Guild Wars 2

So, I had been under the impression that elite specializations were supposed to simply be alternatives to the original classes instead of an upgrade. However, upon entering PvP after the launch of HoT, I think a lot of people have come to the conclusion that this is not the case. The elite specializations simply do more damage, have more overall mobility and cc options, and are more dynamic and fast-pace classes overall. The normal specs just can’t keep up anymore. Nearly every game I have played so far has followed a similar pattern that points towards this fact: all of the elite specs on both teams tend to duke it out amongst each other, and when anyone still running one of the original specs tries to jump in to help, they are wiped off the map almost immediately. So, the normal specs on each team tend to fight amongst each other while elite specs fight some otherworldly battle that they simply can’t participate in.

I would actually like to hear if other people have been experiencing this same phenomenon, because I have noticed this reoccurring in almost every game, but of course it may just be my own bias : )

On that note, instead of just presenting the problem and demanding for some kind of solution, I actually attempted to formulate some suggestions that might help with this problem. To me I think it’s pretty simple: If elite specializations are left as pure upgrades instead of alternatives to the original specs, then there is no possible way that elite specs should be allowed to play in the same PvP matches as those still running the original specs. Basically, the only two solutions to this are either:

1. Scale back the elite specs. Take a look at the elite specializations again and try to scale them back to the same level as the original specs while still somehow retaining their unique and dynamic playstyles. Basically, try to make elite specs more of an alternative to the original specs instead of an overall upgrade, as they clearly are now. Or, because this seems like a lot of work and may not follow the original intentions of the developers:

2. Segregate PvP between the original specs and the new elite specializations, which can be implemented fairly easily by simply splitting the queues to funnel elite specs into teams together and original specs into another. Not only will this allow us to keep the original PvP, which was relatively balanced and less fast-paced, but it will also cut back on the issues of complete unbalance that are making PvP almost unplayable at the moment. And by pitting all the elite specs against each other without having to worry about how the normal specs are fairing against them, it will also give the developers better grounds on which to truly root out balance issues inherent within some of the new elite specs.

I’d like to hear responses as to what people think of this possible solution. Maybe people really do just need some time to acclimate to the new specializations and learn how to play against them, in fact I hope that that’s the biggest issue and that perhaps the response people have been giving is simply an over reaction. If anything, this could even just be a temporary thing to make PvP playable again for those who are no longer having fun playing their favorite classes, until things either begin to balance out or people get used to the new classes and things fix themselves.Thanks for taking the time to read! : )

This appears to be a l2p issue. This is challenging group content, which is in a good spot right now and also balanced at an alarming rate.
D I V A

I agree with Aumora on this, if the elite specs are supposed to be upgrades then it should be segregated. And if they are supposed to just be alternatives i would say they need to be scaled back, makes no sense that the dragonhunter deals more ranged DPS than a ranger. ATM the elite specs are completely destroying anybody who i sent in an elite spec.

If elite specializations weren’t objectively better than core specializations, then they wouldn’t be elite. They need to be segregated.

The elite specs are supposed to be side-grades, putting a twist on the core playstyle. They are not supposed to be better than core professions.

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

Exedore.6320:

The elite specs are supposed to be side-grades, putting a twist on the core playstyle. They are not supposed to be better than core professions.

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

I was fairly certain that this was the case, and I’m really hoping that it is. I’d rather have them take a few months to iron out the imbalances in the elite specializations to put them on the same level as the core specializations, instead of having a whole line of objectively better classes that are trapped behind a pay wall.

Aumora.4326:

Exedore.6320:

The elite specs are supposed to be side-grades, putting a twist on the core playstyle. They are not supposed to be better than core professions.

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

I was fairly certain that this was the case, and I’m really hoping that it is. I’d rather have them take a few months to iron out the imbalances in the elite specializations to put them on the same level as the core specializations, instead of having a whole line of objectively better classes that are trapped behind a pay wall.

Think about it from a marketing point of view.

If you introduce a new expansion full of classes that are crap or UP, and players have a bad experience, they’re not going to be happy with the game and thus stop playing.

If you release them strong and bring them down later, then they were enjoyed to begin with and people are more likely to stick with them later. No negative stigma.

Just accept it and move on.

Ross Biddle.2367:

Aumora.4326:

Exedore.6320:

The elite specs are supposed to be side-grades, putting a twist on the core playstyle. They are not supposed to be better than core professions.

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

I was fairly certain that this was the case, and I’m really hoping that it is. I’d rather have them take a few months to iron out the imbalances in the elite specializations to put them on the same level as the core specializations, instead of having a whole line of objectively better classes that are trapped behind a pay wall.

Think about it from a marketing point of view.

If you introduce a new expansion full of classes that are crap or UP, and players have a bad experience, they’re not going to be happy with the game and thus stop playing.

If you release them strong and bring them down later, then they were enjoyed to begin with and people are more likely to stick with them later. No negative stigma.

Just accept it and move on.

Its not a question of get over it and move on, its a question of. This is an issue and here is a possible solution. They can still be enjoyed if they are segregated. ATM , those who only own the core game are getting themselves torn a new one (keep in mind im not even one of them and have been enjoying my ludicrously superior reaper and revenant)

Exedore.6320:

The elite specs are supposed to be side-grades, putting a twist on the core playstyle. They are not supposed to be better than core professions.

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

Agreed.

ArenaNet learned nothing from the last BWE, PvP is now a pay to win for certain classes.

