I think many of you have already tried to figure out how the meta will be after the PoF’s release.
After testing the new specializations in WvW during the demo, I want to share my thoughts with you:
- The new meta will be Firebrand – Herald – Scourge. I’m going to explain why.
Firebrand
I found the class a little “clunky” at first, but after understanding what tomes did, I realized that the firebrand is essentially a guardian who can use 15 extra skills. With tomes we can have damage, conditions, cc, cures, boons, each of these things AOE. This spec doesn’t suffer much boon corruptions since it can reapply boons really fast (See Unflinching Charge, 4 seconds of stability and swiftness no cooldown), which makes it perfect against an heavy condi-corrupt boon meta. The beautiful thing of the firebrand is that it maintains the typical support of the normal guardian, so beyond the tomes we will keep foundamental skills like “stand your ground”, purging flames, the support of the staff and the cc’s of the hammer or greatsword. I really enjoyed this specialization because it keeps the guardian’s fundamental role in zerg but at the same time increases its complexity.
Herald
I don’t think Kalla Scorchrazor will bring something interesting in wvw, although it’s still too early to say. Anyway, I believe that the mix of support and damage that the herald brings to the melee party will remain unsurpassed. Glint boonspam and Mallyx resistance mixed with firebrand support will create a very solid combination in melee parties.
Scourge
Many have already mentioned the power of scourge in zerg, I have personally tried it … and i can confirm it. The first reason why the scourge is better than necro/reaper is because besides the damage it can also support through barriers. The second reason is that the scourge never goes into death shroud, so other classes can heal him better. The third reason is … well, you can imagine what can happen inside a Stonemist lord room full of shades, marks and wells that corrupt boons and apply conditions every second. The scourge is the direct counter of the two classes I mentioned earlier, but i think anet will nerf the damage of the spec making it in line with his primary role which is support. In any case, I believe that a celestial build will be able to offer everything, from damage to conditions to support. Meta for sure.
- BARRIERS > HEALS
In my opinion, the barrier mechanic is stronger than the healing mehcanic. Why? Because barriers will protect our healthpool keeping it intact, while healing actually works if we have already took damage. Scourge will be so appreciated.
- Spellbreaker will become more popular. Ele/Tempest will be less mandatory.
Spellbreaker
What to say, Winds of Disenchantment is formidable. Only this elite skill can push the class not to the level of the other 3 I mentioned, but almost. This spec can also strip a lot of boons, and finally warrior has another role from just doing damage.
Tempest Auramancer
Although I think the class will still be a strong choice, I think it will become less popular. Weaver does not seem to support better than tempest, so I think the main role of the elementalist will remain spamming auras, protection and heals. Nothing special considering how strong is the combination beetween firebrand support and scourge barriers. It will still be a solid choice.
- A sub-meta will arise.
So far I have spoken about 3 classes + 2 others that will be good, but..what about others? Every other class will cap camps or scout towers? I don’t think so.
Most of the time, we can see a party full of rangers,thieves, mesmers and engies in the bottom of the squad.
Soulbeast will be able to offer stability, resistance, condi-immunity and other boons, which can be combined very well with chrono boonshare. I can’t even imagine how much damage deadeyes and holosmiths will be able to pump out when full of boons like that. Will they be able to climb the meta this time? Probably not, but they are about to become much more effective and a lot more useful than you think.
And you? What do you think? How the meta will change with Path of Fire? What you would like to see? How the current roles will transform? Keep the thread constructive bois and girls