Guild Wars 2

Is Hoelbrak a much more viable choice than rune of strength in wvw? Does the -20% condition duration make much of a difference in survivability in scenarios of 2v1 or zergs? I’ve used Rune of Strength and recently transitioned into trying out Hoelbrak and I would have to say there is a noticeable difference in damage output. What do you guys think? I am also playing a zerker gs+axe/shield warrior. Thanks!

Hoelbrak for melee
Strength for ranged

Yup. But DnD eles can use both with delight.

yo guys, thought this might be a good place to confirm something: if i had a guard running hoelbrak and he used empowers on a nearby warr without any runes, would the might the warrior receives come along with the increased duration or would he have to be running hoelbrak himself?

Hoelbrak is only useful if you combine it with Lemongrass, or a trait like dogged-march. -20% condition duration doesn’t really change anything. -60% however, is significant.

And how the bonuses work? -(33+40+20)% ? I think no.
1×0.67×0.6x0.8 makes more sense. So if you have all of this you have ~68% condi reduction

It actually is an accumulated percentage modifier rather than individually stacked effects. Proof is in the runes + lemongrass + purging flames. After PF clears the first 3 condis any new condition is gone almost instantly until PF ends. Individually stacked effects would have a diminishing return on condi duration reduction.

Strength vs Hoelbrak: I’d go with Hoelbrak in WvW because of the condi duration reduction. Having conditions handled passively lets you shift skills away from condition control.