Guild Wars 2

So just started playing last week and picked Engineer for my first play through and I am really liking it. I currently duo a lot with a warrior and its a lot of fun but I have a concern that Im not doing as much dps or utility as I could be and I was hoping for some pointers. And I plan to respec at 50 and kind of redo everything I figured now would be a good time to see if I have to ‘learn’ a new playstyle.

My build is kind of mixed and matched atm since Im still trying new things and I am going from memory so forgive me if the numbers arent quite right. But Im like 15/10/0/5/0/5 or something close to that.

I use a rifle and I do that pretty much exclusively. I tried the flamethrower a cpl times and didnt really like it, I heard a lot of good things about grenades and tried them once or twice but didnt really have a chance to really give it a go.

Utilities I use: Elixir U, bomb kit and usually rocket turret tho I find myself swapping out the turret for other things. Still trying stuff, currently using the ram head. I admittedly rarely if ever actually switch to the bomb kit, I mainly use it for the special skill, that barrel is wonderful. Elite is supply crate. Healing is usually the elixir unless its some group event or something where we wont be moving much then i go with the turret (or i did until i read the patch notes today I guess).

So Im looking for suggestions on how to hopefully up my dps but without turning myself into a total glass cannon just yet

ocgreg.3910:

I have a concern that Im not doing as much dps or utility as I could be and I was hoping for some pointers.

I use a rifle and I do that pretty much exclusively.

This is your problem.

Start learning kits because you’re pretty much shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t.

The number one rule for being an engi is: Have a plan, and coordinate.

If you’re just running around in a peicemeal armor with diluted stats, you’re not gunna be happy with anything you pick up and use. I levelled with rifle and flamethrower, and did that mostly solo. Rifle and FT is great for personal control. Teaming up with other folks, you can swap to grenades or bombs, or pick up where other professions have weaknesses. The trick is mastery of adaptability.

Try to find an armour combination for you that highlights the strengths of your build. And for the record, you can’t go wrong with 10 pts in Tools for speedy kits (when you are running alone, the speed boost is a plus) and you can swap that trait out for static discharge for extra damage. Also, don’t neglect your toolbelt skills. The engi playstyle is very active and requires some focus. If you just want to run around and shoot stuff for high damage, you’re likely better off with another profession.

Don’t get me wrong, you can do a high amount of burst as an Engi, but it goes back to rule number one: Have a plan, and coordinate. After a while it becomes second nature.

Thanks for the tips, I am not looking to just run around and dps. I just put emphasis on that issue because it felt like I could be doing much more. I do work with my duo partner extensively to CC mobs, heal, snare, boon etc but I still felt like I wasnt doing enough. Also as a correction I checked last night and my traits are 10/10/10/5/0 I have added the elixir B which I am still getting used to and the grenade kit. Admittedly I found the damage lacking but the utility was ok and the special ability from the grenade kit was fabulous. Gathering up some gear upgrades for 50 so Im hoping that will work, focusing mainly on power/prec unless there is something else I should add to the mix?

@boss, which kits would you recommend I start working with? I mean I dont just sit there and autoshoot either but Im all for being able to bring more to the table both with leveling and eventually hopefully dungeons and other ‘end game’ content

ocgreg, you are getting there little by little I see. It took me until about 55-60 to really lock down what I wanted to focus on. If you are liking the grenades, pick up the trait in explosives line that increases damage by 15%.

As for kits, if you are using grenades, pair them with bombs to possibly go healing bombs later on. Maybe a 30/0/30/0/0 build where you can put the remaining trait points in a line you choose later on. With grenades you want power and both condition dmg/duration. If you find yourself fighting in melee range sometimes, try using the tool kit. Also, the Elixir gun has some very useful skills, but trait-wise meshes with the Flame Thrower (that I thought you wrote you don’t like).

In open world PvE you’ll probably never out-dps a warrior who’s playing properly.

Our flamethrower and grenades are really fantastic, but not until you trait into them. So you’ll need to be lvl 60+ for the Grenadier trait and Juggernaut. Also, FT has some great traits that reduce cooldowns and increase damage.

Rifle is never going to be great on its own. It has some nice control and is better than pistols if you’re running power over conditions. But you have to supplement it with a kit (or 2).

Honestly, I think all of our kits are completely viable and good fun for leveling PvE. ToolKit and Bombs are like our melee. Grenades are our long range kit. Elixir Gun is way useful for support and conditions.

Elixirs have a lot of traits that make them extremely useful to fill in any aspect that you find deficient. You want a damage boost, Elixir B. You want projectile reflect and quick rezzes, Elixir U. You want stun breaks and invulnerability, Elixir S.

As Ramethzero said, have a plan and build around it. Decide if you want to be power or condition. This will nail down how to gear. Then choose what’s most fun within that constraint. Some kits fit both (like grenades).

As to your desire for support, here are some great tools we have:
- Net turret (with its toolkit): immob
- Rocket turret: overcharge knockback
- ToolKit: traited it will cripple your target almost 100% during autoattack. Also, has cripple #2 skill. Also has great pull skill.
- Healing turret: aoe regen, condition removal, & water field (which rocks with warrior’s constant blast finishers)
- Elixir B (toss): buff your party
- MedKit: drop healing kits pre-fight to help your allies during battle

Obviously, there are a ton more but that’s just some of the easier ones that don’t require much traiting or special set-up. Experiment. Decide what your group is lacking and build accordingly. Engis are a versatile profession that basically lets us do just that. Not many professions can.