Guild Wars 2

Fact: since release the Build Diversity is in a pretty bad state.

The good thing I see on patches is, new builds getting viable (for eg S/D thieves).
The bad thing is, A-Net constantly nerf other speccs in the same step (sometimes on purpose, sometimes accidently).
A good example was the quickness-nerf. They balanced the timewarp around it, but in the meantime they totally screwed up frenzy / haste.

If we take the patch from 26th June I see the same pattern again:

- BM-ranger nerfed
- cantrip-eles nerfed (not unplayable though)

+ dps eles buffed (air-attunement)
+ necro in general buffed

Sometimes A-Net buffs a single trait so hard that several builds merge into one build only, due to this outstanding trait.

In Conclusion this strategy changes the Meta, which keeps it interesting for us. Though the Build-Diversity doesn’t profit from those changes at all. We still have several classes pigeon holded or not even played anymore (eg. Warrior, mabye Ranger in the future).
For me it feels like being on a Carussell. Turning, but not moving forward.

Your thoughts on this?

I can’t speak for the meta but regarding Engineer builds/changes, I think the analogy of a Carousel is a good one.

Everytime a utility gets overused, it gets nerfed to oblivion and pidgeon-holing everyone into taking a substitute (Elixir S → Elixir R → Rocket Boots). Why can’t they realize that they can buff without over-nerfing and destroying its usage.

Can you explain why you feel Shielded Mind is a musthave?

30 in Virtues was pretty common even before patch. Rolling “Absolute Resolution” and “Indomitable Courage”.

With the new Necro and therefore Conditionmeta you probably dont want to miss either of those.

The Stunbreak for everyone is pretty nice but i still think its not worth taking it. Aegis, Protection and Stability is given to your party even without this Trait.

LeGi.3921:

Can you explain why you feel Shielded Mind is a musthave?

30 in Virtues was pretty common even before patch. Rolling “Absolute Resolution” and “Indomitable Courage”.

With the new Necro and therefore Conditionmeta you probably dont want to miss either of those.

The Stunbreak for everyone is pretty nice but i still think its not worth taking it. Aegis, Protection and Stability is given to your party even without this Trait.

Actually that was my fault, I missread something in the haste. I surely have to agree with you here, also updated my post.