Right now, Reaper and Chronomancer are better than Necromancer and Mesmer in every possible aspect. Now there is no reason to play Necromancer or Mesmer anymore, if you try, you are just being held back.

Ironically these appear to be the only two classes that is affected by the change, so far every class has their different strengths and different weaknesses. After playing Tempest for a while, Elementalist is vastly superior at 1v1’s but Tempest is vasty superior at teamfights. While both are good in both situations, it’s a trade of strength.

• Reaper needs it’s stats and recharges changed, just look at Executioner’s Scythe, cooldown is way to low for a stun, execution, AoE snare. 22 second cooldown for a VERY powerful skill.

• Chronomancers need F1-F4 completely changed. Less shatterspike, more chronomancer. There is no way to balance chronomancer and not have it fall into shatterspike.

Edywedy.5146:

Ross Biddle.2367:

Aumora.4326:

Exedore.6320:

The elite specs are supposed to be side-grades, putting a twist on the core playstyle. They are not supposed to be better than core professions.

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

I was fairly certain that this was the case, and I’m really hoping that it is. I’d rather have them take a few months to iron out the imbalances in the elite specializations to put them on the same level as the core specializations, instead of having a whole line of objectively better classes that are trapped behind a pay wall.

Think about it from a marketing point of view.

If you introduce a new expansion full of classes that are crap or UP, and players have a bad experience, they’re not going to be happy with the game and thus stop playing.

If you release them strong and bring them down later, then they were enjoyed to begin with and people are more likely to stick with them later. No negative stigma.

Just accept it and move on.

Its not a question of get over it and move on, its a question of. This is an issue and here is a possible solution. They can still be enjoyed if they are segregated. ATM , those who only own the core game are getting themselves torn a new one (keep in mind im not even one of them and have been enjoying my ludicrously superior reaper and revenant)

I do agree though that my Ultimate Killshot Warrior does need a huge buff. Firing at these new elite specs is like taking a potato gun to a brick wall.

Rangelost.4857:

If elite specializations weren’t objectively better than core specializations, then they wouldn’t be elite. They need to be segregated.

Elite spec has nothing to do with being better. It’s elite so that you can only have one active at a time for the future when there are multiple elite specs.

Exedore.6320:

What happened with most of the the elite specializations was they overbuffed them during test to make sure they felt good mechanically and haven’t yet done a solid balance pass on it.

Great, why do I have a feeling that they are going to “balance” Daredevil by nerfing the Thief’s Trickery line and Pistol’s Black Powder???

uhohhotdog.3598:

Rangelost.4857:

If elite specializations weren’t objectively better than core specializations, then they wouldn’t be elite. They need to be segregated.

Elite spec has nothing to do with being better. It’s elite so that you can only have one active at a time for the future when there are multiple elite specs.

I can see your point there. If there are multiple elite specs in the works to be added in the future, then it will become a question of “Which elite spec do I upgrade to?” instead of “Do I upgrade to an elite spec?” If that’s the case, their current imbalance does make sense. But I still think that in the stage we are in right now, core specs do need to be segregated from the elite specs at least temporarily to avoid alienating our f2p players that are struggling to keep up.

Nova Stiker.8396:

Right now, Reaper and Chronomancer are better than Necromancer and Mesmer in every possible aspect. Now there is no reason to play Necromancer or Mesmer anymore, if you try, you are just being held back.

Reaper is pretty good and could actually use a few buffs to some of its weaker abilities.

Chronomancer is strong because base mesmer is so strong. Base mesmer needs toned down a bit in addition to tweaking Chronomancer.

Scrapper needs toned down in both offense stacking and defense stacking. It currently overshadows core engineer lines for defense. Players take it even if they don’t use hammer or any gryo utilities.

Aumora.4326:

uhohhotdog.3598:

Rangelost.4857:

If elite specializations weren’t objectively better than core specializations, then they wouldn’t be elite. They need to be segregated.

Elite spec has nothing to do with being better. It’s elite so that you can only have one active at a time for the future when there are multiple elite specs.

I can see your point there. If there are multiple elite specs in the works to be added in the future, then it will become a question of “Which elite spec do I upgrade to?” instead of “Do I upgrade to an elite spec?” If that’s the case, their current imbalance does make sense. But I still think that in the stage we are in right now, core specs do need to be segregated from the elite specs at least temporarily to avoid alienating our f2p players that are struggling to keep up.

GW1 operated the same way with new skills and professions. It’s something you have to deal with.

uhohhotdog.3598:

Aumora.4326:

uhohhotdog.3598:

Rangelost.4857:

If elite specializations weren’t objectively better than core specializations, then they wouldn’t be elite. They need to be segregated.

Elite spec has nothing to do with being better. It’s elite so that you can only have one active at a time for the future when there are multiple elite specs.

I can see your point there. If there are multiple elite specs in the works to be added in the future, then it will become a question of “Which elite spec do I upgrade to?” instead of “Do I upgrade to an elite spec?” If that’s the case, their current imbalance does make sense. But I still think that in the stage we are in right now, core specs do need to be segregated from the elite specs at least temporarily to avoid alienating our f2p players that are struggling to keep up.

GW1 operated the same way with new skills and professions. It’s something you have to deal with.

I’d go as far as saying it was WAYYYY worse in Guild Wars 1….

reaper only seems good because the core was so bad/ a free kill. if anything it just made it on par with base specs of other classes, unless they range it then its still a free kill because it cant do anything about ranged pressure at all.