Guild Wars 2

My first character was an engineer, back in headstart. I wasn’t very good at it, but enjoyed it enough to get it to 80, do full map completion on it and keep it in my lineup.

That said, I never really knew how to play it effectively, and thus I have recently made a new engi, just to run PvE with and relearn the profession in a way I enjoy best. I think I know what I want to run with whilst levelling - zerker - but I’m interested in what some of the more pro, fun-loving or even pro fun-loving engies recommend for levelling these days. I’d also be interested in hearing good working alternatives to zerker (whilst levelling).

So my questions are as follows:

Typically what armour do you prefer whilst levelling, and what food/utility buffs do you think work best?

What skills work best together in your opinion?

What traits, for those few precious times we get them before 80, are must haves?

Other than the above, what helps keep you alive the longest?

Again, this is just for running the basic PvE maps. There’s no dungeons, WvW, or any kind of PvP. It’s also just about personal preferences, so if there’s something one of you finds completely fun yet is less than optimal, please share! I’m not judging anyone in this thread (and neither should anyone else!), just want to ascertain what’s generally effective, what’s fun, what’s crazy, etc.

For leveling PvE Zerker with Bomb kit and a Rifle. First trait you should shoot for is probably Speedy Kits followed by Forceful Explosives. I always liked EG for champs while leveling. FT is great for tagging in events. And Rocket Boots are great for getting around faster when they work. That’ll get you into the 50’s by then (hopefully before) you should have a good handle on your preferred playstyle. Stay flexible and don’t be afraid to change things up as the situation demands.

I’ve been playing with the Bomb Kit and the rifle. First time out, I never liked the bombs and just did grenades (I was a Grenadier!). Now I’m enjoying the bombs, though I still love the grenades, and am flipping between Rocket Boots, the odd elixir (B and C), and the Rocket Turret. I don’t know why I skipped over Rocket Boots the first time out; they’re just tons of fun! I’ve also just acquired the Supply Crate, which is an old favourite I’m generally quite happy with.

I have gone for Speedy Kits first, as it happens, because I hate even the tiniest bit of slowness. I’ll check out Forceful Explosives when the opportunity arises!

I don’t really do FT (I have photosensitive epilepsy and the flame flickers at just the wrong frequency, sadly - I really *wish* I could use it reliably because it’s so cool!), but will have to acquire the elixir gun next. The original engi used it on occasion, so if it’s still nice I’m all for it.

How’s the Tool Kit these days? I remember back when a lot of people seemed to like it, but I didn’t particularly gel with it.

Thanks!

Toolkit is in just about every PvP/WvW build. It doesn’t get featured in (m)any PvE builds though.

Cheers! I shall continue to ignore it for now then.

All power gear with a Rifle (with a Speed sigil when low-leveled before Speedy Kits), power/precision gear when high enough, power/precision/ferocity gear when even higher. Use Grenades/Bombs, Med Kit heal for the #5 (if you’re too low for Speedy Kits), Elixer B (if you’re too low for Speedy Kits). Did I mention Speedy Kits?

Just gather monsters up and then line of sight them behind a tree or something, AoE on your feet.

Ever since that stupid trait patch one should never use Grenades while leveling.
The two traits that make grenades work (Steel-Packed Powder, Grenadeer) are only available @ lvl 80…

Yup. Without the Grenadier trait do not use Grenades.

Yeah, I’ve noticed the difference with grenades. It’s not like the old days!

A few extra tips to help your leveling process :

Buying upgraded berserker gear at the TP every 5-10 levels is a good idea. Most notably at levels 21 and 60. These are the levels when gear gains it next set of stats (1-21 power, 21-60 power/precision, 60+ power/precision/ferocity)

Look into power runes to slot into your gear when leveling. Even cheap +10 power minor runes will be better then no runes at all.

I personally used sigil of air and fire when leveling. The minor and major versions are real cheap, and they’ll proc often enough once you can start picking up precision stats.

