Guild Wars 2

Hi,

I know there is a lot out there about metabuilds and different builds such as DPS and Support but I seem to see a lot of different opinions. My questions are as follows:

1) Do people always use meta builds (where physically possible) for things such as dungeons and PvP? Or do a lot of people just use builds they like?

2) where is the best place to find meta builds along with other good builds such as support builds as I have seen a lot of sites but some builds look outdated?

Thanks in advance!

1) Most people use meta build, great/good build or personnal variation of those build. Both in PvP and Dungeon. But there is still a lot of people that prefer build of their own.

2) http://metabattle.com/wiki/MetaBattle_Wiki

I use alot of my own builds. As far as I know, I do not have a “meta” build, but if you know how to use the traits and skills, it wouldn’t surprise me if a few of my builds where considered “meta”

Hi,

Thanks both for your responses I have found them very useful! Currently I like to use my own builds but I do look at meta builds to get ideas ect so there probably is some crossover.

Do people use the skill/weapon rotation as detailed on the metabattle page ? Just feels a bit robotic and not sure I would get much enjoyment doing it? Although I know some people just want to get the job done.

I like to mix it up where sometimes I like to go with dps in dungeons but sometimes I like to play support role. Just wondering what your thoughts are?

Thanks again!

Lykos.5678:

Do people use the skill/weapon rotation as detailed on the metabattle page ? Just feels a bit robotic and not sure I would get much enjoyment doing it? Although I know some people just want to get the job done.

I like to mix it up where sometimes I like to go with dps in dungeons but sometimes I like to play support role. Just wondering what your thoughts are?

Thanks again!

Some do some don’t. It can be really hard to learn some of the rotations and when your fighting stuff can either die too quickly to do a full rotation or takes so long that stuff is on cooldown. Those builds are aimed at people who plan to run the full meta party.

There is nothing wrong with running support builds, just don’t join any ‘meta’ parties. Or people who are specifically asking for a certain build such as PS wars or staff ele as they are more than likely expecting them to be full dps meta builds.

The great thing about this game is there are plenty of builds so you will have plenty to mess around with. There will always be a meta and that is what kills stuff most efficiently but if your not worried about taking a little extra time to enjoy the game the way you wish then your not losing out.

There are also plenty of classes who you can do decent DPS on as well as support your party such as ele or guard.

Check out DnT on youtube for PvE builds with detailed explanations. Although up to date optimal builds you may find something that you like and change a few things such as armor to suit your play style.

I usually don’t use meta, because I like to try and experiment with builds that I like to get them so tight you can’t change the build. For instance, this ele staff build:

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vFAQFAWnMIC9MgtMA2NAsSgBBAheutaEowj6d7zA-TBhFgAAKBpV+Zq+zlGCA-e

Since I don’t use dagger, I can’t use the trait for movespeed while holding dagger. Why do I not like dagger? Because I like being at range (Also why I won’t use tempest in Heart of Thorns.) Since enemies often run out of AOEs, Ring of Fire to me is usually useless, and 900 range doesn’t cut it.

I only use meta builds in pvp if I’m too lazy to figure something out for myself, or I simply don’t have enough time so I just plug in what currently “works” to hammer out a pvp daily.

In other games, having a meta build might be enough; in GW2, you also have to know how to use it. So, meta builds are a great place to start, for people who aren’t good at theory-crafting. They are often a bad place to start for people who don’t like to follow someone else’s style.

roachsrealm.9284:

I only use meta builds in pvp if I’m too lazy to figure something out for myself, or I simply don’t have enough time so I just plug in what currently “works” to hammer out a pvp daily.

Pretty much this.

If I’m in a situation where I’m not familiar with the content and just need a quick guide and tips I’ll pick up a build and read over the notes to get a basic understanding of the gameplay.

If I’m in a more serious/dedicated situation I’ll generally draft my own builds and compare them to the meta. Ultimately, it boils down to having the right tool for the job. Meta builds will get you through the majority of the content they are posted for. Though, the players that excel are the ones that are able to adapt on the fly based on the content, team comp etc.

Some people will always use meta builds, some never do, and some will use them only when necessary.

There also seems to be a misconception amongst some meta build players that everyone wants to use meta builds and that anyone who uses anything else is either making a mistake or trying to create a new meta build.

The truth is that all aspects of the game are forgiving enough that you can use pretty much whatever you want. You might not be the fastest or strongest or whatever but you can complete the content and get the rewards and some people find other playstyles fun.

Creating my own builds is one of the things I really like doing in RPGs so I never use meta builds. I might make something similar, and I’m usually aware of what popular builds are, but my first priority is always that I like using it.

i use metabuilds but i usually change some things around to my liking

I don’t, they don’t always fit my playstyle. For example, when I roam in WvW I like to play power ranger using longbow (fairly standard) however, I use rune of the trapper (gives condition damage which is kinda meh for me) with traps for my utility. Why? I like the mobility it gives and stealth (as you learn in WvW) is a good way to disengage a losing fight or run from a group looking to kill you by numbers.

I’m sure there are fights that I lose that would be different with meta builds but it goes the same for meta builds that can lose fights that I can win.

Meta builds are a good place to start for some guidance but it is not a case of “one-size-fits-all”. Take what works for you and adjust the build to best meet your needs and those of the situation.

starting with the meta is usually not a bad idea. most of the time, people figure out synergies that i may have missed. But usually i start swapping out traits/skills/gear according to how i like to play.

Another thing to remember is that the meta is usually the result of some person in youtube videos or in ESL. The youtube guys cleverly edit out the deficiencies of their builds, and the ESL folks are on teams that provide support that you will not normally see and day-to-day play (even on guild teams).

use the meta to practice, and tweak it to your preference…

No. I mean , no because I had type an entire sentence.