Guild Wars 2

Link: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fcIQFAUlIqiYX3SrF1LJyoCdGoC1lIF5nl95xbxWQIA-jUCB4iBh8IIpoFRjtgJI1MRr8JsKZER1KlYGzFRrWKAYWWB-w

Here’s a build I’ve been playing the last couple of days based around fast and consistent bleed application. Reminiscent of the cookie-cutter 3-kit build prior to the Dec 10th patch.

So, why rifle in a condition build?

With the Sigil of Geomancy, a Netshot -> Blunderbuss -> Shrapnel Grenade combo will stack up a minimum of 11 bleed stacks in an instant, and can be executed every 10 seconds. Landing those Shrapnel Grenades is essential to keeping the pressure on, rifle makes this easier.

Rifle generally synergises surprisingly well. Knockback on Overcharged Shot, the leap on Jump Shot, coupled with Elixir Gun’s Acid Bomb and Flamethrower’s Air Blast gives you a lot of control. With all these knockbacks, and gap-creators/closers, you can jump in and out to get off your bleed stacking combo and back to safety for until it’s ready again. With the constant pressure from all the bleeds you’re applying (and reapplying as soon as they’re cleansed) you’ll keep most melee’s from wanting to stay too close for too long.

Auto-attack isn’t great on rifle for a condition build, but you won’t be auto-attacking often and Elixir Gun has the best auto for a condition build. You already have good poison application through Fumigate and Poison Grenades (plus Poison Dart Volley is hardly worth the channel time anyway).

With decent crit chance, Incendiary Powder, the Flamethrower, and 80% bonus condition duration, you maintain a solid burning uptime (100% not accounting for cleanses).

Survivability is pretty good with 21k health pool and 1600 toughness and Backpack Regenerator, coupled with all the active surviability (gap closers, immobalises, blinds, freeze, 60% vigor uptime, stun-break and bonus healing/cleansing from Elixir Gun). Jump Shot on your Water Field from Healing Turret is a nice healing boost too.

All-in-all, though I didn’t really expect to, I’m actually having a blast with this build. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s going to take a lot to beat kit builds, and it feels refreshing to run conditions with rifle. There are some variations you could try (Infused Precision instead of Speedy Kits, you can try swapping Elixir Gun or Flamethrower for Toolkit), the set-up in the link is just my preference.

Anyway, give it a go and post your feedback.

Cheers

seems every one is catching onto the rifle, it really is better then pistol in alotta ways, I’ve run this build a while ago and it’s damming effective I recommend every one giving it a go.

Heh, I have been running a power/hybrid version of this build for months now in upper-level PvP. I would not go full condition with it for a number of reasons, but that might just be personal preference.

bethekey.8314:

Heh, I have been running a power/hybrid version of this build for months now in upper-level PvP. I would not go full condition with it for a number of reasons, but that might just be personal preference.

Out of curiosity how does one build a hybrid engi? Im assuming HGH nades with rifle, but that leaves you a bit squishy.

Carpboy.7145

Out of curiosity how does one build a hybrid engi? Im assuming HGH bases with rifle, but that leaves you a bit squishy.

Well, I can only speak in a strictly PvP context, but I imagine building a certain way is much easier in WvW where there is much more customization. In almost every case, devoting yourself to power or condi is the way to go—the way stats are allocated in PvP is not very amenable to hybrids.

As you assumed, might is a cornerstone of any hybrid build, but a 3-kit build cannot incorporate HGH. So it really comes down to your amulet jewel, (condi/power mix or might stacking) runes, sigil of battle, active might stacking via fire fields and kind of build.

bethekey.8314:

Carpboy.7145

Out of curiosity how does one build a hybrid engi? Im assuming HGH bases with rifle, but that leaves you a bit squishy.

Well, I can only speak in a strictly PvP context, but I imagine building a certain way is much easier in WvW where there is much more customization. In almost every case, devoting yourself to power or condi is the way to go—the way stats are allocated in PvP is not very amenable to hybrids.

As you assumed, might is a cornerstone of any hybrid build, but a 3-kit build cannot incorporate HGH. So it really comes down to your amulet jewel, (condi/power mix or might stacking) runes, sigil of battle, active might stacking via fire fields and kind of build.

Sorry i should have been clearer im talking strictly WvW. I already know the pros and cons of such a build (i run a hybrid mesmer) but im wondering if not taking HGH would completely kill the hybridization.