Guild Wars 2

Are there any builds capable of rivaling the DPS of the typical dungeon/meta build that utilizes a torch in its rotation?

I’m curious as I’m looking to use the torch a bit just for a little bit of difference in gameplay, but I’m unsure on how i should be building, every build i can come up ends with me wanting to slot a greatsword & focus in, as I’m just too used to them.

Any ideas?

The meta build uses all weapons. Torch has superior single target damage over focus, so take it against bosses where you don’t need the block/ extra burning is needed in solo settings. Torch 5 can be a good pug saver at se P3 first champion as well, and there’s probably a few niche uses i can’t think of including quick swapping to get all your party members out of combat. Torch 5 is quite a big dps loss though, so don’t you use if you don’t really need to.

CM path 2 last boss is nice for extra condi removal as well. Now that torch 4 doesn’t have a penalty CD its a nice low CD burst ability.

Not all Guardian weapons are used vastly in the meta(besides Shield, never Shield). Greatsword, Sword/Focus, Scepter/Focus, Mace/Focus are all often used, and Scepter/Torch is only used if you are focusing on Scepter’s very high damage on large hitbox bosses, when you’ll want Scepter but get more damage while Focus skills are on cooldown with Zealot’s Fire. Since you’re mainly focusing on direct damage, activate Zealot’s Fire right away instead of waiting for Zealot’s Flame to nearly finish.

Torch is good, but only brings Burns that are not crucial to keep Zeal II Fiery Wrath up and a cleanse that is not needed when you have Absolute Resolution and/or Purging Flames, but Focus gives condition cleanse as well, plus three useful blocks, a Blast Finisher, high area damage if you don’t use those three blocks, regeneration and vulnerability.