Guild Wars 2

Which class should I pick?

I’ve got some information to make it a little easier but i’ve been debating this for a long time.

Mesmer or Elementalist.

What I like about each class;

Mesmer -
. Weapon choices (Namely Greatsword and Pistols)
. Clones
. The buffs that come with it

Con’s
. Damage output, though this may be due to me being used to Elementalist

Elementalist –
Pro’s
. Damage Output in PvE
. Mobility (Speed movement)
. Range of attack

Con’s
. Lack of weapon choice
. Can be squishy

Overall, PvE is the most important aspect to me, but i’d also like a range of weaponry, such as the GS and Pistols. Would anyone be able to help me in deciding?

Well Mesmer is a tough class to master but once you master it with certain builds you can be a powerhouse in PvE and PvP.

If the only thing you don’t like about Mesmer is it’s damage output, then go with mesmer. Skilled play can make up for that easily. It REQUIRES skilled play, so you’ll have to get good, but that’s a thing you can do.

No amount of practice is gonna let an elementalist wield a greatsword, sadly.

Overlord Falcor.6014:

Well Mesmer is a tough class to master but once you master it with certain builds you can be a powerhouse in PvE and PvP.

I bet, What sort of build would you suggest to me? I’m pretty used to using Dagger/Dagger as an Ele, so i’m used to keeping out of danger at least.

codingCaptor.9428:

If the only thing you don’t like about Mesmer is it’s damage output, then go with mesmer. Skilled play can make up for that easily. It REQUIRES skilled play, so you’ll have to get good, but that’s a thing you can do.

No amount of practice is gonna let an elementalist wield a greatsword, sadly.

@ Coding – What sort of skill does it require? I’m assuming timing on the shattering of clones and such.

I use a 1-handed sword and a torch as well as a greatsword on my Mesmer. I feel like being able to switch between short and long-range is always nice, no matter what class combination and that is always what has frustrated me about Elementalist. I have great survivability, even as a Berserker set-up (stressing power/precision/damage %). When I first was playing Mesmer I was worried it was weak. But then I noticed I was killing enemies before everyone, so I don’t feel that way anymore. I do stress the 1-handed/torch though in PvE. Everyone else likes the greatsword for EVERYTHING, but you use all five skills well with a 1-handed sword/torch and stuff will die QUICK. (Go invis, sneak up to enemy, burn enemy, summon mage, use number 3 skill twice, number 1 skill for the vulnerability, and finish off with number 2.) The fun of Mesmer, too, is the class is mystifying to many, even people who play it regularly. People who don’t play it haven’t a clue. And it IS versatile. You could be more of a caster, or a swordie, or the greatsword which is a bit of both in a way.

NOT being able to make that switch mid-combat. I like two daggers on my Elementalist, but it’s actually a scary set-up, I can be much, much more aggressive with a staff or a scepter/dagger or scepter/focus.

I really do like both classes though. I don’t feel you have to make a decision. If you feel your game play time is severely limited then I understand why you feel it necessary to make a choice. Otherwise, I just wouldn’t. One day it’ll come to you, you’ll just know, “This is the class for me.” Or maybe you’ll be like me and yes, have a level 80, but have two other classes heading in that direction as well.

I’ve played Mesmer, Elementalist, Ranger, and Thief.

My mesmer girl is a human, with a Sword/Pistol build, specced domination, dueling, illusion, and I love it. It’s not all that complex of a class, it’s just different in that you likely haven’t played anything else like it in another MMO. She’s got the damage output to match my elementalist, thief, or ranger any day, so don’t worry about that ever being a problem.

My elementalist is also human, I went Air/Fire, and use a Staff. It plays like a normal caster in almost any game ever, but is still great fun. While you can’t swap weapons, you’ve got 20 skills on your bar, with your one weapon set. Even without traits, the backup healing I can throw out with Water in a pinch is good, and my control and condition damage in earth is always a boon to my group. Being a toolbox is something I enjoy and always have. Also, you really don’t need to worry about being squishy. You’ve got more heal skills as an elementalist than anyone else will ever get, and range. Not to mention you can usually burn down a mob of targets before they ever get to you.

Everything in this game is capable of doing everything, the ways they do it are the only things that change. What really, really maters is how you play, and what you’re good at.

With all of that said though, if it was my choice, Mesmer.