Dragonhunter trailer and blog analysis

Dragonhunter trailer and blog analysis

in Guardian

Posted by: Oberon Vex.1389

Oberon Vex.1389

I know, I know, there’s a thousand and one topics about the reveal already and anyone not particularly interested in the Guardian or it’s new specialization is likely annoyed with all the chatter. The reason I’m making yet another topic about the Dragonhunter is to outline what I perceive them to be capable of — and as this will be a lot of text, I didn’t feel like boggarting someone else’s thread, and it’s in the guardian subforum so others aren’t inconvenienced by a rational analysis of what has been revealed.

And yes, I realize there will be a livestream tomorrow to outline further information.


Guards have had significant disadvantages with ranged gameplay, mostly due to the largely lack-luster implementation of the Scepter. The longbow will provide this with it’s higher base range and suite of skills. Another sector they fall short in is condition damage, and while we have very little information about the new utilities (more to come tomorrow) traps in general usually apply various conditions, with only a couple of the Thief traps varying from this vein to apply more specialized effects. Lastly, the updated profession mechanics which appear to be a straight up buff across the board.

The Longbow

While they only specify the effects of two abilities in the blog post, all five are shown in the teaser video. What is not known, is the total effects and damage, but here is what I can see from the teaser.

1: single projectile that deals direct damage and does not apply conditions. Possibility of effects such as piercing or unblockable to give flavor and interest. Estimated (read: assumed) 1200 range. 28s into the trailer

2: Single target blind, appears to have a roughly 5-8s base duration depending on whether they fudged it for the teaser video. 30s into the trailer

3: Symbol of Energy — symbol cast at range that applies vigor to allies and appears to deal damage to enemies (appears to proc Virtue of Justice’s burning effect) 34s into the trailer, described in the blog post

4: Deflecting Shot — described to destroy projectiles along it’s path, unknown range or flight speed and radius of effect, but likely similar to the Revenant’s projectile shield but moves in a line away from your character. described in the blog, not present in trailer

5: A channeled AoE ability similar to the Ranger’s barrage (at least in animation) that deals multiple strikes of damage and appears to either trap enemies within its area of effect like ring of warding. 40s into the trailer

Like I said, what we do not know is the base damage, nor the scaling of these abilities but the kit seems well rounded to provide both dps potential and party support. The two aoe DoT abilities (#3 and #5) which could be chained to keep a foe within the symbol for max dmg, in addition to whatever effects are hidden on the auto attack. And having access to a blind (#2), aoe Vigor (#3), projectile destruction (#4, possibly with a trait to reflect instead but that’s pure speculation) and an aoe snare on #5 are all strong tools to help control the foe from range.

While I expect they may temper the base damage of the bow’s abilities due to the large number of strong effects, I fully expect it to become a staple on many damage-oriented Guardian builds due to the great utility it provides — imagine being able to force an enemy to stay within your symbols for their full duration while you spin on them with your greatsword. Also, being able to provide aoe Vigor isn’t to be underestimated in a support role.

Dragonhunter trailer and blog analysis

in Guardian

Posted by: Oberon Vex.1389

Oberon Vex.1389

The Traps

Most of the negative posts I’ve read involve the disappointment that Guardians will be getting 6 new trap abilities, and while I can understand if you were hoping for the ‘Paragon’ of GW1 to return, traps are a great addition to the Guardian’s kit, especially considering the area-denial and control abilities it already has.

Very little info is currently available about what the Dragonhunter traps will do, but keep in mind these abilities will likely inflict conditions, and may open the door for a condition damage spec to become viable.

Healing trap:

as all new skills being added by the Elite specializations will be of the same type, Dragonhunters will have a healing trap. This ability is described as healing for a small amount on deployment, then for a much greater amount when triggered by an enemy in addition to dealing damage and blinding affected foes. Many deride this as a potentially useless heal, I disagree. This is a pre-emptive heal. You can drop this (ignoring the smaller instant heal) and have it immediately go on cooldown before the fight. The cooldown is unknown, but most heal skills vary between 15 and 30s. This means you can kite your foe back into this trap to gain a big heal, then potentially drop another shortly after, if you placed your first trap strategically and let the cooldown come back before you needed it.

Dragon’s Maw: This ability isn’t described in the blog apart from it’s name, but we can speculate it’s effect from its name. Due to the imagery being of a dragon’s mouth, there will likely be an aoe cc effect (likely immobilization) and due to the Guardian’s general preference for the burning condition, several stacks of burning applied to targets. This is just speculation, there will be more info tomorrow.

Lastly, and I know it’s been stated in several other threads, you can use Runes of the Trapper. This will give you condition damage, stealth on trap placement (which will actually be useful now due to the addition of arming times) and super-speed on placement of traps. This will give the already incredibly tanky guardian increased survival and mobility, and this should definitely not be ignored.

The Profession Mechanics

These have been stated to work with current traits and will retain A passive effect when not on cooldown. While they do not explicitly say that it will be the same effect, the passive mentioned for the new “Wings of Resolve” appears the be the same as the current Virtue of Resolve.

Spear of Justice:

Wording of this ability could be considered vague, but it appears to fire a projectile at a target enemy (or perhaps a target area using a ground target in a line) and pierce all enemies. These enemies will be bound so long as they stay within a certain radius (whether its based on the guardian or the distance between linked units is not mentioned) and foes will take ‘searing pulses’. Perhaps it will apply a second of burning whenever the Dragonhunter attacks a linked target, but that is pure speculation.

More information tomorrow.

Wings of Resolve:

Player leaps to target area (unknown range, estimated 900) and apply an aoe heal on landing. Specifically mentioned to keep its current passive and that a trait will be included to add damage to the ability.

Shield of Courage:

Create a wall that blocks all attacks in front of you, this ability will intercept attacks aimed at allies behind you, but is directional and has no effect on abilities or attacks coming from the sides or behind you. It is interesting to note that the blog specifically mentions attacks and not projectiles so there is the possibility that it will block everything so long as the attack originates infront of your character. No duration was given for this effect, but it is likely to be no more than 3s due to its potential as a very strong ability.


Conclusions:

The Dragonhunter, while it may have cliche’d name, is a strong addition the GW2 lineup and fixes a few of the area’s that the Guardian lacks in.

Do you think this an accurate portrayal of the Dragonhunter? Tune in to the Ready Up live stream tomorrow for more detailed information!

Dragonhunter trailer and blog analysis

in Guardian

Posted by: Knighthonor.4061

Knighthonor.4061

I want to Cry…. Thank goodness I am a Guardian and can meditate …..

Dragonhunter trailer and blog analysis

in Guardian

Posted by: CMF.5461

CMF.5461

(linking blog post/video for others if they don’t realize where to look)
https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/meet-the-dragonhunter-guardians-elite-specialization/

REALLY good analysis of the video, and I was going to do the same thing but you beat me to it.

Another thing I noted was the blind had a crossed sword graphic on it, I don’t remember off the top of my head but I’m under the impression blind was just dark smoke clouds on the targets face. I was unable to find other images or videos detailing a blind which is similar to what was used. So secondary effect possibly, or I just never noticed it before.

Good catch on the burst of flame ring on the trap shot, I wanted to mention that as well.

So
1) Single target auto attack
2) Single target blind
3) Frontal projectile destruction line attack
4) Targeted AOE trap/fire condition
5) Targeted multi hit AOE, immobilize trap

In addition to the virtue changes mentioned in yours and the blog posts. Good job again.


Oh and, thank you for caring more about mechanics and less about a name :p