Guild Wars 2

It is probably too late, but here goes… (and don’t know if suggested before)
unlock grand master traits
Elite traits.

A completely separate trait slot that can be unlocked at lv80. It can be similar to GW1’s elite skill acquisition. Buy a trait journal/manual from trainer shop then go hunting for that mob with the trait and copy the trait. (or simply unlock with gold or glory)

Instead of running around trying to get grand master trait that require one to put 30 points into the trait line, elite trait is a stand alone trait that require no point (or minimal like 10).

This bring it much closer to GW1’s elite skills.

This also allow flexibility in builds, as it is not locked into grand master. Also improve the number of content/things to do.

Few things I feel absolutely should NOT be in elite traits would be…
*pure stat increase:
there are enough stat increase method, and this would only further the extreme (to ultra tanky or ultra bursty)

*constant effects:
this is something that belong in normal trait lines, since elite trait do not similar requirement in term of trait point, it should not weight similar to trait that was invested.

Few things I feel would be difficult to balance…
*stat re-balance:
although pure stat increase is bad, but decreasing certain stat while adding others should be fine. This would allow player to make build that require a certain grand master trait while moving that unwanted stat somewhere else. However, giving player so much possibility, designer would probably mess up and let an OP build through (some 10k players improving build vs a small team of designers… good luck foreseeing every possibility)
example: -300 toughness +300 vitality

*cool down reduction (and initiative regen):
cool down reduction can bring similar effect as having pure stat increase; it might make someone too tanky or too bursty. However, there are skills that have long cool down that would not be effected by this. Hence more effort is required to balance it.

Few things I feel would be great and easier to balance for elite trait…
*high-risk, high-reward:
things like “33% hp and below, every strike of hundred blade inflict stun for .1 sec”
counter-play: simply burst down the warrior or kite him when he reach lower health

*reward for difficult maneuver/execution:
effects like “after performing 3 combos within 1 sec, all enemies within 400 radius is blinded once per sec (for 5 sec) and immobile for 2 sec”
counter-play: pay attention to the combo field being dropped, and any interruption in between could mess up this elite trait requirement.

(I honestly don’t like giving suggestion to a game as I believe it is developer’s job to do so, but it is hard to stop passion some time)

This would probably inevitable lead to power creep.
In addition, the issue with having to unlock stuff for pvp stays.

EverythingEnds.4261:

This would probably inevitable lead to power creep.

Everything can become a power creep if not well thought out. If it is well thought out, then it won’t.

In addiotion, the issue with haven to unlock stuff for pvp stays.

I’m on the side that believe this isn’t a problem for a RPG.

I would agree with you if this was a FPS or something, but even they have unlocks.

I don’t think, there is any way to avoid powercreep, when giving every professoin an additional trait.
If the trait wouldn’t influence the build, it would be useless. If it does, it will strengthen the build. This new trait will always influence a skill, a combo or stats. The only way it might not be a power creep, is probably by giving the traits also a downside. Sth like: +10% Prezision, -10% Vita.
However, Even this would be some kind of powercreep. A Burst Build would gain (in absolute numbers) a large amount of Prezsion, while losing not very much Vita.

I think, discussing about the issue with the unlocks would lead this thread to much OT and there are already threads about that. So regarding this, I gonna stay with my opinon and accept that yours is another one.

EverythingEnds.4261:

I don’t think, there is any way to avoid powercreep, when giving every professoin an additional trait.
If the trait wouldn’t influence the build, it would be useless. If it does, it will strengthen the build. This new trait will always influence a skill, a combo or stats. The only way it might not be a power creep, is probably by giving the traits also a downside. Sth like: +10% Prezision, -10% Vita.
However, Even this would be some kind of powercreep. A Burst Build would gain (in absolute numbers) a large amount of Prezsion, while losing not very much Vita.

I am not entirely sure what your power creep discussion would lead to. To have power creep discussion would mean that after getting elite trait functions, there would be 2nd elite trait slot, then 3rd elite trait slot (something along that line). Also that the idea of power creep is that it would obsolete whoever that don’t update their functions (as in obsolete people that don’t have elite trait). However, since everyone get elite trait, who/what would elite trait obsoleting? (or are we going into the unlock topic again?)

Now as for the balancing problem of “re-distributing stats”, I agree it is a more dangerous road to walk (hence I mentioned in open post in the middle section that stat re-balancing would be difficult). We are on the same page here. However I believe there are potential for it, and should not be outright ruled out. Also, I was thinking more in line of “-300 toughness +300 vitality”, I suppose I should clarify that in OP, will edit.

With power creep I just wanted to say, that an elite trait will make a build strong. (otherwise what’s the point?)

You get an “additional” Trait. Therefore every build will automatically become stronger.
Think about it: If the elite trait will not improve your Build, why should you use one?
However, I players are indifferent between using and not using, what’s the point of using ressources on developing it?