Go to the trading post and buy +10% exp potions and +15% exp food. These are both extremely cheap at 3 to 4 copper each and the food will give you extra benefits such as extra damage/health regen/etc.

Ronin.5038:

A few extra tips to help your leveling process :

Buying upgraded berserker gear at the TP every 5-10 levels is a good idea. Most notably at levels 21 and 60. These are the levels when gear gains it next set of stats (1-21 power, 21-60 power/precision, 60+ power/precision/ferocity)

Look into power runes to slot into your gear when leveling. Even cheap +10 power minor runes will be better then no runes at all.

I personally used sigil of air and fire when leveling. The minor and major versions are real cheap, and they’ll proc often enough once you can start picking up precision stats.

Go to the trading post and buy +10% exp potions and +15% exp food. These are both extremely cheap at 3 to 4 copper each and the food will give you extra benefits such as extra damage/health regen/etc.

Confession time!: From both a historical and current perspective, I always try to keep the same gear for as long as is possible and level in the lowest level areas possible to maximise not spending more money than I have to. I’m a major altoholic, and have 6 80s, who must be kept in the manner to which they have become accustomed!

Typically, I have level 20 gear go until level 39-40 (where I will buy a mix of rare (armour) and fine (jewellery)), and use the stuff the game gives me for any other increases (purely holding out for the major sigils).

I like Sigils of Air mostly, but am coming around to teaming that up Fire; up until Speedy Kits (or whatever profession’s nearest equivalent) I used a Sigil of Speed over Fire (I hate being slow, and will kitten myself horribly if necessary to achieve velocity; comes from being a Mesmer main). I have actively avoided runes up until 39 this time, without significant issue, but have always favoured power runes with any additional speed benefits. Couldn’t tell you what runes I popped on the now level 40-something engi right now, but I can guarantee they’re power based.

As for food, I’ll default to the highest power I can get, unless the price is ridiculous - which it is indeed, for some low level power foods. Then I get inventive and look for other things which may be fun, and tend to keep the nearest available sharpening stone to my level, which are cheap. If I know I’m going against a particular enemy, such as risen, I may take a suitable potion for that, but only if I remember. XD

:::

Another question: what does the discerning engineer favour in condition removal these days?

Most Engis don’t pack anything other than a healing turret, for 2 condi-cleanse every 15 seconds (provided you pick up and don’t detonate the turret). It is one of the reasons Engis are somewhat vulnerable to condi builds in PvP/WvW.

For PvE I doubt you will ever need more, but you can always take Elixir C. Failing that, try Sigils (Generosity, Purity), Runes (Melandru, Hoelbrak, Antitoxin) or Food – although most of those are only viable options at level 80.

Tor.1365:

Most Engis don’t pack anything other than a healing turret, for 2 condi-cleanse every 15 seconds (provided you pick up and don’t detonate the turret). It is one of the reasons Engis are somewhat vulnerable to condi builds in PvP/WvW.

For PvE I doubt you will ever need more, but you can always take Elixir C. Failing that, try Sigils (Generosity, Purity), Runes (Melandru, Hoelbrak, Antitoxin) or Food – although most of those are only viable options at level 80.

Elixir C has been my go-to for levelling, so I’ll stick with it. I’ll look at those other options on my old level 80 when I play it again.

Thanks!

Add Sigil of Cleansing to that list as long as you’re using at least one kit. As for – Condi Duration food it’s available at low levels, but the % reduction below Poultry and Leek is low enough that you’re better off using a different food.

For leveling Magic Find might be a better route.

Ceridwen.6703:

I don’t really do FT (I have photosensitive epilepsy and the flame flickers at just the wrong frequency, sadly – I really wish I could use it reliably because it’s so cool!)

I’ve never considered that when I’m mowing someone down with the flamethrower, they could be having seizures on the other end. I’ll have to pay attention to those who seemly give up once I set them on fire.