Guild Wars 2

Let’s discuss being a commander and the strategical implications of the role.

However, let’s place some rules to keep the discussion positive an relevant:

- No complaints about acquisition of the commander status.
- No suggestions on how to improve the game mechanics for commanders. We’re all aware how bad it is currently.

Basically this thread is sharing knowledge, nothing more, nothing less.

I think the best potential for a commander is being part of a more organized force. Anyone can zerg, but it takes a leader and organization to do something more refined or tactical. I also think that maps need more than 1 commander. If you aren’t there, it is hard to try and make battle decisions. Running the left side of the map while you are leading a zerg on the right side just isn’t practical. Be willing to do the dirty jobs like sitting on trebs and other siege. If anything, that can give you a tactical location to effectively command if you are the only one on the map.

I’m not a commander myself, but I have helped organise the server a couple of times on the BL’s.

1. Have people you know/trust lead groups to specific things.
This can be individual guilds capping things, to getting volunteers. Especially if you simply give an objective to the group, and leave them to work on how to do it.
2. Efficient use of Manpower.
This comes under point 1, but its also seperate. A zerg is wated on a supply point. Why take 10+ when it can be capped by 3? undefended towers come under this as well. A group of 3 can take an undefended, unupgraded tower. make that about 5 for an upgraded one.
3. Scouting.
Knowing whats coming ahead of your zerg/groups is important so you can react. a small ammount of people in the lake can usually tell you where most people are going from the other spawn points, and a couple of fast movers in the regions landlocked fill the same role.
4. Teaching.
Commanders are high priority figures in the servers WvW community. Therefore, example and education will often fall down to them. dont get mad if people dont understand, it may be their first time in wvw. but at the same time, gently guide them and give constructive criticism so that they learn.
5. Have fun.
There must be a reason you bought the book. For me it will be because I like the tactical side of it, and that is the majority of my fun in WvW, guiding people to success, regardless of what that may be.

Regards.