Guild Wars 2

I’m trying to see if I can get a working Symbol build up and running. I have the basic traits laid out:

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mccM0z9cmRhnmmRhnmpa0xVMzocka

While the hammer is a locked in weapon for this build, I was debating on the value of the Greatsword. I was wondering if maybe a Sword+Focus might be a better choice to give me some burst damage. I’ll break down some choices below:

Traits

Zeal: Picking up increased damage and vulnerability traits. Binding Jeopardy is now 3 stacks of Vulnerability, up from 1. You mix in Symbolic Exposure and Blind Exposure and they’re at 8+ stacks of Vulnerability pretty quickly.

Radiance: Same as above, some blind, and more Vulnerability.

Honor: Picking up all the Symbol traits.

Virtues: 5 points in virtues is hard to give up. It’s very powerful.

Skills

Signet of Resolve: It’s a big heal, and some condition removal.

Shelter: Also a good choice as it provides an uninterruptable heal, and if you’re under heavy attack, the damage it can block will MORE than make up for the smaller heal.

Signet of Wrath: This is being used for the immobilize. Vulnerability+Keep targets in the symbols.

Judge’s Intervention: Can be cast while casting other spells, letting you lay Ring of Warding much more successfully. Also a Stun breaker.

Bane Signet: I’m considering using this for the knockdown. Mixing it with Ring of Warding, Banish, and Binding Blade to keep enemies trapped. I’d replace JI with it.

Signet of Judgment: I feel that it’s needed in a build that is sorely lacking in defensive options.

Weapons

Hammer: Consistent Symbol from the auto attack, and an immobilize. Using Ring of Warding (When it doesn’t bug out) keeps your target in your Symbols.

Possible 2nd Weapons

Greatsword: Another symbol, and a pull, and another blind. This weapon seems like a great choice for this build.

Sword+Focus: 2 Blinds, and high burst would make this a great finishers choice.

Scepter: 8 Stacks of Vulnerability from the immobilize alone. A great midrange choice for the build, but ultimately not the greatest damage.

Staff: Another symbol, and one that can be used at range, no less. I’d use this with a Scepter when defending a keep from the wall, or as a support style of the build from the back.

Mace: Another Symbol, but lacks synergy otherwise. Would pass.

Shield: Hammer provides a better protection option, and Shield of Absorption pushes away instead of keeping enemies trapped.

Sigils, Runes, and stats

If I take the Bane signet over JI I was thinking about how the Impact Signet might be good (10% more damage to knocked down or stunned foes) Other than that, I’m at a complete loss for runes/sigils/stats. I’ve been thinking of increased boon duration (specifically protection or might) for runes, and I’m trying to think if I would want a mix of Knight’s/Koda healing (precision/healing/vit)/Cleric’s gear for this.

I’d like to get the community’s thoughts on if this build is something that can be fleshed out.

I think mighty blow would be enough of a finisher, and if you’re fighting a lot of enemies at once greatsword is a prime choice to cut back on kiting and generally get the vigorous precision crit boon.

Interesting build. I like it, and it’s the first I’ve seen where Zeal traits might be of use, though I still think those points could be better spent. Up to the 10 point is okay, IMO, but I dunno after that.

Personally, I use hammer almost exclusively, but with a more survival/group buff oriented build:

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mccM0z9cmnavmmRhvm0VxxVoVqcRa

With 40% crit rate, you’ll have a constant stack of might (between 3 and 8 depending on weapon and other boons), and will be healed every time you boon yourself or an ally. With larger symbols, and all symbols healing, you’re providing pretty good group support. For a quick HP boost you can burn all your virtues and then pop Renewed Focus. I usually pair it with sword+focus.

kaffaljidhma.1496:

I think mighty blow would be enough of a finisher, and if you’re fighting a lot of enemies at once greatsword is a prime choice to cut back on kiting and generally get the vigorous precision crit boon.

I find sword better for that. multi-mob blind on sword two and gets you in melee, followed by sword 1 chain. With even 25% crit you’re pretty much guaranteed vigor with one chain, and it’s even better now that the vigor is 5 secs instead of 1.

I am glad Blind Exposure will now get more exposure. People used to bash it (and thus, not use it) so hard. I always saw it as a nice option, though I knew it was rather weak. I often use a symbol build (using symbols both from Staff and Mace, often stacking them), and this Blind Exposure change made my build considerably better (gives the humble mace some rather surprising DPS over time.)

On subject, with a Hammer symbol build I would also indeed consider the staff as a secondary weapon for reasons similar to my own above.