Guild Wars 2

As title ^. The idea is not new, not my original idea, and been floating around in random posts. I thought it’s something worth considering so it’s probably good to give it an actual thread. In case you haven’t noticed, we got traps as new skill type, just like mesmer with wells. Traps basically function exactly like our symbols, AOE-DOT with various misc effects, the differences it is strategically timed and required triggers, otherwise the same as symbols. So I don’t see why not classify it as symbols. Symbols can be the new type of Utility. “Traps” has one single trait dedicated for it, aside from generic sync with our burn virtue, whereas we have various traits dedicated for symbols. Traps being “traps” as they are right now offer little attractions (becuase it’s kinda out of no where in the Guardian’s trait tree), I could see some use in WvW. but not very attractive. A dungeon group probably could be less thrilled to see your Guardian laying out traps when they expect you either shouting or making walls. So , by classifying them as symbols, you give it more incentive to actually incorporate them into builds, and making the Zeal trait more relevant

Symbols are weapon skills. Traps are a type of utility. Also the functionality is different. All symbols work the same. Lay it down, does damage and grants effect to allies. Traps are totally different.
The point of it being a trap is a) giving Guard something it didnt have before opening up new play styles and b) synergy with runes and sigils based on ability type. This is why they changed lots of traits to use actual skills/utilities instead of different abilities. We have trapper runes atm but who knows what else in the future. There may be a trap sigil etc etc.

Eh main changes I would like to traps is

1: Change piercing light to also effect symbols.
(relying on long CD traps for bleeds sucks and symbols are immobile so it’s not like any smart enemy just stands in them)

2: A trait to reduce trap CD a bit and give them some type of sustain effect.
(Stability, a heal, even protection. Any of those would be great given the long CD’s and what you have to sacrifice to get them)

A Specialization isn’t an upgrade, it doesn’t have to be superior to the meta dungeon build.

Zeal
-Symbols Add Vulnerability
-Symbols have a chance to burn and do more damage
-Deal more damage to foes standing on symbols

Honor
-Symbols are larger, last longer, and heal

Slot hammer, drop all my new symbol utilities and elite…..Mom, I think I just broke the game.

On a more serious note. The point to Elite Specs is to offer a new mechanic to the core profession. Giving the hunter more symbols would give players more incentive to slot Symbol traits because the a higher percent of their available skills is focused around symbols.