Guild Wars 2

Hello peeps! Mesmer main here! I’ve noticed that since the revamp, I have had more difficulty against guards than I ever had before. Guards, especially of the dps variety, have always been good at destroying clones, but pressure has increased a lot with burning application and condi removal. It seems as though I have the most trouble with guards more so than any other class now (Blinding Dissipation alone has helped even the playing field against thieves).

The builds I use:
Condi Shatter: http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-R3SZ;1VPV1187wW-71;9;4UTW;0258238056;4TwW6U;1hoHAhoHA2G
Obviously, the issue here is that guards clear conditions so fast. I don’t really add enough pressure unless I have a teammate with me. I can’t help but feel that when I beat a guardian on this build that the guardian was simply less skilled than I (spamming with lots of confusion or chasing with stacks of torment and burning through their condi clears).

Power Signet Shatter: http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-Rg-FR;0k2l61y6gWF71;9;4STW;0047238037;4INlBC;1jzyvjzyv5P
I have the best odds here because of the the frequent distortions/reflects and ability to burst at the right time in addition to long stun durations & Mental Anguish burst. Still, it’s a pretty rough match up for me, and I can go down at any second if I make a single mistake.

Support Signets: http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-RZ-Fc;0k2l61S7cWF71;9;4SUV;0048156237;42xlFU;1rRnCrRnC3r
Even being really tanky, killing all of my clones usually spells doom unless I can spread them out enough and last long enough until support comes. I can sometimes reflect the whirling blade if Focus4 isn’t on CD.

No matter which of my 3 builds I use, I still find guards somewhat troublesome. Luckily, I play with pretty skilled people most of the time, so I’m still winning matches, but I would like to brush up on my guard match ups. Some pointers would be much appreciated.

Guardians only have Shelter, Renewed focus, 2 dodges and maybe a Focus. Those are the only items you have to worry about in regards to clone shatters.

Guards Cleanses consist of Absolute Resolution, Contemplation of Purity and maybe Purging Flames, if we’re condi.

Condi Guardian’s have 3 main burn skills; Purging Flames, Torch #4 (a trait that can replenish it) and Judge’s Intervention. Save cleanses for those instant 3 stacks burn skills. Don’t get within 240 radius (melee range) of the Guardian, or any of your clones for that matter, as his Permeating Wrath can hit you.

We have 3 common utilities that stun breaks. Judge’s Intervention, CoP, and Indomitable Courage (F3 when activated). Not everyone traits for Indomitable Courage but it’s definitely common in tpvp because it’s not just a stun breaker but also offers Stability too.

The Mesmers I can never beat are the ones who kite and stealth 24/7. I can usually predict their burst attacks, if they stun lock me I can pop CoP and Shelter/Renewed Focus immediately to negate further damage. Once those CD’s are popped you pretty much have free reign to burst. Just dodge count and out sustain us via stealths and kites.

If you have other specific inquiries let me know.

Cheers!

I’m going against my better judgement here, since all of your builds are incredibly cheesy and basically play themselves, but I’ll bite.

There are two things you want to look out for vs your average, non bunker guardian.

The focus 5 shield and judge’s intervention. That’s it. Make sure you force the focus shield before you drop your major burst. Never initiate at close range. Most guards will be dumb enough to JI onto you with your GS spinning, which is exactly what you want them to do since one blink and BAM, they’re basically sitting ducks. Most guardians, after you kite their JI, will waffle around and try to block, maybe pull out their scepter to smite you, but you’re more or less in the clear at this point.

I’ll take you calling my 3 builds cheesy as a compliment. Thanks for the tips everyone.

2/3 of my builds are more melee fighters than kiters which is why I probs have the best luck on Power Shatter.

i would add that you can check for symbols before bursting. its not very likely to encounter a guard in pvp with traited symbols and high damage setup but they are a decent counter against shatter clones when paired off with smite conditions and mace 3 since the pbaoe damage might kill the clones before they reach the target – especially if they have different travel range to the target. Hammer guards might cast ring of warding and move away from incoming clones.

All of this however is really only a problem if screw up the burst set up. In most cases there is not enough time or damage to prevent the clones with their radius to hit successfully.

What might hurt your play is permeating wrath and your clones not being at full health when they charge. if you stay further away from you clones you should be fine.

Full zerk well necromancer is the HARD counter to these cheese burn guardians right now in WvW at least. I fought one on my Engineer and got destroyed, then used my Meditation Guardian against the same guy and had a pretty close fight, but alas the burning got me. I got on my necro and utterly destroyed the guy, no contest even.

Full zerk necro is also the hard counter to these zerker Engineers that just magnet and grenade barrage. You just go in DS, let them blow your whole DS away with the grenade barrage, just drop wells on them then press dagger 4 then axe 2 and the Engineer lost the fight pretty much immediately.

Mesmer is in a weird spot right now, especially condi mesmer. I would say a full zerk shatter mesmer that chains dazes and interrupts could possibly win, but you’re still going to have a tough time because the cheese is real.

Asmodal.6489:

What might hurt your play is permeating wrath and your clones not being at full health when they charge. if you stay further away from you clones you should be fine.

^ This. The key to beating Guardian (much like other AoE cleavers) is to stay away from your clones or set up your clones spread apart. You no longer have on-death clone traits so you want to keep them alive unless you need to hide behind because you are low on health (in which case you should disengage).