhand wep? because the shield only offhand, right?

They need to give mesmers the pistol for a mainhand. make it a direct damage mid-long range wep

That is my theory, but I think it dangerous to assume as much lest we get our hopes up. I can see it working either way, but hold on to my theory that it will be a weapon set for each profession.

They have said that specializations give ‘a new weapon’. That seems to imply only 1 weapon per specializations, regardless of whether that is a two-handed, main-hand or off-hand weapon. Though I don’t know if it should be taken that literal.

I think you are trying too hard for perfect symmetry when they’ve said ‘a specialization = 1 new weapon’ rather than ‘a specialization = 5 new weapon skills’.

I also think people are overly focused on the new weapon when the new elite, new utility skills, and new traits are probably far more important in terms of the specialization being competitive in any play mode.

Nike.2631:

I also think people are overly focused on the new weapon when the new elite, new utility skills, and new traits are probably far more important in terms of the specialization being competitive in any play mode.

Agreed. Don’t forget ‘changed profession mechanics’, whatever that means exactly.

I am assuming that the Specilizations also give new weapon skills for some other weapons as well. So a Druid might be able to wield a bow, but not a axe for example.

Nike.2631:

I think you are trying too hard for perfect symmetry when they’ve said ‘a specialization = 1 new weapon’ rather than ‘a specialization = 5 new weapon skills’.

I also think people are overly focused on the new weapon when the new elite, new utility skills, and new traits are probably far more important in terms of the specialization being competitive in any play mode.

Are there any official quotes stating that a new profession provides 1 weapon, as opposed to just more weapons? I’d imagine each specialization also loses a weapon when they gain one, I’d assume of equal status, so mesmer might get shield and lose torch, while druid gets staff and loses longbow. I know they are changing up the mechanics (the F1-F4 skills?) along with the right half of the skill bar. Does anyone know if they are changing the left half for existing weapons?

Tharinock.9306:

Does anyone know if they are changing the left half for existing weapons?

There has been no indication whatsoever that this is the case. If it were the case then I think Anet would have hinted at that. So my prediction is no.

Are there any official quotes stating that a new profession provides 1 weapon, as opposed to just more weapons?

A few, for example the HoT site says:

Evolve your gameplay. 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.