Guild Wars 2

so as it said, I’m new, bought it while it was half off. I’ve played many mmo’s, but I have been away from PC games for a few years. This game is definitely hard to play, with dodges and all that, trying to learn. Ive already created so many characters, taking them to level 10, it’s driving me nuts. I guess my question is, how do you play? i’m not quick enough with my skill presses yet, I do fine in pve, but i’ll get slaughtered in PVP. I have a 9 button mouse but I can’t get them to keybind for some reason. Do I need to get a mod for that? Is it easier to play with a xbox controller? This game confuses me in so many ways, reading the forums and everyone is using acronyms, hah! I’m so far behind. sorry for needless rambling.

First, hello and welcome, but take it easy, slow down and just have fun with it

Second, what profession have you enjoyed playing so far? There are many and you’ve done the right thing in trying them all but it’s time to select a main.

Third, if your a little slow like me (plus my lag issues) your better to go with something either ranged, or more defensive and tanky. This way you can see things coming or take the hit directly.

Acronyms? Which ones?
Zerk = power build, full DPS, easy to die
DPS = Damage per second
There are many but you don’t need to know them right away.

Finally find someone to play with in game, you can both learn new things as you go and it’s more fun for sure.

What you stated is totally normal, PvP is considered end game and the people playing it will tend to have the highest possible level of understanding of how to obliterate you.

So a couple points on that:

1) PvP automatically pairs you with equal skill players, but new players start at “average” since we don’t know if you’re good or not yet, so you’re getting thrown in with players that are mediocre PvPers (that may have over a thousand matches under their belt). After losing a few matches it should get to your skill level of “beginner”.

2) You need a very good grasp on the game to kill another player who knows what they’re doing. Consider leveling to max (80) in PvE to learn about the mechanics and your profession, or even doing some PvP-lite in WvW. Alternatively you could launch yourself into PvP if you’re a really dedicated player and get good in probably less than a week.

You’re probably struggling cos GW2 uses a hybrid tab-targetting + action combat system. I.e. Tab-targetting because you can target a mob and “1” auto attack; but action combat because some skills need to be aimed, and can miss, be dodged, or be obstructed. Most older MMOs (e.g. WoW, Everquest) and even some newer MMOs use tab-targetting.

For PvP specifically, you’d expect to be slaughtered when starting out… it’s a game-type where you need to know your class, your opponent’s class and the map really well. And unlike PvE, defensive skills/traits, stunbreaks, CC clear and movement skills are very important. It’s also currently the PvP off-season, so there’s no ranked matches for the experienced PvP-ers, so they’re playing in the same unranked maps with you.

What 9 button mouse are you using? GW2 seems to be ok with most companies’ mapping software (I’ve tried Logitech, Razer and Corsair). Some, like my Corsair mouse, needs to run in hardware mode. AFAIK you can use the Xbox controller, but as this was designed with PC in mind, KB + mouse is still the better control setup for most players.

Hi Dan, try this necromancer build. Use dagger/warhorn for your primary weapon set and for your second weapon set either staff or axe/dagger (I prefer axe/dagger). Make sure autoattack is set for button 1. Dagger autoattack is quite good and will take you all the way to level 80 without needing to do much button pressing (don’t spam button 1 – just let your autoattack cycle through its series of 3 different attacks). Use gear with power and precision (and later on ferocity for the 3rd stat). Buy level appropriate green gear at the trading post every 10-15 levels since it is so cheap. Use cheap food and a sharpening stone.

For your build I would go with Death Magic 1,1,1 (meaning the topmost choice for each column that can be picked) and use a full bar of minions. Second trait line will be Blood Magic 2 (faster run speed while wielding a dagger!), 3, 2 and 3rd will be Spite 1, 3 (if you use axe, otherwise 2), 2. With axe you can just attack things from range while your minions kill everything, or jump into melee and rip things to shreds with your dagger. When full lifeforce you can go into shroud – great if your health gets low as it is basically another full health bar. Super easy and fun build (in my experience).

At level 80 I switched out Spite for Reaper and dagger/wh for greatsword and it is a fantastic minion build for open world PvE as well as dungeons/fractals.

thank you for the replies. my mouse is a combaterwing, it was pretty cheat, not one of the top of the lines, but a couple I know used it and it’s smooth. I’ll have to do more digging on that. I see things like condi in front of builds, reading up on things. i’m guessing condi is condition based? Like your basing class off burning/poison etc damage? I do know the standard ones, dps, lfg, and those. but zerk I didn’t know. thank you for that one. I guess I’m getting old with all this. hah! I think it’s more twords the build names i’m not catching. I’m sure it will come soon.

ive been playing mostly ranger, necro and warrior up to 11-12 now. Ive always enjoyed playing a support class, not needing the big ego trip of high damage, just wanting to win, finish dungeon raid or whatever it is. I’m noticing in this game every class can do almost everything.

I like that Necro build. I think i’ll try that . Still trying to figure out what sigils, boons and the like are. Crafting is a whole ‘nother issue! :-) but i’m having fun.

You need to understand the game mechanics before you can compete. GW2 is really, really, really forgiving, but understanding the basic mechanics is required for PvP and some PvE. I suggest just tooting around till you’re level 80. If that isn’t something that interests you, look for a veteran buddy to guide you in-game. Level 12 is basically not even a level, it’s something that can be acquired in like 60 minutes of play.

Most multi button mouses have a software they use for mapping their keys. I know the razer line uses razer synapse. They’re pretty useful for mmos like guildwars as reaching to the other side of a keyboard is taxing on your wrist and gameplay.

I suggest playing simple classes and progressively move towards higher input intensive classes. There are three classes that I think sort of fit this type of progression.

Basic classes I would suggest would be generic Greatsword Warrior and dagger/x necro. Both classes have a forgiving amount of hitpoints and simple skill rotations. Optimal skill rotation for dagger necro is essentially press 1 repeated and use other skills as needed. Warrior has more useful skills to work with, but they’re self explanatory. During this period I would focus on watching enemies and attempt to dodge as much damage as possible.

For mid range class I’d suggest playing a Tempest dagger/warhorn build. On paper Elementalist look intimidating with all their elements, but fresh air d/w builds are actually pretty simple. Essentially you’re doing the necro 1 spam on air with an occasion 5, only you have to duck into your other elements every now and then on a “on need basis” and then swap back to air. This will help you utilize your multi function mouse more and understand where utility comes in handy. Also the hp of an ele is so low you’ll really feel rewarded for training your dodge on warrior and necro previously if you trained it well enough.

And then finally play condi engie and try not to break your wrist while doing its rotations. I’ve yet to find someone who can pull off optimal rotations consistently.

As mentioned just have fun with it. Don’t stress to much. I died a lot with my first play through. And I mean a lot! But as my toon leveled I got stronger and use to the controls. I personally now play with a Xbox one controller. But you need some other software to do that. If your like me I like things simple so maybe try playing a warrior? They can use most weapons in the game and simple to use. Also can take a beating.
Add me as a friend and find me in game.