Guild Wars 2

Hey guys,

I’m considering getting HoT and am really interested in playing a support character. I’m aware of the whole “play what you like thing” and also the fact the GW2 has done away with the trinity of traditional MMO’s.

That being said I’m looking for some input on the best support to take to level 80, personal experiences with said class, and usefulness in terms of solo ability on top of group support play.

I’ve kind of narrowed it down to either a Mesmer or a Ranger but before I decide I’d love some input on them, as of right now I have a Mesmer at 22, but I don’t have a ranger.

Things I’d like to consider:

- Versatility (Buffs/Nerfs/Heals provided, Are they good for solo play also)
- Difficulty (I’m not looking for “Easymode” here but I’d love something simple and fun)

Thanks guys, I look forward to hearing about your experiences with those two classes and all the others in a support role also!

There are multiple ways of playing support in GW2.

For example, way back in year 1 and 2 of GW2, I made my Guardian lean towards “support.” His role was still do DPS in his Berserker gear, yes, but more importantly I was to use weapon and slot skill synergies to stack Might for the Dungeon (and later Fractal) teams. At the same time, he also had the versatility of a Guardian’s tool kit to adapt to specific scenarios (e.g. Wall of Reflection, Shield of Justice, etc.)

Similarly, my Engineer (way back then) would use a series of skills to give the group Might stacks, as well as Fury with Rune of Altruism. He only got more useful after ANet removed all costs to trait switching.

Since coming back, I’ve switch my Mesmer to a Support/Utility Chronomancer. While my Guardian is focused on Might stacking, condition cleansing, Protection, etc., my Chronomancer supports the team by maintaining Alacrity and Quickness buffs to boost the overall effectiveness of the group. She also provides a ton of boon sharing the Illusionary Inspiration trait. Beyond that, you can’t overlook the utility available to a Mesmer, such the Portal, and group Stealth.

I’ve said it back then, and I’ll still say it now: don’t think of “support” in GW2 as merely Healing Power. That’s one way to support, true, but not the ONLY way. Thief have Venomshare, Warriors have Banners, Heralds have Glint and Ventari stances, Tempests have Water and Earth Overloads, Druids have lots of burst heals from Water combos, etc.

Before there were Elite Specializations, I’d guess Guardian or maybe Warrior? were the most ‘support’-like Professions.

It’s different after L80 when one can access Elite Specializations. Ranger is an easy Profession for keeping oneself alive, and can become a Druid (Healer-type) once Elite-Specialized after L80.

Good luck.

Once you have HoT go with Commander/Minstrel Chronomancer, this set up is one of the best support/tank specs, if you not interested in raid then nvm the tanking, support is good enough.

Druid is more in healing while provide some dps buff to other, but if you dont like condition build just take mesmer instead. I personally would suggest you take druid cuz they are good in solo play.

Since the rise of condition meta, PS warrior also a good option.

Thanks guys, I think I’m going to give my boost to my Mesmer and then level a Ranger.

Alaric.3980:

Thanks guys, I think I’m going to give my boost to my Mesmer and then level a Ranger.

My advice would be level first, boost later, because it’s hard to know what you are going to enjoy long term.

Honestly I’d never use the boost. It’s a great way to be able to mess around with new characters at lvl 80 to see if you like them or not.

And trying to learn a class once you are already at lvl 80 is also a bit overwhelming i think. Just me.

Loving Mesmer so far, guys. Thanks so much for the input.