Guild Wars 2

One of the major features of a new spec is a new trait line or redesigned traits. However, I feel like the current trait system could easily limit the potential of this because of the rigid way it ties attributes to trait lines.

My request here is that, where appropriate, attributes should be swapped around for trait lines.

Let’s just say the Mesmer eventually gets a Bard specialization that’s all about boons and buffing. It gets a fancy new variation on the profession mechanic. With no attribute swap, condition damage would be the primary stat of the new trait line, creating a poor synergy. In a better design, however, Boon Duration becomes the new main stat for the new, support-based trait line and condition damage is moved to Chaos. Now we have synergy AND a class that can be built wildly different from the original Mesmer.

Or what if the Thief’s upcoming specialization is focused on keeping the burst role, but it gets the Rifle – a likely power weapon. With no swaps, Condition Damage, the Primary Stat of the Thievery line, would also be tied to the Specialization’s unique trait line. But by swapping Condition Damage with Power from the Deadly Arts line, you create an excellent condition damage line (especially if you’re willing to change some traits) while also providing a burst-oriented specialization line.

In my opinion, such brave changes can only be a positive for the game. They help further separate specializations from the base class – without directly adding anything – while also guiding lines to be as synergetic as possible.

Maybe not player decided, but I agree that mixing the trait line’s attribute bonuses up to better suit the specialization is almost necessary.

I don’t get why they aren’t optional to begin with. It feels so weird to want to spec for damage, but the stats that improve your damage are In another tree.

And I also don’t think it’s fairly balanced. Some professions get great synergy of precision+crit damage in the same traitline, that’s also the traitline with high damage traits. One traitline and they get everything.
While other professions do not get the optimal stats lined up together. And 600 stat points is quite significant.

These stats seem like a bit of a fossil from the old system where the player would get 70 trait points, and every 5 points you’d get a trait (minor or major). And the stat boost was simply there to give some boost for single trait points. But that isn’t the case anymore.

Terrahero.9358:

And 600 stat points is quite significant..

It’s only 300 to any given attribute. +50 from each point