Guardian in wvw - Builds & Strats?
I run a retaliation build in wvw. I can pretty much 1v1 anyone, and easily do 2v1 depending on the skill of the other players.
This is what I run: http://gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fUAQNAsdRlYg67WFyNEm4ESOjVqAxZQgV0lCKShA
As for traits I put 25 in both Virtues and Honor. Then 20 in Valor.
Virtues: (Vengeful Retaliation lasts 25% longer. )(Unscathed Contender Deal 10% more damage while under the effects of aegis.)
Honor: (Wrathful Spirit Aegis gives retaliation when it ends.)(Pure of Heart Aegis heals on removal.)
Valor: (Defender’s Flame Gain a 100% chance to burn attackers when blocking.)(Retributive Armor 5% of toughness is given as a bonus to precision.)
Retaliation is pretty good right now. Don’t want to say OP, but it’s up there.
Guardian WvW Guide!
Heavens Rage
Heavens Rage
(edited by Harbinger.8637)
This is my build for WvW; equipment is an approximation of my actual stats. I have less vitality with GS up (about 17.5k), but much more precision (15% crit chance, enough to reliably trigger Sigil of Purity). Also, I haven’t grinded AC enough to actually afford Monk runes, but I’m getting there.
http://gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fUAQJARWlYgyCXFyLEg4ES2jRSkQQsHYUGtRXFcIA;ToAA1Cmo8y0loL7ROvkHt2YUC
I spent two traits just on Wall of Reflection, but in my opinion, it’s definitely worth it. It’s probably the strongest WvW skill in the game right now. Drop it in front of a gate during a siege defense and watch the screen turn white with damage numbers. It can – and has – completely turn the tide and trigger a successful breakout.
The shouts are my standard setup for WvW, but in PvE or when roaming and raiding supply camps I go with Save Yourselves instead of Stand Your Ground. I find it a bit iffy during sieges, as you never know just how much conditions are out there. Even when paired with Contemplation of Purity, I prefer group buffs since my overall damage isn’t anything to write home about anyway.
Hold the Line can probably be replaced with Signet of Judgement – I’ll have to experiment with that. The trait Vengeful isn’t quite worth it, however, as you’ll have decent uptime on Retaliation anyway when using GS.
Elite skill is Tome of Wrath. I run with ToC for dungeons, but ToW is much superior in WvW – it’s a mobile siege weapon.
For dungeons I prefer a Hammer to GS (incidentally the WvW vendor hammer, which is great for soaking up damage) given that protection is so much better than retaliation there, and the blast finisher works great with water combo fields.
What I do:
Crank up retalition and go play in arrow cart fields, and watch the white numbers (yeah, this will be nerfed, but enjoy while it lasts).
Drop Line of Warding behind a tower gate, and AoE the poor suckers trying to repair who are now trapped.
ToW and clear the walls.
Drop Wall of Reflection against ranged enemies, if possible in front of a gate.
Harass people trying to get into towers and keeps with Line of Warding and/or Binding Blade. Line of Warding + Wall of Reflection is just a fantastic combo in corridors and on bridges.
Find a group of friendly ellies who are AoE nuking the defenses, use Empower and guard them.
Revive. Revive. Revive.
Run with 2 team mates and cap supply camps, which usually offers the most reward in the shortest time – and some amazing skirmishes against similar groups. With the extra boon duration and staff Symbol, you’ll pretty much have a 100% uptime on AoE Swiftness.
Guardian is just so much fun in WvW. I retired my level 80 ranger in favor of it. People complaining about lack of ranged need to learn to utilize the other aspects of guardians. Between Retalition and Wall of Reflection, you’ll never feel inadequate when facing ranged enemies.
As far as I know you’re not getting rewarded for supporting in the same way as people get rewarded for dealing damage or getting kills. This is a great disadvantage for Guardians. They are the only profession that is not viable in ranged combat and this is a serious issue.