Guild Wars 2

I so badly want to get back into this game. It’s developed into a deep game that honestly looks like it rewards you for the time you put into it. But I, for the life of me, can’t play this sPVP.

I’ve read guides, watched videos, tried different classes, and I’m getting rolled left and right. Before it turns into a “l2p” discussion…I can play. Well… I can play other games. I’ve successfully competed in pvp in most mmos since Asheron’s Call. I just made a mistake by not learning how to pvp when everyone was learning and now everyone is geared and quite proficient while I’m just flopping around on the floor in a permanent downed state.

Has anybody learned how to pvp from scratch within the last couple months? Or have any suggestions on how I might do it? Certain pvp match filters?

Thanks!

what class do you play?

I honestly can’t say the pvp in this game has developed that much since release. A few minor tweaks to classes and balance, two new maps, revamped tournament system and custom arena’s are about all thats happened in the last 10 months or so.

Despite that, the game is still fun as long as you don’t take it too seriously. It’s good though that you are willing to learn to make yourself a better player. I also don’t think the skill cap in this game is that high that you need to practice every day or week even.

- Find a class you enjoy playing. It could be a good idea to check forums (this and gw2 guru pvp forum are decent) for class builds, read up on the class and that build and then just practice doing the moves on the training dummy and npc’s in heart of the mist till you have acquainted yourself with knowing what each move does.

- Look at your trait and adjust accordingly. What are you aiming to be – a tank (bunker), dps (glass cannon) or support? There was a great thread in this section of the forum regarding pvp roles. You need to identify what type of role you want to play and build your char to match it. Whatever utility skills you take make sure you have at least one defensive one in there (stun breaker, stability, teleport, condition removal etc).

- Everything else is just practice. The more you practice, the more you can adjust your weapon/sigils/rune/traits to your own liking. It’d help to also know which skills you can chain together as your bread and butter dps, and which skills to use as your defensive get out of jail ones too.

Well GL I hope alot more people return back to PVP, would spice it up alot!

hmm, i started PvP-ing just about a month or so ago. i main a Guardian and since day one, leveled to do dungeons, then focused on WvW for a bit. and now PvP i would consider the majority of my gw2 playtime.

i do want to say there is a notable difference between PvE/WvW and PvP. your gear for one, is more or less set and you get the chocies of runes and your amulet and upgrade. so the only thing really is to practice and test.. trial and error to see what you can or cannot work with. my personal stat thresholds i developed over the many months didn’t apply in sPvP lol. but like i said, no biggie.

and the style of play is extremely different. even though WvW is a form of PvP, it’s a lot more focused here and less room for error i feel. it really forces you to learn your class.. do pick what you want to be, and then try to build around that.

also, it’s moer key than ever to learn the OTHER classes, even though you might not play them. it’s crucial to learn which moves to dodge, block, blind, interupt, etc etc.. even more importantly, whenyou do get rolled around, cause iddi a lot too, look back on what killed you, how it killed you, and then keep that in mind. learn to avoid those or come up with counters. there won’t be one build that can rule them all, but know what your weaknesses are.

each map has different objectives too, so learn them and learn them well. also use the terrain to your advantage. maybe you can find an empty server and just spend some time running aroudn the map so yuo know your way around them.

i was lucky enough to spend some time in tPvP with some vents, we got on voice chat and was able to learn a bit from then. after that, i just did more research on my own, do more trial and error, try new builds, etc…

and right now, i won’t say i’m extremely good at it. a good player can easily roll me even if i know what i’m doing.. but the point is, i still have fun with it, keep trying new builds, learning new things. : )) so keep it up!

let us know if you have more specific questions.. which may allow us to better help you. for e.g. any specific classes you have problems again, which class you play yoruself, which build, etc etc.

Unfortunately the meta in spvp in almost set in stone. You can theorycraft and mess around in hot joins all day but in the end you’re limited for ranked play. You can rebel and choose a different sigil or utility but that’s about it. Pick up a class you enjoy playing, find the best build or two and go from there.

Practice, practice, practice.

A few guidelines: What is your class the best at? Can it 1v1? What does it bring to team fights? What are it’s pros and cons?

Lastly, knowing the maps and key mechanics is a big deal. Knowing temple buff times on that map is crucial for the win sometimes. Also class specific perks is vital. I ran into a r5x vet the other day that was flipping because he didn’t know why a guardian rallied in a 2v2 fight alongside a mesmer. He did not know about illusion of life and how it worked.

Just looking up things you dont understand or even asking questions goes a long way.

malum.8359:

It’s developed into a deep game that honestly looks like it rewards you for the time you put into it.

To save you allot of trouble…
It hasn’t.

Still the same game as at launch with just a lil nerfed spike dps.
The PvP seems pretty subpar for an MMO, but there aren’t really any other decent ones out though… so ehh…

ozzero.3892:

what class do you play?

I’ve played ranger, thief, warrior, and ele. I had most success with the thief but that was at launch and haven’t had any real success with any of the other classes. I’m most interested in the warrior but can’t handle anyone 1v1.

malum.8359:

ozzero.3892:

what class do you play?

I’ve played ranger, thief, warrior, and ele. I had most success with the thief but that was at launch and haven’t had any real success with any of the other classes. I’m most interested in the warrior but can’t handle anyone 1v1.

Warrior is a very skilled class to play you can kill someone within 6 seconds .. It takes a lot of skill to play but you just need a good build to start off with

Message me in game I can give you some tips to help you play warrior.. All The time people watch me in game and message me . I like your play style your a beast etc.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/pvp/pvp/List-of-players-helping-new-players/page/3#post2083110
Heres a list of experienced players you van whisper for help. Its actually stickied on this forum but people still miss it :/.
If you need any mesmer related help you can also whisper me in game if im online.

Cheers,
Alissah

OP, here’s some general tips:

1. Learn your chosen profession inside and out. Practice with many different builds, and if you aren’t sure where to start ask your respective profession’s sub-board about it. Start out with some tried and true (commonly called cookie-cutter) builds so you can rule out really bad trait / util choices and just get very familiar with it.

2. Practice. Playing every day will train your mind and “muscle memory” so you won’t have to think so much during a fight, you’ll just react. When you can react to what the enemy is doing more than just following a set routine (and panicking when it fails), you’ll notice yourself becoming much better.

3. Learn the OTHER professions inside and out. Find their strengths, and especially take note of their big weaknesses so you can capitalize on them. This will take time, and really, if you want to truly understand how other professions / builds operate you’re just going to have to take the time to get in the mists and play them yourself. This is crucial, because if you have no clue what the enemy is capable of, it’s very hard to play reactively when the situation demands it.

4. If you’re getting absolutely wrecked by a particular profession / build, go to that prof’s sub-board and respectfully ask for help. There are usually experts there that will be glad to give you help. Take note that simply showing up and flaming / demanding nerfs isn’t going to go over well with them.